While inside my apartment trying to finish up some homework, loud chanting interrupted my concentration. I kept hearing key words such as “tricked them” and “demanding re-hire”. Finally after thirty minutes of torture, I walk outside to find the source, and there was a crowd of people gathered along Kalakaua Avenue on both sides of the street of the Duke Kahanamoku statue and the Hyatt Regency Hotel in red shirts with picket signs!

When trying to obtain some information of what the ruckus was about, I was brought to a man in dress slacks and a red shirt that read, “Hope for Housekeepers". Cade Watanabe, a local resident, explained that they are trying to raise awareness for the “Hope for Housekeepers”. Apparently this whole protest is a result of Hyatt’s decision to lay off 100 housekeepers in Boston. The lay-off came directly after a  training for 80 new housekeepers that was facilitated by the original workers. Watanabe said there is a concern for the bargaining of the housekeepers’contracts which are to expire in 2010. “We want to send Hyatt a message,” said Watanabe. He expressed the importance of having good jobs in the community with benefits.

As for the Hyatt Regency in Waikiki- all is well. No housekeeper lay-offs as of yet. Signs reading “Unite Here!” showed the support for housekeepers around the nation.

Watanabe said this is only the first wave of hotel workers, there should be at least 300 more people at 4:30 pm. Police and employees of the Hyatt hotel are standing by for safety.

Twas the day after Halloween, that soon came the ornaments and evergreens decorating the halls of your favorite shopping stores.

Seems that no one remembers about the day we give thanks (to what we are recognizing the holiday for seems relative across cultures).

In this troubled year of 2009, perhaps it is a result of seller’s attempts to lure consumers longing for the nostalgia of a wonderful Christmas.

Indeed, I would much rather see the symbols of Christmas than hanging turkeys that would remind me of food, next remind me of weight, then seeing mannequins with size 0 clothes on.  Smart move marketing people.

There is one delight that is pleasing to the eye during the hustle of weaving in and out of crowds with an arm full of bags; it is when approaching this:

along with a stationary desk!

Located in Macy’s is this mailbox with the words “Believe", which stands for the belief in Santa Clause. By mailing your letter addressed to Mr. Clause at the North Pole, Macy’s will donate one dollar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. What will the foundation do with the money? Help grant children wishes of course! Next to the mailbox, you’ll find postcards ready to write and drop in… but don’t forget the stamp! Yes, it must have a stamp!

And for all of you who might be rolling their eyes or saying, “but…. (fill in the blank)”, you who may have forgotten what the Thanksgiving and Christmas season is all about!

My suggestion, pick up the movie “Miracle on 34^th Street”.

Maybe the advertisers went straight to Christmas, but I won’t forget the Thanksgiving season, as I am thankful for those who believe and help with this wonderful campaign. Keep the children who are sick and deprived in your hearts this holiday season, and drop of your letter to Santa Clause at the nearest Macy’s! I will!

To get more info on Make-A-Wish Hawaii, go to  http://www.makeawishhawaii.net/

Visit Macy’s website on the Believe campaign for info on writing to Santa Clause at  http://www.macys.com/believe/

On November 10, 2009, Jasmin Rodriguez came to the Journalism 3400 to discuss her experiences as the Spokesperson for the St. Vincent's hospital on September 11, 2001. Rodriguez discussed what she felt, how she handled the situation and the details of how the community came together under such tragic circumstances. After hearing her speech it put a whole new light on the incident. I remember when I first heard about the attack on the World Trade center, I was at home eating breakfast when my dad called telling my mom to turn on the television. My mom, my brothers and I all watched the news until we had to leave to catch the bus. I remember all through the school day, every classroom had the television on watching as the news released what information they had through out the day. I could not imagine actually being in New York like Rodriguez and watching the incident unfold live. The saddest thing she saw and told us, one of the few times she actually almost broke down and cried, was when she went to ground zero on the first day after the attack and saw the left had of a man with a wedding band on his finger. She said, "this was someone's husband, someone's son, someone's brother and even someone's father." Rodriguez had to be tough to deal with everything she witnessed that day and helped out with the press to let the rest of the world know what was going on, especially at St. Vincent's hospital.

Karaoke in Classroom

Karaoke fever broke out at the HPU Korean Association meeting. About 30 students from different countries gathered on Oct. 21.

At the beginning, students learned the Korean alphabet with a simple performance by MATESL graduate student Hyunjung Lee. Then they practiced how to introduce themselves in Korean as a group.

They also sampled Korean food, which was not Americanized, after the presentation.

“I didn’t have time to cook Bulgogi (spicy marinated barbecued beef) and Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) this time,” KSA vice president Myoung-a Yoon said.

The highlight was the karaoke singing and dancing competition. Students learned a 30-second-long Korean popular children’s song “Three Bears” as Emily Tregelles, freshman in marine biology, danced to the music. The song was familiar to HPU ELS student Naoko Goto from Japan, since she had heard it in a Korean drama “Full House.” The winner was Biology freshman Michael Odom’s team. His try hit 100 points on the karaoke machine.
“Singing helps (to learn Korean). It makes language slow,” said Justine Brice, MATESL graduate student from Louisiana.

KSA president Thomas McDonald said he was never interested in his half-Korean blood until high school. Improvement in conversation with his Korean cousin in the Korean language motivated him to take Korean language classes. Last year, he spent the summer in Busan University in Busan, the second biggest city in South Korea.

“I just wanted to let them know Korea more,” McDonald said. He plans to visit Korea again in the summer of 2010.

Wednesday night at Cupola Theatre was the place to be as Shawn Felipe, Lanai Tabura, Champ Kaneshiro, and Kaleo Pilanca put on a hilarious comedy show!

Champ Kaneshiro warming up the place.

Shawn Felipe cracking up the audience.

Before the show, I was one lucky girl as Champ, Lanai, and Kaleo hung out and talked story before it all started. I must say, those boys are not only extremely funny, but also incredibly sweet. I was able to listen in on stories that happened during their trips to Maui for other comedy shows, and I was nearly in tears!

Kaleo Pilanca and yours truly!

Many thanks to Kaleo Pilanca for a great time!

As you probably already know, all four men are pretty popular here in Hawaii. Their talents and interests are easily known from radio and television. What's great about these next six Wednesday nights is you have all four of them in front of you making you laugh. One thing that stuck in my mind was when Lanai said that Hawaii comedy was so unique because it's the only place where it has it's own comedy. Here in Hawaii, they're able to tell local jokes and tease everyone at the same time; and believe me, they do. The guys represent local comedy to the fullest, and they are able to relate to everyone. Be careful, your cheeks may cramp up like mine did after a night with these guys!

Comedy Night Flyer

What's even cooler is that HPU students get HALF OFF if they bring their student ID! The place is really nice too, right on top of Inspiration's furniture store. I definitely loved the show and will probably be back again next week to see those guys in action!