It’s never a perfect world, but when the Blaisdell Concert Hall is renovated – timetable not yet confirmed – shouldn’t it include either an escalator and/or elevator, so the disabled or wobbly seniors can secure balcony seats without having to struggle up and down stairs?
These amenities should have been in the original plans of the Neal Blaisdell Center.
And wouldn’t it be wonderful if an on-site restaurant be in the mix of participating vendors?
Clearly, the Concert Hall should retain the dual lobby and up-front lavatory facilities, for convenience.
An improved sound system for the house would enhance performances, too
Anything to add to the wish list for the concert hall?
If Hollywood filmmakers are seeking hefty discounts and insider tax incentives to shoot projects in Hawaii – vs. other tropical sites such as Mexico or the Caribbean – shouldn’t state regulators consider new mandatory requirements to ensure mutually beneficial perks?
One consideration might be to require, when possible, at least a secondary role for union actors from Hawaii to gain an edge to audition for a part on camera. Instead of a Maori from New Zealand to play someone local, why not a genuine local?
So often, shows are cast before setting shop on our shores, while we have a stable of eager performers hungry for work. Local behind-the-scenes techies are regularly hired; why not on camera participants, too? Then, it might be a win-win situation. The attitude that we don’t have talent here is so untrue.
The last and only TV show to hire fresh island faces for secondary leads was the original “Hawaii Five-0,” giving Al Harrington and Zulu a huge opportunity to strut their stuff. The only current islander (though now a Los Angeles resident) is Anthony Ruivivar, who plays the husband of lead agent Vanessa Lachery in “NCIS: Hawaii.” His role is recurring, but limited. Technically, Amy Hill of the rebooted “Magnum P.I.” (she plays Tutui) is not a local, but now sorta is, since she has bought a condo, which makes her a part-time resident but she lives and talks like one us anyway.
The query: Don’t you think Hawaii-based shows, notably TV, should hire more resident actors? …
Where do you go for your apple fritter these days?
Treated myself to McCafe’s @ McDonald’s apple fritter. At $2.99, it’s worth the cost — it’s huge, laden with flicks of apples inside the doughnut, and it’s all properly cinnamon-flavored … and the outside texture, with sugary coat and apple bits, make it a winner.
The best apple fritter — oughtta call it the McFritter — is at McDonald’s McCafe.
I think it’s the best in its field. Napoleon Bakery at Zippy’s has had its version, which is no competition. Safeway bakeries used to have a contender; now, its fritter is a critter not worth buying, if you can even find one since the inventory is lean.
So If you’re a fritter fan, where do you go for your sugar fix?
Wondering if today’s kids play the string-based game called Cat’s Cradle anymore?
When I was growing up time – back when dinosaurs ruled the Earth – everyone engaged in this simple but complex game, where a long, knotted string – we used to use those slightly thicker cords, in lieu of weaker thread-like strings for crocheting – is placed on both bands, and different motifs are formed.
More girls than boys played this string game.
The task can involve four hands, and even six, at a higher level of complication.
The string can be placed from one hand to another, with fingers taking over, leading up to somewhat tricky configurations.
Online books and video – not a visual tool, back in the day – now demonstrate what and how the cradle can stimulate fun and competition, without actual toys or action figures or iPads.
