So, I sat in my home office in the Western suburbs of Chicago yesterday (Saturday) morning and watched the online coverage of the tsunami in Hawaii...which is still "home."
It brought back memories of a day in 1960 when we woke up to the devastation of the last major tsunami to hit Hilo. My Auntie Olive and cousin Rodney showed up at our house, both visibly shaken. They had seen that half of our little town was gone, smashed into rubble.
My brother, G, and Rodney walked down to Keawe Street. The land rises up from the bayfront just makai (seaward) of the street. It was as if a giant arm had swept the buildings and anything else up against the rise. The second story of our Boy's Club building was sitting on the ground just behind the remains of the concrete foundation. The first floor was just gone, missing.
We just stood and looked...stunned. How could this have happened?
My mom had stayed up the night before. The tsunami was supposed to hit around midnight. She later said she just fell asleep just before 1:00am. She didn't hear the screams of the people or the sound of the buildings being smashed by a 30-foot wall of water that hit the shoreline at several HUNDRED miles per hour.
It was the third wave that was the killer. The first two were just minor floods. I have a book that our local newspaper put out about the tsunami. In it are pictures of people laughing and playing in the water from the first two waves. There are NO pictures of the third wave.
Many people died that night in Hilo. One woman woke up on the roof of the Hilo Theatre. Several tourists, curious about the tusnami, were on the bayfront.
I walked around that day...and the next few days...just looking at the now empty land that had held familiar buildings just the day before: Moto's Inn, one of our favorite restaurants, home of the famous Hilo "gravy burger" was just completely gone. It had been in the middle of where the wave hit. Kitagawa, our service station/Plymouth dealer also gone. The Boy's Club, as I said before. And, of course, that icon of Hilo, the Hilo Theater and it's wonderful organ. Oh, the building was still there, but the double steel doors that were behind the screen couldn't hold back the wave and the theatre was gutted. And those are the ones I remember well. There were many, many more that were just GONE.
After that, the City and County left the area open land. No buildings. Most new building was done further inland. But the core of Hilo, the old shopping are was still there. On one side of Mamo Street, there was nothing but devastation; on the other, the buildings were OK. That's how directional the wave was.
So, yesterday brought back a lot of memories. I watched the online news and video feeds most of the day. Modern technology and the web...amazing. I watched the live video feed from Hilo Bay, with the camera focused on Coconut Island. I put my hand on the screen, trying to "feel" home again.
In the end, the tsunami was a non-event. Some were disappointed that they didn't get to see a tsunami. Well, I for one am glad I didn't see one yesterday. A good day for Hawaii after all.
So, we still have snow on the ground. But the temperatures are rising and today should be "warm"...near 40 degrees. Woo Hoo!!
A hui hou...
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, November 1, 2009
It's Been a Long, Long Time...
So, as I was saying in...when was that?
I'm working again. Got a job as a consultant for a company that has a government contract. Doing the usual stuff, IT documentation. At least it's income...right? And in this economy, having a job is a good thing.
TV RECOMMENDATION:
I've become a fan of the show "Castle", starring Firefly's Nathan Fillion and the wonderful Susan Sullivan. Literate, witty and funny, it's a joy to watch, considering what else is on.
Come on, what other tv show would reference Anais Nin, or David Mamet or graphic novels? A good cast and interesting episodes. Watch it, it's good.
FOOD:
OMG, as the kids say. For my birthday, She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed made reservations at Roy's Restaurant. Roy Yamaguchi's restaurants are Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, or da stuff that I used to eat as a kid.
We started with a poke...that's cubed tuna with sesame oil, shoyu and peppers. The poke at Roys' was the best I can remember eating. The fish was outstanding, melt in your mouth Ahi tuna. Just spicy enough. Accompanied by sliced avocado and homemade won ton chips, it was delicious. I could have eaten it myself, but did share with you know who.
For an entree, I had the Roy's Classic Trio: Hibachi Grilled Salmon, Roy’s Original Blackened Island Ahi & Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Butterfish. OMG, OMG...the BEST fish I can remember having. Wow.
I don't like salmon, normally, but this was the best. Grilled then drizzled with a Ponzu sauce and picked cucumbers...oh my. The Ahi was just fabulous...and the Misoyaki Butterfish was rich and it really did melt in your mouth. AND, it was served with a scoop of steamed white rice...just like we used to have when I was a kid...fish and rice. But this fish was unbelievable.
For dessert, I had the pineapple upside down cake...no, not like the traditional one, this was an individual cake...oh so goood.
GO TO ROY's. It's really good. Yup, we're going back, and very soon.
BOOKS:
Read most of Jim Butcher's "Dresden" books. It was made into a tv show that you can see online through "HULU". But after reading the books, the show is really bad. I prefer the characters as described in the book and not how they're portrayed in the show. Disappointing. Read the books; forget the show. It was only on for a season, IIRC.
We were in our local Borders and I saw a book supposedly written by Richard Castle. Yup, the character from the tv series I described above. So I bought it. It's a fiction-fiction, supposedly written by the tv character. Really good, too. If you're a fan of the show, you gotta get the book. And read the book notes. Hilarious.
FALL IS HERE:
Rain, cold, leaves falling. Fall is finally here in the upper MidWest. It also means our Family Room flooded again. I have to do something with the rug, as it got all wet.
SO...
Watch "Castle", go to Roy's and read a good book.
A hui hou...
I'm working again. Got a job as a consultant for a company that has a government contract. Doing the usual stuff, IT documentation. At least it's income...right? And in this economy, having a job is a good thing.
TV RECOMMENDATION:
I've become a fan of the show "Castle", starring Firefly's Nathan Fillion and the wonderful Susan Sullivan. Literate, witty and funny, it's a joy to watch, considering what else is on.
Come on, what other tv show would reference Anais Nin, or David Mamet or graphic novels? A good cast and interesting episodes. Watch it, it's good.
FOOD:
OMG, as the kids say. For my birthday, She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed made reservations at Roy's Restaurant. Roy Yamaguchi's restaurants are Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, or da stuff that I used to eat as a kid.
We started with a poke...that's cubed tuna with sesame oil, shoyu and peppers. The poke at Roys' was the best I can remember eating. The fish was outstanding, melt in your mouth Ahi tuna. Just spicy enough. Accompanied by sliced avocado and homemade won ton chips, it was delicious. I could have eaten it myself, but did share with you know who.
For an entree, I had the Roy's Classic Trio: Hibachi Grilled Salmon, Roy’s Original Blackened Island Ahi & Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Butterfish. OMG, OMG...the BEST fish I can remember having. Wow.
I don't like salmon, normally, but this was the best. Grilled then drizzled with a Ponzu sauce and picked cucumbers...oh my. The Ahi was just fabulous...and the Misoyaki Butterfish was rich and it really did melt in your mouth. AND, it was served with a scoop of steamed white rice...just like we used to have when I was a kid...fish and rice. But this fish was unbelievable.
For dessert, I had the pineapple upside down cake...no, not like the traditional one, this was an individual cake...oh so goood.
GO TO ROY's. It's really good. Yup, we're going back, and very soon.
BOOKS:
Read most of Jim Butcher's "Dresden" books. It was made into a tv show that you can see online through "HULU". But after reading the books, the show is really bad. I prefer the characters as described in the book and not how they're portrayed in the show. Disappointing. Read the books; forget the show. It was only on for a season, IIRC.
We were in our local Borders and I saw a book supposedly written by Richard Castle. Yup, the character from the tv series I described above. So I bought it. It's a fiction-fiction, supposedly written by the tv character. Really good, too. If you're a fan of the show, you gotta get the book. And read the book notes. Hilarious.
FALL IS HERE:
Rain, cold, leaves falling. Fall is finally here in the upper MidWest. It also means our Family Room flooded again. I have to do something with the rug, as it got all wet.
SO...
Watch "Castle", go to Roy's and read a good book.
A hui hou...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
It's FINALLY Spring!
Well, the weather has finally gotten to Spring...maybe. Around here you never are really sure. May 4th was supposed to be the "freeze-free" date, meaning there shouldn't be any more freezing temps. Yeah...right. We'll see. This IS Chicago, after all.
Anyway, yesterday the beautiful wife and I went to the Wheaton French Market. The Farmers and French Markets are starting up...a sure sign of Spring. The one at Wheaton is really nice. It's a French Market, as opposed to a Farmers Market, because they sell more than farm-grown produce; they also sell bakery goods, cosmetics, jewelry, etc, and prepared foods. I always visit The Pickle Guy...the BEST pickles, olive salad and mufulatta around. (I got a tub or "Original" and a tub of "Garlic Crunch." Yum - as Rachel would say)
Tonight I'm preparing some of the vegetables we got yesterday as a "red sauce" to go over Parmesan polenta. Eggpland and zucchini in a home-made tomato sauce. Should be good...lots of onions and garlic and cheese. How bad can that be? (Yup, that's an Ina Gartin-ism - can you say too much Food Network?)
This afternoon, after I fixed barbequed hot dogs for my wonderful wife for Mother's Day - hey, we (my boys and I) used to take her to McDonald's for Mother's Day...but we always Super-Sized her order - we put in our container garden on the patio.
Herbs, flowers, shrubs and, of course, tomatoes...cherry and pear this year. Last year we had cherry tomatoes until September.
Work is, well, work. It pays the bills, and that's the most important thing right now. Don't know how long this contract will last, maybe two years. Then...what? Retirement? I don't know if I can retire. I think I need to continue to find some writing jobs to do maybe until the mind really goes and I just don't care anymore. But til then, I'm just going to plug along.
Hey, a comment on TV: one of my favorite shows, or at least it used to be until last Friday, was Numbers on CBS. I liked the puzzle-solving aspects and the familial relationships. Jeez, Don FINALLY got a real girlfriend...although she's been absent for a couple of episodes. Then this last episode's ending. Had to set up the "Season Finale" with the usual..."who will survive and who will not and will Charlie and Amita's relationship be changed forever???????" Oh, bull----!
Here's my rant: "Hollywood" just CANNOT write a decent relationship. Are all the writers divorced or gay? Do they HATE marriage? Oh, well, I know it's just me. Just ONCE, I'd like to see a TV show with a married couple that is truly in love with one another, where BOTH are smart, sexy and funny. I guess it's the "James T. Kirk syndrome", named after the legenday StarTrek captain who had to be able to have a new relationship with the hot female guest star each week...tired, trite and unbelievable.
But, I guess nothing's changed. It's either the "will they or won't they" relationship (Bones, Castle, etc.) or the "they really don't get along because they're married" relationship (all the sitcoms and most dramas). This is perhaps the primary reason I record most of the shows I care to watch. It eliminates the commercials (yeaa) and I can fast forward through the really cliched and trite parts. I guess I've watched toooo much TV in my life, and can really see the "same old, same old" situations coming along. I had so much hope for Castle, but I guess it's gone after 10 episodes. Too smart, literate, funny, warm, familial and not "dark and edgy." Bull----! And the TV execs wonder why we are watching less and less TV?
OK, done with rant.
Blackhawks up 3 games to 2 and play at home tomorrow night. GO HAWKS!! Bulls eliminated in 7 games by Celtics...next year!! Cubs and Sox playing well. A good Spring in Chicago sports.
Oh, and Fly-In season is starting up. Wooo hooo.
Happy Mother's Day to all those fantastic women we know and love. You're the best!
A hui hou...
Anyway, yesterday the beautiful wife and I went to the Wheaton French Market. The Farmers and French Markets are starting up...a sure sign of Spring. The one at Wheaton is really nice. It's a French Market, as opposed to a Farmers Market, because they sell more than farm-grown produce; they also sell bakery goods, cosmetics, jewelry, etc, and prepared foods. I always visit The Pickle Guy...the BEST pickles, olive salad and mufulatta around. (I got a tub or "Original" and a tub of "Garlic Crunch." Yum - as Rachel would say)
Tonight I'm preparing some of the vegetables we got yesterday as a "red sauce" to go over Parmesan polenta. Eggpland and zucchini in a home-made tomato sauce. Should be good...lots of onions and garlic and cheese. How bad can that be? (Yup, that's an Ina Gartin-ism - can you say too much Food Network?)
This afternoon, after I fixed barbequed hot dogs for my wonderful wife for Mother's Day - hey, we (my boys and I) used to take her to McDonald's for Mother's Day...but we always Super-Sized her order - we put in our container garden on the patio.
Herbs, flowers, shrubs and, of course, tomatoes...cherry and pear this year. Last year we had cherry tomatoes until September.
Work is, well, work. It pays the bills, and that's the most important thing right now. Don't know how long this contract will last, maybe two years. Then...what? Retirement? I don't know if I can retire. I think I need to continue to find some writing jobs to do maybe until the mind really goes and I just don't care anymore. But til then, I'm just going to plug along.
Hey, a comment on TV: one of my favorite shows, or at least it used to be until last Friday, was Numbers on CBS. I liked the puzzle-solving aspects and the familial relationships. Jeez, Don FINALLY got a real girlfriend...although she's been absent for a couple of episodes. Then this last episode's ending. Had to set up the "Season Finale" with the usual..."who will survive and who will not and will Charlie and Amita's relationship be changed forever???????" Oh, bull----!
Here's my rant: "Hollywood" just CANNOT write a decent relationship. Are all the writers divorced or gay? Do they HATE marriage? Oh, well, I know it's just me. Just ONCE, I'd like to see a TV show with a married couple that is truly in love with one another, where BOTH are smart, sexy and funny. I guess it's the "James T. Kirk syndrome", named after the legenday StarTrek captain who had to be able to have a new relationship with the hot female guest star each week...tired, trite and unbelievable.
But, I guess nothing's changed. It's either the "will they or won't they" relationship (Bones, Castle, etc.) or the "they really don't get along because they're married" relationship (all the sitcoms and most dramas). This is perhaps the primary reason I record most of the shows I care to watch. It eliminates the commercials (yeaa) and I can fast forward through the really cliched and trite parts. I guess I've watched toooo much TV in my life, and can really see the "same old, same old" situations coming along. I had so much hope for Castle, but I guess it's gone after 10 episodes. Too smart, literate, funny, warm, familial and not "dark and edgy." Bull----! And the TV execs wonder why we are watching less and less TV?
OK, done with rant.
Blackhawks up 3 games to 2 and play at home tomorrow night. GO HAWKS!! Bulls eliminated in 7 games by Celtics...next year!! Cubs and Sox playing well. A good Spring in Chicago sports.
Oh, and Fly-In season is starting up. Wooo hooo.
Happy Mother's Day to all those fantastic women we know and love. You're the best!
A hui hou...
Sunday, April 12, 2009
See What Working Does to the Blogger...
Well, it's been a long, long time, nah? I'm going to use the excuse that I've got a job and am working, so blogging takes a back seat. But really, no one is reading this, so I don't think it's a great loss.
Happy Easter everyone, even if you don't believe, so there.
The weather is finally trying to be more Spring-like. But, typical Chicagoland, it's still COLD. Maybe next month the temps will FINALLY get to the point of actual warmth.
Went to downtown Chicago on Sat, April 4th. Mainly to go to the Art Institute and renew our membership. We let it lapse last year as I was unemployed and it was deemed a "luxury." But now, I'm working, so...
Also, there was the exhibition, "Becoming Edvard Munch" which, she-who-must-be-obeyed wanted to see...she's of Norwegian heritage, so...
It was really great. As members we got in free for the first hour. Got those audio thingeys you hang around your neck. Very good narration and music. Actually made the whole experience better.
Then to renew membership at the Chicago Architectural Foundation. Wifey is a real architecture fan and actually thought of becomeing one...but, you know how that goes sometimes. A very "bad" store...to many "shiny" things to buy.
Lunch was at The Gage, a "modern American bistro"??? Great food, though. My pot roast (Angus beef) was one of the best in a restaurant. Her fish and chips was also really good.
A really fun, great day...except for the $26 bill to park in the city lot. Do the people running the city really think that high prices and taxes is an INCENTIVE for suburbanites to go downtown? Really?
Last night was "date night." Took SWMBO to Harry Caray's at Yorktown Center. (Yeah, like I'm going to drive downtown on a Saturday night to high parking prices and 10.25% sales tax.) Wonderful food. We're going to do that more often. Hey, we're not THAT old...yet. SO much left over that we had a nice lunch today, too. I think I'll ask her out again...(joke).
On the Hawaiian front, this week is the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in my old hometown of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. They stream a lot of it on the Internet as so many ex-pats are interested. This is THE hula festival in Hawaii, an invitation-only competition. Many halaus (dance groups) are honored when they're selected to participate. Tickets are almost impossible to come by, but those lucky enough get to see it live. I'll just have to be satisfied with online video.
Fly-In season is starting up. This year we're definitely going to AirVenture or Oshkosh as we all know it by. WhiteKnight Two, Burt Rutan's spaceship launcher aircraft, is supposed to be there. It really is the center of aviation for a week. So many innovative things to see; so many beautiful aircraft to drool over; and a great airshow every day. Looking forward to it.
Also planning a trip back to the "old sod." Maybe late in the year or early next. Hawaii tourism has taken a real hit this year with the economy and such. Empty hotels and high unemployment. Need to do our part. It's been too long between visits. Need a shot of "da aina."
Enough...
A hui hou...
Happy Easter everyone, even if you don't believe, so there.
The weather is finally trying to be more Spring-like. But, typical Chicagoland, it's still COLD. Maybe next month the temps will FINALLY get to the point of actual warmth.
Went to downtown Chicago on Sat, April 4th. Mainly to go to the Art Institute and renew our membership. We let it lapse last year as I was unemployed and it was deemed a "luxury." But now, I'm working, so...
Also, there was the exhibition, "Becoming Edvard Munch" which, she-who-must-be-obeyed wanted to see...she's of Norwegian heritage, so...
It was really great. As members we got in free for the first hour. Got those audio thingeys you hang around your neck. Very good narration and music. Actually made the whole experience better.
Then to renew membership at the Chicago Architectural Foundation. Wifey is a real architecture fan and actually thought of becomeing one...but, you know how that goes sometimes. A very "bad" store...to many "shiny" things to buy.
Lunch was at The Gage, a "modern American bistro"??? Great food, though. My pot roast (Angus beef) was one of the best in a restaurant. Her fish and chips was also really good.
A really fun, great day...except for the $26 bill to park in the city lot. Do the people running the city really think that high prices and taxes is an INCENTIVE for suburbanites to go downtown? Really?
Last night was "date night." Took SWMBO to Harry Caray's at Yorktown Center. (Yeah, like I'm going to drive downtown on a Saturday night to high parking prices and 10.25% sales tax.) Wonderful food. We're going to do that more often. Hey, we're not THAT old...yet. SO much left over that we had a nice lunch today, too. I think I'll ask her out again...(joke).
On the Hawaiian front, this week is the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in my old hometown of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. They stream a lot of it on the Internet as so many ex-pats are interested. This is THE hula festival in Hawaii, an invitation-only competition. Many halaus (dance groups) are honored when they're selected to participate. Tickets are almost impossible to come by, but those lucky enough get to see it live. I'll just have to be satisfied with online video.
Fly-In season is starting up. This year we're definitely going to AirVenture or Oshkosh as we all know it by. WhiteKnight Two, Burt Rutan's spaceship launcher aircraft, is supposed to be there. It really is the center of aviation for a week. So many innovative things to see; so many beautiful aircraft to drool over; and a great airshow every day. Looking forward to it.
Also planning a trip back to the "old sod." Maybe late in the year or early next. Hawaii tourism has taken a real hit this year with the economy and such. Empty hotels and high unemployment. Need to do our part. It's been too long between visits. Need a shot of "da aina."
Enough...
A hui hou...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Mid-January Blues
Well, the temperature today was positively balmy: 25 degrees!!! No, seriously. It was -31 (yes, that is minus) degrees yesterday. Damn you AlGore.
Our mayor rang our doorbell this afternoon. He lives just around the corner from us. He's running again for village mayor and was collecting signatures on his nomination papers. He's a really nice guy and has a tough job in these tough times.
He said they were just "hunkered down" and trying to stretch every one of the village's dollars to cover public services until things got better. A thankless job.
Icicles hang from our front gutters, and the snow in the yard is pretty deep. Our mayor said we had gotten 40 inches of snow this season. It started before Thanksgiving and hasn't stopped yet.
Well, Hope 'n Change gets his coronation on Tuesday. Imperial Presidency for real. Let's see how he does. Of course, EVERYTHING will be OK once he's in office. Yeah, right.
BTW, if you want to read an article about the forgotten person in this election, that would be Barack Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, follow this link to the University of Hawaii's online magazine, Malamalama. Paula Bender is the author of "Legacy of the President's Mother". Go read.
NFC and AFC Championship games tomorrow. Anyone care?
A hui hou...
Our mayor rang our doorbell this afternoon. He lives just around the corner from us. He's running again for village mayor and was collecting signatures on his nomination papers. He's a really nice guy and has a tough job in these tough times.
He said they were just "hunkered down" and trying to stretch every one of the village's dollars to cover public services until things got better. A thankless job.
Icicles hang from our front gutters, and the snow in the yard is pretty deep. Our mayor said we had gotten 40 inches of snow this season. It started before Thanksgiving and hasn't stopped yet.
Well, Hope 'n Change gets his coronation on Tuesday. Imperial Presidency for real. Let's see how he does. Of course, EVERYTHING will be OK once he's in office. Yeah, right.
BTW, if you want to read an article about the forgotten person in this election, that would be Barack Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, follow this link to the University of Hawaii's online magazine, Malamalama. Paula Bender is the author of "Legacy of the President's Mother". Go read.
NFC and AFC Championship games tomorrow. Anyone care?
A hui hou...
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thank You, Al Gore
Well, my last post was about the cold, cold temps we were suffering through. NOT ANY MORE!!!
The current temperature is 56 DEGREES!!! YUP, in the last 24 hours, a warm front moved up from the south and we're being dumped on by rain from thunderstorms. Most of the local area around our neighborhood is flooded.
There's a big retention pond at the end of our side street and it's up to the top and overflowing. The houses across the street were flooded this morning and the Clarendon Hills Fire Department was there pumping out the water.
I tried to get to our favorite bakery this morning for fresh donuts, but couldn't get down the major streets as the intersections were in 2-3 feet of water. I was following a Ford Explorer and got through one "pond" but when the water went over his BUMPERS, I made a u-turn and took a different route.
Our family room flooded, AGAIN. Of course, as we had just put in two new area rugs. Still, my brother rolled them up before they got soaked. It's drying out now. Thanks, G.
The Chicago area may set all time HIGH temperature records for today. Some places downstate are in the 70s already!
SO, after all my criticism of him, I do want to thank AlGore and his Global Warming for this tropical respite in the middle of our winter. THANKS, AL.
Now to go and buy some carbon offsets...
Hey, Bears pulled out that Packers game. Too bad. Now they still think they're going to make the playoffs...yeah, right.
Oh, and condolences to our Hawaii Warriors football team and the loss to NotreDame. Charlie Weiss and Jimmy Clausen should send UH champagne and roses for saving BOTH of their jobs. Still, I think the Irish over-achieved at 6-6. They're really NOT that good.
Now with a year with a new coach, coaching staff and players, UH should be set up for next year. Maybe back to the WAC Championship. GO WARRIORS!
Make sure you go read Steven Tsai's Blog at the Advertiser online. It's da bestest...
Dat's all folks! Gotta go dry stuff off...
A hui hou...
The current temperature is 56 DEGREES!!! YUP, in the last 24 hours, a warm front moved up from the south and we're being dumped on by rain from thunderstorms. Most of the local area around our neighborhood is flooded.
There's a big retention pond at the end of our side street and it's up to the top and overflowing. The houses across the street were flooded this morning and the Clarendon Hills Fire Department was there pumping out the water.
I tried to get to our favorite bakery this morning for fresh donuts, but couldn't get down the major streets as the intersections were in 2-3 feet of water. I was following a Ford Explorer and got through one "pond" but when the water went over his BUMPERS, I made a u-turn and took a different route.
Our family room flooded, AGAIN. Of course, as we had just put in two new area rugs. Still, my brother rolled them up before they got soaked. It's drying out now. Thanks, G.
The Chicago area may set all time HIGH temperature records for today. Some places downstate are in the 70s already!
SO, after all my criticism of him, I do want to thank AlGore and his Global Warming for this tropical respite in the middle of our winter. THANKS, AL.
Now to go and buy some carbon offsets...
Hey, Bears pulled out that Packers game. Too bad. Now they still think they're going to make the playoffs...yeah, right.
Oh, and condolences to our Hawaii Warriors football team and the loss to NotreDame. Charlie Weiss and Jimmy Clausen should send UH champagne and roses for saving BOTH of their jobs. Still, I think the Irish over-achieved at 6-6. They're really NOT that good.
Now with a year with a new coach, coaching staff and players, UH should be set up for next year. Maybe back to the WAC Championship. GO WARRIORS!
Make sure you go read Steven Tsai's Blog at the Advertiser online. It's da bestest...
Dat's all folks! Gotta go dry stuff off...
A hui hou...
Monday, December 22, 2008
Cold? Cold? You can't handle the cold...
Whoo whee...on our way to 29 tomorrow. Time for shorts and flipflops...which we called "rubba slippas" in Hawaii...where our Prez-Elect is sunning himself on da beach.
I wish him nothing but the best and hope he rests up for the struggles he will face starting next month. Yeah, it's the most powerful jobin the western world, but I don't envy anyone having that job. Just look at how GeorgeW aged in his 8 years.
BTW, there was a "big story" today reported by FOX News about how President and Mrs. Bush would privately and quietly visit the wounded troops and the families of those fallen. Well, I've been reading some of the MilBlogs over the past few years that were written by some of those guys and occasionally they'd mention a visit by a "very special VIP" to Walter Reed Hospital. No publicity, just kind words, hugs and comfort.
Whatever you think about the President and "his" war, I do respect the man and would not want to have had to make the decisions he's had to make over the last 8 years. God Bless President and Mrs. Bush.
OK, on to more mundane things.
Late 2nd Quarter and it looks like Green Bay is going to put da Bears out of their misery. Just sayin'...
More snow tomorrow. Some places around here could get up to a FOOT of snow. Where da heck is AlGore and his friggin' Global Warming when you REALLY neeeeed it???? Jeez...
Christmas in a few days. We don't do much here. No big gifts, or small ones. Just family and food and quiet reflection. Trying to remember those no longer with us and hoping and praying that all our ohana (that's extended family)will have a happy and holy holiday.
So to those who read this, if anyone does, Merry Christmas. Try to remember Whose birthday this is and the REAL reason we celebrate the Light in this time of darkness and cold and look forward to the warmth and rebirth of the coming Spring.
Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou
A hui hou...
I wish him nothing but the best and hope he rests up for the struggles he will face starting next month. Yeah, it's the most powerful jobin the western world, but I don't envy anyone having that job. Just look at how GeorgeW aged in his 8 years.
BTW, there was a "big story" today reported by FOX News about how President and Mrs. Bush would privately and quietly visit the wounded troops and the families of those fallen. Well, I've been reading some of the MilBlogs over the past few years that were written by some of those guys and occasionally they'd mention a visit by a "very special VIP" to Walter Reed Hospital. No publicity, just kind words, hugs and comfort.
Whatever you think about the President and "his" war, I do respect the man and would not want to have had to make the decisions he's had to make over the last 8 years. God Bless President and Mrs. Bush.
OK, on to more mundane things.
Late 2nd Quarter and it looks like Green Bay is going to put da Bears out of their misery. Just sayin'...
More snow tomorrow. Some places around here could get up to a FOOT of snow. Where da heck is AlGore and his friggin' Global Warming when you REALLY neeeeed it???? Jeez...
Christmas in a few days. We don't do much here. No big gifts, or small ones. Just family and food and quiet reflection. Trying to remember those no longer with us and hoping and praying that all our ohana (that's extended family)will have a happy and holy holiday.
So to those who read this, if anyone does, Merry Christmas. Try to remember Whose birthday this is and the REAL reason we celebrate the Light in this time of darkness and cold and look forward to the warmth and rebirth of the coming Spring.
Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou
A hui hou...
Monday, December 8, 2008
Ok, back for a minute... UPDATED
I'm glad no one is reading this blog, so no one misses it when I get lazy and don't write anything.
Sooo...good news...I'M EMPLOYED!!! Yes, after more than TWO YEARS, I got a job. Tech writer for a VA project. Gotta drive...but the commute should be short...11 miles from da house. So, good for me.
Now to save up all da pennies to go back home next year! Oh, Uncle Lyle, we going par-tay and grind. Can't wait.
So to all of you who may be having tough times, keep on keeping on. Don't give up. Just believe in our Creator and his wisdom and persevere. You CAN do it. Believe.
Hey, even UH went undefeated last year...Sugar Bowl no count...was this year.
God Bless and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Hey, for a look/taste of what my Hawaii hometown/island is like now, go to these two blogs I found today:
Damon Tucker's blog is really a good one.
Big Island Video News has high quality video of the happenings on the island. If you want a taste of how Hawaiians go about confrontations with authority, watch the video "KAWAA Standoff" - it's the top video on the right side of the home page...very educational.
A hui hou...
Sooo...good news...I'M EMPLOYED!!! Yes, after more than TWO YEARS, I got a job. Tech writer for a VA project. Gotta drive...but the commute should be short...11 miles from da house. So, good for me.
Now to save up all da pennies to go back home next year! Oh, Uncle Lyle, we going par-tay and grind. Can't wait.
So to all of you who may be having tough times, keep on keeping on. Don't give up. Just believe in our Creator and his wisdom and persevere. You CAN do it. Believe.
Hey, even UH went undefeated last year...Sugar Bowl no count...was this year.
God Bless and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Hey, for a look/taste of what my Hawaii hometown/island is like now, go to these two blogs I found today:
Damon Tucker's blog is really a good one.
Big Island Video News has high quality video of the happenings on the island. If you want a taste of how Hawaiians go about confrontations with authority, watch the video "KAWAA Standoff" - it's the top video on the right side of the home page...very educational.
A hui hou...
Monday, October 13, 2008
Another year older and DEEPER in debt...
So, yesterday was my NN-th birthday...no you don't get to know what the number is, as it scares me to know that I'm THAT old.
Went to dim sum yesterday for my birthday lunch. Mmmmm, so good, but I are waaaaay toooo much. Char siu bao, pot stickers, sticky rice in lotus leaf, char siu noodle, siu mai and many others.
We brought home some leftovers. You know the leftover rule, right? You bring home the leftovers, put them in the fridge for three days and then throw them out.
Also talked to younger son in NYNY when he called to wish the old man (me) a happy birthday.
POLITICS
I really don't want this blog to turn into a political screed, but I just gotta say this: I don't like EITHER presidential candidate. WHERE IS THE LEADERSHIP? I find NONE in either man. Sorry...
I MAY wind up voting for McCain simply because Obama SCARES THE HELL out of me! Now it looks like Obama will win...so we will be living in "interesting" times...
Palin trumps Biden, but I don't think that will make a difference. McCain seems to want to be a Democrat and has campaigned like one.
FINANCIAL CRISIS
Ok, I worked in the securities trading industry for only 5 years ('01-'06) but, guys, WE SAW THIS CRASH COMING FOR YEARS. If you knew anything about the mortgage industry or the stock market or the credit industry, you saw this coming.
Two rules: NEVER lend money to someone who can't pay it back; and two, the stock market can go up OR DOWN. I believe that in the short term, the stock market has the same odds/risk as does gambling in Las Vegas. Long term, people, long term...
Congress (BOTH PARTIES) created this mortgage crisis by requiring FannieMae/FreddieMac to make loans that the borrowers could not repay. Then CONGRESS is considered the solution to the crisis THAT THEY CREATED? OMG, OMG, ZOMG...
My older son is trying to convince me that we need 30 acres and a cow. Well, I don't believe it's that bad, but the creeping socialism that has been pushed by our politicians for YEARS (yup, this didn't happen overnight, no matter what the MSMedia says) has come to maturity. This economy will NEVER be the same. Get used to it. Those that can adapt will survive.
Another solution, which I find really appealing is "Going John Galt." Go read Dr. Helen's blog from yesterday AND go read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
So the world is not ending, not yet. I'm amused at how people are now "living within their means" as if this was something they JUST discovered. Wow. Just keep breathing and things will be OK...if you can roll with the punches and adapt.
SPORTS
Bears suck...enough said
JOB SEARCH
Help...will write for money... The job search continues, but at my age (see birthday above) it's difficult. Also it's the economy, stoopid. Hmmmm...going "John Galt" seems really attractive.
So, don't despair, just roll with the punches and try to adapt. Remember, like Annie says, "The sun'll come up tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar..." Ooops, I guess we all bet our bottom dollars...
A hui hou...
Went to dim sum yesterday for my birthday lunch. Mmmmm, so good, but I are waaaaay toooo much. Char siu bao, pot stickers, sticky rice in lotus leaf, char siu noodle, siu mai and many others.
We brought home some leftovers. You know the leftover rule, right? You bring home the leftovers, put them in the fridge for three days and then throw them out.
Also talked to younger son in NYNY when he called to wish the old man (me) a happy birthday.
POLITICS
I really don't want this blog to turn into a political screed, but I just gotta say this: I don't like EITHER presidential candidate. WHERE IS THE LEADERSHIP? I find NONE in either man. Sorry...
I MAY wind up voting for McCain simply because Obama SCARES THE HELL out of me! Now it looks like Obama will win...so we will be living in "interesting" times...
Palin trumps Biden, but I don't think that will make a difference. McCain seems to want to be a Democrat and has campaigned like one.
FINANCIAL CRISIS
Ok, I worked in the securities trading industry for only 5 years ('01-'06) but, guys, WE SAW THIS CRASH COMING FOR YEARS. If you knew anything about the mortgage industry or the stock market or the credit industry, you saw this coming.
Two rules: NEVER lend money to someone who can't pay it back; and two, the stock market can go up OR DOWN. I believe that in the short term, the stock market has the same odds/risk as does gambling in Las Vegas. Long term, people, long term...
Congress (BOTH PARTIES) created this mortgage crisis by requiring FannieMae/FreddieMac to make loans that the borrowers could not repay. Then CONGRESS is considered the solution to the crisis THAT THEY CREATED? OMG, OMG, ZOMG...
My older son is trying to convince me that we need 30 acres and a cow. Well, I don't believe it's that bad, but the creeping socialism that has been pushed by our politicians for YEARS (yup, this didn't happen overnight, no matter what the MSMedia says) has come to maturity. This economy will NEVER be the same. Get used to it. Those that can adapt will survive.
Another solution, which I find really appealing is "Going John Galt." Go read Dr. Helen's blog from yesterday AND go read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
So the world is not ending, not yet. I'm amused at how people are now "living within their means" as if this was something they JUST discovered. Wow. Just keep breathing and things will be OK...if you can roll with the punches and adapt.
SPORTS
Bears suck...enough said
JOB SEARCH
Help...will write for money... The job search continues, but at my age (see birthday above) it's difficult. Also it's the economy, stoopid. Hmmmm...going "John Galt" seems really attractive.
So, don't despair, just roll with the punches and try to adapt. Remember, like Annie says, "The sun'll come up tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar..." Ooops, I guess we all bet our bottom dollars...
A hui hou...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wednesday Wanderings...
Hurricane Ike
Galveston is decimated...Houston has (a) problem...well, more than one. We got flooded here in Illinois.
Hurricanes that come ashore in the Gulf usually follow the Mississippi then the Ohio River Valley then the Great Lakes. We feel the effects in heavy rain and flooding.
Woke up on Saturday to a wet family room. Towels and ShopVac took care of the water. Lost some magazines and books and the area rug. Minor, compared to the awful damage in Texas.
Hey, where are the major news networks? No "Blame Bush" opportunity this time so I guess they're not interested. Just wondering.
If you read this blog...and who does...do something to help out. Although, this time, with Federal, State and Local cooperation, it seems that help is on the way. But make a contribution if you can.
Other Stuff
Cubs now have a nine-game lead. Hmmmm...could they actually make the post-season?
Bears...oh God, not today...they're still da Bears.
Nah, I got nothing more...
A hui hou...
Galveston is decimated...Houston has (a) problem...well, more than one. We got flooded here in Illinois.
Hurricanes that come ashore in the Gulf usually follow the Mississippi then the Ohio River Valley then the Great Lakes. We feel the effects in heavy rain and flooding.
Woke up on Saturday to a wet family room. Towels and ShopVac took care of the water. Lost some magazines and books and the area rug. Minor, compared to the awful damage in Texas.
Hey, where are the major news networks? No "Blame Bush" opportunity this time so I guess they're not interested. Just wondering.
If you read this blog...and who does...do something to help out. Although, this time, with Federal, State and Local cooperation, it seems that help is on the way. But make a contribution if you can.
Other Stuff
Cubs now have a nine-game lead. Hmmmm...could they actually make the post-season?
Bears...oh God, not today...they're still da Bears.
Nah, I got nothing more...
A hui hou...
Monday, September 1, 2008
No Labor on Labor Day...whew...
Well, Summer is over, officially. It went by really quickly. Hmmm...some thoughts:
Cubs still in first place! Wow. Of course, they're da Cubs, so don't relax yet. There's still enough time for them to fold, choke, etc. Zambrano has a "tired" arm? Oh, oh. Sabathia pitches a no-hitter? Yeah, he really did. That play was chicken shit as far as the scoring. It WAS a no-hitter. He's going to make millions and millions with the Yankees next year.
Bears...nah, never mind.
Woo hoo...Colt Brennan officially on the Redskins 53-man roster. QB of the future...why can't the Bears EVER get someone like that. Oh, wait, THEY DID. Caleb Hanie looked really good for a rookie. Now if they just DEVELOP him, he'll be a really good QB, better than Rex or Orton.
With Chris Simms out there, will Jerry "I'm Not A Judge of Talent" Angelo waive Rex and pick up Simms? Nope. JA can't make those logical, common sense decisions.
Davone Bess made the Dolphins roster. Another Hawaii player in the pros. Good for him. I think he'll do alright with the Phins. Now if they just pick up Ashlie Lelie...
Fresno State vs Rutgers today. FatCity will play UH later this year and is supposed to contend for the WAC championship along with Boise State. Let's see how good they are. Although, I think this is a down year for Rutgers. Another team that comes and goes in the polls. It's tough to build and maintain a football program that can contend with the big football factories.
OK, lunch time.
Last day of the UH Football Blog "lifeboat." Tomorrow, things MAY be back to normal.
A hui hou...
Cubs still in first place! Wow. Of course, they're da Cubs, so don't relax yet. There's still enough time for them to fold, choke, etc. Zambrano has a "tired" arm? Oh, oh. Sabathia pitches a no-hitter? Yeah, he really did. That play was chicken shit as far as the scoring. It WAS a no-hitter. He's going to make millions and millions with the Yankees next year.
Bears...nah, never mind.
Woo hoo...Colt Brennan officially on the Redskins 53-man roster. QB of the future...why can't the Bears EVER get someone like that. Oh, wait, THEY DID. Caleb Hanie looked really good for a rookie. Now if they just DEVELOP him, he'll be a really good QB, better than Rex or Orton.
With Chris Simms out there, will Jerry "I'm Not A Judge of Talent" Angelo waive Rex and pick up Simms? Nope. JA can't make those logical, common sense decisions.
Davone Bess made the Dolphins roster. Another Hawaii player in the pros. Good for him. I think he'll do alright with the Phins. Now if they just pick up Ashlie Lelie...
Fresno State vs Rutgers today. FatCity will play UH later this year and is supposed to contend for the WAC championship along with Boise State. Let's see how good they are. Although, I think this is a down year for Rutgers. Another team that comes and goes in the polls. It's tough to build and maintain a football program that can contend with the big football factories.
OK, lunch time.
Last day of the UH Football Blog "lifeboat." Tomorrow, things MAY be back to normal.
A hui hou...
Saturday, August 30, 2008
OK, take a deeeeep breath...(Updated)
Florida 56, University of Hawaii 10. Enough said.
Well, hope da Warriors do not get too down. Hey, many people pick Florida to get to Number 1 this year. And how many other WAC schools have played Georgia and Florida back-to-back? And, last year, really, Georgia should have played USC for the National Championship...no, really. Ohio State and LSU? OH, PLUUUU-EEESE! BCS = Big Crappy Selection.
FUUD
Barbecue chicken tonight. Original recipe. Soak in soy, mirin, sherry and a dash of rice wine vinegar. Then grill and then make glaze with guava preserves. MMmmmmmm. Sounds ono...hope it turns out OK. Yes, serve with rice.
OK, laters...I got to get back to FOOTBALL... You know what sucks, we're not getting the USC-Virginia game. WHAT? Supposed to be on ESPN2, but there's just a scoreboard show going on. We get Oklahoma State vs Washington State...like, WHO CARES?
A hui hou...
UPDATE
Looks like another former Hawai'i player is gone from the NFL, at least temporarily. Leonard Peters was cut from the Bears last night.
Well, hope da Warriors do not get too down. Hey, many people pick Florida to get to Number 1 this year. And how many other WAC schools have played Georgia and Florida back-to-back? And, last year, really, Georgia should have played USC for the National Championship...no, really. Ohio State and LSU? OH, PLUUUU-EEESE! BCS = Big Crappy Selection.
FUUD
Barbecue chicken tonight. Original recipe. Soak in soy, mirin, sherry and a dash of rice wine vinegar. Then grill and then make glaze with guava preserves. MMmmmmmm. Sounds ono...hope it turns out OK. Yes, serve with rice.
OK, laters...I got to get back to FOOTBALL... You know what sucks, we're not getting the USC-Virginia game. WHAT? Supposed to be on ESPN2, but there's just a scoreboard show going on. We get Oklahoma State vs Washington State...like, WHO CARES?
A hui hou...
UPDATE
Looks like another former Hawai'i player is gone from the NFL, at least temporarily. Leonard Peters was cut from the Bears last night.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Oh, What a Night...
FOOTBALL and stuff
So, da Bears FINALLY won a preseason game. Oh, great, raise our hopes before dashing them during the first weeks of the regular season...really, 5-11 would be a good year for da Bears.
Rex Grossman looked good last night, but then he always performs well when he's not under any sort of pressure/stress. Put him under stress and Bad Rex shows up and tosses the ball to the other guys.
Caleb Henie looks really good. I hope the Bears keep him and develop him...oh for a Jim Zorn-like coach. Henie could be a good QB for the Bears future.
Saw a little of the Redskins-Jag-u-wires game. Whoo boy, Jacksonville is going to be really good this year. Jack Del Rio, one of my favorite coaches, has done a really fine job building that team up to where it is now. Garrard is a good QB, and they have a nice running game.
Colt was good last night, but then he was playing with the 2nd and 3rd teamers. Gotta see who they have to cut, by tomorrow, I think. He's good enough to be the 3rd QB, but whether that's practice squad or on the team remains to be seen. He will be their starter in a few years, guarantee...
College football also started. Good to see the 'ol Ball Coach win his opener against NCState. I love to see Spurrier get all upset when his team screws up or doesn't perform. Fun to watch.
OH, and when I went to bed, the Cubs were behind 4-1. Imagine my surprise this AM when I woke up to find that they had beaten the Phillies 6-4. Aramis Ramirez had the "game winning" hit, a grand slam. Wow. They may actually make the playoffs. But then, you have to remember that they're the Cubbies and they WILL BREAK YOUR HEART!!! And THAT'S a guarantee.
FUUD
Go read Serious Eats today. There's an article by Ed Levine about the Slow Food Nation get-together in SF. The part that struck a chord with me was the slowly disappearing individual food producers. Seems they're quitting the food business because they are getting old and retiring, the kids don't want to take over the business, food tastes are changing and they can't/won't keep up, etc.
This is exactly what's happening "back home" in Hawaii. You see, after WWII (da big one), many families started up family food businesses to support themselves, build a better life for their kids, you know, the American Dream.
Now, most of these folks are old and retiring. Their kids are usually college educated and not interested in working the long, hard hours their folks did to make money, and, they probably have better paying jobs than what they could earn running the family business.
As a result, some "historic" food places have closed, including some "local style" plate lunch places, Chinese bakeries that produced one-of-a-kind candies and pastries, and other food vendors.
In one case that I read about in the Honolulu newspapers online, the lady who owned the little plate lunch place said that she didn't want her kids to have to work like she did, and that she worked so hard so that they would not have to take over the business.
Sadly, Hawaii is becoming more "homogenized." Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, and the ubiquitous Morton's and Ruth Chris' steakhouses are the norm. More kids eat fast food burgers than the old style okazu-ya plate lunches which were one step away from your mom's home-cooking...and they were probably more nutritious meals, too.
I've got my mom's old composition book full of her hand-written recipes and recipes that she cut out of the local newspapers. I've also got some of the old Women's Club cookbooks that are compilations of local women's recipes. I actually started writing a "cookbook", but soon realized that only celebrities and celebrity chefs get published. My hope now is to finish it and give it to my kids, so that some of the old style local food survives into another generation. My contribution to the Slow Food Nation movement.
Still, it's really sad to realize every time we go back to visit, that fewer and fewer of the food places that we grew up with will be there, waiting for us. Ah, where have you gone Hon Kung, with your Crispy Gau Gee Mein with Medium Fried Noodles, Shrimp Canton, Manapua and Fried Rice? Where are you now, Wong's Okazuya, with your long rice, teriyaki beef, musubi, mac salad, and vegetable tempura? Where are you Patti's Chinese Kitchen, with your pot roast pork, char siu with tofu, chow mein noodles and moon cake? Where are you...
A hui hou...
So, da Bears FINALLY won a preseason game. Oh, great, raise our hopes before dashing them during the first weeks of the regular season...really, 5-11 would be a good year for da Bears.
Rex Grossman looked good last night, but then he always performs well when he's not under any sort of pressure/stress. Put him under stress and Bad Rex shows up and tosses the ball to the other guys.
Caleb Henie looks really good. I hope the Bears keep him and develop him...oh for a Jim Zorn-like coach. Henie could be a good QB for the Bears future.
Saw a little of the Redskins-Jag-u-wires game. Whoo boy, Jacksonville is going to be really good this year. Jack Del Rio, one of my favorite coaches, has done a really fine job building that team up to where it is now. Garrard is a good QB, and they have a nice running game.
Colt was good last night, but then he was playing with the 2nd and 3rd teamers. Gotta see who they have to cut, by tomorrow, I think. He's good enough to be the 3rd QB, but whether that's practice squad or on the team remains to be seen. He will be their starter in a few years, guarantee...
College football also started. Good to see the 'ol Ball Coach win his opener against NCState. I love to see Spurrier get all upset when his team screws up or doesn't perform. Fun to watch.
OH, and when I went to bed, the Cubs were behind 4-1. Imagine my surprise this AM when I woke up to find that they had beaten the Phillies 6-4. Aramis Ramirez had the "game winning" hit, a grand slam. Wow. They may actually make the playoffs. But then, you have to remember that they're the Cubbies and they WILL BREAK YOUR HEART!!! And THAT'S a guarantee.
FUUD
Go read Serious Eats today. There's an article by Ed Levine about the Slow Food Nation get-together in SF. The part that struck a chord with me was the slowly disappearing individual food producers. Seems they're quitting the food business because they are getting old and retiring, the kids don't want to take over the business, food tastes are changing and they can't/won't keep up, etc.
This is exactly what's happening "back home" in Hawaii. You see, after WWII (da big one), many families started up family food businesses to support themselves, build a better life for their kids, you know, the American Dream.
Now, most of these folks are old and retiring. Their kids are usually college educated and not interested in working the long, hard hours their folks did to make money, and, they probably have better paying jobs than what they could earn running the family business.
As a result, some "historic" food places have closed, including some "local style" plate lunch places, Chinese bakeries that produced one-of-a-kind candies and pastries, and other food vendors.
In one case that I read about in the Honolulu newspapers online, the lady who owned the little plate lunch place said that she didn't want her kids to have to work like she did, and that she worked so hard so that they would not have to take over the business.
Sadly, Hawaii is becoming more "homogenized." Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, and the ubiquitous Morton's and Ruth Chris' steakhouses are the norm. More kids eat fast food burgers than the old style okazu-ya plate lunches which were one step away from your mom's home-cooking...and they were probably more nutritious meals, too.
I've got my mom's old composition book full of her hand-written recipes and recipes that she cut out of the local newspapers. I've also got some of the old Women's Club cookbooks that are compilations of local women's recipes. I actually started writing a "cookbook", but soon realized that only celebrities and celebrity chefs get published. My hope now is to finish it and give it to my kids, so that some of the old style local food survives into another generation. My contribution to the Slow Food Nation movement.
Still, it's really sad to realize every time we go back to visit, that fewer and fewer of the food places that we grew up with will be there, waiting for us. Ah, where have you gone Hon Kung, with your Crispy Gau Gee Mein with Medium Fried Noodles, Shrimp Canton, Manapua and Fried Rice? Where are you now, Wong's Okazuya, with your long rice, teriyaki beef, musubi, mac salad, and vegetable tempura? Where are you Patti's Chinese Kitchen, with your pot roast pork, char siu with tofu, chow mein noodles and moon cake? Where are you...
A hui hou...
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Are You Ready...
WOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!! Football begins tonight! College football starts, finally! A short (12 weeks) season, but oh so sweet. I think I like the college game better than the pros...more emotion, more upsets, more unexpected...can you say Appalachian State...I bet Michigan remembers them...ha, ha, ha.
AND, unless the local CBS station panders to the locals, we'll get to see the Redskins (Go Colt!) against the Jacksonvillilans. I bet they preempt the game for Obama's coronation speech at the "temple of the new god" tonight.
Did you see that thing at Invesco Field where he's supposed to "accept" the nomination. How imperial, now messianic, how so totally arrogant and condescending. That's our Barry!!!
Of course, your Chicago Bears end the preseason futility against the Cleveland Brownies. Hope no one gets hurt. Man, 5-11 will be a good season this year. I tell ya, da Bears will NEVER win the Sooper Bowl until they BRING BACK THE CHEERLEADERS. I KNEW they would lose the SB a few years back because of this obvious oversight. The Football Gods (bow head) DEMAND cheerbabes for all successful teams. Where have you gone Honey Bears.
You know that story, right? That the old prude Virginia McCaskey disbanded the cheer squad (The Honey Bears) because she wanted "...a more family-oriented atmosphere" at Soldier Field. Hoo boy, that old broad was never in the end zones, so I hear. Those were definitely NOT "family friendly" places. Yeah, I guess drinking beer and swearing at the top of your lungs at the opponents is "family friendly." Go figure.
And, finally, Saturday, the University of Hawaii plays Florida in da Swamp. What will happen, will happen, but I hope UH plays well and knocks Tim Tebow down a few times. If they do manage the upset, how sweet it will be.
UH gets no respect from the East Coast sportswriters, especially the idiots on ESPN. But then, few Western teams do get any respect from them. I guess they can't stay up late to see the western games, poor babies.
Have been posting on the UH football "lifeboat" blog. Great place, nice people. Go read it. Just click on the link in the previous sentence, silly.
OK, now lunch, movie (Netflix on my laptop) and then job hunting.
A hui hou...
AND, unless the local CBS station panders to the locals, we'll get to see the Redskins (Go Colt!) against the Jacksonvillilans. I bet they preempt the game for Obama's coronation speech at the "temple of the new god" tonight.
Did you see that thing at Invesco Field where he's supposed to "accept" the nomination. How imperial, now messianic, how so totally arrogant and condescending. That's our Barry!!!
Of course, your Chicago Bears end the preseason futility against the Cleveland Brownies. Hope no one gets hurt. Man, 5-11 will be a good season this year. I tell ya, da Bears will NEVER win the Sooper Bowl until they BRING BACK THE CHEERLEADERS. I KNEW they would lose the SB a few years back because of this obvious oversight. The Football Gods (bow head) DEMAND cheerbabes for all successful teams. Where have you gone Honey Bears.
You know that story, right? That the old prude Virginia McCaskey disbanded the cheer squad (The Honey Bears) because she wanted "...a more family-oriented atmosphere" at Soldier Field. Hoo boy, that old broad was never in the end zones, so I hear. Those were definitely NOT "family friendly" places. Yeah, I guess drinking beer and swearing at the top of your lungs at the opponents is "family friendly." Go figure.
And, finally, Saturday, the University of Hawaii plays Florida in da Swamp. What will happen, will happen, but I hope UH plays well and knocks Tim Tebow down a few times. If they do manage the upset, how sweet it will be.
UH gets no respect from the East Coast sportswriters, especially the idiots on ESPN. But then, few Western teams do get any respect from them. I guess they can't stay up late to see the western games, poor babies.
Have been posting on the UH football "lifeboat" blog. Great place, nice people. Go read it. Just click on the link in the previous sentence, silly.
OK, now lunch, movie (Netflix on my laptop) and then job hunting.
A hui hou...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Bad Blogger...(ah, me)
So, I've been neglecting this poor blog. It's been so lonely, here all by itself in the big, cold intarweb...hey, if a blog fell on the internet and no one read it, would it make a sound???? Nah, probably not.
Well, I've taken over the bill paying duties of the household. BW or SWMBO had a meltdown and so I fell on my sword and said I'd do it. Then we spent an hour going over her complicated, intricate system of Quicken, Excel spreadsheet, online bill paying...OMG (as Paris would text).
I took notes...remember I'm a failed or fallen-away technical writer...or is that in "forced retirement?" Today I will recreate the wheel and make the whole process simpler...because, as many will tell you, I am a simple man...or is that simple-minded man? Who cares...
Can you tell I LOVE ellipses?
Older son is home from his sabbatical in Las Vegas. Got his old job back and starts next week.
Oh, went to Airventure 2008 or Oshkosh as I call it. Got lots of pictures, but too lazy to put them up here. NO one read this tripe anyway so why bother?
THE DEMOCRAT CONVENTION
What can I say? What can anyone say? Does a convention really matter anymore? Other than the participants, does anyone REALLY care?
Don't we know who the principals are by now? Are we going to learn anything new? At one time the convention REALLY chose the nominee. Now, they're just propaganda for the party.
I see that Michelle Ma Belle Obama said "God Bless America." Did she throw up in her mouth a little when she said it? I bet she did. What a good little actress. They've really kept her shut up for the last few months. Wow. She must be going to get SOMETHING BIG for doing that.
I really feel for her. She's this successful, outspoken woman who suddenly has to be like this little goody two-shoes and be "the right stuff" wife to the candidate. Politics, huh? Subverts us all eventually.
I grew up in Hawaii and went to a different private school than the Democrat nominee...Barry O... Full disclosure: it was St. Louis High School. Just the last two years. I really consider my outer island school, St. Joseph in Hilo as MY school, even if I didn't grad.
Anyhoo, the school that BarryO went to, Punahou, produces just the kinds of grads that he is: arrogant, condescending, and feeling superior to all. But, in the end, they're kinda ignorant of real life. Hmmmmm, sound familiar? Oh well.
THIS WRITING LIFE
So, anyone looking for an old, I mean mature, "retired" technical writer. Lots of IT experience. Hard worker, mature (very mature), self-starter (what DOES that mean?), plays, uh, works well with others...yada, yada, yada...
FOOTBALL...YEA, IT'S BACK
Will follow the University of Hawaii...of course, and also the Washinton Redskins (Colt Brennan) and Miami Dolphins (Davone Bess) this year.
UH has a VERY tough first game on Saturday against Florida. Some ESPN jerks picking FLA to surpass Georgia for Numbah 1...you know, Tim Teeebow is a GOD!!! Well, I expect they must roll over UH or people will start talking. I would just like to see the UH win that game. (PS. ESPN has NO respect for UH, at all, if you haven't noticed). Just once, I'd like to see them beat the big dog...auwe...Nevah geev up...no try, just DO.
Colt Brennan played well this preseason. Hope his sticks with the 'Skins. He'll be a good QB down the road. Wish the Bears had him...oh, wait, yeah, he might be a GOOD QB, so the Bears would not be interested...hey Jerry Angelo, got another QB somewhere...anywhere.
Da Bears...nevah mind...
Pau already.
UH BLOG NOTE
This week Steven Tsai, the blogmeister extraordinaire of the Honolulu Advertiser, is not blogging in support of labor unions at the paper. The HA is going through layoffs and other 'bad stuff' right now.
Sooooo, there's a "lifeboat" blog where all the crazy UH supporters, the Tsai-kos, are blogging. GO VISIT OR LURK AND READ ALL THE GOOD STUFF ABOUT UH FOOTBALL.
Tsai-ko link to lifeboat blog
OK, now really pau.
A hui hou...
Well, I've taken over the bill paying duties of the household. BW or SWMBO had a meltdown and so I fell on my sword and said I'd do it. Then we spent an hour going over her complicated, intricate system of Quicken, Excel spreadsheet, online bill paying...OMG (as Paris would text).
I took notes...remember I'm a failed or fallen-away technical writer...or is that in "forced retirement?" Today I will recreate the wheel and make the whole process simpler...because, as many will tell you, I am a simple man...or is that simple-minded man? Who cares...
Can you tell I LOVE ellipses?
Older son is home from his sabbatical in Las Vegas. Got his old job back and starts next week.
Oh, went to Airventure 2008 or Oshkosh as I call it. Got lots of pictures, but too lazy to put them up here. NO one read this tripe anyway so why bother?
THE DEMOCRAT CONVENTION
What can I say? What can anyone say? Does a convention really matter anymore? Other than the participants, does anyone REALLY care?
Don't we know who the principals are by now? Are we going to learn anything new? At one time the convention REALLY chose the nominee. Now, they're just propaganda for the party.
I see that Michelle Ma Belle Obama said "God Bless America." Did she throw up in her mouth a little when she said it? I bet she did. What a good little actress. They've really kept her shut up for the last few months. Wow. She must be going to get SOMETHING BIG for doing that.
I really feel for her. She's this successful, outspoken woman who suddenly has to be like this little goody two-shoes and be "the right stuff" wife to the candidate. Politics, huh? Subverts us all eventually.
I grew up in Hawaii and went to a different private school than the Democrat nominee...Barry O... Full disclosure: it was St. Louis High School. Just the last two years. I really consider my outer island school, St. Joseph in Hilo as MY school, even if I didn't grad.
Anyhoo, the school that BarryO went to, Punahou, produces just the kinds of grads that he is: arrogant, condescending, and feeling superior to all. But, in the end, they're kinda ignorant of real life. Hmmmmm, sound familiar? Oh well.
THIS WRITING LIFE
So, anyone looking for an old, I mean mature, "retired" technical writer. Lots of IT experience. Hard worker, mature (very mature), self-starter (what DOES that mean?), plays, uh, works well with others...yada, yada, yada...
FOOTBALL...YEA, IT'S BACK
Will follow the University of Hawaii...of course, and also the Washinton Redskins (Colt Brennan) and Miami Dolphins (Davone Bess) this year.
UH has a VERY tough first game on Saturday against Florida. Some ESPN jerks picking FLA to surpass Georgia for Numbah 1...you know, Tim Teeebow is a GOD!!! Well, I expect they must roll over UH or people will start talking. I would just like to see the UH win that game. (PS. ESPN has NO respect for UH, at all, if you haven't noticed). Just once, I'd like to see them beat the big dog...auwe...Nevah geev up...no try, just DO.
Colt Brennan played well this preseason. Hope his sticks with the 'Skins. He'll be a good QB down the road. Wish the Bears had him...oh, wait, yeah, he might be a GOOD QB, so the Bears would not be interested...hey Jerry Angelo, got another QB somewhere...anywhere.
Da Bears...nevah mind...
Pau already.
UH BLOG NOTE
This week Steven Tsai, the blogmeister extraordinaire of the Honolulu Advertiser, is not blogging in support of labor unions at the paper. The HA is going through layoffs and other 'bad stuff' right now.
Sooooo, there's a "lifeboat" blog where all the crazy UH supporters, the Tsai-kos, are blogging. GO VISIT OR LURK AND READ ALL THE GOOD STUFF ABOUT UH FOOTBALL.
Tsai-ko link to lifeboat blog
OK, now really pau.
A hui hou...
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Oshkosh Bound...
Well, if everything goes OK, we should be on the flightline at OSH AirVenture on Friday morning.
We're driving...not a long trip from here, about 180 miles each way, a three hour tour...and should leave the house around 4:00AM and stop for breakfast along the way.
Last time we went was a couple of days before my stroke...and when I found out I was a diabetic. Sooooo, it's an emotional time for me. When we were there the last time, I wondered why it was so difficult for me to walk around. I just felt "off" and not normal. Well, a few days later, I found out why. Hope this time is very different.
I just have two "must sees:" one, is the Boeing 40B; the other is the LSA "Mall." Anything else is "gravy." (Hmmm, so many quotes.)
I'll just take it easy and see how much walking I can do. I've been walking every day from home to Clarendon Hills village and back to get fit enough to walk around up there. In fact, when I'm done with this post, I'm off on my walk as it's getting REALLY HOT around here. Mid to high 80's today with 90's on the weekend. Well, it IS the first weekend of August, after all.
I plan to take and post as many pictures as I can. So we'll see how that works out.
Read on the EAA website in the article about the WhiteKnight2 rollout at Mojave Spaceport that they plan on taking WK2 to AirVenture next year (2009) and that at some later date to launch a suborbital flight during AirVenture...maybe 2010? FUN! Gotta plan to be there...along with several hundred thousand of my closest friends.
I got nothing else to say...gotta walk.
A hui hou...
We're driving...not a long trip from here, about 180 miles each way, a three hour tour...and should leave the house around 4:00AM and stop for breakfast along the way.
Last time we went was a couple of days before my stroke...and when I found out I was a diabetic. Sooooo, it's an emotional time for me. When we were there the last time, I wondered why it was so difficult for me to walk around. I just felt "off" and not normal. Well, a few days later, I found out why. Hope this time is very different.
I just have two "must sees:" one, is the Boeing 40B; the other is the LSA "Mall." Anything else is "gravy." (Hmmm, so many quotes.)
I'll just take it easy and see how much walking I can do. I've been walking every day from home to Clarendon Hills village and back to get fit enough to walk around up there. In fact, when I'm done with this post, I'm off on my walk as it's getting REALLY HOT around here. Mid to high 80's today with 90's on the weekend. Well, it IS the first weekend of August, after all.
I plan to take and post as many pictures as I can. So we'll see how that works out.
Read on the EAA website in the article about the WhiteKnight2 rollout at Mojave Spaceport that they plan on taking WK2 to AirVenture next year (2009) and that at some later date to launch a suborbital flight during AirVenture...maybe 2010? FUN! Gotta plan to be there...along with several hundred thousand of my closest friends.
I got nothing else to say...gotta walk.
A hui hou...
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Dis 'n Dat
After a few days of severe thunderstorms, the weather calmed down today. It's one of those days you do NOT tell anyone about. You know, da midwest is "hot...humid...sticky" during the summer. Weather stinks, yah? But today is one of those days we think about in the dead of winter...you know, don'tcha mid-western-ites...when the wind is howling at 30mph and the wind chill temp is...well, so low it doesn't matter...when you step outside, it's not cold...but your skin starts burning. Yeah, on days like that we remember days like today.
SOOOOOOO different from the land of my birth...Hawaii. MUST. GO. BACK. SOON!!! Well, with the cost of airline tickets going up with the price of fuel, I have a LOT of saving to do.
Like I said a while ago...anybody need an experienced writer/editor with 20 years tech writing in Information Technology/software development? Please...anyone, anyone...Bueller...Bueller???
BOOKS
Am reading "1421: The Year China Discovered America" by Gavin Menzies Really intriguing...theory of a retired British naval officer (submarines) who uses the first world maps to show that the great Chinese treasure fleets of the 15th century could have circled the world and made landfall in South America, discovered the Straits of Magellan waaaay before Magellan, visited and mapped Australia, Antarctica and other places along the way. A very good, detailed read, not to be "skimmed." He lays out his theory and proofs and is very convincing. There is a website with more and updated information. Very good Summer read.
PS: He also has another book "1434: The Year a Magnificent Chinese Fleet Sailed to Italy and Ignited the Renaissance." Wow...gotta read THAT one, too.
FUUD
Made a KalBi (Korean short ribs) recipe on Friday on the Weber. OMG!!! A great recipe and a keeper. I'll post it soon. Must give props to the website where I found it. Now I just have to look it up. Wait...wait...OK, here it is: the recipe is from the blog, "The House of Annie." Go HERE. It's the recipe, "Killer Kalbi Recipe" from Wednesday, July 09, 2008.
GO TRY IT, especially if you're an ex-pat from Hawaii and miss da kine plate lunch. I made my mac salad to go with it and it reminded me so much of home. I guess I'm a little homesick right now. Auwe...gotta save for da trip.
OK, enough said. I gotta go and give myself my first of two pre-dinner injections...diabetic, you know. But ooooh, leftover kalbi for dinner...AND leftover mac salad. Ono kine ginds, as we used to say.
A hui hou...
SOOOOOOO different from the land of my birth...Hawaii. MUST. GO. BACK. SOON!!! Well, with the cost of airline tickets going up with the price of fuel, I have a LOT of saving to do.
Like I said a while ago...anybody need an experienced writer/editor with 20 years tech writing in Information Technology/software development? Please...anyone, anyone...Bueller...Bueller???
BOOKS
Am reading "1421: The Year China Discovered America" by Gavin Menzies Really intriguing...theory of a retired British naval officer (submarines) who uses the first world maps to show that the great Chinese treasure fleets of the 15th century could have circled the world and made landfall in South America, discovered the Straits of Magellan waaaay before Magellan, visited and mapped Australia, Antarctica and other places along the way. A very good, detailed read, not to be "skimmed." He lays out his theory and proofs and is very convincing. There is a website with more and updated information. Very good Summer read.
PS: He also has another book "1434: The Year a Magnificent Chinese Fleet Sailed to Italy and Ignited the Renaissance." Wow...gotta read THAT one, too.
FUUD
Made a KalBi (Korean short ribs) recipe on Friday on the Weber. OMG!!! A great recipe and a keeper. I'll post it soon. Must give props to the website where I found it. Now I just have to look it up. Wait...wait...OK, here it is: the recipe is from the blog, "The House of Annie." Go HERE. It's the recipe, "Killer Kalbi Recipe" from Wednesday, July 09, 2008.
GO TRY IT, especially if you're an ex-pat from Hawaii and miss da kine plate lunch. I made my mac salad to go with it and it reminded me so much of home. I guess I'm a little homesick right now. Auwe...gotta save for da trip.
OK, enough said. I gotta go and give myself my first of two pre-dinner injections...diabetic, you know. But ooooh, leftover kalbi for dinner...AND leftover mac salad. Ono kine ginds, as we used to say.
A hui hou...
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Updating Previous Post...
According to comments on Mojave Skies, the SS2 pics are 6 months old! Better late than never. Hey, at my age, I'm a little slow.
I do have Virgin Galactic in my bookmarks, so I guess I need to pay closer attention to their site.
The Beautiful Wife got her day off of work so we can go to Oshkosh (AirVenture) at the end of the month. Of course, that depends on how I'm feeling.
Been walking almost every day to see if I can make it walking around OSH. Actually thought of getting one of those motorized rider-thingys...when I mention to the BW, she said, "..funny, I was thinking if you should get one." Of course, that would be admitting that I'm not the man I was, but then, just getting up and down the stairs at home is sometimes difficult. We'll see. GOD, I hate getting old.
A hui hou...
I do have Virgin Galactic in my bookmarks, so I guess I need to pay closer attention to their site.
The Beautiful Wife got her day off of work so we can go to Oshkosh (AirVenture) at the end of the month. Of course, that depends on how I'm feeling.
Been walking almost every day to see if I can make it walking around OSH. Actually thought of getting one of those motorized rider-thingys...when I mention to the BW, she said, "..funny, I was thinking if you should get one." Of course, that would be admitting that I'm not the man I was, but then, just getting up and down the stairs at home is sometimes difficult. We'll see. GOD, I hate getting old.
A hui hou...
Sunday, July 6, 2008
SpaceShip2 Photos
An aviation blog that I found a few weeks ago has posted photos of SpaceShip 2 being built. Virgin Galactic released the photos. Check out Mojave skies at Mojave Skies. The last photo shows aviation legend, Burt Rutan, sitting in the under-construction fuselage. Boy is it big! Wish I had da money to buy a ticket!
PS. If you're really interested in the Mojave Airport (Spaceport), this photo blog is updated daily, I think, and has really great aviation information about the goings on at Mojave. One SAD entry was about the old DC-9-50s from Hawaiian Airlines (I probably flew on more than one of them, back in the day) and their trip to the scrapman.
Check it out! A great site on the internet.
A hui hou...
PS. If you're really interested in the Mojave Airport (Spaceport), this photo blog is updated daily, I think, and has really great aviation information about the goings on at Mojave. One SAD entry was about the old DC-9-50s from Hawaiian Airlines (I probably flew on more than one of them, back in the day) and their trip to the scrapman.
Check it out! A great site on the internet.
A hui hou...
Still Here...
Well, I'm still here, even if no one else is.
I'm thinking of starting a new blog devoted exclusively to food...a passion of mine. More on that later. But this blog is so...unfocused. I need to tighten the focus and DO something with it.
Today is July 6th, the last day of the 4th of July weekend. Tomorrow is the start of the mid-Summer period. It's all downhill to Fall from here. Before you know it, Labor Day will be here (and gone) and Fall will upon us. (Sighs). Time really does go by faster when you get old-er.
NEWS of the DAY (or Week)
More success in Iraq which is ignored by the Drive-Bys in the MSM. No surprise there.
Cubs beginning their "July Good-By?" Kerry Woods gave up 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning last night and the Cards won. I'm picking the Cards to win the Central. Hey...it's the Cubs we're talking about...you know, 100 Years of Futility.
NASCAR sucks. Toyota is beginning their dominance of the sport because...of the MONEY! When will people learn that MONEY=SUCCESS in professional sports. Look at the results and Toyota will probably win the mfgr's championships in Nationwide (Busch) AND Sprint Cup this year. And, Kyle Busch seems to have the inside track to the Driver's Championship. Yup...Money Talks...(as an old song says). With the Auto Industry heading for tough times, I just don't think the American Mfgrs. can keep up with Toyota.
OSHKOSH!
Last week of July is the EAA Oshkosh Fly-In, now called (in true "corporate style") AirVenture. Hope to drive up and spend a day just walking and looking. Even though my flying days are truly over, I still like the hardware.
OK, that's enough for this time. Keep your eyes open for a new blog...maybe.
Hey, anybody looking for a freelance writer/editor with 20+ years experience as a Technical Writer? I need da work...
A hui hou...
I'm thinking of starting a new blog devoted exclusively to food...a passion of mine. More on that later. But this blog is so...unfocused. I need to tighten the focus and DO something with it.
Today is July 6th, the last day of the 4th of July weekend. Tomorrow is the start of the mid-Summer period. It's all downhill to Fall from here. Before you know it, Labor Day will be here (and gone) and Fall will upon us. (Sighs). Time really does go by faster when you get old-er.
NEWS of the DAY (or Week)
More success in Iraq which is ignored by the Drive-Bys in the MSM. No surprise there.
Cubs beginning their "July Good-By?" Kerry Woods gave up 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning last night and the Cards won. I'm picking the Cards to win the Central. Hey...it's the Cubs we're talking about...you know, 100 Years of Futility.
NASCAR sucks. Toyota is beginning their dominance of the sport because...of the MONEY! When will people learn that MONEY=SUCCESS in professional sports. Look at the results and Toyota will probably win the mfgr's championships in Nationwide (Busch) AND Sprint Cup this year. And, Kyle Busch seems to have the inside track to the Driver's Championship. Yup...Money Talks...(as an old song says). With the Auto Industry heading for tough times, I just don't think the American Mfgrs. can keep up with Toyota.
OSHKOSH!
Last week of July is the EAA Oshkosh Fly-In, now called (in true "corporate style") AirVenture. Hope to drive up and spend a day just walking and looking. Even though my flying days are truly over, I still like the hardware.
OK, that's enough for this time. Keep your eyes open for a new blog...maybe.
Hey, anybody looking for a freelance writer/editor with 20+ years experience as a Technical Writer? I need da work...
A hui hou...
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