Larry Fitzgerald - Great Guy

We always hope athletes and actors live up to their images and Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald is nothing short of terrific as a human being. UH Warrior, Bryant Moniz, is also a pretty wonderful guy. We produced a very interesting profile on him. Visit Pacific Network.tv to view.

Both men donated time during the Pro Bowl 2012 event in Honolulu to attend an autograph signing and photo shoot on behalf of six year old, Drew Iida.

On October 1, 2011, the then five-year-old Drew stumbled, fell and had a seizure at his Pop Warner football practice. Today, almost four months later, the once active keiki continues his recovery at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Drew has made some progress, according to his mom, Sheri Iida, and their family remains hopeful and will do whatever it takes to provide the care that Drew needs. Family and friends have come together to raise money to help defray the mounting medical costs. If you were unable to attend this event, please make a donation at any American Savings Bank branch, to: “Pray for Drew” Account No. 8100367887

For video visit: www.PacificNetwork.tv

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