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Strummin’ in the City (#5)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

jason poole kamaka ukulele new york city

Kamaka concert 'ukulele at the corner of 215th and Park Terrace West (NYC 2.8.11)

A lot of folks find it hard to believe that I carry my ‘ukulele with me all the time.

But you never know when you might feel like strumming!

And as Pops is always quick to advise: E ho’omākaukau. Be prepared.

Ah… the life of an urban strummer!

(Do you like the ʻukulele in the photo? Check out www.kamakahawaii.com for some of the best ʻukuleles on the planet!)

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Strumming My Way Through The Day

Monday, February 7, 2011

Today was been “one of those days.”

I mean, really… I feel like I’m working hard just to keep my head above water.

But…

The good news is that I’ve had the opportunity to strum my ʻukulele a lot today!

Why?

When the going gets tough, the tough start strumming!

When I encountered my first “brick wall” of the day, I picked up my ‘ukulele and started strumming. I didn’t play a song–just strummed a simple chord progression. But it was still so very soothing.

My ‘ukulele hasn’t left my side today. It’s been my faithful companion. Medicine for my anxious soul!

Instead of dwelling in the negative, I’d like to post my 5 Gratitudes for the Day:

1. I’m thankful for my beloved ‘ukulele and the sounds it produces. Nothing else feels quite as good as strumming those four simple strings.
2. I’m thankful for my family–and for the phone that allows us to connect.
3. I’m thankful for a sense of humor. Even in the day’s darkest moments, I’ve still found moments to laugh.
4. I’m thankful for my cat–he’s been sleeping in an armchair all day. Every time I’d get a bit of “bad news” I’d look over and see him snoozing. I can’t help it–the sight of a snoozing cat makes me smile!
5. I’m thankful for my computer. Today, I’ve used it for work–and as a means to “escape.” Right on.

I think I’ll be strumming a lot more before the day is over.

And that’s ok with me.

How is YOUR day today?

**I want to send out a special ALOHA to my friends at Aloha Music Camp this week on the island of Hawaiʻi. I miss you guys!

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TAHC’s ALOHA FRIDAY TRIVIA CHALLENGE!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Aloha kākou!

This week’s question is about Duke Kahanamoku! (And it’s a MULTIPLE CHOICE question!)

Duke Kahanamoku won his first Olympic gold medal for the 100 meter freestyle event in what year?

A. 1916

B. 1912

C. 1932

D. 1920

• Please submit your answer as a reply to this blog post.
• All correct answers will be eligible to win a special email message from me.
• One winner will be randomly chosen at 11:59pm HST.

Will YOU be this week’s lucky winner?

Good Luck!

Aloha Poʻalima! Happy Aloha Friday!

**Crooner Update: You guys ROCK!

The correct answer is B. 1912. Duke won his first gold medal at the Olympics in Stockholm. Legendary surfer, legendary swimmer, legendary ambassador of Aloha. He’s one of my heroes!

And this week’s winner, chosen from the correct responses by my random number generator, is… (Drum roll, please…) KINOLAU! Congrats, Kinolau! You’re this week’s Trivia Superstar!

I’m so thankful to you all for taking a moment out of your busy Aloha Friday to play along in this week’s challenge! Hawaiian trivia is cool!

Hope you all had a great Aloha Friday. And I hope you all have a great weekend!

A hui hou…

Jason


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TAHC’s BOOK CLUB: Dec/Jan Wrap-Up & February’s Reading Selection!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Aloha, gang! So… have you enjoyed reading Alan Brennert’s novel, HONOLULU? I sure have! Here are some of my thoughts: I loved learning about Korean culture. I grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and didn’t know many Korean folks. It wasn’t until I moved to NYC that I was exposed to Korean culture–and … Click here to read more…

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The Crooner’s Weekly “TOP 3″ (2.2.11)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Aloha kākou! I always have my iPod with me. It’s my personal jukebox. Living in New York City, I spend a lot of time traveling underground via subway–and those rides can be long and boring! But having a collection of great music with me at all times keeps me from losing my mind. I can … Click here to read more…

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Strummin’ in the City (#4)

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

A lot of folks find it hard to believe that I carry my ‘ukulele with me all the time. But you never know when you might feel like strumming! And as Pops is always quick to advise: E ho’omākaukau. Be prepared. Ah… the life of an urban strummer! (Do you like the ʻukulele in the photo? Check … Click here to read more…

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