Category: Updates

While cleaning out a box the other day, I came across a photo of a vintage Sheaffer fountain pen.

What’s that, you ask?

Back in the day, folks were accustomed to this writing device, which had a special tip that enabled a person to hand-write, in cursive script, a swellegant note or letter. If you owned such a pen, you also needed a bottle of ink to refill the pen; the bottle had a well where you’d place the pen tip, then swoosh in ink. Black ink was preferred; blue was popular; I recall having green ink, at one point.

This pen predated the current gel pens, which you now click to reveal a pen point, to write.

Sheaffer later had cartridges that didn’t require ink bottles, and this meant less chances of spilling ink and ease in writing. The issue with fountain pens: you had to be cautious about not placing your hand or wrist on ink that might be wet, a problem slightly more challenging for lefties.

Typewriters, computers and cellphones virtually erased the art of penmanship and basic notecard writing or letters printed from a computer that only requires a personal signature. Texting also has led to a new shorthand language – BFF, LOL, BTW,OMG, TTYL, IDC, WTF – and iconic smiley face and the thumbs up also have altered the way we “write.”

Raise your hand, if you still use a Sheaffer fountain pen. If yes, your signature glows with this kind of pen.

I stopped using this classic writing instrument years ago when ball points became popular.

And while I utilize email daily, like most folks, I still send a note card – commonly a thank you, frequently a birthday greeting – because I believe in the art of writing. Besides, I create Wild Cards of various designs to promote this lost art of penning a note.

Which brings to mind: remember the song, “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter” It’s a love song – even Frank Sinatra sang and recorded it — that says a lot and says it best:

I’m gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And make believe it came from you
I’m gonna write words, oh, so sweet
They’re gonna knock me off my feet
A lotta kisses at the bottom
I’ll be glad I got ’em
I’m gonna smile and say “I hope that you’re much better”
And then I’ll close the way I do

What’s the role of a deejay these days?

Referring to the elite crew of hosts on radio, some who chat a lot, some not so much.

Perhaps some of radio personalities can share tidbits can shed light on how deejay roles have changed over the decades.

Some things haven’t changed radically; there’s still patter and chatter, frequently following newscasts, where discussion is necessary. Some still accept phone calls from listeners. Does anyone do dedications of a particular tune, aimed to a special person?

Many things have changed. Like, no one “plays records” anymore. The music source used to be those vinyl discs, 45s or LPs, where tracks were played from turntables. Not anymore. The recordings are virtual, readily accessible. I suppose occasionally, a vintage tune not available in the vast library of resources, might be played.

As a listener, what occasionally bothers me is that I hear a song and wonder who was singing. (Can’t always recall the name of the voice). A deejay will frequently drop a name, but most often not. Back in the day, a song title was impeccably uttered, so credit would be paid to the singer, or band. Further, a deejay used to even mention the label – in case you wanted to go out and buy the disc.

Talk shows are different – many discussions on a myriad of topics. Folks can react and respond with phone reactions.

Also, radio ratings used to be a big thing, with stations topping the polls earning bragging rights. Those were the days; key deejays had swarms of rooters and boosters, and some jocks became superstars. Remember the K-POI poi boys? The papers used to report the Arbitron numbers, the way Nielsens used to rank TV shows. Nada now. Heck, the papers used to print radio logs daily, the way TV primetime programming is there for the looking.

The stations with a live body delivering live news and traffic reports earn bonus points for these services; the pre-programmed ones, without a friendly, live host, lack personality and appeal.

So, the Akus, Tom Moffatts , Ron Jacobs and Ron Wileys all ruled the radio waves. Listeners used to know the station’s call letters, like KGMB, KSSK, KIKI, KPOI,  KCCN. Today, the most-listened-to morning drive dude is Michael W. Perry, on KSSK (formerly KGMB), cherished for its posse following. Radio has evolved as a friend of the commuter.  I seldom listen to radio at home, but almost always tune in while driving. And you?

Keali‘i  Reichel will bring his legendary award-winning mele and hula to Blue Note Hawaii in a six-show, four-night engagement at Blue Note Hawaii at the Outrigger Waikiki resort in November.

Reichel is a prolific and inspirational kumu hula, who also is a dancer, director, choreographer, singer and recording artist known for his exquisite storytelling music and his vast knowledge of Hawaiiana. His newest wrinkle is a link to the ‘aina and Halau Ke‘alaokamaile and Friends.

Performances will be at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Nov. 18 and 20 and 8 p.m. Nov. 19 and 21, and will include both traditional and contemporary mele and hula featuring Halau Ke‘alaokamaile and Friends.

The event will benefit the Maui-based hula halau, whose mission is to perpetuate the Hawaiian tradition, culture and heritage through its arts, beliefs, dance, language, and agriculture. The contention is that there is a strong connection to the ‘aina, an essential link to the hula tradition.

To that end, Halau Ke‘alaokamaile and Hokunui Farms LLC are establishing the Halau Ke‘alaokamaile Resource Center, the first halau facility permitted to operate on agricultural land on Maui.

Under the tutelage of kumu Reichel, the halau already conducts five hula classes each week and anticipates expanding the riches of cultural programming including music and language instruction.

Further, three grants have been awarded to Halau Ke‘alaokamaile to implement agroforestry programs as they relate to Hawaiian culture and hula:

•  A two-year Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) grant of $250,000 to plant and maintain a six-acre native habitat which restores the endemic forest, enhances the watershed, perpetuates cultural practices and creates a template for sustainable agroforestry.
•  A three-year USDA Beginner Farmers and Ranchers grant of $750,000 to  enhance the success of Native Hawaiian agroforesters by increasing economic opportunity, food security and the cultural connection to the forest through traditional Hawaiian protocols.
• A three-year Administration for Native Americans grant of $850,000 to perpetuate Native Hawaiian cultural practices through native plants.

The enterprising partnership between cultural and historical practitioners with agencies providing funds to enable fulfill the vision of saving tradition with contemporary vision, appears to be a model for the future. …

Presale ticket sales begin  today (Aug. 18), with general public reservations beginning Friday (Aug. 20). But it won’t be cheap; premium seats are $125, loge and bar seats are $85. Use pre-sale code PUNAHELE for ticket access. Details at www.bluenotehawaii.com

Ballet Hawaii moving the barre

Ballet Hawaii, which has been temporarily ensconced at the Hawaii Suites at Blaisdell Center, is relocating its offices and studio to Dole Cannery in Iwilei. It will be located at second floor facilities above the Regal movie theaters, at the mauka end of the film screens.

The move will still be temporary, as a search continues for more permanent quarters, but the relocation – no date has been announced – will be kind of a homecoming for the ballet pupils and teachers in a new partnership with Castle & Cooke. Several decades ago, however, Ballet Hawaii conducted dance classes in quarters in the old cannery facilities in Iwilei.

And that’s Show Biz. …