Firecrackers popped, cymbals crashed, drums beat into the evening ... at Kahala's welcoming in the new Year of the Dragon!  Celebration traditionally occurs for the first few weeks of a new lunar year with parades and celebrations of traditions now many thousands of years old.  Scholars estimate the Chinese calendar began during the reign of Huangdi translating the year 2012 to "chinese year" 4,710.  Or some say 4,709 or could be 4,649, but who's counting? It's a lot of years.  In any event this is one heck of a celebration for the family... little red envelopes full of money, traditional sweet cakes and sugared fruits, all part of the celebration of the lunar new year.

My favorite is the dragon and the lion dances. In ancient China villagers feared the springtime attacks of the dreaded "Nian" a dragon-like beast from under the sea ( it also lives high in the mountains so beware).  The Nian looked for adults, children and dogs.  It was sensitive to loud noises and it didn't like the color red.  So drums, plates, and bowls were turned into noise makers. Firecrackers were tossed, babies dressed in bright red, red banners and flags were flown throughout the village and all of this to scare away the big bad Nian.

This week join in Hawaii's celebration of the Year of the Dragon.  Wear your red, put money in the lion's mouth for good luck and prosperity, and make a party!

Stay tuned and visit http://www.PacificNetwork.tv

Chef Joanne Chang

Recent guest at the Halekulani, pastry Chef Joanne Chang, shared an exclusive interview with us on her shop in Boston (Flour),  the catering business she established with her husband (Meyers + Chang), and hinted at the possibility of moving to Honolulu!  Just look at her pastries and you'll know why she is considered one of the finest contemporary talents in the world of fine foods.  Many thanks to Halekulani's GM, Gerald Glennon and big mahalo Diane (Ako) for arranging all. Hope to see more from Chef Chang!

For more visit www.pacificnetwork.tv

Hilarious and controversial. A sweet natured physical humorist with a penchant for extreme stunts. Steve-O has been called many things, but none of them boring.

Always a fan of wild stunts, Steve-O gained fame as part of an ensemble cast on MTV's Jackass TV series and went on to co-star in the spin-off TV show Wild Boys and Jackass Movies (Jackass: The Movie, Jackass: Number 2, Jackass 3D, and Jackass 3.5).

Fresh from a two week vacation, Steve-O is bringing his original humor and crazy stunts to local fans tonight at Hawaiian Brian's.

STEVE-O TOO MUCH INFORMATION TOUR

Thursday, January 19 - OAHU
Hawaiian Brians • 1680 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu
with opening guests Kaleo Pilanca, Jose Dynamite, James Mane. Hosted by Michael C. Hall
Doors 6:30pm – Show 7:30pm – 21+ SHOW
Tickets: $35 Advance
Presented by KPOI 105.9 FM

Friday, January 20, 2012 - KAUAI
Kuhio Lounge 3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa
with opening guests Ed Ka’ahea (from Booga Booga), Chino Laforge (from Maui)
Doors 7pm – Show 8pm – 21+ SHOW
Tickets: $35 Advance(Presented by Island Radio 98.9 FM)

Saturday, January 21, 2012 - MAUI
Ocean’s Beach Bar & Grill, 1819 South Kihei Road, Kihei
with opening guest Ed Ka’ahea (from Booga Booga), Chino LaForge
Doors 7:00pm – Show 8:00pm – 21+ SHOW
Tickets: $35 Advance

Sunday, January 22, 2012 - BIG ISLAND
Palace Theater, 38 Haili St., Hilo
with opening guest Ed Ka’ahea (from Booga Booga), Kaleo Pilanca, Chino LaForge
Doors 7pm – Show 8pm
ONLY SUITABLE FOR 17+ AGES
Tickets: $35 Advance