| On the road again
As usual with all our adventures, it's the preparation that's the tough part. So far, getting passports for everyone was the biggest hassle. Can't fly without one, and that means my Uncle Sam gets something from my wallet a little early this year. Other than that, there really isn't much to do. It won't take any time to pack, we don't need a map or directions, and it would spoil the surprise to find out anything about our destination. The part I'm not looking forward to is the flying. I used to love to fly, but it's changed since my parents dragged me all over Europe in propeller planes. Now, those were airplanes. The engine roar during takeoff was always in a knock-down, drag-out fight with the rattling of the airplane for sound supremacy. Stewards and stewardesses were almost magical creatures then, bringing wonderful food and drink, carefully arranged on immaculate little plates with special silverware emblazoned with the airline's proud crest.
Palm Beach County prepares for cuts after tax referendum passes
Other officials expressed calm, citing few concerns and an eagerness to use this as an opportunity to set new priorities for public spending.
Passage of Amendment 1, the property tax measure on Tuesday's ballot, demands Palm Beach County's various governments reduce revenues over the next five years by at least $747 million. Public schools lose $147 million. Precise cut levels won't be known until mid-summer when tax-collection information is tabulated.
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IMNZ Independent Album Chart January 2008
IMNZ Chair Mark Kneebone is currently at the MIDEM music trade show in Cannes, where music business execs from over 90 countries are gathering. Independent label bodies the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) and MERLIN are hosting meetings with their delegates from all over the world, making MIDEM a crucial forum for setting the agenda for indie activities in 2008. For Kiwis in London longing for some homeland vibes, Spacific.net - the UK website dedicated to New Zealand music - are hosting their annual Waitangi Day event at Cargo on Feb 6th, with performances by London’s Maori club Ngati Ranana, Adi Dick and Precious Clark, as well as DJ sets from Tubbs, Horace and Big K. Warm Earth records has signed to MGM/Planet for the distribution of Te Vaka in Australia; their latest album ‘Olatia’ will be released in Australia on February 16th.
Ron Jon Surf Surfpark plan unveiled to the public
So it's finally coming. The three dimensional model of the park looks fabulous, the idea seems virtually perfect, and the plans and engineering are nearing completion for groundbreaking next month and opening to the public next fall.
Ed Moriarty, president of Ron Jon Surf Shop, said, "The face of surfing as we know it is about to change forever. We feel Surfparks best personifies the Ron Jon brand, and we are excited to be in partnership with [them]." Mr. Moriarty also pointed out that Ron Jon is not only a licensor for the park, but an investor.
The press conference scene included a number of Ron Jon executives in business casual, a few Surfpark execs in shorts and t-shirts (corporate culture and logo defining itself early), and an array of press, investors, and future customers.
Today's paid obituaries
He was born in Lucena, Tayabas, Philippines. He is survived by wife Etta and sister Paz Padua. Services: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mililani Downtown Mortuary. Call after 5:30 p.m. Aloha attire. Flowers welcome. Betty H. Nakamura Jan. 15, 2008 Betty H. Nakamura, 87, of Honolulu, a retired J.C. Penney executive buyer, died in Kuakini Medical Center. She was born in Kohala, Hawaii. She is survived by daughter Lynne Matsueda and two grandchildren. Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Call after 1 p.m. Casual attire. Larita Reginaldo Paet Jan. 11, 2008 Larita Reginaldo "Laring" Paet, 74, of Lihue, a Garden Island Newspaper folder and MGM Travel employee, died in Garden Island Health Care. She was born in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. She is survived by brother Renato Simon, sisters Lolita Padua and Amelia Simon, hanai sister Carol Mapuc, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Striking at the head
StarMag examines how this age-old act of violence has impacted the arena of power and politics in light of the recent assassination of Benazir Bhutto and to mark the 60th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's death, also at the hand of an assassin. Friends and comrades, the light has gone out of our lives, and there is darkness everywhere, and I do not quite know what to tell you or how to say it. Our beloved leader, the father of the nation, is no more. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the death of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 JANUARY 30 marks the 60th anniversary of the death of one of the 20th centurys greatest leaders Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as the Mahatma, or Great Soul. He was assassinated by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse who shot him three times as he was walking to his evening prayer.
Governor Announces Support For Trestles Toll Road
Yesterday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a letter in support of the proposed 241 toll road extension in South Orange County. The letter was issued just two weeks before a critical vote by the California Coastal Commission to determine if the proposed extension violates the California Coastal Act. A staff report prepared by the CCC concludes that it does.
"We are absolutely taken aback by this," said Surfrider Foundation CEO Jim Moriarty. "For the Governor to take this unprecedented step of interfering with the workings of an independent and non-political commission, an entity which was established by California voters and whose sole responsibility is to decide the future of California's coasts and beaches based on law and fact, is entirely inappropriate."
The disappointing announcement comes just six days after the California Governor unveiled his plans to close forty-eight California State Parks, allow for the early release of prisoners from state correctional facilities, and raise Department of Motor Vehicle fees.
STUDIO TOURS: PIA GUERRA
Water cooler is there for cold water on hot days and hot tea on cold nights. You can see the honey and tea bags further along the wall there. The Gameboy DS is always loaded up with Tetris and for the last few years Ive played a round before starting to draw, it seems to settle my brain. Im guessing the focus on spatial relations puts me into a hard right brain mode, shoos out the squirrels. .
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