Crystal Clear

Akaka & Case Live Blogging Debate

Well already off to a screwy start.... had to make the drive back from Waikiki..

7:41 Case has given his opening remarks and was a bit too overly bright. Akaka now is speaking and trying to minimize he is a political dinosaur...

Akaka- respect for others, opinion not the same as others, peers speaking on his behalf-"Not a boast"
Ha ha ha... his record is abysmal

7:44: Question to Case, about AARP sponsored debate and is the issue about Age... Case gives a half true  and half spin answer about 2 old time Senators and the need for "betterment....over next 25 years"...example of Oregon... 2 long time senators 1995 and 1996 no transition... This is where I think regardless of Case and regardless of Akaka... "hard things to talk about"....that Case is definitely correct

7:43: YAWN....talk spin about Iraq...note here that Akaka refused to let the gloves come off and would ONLY respond to questions

7:46-first technical glitch...I typed and then hit wrong key and it deleted the new sentenc...Akaka now handling the quesiton about age... Case handled it half truth and half double speak...Akaka now ramling and moderator has to keep him on track

7:48-question to Akaka about privatization of SS... views continuation as top priority...the man is stumbling and uh-uhing.... Eyes down at notes... hems and haws...Not a coherent response

7:50-Case: SS needs to be fixed... eye contact: yes, a bit prepared and canned...rehearsed...Commends Bush for putting issue on table but opposes his understanding of Bush's case..(good political move by Case as Bush neveer submitted his complete plan)

7:51: Question to Case about Health Care: Case answering how as a Senator he has to think of entire counry and not just state. Maintains thoughtful head tilt and excellent eye contact, very well rehearsed... not really genuine or warm

7:54: Akaka, just really repeats the question and the obvious... reiteration..."we must take steps to reign in costs"...DUH

7:55 Question to Akaka about Akaka bill, says we made great gains in the 6 years...was a Bi-partisan success...stutters saying p-p-p-population... brings up Native Americans..etc...says he will continue to beat the dead horse issue... Says he will bring it up again..."Nation owes it"..

Case: Good for Hawaii..What and How is up for debate and structure, feels it shoudl be with the Native Hawaiians to proceed

Case :another Iraq questiona... his place on Iraq is not just about Iraq.. believes it is not just about Iraq...YES!!!....Goes on about the area...But does not believe civil war in Iraq is imminent... The man is easy on the eyes :-)

Akaka: In Oct 2002..was one of few who opposed war in Iraq.. Presidnet's proposal didn't have correct information... Didn't find WMD.... wanted strategy...Factors to not vote authorization..wants removal by 2007...Iraqis to take responsibility for own security

8:00; question to Akaka about recruitment and what about Draft... Akaka talks about being member working on recruitment and retainment...to keep country free. Military done a great job in traning...

Case: Recruitment ok in some and not in others, no need for draft, no support for it. The all volunteer military being stretched... This was a question from some grandparents via the internet... what a waste of 5 minutes..

8:06-Case and the Patriot Act... Case clarifies the timing... passed w/ his vote... law be able to have tools to protect us but want have those powers with checks and balances..prob with Patriot act not the tools in it...but provisions were in the 2nd Patriot Act..opposed Bush's wire tapping... bothers him it is unauthorized... Good points.. don't like it but..

Akaka: that bill granted limited powers but opposed the 2nd Patriot act because uh uh uh uh overhweled by administration...seems he is talking off the cuff... I am sensing arrogance to not prepare... not treating this seriously..thinks Case is a young whipper snapper....

809: Akaka and about Long term care in home... Akaka smiling but telling about need for programs to attract nurses and caregivers....salaries and training... WHO wrote these ridiculously easy banal quesitons??

810: Case doesn't see it as an either or..........This seems like a "question" that was a gimmee to both of them...what a waste...

8:11..."Jones" issue of transport...US GOvt dominate Hawaii's issue... Case is really forceful about this... WoW a definite difference as he talks about Hawaii's "life line"... "not fair" monopoly"...Not just goods and services to us but ours to the mainland.... Really a lot of passion on this one... Somebody lining his pockets???

8:13 Akaka: issue of security... leaders recognize importance of our ports, Jone's act protects all of these... critical issue of security... says it helps our economy... Hmmmmm more pockets being lined???? Remember the old adage of Follow the Money....

8:15 Akaka question-spiraling energy costs : says he has been on energy committee... push to pursue other resources... (had some thoughts right there but not really well formed so typed and deleted them) Akaka goes on about need for other energy resources

Case: number of htings we can do: INvestigate the large companies for price fixing and gouging.. (Gee ya' think????) Yes... I know there is supply and demand and speculation drives market but there are some other issues like getting people used to prices over 3$...so more about renewable energy... this is all a crock...No one is ready to tackle this issue...

8:19- Nethan is nekkid except for sox...needs help... hold on...

8:22: Akaka about Medicare being used...last question...uh uhming.. bulk purchasing power to lower costs... the man needs to come into the present... I don't know if he knows about the internet and the way people have a greater understanding of these things and don't need the basics explained... maybe he is just filling the time because he is L OST...

Case: Prescription benefit  huge market... gives example of the grocery store of one box versus 75 but can't do that under Federal Law... as not good for drug companies...

The debate is over.. Case: Wishes Akaka would reconsider having more debates:

1) Transition- start now, bring on next senator now before Inouye gone, time for cchan

2) Representation, you and your children most of the time?

3) Effectiveness; tools to get job done, WHoa...mentions energy to get it done... committment to staying in touch, "Talk Story" with his constituetns

4) Change: Permisssion to run for senate...boy goes off on the culture and culture in power... our chance to.... our choice...furture of Hawaii promise to service Hawaii

Akaka: Thank AARP for opportunity today, do need congressional team to counter Bush admini, need indiv in DC who understand us  in Hawaii, understanding what Ohana is all about, group up without lots of money but love of close family, tie to self and society,,,, Laws and legislation for family matters, what hard work is all about,,,, working hard to just end meet.... improve quality of life... persuade by wisdom of words... in end actions speak louder than words (uh Akaka you have a really rotten history ) elections always about who represent us legislators about who have character, integrity, values, embrace aloha, tradiitons of Hawaii... pulling on the loyalty and tradition thread without reality of he has DONE little over the past 30 years...

Ok.... I am not changed of mind at all and even more convinced.... Hawaii needs Case... Hawaii has had Akaka for a long time and it is time for change now and not when the old boy network decides it for Hawaii.... So there you go.. my first liveblogging event... Don't see any commetns but I can tel you in round up: Case was very polished and alert and excellent eye contact and demeanor, power tie the whole bit. Akaka also looking very very dapper but not really seeming like he took this all very serious, an amazing amount of uhmming and little eye contact, no real effort ot reach out.. just sort of going through the motions... like he doesn't need this ... Case and the others of us don't know whats in our best interest we should just leave it to our elders and the traditon,,, work hard to make ends meet and focus on family.... uhm.... Not that he couldn't have addressed it but would have been nice to hear how he sees transition working ...eventually.... Case took a bold move doing this and I for one applaud him... I applaud him loudly.... It may have been a stupid move from lots of points, but it was gutsy and courageous... brave and not waiting for the go ahead...can think for himself... This is the appearance and I am buying it in part because I think Akaka would have been serving Hawaii by fading away now his bill is not going anywhere...That again seems also to be the theme: A vote for Akaka is saying you want things to continue as they have for the past few decades...Same ol' Same ol'...a vote for Case is    a way of saying you know I think the past decade or even 6 years have been a waste and about an agenda I don't share and I want some change... Hawaii may get somehwere new or may stay the same but I am ready ...very ready for change... Thanks- Now I am headed over to Poinography to see if he has written up anything...

Akaka, Case To Debate Thursday

    I have no idea how this is going to go and I have not liveblogged before, but Akaka, Case To Debate Thursday Night seems like a good time for me to give it a try. Locals would likely tell you this is not a heated race for Hawaii's  US Senate seat, but I am hoping this debate will liven things up. I will tell you from the start, Case is my man...hands down compared to Akaka...Yes, it will likely show too! Further, my liveblogging will truly not compare to the rundown Poinography is likely to give... hmmm also will have to tune into our Honolulu Advertiser blogs too to see what they think....

Yes I Know

I definitely need a new picture. Right now I have a link up on  25peeps.com and although I hope you will click on it to lend me some linkage love clicks, I know a 3 1/2 year old picture is hardly fair advertising...I have known this for a while but not come around to having a new picture taken. Time has definitely come as I venture out into some private practice and other ventures.

Unfortunately I don't have any good pictures of myself from the Disney Cruise. I spent the week with severe jet lag/sleep deprivation and no makeup! Yikes! The trip was truly amazing... not for the reasons I had originally hoped... relaxation and time with my Grandpa and other family. Especially Nethan. Nethan and I have a very interesting relationship. When we are in private. He is my loving child. When we are in public and others are around... he is cold as ice. Tells others he does not love me and prefers the arms of others. Very strange and very trying. He started the trip with a cold and so over the week he only spent 2 hours in the Disney program. The 2nd time I was to take him, he started with the crying and dropping to the ground as we approached the door. I wasn't about to "dump" him there but it certainly meant there was very little time to "relax" then as he is very demanding and quite the terror when he wants something and he can't quite tell you what he wants. A great deal of it for him was also likely the jet lag. My parents were gracious enough to take him in the evenings and so Bryceton and I did have some quality time together.My strongest or most favorite memory of the cruise will be having room service for a midnight snack at around midnight to 2 am with just the 2 of us reflecting on the day and many other things. Those are special moments...The other major memories of the trip:

• Deck 9- all of our family, 19 of us knew if you showed up in one corner on Deck 9 by the Cove Cafe, it was only a short bit before someone else would show up ...that was fun. Lots of smoking and drinking and as we say in Hawaii "talking story"
• My cousin Ryan and myself having a Cognac and I had my first Cuban cigar... the cigar a Montecristo,a gift from my Uncle, was a disappointment as a cigar but the memory and checking it off my list of things I want to do in my lifetime... priceless...priceless..
• Pirates IN the Caribbean Party... Stupid stupid STUPID me only took one half ass picture of my parents dressed up and I don't even know if i have a picture of my grandpa with a pirate kerchief and pirate tie. My parents looked awesome. My Dad had the billowing white pirate shirt and eye patch and my mom was the total pirate wench... it was very fun and I am pissed at myself we I didn't make more effort to take pictures of all of them. I have some nice ones of the kids... but STUPID to not take them of the rest...
• There are some feelings that are hard to capture in words... and picures only tell part of the story...To narrow it down a bit for you..Bryceton and Nethan with our family. Their Family. Bryceton was tearful and crying the last night because we were leaving Jordan and all the family. A few days in I asked him about the dinners and shows and he said he not only wanted them but liked them because all the family was together. To see Nethan in the arms of my cousin Jennifer... to hear him the night of the Pirate party talking about wanting and demanding Nicki! (she bought him an awesome light saber) With a second wind he reviewed each family member he loved . Jumping and pouncing on the bed next to me, hugs on legs and kisses he gave family totally out of the blue just because he was so moved....Watching him hold hands with Heather...Telling me last night at the hotel. "I want to go back to our ship mommy" .
• Seeing my Grandpa not only happy but seeing him handsome in an awesome suit. He looked awesome and handsome. AND my UNCLE also looking handsome and awesome in a suit. It was clearly no easy feat to get dressed for one Formal night but we didn't get a picture so everyone was determined and agreeable for dressing formal on semi-formal night to GET the picture!!!! It may sound easy but it wasn't. That says TONS to me.. from the teens to my Uncle and Dad and  Grandpa... How do you say THANK you that it means that much to you too! That picture needs to be scanned but it will be posted. Going out of their way and doing it for all of us... Family....I am impressed by each of them.
• My cousins (all sisters and a brother) having fun together partying together...I liked that. I liked it a lot.
• My cousins are the coolest people. The oldest, Jennifer, is not only an amazing beauty but also very thoughtful and extremely well spoken. Nicki is also stunningly beautiful and recently married. Her husband is in the Air Force in Korea and sadly wasnt there with us but she too is really fun and amazing. Ryan is the only boy and very very funny. It was very fun to kick it with him. Michelle is the youngest. I feel for her because Jennifer and Nicki are such stunning beauties it has got to be difficult to be the youngest of those three. She too is really beautiful but doesn't quite carry herself with the confidence she could and should. It reminds me of being with my friend Stephanie from HS. She was a 12 on a scale of 1-10 and being her friend was really weird. I could never measure up and so instead of being OK with being pretty I kept looking at her as being a 12 and not measuring up and figuring I must be a 1. Of course not true... so Michelle still has her path to walk to find her way. What fun to be with people who are family and you have a LONNNNNNG history with and don't have to explain every littl detail of your history with... I really "get" it as far as enjoying seeing family be together...fun to enjoy it when it isnt just Nethan and Bryceton.I enjoyed seeing the sisters and brother together.It was very nice.

OK my battery is about dead and I don't have the auxillary plug out yet.. so until later....Think  about your own family and what it means...

It was not an easy trip. Virtually every single one of us had a cold or caught a cold by today. Not only NOT relaxing...it was exhausing..There were some  squabbles but ...oh well...

Senate Hearings on Public Expression of Religion Act Set For Wednesday

    Jay of Stop The ACLU has an amazing and highly time sensitive piece I encourage you to read it and take action. You will not be alone.

   

C Channel Network Update

THE C CHANNEL NETWORK
  The C Channel is building a multi-interest website that brings together 3 distinct sites - Travel, Shopping and Weddings. Each one features articles, destination profiles, vendor profiles and a whole load of new tools to attract a global audience. This includes the still young Travel Forum, and the Wedding Agenda, a promising tool that will be completely free and is due out  in late 2006.

The C Channel network has also recently introduced The C Directories, 5 user-friendly  directories of websites, blogs, online retailers and other sites categorized under thousands of differnet subjects.   Only a month old,  it attracts new registrations every day of eBusinesses eager to become part of The C Channel Network. For example, in the Entertainment category, you can find a great site about Mahjong, for music-lovers there's Hip Hop 100 and New York nightlife, keeps you up-to-date on the local party scene. You'll also find a site about Indie rock musician Danielle Elvin, and Rakeback for poker lovers. But there's even links to Famous quotations and the Silly stuff blog. And game buffs can check out the Games Directory.

There's plenty to see, so pay us a visit.