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In just four days the Tour de France launches itself from Monaco, America celebrates its independence and somewhere in North Korea a dead Kjil is considering what he’s going to do with the “said missile” aimed at my home in the middle of the Pacific – Hawai’i.
While evil comes in three’s, I’ve only found one in that mix. I must find a “good note” within the mix to balance the two positives: July 4th (my personal once-per-year celebration; ) and the Tour. Viva la Tour! Maybe I’ll visit Hawai’i on Saturday for good measure while watching the Tour.
Alas, three goodies in one day. More from the state of grace we call Hawai’i on July 4th. Trust me – I’ll be there. Aloha.
It’s not the first time that Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin” is being staged in North Korea, but it’s the first time “eternal leader” Kim Jong-il has made a valued contribution to the premiere-in-the-making. Value contribution? Did he stuff a missile up someone’s ass? According to North’s Korea’s news agency KCNA, Kim Jong-il assisted with the rehearsal of the opera at Pyongyang’s Kim Won Gyun Conservatory, and provided guidance to the director and performers. I suspect he’s working with the performers to improve his own acting skills – since the “dud” pictured here is not the real “dude.”
Internet person Nicholas Guariglia, in a creative column titled “The U.S. Should Overthrow Kim Jong-il,” knows most things about the world so pay attention – he suggests that we first tell Kim Jong-il that if anyone in the world sets off a nuclear bomb in America, for whatever reason, as part of whatever cause, in association with any organization, America will blame Kim Jong-il. Good thinking Nick.
Why? Because Kjil is the only rug-rat holding nuclear shiznet at arms length suggesting he will target the US.
Message of the day Kjil: if you think America would investigate to see whether or not you were involved …. prior to nuking your entire freaking country …. well sorry, welcome to America. Don’t mess with the US, Texas or Hawai’i. The later of which plan to succeed from our “union” and collectively can stomp your freakin ashes – for good measure. Nuf said.
As I’ve gotten into this evil-doer, he’s more smarmey than I thought. Pew. Yucko. Sicko. El dicko. El stupido. Big “L” (as in loser) and of course my favorite these days, “missile man without a plan.”
If only he knew that China could take him out with economic sanctions. Or, TOTUS could ‘push tha button’ and take he and all of his stand-ins out. Sounds interesting to me.
Little Kim has more to say – visit her South Korean blog site to learn more. Peace out.
Enough is enough. Kim Jong-il has proven he will stop at nothing to produce and proliferate nuclear weapons, and that is a no-no. Diplomacy has failed. Sorry TOTUS, you’ve not got his attention nor agent number one, two or three. Talking for the sake of talking is not working. The missile is still coming our way (or Aloha-way, so we’ve heard). Serious powers ought to be emphasizing results, not process. “Soft power” is a problem cured by Cialis — not a national security strategy for North Korea. It’s time we started working to bring that twisted, Lilliputian, Chia Pet miscreant down. Or his stand-ins. Or stand-ups. That might be a Cialis issue too.
Is Kim Jong-il for real? I’ve been asking that question since yesterday and now we learn more of the truth. But – my friends, it begins with a question. The question – is KJil (we’ll shorten his gay name for now) alive? This question has baffled foreign intelligence agencies for years but now a veteran Japanese expert on North Korea says the “dear leader” is actually dead – and his role is played by a double.
No wonder we’re having issues with North Korea – it’s not with the real-dead Kim, it’s with his action figure who plays one on Marxist TV!
The expert says Kim died of diabetes in 2003 and world leaders including Vladimir Putin of Russia and Hu Jintao of China have been negotiating with an impostor. Oopps!
He believes that Kim, fearing assassination, had groomed up to four lookalikes to act as substitutes at public events. One underwent plastic surgery to make his appearance more convincing. Now, the expert claims, the actors are brought on stage whenever required to persuade the masses that Kim is alive.
The author has been derided by rival analysts of the hermetic communist state. Yet so few facts are known about North Korea’s ruling dynasty that some of the strange things reported in Professor Toshimitsu Shigemura’s bestselling book cannot be readily explained.
The book, The True Character of Kim Jong-il, cites sources from inside North Korea and from the intelligence services of Japan and South Korea. One of its principal claims is that a voice print analysis of Kim’s speech at a 2004 meeting with Junichiro Koizumi, then the Japanese prime minister, did not match an authenticated earlier recording.
His book traces Kim’s supposed demise to autumn 2003 when he vanished for about 42 days. Most analysts put this down to mourning for one of his wives, a power struggle inside the Kim dynasty or fear of an American strike. Kim’s poor health has been the subject of speculation for decades. The professor’s contribution is to cite Russian and Chinese sources saying he had diabetes and illnesses of the heart, liver and lungs, with depression thrown in for laughs.
There have been persistent reports that a stand-in appears for Kim at military parades and he is notoriously reclusive. He did not appear in public to receive the Olympic torch in Pyongyang when it arrived (afraid his hair my torch up). To further the “proof,” the professor argues that no substantive policy decisions have been taken since North Korea joined nuclear disarmament talks in 2003.
South Korean analysts who attended two summits with Kim (before and after his supposed death) reported that he had indeed changed appearance. But that was because he had lost weight, quit smoking, given up cognac in favor of red wine and coaxed the rest of the politburo onto a health kick. Can I get a “huh?” Health kick? Do you mean he’s made a life-stage change? OMG, I might add that his hair has been missing too.
Remember: mess with the US
and you will lay dead with the rest!
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday (as in June 18th) that the US military has set up additional defenses around Hawaii, consisting of a ground-based mobile missile system and a radar system nearby. Together they could shoot an incoming missile in mid air.
“Without telegraphing what we will do, I would just say … we are in a good position, should it become necessary, to protect Americans and American territory,” Gates told reporters in Washington. Gates’ comments come after Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper reported that North Korea might test fire a Taepodong-2 missile with a range of up to 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers), sometime around the U.S. holiday of Independence Day on July 4.Yomiuri said the missile, which could be launched from North Korea’s Tongchang-ri site, would fly over Japan but would not be able to reach Hawaii, which is about 4,500 miles (7,200 kilometers) from the Korean peninsula.
What do Americans think about the situation? The results of a “little” poll taken online this past week validates America’s thoughts about the situation. 
The Hawaiian Islands are currently occupied by a strong and resourceful US military presence. While I don’t have the details I assume it includes thousands of military personnel, ample munitions and thousands of tactical vehicles. The unusual mix of US-bases located on each of the Islands places Hawai’i in the position of being considered a target by those who aspire to flex their new missile might. Aka the Koreans.
The Pentagon’s leading military strategists purport that the Islands are out of range (today), but that may not be the case if North Korea continues improving its missile program.
The thought of such a threat is certainly on the minds of many residents who stay in touch with current events. In the news less than 24 hours ago was a statement from military leaders stationed in Hawai’i that the Islands are being “fortified” against a potential attack from the Koreans. (I inserted a “WTF” in my header today – with a suggestive undertone that we go over and kick some Korean ass – - only those in charge of the missile program though.)
Hawai’i has a hoisted floating radar station. I highly suggest that it be “manned.” Ergo, let’s not repeat Pearl Harbor boys. All I can say is this: Kim Jong-il-stupid-dip-weed – if you target the Hawaiian Islands, our new President (who is from Hawai’i) will give you a wake up call destined to be your last. In the meantime, I suggest that we ship some liquid Aloha to the “eternal” leader, Kim Jong-il. Hook him up with some northern lights and turn on The Dog. Enough for now. Aloha.
For better or for worse, our romantic relationships are not always as straightforward as we would like them to be. From time to time, our intimate relationships can become complicated and complex – full of contradictions and inconsistencies. When it comes to love and marriage, people expect a spouse to be completely honest. But, at the same time, everyone values their sense of freedom and privacy. So while romantic partners typically want to please each other, at other times, couples experience competing goals which can make telling the truth more difficult. I suspect that the “total” truth is not plausible in this world … and that sucks. People find a bi-jillion reasons why they cannot tell the truth – and usually blame the other person for not being able to do so. My mind utters two responses concurrently: BLEH and WTF! In reality, building trust in relationships seems to be last on the list.
What is first? I doubt that building trust is first. Just when I thought trust and respect were important in my current dating relationship I found out the opposite. I learned several lessons this week but one stands out clearly and strongly: when the truth is hard to find with simple, “innocent” events, interactions or experiences, then telling truth will be much harder to uncover with significant events, interactions or experiences.
For now, I think I’ll continue doing what I’ve been doing: telling the bald face truth. I sleep much better at night.
There are few places on earth where the people of a region literally love the land. I’m talking en masse – not just a few individuals but many, many people – and for a long period of time. In the case of Hawai’i – it’s been hundreds of years. Most visitors to the Islands of Hawai’i may not know why they “enjoy it so much,” or “love the experience.”
I believe it’s very simple – it’s because native Hawaiians respect the land (Aloha ‘Aina), the ocean, the waves, the inhabitants of the ocean, the sand, the trees, flowers, the animals, etc. Most visitors do not understand why they feel better while there. They assume it’s because of isolation, the sand, roaring surf, cool Pacific breezes, a naturally slower pace, or a myriad of other factors – each one personal and specific to an individual. Truly it’s centered about a simple but very important word, “Aloha.” This word, meaning breath of life, is the connection between native Hawaiians and the land, ocean and sky. I liken it to the relational connection between a husband and wife.
I suspect it’s the reason that Hawai’i has the highest number of repeat visitors of any leisure destination in the world. Whatever the reason(s), please respect it – it’s the crown jewel of the Pacific.
Aloha and mahalo for reading my blog.
In 1887 Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee, and from every corner of the Empire loyal subjects flocked to pay homage to England’s greatest queen. The place of the celebration was the gardens of Buckingham Palace. While listening to the music of an Austrian band all eyes were centered upon a dusky exotic visitor who was seated beside Queen Victoria. She was Queen Lili’uokalani, Regent of the Hawaiian Islands. Herein is the conversation between the Queen of Hawai’i and the Queen of England.
Queen Lili’uokalani: Your Majesty, I have had a lovely time at your party, but I must go.
Queen Victoria: Oh, so soon, Princess Lili’uokalani?
Queen Lili’uokalani: Yes, your Majesty, you see I have received word that my sister died. I am very sad and I want to get back to Hawaii as soon as possible. I am leaving tonight.
Queen Victoria: I am inexpressibly sorry – and it is indeed unfortunate that you have to go so soon because the conductor of the orchestra was going to play this next number for you.
Queen Lili’uokalani: That is very kind.
Queen Victoria: Oh – they are starting now. We thought it might be particularly appealing to you, it is an old Austrian folk song – “Die Traene.”
Queen Lili’uokalani: I am deeply honored Your Majesty, and of course I’ll stay. Oh, Your Majesty,
Queen Victoria: My dear Princess – you’re crying!
Queen Lili’uokalani: Oh, Your Majesty, I am so deeply grateful to you.
Queen Victoria: For what, my dear?
Queen Lili’uokalani: For this song, it was so beautiful. In this moment of my great sorrow it has helped me so. It sounded like a ‘farewell” to my dead sister. I shall never forget it as long as I live!
Queen Lili’uokalani did not forget that old Austrian folk song. When she returned to Hawaii she wrote a poem of farewell to her sister who had died. “Farewell to thee, thou charming one who dwells among the flowers.“ And to this poem she added the music of the old Austrian folk song.
Yes, that beautiful Austrian folk song is now known throughout the world today — the most famous song of the Hawaiian Islands — “Aloha Oe.”
The songs on Ata Damasco’s album, Pa’ina (Hawaiian feast – translation) are now some of my favorites among a Hawaiian collection of songs totaling more than 2,000. The songs range from a party favorite like `Ai Kakou and Mauna Loa to seldom recorded vintage treasures like He Aloha No `O Waianae and Lena Machado’s Holau (with an English verse given by Aunty Lena to Uncle Larry Arieta, who taught it to Ata).
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Ata plays all of the rhythm instruments, much of the lead (piano, ukulele, guitar) and all of the bass on his celebrated and battered 100-year-old upright bass with its weed-whip-chord strings. He is ably assisted by steel guitarists Dwight Tokumoto, Vinton Castro, and Charlie Kealoha Fukuba, and guitarists Jonathon Ka`onohi and Jeff Costello. Cody Pueo Pata, Kaiolohia Funes Smith, and the Na Leo Malu Trio add some backing vocals. My favorite song on the album is “Pua ‘Ahihi.” I’ve listened to that song with more sunsets than any other song in my iTunes library. Check it out – Aloha.
The Mauna Kea Silver Sword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense) is a crown jewel of Hawaii’s native flora. The plant is named for its mountain habitat and its striking rosette of dagger-shaped leaves covered with dense layers of silvery hairs. The rosettes appear jewel-like in the cinder and lava fields on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea volcano, especially when water condenses on the leaves as clouds pass by. I’ve touched (briefly) the Silver Sword – and it felt somewhat like plastic and seemed unnatural. It appeared to be more of a movie set prop than a living plant
Large rosettes, which can be 2 feet in diameter at maturity, produce a massive, 6-foot tall flowering stalk with up to 600 showy heads, each containing up to 500 individual flowers. The Mauna Kea Silver Sword is a member of the Silver Sword alliance, an endemic plant lineage in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), that is one of Hawaii’s premier examples of adaptive radiation.
Though species in the Silver Sword alliance grow in a dazzling array of habitats and exhibit great variation in form, they evolved from a single ancestor that arrived in Hawaii several million years ago from North America, probably as a seed caught in the feathers of a wandering bird. Alas, the Silver Sword is both a plant and an animal. Aloha.
Just when I thought WordPress was “all that” I realized that I must add an upgrade of at least 5GB in order to upload music files. I’ve added one file over the last year – and so this wasn’t on my radar. Crazy. To view the Secret Beach video, click here. The sound is ambient – and the images are mine. Aloha.
Our shipment of Kona coffee – from “Blue Horse” arrived last week. We broke out the 8lb order to view and smell. Yummy. Our first batch was brewed on Saturday and it was very tasty. Some family members will likely enjoy one or more of these as well. Aloha.
Life is life. Failures are 100% life. The suggestion of the week is to keep your focus on the journey of life – the process we call in the moment.
Failures are as much a part of life as successes – but it is failure that most people fear the most. The fact is, failures are a necessary part that each of us must endure to be able to learn “how to” succeed. Failures help us create a path leading toward our personal and unique definition of success.
The goal of success takes a path that journeys through the territory of failure. Oh boy. Some wise men say, “keep failing till you can fail no more.” I view success like an onion: the outer shell is covered with failure and the center (the sweet spot) is what I call success.
Ergo the suggestion to keep pealing off failures till you get what you want.
“Nothing can stop a
man with the right
mental attitude from
achieving his goal.
Nothing on earth can
help the man with the
wrong attitude.”
The book, Hawaii – The Fake State: a nation in captivity, by Aran Alton Ardaiz, is the summary or evaluation of findings after more than 28 years of political review and lawful study. Aran conducted a long running investigation to evaluate facts of law related to Hawaii’s state of grace. He studied in detail all events related to the unlawful actions by the Federal United States Government and its deceptive and fraudulent claim over a foreign, sovereign and “neutral” nation of Hawai’i.
In his book, The Fake Sate, he reviews actual evidence of misleading legal documents of false claim for a Statehood in the American Union of States that does not lawfully exist and that can never exist. It is a revelation of past historical events with supporting documentation revealing to a new generation of Americans and Hawaiian Citizens how they have lost their birth names and birthrights.
Queen Lilo’uokalani would be proud. Aloha.
Gone-gone with the wind. The Superferry is now done-done. No worries, if the owners of the big boat attempt to return to the Islands I’m certain that the folks from Boycott Hawai’i Superferry will be on the case like a big case of stink eye when entering a locals-only beach.
Agreeably the Superferry was a bad idea and the result of some corporate types looking to make money on Hawaii’s uniqueness rather than contributing to the true success and enhancement of the Islands.
To fully appreciate Hawaiian culture, one must first understand its basic difference from western culture and eastern culture. Western culture is based, in large part, on what a person possesses. Eastern culture is based more on the person and one’s desire to learn more about oneself.
Hawaiian culture, however, like most Polynesian cultures, is based on the land.
The Kanaka Maoli (indigenous natives), are one with the land. As the renowned Hawaiian storyteller, “Uncle Charlie” Maxwell, says, “the land which is the basis of the culture, with its streams, mountains, beaches and oceans, must be held in reverence and protected as it was in ancient times … the historical sites, burials, language, arts, dances, canoe migrations, etc., will have to be promoted, nurtured and preserved.”
Ergo the phrase aloha ‘aina is “super” foreign to the Superferry owners.
Aloha.
