Pro Bowl Back In Hawaii In 2013!

Photo Credit: 808Talk

The NFL and NFL Players Association announced Wednesday that the game will be held Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Created by: Aloha Tony

Featured Photo Credit: Aloha For Japan

Hawaii based GRP HOME CO. has come together to raise money for our friends and family in Japan. The “Aloha For Japan” T-Shirt will be available at local retailers in Hawaii and online. The retail price for the AFJ T-Shirt is $20.00 USD with all profits being donated in efforts of supporting the land of the rising sun.

In Hawaii we live with the giving spirit of aloha to extend compassion, generosity and love to all humanity. In this crisis, the people of Hawaii are standing together to continue to carry out the aloha of the islands to the people of Japan.

Please visit www.alohaforjapan.com to learn more about the “Aloha For Japan” efforts and to lend your help and assistance. You can also learn more at the links below on how you can assist in other ways to help support the ongoing efforts for our friends and family in Japan.

Below is the listed information on how you can help whether you are in Hawaii or other parts of the world. If you’ve ever listened to one of our podcast you will know that I always end the show with the words “continue to spread the aloha no matter where you are in your part of the world” and today I am asking that again of everyone reading this post. I thank you all for your continued support and love that you extend in your daily life and now it’s time for all of us to unite and come together to share aloha with our fellow citizens of the world residing in Japan. I thank you in advance for your love and compassion.

People of Hawaii:
Hawaii Red Cross
Ph: 808-739-8109
Mail: Send checks payable to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816 and specify “Japan Relief” in the comments.

People of the World:
Mobile: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make $10 donation for those affected by the earthquake & tsunami in Japan.
Online: Donate through the American Red Cross or the GlobalGiving Foundation

Help needy families in Hawaii today, by signing up at http://www.huddletofighthunger.com. All you have to do is enter your Hawaii zip code to give a FREE meal. You can sign up more than once if you have multiple emails

Kraft Foods’ Huddle to Fight Hunger program is designed to reach the goal of giving away 20 million meals to Feeding America. The Hawaii Foodbank is a certified member of Feeding America, the national food bank network. The program runs till January 9th, 2011 and encompasses many ways for consumers to get involved. For all components of the program, the monetary equivalent of meals will be donated by Kraft Foods.

Pass this on to everyone you know and help feed Hawaii’s hungry!

Share on Twitter and Facebook too!

P.S. To help get more meals for the Hawaii Foodbank text “Meals 96819″ to 71717

That’s right. Dog Scouts of America is huge. Dog Scouts of America (DSA) was established in 1995 by founder, Lonnie Olson. It is a non-profit organization of people who are dedicated to enriching their lives and the lives of others with dogs. DSA takes their mission very seriously.

It is the purpose of Dog Scouts of America to:

• Promote, enhance, and give recognition to the importance of the human/companion animal bond, through a variety of educational activities and publications.
• Conduct research, education and service related to humane education and the human/companion animal bond.
• Encourage public education and community involvement on the part of its members.
• Support the involvement in the art, skill and discipline of animal behavior modification through operant conditioning and other non-traditional, non-punishment-based training methods, for the purpose of teaching various skills and activities to animals which will improve the quality of their lives and make them a more valuable resource to the community.

DSA isn’t just for dog enthusiasts; owners actually train their dogs to become useful members of the community. They do activities such as monthly troop meetings, fundraisers for charity, campouts (in cabins), troop hikes, swim fun days, canoe/kayak days, and pretty much any other fun thing we can think of. All of the activities may be fun but they each teach a different set of skills and training techniques that teach the dog to be a good member of the community.

Much like the human counterpart of this group. Dog members proudly wear their Dog Scout bandanas and strut their stuff in their doggie vests complete with the badges they have earned. With the motto “Let us learn new things, so that we may become more helpful,” troop members and their dogs work together to master new skills to earn any of over 70 available Dog Scout merit badges. The badges — which your dog can wear on his red scout vest or neckerchief — can be earned for backpacking, water sports, community service, tracking, weight pull, search and rescue, sledding, even painting by paw.

Dog Scouts of America is becoming a popular alternative to doggie school. The cost is about the same when you factor in paying for your badges and activities.

There are several people currently forming groups throughout the islands. If you are interested in joining your dog, or you yourself becoming a troop leader, visit the DSA main website for complete details and instructions.

Dog Scouts of America

Start a local Hawaii DSA troop!
http://dogscouts.org/Start_a_troop.html

It seems like DSA could be another playful yet meaningful way to help make our island a better place and I hope to see those little doggies soon, running around in their scout uniforms, or kayaking their way to better behavior. This is a cause worth supporting.

Photo Credit: Dog Scouts of America

During Justin Bieber’s stay in Hawaii he managed to get out and do some great things it appears as indicated through his tweets while in the islands…including recording a new song that he said might be good to put it out for the Holidays & raise some money for charity…he also was accompanied by Jasmine Villegas and Jaden Smith during his Hawaii visit.

Justin Bieber’s Hawaii Tweets:

• Im thinking sunshine, beaches, surfing…Im thinkin HAWAII!!
• i like it here. aloha
• like i said…i really really like it here.
• Hawaii is just too nice. only problem i had so far is got nailed by a wave body boarding….and that is not a problem
• went cliff diving. boarding. good food. sunshine. and even hit the studio inspired to write a new song. Thank u Hawaii. Showtime 2day
• recorded a new song last night. really want to share it with u guys. think we should put it out 4 the Holidays & raise some money 4 charity
• Hawaii lets spend some more time together
• sick day out on the boat with the whole crew. little jack johnson playing and some sunshine and some sea turtles and dolphins. Great day
• Hawaii great night and great vacation here. me, jaden, and @JASMINEVILLEGAS all had a great time. thank u. cant wait to come back!!

Justin Bieber
First Step 2 Forever: My Story

“Giving back to the community is an important part of our business philosophy,” said Steve Hamile, principal owner of Pablo’s Cantina. “These three organizations do so much for our Island home and we’re pleased to support their continued efforts.”

On Thursdays from 5 – 9 p.m., 50 percent of the proceeds will go toward each designated charity; 10 percent will be donated on all other days and times. Specific dates include:

· October 8-10 and 12 and 13: Make-A-Wish Foundation
· October 14-17 and 19 and 20: Catholic Charities Hawaii
· October 21: Hawaii Polo Club

During the sneak preview events, guests will make selections from a limited menu of authentic Mexican cuisine from various regions of the country, including street style tacos al pastor, Sonora enchiladas and carnitas, a Jalisco favorite. The restaurant also features over 40 premium and top-shelf tequilas and creates its signature drinks with fresh, house-made mixes.

About Pablo’s Cantina
Pablo’s Cantina is a full-service casual dining restaurant featuring fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in a casita-inspired setting. Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, the restaurant is perfect for large parties, business meetings, intimate dinners, outdoor dining and late night cervesas y sangritas. For more information, call (808) 591-8307 or visit www.Facebook.com/PablosCantinaHonolulu.

So what does this have to do with Bruddah Iz? Each morning the crew members are awaken with a pre-selected song to start their day. For this mission NASA has compiled a list of all the the wake up songs and communications to the shuttle crew from the Mission Control Center during past missions and has asked the public to vote on the song they should use for this mission. Bruddah Iz has made the list. Should he get the most votes he’ll be sweetly singing Over The Rainbow each and every morning for the crew members.

NASA has set up a page for this project where you can vote for the song you think they should use for mission STS-133. You can also stop by just to check in on who is in the lead. Voting will close on Nov.1, 2010 but you can still drop by the web-page and see who won. So far there are 1,737,414 Total Votes with, believe it or not, the Star Trek Theme Song in the lead with 27.1 of the votes. The song list contains 40 songs and Bruddah Iz is currently in 5th place with Magic Carpet Ride, Blue Sky, and Countdown by Rush ahead of him in the poles. Some of the song selections I found to be great picks and some just down right odd. Could you imagine rising every morning to Enter Sandman by Metallica? I am sure starting your day with the sounds and presence of Aloha is the way to go, even in space.

If you are interested in having your say, you can easily do so, it takes about 20 seconds, here: https://songcontest.nasa.gov/top40.aspx

Children Of The Land aka Na Keiki O Ka Aina is going above and beyond to keep the Hawaiian culture alive. Children Of The Land is a 501c-3 non-profit dedicated to preserving the Aloha Spirit. Children Of The Land is the only Polynesian Cultural Center on Kauai. It was started by Phil Villatora, a traditional Polynesian craftsman and teacher. Phil’s vision was to create a space where children and families could have a place to learn and share in the “Spirit of Aloha” and the Polynesian culture. Through his own awareness and understanding of Aloha, living in harmony with the land and traditional ways, he founded the center so that all children of the land could learn and share Aloha with future generations.

The center is FREE and open to everyone. Feel free to stop by and take a tour around. You’ll find amazing traditional artifacts, exhibits and information. The center also offers a healthy variety of free or almost free classes for seekers of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Some classes include Tahitian Drumming, Samoan Fire-knife, Ukulele, Hawaiian Language and Dance, Hula, Tahitian Dance, Lomi Lomi Massage, Nose flute, Hawaiian Medicinals, Tapa Making, Coconut Oil Making, Poi making and the making of other traditional foods. Children Of The Land strives to share with youth and their families the opportunity to participate freely regardless of income in a wide range of music, dance, drumming, language and traditional Polynesian cultural crafts and wisdom.

The Children of the Land hosted the Kings, Queens and Chiefs of the islands and tribes of the Pacific nations on Kauai for the first meeting of the Royal Union of Pacific Nations this week. Royalty from all over Polynesia came as guests in support of the center and the hope it brings for the future.

A complete listing of classes, events and information can be found by visiting their website at TheChildrenofTheLand.com.

Children of The Land is located at the Kauai Village Shopping Center/Safeway Center 4-831 Kuhio Hwy #332 Kapaa, HI 96746. For Class Schedules call Erica at (808) 821-1234. If you want to donate to the center or you just want to get involved contact Phil Villatora, Center Director, (808) 652-3714.

The team of writers and photographers who produced Metromix Honolulu are back on the scene — this time with a new, independent Web site that covers eating, events and nightlife on Oahu.

NonstopHonolulu.com goes live on Monday, August 23 with photo galleries, restaurant reviews, party pics, event listings and blogs. New content will appear daily on the multimedia-rich site, with videos and a mobile app rolling out in coming weeks.

“We want to be Honolulu’s main online source for eating, nightlife and events. If there’s buzz, we’re on it,” said Diane Seo, the former Metromix Honolulu managing producer who brought the Nonstop team together. “Our coverage will be fun and innovative. It’ll appeal to people who like to find out what’s new, what’s best, what’s coming up.”

Seo drove the creation of Nonstop together with John Garcia, her former colleague and digital whiz at The Honolulu Advertiser. When the sale of the paper effectively shut down Metromix Honolulu — one of the top food and entertainment sites owned by Advertiser parent Gannett Co. — Seo and Garcia realized a new site was needed to fill the void.

One by one, the call went out to the core players of Metromix Honolulu, and everyone immediately agreed to contribute to the new site. Photographer Tracy Chan, former Metromix associate producer, is handling nightlife coverage; while Melissa Chang, Mari Taketa, Catherine Toth and Edward Morita — Metromix’s top food writers — will cover Honolulu’s eating scene.

NonstopHonolulu.com launches on Monday with cross-promotional partnerships with Hawaii News Now and InsideOut magazine.

Follow the Nonstop crew on Twitter @nonstophonolulu, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nonstophonolulu

One of the highlights of our visit was the opportunity to talk very briefly with Hawaiian President & CEO, Mark Dunkerley and get his “shotgun” feel of excitement regarding the new Honolulu to Tokyo (Haneda) route that is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2010 – Hawaiian will initially offer the flight via the Boeing 767-300ER (264 Passenger) aircraft with a shift later to their new Airbus A330-200 (294 Passenger) aircraft – Mr. Dunkerley was excited and welcoming to both existing and new Japanese customers who will find that the service on Hawaiian Airlines is like none other and focuses on the “Aloha Spirit” that is unique to the Hawaiian culture.

Japanese 日本語
2010年6月1日　ハワイアン航空　新エアバス機　”マイレイ”　記念式典が行われました。記念式典には、ハワイ州知事リンダ　リンガルさんを始め角界の方々が参列し、”マイレイ”の就航をお祝いしました。そして、2010年秋に、初めてハワイアン航空がホノルルー羽田（東京）路線を就航するに当たり、ハワイアン航空会長兼社長　マーク　ダンカレイ氏より日本の皆さんへのメッセージをご紹介。”ハワイアン航空でようこそハワイへ！”

Hula performance at the blessing of the Makali’i Airbus A330-200

From left: Allan McArtor (Airbus Americas Chairman), William Remular (Hawaiian Air Employee), Mark Dunkerley (Hawaiian Air President & CEO), Linda Lingle (Hawaii Governor – R), Brennon Morioka (Hawaii DOT Director)

Hawaiian CEO & President Mark Dunkerley talks story w/ 808Talk reporter Dane Justman about the new Honolulu-Tokyo (Haneda) route that starts in the fall of 2010

Hawaiian CEO & President Mark Dunkerley with Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D – HI)

Complete photoset available at http://808t.in/1kc
Book Hawaiian Airlines w/ 808Talk: http://hawaiianair.808talk.com

Don’t hold back, please feel free to voice your opinion below no matter if you are for or against.

Read the entire transcript of today’s announcement @ HawaiiWeblog.com

Many of you may remember the post we did in 2008 when filming began on this controversial movie in Honolulu which used the title “Barbarian Princess” as the USA (festival title). Thanks to an update from Sheri Candler, we have learned it is scheduled to be released in select cities and theaters across the U.S. on May 14, 2010 under the title of “Princess Kaiulani.” The world premiere of this film was previously released last year at the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF).

Via Sheri Candler of www.shericandler.com

“An update to information on this film. The film will be opening May 14, 2010 in the following cities: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Phoenix, New York, and various locations in the Hawaiian Islands. Expanded city engagements will follow throughout the summer…”

Synopsis:

“Princess Kaiulani stars Q’orianka Kilcher, as a turn-of-the-century princess caught up in the last days of the Hawaiian monarchy. Set in 1888, the Kingdom of Hawaii is divided by a civil war. Princess Kaiulani, the young heir to the throne, is suddenly forced to flee the home she adores and move to England where she finds an altogether different life – one where she is not considered royalty. As she grows up and adapts to her new life there, she falls in love with the rebellious but sweet-natured Clive. At the tender age of 17, she receives the devastating news that the monarchy has been overthrown and her aunt, Queen Liliuokalani, has been arrested. The young Princess must choose between her true love and the responsibility to her beloved islands and the Hawaiian people.“

Source: Ioncinema.com

The procedure was commercialized in 1987 and finally FDA approved in the United States in 1995 after hundreds of thousands of procedures had been performed in Canada, Europe and South America. The Laser Eye Center of Hawaii is one of the first free standing refractive laser centers in the US as the first procedure was performed soon after FDA approval in 1996.

Since the inception of laser refractive surgery, millions of procedures have been done throughout the world. It is the most commonly performed elective surgery. Advancements in the procedure include making the LASIK flap with a laser as well as measurement of refractive error using digital wavefront technology. The eye tracker as well as iris recognition software have also improved outcomes. These improvements make the surgery safer and more precise.

Dr. Tyrie Jenkins was a national early adopter in laser vision correction. She was active in the study that led to the FDA approval of LASIK and performed Hawaii’s first LASIK procedure in 1997. She regularly participates in ongoing research in her field. To date Dr. Jenkins has performed over 20,000 refractive surgeries and continues to bring the freedom of glasses and contacts to many. She offers a variety of technologies to help people live a life free of glasses or contacts. Learn more about LASIK and the advanced technologies that Dr. Tyrie Jenkins uses at Pathway to Vision.

Frequently asked questions:

Who is a candidate?

A large percentage of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic patients are potential candidates for LASIK. Patients who are 18 years of age or older, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease are suitable. Along with being medically suitable, the best candidates are people with a lifestyle or occupation in which they are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses. By having an evaluation, examination, and consultation with you, the doctor will be able to determine if you are a good LASIK candidate.

Are the results permanent?

Yes. Following an initial healing period of two to three weeks, the effect of the treatment is lifelong.

Will I Need Glasses or Contact Lenses After The LASIK Treatment?

The FDA studies required for the procedure to be performed in the United States showed that with Custom View LASIK using the femtosecond laser to make the flap showed 100% of patients could pass a drivers test without glasses or contacts (20/40 or better) 98% or patients could see 20/20 with 70% of patients seeing better than 20/20. In addition, many participants reported that they had clearer, better vision both during the day and at night, compared to their vision with glasses or contact lenses before the procedure. The results were good enough for NASA to recommend that their astronauts have the procedure.

Are there risks?

As with any procedure, there are always the possibilities of complications. Fortunately with LASIK, the risks are small. It is most important that a very thorough evaluation be performed before surgery to see if you are a good candidate and that you go to a surgeon that has performed many surgeries.

What if I am not a candidate?

What would make you not a candidate would be if your prescription is too high, your eyes are too dry, your cornea is too thin or irregularly shaped or that you have another condition of your eye that makes having LASIK not a good idea. Fortunately there are other technologies available to be rid of your glasses and contacts and it is important to seek out a refractive surgeon that is experience in these alternatives.

How Much Does Laser Vision Correction Cost? Can I Afford It?

Most practices offer financing with affordable monthly payments in order to help fit LASIK into your budget. As compared with eyeglasses and contact lenses, at a range of $2,000 to $3,000 per eye, LASIK can pay for itself in a few years time. Eyeglasses usually have to be replaced once a year or so and contact lenses, depending on the type, can be extremely costly. Your company may be able to help you pay for LASIK! Many employment companies have implemented healthcare options that make elective surgeries such as LASIK an affordable alternative. These insurance programs are referred as Flex Plans, cafeteria plans or alternative health plans. These plans designate a limited amount of pre tax dollars to pay for the employee’s predetermined elective surgery. Generally the employee must decide which surgery they are planning to have and declare this to their employer. You can contact your human resource office to find out when your company’s enrollment period begins.

How do I find out if I am a candidate?

To find out if you are a candidate for this life changing procedure, please give us a call at 808-591-9911 for a free consultation with Dr. Tyrie Jenkins, one of the pioneers in laser refractive surgery in Hawaii. Or visit our website at www.pathwaytovision.com.

Several Oahu areas saw more than 90% increases in the number of sales including; Kaneohe 103%, North Shore 100% and Pearl City-Aiea 90% for single-family homes and Leeward 106.3%, Makiki 93.5% and Diamond Head-Kahala 92.3% for condominiums.

The median price for single-family homes increased by 4.8% from $567,500 to $595,000 and the median price for condominiums
grew 2.3% from $295,244 to $302,000.

45 Single Family neighborhoods and 13 condominium neighborhoods saw an increase in median price in this last 12 month period.

Here are the Top 5 Performing Neighborhoods that experienced the highest median price appreciation.

Single Family Homes:
1. Lanikai in Kailua +37.7%
2. Waimalu in Pearl City/Aiea +34.9%
3. Lilipuna in Kaneohe +26%
4. Woodlawn in Manoa +21.6%
5. Lower Nuuanu in Makiki +17.4%

Condominiums:
1. Kapalama – Kalihi +53.3%
2. McCully – Nuuanu/Makiki +15.6%
3. Lower Punchbowl – Nuuanu/Makiki +9.5%
4. Waialae Nui Valley – Waialae/Kahala +8.6%
5. St. Louis – Oahu Other +8.2%

Homebuyer Tax Credit Ending April 30th:
The government’s $8,000 first-time and $6,500 repeat homebuyer tax credits are ending this month, but it’s not too late to qualify for it.

Prudential Locations is Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated real estate company, featuring advanced Hawaii real estate search and exclusive Hawaii foreclosure listings. Visit us online at http://www.prudentiallocations.com

Once again I can’t express my gratitude enough to all those who joined together with me to put on another great event to raise money for this year’s Twestival recipient “Concern Worldwide.” Even with the troubled times in our economy and the problems lingering here at home in the islands, the response shown was nothing short of amazing! The bands, sponsors, prize donors, emcees, volunteers and over 150 people that attended the event helped raise over $3,000 towards building schools around the world.

Photo Credit: (madmarv00) / CC BY 2.0
Video Credit: [UMI] Workshop (Large View)

Mahalo again to all the organizers, supporters, musicians and our venue (Oceans 808) who joined in the 2nd Honolulu Twestival to show the world once again the wonderful aloha spirit that makes Hawaii so unique.

Shoutout Outs!
Official Media Sponsor: Yelp! Hawaii
Official Wi-Fi Provider: CLEAR Hawaii

More Pics & Stuff:
Metromix Honolulu: Party Pics
Honolulu Twestival 2010: Photos via @Hawaii
WTFHawaii: Twestival 2010 – Hawaii Style, Photos, Video

Honolulu Twestival: http://honolulu.twestival.com
Concern Worldwide: http://www.concernworldwide.org

Like every food bank across the country, Hawaii Foodbank, a member of the Feeding America network, is working harder every day to assist individuals and their families right here in the islands in these tough economic times. It’s a daily challenge, and we are always looking for new ways to meet it head on.

A proven fundraising program has partnered with NBC’s The Biggest Loser, General Mills, Subway, 24 Hour Fitness and Walgreens to encourage people to “Lose Nationally, Feed Locally” and the Foodbank needs your support to make our involvement a success!

Participating is easy and your impact can be huge.

Simply sign up and pledge your weight loss goals at www.pfpchallenge.com/hi. For every pound you pledge, the Pound for Pound Challenge will donate 14 cents to Hawaii Foodbank. In addition, if you Tweet, Facebook and Blog this to everyone you know, you can propel the Hawaii Foodbank to one of the top 10 Food Banks that will get a $10,000 bonus. That’s 25,000 meals and you can make this happen. Sign-up at pfpchallenge.com/hi and then pass it on, PLEASE!

It’s a great opportunity for our friends to do something good for themselves and do something good for our community.

To learn more about the Pound For Pound Challenge, you can visit the national website at pfpchallenge.com or e-mail megan [at] hawaiifoodbank.org.

If you lined up last year’s total recycled directories, end to end, it would stretch the total distance from Honolulu to Maui! Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages wants to exceed last year’s total of 90 tons to ensure all outdated directories are recycled into usable goods.

The neat thing about this project is that Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages has partnered with wonderful people to make the result a lasting impression on Oahu. All recycled directories will be processed at Island Shell, a local recycling plant, and converted into environmentally safe products including materials for vehicle oil change kits, mulch and wall insulation products which will then be sold and used locally. Think Yellow Go Green will ensure its mission is supported on each island from start to finish.

This program only runs through Feb. 14, so be sure and spread the word about the Think Yellow Go Green recycling program to your friends, family and coworkers.

Oahu Think Yellow, Go Green Recycling Program Schedule:

Final Weekend:
Friday, Feb. 12 – Sunday, Feb. 14

Time:
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Drop off locations:
Ward Centers
Windward Mall
Waikele Premium Outlets
Kahala Mall

More information: www.thinkyellowgogreen.com

Photo Credit: (ClickFlashPhotos / Nicki Varkevisser) / CC BY 2.0

In Hawaii we live with the giving spirit of aloha to extend compassion, generosity and love to all humanity. In this crisis, the people of Hawaii are standing together to continue to carry out the aloha of the islands to the people of Haiti.

“The people of Hawai’i have been following the news of the devastating disaster in Haiti with great interest and have been generously donating towards the relief effort. The U.S. government has sent thousands of military personnel and tons of aid, including supplies and volunteers. As always, our residents have reached deep into their hearts and pocketbooks to contribute to those Haitians who need immediate aid.

The State of Hawai’i stands with the people of Haiti during this time of crisis and we pledge our long-term support. I urge everyone to continue donating to the American Red Cross and other relief agencies. I also ask the people of Hawai’i to keep the Haitians in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.“

- Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle

Source: Hawaii.gov

Below is the listed information on how you can help whether you are in Hawaii or other parts of the world. If you’ve ever listened to one our podcast you will know that I always end the show with the words “continue to spread the aloha no matter where you are in your part of the world” and today I am asking that again of everyone reading this post. I thank you all for your continued support and love that you extend in your daily life and now it’s time for all of us to unite and come together to share aloha with our fellow citizens of the world residing in Haiti. I thank you in advance for your love and compassion.

People of Hawaii:
Hawaii Red Cross
Ph: 808-739-8109
Mail: Send checks payable to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816 and specify “Haiti Relief” in the comments.

People of the World:
Mobile: Text the word “QUAKE” to 20222 to donate $10 to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Online: Donate through the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

USS Missouri (BB-63) arrives at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Mark Logico/Released

Mighty Mo is one of several historic sites clustered within Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. An Iowa class battleship, she is 997 feet long and 209 feet high from keel to mast. Original equipment included nine 16 inch guns and twenty 5 inch anti-aircraft guns. She could reach speeds of over 30 knots (35 mph).

The Missouri saw plenty of action in 50 years of service. Earning 11 battle stars, she was the last battleship ever commissioned by the United States government. Built in the Brooklyn New York Navy Yard and christened by Mary Margaret Truman on January 29, 1944 she sailed in time to join the Pacific Fleet during World War II. During her tour of the Pacific Theater she fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. She was in Okinawa when attacked by a Kamikaze pilot who left a lasting dent on her aft starboard side that is still visible today. Perhaps the most memorable event occurred on Sept 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay. The formal Japanese surrender and signing of the Japanese–Armistice that ended World War II took place on the Missouri. A commemorative brass plaque embedded in the ship’s teak deck now marks the historic spot.

A key force in the Korean War, the Missouri was the first American ship to arrive in support of the Korean Republic. She sailed into the Korean peninsula and served there from 1950 to 1953. The nine 16 inch guns launched 2,700 pound shells a distance of up to 23 miles. The ship was decommissioned in 1955, destined for the Pacific Reserve Fleet and possibly the scrap yard. In 1986, however, the Mighty Mo was re-commissioned and retrofitted with the most advanced technology available at the time, including Tomahawk missile launchers. In 1990, she took on Iraq and Kuwait targets in “Operation Desert Storm“.

On the 50th anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Missouri made its final voyage, leading an armada into Pearl Harbor. America’s last active battleship was decommissioned once again in 1992. In 1998, she was donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to her preservation. The ship was then opened to the public as a museum, a memorial to our people and history, exactly 55 years after she was launched. Her position in Battleship Row off Ford Island honors and watches over the men of the USS Arizona who were entombed below the water just yards away on December 7, 1941. These two ships symbolize the beginning and end of World War II in the Pacific Theater.

The USS Missouri receives over 400,000 visitors who tour the ship each year. The battleship is expected to return to her position on Battleship Row in January 2010.

• Designing the Missouri took 175 tons of blueprint paper. The ship was built in three years and required over 3 million man-days to complete the job.
• For comparison’s sake, the Missouri is 279 feet longer and 11 feet wider than the USS Arizona. The Mighty Mo is also 5 feet longer and 18 feet wider than the RMS Titanic.
• Just how big is the Missouri? If you could stand the ship on end, it would be 332 feet taller than the Washington Monument.
• The nine 16-inch guns are the Mighty Mo’s trademark feature. Each gun barrel is approximately 67 feet long, weighs an incredible 116 tons, and can fire a 2,700-pound shell 23 miles in 50 seconds — with pinpoint accuracy.
• The Missouri was the last U.S. battleship to be launched and the last to be decommissioned. She was also the most formidable. In addition to her massive firepower capabilities, she possessed thick steel armor plating that protected the hull (13.5 inches), the gun turrets (17 inches in front; 13 inches on the sides), the citadel (17 inches), and the conning tower sides (17.3 inches).

Video: Timelapse – Mighty Mo entering drydock via Honolulu Advertiser/USA Today

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html
Personal Blog http://aprilmwilliams.wordpress.com

Michele Carbone, MD, PhD (Human Pathology), was approved as the new director and started on a three-year term on September 1, 2009. Dr. Carbone previously served as the interim director, a position he assumed upon the resignation of the previous director in December 2008.

Upon Dr. Carbone’s appointment as interim director, University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw was quoted saying, “Dr. Carbone, an internationally respected scientist, particularly in the area of mesothelioma, joined the Cancer Research Center in 2006 and has also been serving as Chairman of the Pathology Department at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. We very much appreciate his stepping forward to assume this leadership responsibility so that we keep moving forward with the development of the Cancer Research Center for the State of Hawaii.”

Before working with the University of Hawaii in 2006, Dr. Carbone worked at the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Deemed an authority on malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer related to asbestos exposure, Dr. Carbone and his team have comprehensively studied the impact of genetics, environmental carcinogens and viral infections on mesothelioma development and have subsequently worked to develop preventative and therapeutic treatments.

Dr. Carbone also received a $1 million grant from the American Cancer Society and, along with his team members, has received more than half of all federal funding for mesothelioma and approximately 90 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s funding allocated for mesothelioma research.

Additional information about mesothelioma and mesothelioma research may be found through the Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com.

Recently I had the wonderful chance of experiencing the new show “Hā–Breath of Life” at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was AMAZING! Now courtesy of the PCC, kama’aina can experience it at a discounted price for a limited time!

Download this special offer coupon HERE!

The coupon offer, gateway buffet dinner and show, is good for up to 4 people with a valid Hawaii ID. Just simply present the coupon when purchasing your tickets. This offer expires on Oct. 31, 2009

This one of a kind summer adventure for the Roaming Gnome is taking advantage of all the amazing deals and hopping on a plane to travel to some of the most popular summer vacation destinations like Hawaii. Hoping to inspire others, the Roaming Gnome is letting the fans and followers map out his summer tour and follow the journey online. So far he’s been to Chicago, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Philadelphia, and next HAWAII!

This latest leg of the tour was a competition between Hawaii, Cancun, and Jamaica and with over 100,000 votes cast, Hawaii was announced the winner today taking 46 percent of the votes with 56,470 total votes. It’s believed that on the Hawaii visit the Gnome will visit each island in search of the best places to stay, eat, party, and meet the locals.

We at 808Talk want to be among the first to welcome the Gnome to Hawaii with a great big ALOHA! See you soon…

You can vote for the Roaming Gnome’s last destination on the tour by going to http://votetravelocity.com and selecting between Mission Beach (San Diego) vs. South Beach (Miami) vs. Venice Beach (Los Angeles). Be sure and follow the Roaming Gnome during his travel in Hawaii on Twitter or Facebook. Better yet, join in the fun and come visit Hawaii to meet him in person!

“The original Lynx was built in 1812 as a blockade runner in Fells Point, Baltimore, by Thomas Kemp. She had a very short privateering career and was captured by the British at the start of her second run from the Chesapeake to France in 1813. She then promptly entered British Naval service as a revenue cutter, was renamed Mosquidobit, and was stationed in Nova Scotia. She was later sent to England and her lines were taken off on May 10, 1816.“

The Privateer Lynx in Morro Bay

Tall Ship Privateer Lynx

A complete schedule of where the “Privateer Lynx” will be docking and offering tours over the next few weeks in Hawaii is available here: http://urltea.me/00v