“Lanikai Oh Lanikai”, sung to the tune of Galveston, by Glenn Campbell.

It’s unbelievable here.  It’s now 2 AM and I am typing this in my loft office as the breezes dominate the sounds outside, rather than the old H-1 and 16th Ave. noises my wife and I were used to.  Around 11PM and sometimes midnight every night, it seemed there would be the extreme blasts of the fast cars or motorcycles on H-1.  I imagined that it was the exact time of shift change for HPD, which could explain the timing.

Thye city of Honolulu seems like a distant memory to me already.

None of that here.  I guess the mansion next door has automatic sprinklers, cuz they just kicked in.  If my wife was here I am sure she would thnk that was the rain.  It is so wonderful to hear the rain here, as well.

For those of you who don’t know Lanikai, well, you don’t know what you don’t know.  When we were first offered the chance to stay here for a short while, I told my wife NO, and went over the list of reasons, so matter-of-fact(ly), so logically.  I was Ben Franklin, with the legal pad with the pros and the right and the cons on the left.  By the way that method is over-rated, we all know we can manipulate the process. 

Anyway, like many things, talking about Lanikai Beach, connected to Kailua Beach, is just NOT good enough.  It has to be experienced.  You could notice, some night in the area, how extravagant the moon and stars look through the tops of the palm trees, but chances are you’d miss it. 

You could ‘luck out’ and catch a photo with the fading available light as the sun dips behind the mountain here.  You know, it is more of a hill, but mountain sounds good, doesn’t it?

You may catch a nice picture of the Mokes, (the Mokulua Islands), but not really ‘get it.’

There is really nothing like the daily “hey, I’m on vacation” feel here.  It is incredible to catch the various shades of shadowy light in the evening and snap as many ‘perfect’ pics as you want.  And I can’t wait to catch another unique sunrise from behind the Mokes.  In 3 more hours….ouch.

Anyway, if it sounds like I am bragging, I failed.  As a painter attempts to catch a moment, I want to share a few of the magical moments here.  Besides my wife is off-island tonite and I am up late.

Our time here may be limited.  If this is heaven, God, I DO want to stay here forever.  Just wanted to get THAT out there.  We are so blessed.  Thank God I married wisely….. 

Of course I will show pics soon.  But give me a minute, we just got the computer set up today.  So it’s me and the cat(s) off to bed for now…………aloha 

It’s here, and as usual I don’t care.  I am about as patriotic as the next person, but isn’t Memorial Day for that?

My wife (Dr. Malia) and I are chillin’ like villians and I could use a day off, but we really are hoping that there are some stores open when we go to run errands.  It has been a good year.  I guess this is the half way point isn’t it?

I have so much to be grateful for.  I live in Hawaii.  I now have a fantastic job.  I am slowly getting used to the fact that I now work 40 hours at an office rather than from home.  Give me a little more time on that.  The job will really reward me for the skills I have been developing over the years and I am a bit surprised still that it all came about. 

I am in sales at Your EZ to Use Island Pages, an independent directory here in Hawaii.  We are part of a huge company, Ogden Directories that runs many newspapers and telephone directories and even owns the Pittsburgh Pirates.  (I know, I know, I wouldn’t brag TOO much about the Pirates’ season, but it’s a small fraternity of people that are Major League Baseball team owners.)   Who do ya know that needs Yellow Pages advertising? 

I have my Zrii business, and I am ratcheting it down just a bit.  My wife and I are healthier because of this tremendous liquid nutritional and I get a check.  I will still make calls but the bulk of my non 40 hour work time THIS weekend is aimed at my new job. 

Zrii = http://www.rickemmerich.myzrii.com

My Holy Tea business is chugging along.  I am in profit and I have lost 20 lbs since last Christmas.  People are getting healthier becasue of it.  That’s a win-win, so adding in a bit of profit is gravy.  www.holyteaclub/rickemmerich

I have a new business that I feel is going to be a very timely operation.  Xziex makes water from the air, or atmosphere.  Just think about that for a minute. 

Anyone who lives in an area that has problems producing water from their aquifers, or wonders about its quality, read on.  Anyone who is concerned about the health hazards that come from posioned water, or who is concerned about terrorists targeting our water, pay attention.  If you think that we put FAR too many plastic bottles from the bottled water we drink into the landfills, this may be for you.  If you question the quality of tap water that is ‘purified’ by bottlers, like I do….check this out.  (I think I covered everyone there.)

Xziex = www.rickemmerich.myxziex.com

Thank God I am writing this today.  My life took a left turn about 4 years ago and in 6 weeks I will celebrate the 4 year anniversay of my heart attack.  Yes you read that correctly.  Thank God I had a heart attack.  You can read more about it at this blog site.  http://rickemmerich.com   I will be a part of a book that we expect to publish early next year.  It is Thank God I Had A Heart Attack.   Right now the first book of the series is out.   Thank God I…   To pick up a copy, go to http://thankgodi.com/?idAff=4

The real reason that I am NOT that excited today is that I am not a huge fan of fireworks-never have been.  My wife and I have two cats.  They like them even less.  So we may have to bundle them up and head to her office where they will not have to hear the noises that remind us all of ‘the bombs bursting in air.’  What good did those bombs bursting in air do anyway?  

It seemed so….authentic, as we met for the first time with our new evangelist and the mission team.  We were at the home of Joe and Mary Santos, who had the courage to start their own house church 21 months ago, fed up with the doctrinal changes and the attitudes of their previous church.  My wife (Dr. Malia Emmerich) and I had watched from a distance as we were forced to endure some very ‘non-christian’ behavior from that very same church, that we still attended.  Not that this post is about me, but after a long period of thought, prayer and seeking of advice we were also ready to make the break later that winter. Last night, we were one with the new arrivals from the CAICC (City of Angels Intl. Christian Church)… CAICC.org and our new evangelist, Kyle Bartholomew.  Joe had fielded a recent call attempting to slander Kyle, but Kyle’s life and his passion to work for God are an open book.  And we expect the persecution.  When others see a sold-out committed movement that actively preaches the Word and expects others to live by the Bible, they feel threatened. Our World Missions leader, Kip McKean preached a fiery and fact-filled message that dipped into little known Old Testament (OT) details.  During his history of the movement, tears were shed, and many Amens were heard.  His wife Elena’s soft voice would frequently say "Preach it Babe." As Kip highlighted, they have been persecuted mightily, but continue to do God’s work, which has shown phenomenal growth in the last 3 years.  One year ago a similar but larger missions team went to LA, with 42 members.  Through much sacrifice and then, of course lots of hard work, 101 baptisms and many resorations and move-ins have taken place in the LA area.   Again, see CAICC.org. Sadly for many were the details of how the old ICOC churches changed doctrine when things got tough and controversial, and how much those chuches (no longer united) have fallen in conviction and membership.  Many of us had been a part of those fellowships and we love so many friends that have been left behind. I have documented some of these details almost ad nauseum in other forums, but may chose to get into the previous church changes at a later date, if it’s deemed relevent.  Also, please view "Hope For The Islands" on this same site. The kick-off of this new version of the Honolulu International Christian Church was a loud, boisterous affair, with great song-leading and sharing late into the night. For those that desire a strict and thorough adherence to Biblical teachings, with the zeal and desire to seek and save the lost, join us in Honolulu at the Mauna Kea Chapel at 1330 Mauna Kea across from Zippys.  That’s Mauna Kea and Vineyard, at 10AM on Sunday morning. Can’t make it to the island, then go to http://CAICC.org to find a congregation near you.  Also, http://honicc.org and http://honicc.com for those of you who want to follow our growing fellowship.    Rick Emmerich

Hope For The Islands!

Guest Editorial: Kyle Bartholomew

Kyle and Joan Bartholomew with their son Brett

(On Sunday June 1, 2008, the Honolulu Mission Team will be sent out! On that historic day, it will be my honor to appoint Kyle as an Evangelist in the Kingdom of God. Kyle was born in Hilo, Hawaii on October 2, 1981 to Jay and Cindy Bartholomew. He has an older sister Robin and two younger brothers. Throughout his life, Kyle’s passion has been basketball. Following in his father’s steps, Kyle played at the University of Hawaii – Hilo. He was a three year starter, two time All-Conference selection and captain of the team in both his junior and senior years! It was in college that Kyle was baptized by Chris Teves on July 29, 2001. Before he graduated in 2003, he baptized his brothers, Evan and Levi. On August 14, 2004, he marrried an awesome disciple, Joan Udtohan. God blessed them with Brett on March 15, 2006. Later that year, Kyle became the full-time minister for the Hilo International Church of Christ. When the Bartholomews left to train in Los Angeles in 2007, Evan and his wife Kelly began to lead the Hilo Church. This past year in Los Angeles, Kyle has been abundantly fruitful at Cal State Fullerton. With their “Hawaiian warmth” both Kyle and Joan have endeared themselves to the entire Orange County Region as their leaders. Though Kyle has remained a Cleveland Cavalier fan resisting the Lakers’ resurgence, he has become a very close friend and dear son in the faith! I am so looking forward to being “partners in the gospel” with Kyle in the Islands and throughout the Pacific Rim.) KM

“My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.” Isaiah 51:5

In this prophecy of Isaiah, we learn that it is and has always been God’s heart to bring His righteousness, hope and salvation to the nations! God’s heart for the nations is reflected in many other passages such as Acts 1:8 – the command to take the gospel to the “ends of the earth”; Acts 2:39 – the promise that the gospel message would reach “all who are far off” (Gentiles); and perhaps most familiar, Matthew 28:19 – God’s command “to baptize… the nations”! Since I was born and raised in Hawaii, the most exciting aspect of Isaiah’s prophecy is that God’s arm will extend out even to “the Islands”!

Kyle and Joan on their wedding day!

When I was baptized as a disciple on July 29, 2001 through the efforts of the Hilo International Church of Christ (ICOC), I was blown away by the commitment, passion and love that I saw in each and every disciple. What inspired me most was the dream that each disciple shared to evangelize the Islands, the Pacific Rim and ultimately the world in their generation. In 2001, there were about 60 disciples in Hilo, 75 in Maui and around 1,000 in Oahu – every disciple believed this dream was possible, and so did I. 

Sadly, in November 2002 after the ICOC leadership’s decision to return to a more mainline Church of Christ theology, as well as the advent of the “Kriete letter” in early 2003, so many beloved aspects of “my church” began to change. Gone was a fellowship where every member was a practicing disciple of Jesus. Gone was the deep love for one another through discipling relationships. And gone was the dream to evangelize the Islands and the world.

By 2006, membership was declining at an alarming rate! Oahu dropped from 1,000 disciples to 200; Hilo went from almost 60 disciples to 38; and Maui was reduced from 75 disciples to 25. Oahu went from six full-time couples to two, and both Hilo and Maui went from a full-time couple leading each congregation to untrained volunteers, as vision and then contribution plummeted. Baptisms became extremely rare, restorations were almost non-existent and there had not been a single church planted from the Islands for over six long years. It was obvious to me that something needed to change!

Kyle and his brothers Levi and Evan!

In late 2006, I was asked by the “leadership group” of the Hilo ICOC to be the minister. They were indeed desperate as the Hilo Church had not had a baptism for over a year! Since I was untrained, I was convinced we needed additional help. Therefore, in considering which church to ask for help, I decided to attend the Portland World Missions Jubilee. I was so in awe of God so obviously working through the Portland Church, as the fastest growing church in the ICOC at that time, that I asked Kip and Elena to disciple Joan and me. Thankfully, they agreed.

One month later, the McKeans came to help us rebuild the Hilo Church’s foundation to be composed of only disciples (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). After an eventful weekend of Kip and Elena’s preaching, God left us with a “Gideon-like” twelve disciples, whose dream was to once again evangelize the world in our generation! The other 26 members, many of whom were lukewarm, started a new congregation with the help of evangelists from both the LA ICOC and the Oahu Church of Christ. Not having a baptism for over a year in Hilo, yet starting with twelve sold-out disciples, God blessed us with 20 baptisms that next year! Sadly, yet to the point, the congregation that was started in opposition to Kip’s and my vision of world evangelism through God’s plan of discipling, still has not seen a baptism to this day.

Kyle making two points for UH-Hilo!

Visiting that fateful weekend, during the calling out of the remnant, were Chris Teves and Joe and Mary Santos from Honolulu. Likewise, discouraged by witnessing only five baptisms a year on Oahu, they made the decision that weekend to start a new congregation of only sold-out disciples in Honolulu. Heart-breaking for me, after just one week, Chris Teves under overwhelming pressure from close relationships, decided to give the Oahu Church of Christ another try. Therefore, starting with only Joe and Mary, God has grown the group in Honolulu to 16 disciples!

Most impressive is that four former full-time ministers are now solid members of the remnant group: Joe and Mary Santos, Jody Tyrell (restored in January) and Chris Teves (who recently decided to rejoin us after a failed attempt to reform the existing Oahu Church of Christ).  Dr. Malia (Millard) Emmerich, who was on the original Oahu COC planting back in 1989 is a part of the Honolulu Intl. Christian Church as well.  Truly God is faithful to His promise to gather His remnant, when we repent and begin to seek Him with all our heart (Nehemiah 1:8-9).
After a long talk with Joe and Kip in the summer of 2007, Joan and I decided to move to Los Angeles to receive the training needed to lead the Honolulu Church, which will become the pillar church for the evangelization of the Islands and the Pacific Rim. We borrowed $20,000 from a home equity loan to train full-time. We have been fortunate over the last several months to lead both the Cal State Fullerton Campus Ministry and then recently, the Orange County Region. We will be forever grateful for Kip and Elena, the Comisfords, the Hardings, the Kirchners, the Underhills, the Hernandezs, Vic and Aurora Gonzalez, and many other brothers and sisters who have helped us learn how to be more effective disciples and church builders.

Jody and U’i Tyrell with their three daughters,
Makana, Sera and Gabby!

On Sunday June 1, the Honolulu Mission Team will be sent off by the Holy Spirit from the City of Angels Church to join the remnant group in Honolulu! The Honolulu Mission Team includes four incredible young men in Albert Wagers, Lorenzo Prueitt, Josh Aguirre, David Rysdet and three awesome young women in Joy Axelson of Maui, Naveh Pilate of Honolulu, and “CL” Salamanca, and of course, Joan and me. The Inaugural Service of the Honolulu International Christian Church will be held the following Sunday June 8, 2008 at 10 am at Maunakea Chapel, 1330 Maunakea Street! It is at the corner of Maunakea and Vineyard across from Zippy’s.  We would like to invite all of you who still believe in the dream to evangelize the Islands of Hawaii to join us!

This is not a matter of salvation if you are a faithful disciple, but joining us will allow us all “to win as many as possible” (1 Corinthians 9:19) through multiplying disciples as a movement of God. Our prayer is that through our efforts God will be glorified by His righteousness, hope and salvation returning to the lost Islands of Hawaii! If you are interested in joining in our efforts please give me a call @ 808-217-3904 or Joan @ 808-271-5577. Aloha!

Kyle Bartholomew
www.honoluluicc.org
kyle@honoluluicc.org

Rick Emmerich’s note.  One can certainly contact me as well for info, and questions about the church.  808 371-6501.  Obviously we’d like to invite you to the service this Sunday the 1st too.

No we weren’t hypnotized, no Dragonfly Ranch, and we didn’t fly over the stinking volcano either….

We just got back from our visit to the Big Island, and we DID get some things done. It was a kind of a second honeymoon, and we did the things that honeymooners do.  We also stayed in a villa in the Hilton Waikoloa area, and we liked the place so much we bought it!  Fractionally, of course.

For those that don’t care about that part here are some of the more interesting parts.

The vog (volcanic fog) was out and for that reason and just the time factor, we did not venture over to the places we wanted to see near the volcano.  It obscured the views we would normally have.

We strolled around the Hilton Waikoloa grounds and talked to the dolphin trainer on duty.  They just had a calf (the dolphins did) and the trainers were taking turns pulling the night-watch shift.  Of course on the grounds you will see a rhinocerous and horses and a Buddha-all statues.  In the parking lots there are a lot of cats, presumably waiting for handouts.

As is common in Hawaii we saw a mongoose, and then, up north we saw, and interacted with, some horses, the real live kind.  Then, down south we saw a zebra, yeah really brah, and two longhorn steer.  They looked contented, obviously all out of their ‘normal’ territories.  It was so unusual for me, that I was walking around trying to get better camera angles, and even somehow thinking they could have been fakes.  I mean some old hippie artist could have had a field day painting the stripes on that horse to make him a zebra.  I’m pretty sure that it WAS real, (he had zebra ears) and I will have the picture to show it-soon.

Also, as we ventured down a steep incline toward a marina, and then  headed back, we ran into a family of turkeys that really had no intention of sharing their road with our rental car.  I did NOT actually ‘run into them.’

The real excitement was, as we crammed too many activities into the last day was that we almost ran out of gas.  Some places had gas pumps as we headed south out of Kona, and after a while, I realized that the gas pumps were no more.  In fact houses for the most part, were no more.  Off to the left was lava, and off to the right was a sometimes very steep decline to the Pacific Ocean.

Well we slowed a little, coasted some down hills, turned of the air conditioner and prayed.  My wife was a little stressed, and I went through all the possibilities in my head should we have to coast to a stop amidst the moon-like terrain.  They all involved hitch-hiking and missing our flight home.

Then we saw it!  The last gas station for another 8 miles, at least.  We refuled, bought some Pringles, and turned around, admitting defeat to our plan to make it to South Point, the apropriately named southern most point in the US.  For those of you who are thinking Key West, that’s the continental US.

We headed back and stopped briefly for some Kona coffee, and some Key Lime pie.  How could you not?  The bonus there was the beautiful view (even with the vog) of Kealakekua Bay.  We were in a wooden structure teetering over the cliff.  Please remind me not to be THERE when the next earthquake hits.

All in all a great trip.  I will talk about some of the natural wonders next blog…..rick    

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There’s a lady that says that many of our problems are due to the past issues with our ancestors….Now usually I would then put up my right hand and say whatever, but I could see that she was sincere, believing what she was saying.  Many problems, she thought involved our dead grandparents, for example and they continured to desire to connect with us from the grave.  Of course too, she could facilitate that.

That’s where I jumped off the bus.

But knowing all that, and wondering how much of me, and my life would my dead grandma approve of, I started thinking.  I mean we have approval or lack of, from our peers, our co-workers, our loved ones.  Do we seek approval from our spouses and main influencers?  God approves or disapproves of our lives, and his word (Bible)certainly spells out judgment on behaviors and our hearts.

We can pick up the Bible and read how great men in history; David, Solomon, Paul,   and yep, Jesus were in real life.  We choose, whether consciously or not, to emulate them (hopefully not all their actions) or not.  I know we have heard WWJD. What would Jesus do.  Sometimes think that, but that’s not easy to apply in EVERY situation.

What if, in situations where we are pondering which move to make, we could get an immediate reaction from Jesus, or a text message, maybe.  Or, just a stinkeye from Grandma, or even that angelic smile which I guess would be an indication of approval.  That would be cool.

Some of you may not understand stinkeye.  It seems to be ingrained in Hawaiian culture and lingo.  Famous stinkeyes;  John Belushi in Animal House.  (Although his was that mischevious varietey that told us that some really good parts of the movie were upcoming.)  The Rock does a mean stinkeye.  Once that stinkeye comes out, you’d better drop that folding chair and move away quickly.  Or you’re going to get it.

My dad did a few stinkeyes in my past.  I knew I was in trouble when the stinkeye came out.

My wife informs me that I roll out a stinkeye every one in a while.

There’s a wonderful short film “Fishbowl” done by a Hawaiian lady who died before it was even released.  It uses stinkeye in the context of kids at school and in their social development.  It’s cute, and funny as the characters deal with acceptance and lack of acceptance in their grade school experience.  It lets you peek into the world of ‘country’ Hawaiians and the language too.  I highly recommend it if you can find it.

But stinkeye as a sort of guide for life?  I don’t know.  I mean, I can’t even picture either of my dead grandmas giving me stinkeye.   

My wife and I were planning our trip to the Big Island and we went over the options.  We could just be lazy, and really enjoy the many pools, and places to discover on the grounds of our resort.

We could go over and take a look at an active volcano,    ah  no thanks, I’ll pass.

We could go on a snorkel cruise and even maybe see some whales at the very tail end of the season.

I could take enough work to keep me busy the whole time and just ‘put in my time with my wife.’

How about a flight in a little airplane over the active volcano……I don’t really think so.

I heard about a place called Dragonfly Ranch.  Now that’s a name.  The head dragonfly lady is not going be there, but her assistant will be.  His name is Phoenix.  Of course it is!  I wonder if he is the dragongfly herder,   or trainer.

What about the lesbians?  (I am NOT a really big fan of lesbians, but then again, I don’t give them much thought.)  I guess they own a little place that makes some pretty awesome natural smoothies.  I hear that they tag-team hypnotize you, and convince you that their awesome drink can actually cure everything from migraines to male-pattern baldness.  I don’t have either, but they don’t really scare me, now that I think about the whole idea.

I want to see my buddy, but it’s a long way from our resort…..Really I intend  to relax and unwind, and study my Bible with my wife, a little spiritual retreat.  And I am going to do exactly that,        after that smoothie.

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Yes, I saw it, I watched the whole game.  It was brutal.  They were out gunned from the start.  Georgia was bigger, better, faster, the plan was better.  Mark Richt was smug as he stood there, knowing that he was earning the respect that the Bulldogs had lost somewhere along the way.

I think they poured a little too much sugar on the Wariors, and perhaps could have gotten by with one less touchdown, but that’s the way it goes. 

A couple of bright spots were revealed: Tyler looked pretty good after the Dogs had for the most part, been called off.  The Seniors could walk off with their heads up high after a tough effort, and a marvelous 12 and 0 run.

Colt, though was shown on the sidelines crying as he had suffered a concussion-again.  It seemed as if his whole career was crumbling before him.  But not really.  He will get to play on Sundays, somewhere.

I really don’t have too much else to say.

Kudos to Georgia, you have earned what will be a lofty end-of-year ranking.  You are great arguments for a playoff.

June Jones does not get to ride off on a white horse victorious, and move on as the unblemished hero.  He still has at least one offer to coach the SMU Ponies in the Dallas Metro area.  I suspect he will have to turn down a salary 2 1/2 times what he makes here, and spectacular facilities.  He’s competing with Mike Martz and a couple of others.

I say, don’t go, bro.  You will miss the beauty that is Manoa the moment you walk off the plane.  The wonderful fans, the adullation, everybody knowing who you are, the joy of really finishing a job that you started.  You’ve done some fantastic things in the communmity.  You’re half way there, and I would bet that sticking it out would net you over a hundred victories after three more years.

That would really look good, the people would accept your leaving a bit more.  I expect even the improvements to bring the football facilities into the modern age would be completed.

But how do you turn down that cash?

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I wanted to be the first to say it.  The Sugar Bowl will be June’s last game.  But no one wants to hear that here.  Joni Mitchell said “You don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone.”

After the game, give it a week, he’ll announce that he’s sooooo grateful  for all the time he’s spent here on the Rock.  He wouldn’t trade it for anything.  Then he will ride out into the sunset on his white horse….for the last time.

It’s time.  If they win the game, (oh yeah the game) HE WILL HAVE ACHEIVED ALL HE CAN HERE.  I hit caps lock by mistake, but I think I’ll leave it.

BTW, Dave Reardon in the Star Bulletin ’scooped’ me on this.  He said what I was thinking, beating me in print by about 10 hours.  No worries.

Imagine you are flipping burgers at the golden arches for 10 bucks and hour.  You have seven good months of big mac building and the CEO comes walking in with Ronald at his/her side and says  “How would you like to teach hamburger stacking at Hamburger U for 100 bucks an hour?”

Are ya gonna say “no,   “ah   ah  it snows in Elk Grove Village,” or    “ah    ah  I really like it here in Hawaii where I get that 10 bucks an hour.”  NO, you’re gonna shake their hands and slink out the side door after signing the contract. 

Let’s say, just for fun, that Arthur Blank who’s had a bad year, everyone would agree, comes calling.  And he says “June, great job on the team, the Sugar Bowl (thanks for not beating our Dogs,)”    perhaps.

How’d you like to come in and coach the Falcons, and we’ll even give you a LOT of  leeway with picking some players for your offense.  We’ll even try to get the Colt kid on the squad.  No, not the one in Texas.  We”ll pay you 4 million per for 5 years.  That job is a gravy spot in the NFL, and a heckuva PR move for Mr. Blank.  And it doesn’t snow that much there.

What’s he gonna say,    NO?

And you wouldn’t?

June Jones hasn’t said anything about his plans for next year yet.

He got a raise which he took and gave to his assistants.  Ya might think that’s cuz he doesn’t care so much for the money.

Here’s my take.  He DOES care about the money, so he’s gonna get his when the season is over.  His sorely underpaid assistants need it now, and also since they may be out of a job this spring if he jumps ship.

This could be the start of his last rodeo, and he’ll be one of the top free agent cowboys after the first of the year.  If not Atlanta, the line will form to the left of places that will pay him more through commercials than what he makes for a whole year here.

As long as Hawaii has the budget of a mid-major conference team, and can’t pony up to keep him, it will be hard to keep a truly top name coach,  ever.

I hope I’m wrong.

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It’s a dream season when YOUR team goes undefeated.  As we all know the Hawaii Warriors have yet to get any respect.  They looked ahead at the end of last year having beaten a pretty good bowl team then.  They planned, envisioned it, had summer practice picturing the undefeated season.

And they handled it.  Not just because of Heisman candidate, Colt Brennan.  Colt had a year that would be heroic for any other QB, but many of us sighed and said “it was OK.”

He rebounded from “The Hit” which put him out of that game and yet another the following week.  It just plain knocked him into next week.  I was there.  We were about half-way up the lower stands and it happened right in front of us.

I saw another big one like that, almost exactly 20 years ago.  Tim Lewis of the Packers had his career ended by a textbook (legal) head-on block by, of all people, Willie Gault.  Now Willie wasn’t exactly Hulk Hogan then, and I assume now.  He just caught him right….or wrong.  Kida wierd that I had almost the exact same view.  The sound of plastic on plastic shoulder pads rang throughout that corner of Lambeau Field.  But I digress.

Anyway Hawaii beat everyone that stepped into the ring with them.  Only a few were KOs, most were not the blowouts that we came to expect from last year.  Some happened long after those that vote on the polls in the East and Midwest were in their jammies and tucked in bed.

It ain’t the Warriors’ fault that big powerhouses chose to weasel out of their contract to play here (Michigan State) or ignore a possible made-for-ESPN opener (Michigan).  How DID that home opener with App State work for ya, you old wolverines?

Herm Frazier, who’s middle name is not ‘job-security’ struggled mightily getting capable opposition to come here.  Of course you have the jet lag babies, and those that are afraid of the lost time in the next week after they return home.  Waaaaah.  Hawaii had to tough it out and travel evey other week on average.

He did get-r-done for the following years, though.  Check out this scenario.  Assuming the 12-0 Wariors take it to the Georgia Yard Dogs, I mean Bulldogs, and end up 13-0, they will earn respect going into next year.

THEN, Week one, 08 with them heading into the Swamp in Tally, FL to take on those pesky Gators, a win there would surely force the early season voters to put the Warriors up there in the polls.

(In case you were wondering, Hawaii is NOT used to swamps, and  gators and snakes, but they do have a mean system in place.)

I know we have a LOT of games to play now, and next year, but this is how dynasties start.  I gotta hurry, I am waking up here.

No disrespect meant to the oft-dissed Bulldogs, but you can’t stop destiny.

Remember Manifest Destiny back in fifth grade?  It was the United States’ excuse for plowing across the middle and western parts of the land to claim it for us.  Of course, they got in boats and plowed right over to our rock in the middle of the Pacific, but I don’t want to discuss that with a bunch of readers here in Hawaii.

It’s Hawaii’s destiny to make believers on New Year’s Day.  Some of the same pajama wearers that missed the Colt Brennan express throughout the year can order pizza and eat at the big person table on the first.  Just watch.

I can think of at least 3 NFL teams that sorely need him the first round in April.

Anyway, to back it up:    Hawaii Warriors 41; Georgia Bulldogs 31.  You can put it on the board….  

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