But wait, is that all there is?  When I went to school we knew of 9 planets…. now, unlimited. Here is an interesting thought for the day.  As you watch this video you will learn that the earth quite small compared to some planets.  In fact, if you could pick up the earth and set it onto one of the biggest planets it could be like setting a grain of sand onto a beach.  Think about that, our planet would be like a grain of sand on another planet. I wonder if any of the grains of sand on our earth have any planets on them. (anyone up for Horton Hears A Who!)

Click play above for the video, click the photos below to enlarge.

There are of course more planets than these photos.  There are some much smaller and there are certainly many that are MUCH larger!

Take for example the planet named HAT-P-1 which is located over 450 light-years from Earth in the constellation Lacerta.

Located about 1,400 light years away from Earth is a planet called TrES-4 which is one of the strangest and largest planets.  It’s density is only about 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter which is the same as density of balsa wood which means this planet is very light, in fact, it would float very high on the water in a bathtub (if you had a large enough tub that is) and theoretically should not even exist, scientists say.

There are larger planets…. go find them.

So, we have been looking at largest planets…. but what is the largest “thing” in the universe?

Check this out, scientists in Mauna Kea, Hawaii have discovered a ginormous amoeba-like structure 200 million light-years wide and made up of galaxies and large bubbles of gas is the largest known object in the universe, scientists say.

(Many people think a light year is speed, in fact, it is a measure of distance.  One light-year equals the distance traveled by light in a year, about six trillion miles or 9.5 trillion kilometers. )

The galaxies and gas bubbles, called Lyman alpha blobs, are aligned along three curvy filaments that formed about 2 billion years after the universe exploded into existence after the theoretical Big Bang. The filaments were recently seen using the Subaru and Keck telescopes on Mauna Kea.

Some of the gas bubbles are up to 400,000 light years across, nearly twice the diameter of our neighboring Andromeda Galaxy. Scientists think they formed when massive stars born early in the history of the universe exploded as supernovas and blew out their surrounding gases. Another theory is that the bubbles are giant gas cocoons that will one day give birth to new galaxies.

This finding gives researchers new insight into what the structure of cosmos looks like at the largest scale.

"Something this large and this dense would have been rare in the early universe," said study team member Ryosuke Yamauchi from Tohoku University.

"The structure we discovered and others like are probably the precursors of the largest structures we see today which contain multiple clusters of galaxies," Yamauchi said.

Now, if you want to read some strange, fantastic and interesting ideas about the moon being hollow, made of metal and created to be a satellite by intelligent aliens, CLICK HERE

This is pot-luck style, so bring something to share.  There will be ice tea but bring your own drinks if you like.

Some people suggested it would be nice to see what food others will be bringing so they could be more prepared, that’s the purpose of this post.

If you would like to mention your food ideas, feel free to leave a comment below!

Feel free to invite your friends!

If you are coming and you want to let us know what you are bringing, I will put it here.

The address is 1112 Kina St.  In the back of the building by the pool. When you get there type #402 on the keypad to be buzzed in.

If all else fails walk to the back of the parking lot which looks over the pool and just call down to us; If you brought food, someone will let you in (joking)

View Larger Map

Looking forward to meeting new friend and saying hi to old ones!

Click photo to enlarge or

 CLICK HERE for Extra Large Printable Photo

Imelda Dickinson, 4/7/2010 Honolulu, HI

Hippolyta

This is one of the best games ever. Play it HERE (make sure you play it in full screen for the best effects!)

Description:

This is a very large game, please be patient. If you have any difficulties, I suggest either make sure you are using the latest version of Internet Explorer or trying a different browser like Safari, Firefox or Chrome or updating your Shockwave and Flash

Yep its a reflex/action game!
Collect Amazon Points to unlock more game modes and vanity armor.
Earn your place on the high score lists for Hardcore, Survival, and Pursuit modes.

Remember to play it in FULL SCREEN mode for the best game play!

If the game runs slow, try right clicking and changing the graphic quality to lower.

1 player AND 2 player mode available!

Play Hippolyta game and ride your horse as fast as you can as you try escape from your roman captives. Use your javelin to skewer peasants, farmers and roman soldiers on the road.

Instructions
W,A,S,D and space (jump, block, dodge, sprint and javelin)

These can be changed in the menu, for instance you can change them to arrow keys if you prefer.

WHO IS Hippolyta?

Hippolyta first appears in myth when she encounters Theseus, king of Athens, who was accompanying Heracles on his quest against the Amazons. When Theseus first arrived at the land of the Amazon they expected no malice, and so Hippolyta came to his ship bearing gifts. Once she was aboard Theseus abducted her and made her his wife. Thereafter Theseus and a pregnant Hippolyta returned to Athens. Theseus brazen act sparked an Amazonomachy, a great battle between the Athenians and Amazons.

Though Hippolyta gave birth to a son, Hippolytus, to Theseus, she was cast off when Theseus courted Phaedra. Scorned, Hippolyta went back to the Amazons, while Hippolytus had problems of his own with his new stepmother. Some sources paint Theseus in a more favorable light, saying that Hippolyta was dead before he and Phaedra were wed.

Hippolyta also appears in the myth of Heracles. It was her girdle that Heracles was sent to retrieve for Admeta, the daughter of king Eurystheus. The girdle was a waist belt from Ares that signified her authority as queen of the Amazons.

When Heracles landed the Amazons received him warmly and Hippolyta came to his ship to greet him. Upon hearing his request, she agreed to let him take the girdle. Hera, however, was not pleased, as was often the case with Heracles. To stop him, Hera came down to the Amazons disguised as one of their own and ran through the land, crying that Heracles meant to kidnap their queen. Probably remembering all too well what Theseus had done, the Amazons charged toward the ship to save Hippolyta. Fearing that Hippolyta had betrayed him, Heracles hastily killed her, ripped the girdle from her lifeless body, and set sail, narrowly escaping the raging warriors.

An alternate story of Hippolytas death is a direct result of Theseus marriage to Phaedra. With an army of Amazons behind her, Hippolyta returned to Athens and stormed into the wedding of Theseus and Phaedra. She declared that anyone partaking in the festivities would perish, but in the melee that ensued she was killed, either accidentally by her companion Penthesileia or by Theseus men.

A third story of Hippolytas death involved her sister, Penthesilea. Penthesilea had killed Hippolyta with a spear by accident when they were hunting deer; this accident caused Penthesilea so much grief that she wished only to die, but, as a warrior and an Amazon, she had to do so honorably and in battle. She therefore was easily convinced to join in the Trojan War, fighting on the side of Troys defenders.

In William Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream, Hippolyta is engaged to Theseus, the duke of Athens.

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Hippolyta Hipolyta Hippolita Hyppolyta Hyppolita Heppolyta Heppolita

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A man in a Florida supermarket tries to buy half a head of lettuce.

The young produce assistant tells him that they sell only whole heads of lettuce and there is no way of selling just “half”.

The man is persistent though and insists that the manager should be spoken too.

The boy says fine and proceeds down the hall to the manager’s office where upon walking in he exclaims: “Some asshole wants to buy half a head of lettuce.’ As he finished his sentence, he turns to find the man standing right behind him, so he quickly added, ‘And this gentleman has kindly offered to buy the other half.’

The manager approved the deal, and the man went on his way with his half of a lettuce head..

Later the manager said to the boy, ‘I was impressed with the way you got yourself out of that situation earlier. We like people who think on their feet here. Where are you from, son?’

‘Canada, sir,’ the boy replied.

‘Well, why did you leave Canada?’ the manager asked.

The boy said, ‘Sir, there’s nothing but whores and hockey players in Canada.’

‘Oh Really?’ said the manager as he leans close to the boy. ‘Well my WIFE is from Canada.’

To which the boy immediately replied: ‘Really? that’s awesome sir, which team did she play for?

The moral of this story is, ummm, errr…. I guess it’s “you can get yourself out of anything if you are clever enough”

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ooooohhhhh……. wait a minute, what’s that i see? look carefully at the photo, something is wrong here, something the scammer should have paid attention too.

There is something going on in the photos that is a dead give-away that this is a scam.  can you spot it?  look carefully and then scroll to the bottom and don’t cheat, try to discover what’s wrong with this picture before scrolling down.

Good luck, ~Brad

Actual craigslist advertisement from (link probably dead by now) http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/ctd/1580295801.html

Beautiful 2005 Cadillac CTS – $4200 (hawaii)

This is going to be one of the best buys of the week. 6 cylinder with an automatic tranmission that shifts flawlessly.This car is loaded ,power windows, doors, sunroof,cold A/C Cd Player!!! Cruise control. A very nice driver. Ride is smooth, tires are new. Take a look at all the pictures. No rips or tears in the interior.

 

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Scroll down after you figure out how to tell if it’s a scam or not.

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Figured it out did you?

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Yeah, a powdery covering of snow on the ground under a car in Oahu?? LOL what a scam.

PS. after a brief search, I discovered this exact same car for sale in Raleigh, Miami, Montana and Missouri…

Stay warm everybody.  check out www.RubberSheep.com for awesome FULL screen games

A recently retired old Hawaiian Pilot sat down at a Starbucks in Honolulu and ordered a cup of coffee.

As he sat sipping his coffee, an attractive young woman sat down next to him.

She turned to the pilot and asked, ‘Are you a real pilot?’ He replied, ‘Well let’s see…  I’ve spent my whole life flying biplanes, Cubs, Aeroncas, Stinsons, flew in WWII in a B-29, and later in the Korean conflict, taught 50 people to fly and gave rides to hundreds, so I guess that makes me a pilot.’

There was a pause while they sipped there coffee when the Pilot asked the lady what she did.
She replied, well let’s see… I spend my whole day thinking about how much I love sexy women.
In fact, as soon as I get up in the morning, I think about sexy women. When I shower, I think about naked women. When I watch TV, I think about women. I like to think about brunettes, red heads, blonds, tall women and short women, slender and chubby.  In fact, I have spent almost my whole life thinking about beautiful, sexy, women and you know what that makes me? A LESBIAN!

The young lady finished her coffee and left with a wink towards the old pilot who sat, thoughtfully drinking coffee and gazing out a window for another hour or so.

Eventually, a man and women sat down with their young son who right away asked the man, gosh, are you a REAL pilot?? to which the man replied, "Well gee son, I always thought I was, but I just found out I’m a actually a lesbian!

The "shaka" sign is a common greeting gesture. It is often associated with Hawaii. It consists of extending the thumb and smallest finger while keeping the three middle fingers curled, and raising the hand as in salutation with the back of the hand facing the person that is being greeted; sometimes the hand is rotated back and forth to emphasize the sign.

The shaka sign resembles the American Sign Language letter for Y.The sign is often followed by waving as a greeting or acknowledgement. It can be used when driving as a signal of thanks to other drivers (for example, someone who stopped to let another driver onto the road from a driveway).

Hawaiian locals use the shaka for various meanings, like "all right", "cool", "smooth", etc. Residents of states other than Hawaii who use the shaka may describe it as meaning "hang loose" and in California, the symbol itself is more commonly called the "hang loose" sign rather than the "Shaka" sign. It is also used to convey what locals in Hawai’i call the "Aloha Spirit," a gesture of friendship and understanding between the various ethnic cultures that reside within Hawai’i. It can also be used to signal a "hello", "goodbye", " ’till next time", "take care", "Alright!" In sign language, the shaka is one of the two signs used to refer to surfing.

One theory according to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, prevailing local lore credited the gesture to Hamana Kalili of Laie, who lost the three middle fingers of his right hand while working at the Kahuku Sugar Mill. Kalili was then shifted to guarding the sugar train, and his all-clear wave of thumb and pinkie is said to have evolved over the years into the "shaka". This story is also told by the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The shaka sign was popularized among locals in Hawaii through its use by second-hand car salesman, Lippy Espinda, in his television commercials which were broadcast throughout the state in the 1960s. It was adopted as a salutation of friendship by the local culture at large from then on.

Little is known about the Laie origin of this local gesture. A large Hawaiian man by the name of Hamana Kalili lost the index, middle and ring finger of his right hand from an accident at the Laie sugar plantation. He was well-known to everyone in this quiet Mormon town. When Hamana conducted church services on Sunday, one would only notice the thumb and little finger.

The children would imitate Hamana by bending their index, middle and ring fingers and say, "right on." Through Laie’s children, this sign spread. A local car salesman, Lippy Espinda, used it in his TV commercials. It gained state-wide popularity when Frank Fasi used it while campaigning for Mayor of Honolulu in the early seventies.

Random shaka photos

more random howzit sign photos

Also be sure to check out the story (Army restricts use of shakas in Iraq)

Sgt. Charles Pinaula of Malojloj, Guam, and Iraqi farm kids greeted an Advertiser photographer with shakas during a mission outside LSA Anaconda. Island soldiers have been told that the shaka, while OK among themselves, is no way to salute their superiors.
Spc. Lexamar Lagundi, with the 2-299th Infantry, flashed a shaka after waving a truck through his checkpoint at Camp Victory. The gesture has since been banned at guard stations by an officer who apparently felt it was a poor substitute for a snappy salute.

There may be the "Hawaiian word of the day" at Camp Victory in Iraq, but there isn’t complete aloha for the shaka favored by Hawai’i National Guard soldiers.

The thumb-and-pinkie salute, a ubiquitous symbol of pride, heritage and greeting in Hawai’i, was banned at Camp Victory guard stations after a National Guard soldier mistakenly flashed a shaka to a senior officer instead of a salute.

The officer — soldiers say it was a general — took umbrage, and gave the shaka the thumbs down.

The shaka ban, one of the first times Hawai’i culture has publicly bumped into regular-Army protocol in Iraq, is seen as humbug by local soldiers.

"Yeah, the story has gotten around. Kinda ridiculous," said one Hawai’i soldier who didn’t want to be named because he could face repercussions. "The general is totally in the wrong by banning the shaka, when he should have smoked the soldier instead. A coupla hundred pushups would have been better than banning the shaka."

Lt. Col. Robert Whetstone, a public-affairs officer with Task Force Baghdad, said he was not sure who gave the order.

"I could do some digging and try to find out, but quite frankly, it’s irrelevant," Whetstone said by e-mail. "Whether it involves a lieutenant or a general, we all must render proper military courtesy."

That means a proper salute — and not one followed by a shaka, something that is routine on the flight line at Hickam Air Force Base as aircraft are about to take off.

The shaka ban at entry control points and checkpoints flies in the face of the popular "Hawaiian word of the day" at Al Faw palace in Camp Victory, the headquarters for the four-star general in charge of Multi-National Force, Iraq, and the three-star general in charge of Multi-National Corps, Iraq.

After arriving at the base near Baghdad International Airport about six months ago, the Hawai’i soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry who guard Al Faw started writing a Hawaiian word each day on a slate for passers-by to learn.

The effort became a big hit and brought some aloha and smiles to the faces of many of the U.S. military people who cross a causeway to get to the palace.

Some of the soldiers were under the impression the shaka had been banned outright.

"It’s interesting to know that this entire base knows our battalion. I guess we’ve made a pretty good impression all around. It kind of (bothers me), because they refuse to let us show any ‘Hawai’i Pride’ on this base," said a Hawai’i soldier on a weblog.

As for the "unauthorized hand signal," "that’s how we wave to each other in Hawai’i, and what about the thousands of other troops here who use a million other hand signals, profane and unprofane, including the million variations of hand-waving used by non-Hawai’i soldiers, and how come they’re not being restricted or disciplined?

"We don’t really care anyway and still give (the) shaka to each other — I’m willing to get yelled at while still maintaining our Hawai’i culture and pride, regardless of orders. I guess some people … have nothing better to do with their time except nitpick other soldiers," the soldier said.

Whetstone said soldiers from the 2nd of the 299th are not prohibited from rendering the shaka to one another, but "must maintain military bearing and discipline when addressing superiors, whether they be noncommissioned or commissioned officers."

Lt. Col. Kenneth Hara, who commands the 2-299th "Koa" battalion, took "corrective action" and issued a written order directing soldiers at their duty sites to salute all officers passing through internal checkpoints, Whetstone said.

Hara could not be reached by e-mail. Guard spokesman Maj. Chuck Anthony yesterday said a copy of the written order was not available, and referred questions to Brig. Gen. Joe Chaves, who commands Hawai’i’s 29th Brigade Combat Team at Logistical Support Area Anaconda north of Baghdad.

"The leadership here has full confidence in Gen. Chaves’ ability to resolve any differences that there might be with the Army there," Anthony said.

Anthony agreed the greeting is ingrained in Hawai’i, even in military culture.

"If I’m a soldier and I’m out in the field and I come upon some soldiers from another (Hawai’i) company, or I’m linking up with them, of course they’re going to give each other the shaka," he said. "That’s normal."

Hawai’i and other Pacific islander soldiers with the 29th Brigade haven’t had any high-profile culture clashes with the regular Army.

If anything, the soldiers have a reputation as hard workers who bring a positive attitude to their jobs. And there remains room for cultural expression. On a July patrol outside LSA Anaconda, Sgt. Ionatana Ala, 37, a UPS driver who lives in Mililani, switched effortlessly between U.S. military-speak on the radio and speaking Samoan with three other soldiers in his Humvee.

The origin of the shaka, which means "hang loose," "howzit," or "right on," is unclear, but is generally attributed to fisherman, tug-of-war champion and hukilau organizer Hamana Kalili of La’ie.

Kalili, who lost the middle three fingers of his hand — possibly in a Kahuku Sugar Mill accident — would lead services at the Mormon church, raise his hand in the air and say, "Right on!"

In the 1930s and ’40s, Kalili worked on the sugar train, and from that vantage point, the three-fingers down sign, with pinkie and thumb out, also spread.

"There’s a lot of good feeling about Hawai’i, and you can see football players using it, you can see it on TV from movie stars to politicians," said Robbie Alm, who 10 years ago with other Hawai’i residents helped start a "Live Aloha" campaign.

A half-million of the bumper stickers are plastered around the state and world — including Iraq. Former Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi used the shaka as his political trademark. Former President George H.W. Bush got into the aloha spirit and used the shaka on a visit to Hawai’i in 1990.

"C’mon guys, it’s good-hearted, it’s whimsical and yet it means a lot," Alm said after being told of the restriction in Iraq. "The main thing I hope is they can find a way to appreciate the value of the shaka sign. It’s just a universal greeting that certainly conveys no disrespect."

Be sure to check out this article about the HAWAIIAN SHAKA

Getting to Know Oahu