Muscle in Progress

Last night, I finally made the “pilgrimage” out to the Polynesian Cultural Center out in Lā‘ie to watch their “new” night show called “Hā: Breath of Life.”

Initially, I was a bit apprehensive when my friends suggested going out to see it because, their last show, “Horizons” was a real dud. And since the Polynesian Cultural Center is run by the Mormon Church, I was a bit concerned as to the accuracy of what was going to be presented.

However, I have to say…that was the best overall Polynesian revue I’ve ever seen.  They decided that rather than do a simple review of the different island groups and their dances, that they’d create a story of the life of a Polynesian named “Mana” and his journey from birth to adulthood. It all revolves around the concept of “Hā”, or breath, and the passing of that breath from one generation to the next. Contained within that “breath” is the knowledge and wisdom of the ancestors that will guide you in your life so that you can prepare the way for future generations. In other words, for us Polynesians, life is NOT about us here today. Everything that we do, or everything that we should be doing, is about honoring those who have come before us…and creating a good life for those who will come after us. It’s a powerful concept that not all people in this world seem to subscribe to, but maybe they should.

Anyway, the show last night was AWESOME.  Of course, it helps that those Polynesian men and women up there at PCC are all buffed up and lean, so it’s impossible to not drool over them as they work themselves into a choreographed frenzy up on that stage.  Oh, and the lead actor who played “Mana”,  HOT DAMN HE WAS HOT!!!  I think he’s Samoan, but he had a bit of a Polynesian/British accent when I was able to go up and shake his hand afterwards.  I wonder which way his cookie crumbles?  You know those Mormons, they’re so hard to read sometimes .

The only down side to the production was the Hawai‘i section of the performance. In every other portion of the program, the dances of the other island groups (Tonga, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji) were fun and exciting, and the men were shirtless and hot. All of a sudden, when the show “comes” to Hawai‘i, the main characters are dressed in long-sleeved shirts and black pants!?!?! The majority of the section featured modern hula, and the two “ancient” numbers they did feature were BORING AS HELL. I have a feeling that all of the songs they performed were written by their staff, rather than Hawaiian classic repertoire, because I didn’t recognize any of them. I’ll have to have Kalauokamaile listen to the songs and translate them for me. I have a sneaking suspicion that all of those “authentic” Hawaiian songs both “ancient” and modern have a “church” connection of some kind. The women wore this god-awful ugly pink and blue outfits while the men wore blue shirts and black pants, and did the typical “touristy” Hollywood hula kind of dances.

I totally needed a drink during the Hawai‘i section. I mean, come on people… how are you going to have a Polynesian Cultural Center IN Hawai‘i, and do such a dis-service to your host culture. Hawaiian hula can be so electrifying and exciting, both in the traditional and modern genres and I think PCC TOTALLY missed the mark on that one. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a drink seeing as how I was in the middle of Mormon country, so you know how “dry” they are.

Ok, I’m done with my complaining. If you get a chance, go see the show, it’s definitely worth the money… just close your eyes during the Hawaiian portion of the show hehe.  You can get more details of the show here.

Well I wouldn’t say that the questions and answers available were completely accurate to how I would’ve answered them… but hey, it was still a lot of fun to see what would come up

I am…

Persistent Pete

When you set your eyes on the prize, you’ll do anything to get your hands (as well as other parts) on it. There’s a chance that you’re not very good at taking a hint or grasping the concept of “he’s just not that into you”.

What about you??  You can take their quiz on Facebook to find out.

This has to be one of the funniest clips I’ve seen in a long time…  thanks to A cause des Garcons for finding this jewel….

And is it just me, or is Becks looking uber hot these days??

It is a sad, sad day as one of my favorite and most memorable tv stars returned Home today… the illustrious and irrepressible Rue McClanahan, famed starlet of screen and stage, passed away today at the age of 76.

From her tv appearances to her Broadway show-stoppers, Rue McClanahan always brought a smile to my face whenever she would perform.  Of course, I had never known her personally… but I cannot say how many laughs that woman gave to people like me over the years.

I think almost any gay man could find something to relate to as she performed her most famous role as “Blanche” on the Golden Girls.  Her style, her wit.. and of course her love for passion and men always made us gay boys fawn over her.   And outside of her tv and film personas, Rue was always a champion of gay rights and HIV prevention.

Here are some highlights of the saucy minx known as “Blanche.”

And possibly my most favorite “Blanche” moment ever… this one still has me in tears laughing every time I watch it

I think it’s safe to say that this woman will be missed by many… even way out here in the middle of the ocean.  Maybe one day, when I get the pearly gates, I’ll finally get to meet her myself   Until then, we always have the memories…

O hiamoe loa nō ‘oe me Niolopua e ke hoa… Ke Akua pū me ‘oe.

Sometimes little kids have a wisdom and a tolerance that baffles the mind… don’t we wish adults thought the same way sometimes….

Well the wait is finally over!  I got to see “New Moon” on Friday night, and let me tell you… Oh baby!  Edward Cullen is looking FINE!!  Now I don’t want to spoil the plotline for those who have not seen the movie yet, but let me tell you… my heart raced, it fell, and it swelled with desire all in a matter of hours .

Whether you are “Team Edward” (like me), or “Team Jacob”, you’ll LOVE this movie.. although I have to say, that I think as someone who is totally in LOVE with Edward and the rest of the Cullens, this movie was very pro-Team Jacob hehe.

And yes, I will admit.. that for a brief few minutes.. I fell for Jacob too.  I mean, just wait for the scene in the rain between Jacob and Bella, and you’ll know what I mean.  Damn!

But anyway, you all have to see it…. I’m going to see it again sometime this week, and I have a feeling I’ll have seen this movie 4 or 5 times before it leaves the theaters.. and then I’ll be like every other die-hard Twilight fan and be drooling for the day it comes out on Blu-ray hehe .  I really hope that they make the 4th (and final) book into a movie, or even better.. split it into 2!!  I mean, come on, there’s just too much going on in the last book to NOT have 2 movies, right???

Oh and just in case Stephenie Meyer might happen across this post… feel free to write many more books about our favorite vampires!!

This trailer just cracked me up… I’m looking forward to seeing the movie someday soon!

The anticiaption is building….  Whew, I think my heart is beating out of control!

Still able to tug at those heart strings with her music…