Jeremy Lin has taken the NBA by storm. This underdog / Asian-American / Harvard graduate has captured the imagination of the sports world.

More importantly, he has become a witness for Christ to over a billion people in China. Lin is so popular in China, his counterfeit knock-off jerseys are all sold out. He has been embraced by a country that has been notorious for persecution. This is an amazing breakthrough. Tim Tebow witnessed to millions, but we are now talking about a scale that has never been approached before.

Not to get carried away, but I believe that the unassuming Jeremy Lin has a platform that Billy Graham (or Tim Tebow) could never have imagined in his wildest dreams. Now that’s Linsanity….

Attended tonight’s opening of POW WOW Hawai’i at Loft in Space x Fresh Café. “POW WOW Hawai’i is a gathering to celebrate culture, music, and art.” Its mission is to engage the broader community in the process and creation of art. Local and international contemporary artists have been painting murals on walls and buildings in the neighborhood of Kaka’ako this past week.

Ran into a friend, and one of the founding artists there, Kamea.

WOW, had a really great time checking out the art work and taking part in such a cool event….

Kamehameha Schools – Kapālama is having its Tech Slam tomorrow on the high school campus. A “Tech Slam” is a conference for teachers that focuses on integrating technology to enhance learning. I’ll be doing a breakout session on social media.

Somehow, I have created a funny Valentine’s tradition of my own. Each year, I give a Valentine’s gift to myself. (Sigh.) One year it was a guitar. One year it was luggage.

This year, I consider my trip to Europe as the gift. Oh yah. I got a gift card for Christmas, so I got myself a pair of tortoise Ray-Bans for the trip.

Hmm…. maybe having myself as my “Valentine” is not such a bad thing after all.

P.S. My favorite version of My Funny Valentine is by Tierney Sutton. Click on track 24.

Truth is, I have two of those caps. A clean one and a dirty one. The dirty one is for camping, hiking, and grilling.

I also have a Hawai’i cap and a Red Sox cap. Those are my teams.

So I guess I wear many hats, both literally and figuratively….

It’s been my dream to travel to Europe. And at my age, it’s time to start crossing things off of the bucket list. I know I can’t afford it (had to sell off some stock and may need to dip into my retirement account,) but I can’t afford not to go. If I wait for my honeymoon, I’ll be waiting forever. And I wanna do this before arthritis kicks in.

I’ll be going to Italy & Spain during Spring Break with our high school. This will be through EF Tours. We’ll be visiting Rome, Florence, Barcelona, and Madrid. I’m so looking forward to this!

Yup, this will be a “once in a lifetime” trip. Yolo….

Every year, about a dozen close friends attend Brian’s super Super Bowl party in Kalihi. It has become a tradition that we all look forward to. And as much as we love football, we just enjoy getting together. I believe that this has been my 12th Super Bowl here at the Kalihi house.

It starts at about noon. Brian prints a commemorative t-shirt each year and passes them out upon arrival. Then the grilling begins. We try to eat before kickoff, which is usually around 1:30pm (HST.). Then comes the lengthy explanation of the game sheet that we’re playing. I’m always pretty bad at this. My excuse is that I’m actually trying to watch the game. Brian always comes up with amazing prizes. Today’s grand prize was a Joe Montana autographed mini-helmet. Finishing in last place, I won a package of nori and a movie pass. Still, that’s pretty terrific. Every one wins something.

I truly appreciate this time. It’s all about having your own traditions. Already looking forward to next year’s party. It was a super Sunday….

Our KS EdTech Services group just returned from a retreat at the Punalu’u beach house. It was a great time of bonding and team building. Our managers did a great job of planning, and everyone contributed their talents. We truly enjoyed one another’s company.

Day 1 started with a service learning project at the Nā Kamalei Discovery Garden. We did a little weeding, cleaning, and painting. We learned a lot and were very grateful for the opportunity. Here are a few pics from their blog. We spent most of the afternoon working on a video about what we had learned.

Our dinner activity was an “Iron Chef” competition. We were grouped into small teams to create delicious, gourmet meals. After the judging, we were able to partake in all of the wonderful dishes.

Following dinner, it was “Sunset on the Beach.” We had chairs and a projector set up on the lawn. We enjoyed everyone’s video production. We capped off the night by playing guitar in the backyard. Others were fishing, playing poker, or just hanging out.

I consider that night to have been one of the worst night’s of sleep that I’ve ever had (or not had) in my life. “Thank God it was so short.” The flood lights were in my eyes, the metal rod from the broken army cot kept hitting my head, and it was freezing cold. To make matters worse, every time I dozed off, I was rudely awakened by a chorus of loud snoring….

Day 2 greeted us with a chilly morning and a gorgeous sunrise. Omelettes and hot coffee hit the spot. In fact, all of the meals were pretty fantastic. We had a craft activity and some really funny games. We had a guest speaker who gave a presentation entitled “Living on Purpose.” It really spoke to me.

After lunch, it was time to clean up and wrap up. I am so blessed to be at the Kamehameha Schools. What a treat….

I’m referred to as “Mr. T” at school from Monday thru Friday, and sometimes even at church on Sundays. On Saturdays, I can be “Mr. Tee.” Now I like the sound of that….

Walked over to Chinatown today to check out the sights & sounds. Good times! Didn’t realize how close it is to my place (only 1.4 miles according to Google Maps.) Most of the festivities were held last week, but I had some time to check it out today.

First I stumbled into Maunakea Marketplace. Cool place. It was a maze of gift shops with a food court and an open market. There were crabs, shrimp, tilapia, and vegetables for sale.

Then I made my way to the Chinatown Cultural Plaza. There was a buzz of activity, and it was kinda crowded. There were food vendors, souvenir stands, t-shirts, firecrackers, and different Dragon Dances going on.

Got my gau. Happy Chinese New Year….

This past break, I had a talk-story with a good friend about social media. I said that more than anything, I consider myself a blogger. Fact is, you are the sole reader of your own blog (with the few exceptions of close family & friends.)

Yes, I blog for myself. I blog to document my thoughts and life experiences. But here’s what I’ve discovered….

To have a good blog, you need to live a “good life.” Blogging motivates me to get off of my sofa and do stuff. It’s made me go to places where I wouldn’t have gone, and do things that I wouldn’t have done.

Yes, blogging has added value to my life….

Now I don’t have a favorite football team. I loved the Steelers of the 70s as a little kid and 49ers of the 80s (Joe Montana.) But this year, I finally have a team to root for. The Denver Tebows! Here is my blog post about him from two years ago.

They may not win this weekend, but he has already left his mark….

Way back in high school, guys and girls used to form their own clubs and attend “socials” on weekends. Socials were like small parties at people’s homes. Each club would create cards and hand them out to other clubs. If you had a good reputation, they would pass on your card to their friends. This is how you got invited to more socials. Here’s what our card looked like….

Please don’t call the numbers (unless of course, you’re inviting us to a social.)

So here’s what a typical social was like. First you would pile in as many guys into one car. Us McKinley boys would be looking spiffy in Angels Flight pants, and reeking Jovan Musk Oil. Then we would drive down to Pearl City McDonald’s to meet the girls. We would have a mixtape of Journey and REO Speedwagon blasting on the Pioneer tape deck. Then we would follow the girls’ car to somebody’s house.

First we would start with introductions, usually some kind of name game where you whack each other with rolled-up newspaper. Then we would have refreshments. For some reason, the socials that we thought wouldn’t be so good, always had the best food. After that, we would play these icebreakers and party games. The girls enjoyed planning them, and we absolutely hated playing them.

Then it was time to dance. Slow dance. One guy would hold onto a teddy bear, and he would cut-in by giving it to another guy. If no one cut-in on you, you could be dancing all night with the same girl. Did you know that “Reasons” by Earth, Wind & Fire (live version) is 8:23? That’s a long song….

Finally, we would close the evening in a “friendship circle,” the kind where you can twist somebody’s arm.

After the social, we would go cruising down Magic Island, Point Panics, and Diamond Head. We would always end up at McCully Zippy’s. Remember the “gravy rice” for 35¢? I remember carnivals, Kalapana, proms, middle-comb, Morgan’s Corner, puka shells, and baby Löwenbräus.

I love social networks like Facebook and Twitter, but ya can’t beat the social clubs of the good ol’ days. We were Pure Energy….

No, this isn’t the plan. This is the roast from last night’s Christmas party. But the way I look at it, it’s motivation. Call it my “training table” if you will. Yes, I’ve put on a few pounds during this holiday season. Now I’m inspired to do something….

Yes, I would love to get into surfing again. But in order to do that, I need to fit into my board shorts. Here’s the plan:

1. Eat smarter. Diets don’t work. I just need to use common sense. I actually enjoy eating fresh food (as opposed to processed food) anyway, so this shouldn’t be a problem. I just need to cut-out the junk.

2. Exercise regularly. It’s unrealistic for me to join the UFC Gym in Kaka’ako. There’s no time. But, I have 24-hour access to a gym downstairs in my own building. I’ve only been in there once (to shoot a video.) I’m paying for it through my maintenance fee, so I’d better take advantage.

I moved to my present location to be near to the beach. Yet, I’ve been to Ala Mo’s only a few times in the past two years. I gotta get down there after work. It’s too convenient not to.

So that’s it. Good luck to you on your resolution. Remember, “Eddie Would Go….”
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou & God Bless!

Singing the song, “Ku’u Home ‘O Kahalu’u” this past weekend at Kualoa Beach Park made me reflect. Growing up in McCully was special. Those were the good ol’ days. Those were my “hanabata days.”

I remember….

• going to the Islanders’ baseball games at the old Honolulu Stadium. The S&S saimin on a cold, rainy night hit the spot.

• eating shave ice at Alice’s Market (the current Waiola Shave Ice Store.) They had pickled mango, baseball cards, cone sushi, and slingshots.

• riding bike through people’s yards. I had a yellow Schwinn Stingray with a banana seat.

• catching crayfish & guppies at “Duck Pond” (the stream on Date Street.)

• mom’s fried kamaboko & mayonnaise sandwiches. So ono….

• dad driving us to school in the morning, listening to “Aku” on the radio. (Remember the “Coconut Wireless?”)

• me & my friends playing Kikaida and roller derby against my sister & her friends.

• Obaachan picking pikake flowers in the backyard for her tea.

• walking our dog Sparky around the block and getting dragged on the sidewalk.

• picnics and parties with the relatives and cousins. My job was to fan the hibachi and fetch Primo beers.

• “Jeremiah was a bullfrog….”

• Checkers & Pogo, Flintstones, and Gilligan’s Island. Must see TV….

• getting stuck in the elevator at Wigwam Store (the current Longs Drugs on King Street.)

• the only phrase I learned at Japanese School, “Sensei, osokunatte sumimasen.” (Sorry I’m late.)

• going to Keiki Land at the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

• eating at the Flamingo Restaurant, Cha-cha Tei & Edo Shokudo Restaurants, Golden Duck Chop Suey, and Chunky’s Drive In.

“I remember days when we were smiling
When we laughed and sang the whole night long….”

I love Christmas. Let me qualify that statement. I love the real Christmas. Jesus. Everything else, not so much….

This is not to say that I wouldn’t want to experience a white Christmas with some eggnog and Michael Bublé singing carols in the background. It just seems that Christmas is hard work now-a-days. I do enjoy getting together with friends and seeing the Christmas lights at Honolulu Hale. But the shopping, parking, wrapping, traffic, rude people, etc….? Bah, humbug.

A lot of people relish this time of year. They decorate their trees, put on the Christmas music, and bust out the gift wrapping paper, bows & ribbons. I on the other hand, bust out the cello bags, a sharpie, and a stapler (see image above.)

There are two things that I watch each year that get me into the “Christmas spirit.” I watch Home Alone (the first one) and this….

Luke 2:8-14

Merry Christmas.

Participated in Operation Christmas Child (shoe box ministry) this morning. Operation Christmas Child is sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization. Volunteers pack shoe boxes with gift items that are sent overseas to needy children. Today’s event was held in their warehouse in Kaka’ako. Kumu Joy organized a team of Kamehameha 8th graders for this service-learning project.

The shoe boxes from Hawai’i will be shipped to Nepal. It was a blessing to serve…. My role in the assembly line was as inspector. My job was to remove all food and liquid items and to add additional gifts if the boxes were sparse.

It was amazing to see what was packed in these boxes. There were toys, school supplies, toiletries, books, and candy. Everything was lovingly packed and gift wrapped. What was most heartwarming were the notes, letters, and family photos that were included. Today, I saw some of the most beautiful Christmas gifts in my life.

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” (Luke 10:33-34.)

Those were the good ol’ days. Derek Tatsuno, Deitre Collins, and Bob Nash of the “Fabulous five.” I remember Niko Noga, Yuval Katz, Mario Monico, Natasha Kai, and Pono Ma’a.

And of course, Colt….

While strumming the guitar tonight, I reminisced about the good ol’ days. And then I thought about the “curse.” Yup. Every establishment that I ever played at closed down. Literally.

My “world premiere” took place at the old Monterey Bay Canners at the Ward Centre. My friend Garrett had a gig there. One quiet evening, he let me play. There were about five people in the audience. One week later, they went bankrupt. Swear to God.

Garrett’s next gig was at Randy’s in Kahala Mall. The place was actually crowded. He called me up. I had enough “liquid courage” to stink-up the place. Randy’s went bankrupt in two weeks.

I was teaching at Kapolei Elementary when I had the opportunity to back up our children’s choir at the Aloha Tower’s Pier Bar. It was Christmas. They went bankrupt in a month and later became Kapono’s.

Years later, I played at the Tropiccino’s coffee shop in the Kapolei Marketplace. Nothing happened. A year later, I played there again. Soon after, they went bankrupt. Shucks….

A short time after that, my friend Garrett asked me to play at the Mai Tai Bar at Ala Moana. This time I refused. Til this day, the Mai Tai Bar is one of the most popular spots in town.

So…. if you’re open for business, don’t ask. True story, bro….

I have so much to be thankful for. A list cannot truly express it all, but here goes….

1. Jesus.
2. I am thankful for my family and friends. I do not deserve them.
3. I am thankful for my health. I just need to get in shape (segue to my new year’s resolution….)
4. I attend a wonderful church, Hope Chapel West O’ahu. Consider yourself invited.
5. I am blessed to be at the Kamehameha Schools with an awesome team. I laugh everyday. The students crack me up….
6. I get to live at a cool place in a great location. Me love 909.
7. I have the opportunity to sponsor a child in the Philippines. It’s the most important thing that I do.
8. Technology. This is how I learn.
9. Coffee. Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day….
10. Life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Went to see Gabe Bondoc tonight at the Blaisdell Center’s Pikake Room. There were about 500 in attendance at this sold out event. It was a great concert. Gabe Bondoc is a YouTube sensation. He’s one of the most talented non-famous people around. Here is a sample of what he does:

This was only my first concert at the Blaisdell since moving across the street two years ago. It’s also the first concert that I ever attended by myself. (I don’t think my friends even know who he is.) I had to miss out on a UFC party and a UH football party, but it was definitely worth it. Haha, I was probably the oldest person there, but I enjoyed it. He connected with the audience, and I think he connected with Hawai’i. It was a cool experience….

When you’re a sports fan, you live and die with your teams. This has been a rough fall season for me. First, the Red Sox had a major collapse in the month of September. Then my Kamehameha football team and girls volleyball team lost in title games (to the Puns no less.) Hilo’s BJ Penn gassed out and got dominated in his most recent UFC bout. Even my favorite Australian Rules Football team, the Collingwood Magpies, lost in the Grand Final. And if that weren’t enough, the UH football team is on the verge of having a disastrous season. This is getting depressing.

The best thing about being a sports fan? There’s always next next year.

But for now, pass the tissue….

Attended TEDx Honolulu today at the Cupola Theater in the Honolulu Design Center. It was an amazing conference. I was very fortunate and blessed to have had this opportunity. The presenters were inspiring, and the organizers put on a great event!

We got front row seats, breakfast, lunch (at the Stage Restaurant,) dinner, a TEDx t-shirt, a Sig Zane bag, and a Jake Shimabukuro CD. (All this for just $30.) Oh yah, the conference was great, and I met a lot of nice people at lunch. Made a friend from Norway. I even got to meet Sig Zane, and he thanked me for wearing one of his aloha shirts to the event.

All of the speakers were outstanding including the emcee Ka’ala Souza. Topics included astronomy, culture, education, marine biology, medicine, sustainability, and the arts, all centering around the theme of “It’s About Time…” Edgy Lee coined the term “indigenous wisdom” in her talk. Vivian Best shared her project on collecting fresh produce for the hungry. Here’s a link to some of my notes on my edublog.  I was especially drawn to the artists/performers. Jason Tom is a beatbox artist, Kealoha Wong a slam poet, and of course, Jake Shimabukuro is an ukulele virtuoso.

I was able to talk story with Jake before his performance. I thanked him for being my ukulele teacher way back when he had his studio in Hawai’i Kai. He inspired me then, and he most certainly inspired me today.

“It’s About Time…” It really was about an amazing time….

Attended the first Nonstop Kaka’ako event, “an urban food, retail, and entertainment experience.” It’s a pop-up block party. It was fun, and the weather was perfect. It’s a really neat concept, and I hope they do more events like this. I guess the goal is to promote Kaka’ako as the “hub” of Honolulu.

The variety of food was impressive. It was like an Eat the Street event on steroids. I had my first Chicago Dog at Hank’s Haute Dogs. There were shopping tents filled with fashion items from some of the hottest boutiques in town. There was even a cigar bar, a beer garden, and the UH football game on a large inflatable screen. They even had free wi-fi set up for this event.

The highlight for me was running into former students at the Anuhea concert at the main stage. It was a fun night….

Just got back from 3-days and 2-nights at Camp Erdman in Mokulēʻia with one of our 7th grade teams. Had a great time bonding with the students and teachers. It’s something that I look forward to each year, and I get to do this again with another team next week.

Some people think it’s crazy, but I truly enjoy it. The students at this age just crack me up….

Last year was the first time that I attended all three camps. The really neat thing is that I am able to recognize the students after camp. When I see the 7th graders in the cafeteria at the beginning of the year, they’re all strangers to me. After camp, it’s as if my eyes “have been opened.” It’s like receiving new vision, and it totally changes my experience on campus for the rest of the  school year.

Looking forward to next week and the last one in November. So grateful. So blessed….