Here we go with today's subjects of interest:

Takeover at the Palace: When/If there ever becomes a point where there is another government other than the one currently in place (US Government, State of Hawai'i, City and County etc...), I am hopeful that they are benevolent, intelligent, have respect for others, non-violent and hope they have a plan. In my PERSONAL opinion, none of that was seen last Friday. They way they they seem to be going about this whole thing just makes everyone look bad. Someone should have an economic plan... Especially how things are with the economy being where it is.

OLYMPIC GAMES - Micheal Phelps: Whoa what a machine. Setting the bar for new heights. Awesome. Natasha Kai: We're behind you girl. Go show them what you got....and show them tattoos!! Women's Volleyball: 5 girls with Hawaii ties. You're on a roll. Hang tight...trust each other. Can't wait to see Bryan Clay in action...

Little League Team: Proud of them. They're doing awesome. They are playing this morning. They're doing excellent!!

Slack Key: The State of Slack Key is GOOD. Slack Key is getting more and more exposure. SK is also becoming more and more part of the mainstream of music as the exposure grows. The amount of students that are wanting to learn this artform is growing. SK has gotten to the point where there are different genre within SK with jazz, spanish, flamanco, blues flavors. The main concern amongst Kiho'alu SK players is that the "essence" of SK be passed along. Not just that it's a bunch of tunings that make it SK, but there is an aloha, a humbleness about SK; something that makes it "nahenahe". Makana mentioned yesterday while I interviewed him that the more he ventures and explores more aspects of music, the more it forces him to explore the roots of kiho'alu. Bobby Moderow went on a length sharing with us about how Uncle Raymond Kane would spend 1/2 of the time with guitar and technique, the other half of the time talking story ABOUT kiho'alu; the why's and how of what he learned, where the mele came from, what playing SK should feel like. Kiho'alu comes from the islands, and the artists who play kiho'alu are trying to make sure everyone knows where kiho'alu comes from, how it came about, and how to continue to perpetuate it.

More tomorrow...hope you're having a good day!!

billyv

Way to go Paris! I'm not really into Paris, but the people who put that together? They should be running the campaigns of the Presidential Candidates. Absolutely Hilarious. Chalk one up for Paris (I can't believe I'm cheering for something she did, but you gotta admit, she school'd the boys)

Someone put the State and the HSTA with boxing gloves and put them in the ring. Let them have at it so we can go back to our merry lives and get the dispute done and over with. We as parents and taxpayers care about the safety of our children (first) and their continuing education (second). If the teachers aren't doing drugs, they won't mind getting tested. I'm guessing that's what the majority of people want. Too bad a few bad apples spoil everything for the majority of our wonderful, hardworking, caring teachers that have determination and the trust of us parents.

from the YAY column:

Colt Brennan: I haven't gotten so excited to watch an NFL in the last couple of years, as I was watching Colt go into the Hall of Fame game this past Sunday. He looked comfortable, he looked good. But if the coach says you got lots to learn; learn all you can from Zorn. Take your time and pay your dues...don't get impatient. It will all come with patience and time. But I don't think that's anything Colt needs to hear.....he already knows.

Natasha Kai: She starts her run for Olympic Gold today, two days before the Opening Ceremonies. The most decorated athlete to come out of Kahuku High School, with awards thru her collegiate career and now on the cusp of the world's largest sports stage. Go get 'um girl...and enjoy the experience...

Warrior Football Team: Working hard with Fall Camp as the countdown continues towards Florida. The pieces are falling into place. Working hard during the off season starts to payoff. Fans getting ready to tailgate and Aloha Stadium coming to life with football season. Are you ready to "Get into the Game"?

Wahine Volleyball: word is that the NCAA may go to a 25 point game system. It now stands at 30. Not too thrilled with that. I can imagine neither is Dave Shoji. Haven't seen the SSC crew yet...will probably drop by next week as we get geared up for vball.

Parker McLachlin: Couldn't be happier for his PGA Tour win. Couldn't have happened to a nicer family also. Hold on to your hats everyone....I have a feeling it's just the beginning for Parker!!

Gabby Pahinui Waimanalo Kanikapila: Thia Saturday...the list of musicians is HUGE...it's going to be awesome. I'm headed out there this Saturday...

I'm sure I'll have more opinions tomorrow for you...in the meantime...have a wonderful day!!

billyv