Modernization of Hawaii

[This is one of my favorite Hawaiian songs.
I appreciate the politics of music.]

Song title: "Hawaii 78"
Artist: Isreal (IZ)

Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono `o Hawai'i (repeat)
[Being perpetuated (is) the sovereignty of the land to righteousness/to balance, Hawai`i ]

If just for a day our king and queen
Would visit all these islands and saw everything
How would they feel about the changes of our land
Could you just imagine if they were around
And saw highways on their sacred grounds
How would they feel about this modern city life?

Tears would come from each other's eyes
As they would stop to realize
That our people are in great, great danger now
How would they feel?
Would their smiles be content, then cry

Chorus:
Cry for the gods, cry for the people
Cry for the land that was taken away
And then yet you'll find, Hawai'i.

Could you just imagine they came back
And saw traffic lights and railroad tracks
How would they feel about this modern city life
Tears would come from each other's eyes
As they would stop to realize
That our land is in great, great danger now.

All the fighting that the King has done
To conquer all these islands, now these condominiums
How would he feel if he saw Hawai'i nei?
How would he feel? Would his smile be content, then cry?

(E hana hou i ka hui)
Repeat chorus

Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono `o Hawai'i
Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono `o Hawai'i.

Culinary Storytelling - Summer Sundays

What: Five Sundays of food stories with local chefs from Hawaii. Chefs will tell local stories and myths and its relationship to the food traditions of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The talks are held in conjunction with the Smithsonian exhibit “Key Ingredients” (at the KCC Library).

When: Sundays, 2pm
Where: Kapiolani Community College (KCC)
Free Admission

For more information:
808.734.9268
www.kcc.hawaii.edu/object/keyingredients.html

Hawaii Limited Edition - Gift Cards

Only in Hawaii….specially designed store gift cards.

Nordstrom gift cards come in two designs. One features a hula girl and the other a hibiscus lei. A limited number of cards were manufactured for the Honolulu store’s grand opening this past January. By the end of that month the gift cards were already a scarce commodity.

A few months ago Starbucks stopped printing their special edition hula girl gift cards. These cards were introduced to the Hawaii chains a couple of years ago are becoming difficult to find.

Both cards are expected to increase in net worth and be in demand by enthusiasts and card collectors.

Hawaii Race for the Cure

What: The 14th Annual Komen Hawaii Race for the Cure.
When: October 19, 2008
Where: Kapiolani Park, Honolulu

For More Information:
http://www.raceforthecurehawaii.org/race.htm

A Splash of Color - "Crumpler" Photography Bags

Why stick with the hum drum black photo bags of days past?

Spice things up and add a splash of color to your day!

Crumpler, a five year old Australian company has expanded their line of popular computer bags to reach the pro-photographer market.

Each bag has the padded removable sectional inserts that enthusiasts have come to expect. Best of all, it's stylish design and fun colors make your valuable gear nondescript to the unassuming eye.

There are 7 sizes and a variety of color pallets to choose from. I opted for the light blue and orange "5 Million Dollar Home" (crazy Australian bag names) which is perfect as a simple day bag for travels in Peru or day tripping in Hawaii.

Gotta Love It!

The "5 Million Dollar Home" ($90) comfortably holds a camera body, attached mid-range lens, and zoom lens (e.g. 70-200mm). The "6 Million Dollar" bag ($115) can hold 2 flashes, a body with attached mid-ranged lens, a zoom lens, macro lens and either portrait or super wide angle lens. (The latter would be my choice for an all-in-one bag.)

Where to Buy It
www.crumplerbags.com
www.amazon.com (competitive prices)
www.samyscamera.com (they add approx $20 to each base price)

Epic's David Hoffman Shares his Culinary Secrets

I love a good place to eat...and more over trying to replicate the dishes that I enjoy. What a better way to do this than to watch the restaurant chefs themselves execute their culinary best.

Forget staying home to watch The Food Network and head out to the Ala Moana shopping center on Saturday, June 14 to join Epic restaurant's Executive Chef David Hoffman in a mid-day cooking demonstration. At 12 noon Hoffman will be tantalizing us with his St. Louis style Plum Szechwan Ribs, Prosciutto wrapped Jumbo Scallops, and other Euro-Asian delights.

Epic is a popular contemporary restaurant serving New American cuisine in the revitalized Chinatown district. (1131 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817; 808-587-7877)

When: June 14, 2008 12 noon | Where: Ala Moana Center Demonstration Kitchen, Level 4. | Free Admission