"Where's Shannon?"
By Stephen Tsai
Former UH safety Chris Shinnick writes about his friend and teammate, Shannon Smith, who died 11 years ago.
Where’s Shannon?
It’s not something that I think about everyday, but it’s safe to say that at least once a month, something reminds me of that fateful morning 11 years ago. It could be something I’m watching on television, like a body of rushing water, or just a person that reminds me of the few of us who were there that day.
Certain images are vivid in my mind’s eye: Shannon and Cody’s expression as they plunged down the Slippery Slide. Coach VonAppen and Thea’s immediate response to the apparent danger. The treading of water that seemed to take an eternity to finally get Cody to safety. Shannon’s last breath before going under one last time. And unfortunately, Shannon’s stiff, lifeless body as it eventually surfaced over 90 minutes later with the aid of scuba divers. I wouldn’t classify these recurring images as haunting or troubling because they bring me to a place of humility, and I’m blessed once again with the memory of such a wonderful young man.
Shannon Smith is a hero to me.
I don’t throw that word around all that often, but I have no problem using it with Shannon. Many people can perform a heroic act, yet when your heroic act is a natural outpouring of the person you’ve chosen to be, namely by the way you treat others, then you’re already a hero. That’s the Shannon I remember.
That was my second consecutive Spring Break trip to Kaua‘i with Shannon. The first time was a surprise because I barely knew they guy. I remember telling my parents my plans and explaining to them that one of the backup kickers was going to take care of everything. We had an incredible week, and Shannon extended the invitation for the following year.
I certainly wouldn’t call myself one of Shannon’s best friends, but I always admired him, and I know he enjoyed being around me. He possessed a sincerity that you don’t find in many 20 year olds. When he asked you how you were doing, he looked you in the eye and almost made you feel nervous because you knew he actually cared about your response. He worked hard as a football player, but you could tell the sport didn’t consume his entire life like it did for many of us. Shannon’s life was about family, blessing others, and living to the fullest.
It was our last day, and Shannon had promised Coach VonAppen’s family that he would take them to a special spot, one of Kaua‘i's secrets kept from most tourists. We began a hike, half on trails and half just following Shannon as he blazed his own. I can’t remember exactly how long it took to get there, but I when I first saw the water I was actually really excited. When I share this story, I tell people that if it had just been a few of us college football players on that hike, I truly believe we would have had a blast for a couple of hours and called it a day. The water was certainly strong because of the rain the night before, but I think we would have returned home safely, having a drastically different outcome from what eventually occurred.
Shannon went down first to test it out. Cody was ecstatic to follow, but Shannon wisely advised him to wait and suggested that the two of them go down together. Coach Fred and Thea agreed. Cody’s little frame was a snug fit in Shannon’s lap, and as the two of them prepared to descend I followed close behind as I was on deck to go myself. They hit the water with good momentum, both of their heads dipping below the surface. When they resurfaced, I could tell Cody was a bit startled, but nothing too alarming. In fact, I don’t honestly know if I ever felt alarmed until it was much too late. I had always been calm in adverse situations, always optimistic and assuming the best. I never had the sense that anything bad was going to happen to Cody, and I certainly didn’t think Shannon was in any real danger, either.
In Shannon’s initial test run down the slippery slide, he descended head first on his stomach. With his arms out in front of him, his momentum had propelled him through the strong whirlpool that was now becoming the stage for his heroic deed. From the top of the slide I could see Shannon and Cody begin their first of many journeys in a counter-clockwise direction. By their second or third go around Thea’s motherly instinct kicked in as she skipped in front of me to become the third person that day to descend the slide. The whirlpool was not fazed by Thea’s presence as her and Shannon now shared the burden of keeping Cody safe. Coach Fred went in next, forgoing the slide altogether and jumping in from the side. Tim Carey followed and became the final person to descend the slide that day, and would eventually get Cody to safety in the calm waters just beyond the whirlpool’s grip.
During much of the battle with the whirlpool I was searching for branches to use to pull my friends to safety. I’m still amazed at how my efforts yielded no results. I than began to rip a towel into strips to tie together to use as a rope, and that’s when I looked up and saw that Cody had escaped. The next image I remember is Shannon’s face as he came around the whirlpool for what would be his final time. He looked utterly exhausted, which actually caught me off guard because as I said before, I never really considered that he would be in any danger.
“Where’s Shannon?!?”
I know everyone heard me when I yelled it. It was a strange choice of words because I was actually the only person that had seen him take his final breath and go under for the last time. I was the only one who truly knew where he was. I guess I just didn’t want what my eyes had seen to be the truth. I wanted someone to give me an answer that contradicted what I had just witnessed. In the most real of ways, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I’ve had 11 years to ponder, and I still can’t explain this tragedy. I eventually came to a place of peace with God in regards to the events of that day. I’ve concluded that if Shannon were to have known the Slippery Slide had to take someone’s life, he would have volunteered his own much like he did. I’m convinced he knew his breaking point, and instead of selfishly saving himself, he assured the salvation of others. That day I saw sacrifice, courage, and the boldest expression of love that there is. I saw a hero.
I regret much about my last day with Shannon, wondering if I could have done something to save him. In many ways however, I regret just as much the fact that I didn’t get to know him better, connecting with his joyous approach to life, and being a better friend to others myself. I regret not staying in touch with the wonderful family that molded this remarkable young man. I regret waiting so many years to write this story. So now, I remember. I hope you will, too.
* * *
The WAC has finished its spring prospectus.
If you wish to view an online copy, e-mail me and I'll send it to you.
The Warrior Beat
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Hiya!
April 4th, 2008 at 12:04 am
hiya, liz.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:05 am
What an amazing testament to Shannon's courage and heroism, Chris. Thank you for sharing the details of that tragic day.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Shannon's whole family has always been very special.
Thanks for the memories!
A few months before Shannon was lost, we were up there with a group of exchange students. My youngest son wanted to jump off the rocks on the side. I was in the water to catch him. He was only about 4 years old and very brave.
He jumped. He came up. Good thing. That water was so murky, it would have been impossible to find him if he hadn't. We didn't let him jump again.
God bless Shannon - he made the ultimate sacrifice and is surrounded by love.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:11 am
A life changing story. Sometimes I wonder, did it change for Fred and Thea? Might have been different, but we move on.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I'm speechless. But silently praying. For Shannon, for Chris, for all the families.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:15 am
ST, just curious: What's the back story — did Chris perhaps contact you to ask you to print this? Where has he been since then, and where is he now?
April 4th, 2008 at 12:39 am
WOW
April 4th, 2008 at 12:43 am
To me, the lasting legacy of Shannon Smith is in the life of Cody vonAppen. From an article last year:
I like to think if Shannon Smith were alive right now, he'd want Cody vonAppen to live life richly every day. From everything I've read, it seemed like that's how Shannon Smith lived his life too.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Thanks for the e-mail with the prospectus, Stephen. You know it's already on the WAC Web site, right? It even includes the front and back covers.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:49 am
life is so precious.....and too short.
thanks for sharing Chris.
Shannon = hero. Rest in Peace.
God Bless all.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:55 am
Thank you Chris Shinnick for sharing your thoughts and I hope you have found closure and be at peace with yourself. Rest in peace Shannon Smith...
April 4th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Remember after it happened, the story was all over the tabloid shows - inside edition, current affair, et all. And FVA made sure to keep a locker space for Shannon as long as he was there. Pretty sure that JJ didn't keep the tradition. One thing that just popped in - JJ lamented the lack of facilities. And as the Sugar Bowl game approached, someone posted a link to UGAs facilities - UGA had the most awesome facilities. And it is an utter SHAME that UH doesn't even have any type of shrine somewhere, anywhere whether it be at Aloha Stadium, by the locker room, in SSC, anywhere to tell the story of Shannon's heroic act. Within a week of Pat Tillman's tragedy ASU/AZ Cards retired his jersey and did up shrines for him. Where's our mecca spots? A shrine in Aloha Stadium of memorable games - vs BYU 81, 84, 89, 90? vs Notre Dame 91? vs BYU 92? FSU/BYU 01? MSU 04? ASU 06? BSU/UW 07? Hello McFly???
April 4th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Al san
waka's jealousy started before promotion to ozeki, taka rose faster in the ranks and was more popular due to his better looks.
Things got worse after dad's death, with taka hoarding all the paperwork and bank accounts and insinuating that waka was a few quarts low (true) and mom was a slut (also true).
Things have gotten better recently between the brothers, but taka still blames mom for her affairs during dad's cancer days.
They have met once in a playoff with Waka winning.
They also almost met once in a three way playoff with Akebono, however Chad beat both brothers for a first round win.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Good Morning
Chris,
Having a montage of images forever in your thoughts of your team mate perishing .And memorializing his presence on Earth,as expressed in your tribute to Shannon,brings a moment in time to reflect.And pause.And commemorate the fine young man.And also of you Chis for sharing in your grief and struggles of Shannon's last day.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:46 am
April 4th, 2008 at 4:06 am
Stories like Shannon's reminds us how insignificant our own perceived problems are. When the was the last time any of us made such a personal sacrifice for another? Easy to say you would be willing to do it -- words are cheap.
Thank you Mr. Tsai and Mr. Shinnick for the personal story. I am sure the von Appen's have relived that day many times.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Chris,
Thank you for passing along your story. Shannon deserves to be remembered and the more we read about his actions and the type of person he was, the more we appreciate him.
Thank you to ST for passing this along.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:52 am
Good Morning,
The dignified manner Pomai answered the poster not knowing all the facts was well handled.Most people,upon making a mistake,would make a retraction and apology.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Good Morning Tsaikos!!
Thanks Chris for sharing this story with us.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:39 am
Good morning Tsaikos.
Great story on Shannon Smith. Shannon's wilingness to help his young friend Cody comes through loud and clear in the story. Thank you for sharing, Chris. Pomai, thanks for sharing the followup information. I'll definitely think about this story when I again visit the UH lower campus. I'll make it a point to look for the locker room, and around, to see if there is any lasting symbol of respect and remembrance for Shannon Smith at UH.
But life does goes on, doesn't it. My mom and dad are gone now. Every now and then I pause to remember them, and some other yesterdays. I also remind myself that today is a new day, a day to bring joy to the jungle. I started today reminding myself that there are only 148 days until WARRIOR NATION faces Florida. UH has one chance to do extremely well against Florida in 2008. There won't be a practice run, only one time on the slide. Period. I am trying to do my part to help give everyone on the team and in Tsaiko Nation that extra oomph and encouragement to self discipline the mind. That is where winning starts, in the mind. Discipline.
I will try to equate the word UNSELFISH with the name Shannon Smith, and put that word right next to my favorite word in my UH football vocabulary: discipline. Guess we all can find a Shannon and remember his legacy in our own lives. Again ST and Chris and Pomai, thanks for the great story and followup.
POMAI, howzit
don't know if I can get back sooner for practice but I'll be here on the 19th and 26th.
Sure am going to miss watching the coaches at practice. I don't know when I'll be back this Spring but it is now a high priority on my list of things to do. Loved hooking up with Grandma Pestana, Uma(sp) Veikune, SJ and Mavis, Go watch practice. :et the coaches and players know you are present and interested in their success. Help them STEP IT UP. People can tell when you're for real.
Shucks, I am so fired up; too bad there is no practice today. I think I'll drive by the offices and see if Aranda is there already. I wouldn't put it past him. That bradda has game and enthusiasm for his job. So does Rich Miano. His face during practice on Wednesday, what intensity. The look was worth my trip.
LIZ KAUAI,
Forida tickets. UH's tocket office is in, how shall I say, daylight savings time. But they neva spring forward yet.
I waiting for 4/21 8 am EST. Hawaii ticket office still sleeping, IMO. Florida will be wide awake. I counting Garrett among my relatives, maybe his uncle can help out. My plan B is 4/21 8 am EST, Florida direct.
I sure hope I get my tickets before a couple more airlines pau fly.
The good news is I met a Mr. Oshiro and wife last nite. He is the supa big crane guy. He said he would like to go Florida too. So the interest is there, y'all.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Update on the LSU QB...he's getting to go with the team to the White House.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:49 am
I *cannot* believe that Rich Rodriguez's lawyer is trying to play the slavery card over his $4 mi buyout. Rich *signed* the contract with the buyout and was well compensated by West Virginia...
April 4th, 2008 at 5:51 am
UH plays Cincinnati to end the season. Cincinnati will find out if their most experienced (and probably starting) QB will be able to play this season. He'll probably be the starter against UH if he gets his 6th year from the NCAA.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:55 am
Oregon is moving a 6'8" PF on their basketball team to DE on their football team. Sounds like what happened with Akpan/Ikaika, though this guy is even bigger than they were.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Cleveland Browns player tried to run from police. Trouble was, he was standing in the parking lot of a police station when he tried to make a run for it! He's in his 9th year in the NFL so it isn't like he can say this is a rookie mistake.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:04 am
With a story like this there should be no negativity, let the story stand alone!
April 4th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Morning, Tsaikos and Tsai-Meister.
That story sent shivers down my spine.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Aloha kakahiaka!
Chris' story touches my heart.
Peace, ML
April 4th, 2008 at 6:22 am
ST & Tsaiko Blog Dogs,
Thanks for sharing Chris' story. While it played big in the news after it happened, the more personal side could never really be captured until now. Cody's development in the sport is all that we have heard of late. Am certain, this was a life changing event for all who were there. It is these things that make one's life more meaningful and precious.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Article about a former UH football player who played for the Cowboys.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:40 am
This was an interesting lawsuit, part of an article that discusses lying in college football.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:42 am
This Florida player hasn't played much in his career but dedicated himself this offseason and will probably start at safety against UH.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:46 am
NFL Draft buzz has the Bears drafting Colt...and a lot of Bears fans are upset about their team's reported interest in Colt! Some Bears fans don't even want them to take Colt with a 6th round draft pick!
April 4th, 2008 at 6:49 am
This has a nice mention of the UH WRs, so I figure I'll post it. I thought about posting this for awhile and finally decided to.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Aloha Kakahiaka!
bighilofan2- I hope we ca put together a Sugar Bowl-like Tsai-ko cheering section for the Swamp! Please keep us in the loop for ticket opportunities. Mahalo for the fancy footwork on Oahu!
All you Sam Snead folks- have a GREAT one! After work, I have the Rotary track meet which will go well into the evening.
Hiho!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:45 am
hOWZIT TSAIKO NATION.
I got to experience your minuses here in Honolulu, like da H1 am and pm. But you get plenty positives, like getting tp watch UH practice. Lucky buggas you guys. I am jealous!!! Stay on da coaches, peoples. I counting on you to step up too. With all of us doing our part, we can get our second and third go to guys to step up their game. Remember, I am counting on you fellow Tsaikos! SPRING IS HUGE.
GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:51 am
touching story. hard to believe its been 11 years. i was at UH at the time and we all couldn't believe it. if Colt is able to get the NFL Hawaii players to donate money to a new locker room, hopefully they will keep the name to honor Mr. Smith.
on another note, Stephen & Leila, how did you guys cover all of the former UH athletes at Pro Day? seems like you guys were everywhere at once. did you clone yourselves again?
April 4th, 2008 at 7:55 am
howzit, howzit, howzit and Aloha Kakahiaka okou
it's aloha friday gang hope to see yall lattas
be nice when working and playing together
April 4th, 2008 at 7:57 am
What a wonderful testimonial! It brought tears to my eyes!
Thanks for sharing.
April 4th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Chris:
Thank you for sharing your memories of Shannon with us. I've thought about Shannon from time to time over the years, as well as Cody.
I hope that you'll visit with us again and tell us what you've been up to. It's always great to hear from the Alumni.
April 4th, 2008 at 8:01 am
listening to head coach GM on the L&L radio show. great suggestions on bring back alumni next year to the spring game along with other interesting things to make UH fb more fan friendly.
way to go coach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
opps go to go late.
April 4th, 2008 at 8:03 am
midor7
quick how yu? see you lattas and no excuses
April 4th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Speaking of Coach Mack, I was watching VB last night and some time afterwards, he showed up on the Bumatai show. Way to work it, Coach Mack!
hi ho
April 4th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Anyone know if Ikaika Alama-Francis is in town?
Saw a big guy at Ala Moana yesterday who looked a lot like him. He was wearing shades so I wasn't sure. As I walked past his group, they were talking about Ryan Grice-Mullins, so maybe it was he.
April 4th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Chris,
Thank you for telling your story and reminding us all of what a real hero is. In sports, we always think of the game winning shot or catch made by the hero, but it is a term too loosely used sometimes. I have always felt bad for Coach von Appen and his family when they get roasted and berated by people for what happened on the football field. It has to be a tough part of their lives to have gone through to have your child's life spared, but at the expense of another. It obviously will affect all who were involved for the rest of your lives...and ours too. Remembering Shannon through your words brings a sense of peace for all of us and for you as well I am sure. Hawaii will never forget and that is how we honor Shannon.
Much Aloha Chris
April 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Probably last reminder...
BENEFIT CONCERT THIS SUNDAY
Little Learners Preschool will be having a fund-raising concert this Sunday, April 6 at their location in Kailua (160 Mookua Street). The concert features Ledward Ka'apana and guests. ST will be distributing door prizes and might be the emcee.
There will be food, drinks (sold separately), and auction items.
Tickets $10 ($5 for ages 5-12 years)
Please contact ST or Wena at 382-5263 for details and ticket info.
Gates open at 1:30 PM, concert starts soon after. Bring lawn chairs and mats.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Pomai - Why do current players avoid showing off that locker room to prospective recruits? It is great that each PLAYER is reminded of Shannon's heroism, but what about Joe fan??
April 4th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Chris
Sincere thanks for your beautifully written piece...the very best are written from the heart, like yours. My day is a little brighter...even through the mist in my eyes.
Mahalo
April 4th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Favre denies that he's going to come out of retirement.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Colt on Jim Rome Is Burning in 5 mins. Colt In The Jungle Baby!
April 4th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Thanks RainbowMojo for the heads up. He sounds confident and I hope some team will give him the chance.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:48 am
tks mojo. just caught the last two minutes.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Welcome to RainbowMojo, who I mistook for WarriorMojo at a glance...
RainbowMojo -- do you reside in Hawaii?
April 4th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Thanks Stephen for posting such a powerful piece.
Bless you Chris Shinnick for sharing something so dear to you. That kind of sharing will serve a purpose down the line. None of us aill know how or when but there's a purpose for it.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Chris,
mahalo for the note; and everyone who knows me, knows what i say, everyday.......
MAKE MEMORIES, MAKE MEMORIES, MAKE MEMORIES
nuf sed
April 4th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Wasn't Colt on with Rome before?
Maybe I'm thinking of another show - PTI, maybe?
April 4th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Bulla,
How was the Ruth's?
April 4th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Favre should stay retired already. Maybe he can explore coaching, methinks.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:20 am
d1
ruth's is always good, not a big appetite, just had the rib eye and some spinach. man, they were busy, lot of corporate dinners going on. friend of mine wanted some feedback/ideas on his business, so it was worth the meal.
he provides ATM's to businesses, and this past week he had 2 of them vandalized/stolen...at $5k a pop....ouch. we designed a fabrication that would deter the alleged thieves from accessing the machines. temporary solution until we find a better one.
but the 3 F's again, good FOOD, good FRIENDS, and good FUN!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Hey, Tsaikos, just popping in and out to say hello. Back later. Hope every one of you has a great day.
But before I go... I'm with Bulla: Let's seize every day, make memories, make it count! Each new day is a new chance to start anew.
Go get em, Tsaikos! Go get 'em, Warriors!
April 4th, 2008 at 11:24 am
SteveM - 100% local baby. Bonelesch chicken choke gravy all ovah at Rainbows brah
April 4th, 2008 at 11:24 am
There are two more "F's" for the blog Other than Football anyone knows the 5th "F"...?
April 4th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Good Morning
Yummys,and Peter Kim, keeps on ascending.Last Tuesday they purchased Liliha Bakey,a restaurant and bakery that was started in 1950.Peter Kim the owner of Yummys played football at Kaiser,UH and Alabama(under legendary Coach Bryant).
Over the years I've had my share of coco puffs and French bread,usually after having stopped off at Masas across the street.(I sure miss Masas mahi plates and lau lau).
April 4th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Wreck, FAMILY.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Wreck - You really want to know my "F"?
April 4th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Good Job Gigi,
Homey, No it is not fruity...
April 4th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Ralvic,
Dang I never knew that the owner of Yummy's was also a football player... Thanks for the info...
April 4th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Where is Shannon Smith?
Everywhere.
Every time a UH Warrior steps onto the field.
Every time our Warriors look to one another for support.
Every time a rainbow smiles over Manoa.
The memory of a Warrior pure in heart will never go away.
Thanks ST for sharing!
April 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
ralvic- good to hear Liliha Bakery will "stay local".
When Matsuura Store in Lawai was finally sold several years ago, it went to the Kawakami family (Big Save Markets, Menehune Foodmarts, Kauai Kookie Co., etc.) and they continue to make Lawai Manju - which, if I am lucky, I will be able to bring to the Krazy Karaoke and the T-Gate on the 26th.
In that same building, the Lawai Restaurant is now a Mark's Place - with Tsai-ko connections!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Excuse me, my fault. Mahalo to Chris Shinnick for the tribute to a lost friend and thanks to ST for posting it.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Kazz- beautifully said.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Does anyone know if we can get an RSS feed of the blog now?
I had it on the old blog and can't figure out how to do it now on the new website.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Jon:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=RSS
April 4th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
As the years go by and memories fade, it is truly inspiring, and jarring, to be brought back to reality by Chris Shinnick's rememberance of that faithful day in Kilauea on Kauai.
For many, if not all, of us this is the first time of hearing the finite details of what happened at "Slippry Falls" the day Shannon Smith gave his life to spare another.
It is one of the best written story I have read in a long time. Sad, but a tribute to a "real" hero of our day.
I was not aware or maybe I just plain forgot that UHAD had set up a special tribute to Shannon in their locker room. If Colt wishes comes true, I hope the former UH players who contribute to building a new locker room will keep Shannon Smith's memorial as a reminder that life is much bigger than football and a true hero graced their locker room.
If cost becomes a factor, A-House family is willing to make a contribution to keeping the memorial alive. Maybe others will also feel the same way.
Thank you Chris Shinnick for sharing and ST for posting it on this blog.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Chris, thank you for sharing your story. I think by you writing and sharing it, you're even closer to completely healing. Nice tribute to your friend.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I haven't been able to keep up with the Tsaikos, so I apologize in advance for my question if it was already discussed:
Back in February, Hawaiian Airlines had a promo for the book "The Perfect Season" to be autographed by JJ, Coach Mack, and Colt; Na Koa membership; and a DVD. Recently got an e-mail notifying me that only the 1st 1,000 will have their books autographed. It was originally scheduled to be distributed by April. But, with Colt getting his surgery done, not so sure about when we'll be getting our stuff. I responded with that question, but no response. Anyone here has info on this to share? Mahaloz in advance.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
A-House, small point - I think this was at Waipahee natural slide - near Kealia - not the man-made one in Kilauea.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Jon: RSS feed: http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/feed
April 4th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Hey Scott!
So- do you think there is any chance that the bg color will be changed to Warrior Green?
April 4th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Good Afternoon,
Earlier in the morning,I wrote a thank you to Chris for sharing his tribute.And I went to sleep,and woke up a few hours ago.My memories of Kauai from my childhood keep reappearing in my thoughts.That was 30 yeas ago.And I haven't been back since.One summer I worked on a taro farm.And soaked in the beauty of the Hana lei side of the island.I remember the beautiful secluded beaches.And the green foliage of the mountains and streams. Today,I was thinking that my next trip to Kauai I'm going to make it a point to see where Slippery Falls is.And reflect back on the words that Chris described of Shannon's heroism eleven years ago.I'm sure I'll drive and take a look of the Hana lei taro fields for old time's sake.But the essence of observing the memory of Shannon at Slippery Falls in person I hope to do in the near future.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
ralvic- Lots has changed in 30 years. The west side is much the same but the south, east and north sides are quite different. The taro fields are still beautiful tho! Waipahee is off the beaten path now. Kapu.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Thank you ST for sharing Chris Shinnick's writing.
Thank you Pomai for pointing out that yes indeed Shannon is remembered and honored at UH.
Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts on this blog...
April 4th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
XLiz - The background color is a variation of this color: #2288bb
April 4th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Am I the only one in Tsaiko Nation who cringes when Mr. Moore refers to our Warriors as the 'Rainbow Warriors'? Am I the only one who makes a conscious effort to miss his part of the news show until Kanoa comes on with sports (most of the time missing the whole thing 'cuz I stayed on the other channel)?
IMHO, he has the right to be nostalgic and prefer the old name, but when he pushes it onto the viewing public when our Warriors are, in fact, today, the 'Warriors', then he not only disrespects the viewing public with misinformation, but also disrespects the Warrior Football Program, especially the players who come to Hawaii wanting to be a 'Warrior'.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
XLiz - Oh, and FWIW the linked name color is #663300, I think.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
xs-homey - Really? On my screen it looks more like a variation of 026C8B
What I want would be more like 0D7602 - graded a little lighter and a little darker.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Hi gang...
All I can say is "Wow!!" what a story. Thank you Chris for sharing. Thank you ST for printing it. It is a fitting tribute to two fine young men. God Bless!!!
GO WARRIORS!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
onarock - I don't watch Joe Moore but I feel your cringe. Some people take a long time to change. Maybe that's why he has the same hairstyle and hair color from 50 years ago.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
XLiz - Did you get a mysterious email?
April 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
onarock - Joe is Joe. The one I cringe with is when people WHO KNOW Ryan's last name is Grice-Mullins and they call him Grice-Mullen anyway.
xs- mebbe my numbers are diff. the bg looks like 00396D when imported into Photoshop.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
homey...Joe has hair???
April 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
xs- no??? oh yeah... just did
April 4th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
James - That's not his real hair?
April 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
homey - I thought he was bald....and he just wore a bad wig???
April 4th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
onarock,
You should get together with addahknowjoe.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
btw, haven't watched Ch2 news for years
April 4th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Hozit, d1shima, so I guess I'm not the only one, ahh, good to know it's not just me.......furthermore, you guys notice how a lot of the news people on tv are pronouncing Hawai'i like it was spelled Howai'i? Same goes for Kaua'i.......Koa'i.....go figure...okay, I'll stop now....{as I get my meds ready for consumption}.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
James - Unlike al who wears a great wig!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
James,
you got mail
April 4th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
onarock - Let's not forget "Hanalulu".
April 4th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
onarock,
haha
Sounds like a visit to EIS might be something you could use.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
April 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
onarock, when I arrived here 40 years ago, at least half of the people I first met called this island cow-eye. Some people still do.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
yes, xs-homey? Invisible ink?
April 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
XLiz - Sorry, I still call it ka-y...
I forgot to refill the ink in my keyboard...sorry again.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
duffer, you around? Just wanted to make sure you saw my reply last night re: Jenn Boneza.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Aloha Tsaiko's and a special Mahalo to ST for sharing this special story.
It is a very touching memory and a poignant reminder of a tragic event that still resonates in the heart of a true friend.
Chris Shinnick's tribute to a fellow Warrior and true hero shows the character & compassion that all athletes that are chosen to participate in the UH programs come here with. It is a tribute to the good parenting skills they were exposed to at home.
May we always be blessed with fine, upstanding young men like Shannon & Chris. What's even better is that we have youngsters from all the colors of the rainbow who come here to represent our school.
May Ke Akua watch over our Warrior team as they prepare for this upcomng campaign and keep them from all harm.
Malama Pono,
Kekoa
April 4th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Hi Kekoa! Almost ready for your EIS???
I gotta wrap things up and get to the track meet soon.
Hugs to all!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Esme - do you know Jessica Alba? Can you see if she would come to the Karaoke?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
ST,
thanks for requesting and running the story...
Tsaikos,
thanks for taking the time to read, remember, and recognize... as Kazz said, let's keep Shannon's memory everywhere!
blessings,
chris
April 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
homey and Liz -- the background color would ideally be one of the 216 HTML web colors for all web browsers. Examples at:
http://www.w3schools.com/Html/html_colors.asp
http://www.pagetutor.com/common/bgcolors216.html
Did you notice the blue blog background now is actually a gradient? Would have to a graphic, right? Part of the reason for the loading time unless it stays in cache? Hmmm--I wonder...
April 4th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
RE: Joe "no" Moore
When Colt announced he was returning for the 2007 season, it obviously made headlines everywhere in Hawaii Nei...
Although one man in the media took it upon himself to still hold a grudge.
Joe Moore: "Colt Brennan annouced today that he will be returning for his senior year to play for the RAINBOW WARRIORS... Kanoa Leahey has more..."
April 4th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Koakane,
I missed your call. Still at the office, lemme check my voicemail now.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Thank you Chris for sharing your words with us.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Chris- mahalo!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
homey - Uncle al wears a wig?? Coulda fooled me...I thought it was real....mwahahahahahaha
April 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Mr. Shinnick,
Bless you for sharing your personal memories of Shannon Smith.
I can only wish that I may be half the person Mr. Smith was.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
midori,
please yell loud for me at the volleyball match tonight. hope you and uhfan808 have fun.
see you guys at baseball next week.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
SteveM - The actual graphic is this:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/go4wrapper/graphics/bkgd_main.gif
April 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Peace be with you, Chris.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Yeah, Kazz, if I could be a fly on the wall when Kanoa talks story with his buddies, with a nice cold beer in hand (perhaps, the 6th beer)..........let it rip with all the Joe "no" Moore stories!
dishima,
Ooh, the EIS sounds good and would sure do the trick, but maybe next time when I feel like I'm more of a legitimate Tsaiko. Would be funny listening to Addahknowjoe's rants.
All you Tsaiko's have a fun and safe weekend!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Well, Al (with or without a wig, I still like you!), I had my quota of 1 beer for the day. Just thought you'd like to know!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Just a thought...
I've never been to a "Senior Night" before when it literally was SENIOR night as in the singular form of the noun.
Mr. SHKUUUUUUUUUD... I will be tossing shakas you way!
FA'AFETAI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
gigi - I thought you said you only drink on weekends? Or did you say you NEVER drink on weekdays?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
i was just going to give homey all the praise............and does this.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Good luck to all who have lost their jobs recently. We live in scary times. Let's hope for the best.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
gigi...one beer...like 64 ozs.....
April 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Al, in our home, Friday is considered part of the weekend. Hubby drinks 2 a day so he puts 9 beers in the fridge for the "weekend." TGIF!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
too funny gigi....again, i repeat.
this is not the first time that you had a beck's during the week.
and homey....it will take a while till i get to like you again.
i'll tell you about the cattle calls......after the fact.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
SteveM- yes, it is a gradient gif.
OK- A HUI HOU!
Have a great and SAFE weekend!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
James, was that a typo? 12 oz.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
so, i was watching "wheel of fortune" on tuesday and at the end of the show pat sajek(sp?) tells vanna to pull his hair. off goes a wig!
vanna is speechless.
you could tell that he had shaven his head though.
he said he can guest host for "deal or no deal" now.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
yeah I saw his bald head. He resembled Charlie Brown with his round head.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
al - It's only hair. BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Esme,
Yes, I'm a lurking. I'm old enough to be Jenn's father, but I think she's a beautiful young lady. Enjoy her OC 16 interviews and that Rising Tide thing with Stephanie Sanchez.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
gigi - you and hubby seem so...mechanical.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
duffer....no way. are we that old?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
ever heard....
"spontaneity...the spice of life!"
April 4th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
gigi...if hubby drinks 2 a day and you count Friday as a weekend day, why 9 beers in the fridge for the weekend?? What kind of math is that???
April 4th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
al wears a wig?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
homey, every day is the same so that's why. Sigh. So what's new with you?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
James, 3 beers x 3 days = 9
remember, I drink 1 per day.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
duffer.....i will let you pull on it next week.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
BTW, hubby bought a bag of Bayers granules for the ants. Longs didn't have it so he went to Home Depot.
Hope the darn thing works!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
gg.....beer is sold by the case at costco.
why not drink at least three beers today or tomw?
that may induce "spontaneity"......you sound like you need some "spice in your life".
April 4th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Aloha Chris thanks for the story, but I know I can speak for most of the Tsaikos, we would be interested in knowing what your up to and how you are?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
wow.....that's a start.
one beer and she's damning everything.
did he buy the residual spray, too?
that is important.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Al, I hate to feel drunk. 1 beer is enough for me.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Funny you mention this because me and my friends joked that what if there was a bar in town, kinda like "Cheers" where all the TV news media folk go to after their late night broadcasts are done?
We broke it down like this:
-Shawn Ching and Robert Kekaula both work the door.
-Joe Moore, Jim Leahey, and Gary Sprinkle (is he still on the air?) are in the VIP area.
-Guy Hagi and Keahi Tucker are trying to sneak in.
-Liz Chun is wipping Kanoa Leahey's okole at pool.
.....well there's more but I can't remember what other funny scenarios we came up with.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
al - Don't tell me you wear thumb extensions too! OMG!
gigi - New with me? Well, I need new slippers, I started to take the poodles to the beach and may teach them to balance on a surfboard, bought some oil and sparkplugs for one of the vehicles and will play auto mechanic for a couple of hours, need to remove my stalk for the lightswitch in the truck and tweak it so my headlight will go back on, downloaded some software that I can experiment with on the laptop, started playing some new games on the xbox, looked at the html coding for this blog, tried the mojito drink in a bottle, cooked benisake salmon and mahi together to see if the mahi would absorb the saltiness of the salmon...
April 4th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Kazz, haha, is Liz Chung wiping his okole or WHIPPING it?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
That was a great tribute to a fallen hero, Shannon Smith. No wonder Chris Shinnick was Academic All-American in 1997.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
mojito? how was it?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Does anyone know how old Shari Shima is? Is she related to d1shima? Not hating on her or anything but boy does she look old on tv.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
okay....did homey talk to me just now?
somebody tell him....that i have unsually long and thick thumbs for a japanese.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
gigi - If you like the real deal mojito, then the bottled one is a cheap imitation. It's not bad but I rather have the real thing. My beer of choice is Guinness.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
chawan:
uhfan808 & I always have a good time at volleyball! And yes, no worries, we always cheer loudly...maybe a little too loud for fans around us. But too bad, we're there to support the team!
hey, baseball at SJSU is on...gotta change the radio.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Saw Joe M. at Hy's last Saturday. He had Caesar salad and a flaming dessert at table side. Very traditional dishes. Must be a "Rainbow Warrior" kind of thing.
Seems to enjoy his celebrity. Other tables nearby, including ours, had slow service because of JM's orders, I think.
Let's hear it for the Fighting Deacons!
A-lurk
April 4th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Only that we would both look old on TV.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
so midori who are the hot vb players that you two cheer louder for?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
al - I have a crooked thumb.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
not only that but i could tell that you struggled holding the chopsticks. short, stubby, thumbs will do that.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I don't watch Channel 2 news because of all the negative stuff by Joe Moore. You know he kept his mouth shut because of the season the Warriors had last year. I sometimes turn to it on at the end to watch Kanoa.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Please don't remind me of this if I D2 for you again...yech
April 4th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I saw Shari on the Sam Choy cooking show a few months ago and thought she looked happy, not old.
How does Pamela Young manage to look so young? OK, it's her name.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Geez, is Ch 2 still the #1 news in Ha-y-ee?
Is the Tsaikos just an isolated pocket of disgruntled Joe No-Moore antagonists?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
well the weekend is approaching.
all you guys out there.....thumbs up!
make sure got tylenol in the cabinet.
have a good one!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Hey Bowzo,
Why so harsh , I personally like Joe Moore and it's the only news I watch.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
gigi,
I saw her on Sam Choy's show recently as well.
For the life of me I couldn't figure out why she needed to be there???
April 4th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
shari looks like she is stressed or has a headache.
she too needs to adhere to the "spontaneity is the spice of life" lifestyle..
April 4th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
joe moore???
that's because you are a troll.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
D1, I guess she's there to talk story with Sam?
I don't mind her presence.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I think al may have just initiated the new Tsaikos "insider" hand signal.
heheheh
April 4th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
gigi,
Then somebody should let Sam know!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Excuse me, I have to do another load of laundry.
BBL
April 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
d1shima -- what does homey's crooked thumb have to do with your driving? ...or shouldn't I ask
Thanks for the gradient, homey. 60 x 6000 pixels but only a .gif
April 4th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
SteveM,
Some things are better left unsaid....
April 4th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I cannot recall ever being asked to excuse someone to do laundry before.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
al:
You took the words right out of my mouth. LOL Only a troll would like Joe no-Moore.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Time for EIS prep!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Hey Al,
Finally tonight , Joe is the man !!! lol lol
You don't seem to know talent when you see it.
You probably think the Warriors should start Lirpa Sloof as quarterback...
April 4th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
al:
We cheer for everyone of course, but my favorite volleyball players are Grgas, Clar & Carney. I like Walker too, he kinda reminds me of Jason Carter.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Homey, did you watch the k-5 news after the VB game last night? Because if you did then last night mustuv had some bad lighting in the studio during the weather report if you know what I mean...
April 4th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
WHIPPING IT..... WHIPPING IT!!!!!
typos......
April 4th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
kazz, thanks for clarifying that!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
midori....i know carney's dad. want me to intro you?
April 4th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
cmon gg you really should have one more. after all it will be four hours before the old man comes home.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Speaking of Liz Chung, is she getting chunky? I mean she still cute and I rather watch her than Kanoa but it looks like she's . . . you know.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Al, right now I am drinking my 2nd Pepsi.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
she looks the same to me.
i didn't realize how short she really is until i met her at practice one day.
she's about h...............size.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Joshua Walker will be a force come his junior year.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
but you said weekends start friday.
okay i better go.
i don't homey to get mad at me, even though he deserves it.
i need to get some wax for the dome.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
did anyone see the qb's throwing yesterday ?
who was the sharpest ?
Inoke still number one ?
April 4th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Seen her at a game last year on the side line and she looks pretty good. Maybe TV just add some pounds.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Bowzo,
Liz Chun gave me and my friends da stink eye after my friend was heckling her camera man who was wearing an Alabama hat.
Sistah give on meeeaaan stink eye. Was nahtz!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
al:
you know Sean's dad...really??? Would be kinda silly to turn down a chance to meet him...
kazz:
Walker had a ton of kills last night! Can't wait to see what he'll do next season!!
ok, off to run errands & then to volleyball...
Be safe everyone!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Kazz:
Bummer. Oh well, don't mess with her. Thanks for the warning.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Don't mess with Liz Chun.
She's a Rough Rider.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Hope everyone has a grand time at the EIS! Surely, the paperwork was completed in a timely manner so as not to require a rejection and resubmittal. I am sure each of your hardworking EIS Inspectors would dislike being forced to return for further testing. But, being the dedicated workers I am certain each of you would be willing to sacrifice for the betterment of mankind.
Have a Diet Coke for me!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
The best people in the world are Rough Riders, including hubby and me!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
One of the HA videographers shot some footage of one of the Hawai'i SkillsUSA Promotional Bulletin Boards. Thank you for that! I was able to show my students the clip. The goal was for them to compare their product to what was on the clip.
Over Spring Break I think there will be a few students working hard to make their boards a whole lot better.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I wonder what Bowzo looks like under the eye of the camera???
SPOOOOOOOKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
'Tis with hearts full of pride dear alma mater
We rise and sing to thee
And pledge to keep thy colors high
Through all the years to be
To thy name we promise to be loyal
Ever faithful, ever true
Roosevelt, to thee our hearts will sing ...
All hail, hail, hail!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
GG . . .
A great risk of being smooood I must express my exasperation at your comment #201.
Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
ST, did you google the RHS alma mater? I certainly don't know it by heart.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
gigi...you were with Teddy Roosevelt as he went up San Juan Hill??? MWahahahahahahahahaa
April 4th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I must be a dunce. Didn't know Roosevelt went up San Juan Hill.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
wafan..I was gonna say the same thing.....bwahahahahahahahahaha
April 4th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Wafan, next time I see you, I'll challenge you to arm wrestling. Of course, I'll prevail.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Wafan and James - Damien grads. Need I say more?
April 4th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Actually, Gigi, I do know it by heart.
When I was a young'un a hundred years ago, I used to practice taking notes by writing — or attempting to write — the lyrics of songs.
I couldn't tell you the final score of last night's volleyball match, but I know the lyrics to Tavares' Guiding Star, which just happens to be the best love song ever.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
GG . . .
No doubt about that. I remember going the the Damien/Roosevelt games when it was still the real ILH. I had never seen so many men wearing cheer-leader and song-girl skirts!
Geez! If you were one of them -- SORRY!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Hmm.
I'm feeling tsychic today.
I'm looking into the crystal ball ( *oom-laka-laka-laka!*) and I'm seeing ... an alma mater challenge at the K-Call.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
sheesh, the only song I know by heart is Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. I sing it all the time to my grandkid. Time to learn another song.
Can't say I ever heard Guiding Star. Is it on Amazon.com?
April 4th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Pomai Says:
April 4th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Aloha Chris thanks for the story, but I know I can speak for most of the Tsaikos, we would be interested in knowing what your up to and how you are?
Spent 7 years after graduating in Hawaii, married a local girl, worked as a youth pastor in Moanalua, coached some football for MoHS, and just recently moved to Denver to attend Seminary (actual the same school Jason Elam was attending in the off season). Thanks for asking.
chris
April 4th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
And while I'm going off topic, I remember a story in which pitcher John Franco was dumped by his girlfriend. He sat in his room listening to songs by the Commodores (the Lionel Richie years).
His friends came over, then smashed the record, saying it was time to move on.
I agree with one thing: Lionel Richie wrote the best breakup songs. Anyone disagree?
April 4th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Hey, it's Chris Shinnick.
Glad he's aboard.
And I'm supposed to give a shout-out to Mark Mollner, who e-mailed a couple of weeks ago.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Chris, that's great news! Congratulations. If your piece about Shannon is any indication, your homilies will touch your congregation.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Does anyone know the tune to the Roosevelt alma mater? I don't recall it at all. Funny, though, I remember the tunes to Kalani, Farrington, McKinley, Punahou, St. Louis, 'Iolani, Kamehameha and, of course, Damien. Speaking of which --
Damien alma mater,
Tender, True and Bold.
Proudly in the Heavens,
Gleams Thy mauve and gold.
Glory's Mantle cloaks Thee,
God, Thy guide is nigh.
And, our hearts forever,
Love Thee Damien High.
And, our hearts foever,
Praise Thee Damien High!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Oh... I see what's happening here...
Pearl City High School,
Alma Mater Dear, We Are Proud
Loyal and True to,
Our Name We Hold Up High.
From The Ko`olau Range We Come Forth,
Ready to Accept the Right,
For We are Strong, Honest and True To,
Thee Pearl City High.
That's for Rep. Takai, J-Dog, and I......
April 4th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
much appreciated gigi
April 4th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Gigi,
and you don't know "Co-Ed" at least?
April 4th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Kazz, I need Jason's paper to refresh my memory.
You know, the ones he passed out at the Tsaiko-gate.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
GG . . .
When you sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" do not get the lyrics confused with that other famous song, "A, B, C, D, E, . . ."
Kazz . . .
What is the tune to the Pearl City alma mater? As far as I know the song did not even exist in the first bunch of years.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Well, we all know the Punahou tune, something about a Christmas tree.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Brandon Moore, offensive lineman for the J-E-T-S, on his visit to the ‘aina:
April 4th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Wafan,
The tune? It's slow. Hard for me to describe...
April 4th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Kazz . . .
Is it a take-off from a university or popular tune? Similar to Punahou's or Damien's or Kalani's?
My sister sang it to me once a while back. I cannot ever recall the tune.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Mr. Tsai . . .
No EIS for you?
April 4th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
yo chris.....awesome retelling of a tragedy. But, strength has come from it. all of you who were witnesses that day will never question why he did it. It was ordained for this act of valor to take place for all to see. Cody Von Appen will forever remember that moment of strength and will use it to help others his whole life.
...nuff said.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Ahem. Laaa-leee-liii-looo-luuu ... meee-meeee-meeeee...
Mililani High, hail to the brown and gold,
We're the mighty Trojans, the brave and the bold
Blue skies above, clear as can be, from the mountains to the sea
With our alma mater in our hearts, we strive with loyalty!
Mililani High, our spirit lies with thee
We will forever praise thee, hail, hail, hail
Hail, Mililani High, all hail, hail, hail!
P.S. Save your jokes about our mascot. Heard 'em all already.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
duffer ... hey, Steph Sanchez also is a friend of mine. We've done some community theater together. She is so cool — one of the funniest and most talented and nicest gals you'll ever meet.
Anyway, re: Jenn. I could ask. When you think there's a particular Tsaiko event that you think she would enjoy and you'd like to invite her to, e-mail me at enii at honoluluadvertiser.com.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Must be because they are reporters that they can remember their alma mater!
April 4th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
do you guys remember your COLLEGE alma mater?
April 4th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
OK, Esme, are you pronouncing it correctly, as in Mee-Lee-lani?
April 4th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Okay, can't resist weighing in on the TV news thread. Can't say I'm a fan of any of the anchors. I watch the one that doesn't have commercials or a sappy weather forecast on (do we REALLY need 3 appearances per newscast with weather updates???? Or even one?? I'm with Bob Seavey on that subject!).
As for sports, I like Kanoa and RK about equally, but usually go to KHON because they start first, then switch to KGMB to catch the last part of Liz (pleasingly porky) Chun's report. I wish KITV would break the mold and put RK on while the others are doing weather.
Okay, back to lurking...
Oh, wait, on a serious note, Chris, mahalo plenty for sharing your touching account of your friend Shannon's tragic but heroic story. I remember reading about it when it happened, but time had pushed it way back in my memory, and it was good of you to bring it back to light again. We need to remember these things, and I do hope that Shannon's memorial in the Warrior locker room will be perpetuated whenever remodelling/renovation is done.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Wafan,
Now you got me curious...
I have to look into it, but of course at the time we all thought every alma mater from every school sounded the same.
I know for sure it's not like Damien's one.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
ST, of course. You forget I've been a copy editor. I'm OCD about those things.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
ST, now ... are YOU pronouncing that lyric correctly — "weemoweh," or "wimoweh"?
April 4th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Rim shot!
And with that ... have a great evening, gang.
*tappity, tappity, tappity ... exit stage left! *
April 4th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I like the way Papa Leahey pronounces "Mililani"...
Sounds like he's about to introduce a halau on stage at Merrie Monarch.
BTW Esme,
Tell me if you felt there was some kind of "unjustified" rivalry between Mililani and Pearl City. To me and my friends it all started when PCHS was under renovations and we had to attend Mililani's summer school sessions. We did this before our senior year to get rid of all the classes we didn't want to deal with in our last year of high school that was supposed to be "fun".
Anyway. A big group of the PCHS people hung out together in the parking lot before classes started and one of the Mililani security guards came up to us as we were walking to class and told us to stop looking like we were gathering for a fight... She then asked us, "where are you guys from"?
We said, "Pearl City".
Then she replied, "oh no wonder"...
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??!?!? Is she trying to declare Mililani the "Hawaii Loa Ridge" of the Central/Leeward side?
Yeah... that didn't sit well with us for years.... and years....
Yeah, we never forget petty things like that! LOL!
April 4th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
No EIS for ST, he has to cover tonight's game right?
April 4th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Esme,
I'm not so sure my wife would appreciate that!
Jenn's a sport person, I would think she'd enjoy being a Tsai-kette. She'd surely make any Tsai-ko event eventful just by her presence!
And guys, stop picking on Liz Chun, she's a cutie!
April 4th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I'm ready for volleyball, although only having one senior will make it an odd night.
But, hey, any UH-BYU game is exciting.
And the band will be there. By the way, next week's chat guest is the band director, Gwen Nakamura.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Poor Matt Lienart...this site is getting so many unflattering photos of him.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Stephen Tsai - Next week's chat guest is interesting. I have to tell the husband, I'm sure he'll want to participate.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I think that USC has to enforce some rules about fans watching practice--bikes parked near the field? Fans bringing dogs to practice?
April 4th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Under Armour already picked their high school All-American teams for their game. The game will be played *after* the high school football season, but the UA already picked the high school All-Americans for their game...I guess all-star games, like recruiting, is making selections earlier and earlier. Shouldn't the senior season count towards who makes an All-American team?
April 4th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Manti was picked.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
gigi...
In green Manoa Valley
Our alma mater stands
Where mountain winds and showers
Refresh her fertile lands
The flag of freedom beckons
Above her shining walls
To larger truth and service
Our alma mater calls
April 4th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
wafan...
Yeah, Damien's alma mater is based upon Notre Dame's alma mater...only difference is the mauve and gold is substituted for blue and gold.....and the tune is the same as well....
Even the fight song is the same as ND......"Cheer Cheer for old Notre Dame..."
April 4th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Duffer -
Sorry, didn't mean to pick on your honey! She is what you said. Guess I should have emphasized PLEASINGLY.
(Dangit, I missed the TV sports reports...)
Gottagonow.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Chris - Thank you for what you wrote. Every time I read it, and re-read it today, I have been brought to tears. There truely is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
And, since I gotta represent...
Be strong and ally ye, Oh sons of Hawai'i
And nobly stand together hand in hand.
All danger defy ye, Oh sons of Hawai'i,
And bravely serve your own, your fatherland.
Ring, ring, Kalihi ring.
Swell the echo of our song.
Ray, ray,ray,ray,ray, rah, ray,ray, Kamehameha,
Let hills and valleys loud our song prolong.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Does anyone know the tune to the Roosevelt alma mater? - Wafan
Just for you brada!
"Tis with hearts full of pride, dear alma mater
We rise and sing to thee
And pledge to keep our colors high
Thru all the years to be.
To thy name we pledge to be loyal
Ever faithful, ever true
Roosevelt, To thee our song shall be
All hail, hail, hail"
April 4th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Ok, time for Battlestar Galactica!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Hey Ronnie,
Ray, ray,ray,ray,ray, rah, ray,ray?????
April 4th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Castle High School alma mater:
Hail, Alma Mater,
Beneath the Pali lands.
Where Mauna nigh keeps vigil
Our Castle High School stands.
Thy colors wave forever,
Maroon, White and Gold.
As loyal sons and daughters,
Thy name we shall uphold.
Ne'er failing through years go by,
We honor thee, CASTLE HIGH.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
James, is the UH alma mater ever sung at the games?
I have never heard it sung anywhere so don't know the tune or the lyrics.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
gigi,
Not only do I know the Castle alma mater, I actually know UH's and Texas' also. I've sung all three at countless sporting events...
April 4th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
sheesh, Garret, you put me to shame!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I do not know Stanford's alma mater. It took only a year to get my degree and I only went to 4 or 5 football games.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Eternity Actual, have you been to any RHS class reunions? It would be cool if we met at one and did not know it.
We went to hubby's last year and I went to mine in 2004.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
gigi,
Remember, my parents had season tickets to UH football (and basketball) from before I can remember (I think I attended every game from before I could even talk)...if you hear the Alma Mater sung that many times per year for that many years, it sinks in.
For Texas, it was assumed everyone would learn the alma mater. And it is VERY short and easy to learn, so I think everyone sings along loudly.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I wonder if this Texas QB will transfer to Fresno State. He was an awesome high school QB and has a lot of talent.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Too bad the UH alma mater was not sung at the Sugar Bowl. People sang Hawaii Ponoi instead.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
The Texas QB's father was actually *shot* by a disgruntled parent!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Check out his high school stats! He decided to transfer the day that his father takes a job in Fresno...if Fresno State gets him, they will have a really talented QB.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Just got home after picking up Peaches, who worked very late because of Aloha and ATA customer payment problems caused by the bankruptcies. Lost my window to stop by the EIS and we are now scrambling to get to our favorite craft workshop.
Karaoke Call
Saturday, April 19, 2008
8:00 PM - midnight
Krazy Karaoke
1308 Young Street, Honolulu
Cost: $15 per person (for room and karaoke equipment use for 4 hours)
B.Y.O.B. in coolers and your own food/pupus
The site also sells soft drinks, hot beverages, and munchies for convenience. Free ice.
Space is limited to the first 32
Current RSVP Count = 28
RSVP on the blog or email SteveM - stevem.hnl (at) gmail.com
More info at: http://home.hawaii.rr.com/smurashi/tsai-kos
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Please note that Stretch has put in the non-refundable 50% deposit plus a $50 room security deposit for this reservation
April 4th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
For Chris Shinnick:
"those we love are precious gems,
tho' we may never know,
how much we miss their little gifts,
when they are here no more"
Pestrado
April 4th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
It's a good thing I didn't commit to the EIS tonight. Hubby just got home around 9 pm. After work, he shopped at Costco for our groceries and then went to Inspiration to buy a shoe cabinet. Found nothing he liked at Inspiration so he went online and bought one with free shipping at Target.
Too bad Target isn't here in Honolulu yet. Would have been so convenient as they are opening a branch at the old Costco near Foster Village, where we live.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
ST, who is leading in the VB game tonight? Is it on ch 5? Can't switch channels right now cause hubby is watching his recording of the Lakers-Mavericks game. He's rooting for L.A. and I am all for Dallas.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Funny that hubby knows the melody for the RHS and UH alma maters, but not the lyrics. Figures. He was in the band and played his clarinet and did not sing.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Howzit Tsaikos.
Troll at 194. Ask sjmacro for his opinion. Mine is that Graunke, Inoke and Austin each had good moments. I like Austin's quick release and his ball speed. Graunke and Inoke had their good moments too. Those are the three that stood out for me yesterday.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
alma maters.....
who wrote the majority of these alma maters? why do most of them "hail" something at least once?
when is that song from kamehameha going to be challenged to be politically correct?
why only the "sons of Hawaii"? what about the titas?
April 4th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Do you think Mack will rotate the QBs in the fall? Or will he choose one and stick with him?
April 4th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Al, since only 1 syllable will do, they could change it from "sons of Hawaii" to "KIDS of Hawaii." What you think?
haha
April 4th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
no rotation. who ever starts will be given a fair shot. if he falters, enter number two. but, no rotation.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Chris thanks for the update, will you be returning to Hawaii when your done. I remember reading about a youth pastor at Moanalua, figured it was you as the name is not a common one.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Ok a trivia question for you all. Who was the first person to use the word "TSAIKOS" now no fair looking it up.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
al / gigi
can still make da EIS.
Monterey Bay
see homey stack soy bean shells
April 4th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Ahem, Meiji Nakano Fuzoku Koko Alma Mater (Tokyo, Nakano-Ku) just the first stanza
What's the name of school
That's made for you and me
N-A-K-A-N-O M-E-I-J-I
Hey! there, Hi! there, Ho! there
You're as welcome as can be
N-A-K-A-N-O M-E-I-J-I
April 4th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Pomai - The answer is princess leila
April 4th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
before i forget,
here's some of tonight's news. ST's Liz Chun and Colt on the Rome is Burning show. Also a short clip on Pilares moving to slot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMeLNzaPLYI
April 4th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Garret,
No worries, if Fresno get's that QB, all he'll do is hand off the ball to the RB.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
The EIS team has 7 survivors. Certification is unlikely at this time. We will have to reschedule in order to bring all adult beverages in this bar up to Tsaiko standards.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:00 am
kazz,
not sure about the PCHS vs Mililani rivalry... when i was there, them and waialua were the only 2 schools we could beat in football.
maybe its due to the good soccer teams?
April 5th, 2008 at 12:01 am
kekoa,
that could be the answer to a lot of questions... heh.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:12 am
ok, i'm the only one up. i guess i should go to sleep too.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Scott or Feedback - I found a glitch. When I am on the blog on Treo, I cannot post. The link on the submit key goes to search.honoluluadvertiser.com/ (long url) and pute me into a mobile edition page.
What I wanted to say was that the track meet went really well and Warrior Kenny Estes' parents were both working the meet - long after their kids are out of high school
Nitey nite!
April 5th, 2008 at 12:26 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-hslHMn6HA
Papa tsaiko rules
April 5th, 2008 at 12:58 am
chawan, I'm here too, just reviewing the day's blog action before beddy bye.
Hey, thanks for posting the vid clip (post No. 290); so interesting to see Colt on "Rome" and hear about Pilares' move.
April 5th, 2008 at 1:06 am
We pledge to thee our loyalty
To our colors green and white
Majestically she stands above
Pearl Harbor
Our strength, our might
On, on, through the years
We strive to meet our goals
And honor Aiea High
Our Alma Mater dear...
Hail, hail to thee Aiea
Thy name we proudly bear
We'll cherish Aiea High
Where memories linger on...
April 5th, 2008 at 1:57 am
TChahng,
From one Na Alii to another, thanks for the memories!
April 5th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Okay... the EIS moved, didn't it? How late did you guys stay? I was all ready fo test the da water, too.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:02 am
Kekoa wrong answer! Not the princess
April 5th, 2008 at 2:04 am
Mrs Vegas went Roosevelt too, here is the real alma mater
Teddy Roosevelt had a skool, E-I-E-I-O
In our skool we get some nerds E-I-E-I-O
Wit a Pan Am bag here, Protracter there E-I-E-I-O
In our skool we get some jocks E-I-E-I-O
They cut class here, they smokin' ova there, E-I-E-I-O
And in our skool we get da titas, E-I-E-I-O
With a punch,punch there and a kick, kick there, E-I-E-I-O
Plus our skool we get da bulls, E-I-E-I-O
Lose our lunch money here, beefing ova there, E-I-E-I-O
Some of the skool is uku hot chicks, E-I-E-I-O
Witha ignore you there, and ignore me here, E---I---E---I---O
April 5th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Pomai
DPK?
April 5th, 2008 at 2:14 am
LV,
Too funny!
April 5th, 2008 at 2:19 am
hawaiianbod!
how's the health?
April 5th, 2008 at 2:25 am
Pomai - I guess Homey was right...he said "Alfred Hitchcock." I thought since we had the original Tsaikos there to weigh in on it, surely it had to have been the Princess.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:29 am
A-Sports - When we finally adjourned the EIS survey, it was not a pretty sight. All the waitress could do was shake her head and walk away...just like Aloha Airlines, casualties everywhere!
April 5th, 2008 at 2:34 am
LV,
I was just going to ask the same with you. Did your clinic visit go well?
As for me, each day is a challenge. There are good days and then there are the not so good days. Thanks for asking.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Kona go sleep awready...gotta go luncheon today, and then study my A-B-C's for Wena's Little Learners Preschool exam on Sunday.
G'nite all...
April 5th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Uh oh...dare I ask?
April 5th, 2008 at 2:37 am
G'nite Kekoa,
See ya Sunday!
April 5th, 2008 at 2:39 am
hawaiianbod,
keep thinking positive, i know, easier said than done.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:40 am
Kekoa,
I faithfully pray for Pops. Hope all is well.
He is in Good Hands with Ke Akua.
God Bless Brother.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:44 am
Mahalo LV!
Take care my friend.
April 5th, 2008 at 3:54 am
LV nope not DPK, and not homey either.
April 5th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Hawaiianbod just like us all, for me every morning when I wake up and put my two feet on the floor I figure the rest of the day is all gravey.LOL
April 5th, 2008 at 4:04 am
All right! Spring Break is finally here!!!
Ahhhhhh, one entire week of nothing but sleeping in -- okay, so I woke up at 4:36 this morning. HA! Still, I do not have anything planned. This is going to be great!
Hope everyone has a great day where ever you are!
April 5th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Pomai . . .
Bulla or Al probably used the word Tsai-ko first.
April 5th, 2008 at 5:10 am
I thought that Cat came up with the "Tsaiko" name.
April 5th, 2008 at 5:39 am
I wish that some scheduling magic could occur and the Warriors could open the 2009 season against Oklahoma. I think that both offense and defense will be better in 2009 for the Warriors because they will have had a full year with the new offense and the D will have had another year of improvement under Mack. Aside from Tyler, all the QBs will be back and more experienced in the system.
Oklahoma is always good, but they are definitely beatable early in the 2009 season. Oklahoma has *5* senior starters on their OL in 2008. Their OL will be great in 2008 and they do not rotate much on the OL. In 2009 they will have a bunch of redshirt freshmen and sophomores who basically won't have played at the college level much (or at all) before and have to get in sync. I think that Mack's D could blitz and confuse the heck out of that type of OL...
April 5th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Wafan you got it right the first person to use the name Tsaikos was none other than Bulla.
April 5th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Hi Garret -
Yeah - sounds like that match-up w/ OU might be good for Mack and the Warriors. But 2009 already has four solid match-ups vs:
09/05 Navy
09/12 @ Washington State
09/19 @ UNLV
11/28 Wisconsin
You can see that Sept. is "booked" - unless AD-JD and Coach Mack can work some magic! I'm anxious for UH to start playing the academies (except for the "chop-blocks"). No more I-AA's!
Hope everyone has a terrific weekend! Go Warriors and Tsaikos!!!
April 5th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Great trivia question Pomai!
Unfortunately, once bulla sees this he's going to have an even "bigger head"!!! j/k
BTW Pomai - How big did your file/folder containing the Warrior Beat archives end up in Word?
April 5th, 2008 at 6:04 am
wow,
the one thought in my entire life that changed the world...brew, be nice, no need get all jealous because i am 'THE CREATOR' haha.
could it be it was just a typo on my part as i was talking to my therapist at Kaneohe? haha, a small utterance in confession, a forgotten nickname from cell mates from long ago? no one will ever know, i will not reveal my sources.....
but thanks Pomai, and Wafan, for realizing where all of this BEGAN, hahaha, you guys make me laugh
:):)
brew, i'll tell mrs bulla about your comment, and get her opinion.
April 5th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Good morning Tsaikos.
Another beautiful day in the hood. Have a good one.
LV, you up? howzit.
GO WARRIORS!!!!
April 5th, 2008 at 6:11 am
I believe it was Princess Leila who coined "Tsai-kos."
April 5th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Hi LizK and GiGi,
I saw ST and Princess at UH the other day. Pretty lady. ST was working, interviewing everybody who was somebody. Good job.
btw, mgt closed the show on Warriorbeat, no can post anymore pew da bugga. all pau. snif snif
April 5th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Howzit again Tsaikos.
Gainesville Sun has 2 very interesting articles on U Florida football today. They're having a T&F event and their RB recuit just ran a 10.17 sec 100meters. Another story on their new community relations guy along with a picture of their version of our LWJ. Grrrrrr......
GO WARRIORS!
April 5th, 2008 at 7:10 am
bulla,
howzit. interesting article Ogden Examiner, 4/2 on GQ's Dlinemates.
hope all is well with your family.
btw, where you work Waikiki? what days, times?
hope to meet you in a couple weeks.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Wena . . .
Good luck on your fundraiser tomorrow night. Helping to lay a better foundation for life-long learning. That is just awesome.
No doubt it will be crowded, the auction will go great, the entertainment will be super, and the MC will sing.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Good morning Tsaiko's! (OMG, that was way too loud!)
Woke up out of a deep sleep thinking about Native Hawiian fishing rights and Jason Rivers running pass patterns in slow motion. 2 subjects that were discussed at length last night with no real resolution.
I felt that when J.R. had his back injury early on to mid-season, he never quite recovered from it. This might explain his inability to start low out of the blocks and gradually straightened into a full sprint mode to the finish. It may even explain his problem lifting weights.
Granted, there are other variables for a receiver of his talent to rely on, but Rivers had not demonstrated his break away speed since his Hawaii bowl appearance.
I think he needs to get a full physical exam that would include a ROM study (range of motion). Then after more physical therapy designed to strengthen that area of his body, he should take a 2nd ROM reading about 3 months later and compare the results. Fine tune his running technique, and he should be back in the pack again.
Taking away fishing rights?...absurd! There are too many restrictions in place already. Just like this blog rights itself sometimes, nature will take it's course...with a little cooperation from the rest of us.
When we finally realize that the conservation techniques practiced by the ancients worked best, then perhaps we will see build our fish population again.
Now, where's my coffee?...and why do I think I woke up in the wrong house!
April 5th, 2008 at 7:47 am
see build?...sheesh, I'm in critical condition!
April 5th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Kekoa . . .
Is Dad now home? How is he doing?
April 5th, 2008 at 8:06 am
wafan - dad is still in rehab. They won't release him until he can demonstrate his ability to due some common tasks. He is getting stronger, and pleading his case to any staff member that will listen. Thanks for asking.
I'm bringing lunch up to him in a little while. They've expanded his menu options, so he was ono for Portuguese, sausage sweet bread and rice. Since his breakfast was such a disappointment earlier this morning, he wanted to try again, only this time a *real* Paniolo breakfast! (Cranked up the brick oven outside to bake the bread).
April 5th, 2008 at 8:23 am
*yaaaaaaawn*
Good morning, Tsaikos!
---
Kekoa, you're a good son. God bless you. And your dad.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I might step on some sensitive toes and for that I apologize. But, I think Western Doctors tend to forget about the mental care and recovery of their patience. The care patients are able to receive at home with their loved ones and familiar surroundings can do a lot for their mental welfare which is absolutely critical. It must be so frustrating.
Kekoa, keep up the good work! You are doing all you can for keeping your Dad mentally healthy.
'Attaway to go!
April 5th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Just catching up with el blog, busy for the last two days. The Shannon Smith narrative; one word, "wow". Excellent writing and remembrance.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Darn. "Patience" = "patients".
April 5th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Kekoa,
Glad to see that your Dad is doing better. The food choices must really help. You guys have one of those old style portuguese bread ovens? Awesome. Wish I were having breakfast at your place.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Thank you for saying so Esme. I try.
We men folk had a little strategy session at the Pau Hana CC last night. As we huddled together, the talk turned from football and fuud to Tsaikettes and warbling.
Knowing the challenge we face, it made us hunker down and decide on a powerful line up of tunes that will entertain as well as mesmerize the listener (sounds good, eh?).
Just as Spring training is in full swing for the Warriors, so are the Tsaiko Tsingers Male Division 1A. First and foremost, it was decided that absolutely NO Lions will be harmed during this training period.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:28 am
How was the EIS at Sam Snead's Tavern on the Green last night? Looking forward to their lunch buffet tomorrow!
April 5th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Finally made it home...
April 5th, 2008 at 9:43 am
I guess Esme doesn't know Jessica.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:46 am
gigi - I don't have an EIS report for Sam Snead's. I do have one for site B.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I hope it's not me that is slowing down the blog.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:49 am
What was site B? Monterey Bay Canners?
April 5th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Homey,
What time did you guys move?
BTW, new post up.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:55 am
gigi - yes
A-Sports - I only showed up at site B. Took me 3 hours to walk there.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Homey,
Is that why you just found your way home this morning?
No DD present?
April 5th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Mrs. D1shima loved the spinach dip. D1 dove into the French Onion soup and never came up for air after that. Then they ordered some of the other appetizers before settling on something that looked delicious but I forgot what it was called. Meanwhile, I smuggled in some dried ahi that we chomped on with our beverages.
They passed the EIS with flying colors as Jason tested about 2 gallons of water while destroying 4 sizeable fried chicken a$$ patties.
Monterey Cannery was actually the target of our EIS team study, and it was decided that we needed to return for another more detailed assessment. Too many adult beverages to test, and not enough time to fully test for quality assurance. Another full lineup of pupu's to include Oysters on the half shell, and other exotic sea food delites.
I still had lots of dry ahi to share, as it really enhances the flavor of any adult beverage. Wreck was looking for it on the menu, before someone told him that it would have been part of the endangered species test, but was exempt since it was brought in by an official to enhance the samples.
EIS testing will continue as the multi-talented Tsaiko Tsingers, Male Division 1A prepare for the daunting task of competing with the Tsaikettes at the Karaoke Call on April 19th.
April 5th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Hi Kekoa,
Thanks for the run-down. I was looking for a party to crash last night. Hehe.
Maybe I'll make it for the next one.
Looking forward to talking with you on Sunday.
April 6th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Chris,
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and memories of my little brother. It means the world to myself and my family when people talk of Shannon. After 11 years it really hasn't gotten any easier to accept he's gone. Reading your story hit me hard but in a very positive way. It was a reminder that he's not really gone and continues to be around us and inspire us every day.
With Aloha,
Ryan Smith (Shannon's older brother)
April 6th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Ryan,
Thanks for your kind words. As I said, I'm learning from Shannon even now. Please say hello to the rest of your family, and give them my love. Shannon's legacy deserves front page headlines... nonetheless, it appears from the feedback on this blog that he is not forgotten, and the message of his life will always be powerful.
blessings,
Chris
April 7th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Dear Chris-
Thank you for the very powerful story. You and your readers have put a smile on my mom that she truly needed. Even though it's hard for me to even write this letter, as the tears cloud my vision, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I think of you and Tim often, and after reading your story now know why. We will always be bonded by that tragic day. Thank you and thank you to the many who responded with such love and compassion.
Shawn Smith
( another one of Shannon's brothers )
April 7th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Dear Chris,
Wow, what a powerful story you have shared with us. I grew up on Kauai and I always considered the Smiths as my second family. I moved away but kept in touch. I remember that day when Shawn (Shannon's older brother) called me and told me what happened. The pain and sorrow was tremendous. I felt helpless. Shannon's genuine sincerity that you talked about is a reflection of the entire Smith family. They were raised that way. I've always felt truly at home with them. A couple of years after the accident, I talked to Shawn about something that their family was doing to keep Shannon's legacy alive. Shawn and some friends were giving Shannon's middle name to their children. I couldn't think of a greater honor than to give my newborn daughter the middle name "Shea", after Shannon Shea Smith. There are many others that have done the same. What a beautiful short life Shannon lead and a wonderful legacy that lives on. Your story will be saved for my daughter. I hope it will help inspire her and take pride in her name. Thank you for this gift.
Aloha,
Zane Till
April 8th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Aloha Chris,
My name is Paul Booth and I had met Shannon about one year before he died. Maybe less. I remember how he was so passionate about football. I was a 17 year old that was lazy; although I knew my passion for life was to make movies. I was sitting with Shannon one day and I remember thinking he was nuts because he'd get up at 6am to run. He told me "you gotta love it". I was a student who thought life was about girls. Something inside me clicked that day. Shannon explained to me I could go to community college and still chase my dreams.
My senior year (which was 6 weeks later) I maintained a 3.5 gpa instead of a 1.2 gpa which I boasted for my junior year (giggles). It was because shannon had sparked me to realize I had to just let my love for movies out. I felt like I kept it in. The tragedy of Shannon's death brought two friendships I treasure. That of his brothers Shawn and Ryan. I always felt a bit odd, because I only met them because he died. So it's been a mixed bag. I miss a friend I barely knew, wonder what friendship would've bloomed and then am so grateful for friends like ryan and shawn who have inspired me, supported my dreams and always offered advice (being 5 or more years older then me). Losing him gave me friends I'll have forever.
Thanks for sharing your story. I always wish i'd gotten to know Shannon better, but I believe the spirit of friendship comes to me through his brothers. There isn't a thing I wouldn't do for Shawn or Ryan Smith (and of course the family if they needed it).
Peace and Aloha!
Paul
April 8th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Smith Family,
Blessings to you. I would like you to know that I submitted (or tried to at least) this writing to both Honolulu Newspapers over a year ago - just before the ten year mark of Shannon's unplanned heroic deed. I entitled it "Where's Shannon?" with the emphasis on the reality, and travesty, that we had pretty much gone ten years without much reflection on Shannon's life and final courageous act, and were likely going to bypass the tenth anniversary while consuming ourselves with UH football schedule mix-ups (a very popular 'talking point' a year ago). As noted, I also wrote it for healing, personal reflection, and ultimately honoring Shannon. I'm honored that you took the time to read my thoughts. Please know that I will always speak 'the world' of Shannon, and regard your family as truly special. Next time I'm in Kauai (it could be a while...), you'll see me.
Chris
April 9th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Dear Chris,
Ryan sent me your blog. It was very difficult to read but yet comforting. I did not want to know many of the details, still in denial and hoping that Shannon will walk in the door some day. However, it also brought some comfort to know how much he is still loved and remembered by others. As a family we force ourselves to stay strong and keep going. We will never get over this tragedy but we try hard to get through it. I seriously doubt that we can ever face his birthday or anniversary without many tears. I feel like tissue paper and that it is always raining inside my chest, no parent should ever have to know this type of pain. The many tributes that I read to him and the type of person he was to others makes me smile.
In Shannon's wallet we found this saying and also the same was in a frame by his bed. I feel he speaks volumes as to the type of person and character he was. He truly lived his life by " Ano Ano".
I hope I am able to even become half the person he was. The last entry in his personal journal said, " I love my life, where I am and everything I am doing. I hear people complain about their life and other things. Everyone has something in life to be grateful for." Wise old words for such a young soul...
Chris, thank you very much for being Shannon's friend, he spoke very highly of you and was blessed as we are to have you in his life and ours.
Warmest aloha,
Rosemary
"And they were taught the laws of life...that their treatment of
others would return at last upon themselves.
Those who cheat will be cheated.
Those who slander will be slandered.
For every lie you tell...you will be lied to.
Brutality will meet with brutality.
We get what we give and to the same degree.
And not always from the same people with whom we've dealt.
But somewhere...sometime...someone will treat you in like manner.
The good that we do to others will return also.
For your kindness to strangers you will receive hospitality in far places yourself.
Understand the troubles of others who come to you with their souls bared...
and when you cry yourself, you will be sympathetically understood.
We get what we give.
Like always attracts like.
This is the law and it is inevitable.
We cannot escape the results of our actions.
We get what we give."
-Ano Ano, The Seed
Kristin Zambucka
April 10th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Chris, Thank you so much for sharing your personal story and opening up this tribute to Shannon's life and his ongoing impact on all of us.
Although I think about Shannon on a daily basis, it's still very difficult for me to deal with the incredible pain and loss that I feel; it's an ineffable feeling, one that is extremely difficult to put into words. And as many of us have already mentioned, I miss the everyday experiences with Shannon, such as his incredible laugh and smile, how he could say something so profound that it would take me a few days to realize what he was trying to tell me (I learned so much from him and continue to learn from the time that we spent together), how good it felt to hug him, his incredible intelligence and humor, how so many things that felt impossible before felt completely and utterly possible with him, how he still makes me blush, how much he loved living and how his love of life was entirely contagious, and on and on,...
Shannon, I loved you from the moment I met you and I still love you. It's wonderful to see how deeply you touched the lives of so many people. You will always, without a doubt, be in my heart.
With love,
Danielle
April 11th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Dear Chris, Your blog was courageous and heart felt. It also has stirred up memories and I think has been healing for all of us. It stills seems like yesterday. I was meant to be with you that day along with my brother Shawn. I could not get over from Oahu in time. After learning what happen we went back to the house and I don’t remember much of the next year of my life. I walked around the next few hours and weeks and months dazed and numb because the pain, if felt, would be all too much to endure. Even a year later being so consumed with grief wondering if I would ever move on and feel like a real human. The pain that still exists that I can’t even type this without getting welled up now. Then I found out I was pregnant with my dear Savannah Shea Cordell and my grief shifted to a different place. Savannah Shea is the most amazing little person and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity of being a mother in this lifetime. I will save all of these wonderful tributes to him and share this with her as she grows older. She knows all about her Uncle Shannon, however I wonder what it would be like if she could have been able to wrap her arms around him and experience one of his huge hugs, have him make her laugh and tickle her, and maybe chase her around even throw her in the slimy green fish pond and then giggle with her about it. Shannon staffed Winner’s camp every summer and was very passionate about it. I hope someday she too will experience the same and understand why he loved it so much. Maybe you could come and be a guest speaker or staff it yourself one day. I promise it will change you forever. I am so proud of the person Shannon became to be. He is a constant inspiration of how I would like to be as a person and a constant guide in my life. Shannon appeared to evolve into this enlightened person who figured it all out, applied it and walked this earth spreading peace and making all he came into contact with feel as though they were the most important person on earth. Shannon did have a Hero to mentor after, our Mom Rosemary. She is also a constant guide in my life. To be able to endure and persevere with her life and her children’s lives. After losing not one child, but two in one lifetime (Jennifer age 3). My Mom(Rosemary Smith) is the strongest person I know.
I can only hope to aspire to be as courageous as her as life’s sometimes cruel and unbearable challenges present themselves in my life.
Love to all of you who have shared and loved
SHANNON(dannon) SHEA SMITH.
Thanks Chris for all you have shared, you are truly a special person and please keep in touch with all of us.
Shannon’s Big sister (Terri)
April 11th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. Shannon was truly a special person and I think of him so often as so many of us do. I am Danielle's Mom and her brother Rich and I were also close to Shannon. He had a special influence on Richard as the "big brother", but he also made an impact on my life and my family's lives, especially my parents, Al and June. We spent many happy days in Tahoe skiing and just clowning around in the snow. I was just in Tahoe recently and remembered being there with my children and Shannon. We had so much fun together and we all have very happy memories of spending time together.
His laughter was contagious and he did have a way of really "seeing" everyone and caring about people. He was especially interested in the Homeless people of San Francisco and he would talk to them whenever he came to visit here. He was light years ahead of most people when it came to his beliefs and his thoughtfulness for other people. He was definitely a wise old soul for someone so young.
He also was not afraid to challenge you if he didn't agree with something you said or did. It did not matter who you were. That is what I really admired in him, he always looked on everyone else as an equal and he really believed in the inherent goodness in people. I will never forget him and his impact on me. I always thought one day I would be Grandma to one of his children, but it wasn't meant to be. Just wonderful memories of a wonderful sweet boy and terrific young man.
Thank you for your story and helping keep his memory alive and well. love always, Denise
April 11th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for your amazing letter about my big brother Shannon. It means so much to myself and my family that his memory is still alive. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Shannon, I miss him so much it hurts. I just finished doing the Spring Winners Camp, which continues to honor him. It was there that he inspired the campers to do their best with his famous saying, "you gotta love it."
At the end of every camp, each camper is given a shirt with Shannon's name on it and his saying. I feel so proud to be his sister and I try to live my life the way he did. After 11 years it's incredible to see how many peoples' lives he touched and continues to do so every day.
I wish I could have seen him get married and have children, he would have been such a wonderful dad. If I'm lucky enough one day to have children I will continue his memory by naming one of my children after him.
Thank you for being such a good friend to my brother. It was very kind of you to commemorate the anniversary of his passing in this special way so that he is remembered.
Colleen Smith (Shannon's little sister)
April 11th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Hi Chris,
We've never met, but I'm Shawn's wife and would have been Shannon's sister-in-law. I met Shawn while on Kauai for vacation, less than one short month after Shannon died. Even though I never had the privilege of knowing Shannon personally, in many ways I feel as if I did (do) know him. Your expressions of Shannon's positive outlook on life, his enthusiasm regarding everything he did and his wonderful aura are all things that I have heard many times over the past 11 years, often accompanied by hilarious and heart-warming stories about Shannon, his family and friends. Shawn and I have been blessed with three exceptional children, all with the middle name Shea. And, our first-born, a boy, is named entirely after his uncle: Shannon Shea Smith. Our little Shannon beams when he hears stories of his namesake and especially when he sees the new Winner's Camp shirts every year. Uncle Shannon is always present in our family. His spirit lives on not only because we say the name "Shannon" many times every day, but because often one of our children will do something that Shannon used to do, or will exhibit one of Shannon's mannerisms. According to Shawn, they all have unique and identifiable bits of him. We also talk about him often with our children in an effort to pass along his wisdom to them. Thank you for your story and your efforts to keep his memory alive too.
With Warm Aloha,
Doran Smith
April 24th, 2008 at 4:10 am
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October 14th, 2008 at 7:34 am
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October 27th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Privacy Fence 3.5
Former UH safety Chris Shinnick writes about his friend and teammate Shannon Smith who died 11 years ago.Wheres Shannon?Its not something that I think about everyday but its safe to say that at least once a month something reminds me of that fateful ...
December 4th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I know it is more than a little late for a response to this, but as a former team mate of both Chris and Shannon, I feel there could not have been a better person to reflect on what Shannon stood for on this team. I for one am glad you did take the time to do this.
Shannon you are not forgotten.
Aloha.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Thank you for writing about Shannon. I often wondered what happened that day at Waipahe'e. I am from Kaua'i and familiar with Waipahe'e. I think of that young man who helped to save another. I often thought of him. Today, I found out that he is Shannon Smith. It's March 02, 2009. I think is has now been 12 years since Shannon left us. He is my hero. I pray for him. I also send prayers to his family. I look to him for compassion - a virtue that I sometimes do not have enough of. Shannon you are not forgotten. Thank you Shannon.