Honolulu, HI

Even over a decade after his death, Rap Reiplinger is still being recognized for his local style humor. I know I’m one of many who grew up on Aunty Marialani’s “not too sweet… not too rancid… but just right…” comedy sketch. That was fun to watch and then there’s also the infamous “Fate Yanagi” song which (for now) I can’t seem to get out of my mind. (more…)

May 24, 2008 – May 26, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend means it’s a three day weekend and I can only think of one thing - barbecue! Well… At least for me anyway…. But if you’re looking for something to do, check out these places on Oahu this weekend! (more…)

I’ve been starting to hear about Frank De Lima a lot these days which is great because he still ROCKS! After more than a decade of not hearing anything about him, late last year, my kids told me that he visited their school and did a show. And of course, they started talking about being PODAGEE (pronounced po-da-gee ; say it like you see it). Honestly, I thought he ended up in Vegas or something like that, which is where most Hawaii people seemingly end up at.

Anyway, as I wrote yesterday’s post, I also saw another legendary comedian Andy Bumatai hosting a talk show which featured Frank De Lima. COOL! If you remember, Andy Bumatai had a television programs, “High School Daze” and “All in the Ohana” but I think I’ll post about that later.

Getting back to Frank De Lima, this guy is amazing. It turns out he started his own 501(c)(3), The Frank De Lima Student Enrichment Program which is touring throughout the elementary and middle / intermediate schools. I wish I knew that! I would’ve done the “casual drop-by” at my kid’s school! This two-year tour ends at the end of the month, but as I look at his calendar, he’ll be performing at Dot’s in Wahiawa for a Father’s Day event.

I was also surprised to hear that he was doing some humorous song writing. I know my mom told me last year about the June Jones song he did, but I didn’t really pay attention. Anyway, the main reason I bring that up is because I found this video clip on his site that plays the June Jones song. This song and other songs are available on his website for free downloading as well.

I’m glad I’ll be hearing more about him these days – really funny stuff!

Frank DeLima, Hawaii comedians, Andy Bumatai, High School Daze, All in the Ohana, The Frank De Lima Student Enrichment Program

Happy Mother’s Day to all you fabulous Mom’s! May your day be blessed beyond measure and filled with the love that you have generously sown into the lives of those around you!

Now for the Dad’s and kids – if you haven’t bought a present or decided what to do, here’s a quick listing of a few of my favorite restaurants that I know your precious Mom would love to attend. (more…)

Make Mom’s gift extra personal this year. I know finding something she likes might be a little difficult since we no longer come home with those cute, school made mugs, photo frames or drawings that she always loved, but hey, we need to step up anyway. Here are some of unique things you can get for Mom and perhaps, you can even share in the experience with her. (more…)

Looking in the Honolulu Advertiser today, you see a row of faces. These people are suspected of being connected with a drug ring smuggling more than 1.2 million dollars in crystal methamphetamine per month.

The sad part is that most of the people were in their early twenties. Is this what our society has come to? We deny access to cutting edge technology and businesses like the Hawaii Superferry so we can live the life we’ve always lived for years. The problem with living the life we’ve always lived is that it presents a one-sided view for the younger generation! They don’t know anything else other than what they’ve been exposed and as a result, they never strive for anything. (more…)

Phenomenal on video and equally striking on stage, the Lion King musical has made it’s way to Hawaii! Originally selling out within a matter of hours, the show was extended for another 4 weeks. Opening earlier this week at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall, the show received great reviews which was expected. (more…)

This was only practice, but the Thunderbirds are AMAZING! This video clip on YouTube highlights over 9 minutes worth of air maneuvers. (more…)

Do you have a dream? Have you done anything with it? If you’re like most people, your dream is probably still in the incubating phase and you need to start taking action on developing that dream - developing that goal.

This song is a hawaiian music classic. (more…)

Loving unconditionally is something we all want as a part of our quality of life, but yet sometimes, it seems so far out of reach. Where is this love coming from and where can we find it?

The truth is that it is already within us whether or not we actually use it. Sometimes we just need some help to bring it out.

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole - best known for his song, “Somewhere over the Rainbow” is one of the few Hawaii recording artists to have their music go nationwide. His wife, Marlene, talks about their love in this interview with the Honolulu Advertiser - a local newspaper.

The message may not be too much about Hawaii’s music or about Hawaii’s culture specifically, but you get an idea for the kind of love that can produce such great songs. Check out what she has to say.

unconditional love, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole, Honolulu Advertiser

Good food, cultural shows and lots of people was in the mix for this year’s 25th Annual Okinawan Festival. Held at Kapiolani Park in gorgeous Waikiki, the festival was a great place for families and visitors. All I can say is “great food”!

Check out this video highlighting some of this weekend’s events on YouTube.

25th annual okinawan festival, kapiolani park, Waikiki, YouTube

Missed the concert? Watch clips of songs and more like these on YouTube. When I first found the video clip, there were only 3 songs performed. Now, you can practically watch her whole concert! Well, you know it’s not the same as actually being there, but at least it’s something. See “Rich Girl”, “Hollaback Girl”, “Early Winter” and “What You Waiting For?” and more YouTube.

Gwen Stefani has this powerful voice that you know is sheer talent. You know how some singers have computer fabricated voices? Well, hers is for real! Besides that, she’s just plain awesome to watch. Her music reaches out to the younger generation, but she brings back a lot of the “generation x” stuff (you know, stuff from the 90’s) – beats, old songs and mashes them into something new.

Well anyway, watch concert video clips on YouTube.

gwen stefani live, Hawaii, youtube