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Over the last year I’ve worked diligently to capture images that are representative of the very best in Hawaiian tattoo design – or Polynesian tattoo design. It’s been fun – and my website has taken on a global life of its own. My weekly unique visits now total more than 10,000; my best day was yesterday with 1,974 unique visitors. Ergo, there are a lot of folks who are very interested in searching for and finding tattoo art, reference material and images to “ponder” … what if?
Remember, when you find a design you like – project yourself into the future some 10 years and imagine if you’ll feel the same way … or will it be a yesteryear dream long past. Think about it.
For now – ink oneth.
The photo herein probably appeared in my website somewhere back in the last few months, but it’s so vibrant that I wanted to share it again. Funny how WordPress isn’t allowing us the bandwidth to showcase images at the resolution we prefer. None the less, you can almost smell the sweet flower and the ocean spray in the background. If you can’t – then you need to figure out why!
Aloha.
The Foothills Parkway is a retreat of sorts. I have the opportunity to be on “high” ground and it feels closer to the heavens above – in some small way. Certainly I enjoy the views and the ability to get away from the rest of the world around me.
This Sunday, my trek across the Foothills was just beautiful, but a little loud. Well, sorta-kinda. While asking the Big Guy and the powers-at-be for some assistance, motorcycles passed me en masse. Literally. I experienced more than 140 to the top of the Parkway and another 120 coming back down. Whoa. I suspect the wet Saturday created a ton of pent up energy to “ride.” And rideth they dideth. Ok then. Sunday was grand. Except that I had to work – and that wasn’t very much fun. I did ride – and that was fun. Nothing else to add.
Ride oneth.
Over the last four months I’ve ridden the Foothills Parkway more than 45 times; many of which were from Highway 321 to Highway 129 and back. It’s become a ritual for me on Tuesday and then again on Saturday and Sunday. During the summer months I managed a few weeks where I rode the Parkway four times in a week. Someone asked me recently, “are you bored with that route?” My answer, “not at all.”
Actually it’s very relaxing and different each time. There are no mail boxes, dogs, stores, or houses to mark the route. Other than the pull-off areas along the way (overlooks), the route is tree-lined and quiet. Well, most of the time.
Saturday’s rain was a soaker. I left at 8:25 and by 9:40 I was at the top headed toward 129. On the way down I noticed rain clouds and rain showers in the eastern valley. Eventually the showers poured and I was soaked. The water in my shoes was coming out on the sides! I’ve learned to deal with the rain – and riding on one inch wide tires at 35mph (downhill) in the rain. While I was prepared with a plastic baggie for the iPod – the heartrate monitor didn’t like the excessive mositure. Today’s image was taken from the waterproof (!) Pentax looking toward Townsend.
Ride oneth.
Since Kjil is always looking at his country with eagle eyes, it seem that (maybe) the U.S. and China should cooperate to encourage North Korea to adopt economic reform. The most effective way to make North Korea more responsive would be to initiate a free trade agreement between South Korea and China. If so, such an FTA would represent a big shock and by extension a stimulant for North Korea. Obviously, China will never allow North Korea to become an American-led democracy, but will welcome KjIl if he reforms his country along lines acceptable to China. IF and WHEN that happens – let me know.
I do believe this — South Korea, the U.S., China and Japan had best create a cooperative unified strategy for the post-Kim Jong-Il era … cause it’s coming. Most of us who are reading the back-story on Kjil recognize that when he passes there are likley two competing survival scenarios: 1) adapt to a Chinese-style capitalist economy, and 2) remain mired in Kim-style socialism. I vote for door #3 > give the people some protein, the children of North Korea the clothing and medical attention they deserve along with free iPods for anyone under 30, and cell phones for everyone over 18. Oh … and give the entire country access to the Internet so they can play catchup with the rest of the world. Nuf said.
Somewhere around mid-December (this year it’s on December 12th) visions of sugar plums turn into reality for 175 area underprivileged children as they are treated to a day of shopping, lunch, and a party with Santa. The magic begins with 175 children and volunteer chaperones boarding buses to be whisked away to K Mart on Broadway. Each child goes shopping for gifts of their choosing. Following the shopping spree, the children and chaperones are bused back to the Salvation Army Headquarters to enjoy lunch and a party in a festive atmosphere provided by vendors and sponsors of the Weigel’s Family Christmas. Before their special day concludes, Santa arrives to everyone’s delight. The Weigel’s Family Christmas is funded by both Weigel’s Convenience Stores and the proceeds from the annual golf outing.
I was a “worker” and photographer at this year’s event that hosted more that 140 golfers at River Island Golf Course. I’ve enclosed a few pictures herein from my day on the course. The overall event was a tremendous success – bolstered by sunshine, smiling support staff, lots of food and the contributions of many, many partners of Weigel’s. At the end of the day I was reminded that the event is all about the kids.
Hilo: the air you breathe may be mixed with traces of volcanic ash, snow falling on Mauna Kea and salt spray from the sea. Mostly, it rains, fueling gushing waterfalls and watering exotic flowers that bloom in formal botanical gardens and at farmers markets. One of the wettest towns in the United States, Hilo’s average rainfall is about 128 inches a year. Gortex is the city’s official fabric.
Hilo, with a population 40,759, is Hawai’i Island’s seat of government and the site of the University of Hawaii’s Hilo branch. Yes, I’m there this semester. ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the annual Merrie Monarch Festival are major visitor attractions; I’ve not yet enjoyed either of these.
Hilo is blessed with an indomitable spirit. After the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis wiped out much of the bustling waterfront town, the center of government and commercial life shifted, leaving the town in disrepair. Today the city of Hilo retains the aura of a Pacific trading port and is committed to the continued revitalization of the city center. At the same time, the community is dedicated to the preservation of its historic character.
I’ve attached a photo of the Hilo Hotel (1950’s) – reminding all of us who love Hawai’i that it’s a blessed place to visit or live. Aloha.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il declared Friday that the country will maintain the goal of de-nuclearization and work to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Kjil also said North Korea wants to “solve related problems through bilateral and multilateral dialogue.” China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported this as Kjil’s response to a letter he received from Chinese President Hu Jintao during a meeting with State Councilor Dai Bingguo, who is visiting North Korea as a special envoy for Hu.
Analysts interpreted Kim’s indication of his intent to return to the six-party talks as a method of simultaneously addressing pressure from both China and the U.S. The analysts believe that North Korea is giving priority consideration to China’s role as the chair nation for the six-party talks that has consistently called for North Korea’s return. At the same time, Kjil is expressing NK’s plan to resolve the issue of its return to the talks as a factor potentially limiting the breadth and depth of its upcoming bilateral dialogue with the U.S.
This feels complicated. The fact is, no-nukes is no-nukes. Kjil, you need to learn a new tact in life: chillaxing.
Primo means the best … primo waves (best waves), primo hoaloha (best friend), primo ‘ono (the best ono fish). It’s also the name of a beer that’s been around since 1897.
Primo is Hawai’i’s original beer and has been a part of the Islands ever since. Well, it took a break from production and rested for a while, but Primo has returned to the Islands.
I snagged a Primo ad from long ago – when Ka Primo Beer was tasty, like a fine mist from the ocean. It still is today. Aloha.
Hawai’i in English; Hawaiian > Mokuʻāina o Hawaiʻi .. which is the 50th state, and is the only state made up entirely of islands. It is located on an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia. The state was admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu. The most recent census estimate puts the state’s population at 1,283,388.
The state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight “main islands” are (from the northwest to southeast) Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. The last is by far the largest, and is often called the “Big Island” or “Big Isle” to avoid confusion with the state as a whole. This archipelago is physiographically and ethnologically part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania, i.e., it’s way outeth in the middle of the Pacific. Aloha.
Fourth row, reserved seats, cold beverages and a great view of Rhonda Vincent and her “rage.” What a show. The “Bluegrass Queen” Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, opened the 2009 Westobou Arts Festival last night at the Imperial Theater in Augusta, Georgia. Presented by the Morris Museum of Art and the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the show was fabulous. Had I known that cameras were allowed, I would have brought the 70/200 f/2.8 to capture some great images. Flash was not allowed and thus the few shots I did snap feel blown out. None the less, the concert was fantastic > small venue, not overly crowded, easy access, beverages allowed, easy to relax and acoustically ’sound.’ I shall purchase some new music this weekend. Bluegrass oneth.
Many colleges and universities experienced decreases in enrollment this fall. At UTK for example, enrollment is down 400 students. Although, I’m enrolled in a Masters in Education program, my single student status had little impact. At UH (University of Hawai’i), Hilo, enrollment gained 210 students, or 5.5 percent over the previous year.
Although I’m one of those enrolled (online) taking Hawaiian studies (first year Hawaiian), my single student status had little impact. For UH, this year’s boost extends a steady, upward period of growth dating back to 1998. Interestingly I just learned that a mere 7,500 (est) people are learning to speak Hawaiian worldwide. On that front, my single student status has and does make a difference. Whoa! Can you imagine – an estimated 7,500. Even though the UH experience is much more intense and certainly much more difficult, it’s a lot more rewarding.
I’m enjoying the pünana leo (language nest). Aloha.
If there is a Paul Harvey ending then I learned of it today: President McKinley annexed Hawai’i because of the growing presence of Japanese in the Hawaiian Islands. He and his military leaders knew the inevitable and were prepared to do the very thing that Japan (if it had its way) would have done: stake claim to the Islands. Now then. I’ll rest a bit easier tonight – still believing in Hawaiian sovereignty. Aloha
The missionaries, early in their labors of teaching and preaching, attempted to stamp out the hula, which they found most objectionable. In 1830, Kuhina-nui Ka’ahumana, by then a convert to Christianity forbade public hula performances. The fun-loving young Kamehameha III, after Ka’ahumanu’s death, relaxed this edict and other strict practices. But by 1835 he followed the wishes of his missionary advisors and again barred the hula.
During these years knowledgeable elders in the country districts, away from the mission stations, taught the hula. People of influence in these areas invited the dancers into their homes to entertain. In this way the hula traditions were kept alive.
Kalakaua is credited with the revival of the hula, the recitation of the mele hula, and the use of the instruments associated with the dance. These performances were a colorful part of the entertainment at his court and at his coronation in 1993. Again at the King’s 50th birthday jubilee in 1886, he was honored with many public performances of the hula. These dances revived at Kalakaua’s time and those remembered from still earlier days are called today the hula kahiko – the ancient dances.
The 50 ft. Santa Cruz class “Tahoe Cruz” is new to the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. The cabin down below was complete with a galley, marine head and changing berth. Top deck, the Tahoe Cruz’s 12 foot beam and comfortable seating accommodates up to 25 people … and we had 25 folks enjoying the excursion. Sponsored by a great company, the sunset ‘cruz’ was a wonderful diversion from our meetings at the end of the day. Herein you’ll find me at the helm. I was permitted to sail her for a while – and even the captain was impressed with my knowledge and abilities. From this two hour experience I see a boat (smaller!) in my future.
Sure, we were in California/Nevada, but with a sunset on such blue water it felt like the Pacific. Aloha.
