Remember hanging out at pool halls? Shooting pool, playing foosball, smoking cigarettes, playing songs from the jukebox, wishing you were old enough to play the nickel machines in the back room…
Ah, those good old days – catching bus during intermediate school age to the pool hall to hang out. Getting “jacked” in the alleyway (at least the jerks left me bus money). That was at Cue & Cushion adjacent to Ala Moana center.
Then later when we got our license and could drive at night, we’d hang out at Holiday Cue across the old Holiday Mart on Kaheka St. In fact, one of the guys in our club met his wife there. Our club and their club hooked up at “Holidays”, then they invited us to a social and the rest is history. In fact, they’re still married today! J and T – you know I’m talking about you!
So just for that – if I could bring back any Pool Hall – I’d choose to bring back Holiday Cue.
So many memories at that place.
I remember when they brought in a video game called Gun Fight. This girl named “Sammie” used to play me on that game. We’d be cracking up playing this monochrome video game and just having a blast!
Remember when pool halls used to have Foosball tournaments? The Ahn sisters from Kalani were the foosball champs there. Holiday’s was their house!
One thing that was cool at Holiday’s was that the jukebox was hooked up to the speaker system – so your song selections would be heard throughout the whole joint. And when the jukebox wasn’t playing, Q-FM would automatically kick in on the sound system.
And the other cool thing about Holiday’s – open 24 hours – we could hang out there as long as we wanted to. Even on holiday nights like Christmas when there wasn’t anything open – Holiday’s was.
So, I throw this question out to you: If you could bring back any pool hall from the olden days – what pool hall would you bring back? And why? And share any memories you have of that pool hall. Playing 8-ball, 9-ball, foosball, pinball machines, nickel machines, or even the jukebox.
Thanks to my classmate, Carole who sent me this notice that this Saturday is Record Store Day. Now, I’m not real sure what Record Store Day is, but I thought that it would make for a good blog topic – especially since most of them are just memories.
Remember record stores? Or even the record department in the department stores? I could easily spend a hour just browsing all the records. Sometimes I’d stop by Holiday Mart in Kailua to see the latest 45′s that came in or to look at LPs, or even check out the harmonicas in the case.
But record stores were more than just a place to buy records. It was a place to hang out, listen to the records being played, pick up the weekly KPOI top 20 countdown listing or the latest copy of Youth Unlimited. Or sometimes, just to talk story with the folks there – discussing rumors about bands, or the latest concert you went to, or who’s coming out with a new album.
I remember going into House of Music at Ala Moana center and browsing around the music sheets. When I tried to learn how to play guitar, I bought the sheet music for the Classic IV’s “What Am I Crying For” (never did learn how to play it – but memorized the lyrics). Or sometimes I would just look at the music books to learn the lyrics of a song. I believe they had quite a set up of musical instruments for sale too.
Another Ala Moana store that I used to visit was DJ’s Sound City – street level, mauka, Sears side. They had the black-light room in the back with all the cool black light posters. And all the social clubs used to graffiti their club name on the posters.
We actually met a club in that black-light room. Dawn to Happiness, Kaimuki-Kalani ’77
I remember Records Hawaii across the street from Ala Moana center, on Piikoi, next to Stone-Free Waterbeds. Records Hawaii had good deals on records. And cassettes. And posters. And incense. And pipes. And shades. And oils. And, well… you get the picture.
But when it came to locating hard-to-find, classic, 45′s – it was The Music Box on Union Mall. That’s where I bought: “What Am I Crying For“, “I Will Always Think About You“, “I Must Be Dreaming“, and other hard-to-get records.
Over on the Windward side, there was Hungry Ear Records which I believe is still in business! And Vinyl Donut in Kaneohe where the albums used to be something like $6 each or 3 for $15. Being the shopper type, I always went for the 3 for $15 deal.
You know what’s the worse? When you go to a record store with a specific record in mind, but as soon as you walk through the door – you can’t remember what the record was. You come out an hour later with albums, but not the one you initially went in for. It used to happen all the time – especially when I used to go to Tower Records.
Or this one time that I was killing time in the Holiday Mart records department and the album that was playing really caught my ear. At first, I wasn’t even listening to it – but as time went on, it got my attention. I started talking to the sales clerk about the album and the artist and ended up purchasing it.
That album was Jesse Colin Young’s – “Song for Juli” album. One of my favorite albums to this day.
So, this Saturday – celebrate Record Store Day!!!
If you’re on the Windward side, stop by Hungry Ear Records (http://hungryear.com/).
Or if you’re in town, there’s Jelly’s Records in Honolulu and Aiea (http://www.jellyshawaii.net/).
Or just for old times sake, warm up the old stereo system and dust off the old turntable and play something from the olden days. And if no one is home – play it LOUD! – just like the olden days.
The threats we’ve been getting from North Korea got me recalling the Cold War.
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The Cold War, often dated from 1947 to 1991, was a sustained state of political and military tension between powers in the Western Bloc, dominated by the United States with NATO among its allies, and powers in the Eastern Bloc, dominated by the Soviet Union along with the Warsaw Pact. This began after the success of their temporary wartime alliance against Nazi Germany, leaving the USSR and the US as two superpowers with profound economic and political differences.
The Cold War was so named because the two major powers—each possessing nuclear weapons and thereby threatened with mutual assured destruction—never met in direct military combat.
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Do you realize how close we were to a nuclear war?
It was the most dangerous moment of the Cold War. At about 5 p.m. on Oct. 27, 1962, a Soviet submarine armed with a nuclear warhead found itself trapped and being bombarded by a US warship patrolling off Cuba.
One of the Soviet captains gave the order to prepare to fire. But a cooler-headed officer persuaded him to wait for instructions from Moscow before unleashing a nuclear attack
”We thought – that’s it – the end,” Vadim Orlov, a Soviet intelligence officer, was quoted as saying in recently declassified documents from the Cuban missile crisis.
1962 – I was 4 years old. I would’ve never known what hit me…
In the late 70′s and early 80′s, during the height of the Cold War – I used to think about a nuclear attack. I used to think about it a lot. And I would literally pray that cooler heads would prevail and neither country would “turn keys”. After all, I was in my early twenties and life was just beginning.
And then, to confirm my fears they, came out with this shocking movie: “The Day After” (1983)
Then in 1989 with the Fall of Communism and the tearing down of the Berlin wall – I could sleep easier at nights with hopes for a bright future – not just for us, but for generations to follow.
I knew that nuclear war with Russia would have no winners – just losers. Sting summed it up in one of my favorite Sting songs.
At this point, I don’t really worry about North Korea’s threats. For every rocket that they fire, there will probably be about 25 fired back at them. Hopefully, the North Korean’s love their children too.
Did thoughts of nuclear war haunt you back in the days of the Cold War? Did you ever consider what you’d do if there was a nuclear attack? Do you worry about a nuclear war now? Any comments regarding nukes?
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It’s only 2 weeks away! The Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry – Give 2 Live event. Get you tickets now!
Thinking about Chico’s Pizza as we talked about in the Chico’s Pizza – Revisited With Wes (Ralph) Popham blog entry, and how I wished that I Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve visited there at least once – I started thinking about other places around town – or that used to be around town, that I never went to. And I never will be able to go to because it is no longer around.
I was just talking to a coworker today who said that she used to work at The Ranch House in Aina Haina. And I started thinking that it’s another one of those places that I Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve gone to but didn’t. And it’s too late now. And we talked about how Country Comfort used to play there.
And that got me thinking about Kalapana and how they used to play at the Toppe ada Shoppe. Another place that I Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve gone to – but didn’t.
Kelly’s by the airport. Passed by it many times – but never ate there.
Aloha Motors. Remember this garage? Never been there. And never will.
Tahitian Lanai – Didn’t know how legendary that place was – until it closed.
And one more: Magic Mushroom Nightclub. Passed by it at the Gold Bond building many, many times. Again, Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve – but never did. And now it’s too late…
What establishments did you Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve visited – but didn’t?
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii – Manoa Grand Ballroom
Hana Hou! If you missed the last Magic Mushroom Re-union Party in July 2012 – Here’s your 2nd chance!
Tickets go on sale on Monday – January 7th. Unfortunately, this time there will be no will call, unless you purchase a Reserved Table (seats 10 people) in advance. Door opens at 6:30 pm. General seating will be first come first served. Tickets are $30 per person. There will be a no-host bar, and a pupu buffet will be available as well as snacks on each table. Parking is $5.00 on site with validation.
The Host, Ed Kanoi of 107.9 KOOL Gold, will be giving away prizes.
Featured bands will be:
* Electric Fish & The Tofu Factory (aka The King Pins) *
* Audissey & Friends, with special guest appearance by Rob Yamamoto & Kenneth Uyeno *
* White Light *
For tickets and event information contact:
Dennis Matsukawa at 271-2622 or at Audissey004@yahoo.com; or
Bernie Ferraria at 220-6329 , or at koolinspiration@hotmail.com.
Tickets also on sale at Dan’s Guitars, Carlos Performance Guitar and Westside Music.
PS: If you have any Magic Mushroom memorabilia, bring/wear it and share with us to see.
** or let me know and I can get you tickets and/or a table
It’s Super Bowl weekend! You can almost smell all that testosterone in the air! So, answer the Thursday 3 questions for the Super Bowl!
Who are you rooting for – Niners or Ravens?
Are you watching the Super Bowl at home or at a Super Bowl party?
If you’re not going to be watching the game, what are you planning on doing instead?
Here’s my replies:
Who are you rooting for – Niners or Ravens?
Niners! Don’t get me wrong – I still bleed Silver & Black (Oakland Raiders), but I needed to choose an “alternate” team because… you know… the Raiders are junk.
Are you watching the Super Bowl at home or at a Super Bowl party?
I’ll be watching it in the comfort of home. Slouched on the couch, dressed in bodobodos, unshaven, and I can fut when I want.
If you’re not going to be watching the game, what are you planning on doing instead?
N/A. But IF I wasn’t watching the game – being that it’s Sunday – that would mean, wait for it…, just a little bit more Sally… Ok – COSTCO!
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii – Manoa Grand Ballroom
Hana Hou! If you missed the last Magic Mushroom Re-union Party in July 2012 – Here’s your 2nd chance!
Tickets go on sale on Monday – January 7th. Unfortunately, this time there will be no will call, unless you purchase a Reserved Table (seats 10 people) in advance. Door opens at 6:30 pm. General seating will be first come first served. Tickets are $30 per person. There will be a no-host bar, and a pupu buffet will be available as well as snacks on each table. Parking is $5.00 on site with validation.
The Host, Ed Kanoi of 107.9 KOOL Gold, will be giving away prizes.
Featured bands will be:
* Electric Fish & The Tofu Factory (aka The King Pins) *
* Audissey & Friends, with special guest appearance by Rob Yamamoto & Kenneth Uyeno *
* White Light *
For tickets and event information contact:
Dennis Matsukawa at 271-2622 or at Audissey004@yahoo.com; or
Bernie Ferraria at 220-6329 , or at koolinspiration@hotmail.com.
Tickets also on sale at Dan’s Guitars, Carlos Performance Guitar and Westside Music.
PS: If you have any Magic Mushroom memorabilia, bring/wear it and share with us to see.
** or let me know and I can get you tickets and/or a table
So I thought we’d do a music blog of Inspirational Songs.
I have to admit that there were times that these songs gave me hope and helped pull me out of my funk – a little bit, anyways.
Here’s one that always comes to mind first.
This one was from “Social” days. (The flip side of Long Time To Be Alone)
Lonely People – America
Smile A Little Smile For Me – The Flying Machine
And Hero – Mariah Carey
Okay, those are some of my “go-to” songs when I need a lift. What are your Inspirational songs?
* If someone already listed a song – that’s okay. List it again!
Do you have your “Disguise” ready? You only have about 2 more weeks. btw, I heard that Rob Yamamoto will be joining Roy Yonashiro and Funkshun that night. It just might be a mini Natural High reunion!
DIO suggested: Hmmmm, thinking….maybe you could somehow pull a topic together for MLC. Playtime as kids, MLC style. A time before electronic everythings, a time when card games were played with real cards, board games on actual boards…One thing I’m thinking about, is if there is a hours long power outage. With electronic stuff, you have to be sure everything is charged. With board games, cards, etc. who cares. As long as there is enough light: sunlight, candle light, flashlight, to see, you can play forever.
A friend had posted on Facebook that she was playing Monopoly with her nephew on her iPad. When she explained to him that she used to play Monopoly on a board, with real metal game pieces and play money, and little houses and hotels. The kid couldn’t comprehend it.
In fact, she posted that she once taught her nephew how to play Solitaire using a real deck of cards. He said the game took too long.
I guess that’s DIO’s point – that if the power goes out – and the batteries die – then what are today’s kids going to do? Kinda sounds like this new NBC series starting this fall:
But back to the topic – when we were kids, our games existed of game boards, card decks, jacks, etc. We didn’t play on-line shooter games – we put on the old army belts with the plastic canteen attached to it, the plastic army helmet (that was always way too big for our heads) and we used the toy machine-guns – then “played army” all around the neighborhood. We threw make-believe hand grenades – while we pulled the make-believe grenade pins with our mouths. And every sound effect was made by us – from machine-guns firing to bombs falling to grenades exploding to the command leader barking out orders.
That used to be our playtime.
What MLC playtime memories do you remember? Climbing the mango tree perhaps? Getting a game of kickball together at the empty lot? Setting up the Mouse Trap game at your friend’s house? Reading comics in the pup-tent that was put up in the yard every summer? And how about you girls? How did you spend your playtime?
This Saturday. New Venue – Aloha Brewing Company. New Band – Quest (featuring Rob Yamamoto from Natural High). And Russ Shiroma’sSoul Pilot band after their debut this past Sunday at Sassydog’s successful benefit. And Xcite with the always exciting Devin Staples Nakasone and Sharlene Aoki (Sharlene Oshiro).
encore |ˈänˌkôr| noun a repeated or additional performance of an item at the end of a concert, as called for by an audience.
exclamation called out by an audience at the end of a concert to request such a performance.
Hey MLCers – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so if you’re looking for the right present for that someone special – instead of blowing $80 on some flowers that won’t last but a week – I’ve got a tip for you. Tell your significant other “Let’s go dancing!”.
On March 3rd (Girl’s day), The Beat will be at C’est Si Bon at the Pagoda hotel. How’s that for a blast from the past! Remember going to “CSB’s” to catch the Kasuals?
Okay, the Kasuals won’t be playing – but there is a new band in town: Encore
Encore is a band made up of musicians from back in the day. One of them is Mitchell Fukumoto and I ask Mitch if he could provide us with a little bio of the band. Here’s Mitch’s take:
ENCORE
Jazz, Funk, Rock, R&B, Hawaiian….Waikiki Stage Shows, Vegas Lounges, Dinner Cruises, Studio session work….
We all bring different backgrounds, history, and genres to the mix and when you combine that with an extremely high level of skill on each instrument…it is not only enjoyable but very musical.
From bands during the Seventies such as Natural High, Asian Blend, Livewire and Reach to playing jazz, funk, and top 40 around town….Encore is not your everyday, slapped-together all star band.
Encore is comprised of Rob Yamamoto (vocals and keyboards), Brian Nakashima (guitar and vocals), Dave Ogata (drums and vocals), Dayton Arima (bass and vocals), and Mitch Fukumoto (keyboards and vocals). With the musicianship in this band, we try to focus on songs that are not covered by other bands such as Love Grows by Edison Lighthouse and Josie by Steely Dan. Keep in mind…these are very difficult songs…but we are able to do justice to these great songs because of the personnel in the band. We will play some numbers that other bands play because we realize people need to hear those songs but we also feel people want to hear these other songs and have not experienced the pleasure of these tunes live.
Good music played well…really as simple as that.
Encore.
In addition to Encore, Funkshun will also be providing some funky dance music. Can’t go wrong with Funkshun as they’ve developed quite a HUGE following of MLCers around town. I just love their extended version of “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel“. Reminds me of the Hula Hut days with Natural High.
Speaking of Natural High, it wouldn’t surprise me if Roy Yonashiro makes an appearance and performs a number or two. In fact, with Rob Yamamoto AND Roy Yonashiro there, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a small kine Natural High reunion. No promises though.
Tickets are $40 pre-sale and includes HEAVY pupus. Translated for us MLCers: Dinner!
And being that it will be on Girl’s Day, the event is themed “Ladies Night“. So that means that the first drink for all the girls is FREE!
So guys, surprise your girl with a pair of tickets to The Beat for her Valentine’s Day present.
What’s that? You girls are saying that your “old man” is living up to his moniker and isn’t interested in going? K-den, since it’s going to be on Girl’s Day – that automatically entitles you to a “pass”. Gather all your friends together and make it a Girls Night Out! Tell them about the “automatic pass” thing since it’s Girl’s Day – you know, in case their old man gives them a hard time.
btw, the last Beat was held on the Halloween weekend and was appropriately titled “Disguise”. We had a great time. Wanna see? Check it out: The Beat – Disguise
Here’s your chance to relive the old “clubbing” days. Just let me know if you’re interested and I can hook you up with tickets. And if you have a group of people planning to go, I can get a table reserved for your group.
Oh, one more thing. No need worry about “uji” guys coming around for ask you to dance. Nowadays, no need wait for someone to ask you for dance. You like dance – just get on the dance floor and cut loose.
Well, MLCer’s – we’re just about ready to close the first decade of this millennium. Has it been 10 years already since Y2K? That sure went fast.
This year, I’m not taking any chances. We bought kadomatsu and it’s already put up around all the entrances of the house.
Kadomatsu: A custom brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants long ago. Kadomatsu has developed into a local tradition to welcome the New Year. Kadomatsu, literally “Gate Pine”, is placed at the entry way of buildings and homes to welcome ancestral spirits and bring good luck. Each element of the arrangement bears special and particular significance: the Bamboo represents strength, growth, and the ability to withstand nature’s forces – arranged at varying heights to represent heaven, man, and earth, the Pine’s needles foil evil spirits and represent longevity: the Rope represents the binding together of heaven, man, and earth.
This past year, we didn’t put up Kadomatsu. Perhaps it was just coincidence, but things didn’t go too well:
Our January trip to Vegas rained every single day – except the day we left.
I was laid off from my job at The Honolulu Advertiser after it was sold to the competitor.
My dad passed away at 89 years old.
But as seasoned MLCer’s – we know that everything happens for a reason. And that every cloud has a silver lining:
The Midlife Crisis blog continued on – with much support from Tyson for hosting it and keeping it running smoothly. Mostly all the MLC readers kept with it at it’s new home – some still posting, others just lurking, and quite a few new folks posting (you know who you are).
The short-lived Vegas, Baby! blog got a lot of attention – and may be resurrected one day. Bigger and better.
I met Tankobu in real life.
Diane Ako helped me “decompress” after being laid off.
Shauna from Odds & Ends blog started a new career.
Braddah Lance from Wassap Wit Dat blog became a daddy.
AnkleBYTERS became a grandpa.
Linda Kato went on permanent vacation. But helped me get through Unemployment before taking her well deserved permanent vacation.
I met Rob@96744 and we’ve become friends like we’ve known each other for years. And I’m very thankful for all the memorabilia that he’s given me – allowing me to recall my youth. And all the classic songs that takes me back whenever I listen to them.
Sally introduced us to even more MLCers and musicians – who are once again feeding their passion for playing 70′s music and watching the dance floor fill up – groovin’ to the tunes of yesteryear.
We found a new venue at The Ground Floor. A cozy hideaway that features live music and a place for us to gather and kick back to the sounds.
Rob Yamamoto (of Natural High fame) has hooked up with a band: Infusion – which keeps sounding better and better every time we hear them.
Roy Yonashiro (also of Natural High fame) is continuing to provide the dance tunes with Powerhouse – while serving the community with Bone Marrow drives hoping for that match that will save someone’s life.
Supes (Superman808) continues booking the dance bands at Hawaiian Brian’s and gives us an outlet to relive the days of 70′s nightclubbing.
Rob Kimura & Candy Au put up another pair of successful 70′s Nightclub Reunion events this past year. And they continue to plan the big finale in 2011. I’m hoping for a “Hana Hou” event later.
Daughter #1 graduated from HCC’s Fashion Technology program and blew us away with her designs at the many fashion shows that she participated in. “That’s my girl and her designs on the runway!”.
I was fortunate to get back on my feet after landing a job at Kamehameha Schools. It’s been rough and is still quite challenging – but it’s a job and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity.
Stepping back and looking at The Big Picture – I guess 2010 wasn’t such a bad year after all. With Paula by my side, supporting me through thick and thin – I think I did all right.
How about you? As you take a few moments to reflect on this past year, share with us some of your low points. And even more of your high points.
Then pause to step back and look at The Big Picture. I think you’ll also be patting yourself on your back saying “I guess I did all right”.
* Special thanks to Ynaku for giving me the inspiration to come up with this blog topic
Hi everyone! The “working at the advertiser” thread is still hot, so please continue to comment there if you’d like.
I wanted to take this time to tell you about an upcoming event. The Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry’s Give2Live benefit is coming up on Friday, the 25th of this month. It’ll be at the Dole Cannery Ballrooms and promises to be a big event.
Powerhouse will be providing the music – along with 14 other musicians from bands such as Glass Candle, Greenwood, Natural High and more.
Roy Yonashiro who happens to be the lead singer for Powerhouse is also the HBMDR’s recruitment specialist. Does his name ring a bell? Is should if you used to stand in line outside of the Hula Hut waiting to get in to hear the sounds of Natural High. And Natural High’s other lead singer – Rob Yamamoto – will also be joining Powerhouse on stage at this event.
Check it out:
Midweek also did a great feature on Roy and this event. Read about it here.
One of the highlights will be when donor, Kathy Fu, who donated her marrow 3 times to help save the life of Tyler Warren from Illinois, will meet for the first time IRL.
The tickets are $50, of which $20 is tax-deductible. And includes heavy pupus. Now when they say heavy pupus, you can almost expect dinner. At the last Give2Live event, the pupus were brought to the table and everyone ate “family style”. It was awesome.
And, there will be raffle balloons for sale. At the last event, the balloons were sold out even before the band was warmed up! Paula and I both bought 1 balloon each at $20 apiece and claimed our prize (which have values of at least $20). After getting our seats, we went back out into the lobby to buy another balloon each. Only 1 guy had 10 balloons left for sale. We approached him and said we’d like to buy some of his balloons. He said that someone had just bought all 10 of his balloons. So don’t snooze, bumbye you lose.
If you’d like to join Paula and me. And the KHEA’s and friends. And Snow and husband. And Opso. And Sally. And most of the Hawaii ’72 people. And some Advertiser people. Let me know and I’ll try to set up another table by us. But don’t take too long as this one is heading for a sell out.
And this time, there will be 3 dance floors! At the last event, the main dance floor was so packed, people made their own dance floor in the back of the ballroom!
Here’s a video from the last Give2Live event. Enjoy!
Rodney Lee is a Baby Boomer - and proud of it. Rodney started the Midlife Crisis blog back in the days of The Honolulu Advertiser and ran it for about 3 years. After The Honolulu Advertiser shut down, Rodney decided to continue his blog here at Midlife Crisis Hawaii. New blog entries are added every Monday and Thursday.
So join Rodney as he reminisces about the good ol' days.
Midlife Crisis Hawaii - where the memories live on.
