I just watched the move THE HELP.  WOW, what a great movie.  At first I didn't think I would be very interested in it.  I thought THE HELP was another story on the segregated South.  Now, while that is part of the basis, it is not the story.  This movie was more about personal relationships; the way people were treated (what goes around comes around); and the beginning of healing.

The time is 1950's when African Americans or Blacks, as the movie referred to them as, had to sit at the back of the bus, had different laws than white people, could be fired from their jobs and virtually black-balled from ever working again just because of a suspicion that even if it was unsubstantiated, it didn't matter.

You've seen and heard many movie trailers that declare "You'll Laugh, You'll Cry..."  And you will, among other emotions.

If you haven't already seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it.  Right now it is avaiable at Blockbuster Express (BBE) kiosks (in Safeway stores) and I saw it on RedBox too.  At BBE, it was only a dollar.

After you watch it and you find you enjoyed it, send me a dollar...If you didn't like it, send me a dollar.  I am just starting another one-five-ten dollar collection.

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The obvious answer is not the answer to my question...

When does a person's status go from DIVORCED to SINGLE?

More and more I notice applications, registrations, and other similar personal information gathering tools have DIVORCED as one of the options under MARITAL STATUS.  Usually the options are either SINGLE or MARRIED.  Would the label change after one has been divorced for X number of years?  In my opinion, one's marital status is irrelevant unless they are signing up on a dating website or applying for a job involving marriages (Wedding 'R Us)

Okay, I know this is kinda silly, but friends and family members I posed this question to don't really know.  It is obvious if one were to remarry the status would go from DIVORCED to MARRIED...that is unless more options are added like, MARRIED AGAIN, or POST DIVORCED.  If that were to happen, then other options would have to be listed such as NEVER BEEN MARRIED, or SINGLE BUT WILLING, or DIVORCE IS NOT AN OPTION.  If it is a matter of moral character marital status wouldn't be an accurate gauge because married folks don't always have scruples. 

Maybe the options should be ALIVE or DEAD.  Or better yet...NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.

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I don't understand all the tax codes, tax breaks, exemptions, yada yada yada...What I do understand is that every dollar I earn someone other than me has their hand(s) in my pocket to take their share*, even if it doesn't seem fair they want their share.  Sometimes there is so much scratching and grabbing, the intensity almost matches wild, unbridled sex (from what I've been told).

An article by Bob Jennings of Fox Business (story is here) listed a bunch of tax benefits that are set to expire within the next couple of years.  One major individual tax benefit expected to expire at the end of 2012 is known as The Marriage Tax Penalty.  Do you know what that is???  I didn't so I looked it up and found a somewhat simple explanation here.  The following paragraph made me scratch my 5 o'clock shadow (that took me 5 days to grow---it's an Asian thing) and go "hmmmm." 

"Prior to 2003, if both spouses earned about the same amount of money, then they ended up in a higher tax bracket and were penalized for being married. Actually, the smaller the difference between what they each earned, the higher the marriage penalty. However, if one spouse earned a good salary, and the other didn't, then they weren't penalized. The marriage penalty could affect couples in all income brackets, though. A couple who married could lose earned income tax credits that they had received as singles."

I don't understand it all, but from what I think I comprehend, this may be another reason to stay single.  If you are a tax savvy person in-the-know about this tax thingy I invite you to 'splain this sucka.  If it is true, the time has come where marriage could take someone to the cleaners more than divorce.

Consider pre-marital counseling with a minister and a CPA.

**********

(*sidenote, remember the 70s song "My Fair Share" or something like that?  The rhyme of "their share" made me think of that song..."Share (sp?), stay with me if you dare...")

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I received an email that was such great advice, I'm passing this on.

This is regarding calling a company's Customer Service...

Any time you call an 800 number
(for a credit card, banking, charter communications, health and other insurance, computer help desk, etc)
and you find that you're talking to a foreign customer service representative
(perhaps in India, Philippines, etc),
please consider doing the following:

After you connect and you realize that the customer service representative is not from the USA
(you can always ask if you are not sure about the accent),
please, very politely
(this is not about trashing other cultures)
say, "I'd like to speak to a customer service representative in the United States of America ."

The rep might suggest talking to his/her manager,
but, again, politely say, "Thank you, but I'd like to speak to a customer service representative in the USA ."
YOU WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CONNECTED TO A REP IN THE USA .
That's the rule and the LAW.

It takes less than one minute to have your call re-directed to the USA .
Tonight when I got redirected to a USA rep, I asked again to make sure - and yes, she was from Fort Lauderdale .

Imagine what would happen if every US citizen insisted on talking to only US phone reps from this day on.
Imagine how that would ultimately impact the number of US jobs that would need to be created ASAP.
If I tell 10 people to consider this and you tell 10 people to consider doing this - see what I mean...it becomes an exercise in viral marketing 101.

Remember - the goal here is to restore jobs back here at home - not to be abrupt or rude to a foreign phone rep. You may even get correct answers, good advice, and solutions to your problem - in real English.

If you agree, please tell 10 people you know, and ask them to tell 10 people they know....etc...etc

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It was amazing the amount of support sent to Japan after the horrible earthquake/tsunami in March.  Hawaii people never cease to amaze me whenever they rally together. 

What I don't quite understand is why was I more willing to give to the Japan tragedy, but not as quick to repond to the tornado ravaged south?  The south, Alabama and surrounding states, are part of US...a part of our country. 

The other night one of those long commercials soliciting funds to help children in a poor foreign country started me thinking.  Does it make sense to send money to help those countries and not send the same or more for poverty stricken areas of the USA? 

I'm an animal lover.  Commercials asking to support the US Humane Society tug at my heart strings.  I know people who give generously to humane animal causes, but never seriously consider giving to organizations trying to help PEOPLE in the USA.  I'm not judging because I count myself in that group.

I started to jot down non-profit organizations that I have given to in the past few years.  Shamefully there was only one on that list that help human beings in our country.  The few others were for animal and foreign causes.  I suck!

What would happen if everyone that makes a donation to organizations helping children of another country, animal shelters, political organization, etc., started to give to UNITED STATES of AMERICA charities that help our fellow citizens (HUMAN BEINGS) dealing with tragedies, hunger, illness, homelessness, etc.? 

I'm not suggesting to stop giving to those other causes.  Instead, share some of your gift/donation.  What if a ten dollar donation, normally designated for causes forementioned, was split?  In other words if your heart leads you to give to the Humane Society, continue to give, but maybe divert some of that money to the Food Bank, Red Cross, YMCA, United Way, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Catholic Charities, American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, MDA, St. Judes...There are hundreds. 

Maybe by helping ourselves will allow us to help others better. 

Just thinking.

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I feel as if I have decreased the value of the stock that is ME.  If you cared, here is where you ask, "Why Jeff?"

I've admitted many times that I have been a fan of GENERAL HOSPITAL for more than 27 years.  When I got hooked, I was too young to think this was dumb.

At my age now (29 + a few anniversaries of that age) one would think something as brain cell squandering as getting hooked on a TV show was behind me.  Not so, say I.

Out of curiousity I watched the season premiere of THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (you know, the Donald Trump "You're fired!" reality TV show).  There were a couple of celebs in there that I was curious about.  After that first episode, my curiousity grew...and grEW...and GREW!  I record the weekly show and find myself talking to the TV as if they could hear me (and in that moment I believe they CAN hear me).  At the end of each episode I can't wait until the following week.

I'm Jeff Kino, and I AM a Celebrity Apprentice groupie...Dammit!

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 I’m sure you'll agree, when someone has helped you through something…or helped you do something...or went out of their way for you...Give them the credit.  Just like my previous post about the waiter at Assagio’s Ala Moana, DUSTIN.  I give him credit for going above and beyond just serving us…He helped to make my son’s birthday celebration a memorable experience.  Give credit when credit is due…Even if it is less than sub-par.

Last week Friday late afternoon, February 18^th, I was at Costco Iwilei to look for a new printer. 

After a few minutes I asked an employee if there was someone who could help.  Enter the gentleman wearing the red vest…the guy who loves the word WHAT.  His name tag said…Well, I’m not going to directly name him.  Let’s just say his name rhymes with MARK, but it was spelled with a C as the fourth letter (*rim shot*)

After a less than nice start followed by a series of interruptions when I started to ask questions, I told him I could tell him what I wanted to know if he “would just shut up.”  He suddenly developed big body then chest bumped me and said, “What?  (there’s that dang word again) Whatchyou goin’ do about it?”  Eh?

I was somewhat stunned.  An argument ensued.  …Blah, blah, blah…Yadda, yadda, yadda…

…Then I requested a manager and while I was telling the manager what transpired, Mr. What interrupted.  The manager told him that this was “not going to happen on the sales floor” and told him to go back to his department.

I am not a believer in “the customer is always right,” because having worked retail, I know that isn’t always true.  However, regardless of who is right or wrong, or who said what in whatever kind of tone, there is NEVER room for ANY physical contact.  Even a touch or chest bump is completely out of line. 

My recommendation is if you are in the market for any kind of electronics, Costco Iwilei should be your LAST choice, if it even lands on your list.  (BTW, I went across the street to Best Buy and nabbed the same thing for less and no hassles…AND a price break).

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I'm sure many would agree that part of an excellent dining experience is your server.

To celebrate my son's birthday, we chose Assaggio in Ala Moana. The food was great, atmosphere nice, and our server was outstanding. H e was attentive, personable, knowledgeable, and an all around nice guy.

Next time you go to Assaggio in Ala Moana, be sure to ask for DUSTIN.

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The new legislative session isn't even a couple of weeks old and yet my head is spinning due to some of the legislation being introduced.  In my opinion there seems to be more important matters which need attention.

Changing a law regarding birth certificates so that the state can charge $100 for those who want to view President Obama's birth cert is not going to help the fiduciary challenges facing us.  The primary sponsor introducing this bill is Rep. Rida Cabanilla.  Really?  Really??  Is this indicative of what is to come from some elected officials? 

Civil union legislation seems to be picking up speed because Governor Abercrombie had stated during his campaign that he would've signed the bill in which his predecessor Linda Lingle had vetoed.  It boggles me that so much effort is behind this issue when there are much more pertinent problems that need to be solved.  This is not to take away from those passionate about civil unions, either pros or cons.  I do think there are other priorities (energy, money, social services, education, etc.).

I apologize if this has offended anybody.  Not my intent...I just needed to stretch my very opinionated vocal chords.  I shall now go and have a bowl of soup.

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I was looking over some of my posts and realized I should look at the other side of things or at least even the playing field.  What I mean is I don't think of myself as a demanding customer, but I do expect some level of politeness.  Human nature is to tell 10 people your story if it had a negative impact (like my WalMart & Best Buy experiences), however when it is something positive, we probably don't tell as many people.  I read a few years ago that the ratio is something like 10:2.

Over the past week, I encountered some really nice people in a few places I shopped.  On Black Friday, after leaving WalMart (see previous post), my son and I went to Sears in Ala Moana.  The hardware department and electronics were busy, but there wasn't a single sales person with an attitude or chip on their shoulder...at least the ones I encountered.  They never made me feel rushed or act as if they had better things to do.  What was very noticeable was all of them came across very genuine.  Thank you SEARS ALA MOANA.

Today I forced myself to go to Office Depot-Kamake'e Street.  Many of the sales people there, including some managers, are not very friendly or helpful.  Too often I am made to feel some had a higher ranking priority like strolling down aisles, touching up their coiffed hair, or getting into some mindless zone.  HOWEVER, today I encountered a sales person who worked in the copy/print/business service area who actually made my experience very pleasant. Her name is Tawna (like Tanya).  I needed a custom stamp and OD can make certain self inking stamps while you wait.  She was very helpful,  knowledgable, and took the time to answer my questions...all the while with a genuine smile and personality.  Thank you TAWNA at Office Depot-Kamake'e St.

(One side note...a department manager who often cops an attitude and is condescending---I know, I've encountered him---was helping in the same department and obviously knew very little.  One example was trying to figure out how much postage he should charge for a package he was weighing...It was a prepaid FLAT RATE box.)

So I will still *itch & moan about less than desirable and bad service, but I am going to really tout those individuals and businesses that deserve a gold star!

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Remember the movie RAIN MAN?  Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise played brothers.  Hoffman was a mentally challenged man who declared at one point in the movie, "KMART SUCKS!"  This past Black Friday, WALMART SUCKS!!!

Many stores advertised their super special Black Friday deals starting at 5:00am-11:00am.  That means if you want to get one of those super specials, you had better be in the store by 5:00am.  That's a no brainer...Unless you're at WalMart!

To be fair, I'm referring to the Honolulu WalMart store near Ala Moana.  My son and I arrived at about 4:15am.  Experience told us we had better grab a cart right away before they are all taken.  As we started our trek to find one of their electronic specials, I asked an assistant manager where the item is.  She pointed me to the general direction then said there "probably not any left" because the store handed out wristbands starting at 2:00am and they were all spoken for.

WHAT???  The store handed out wristbands starting at 2:00am?  So I asked her about shoppers expecting the items to be made available starting at 5:00am.  She replied, "They could've gotten a wristband if they were here earlier."  WHAT???  I asked they did the wristband thing and her response was, so "they didn't have to wait around."  She said they could go home and come back at 5:00am.

I checked with another assistant manager on the floor for a second opinion.  She started to read the fine print in the ad, and then went to confer with a manager.  When she came back, she informed me that wristbands had been distributed at 2:00am.  Another customer, who had a wristband, said she got her wristband at a little before 1:00am. 

This action by WalMart is deceptive advertising.  It hinges on the ol' bait and switch in which they advertise products for a great price, but by the time the item is said to be available (according to the ad), the store doesn't have any more available because of the wristband idiocracy. 

I observed customers with wristbands trying to hide their wristband when other customers also found out about the early giveaway.  They probably knew it wasn't fair, but they were happy that they’d get their item.  Interestingly enough the only people who felt the wristband practice were a good thing were those who had wristbands.  Those who, like me, expected the items to be available at the advertised time, were not happy campers.

If you were deceived by WalMart, let them know about your experience at http://walmartstores.com/contactus/feedback.aspx.

You could simply write:

Dear WalMart,

Your ads stated select items would be specially priced and available from 5:00am-11:00am on Black Friday.  We found out any of those items advertised where already spoken for because the store handed out wristbands at about 1:00-2:00am.  Anyone arriving at 4:30-5:00am had absolutely no opportunity for the specials because all the wristbands were already gone.  This practice is completely unfair and deceptive.

I/we will have to reconsider spending money in your store again.  I/we will be sure to share this experience with my family, friends, and co-workers.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

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I revisited my childhood for a minute or so today when I heard Morgan White, former disc jockey in Hawaii and known to thousands of kids from the 60s to the early 80s as Pogo Poge, passed away a couple of days ago.  Pogo was half of the longest running children’s show in Hawai’i, The Checkers & Pogo Show.  Each weekday afternoon from 3:00pm to 5:00pm Checkers and Pogo would play games with children in their live studio audience, pull pranks on each other, hit each other with pies, and introduce cartoons on KGMB-TV (which was owned by the late Cec Heftel).  Jay Hawthorne originated the role of Mr. Checkers.  Dave Donnely, a former newspaper columnist, succeeded him.  However, it was Jim Demarest, who held the role the longest and is more readily remembered as Mr. Checkers.  After Demarest left the show, so did Mr. Checkers.  Nobody replaced the character.  Demarest passed away in 2007.

Morgan White was also cast in a recurring role of the prosecutor on the original Hawai’i Five-O.  At one point White held a world’s record for jumping on a pogo-stick (thus the name Pogo Poge) and also held a record for the longest continuous ride on a Ferris wheel. 

Ask almost anyone who grew up in Hawaii from the 60s to 80s will more than likely fondly remember Mr. Checkers & Pogo Poge…Rest in Peace!

What memories do you have of Checkers & Pogo?????  Some other local celebrities appearing regularly on the show included disc jockey Kim Chee.  His character was Super Spy.  Actor Fred Ball, better known as Professor Fun, mesmorized the kids with his various magic tricks.  The late Freddie Morris and his sidekick ventriolquest dummy (pre-Moku Kahana days) also appeared on the show. 

Added memory:  Do you remember what shows aired on KGMB-TV after Checkers & Pogo ended every weekday?  I recall at 5 o'clock it was The Flintstones follwed by Gilligan's Island.  At 6:00pm, it was news with Bob Sevey.

BTW, if today is NOT your birthday..."A Very Merry UN-Birthday to You!"

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As a consumer there is a certain amount of expectation whenever spending my cash with any business.  Whether it is a department store, specialty shop, restaurant, or countless other businesses that want my Georges, Lincolns, Jacksons, and Franklins, we expect some basic courtesy and respect. 

As humans, when we don’t receive even the minimal amount of good service, some of us get angry, irritated, or slightly irked.  And when we get angry, irritated, or slightly irked, often times we will tell at least one other person about our experience, probably more.  That’s just the way it is. 

Several years ago in a sales training meeting, the guest speaker said when a person has a bad experience, they “will tell 10 people,” compared to telling only “one or two” when their experience has been good.  I guess that’s just human nature.

I’m going to attempt to turn over a new leaf.  More accurately, I am going to add a new leaf to my tree of emotions.  I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t know how long this new approach will last, but I’ve tried before and I’ll probably try and try and try again.  I’ll try to share positive experiences more often.  As of this writing, I am determined…Gosh Darn It! 

A couple of weeks ago my teenage son and I went to Taco Del Mar in Ward Center for dinner.  This was my second visit ever to Taco Del Mar and the same location.  My first visit two female employees seemed a little more interested in their personal conversation than decent customer service, but it wasn’t anything outrageous.  They weren’t rude; they just didn’t really seem to care.  My second visit, two male employees were serving up the tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and nachos.  I was expecting a nice dinner but better-than-good service wasn’t expected.

A sincere and warm welcome greeted us as we entered.  If they were having a personal conversation, there was no hint of it when we walked in.  They were attentive, answered our questions, and took our orders…all with real smiles!  Knock me over with a tortilla!  They even took it a step forward offering suggestions of their personal favorites.  They were polite, but didn’t over do it; they didn’t come off as fake or canned, but rather authentic and personable. 

Kerry & Raymond (I asked for their names) offered up some condiments and easygoing conversation.  Another customer walked in, a male police officer, and Kerry & Raymond were just as real and polite as they were with us.  As a few more customers entered, none of their sincerity faltered.  These boys added to the dining experience. 

I can’t stress this enough…They were NOT being fake or phony, canned or rehearsed.  WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get).  As we left, my 16-year old son even commented on their demeanor and service, compared to our previous visit.  I would say they made a good impression on this teenager. 

I hope that if you decide to go to Taco Del Mar in Ward Center on Au'ahi Street, you’ll have the same experience. 

Thanks Kerry & Raymond!

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I am rethinking future purchases with a certain big box retailer.  Yes, they offer competitive prices, however the operative word is COMPETITIVE.  That means other places may price match, but this is getting off the point. 

A few months ago, I had to get another computer.  I decided to buy it from BEST BUY (BB) on Ala Kawa Street in Honolulu, HI.  The purchase was a story in itself.  The sales person did not know the correct information regarding charges and services suggested in the price of the computer.  It wasn't until we were at checkout that we realized he gave us wrong information.  All four of us, me, my 16-year old son, and two other adults, heard the same thing.  Even with his admission of error, the manager on duty made NEVER approached us to try to rectify the situation.  He only spoke to the cashier and sales clerk when they walked up to him.    

I guess this should have been the indicator of what was to come.  

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from BB regarding the upcoming renewal of the anti-virus software (AV) already installed on the computer.  I had to pay for it even if I didn’t want it.  The email said to call 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289) if there were any questions regarding any plan or software renewal.  I had decided not to continue with this particular AV program so I called... 

-The first time I called, I was put on hold for more than 15 minutes until I hung up.-

 -The second time I called, I waited over 8 minutes before I had to go.

-The third time I was on hold, I waited more than 18 minutes before I spoke to anyone on the BB Subscription Software Team.  (By the way, this third call was set up through the BB website where BB calls the customer...And even with that I still waited).

 Racquel (Employee #343xx) handled the call.  She asked for several different ways to find my account.  She asked for a couple of different phone numbers, my name, any other name, and my email address.  Each time she said she couldn't find the account.  I wasn't a very happy customer, but I remained calm.  I repeated the email address, even sounding out each letter with an example (F as in FRANK, etc.).  She asked, "S as in SAM?"  I know over the phone the sound of the letter F and S might be similar, but the example of FRANK is nowhere close to SAM. 

She was very good at interrupting, not listening, and raising her voice.  Long story short...

I have the option to shop wherever I choose.  Moreover, I have the option to share my experience in hopes this doesn't happen to others.  Sometimes the BEST prices doesn't make for the BEST purchase...or the BEST BUY.  It seems customer service is going the way of the dinosaurs...Soon to be extinct.

Buyer be choosey!!! 

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This past 4th of July was the anniversary of my first (and only) marriage.  It would've been 19-years!!!  Here's what I've learned...Celebrating a wedding anniversary after a divorce can be lonely...OOOOOOOOR, if you subtract the number of actual anniversaries from the number of could've been anniversaries, you could celebrate the difference as lucky stars!!!   I must confess the best part of my life is the direct result of my first (and only) marriage.  I couldn't be prouder of my growing-up-too-fast and taller-than-me son.  

Moving on...Last week Thursday, July 1st, my son reminded me that the day before, Wednesday, June 30th, marked two years since I stopped feeding the state's coffers with my money via the ever growing taxes on cigarettes (tobacco products).  However, just because I stopped smoking doesn't make me better than another who still smokes or has tried but with different results.  If there was one thing that bothered me more than anything else when I smoked was when former smokers took on a Greater than thou attitude to those who still smoked.  A person that chooses to smoke is no less a person than someone who stopped.  It's fine to feel good about one's accomplishments, but walking around with an over inflated sense of pride, well, that's just another example of an idiot.  

If you are a smoker, when you are ready, you’ll find things somehow fall into place.  When you are ready, you'll know it.  When you are ready, you’ll be ready.

House Bill #444 (HB444) supporting Civil Unions in Hawaii was vetoed by Hawaii’s governor, Linda Lingle.  This topic is nothing new, just some of the wording was replaced; instead of Same Sex Marriage, it became Civil Unions.  The governor feels voters should decide the issue.  Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?  Here’s what SUCKS…We are ALL going to PAY.  Whether the bill was signed or vetoed, guess who is stuck with the legal costs?

We are getting closer and closer to the new HAWAII FIVE-O.  So far the few promos for the show seem very promising.  There is one thing, in my opinion, that definitely makes the new HAWAII FIVE-O already better than Jack Lord’s version.  Grace Park.  Nufsed.

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Like most, I get more than my fair share of really junk junk mail, however, sometimes, something grabs my attention.  That means I did indeed check out the website that particular piece of junk mail was hawking. 

The headline read, THE CHOCOLATE MILK DIET.  The article touts drinking three glasses of chocolate milk, 1% low fat, and I will be consuming "one of the most powerful weight loss tools."  The first thought that crossed my mind as I took a sip of a now room temperature can of Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi was, "I need ice."  The next thought was, "NOT!  Fo' real?"

I read the entire article and much of it made sense.  The only way to find out if this actually works is to try it...Or find a guinea pig.  In my case, I am the guinea pig that is going to try it.  If it works, I'll let you know.  The only way I can forsee screwing this up is if I fall off track. 

Do me a favor...After reading THE CHOCOLATE MILK DIET (it is a fast read...Less than 8 paragraphs), let me know if you are going to give it a try and keep me posted on your success.

DISCLAIMER:  Anyone who undertakes THE CHOCOLATE MILK DIET does so on his/her own accord.  I don't promise anything.  If it works, good.  If it doesn't and you gain weight, well...Let's just hope it works.  If after a couple of weeks you notice snug fitting clothes or, you can't see your toes when standing or, your bathroom scale teases or curses you, don't blame me.

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Take a look-see at this guy.

This is an Associated Press picture

Doesn't this guy look like a young Timothy McVeigh, the army vet turned domestic terrorist that was charged, tried, convicted, and executed for the Oklahoma City federal building bombing in 1995?  Ironically this guy's surname is McVey...not McVeigh...McVey...Same sound, different spell.

On Sunday, April 25th, McVey was arrested at a North Carolina airport (where Air Force One departed).  Police saw him carrying a sidearm as he exited his car (which was equipped with police flashing LED lights, a siren, a scanner and a mounted digital camera).  He told police and Secret Service he was there to see the President.  The President was never in danger from this guy, but McVey was charged with a misdemeanor. 

A bit freaky.

Anyway, until I voice another onion...(fill in the blank)

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More ONIONS Cluttering My Head...

     The Hawaii State Legislature deserves at least one gold star this session.  Friday, April 23^rd, lawmakers decided against taking away the individual counties’ share of the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) or better known as the Hotel Room Tax.  The legislature made the right decision.  For a while, some legislators seriously looked at taking away the counties’ share in order to help balance the state’s budget.  Did you realize much of the basic services that visitors expect are provided by the counties:  Police, fire, ambulance, lifeguards, streets & roads, parks, infrastructure fixes and improvements, water, sewer, and, and, and…and on and on and on.  Now that’s NOT a nice way to play in our sandbox.

     The suggestion of using money from the Hurricane Relief Fund to end furlough Fridays in public schools is moving forward.  House and Senate negotiators approved the measure and now the full Legislature most approve it.  The $67-million chunk will eliminate 20 furloughs scheduled for this school year and next.  The practice of taking from a crucial fund to offset another is still just a band-aid fix.  Now what happens if there is a need from the Hurricane Relief Fund because of, let’s say, um, a HURRICANE!   We cannot furlough damages caused by a hurricane.  The money MUST be in place because we know it is just a matter of time before another hurricane blows our way.  It’s not IF but WHEN.  Another consideration is after the end of next school year and the diverted $67-million has been spent, is there going to be another raid on Hurricane Relief Fund?  BTW, $67-million to erase 20 furlough days seems like an extraordinary amount.

     I’m born and raised here Hawaii.  Though some may not believe, I am 100% Japanese.  I’ve been mistaken for Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese/Filipino, even Laotion, but regardless, my blood flows pure teriyaki…All Japanese.  Interestingly that although I’ve emceed countless events including the Miss Chinatown Hawaii Pageant (twice), numerous hula presentations, Filipino weddings, and A Night in Chinatown celebration, just to name a few, I have never, ever emceed any Cherry Blossom events…Never.  In case you don’t understand the connection, the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) presents the annual Cherry Blossom pageant and festivities.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not begging for a gig, I just realized this recently.  It is funny.

     Okay, now some may think I am being petty, but there is one error a lot of people make involving the right time to use U and when it should be ED.  Hearing the boo-boo on TV news or seeing it in print by people who should know better, well, it irks me.  I’m referring to the past tense of the word HANG.  When should one use HUNG or HANGED?  There is a difference.  Items, animals, and things are hung (“Little Sally hung the rope”); people are hanged (“Joe was hanged by Sally’s rope”). 

     I have more thoughts and things, pet peeves and likey-likes, which draw my attention, but my daily Rx isn’t strong enough to handle more than a few at a time.  Trust me, there’s more stuff for me to *itch & moan about in the future.

     Of course, all of this is just my onion*.

*(Opinion is just an onion with PI in it…To be read as “onion with pee in it.”)

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For the past couple of weeks I really feel like I'm living life like a garbage disposal.  You know, that puka in the middle of your kitchen sink that probably says IN-SINKERATOR.  One big difference is the disposal portion on me seems to be stuck. This has nothing to do with personal regularity.  Trust me, that's just fine.  I'm talking about so much garbage coming down the pipes these days.  If it's not one thing, it is something else and despite all of this crap, nothing seems to change. 

This Furlough Friday debacle here in the 808 seems to have a decent resolution, but some of the parties involved want an all or nothing solution...That's not gonna happen.  Personally I am nervous about taking from one state fund to fix another state problem completely unrelated.  I'm talking about the state's Hurricane Relief piggy bank.  Some feel money sitting in that fund should be siphoned off to fix another problem, even though the fix would not be anything long-term.  If there is a raid on the Hurricane Relief fund and, heaven forbid, the state suffers another Iwa or Iniki incident (or even worse, a Katrina) and there isn't enough in the Hurricane Relief Fund to relieve the damage caused by a hurricane, then what?  Do we raid the education budget for the hurricane fix, even though there's no money there either?   

Recently the governor's office was besieged by those who feel this would go away if the governor just released the money.  Personally, this sit-in was added to my list of "Things that Make You Go, Hmmmm."  On the news, it didn't seem the protestors were parents of public school children.  Most of them looked like college students.  During several days of their sit-in they were warned by state officers that they were trespassing and would be cited and even arrested.  Still they chose to ignore an official directive.  Good example to set for those children these people are trying to help (sarcasm).  A couple protestors arrested were looked upon as martyrs...though only by a handful of other protestors.

Some solution will be had to end these furloughs, but it won't be before the end of the school year.  Quick fixes are bandaid solutions to a much more serious problem.  Legislators need to look more long-term rather than just right now.  Whatever the solution, not everybody is going to like it, however it might just be the lessor of two evils at best. 

That's my onion and I'm stinking to it!

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Recently I stopped in at a Love's Bakery Thrift Shop.  Sometimes there are some great deals even if the product is a day old.  As long as there isn't gray/black fuzzy patches anywhere on the baked good, I'm okay with it.  I should clarify at this point I am 44...oops, 45.  So now you might be thinking "what does day old bread and age have in common?"  Nothing.  The answer should be "nothing."  However, on this particular day the link connecting day old bread and my age was not a nothing, but rather a someone, not-so-friendly store person. 

Upon concluding my (oh so) very exciting day-old bread shopping excursion I hoisted my selections onto the counter in one sweeping motion and with no look or feel of strain.  I was confident that there was no over-exertion during this physical task.  Nothing in my body creaked, cracked, or broke.  Though I lifted not one, but TWO different bags of bread at the same time, a breakage of wind from my butt was non-existent.  This was a good day...A good day until the day-old bread peddler asked me if I was eligible for the Senior discount as explained on the sign she pointed to.  The sign allowed for a discount for all senior citizens age 65+.  What?  WHAT?  WHAT?!?!?!?!  Are you kidding me?  Despite the rage building in my head for such an inference I politely replied, "no, not today."

The most frustrating thing is now whenever I look at a loaf of bread, white or white, fresh or day-old, I am reminded (quite vividly since I'm only 44...oops, 45) that at least one person thinks I am 50% OLDER than my actual age.  Insulted?  No.  Irritated?  Yeah, jus' a li'l bit. 

The moral of the story is:  Always buy fresh bread (but if day-old bread happens to be the choice, send your kid in to buy it...Or, wear a package on your head!)

*This is a true story.  None of the names have been changed to protect the indecent.

Side-note:  As long as I'm on the subject of bread Love's Bakery recently introduced a JUMBO size loaf that beats average size loafs and rivals deli-sized slices.  It's a good thing.  Here's a toast to Love's for a great new product. 

Afterthought:  "Here's a toast..."...???...Hahahahahahahahahahaha!  Completely innocent. No pun intended.  Or should I say, "no BUN intended" ?!?!?!?! 

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