Rajaratasurfer

To be Lonely on Valentines Day !

2012-02-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

There's nothing more horrible in Humans than loneliness ! No one can ever deny that fact its not normal to be lonely ! But, This past Valentines Day, I felt very lonely ! Never ever figured out why ? Previously, its never bothered me at all ! Strange as it may sound I felt empathy for me ! Ha Ha Ha ! I guess maybe I'm getting old folks ! Been 50 & lonely is no fun ! No matter what people say, its a drag ! Even though My family made Pink pancakes for breakfast ! So its not so bad ~ But,to eat dinner by your self like the Eagles Song by Joe Walsh a real bummer. Ha ha Ha ! Buggah ! Hate been alone !

Success !

2012-02-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Since the death of Whitney Houston, which wasn't a surprise to me at all ! I've been wondering why we strive success our whole life...then attain it....then destroy that what success so it can last a life time ! By reckless behavior leading sadness & pain ! Why ? I've never figured it out folks ! We educate , then work, create success then self destruct ! Never understood that ! Live strong folks !

Writing my obituary ! ha ha !

2012-02-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

Well, folks I'm gone to the Spirit world by now. What a wonderful life its been ! Want thank all who made my life swell ! I was born in Colombo,Sri Lanka July 1961, was Given the name Bandula Sri Amarasekara(now everyone knew me by 'Beau')Son of Sunil & Emily, brothers Sarath & Asanka.Also nephews Yeshitha & Charana.Nieces Leshanthi & lathika.Attended high School at Ananda College,Colombo.Then Employed at Cornel Inc.Came to Hawaii Attended BYU Hawaii in 1983 till 1988 in between served LDS mission California Anaheim Mission 84-86.Worked at Polynesian Cultural Center from 1986-92.Then worked in the Software industry till now & long time resident of Laie,Hawaii.I loved the outdoors.So enjoy my funeral laugh & sing then eat Luau food.Till we meet again... Aloha !

Haunted Lagoon at Polynesian Cultural Center

2011-10-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

As Halloween draws near Haunted Lagoon offered by the Polynesian Cultural Center has become the most scariest Halloween haunted venue on Oahu.Some have flown in from US mainland just to experience the scary clowns & Laie Lady ! The natural 43 acre setting transforms into a perfect for scaring the daylights out of folks. Its amazing to note all cast are volunteers from the community of Laie,Hauula & Kahuku plus many drive from far also just to have that experience. This is my 3rd year at Haunted Lagoon running animotronics at the bridge in Fiji, what a thrill for me ! 2 monsters from the movie alien star on my cast ! What a scary time on Northshore folks !

Gaddhafi dead !

2011-10-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

Just like Saddam, Gaddhafi rode the 70's revolutionary train that stopped dead in the Social media era where he had outlived his usefulness to humanity as another brutal tyrant needing deadly retirement ! I saw Gaddhafi in 1976 in Colombo during the Non Align movement conference where he dressed like a women ! But, locals were more enamoured with his personality as this celebrity.

But, he was neither, destroying a nations wealth, youth & future dreams into fearful terror ! All the billions wasted in mundane rubbish to prop himself enrich & family ! He will go down as the Lockerbie murderer to many Americans & rest a nut case ! So good riddance & hell awaits you ! Just a note of thanks to the Jasmin revolution of 2011 ~

Baseless Human rghts abuses of Sri Lankan Military

2011-10-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Recently Australian Tamil Tigers grandly announced Aussie police plan to investigate the new Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Canberra, a former Navy commander, a very competent naval officer who blocked LTTE leaders from escaping ! After the terror outfit was wiped out now the tamil diaspora using the last straws they posses, retired military officers who hold diplomatic post such as UN or Ambassadorial post. its almost theatrical & pure rubbish when considering these fools never helped their own kin after the war ! Even abroad they still raise money for what & who ? A terrorist treat at South Asia was wiped out, which made the region safe. Now the same culprits who funded the war wanting to investigate those who defeated the terrorist now that's hilarious.

But, as years go on I hope Sri Lankan govt. never ever let any terrorist groups take root in that Island nation !

Beautifull Hilton Hawaiian Villlage

2011-10-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

What an awe inspiring location Hilton Hawaiian village has become in Waikiki, as I attended a Tech meeting at Alii Towers, the awesome village atmosphere just grabs you in.The architecture on all structures are something to behold ! New tower over looking the lagoon & the lagoon it self reminds you presence of paradise it self.

During the meeting the gorgeous bikini clad women are a view in it self no buts, abt. it ! I have stayed at HHV only once but, just going there.....superb ! Many event attended the ambiance & food are something to relish.Even the outdoor promenade huge but, well setup & off course the water wheel village cute in Waikiki.

Steve Jobs - Rest in Peace ~

2011-10-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I first heard of Steve Jobs in Sri Lanka when Apple I came out in the early 80's then when I arrived in BYU Hawaii for college my first hands on an Apple PC it was so easy to use compared to those darn IBM PC. Thats when I knew Steve had it RIGHT ! User friendly was his catch phrase ! And I have been a disciple of Steve Jobs ever since then. I was glad when Steve left Apple cuz, it gave him the drive to come up with new innovations such as NEXT & Tablet.

Today I use an itouch that sleeps with me & Ipad that never far & Mac book which is my life ! Steve brought the whole world into average humans by a simple touch of a screen & then be very cool as well !he was the original Pirate of Silicon Valley who helped, every day folks to cheer up about life each day...too bad.....his life didnt ! I guess an Apple a day didnt work for Steve Jobs.....Mahalo Nui Steve miss ya ! Alooooha !

Travels !

2011-09-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

WHere have ya travelled in your life ? I've been to Japan,S. Korea,Mexico, S. India & USA...its not saying much abt this day and age ! But, my best travels are to Hawaiian islands,California & Utah ! What great views of gods paradise ? People ? Places ? it always makes me wanna settle at each spot ! But, coming home to Hawaii is the kicker folks unbelievable ! Once after a long soujoune to West coast of US, i cried just seen the Hawaiian Airlines jet at LAX cuz, I was coming home baby ! What a feeling !

Wonder how I would die someday !

2011-09-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ever thought how you would die someday ? We all have to die, so I was thinking how could meet my maker ? Just curious.....Its been such a fun life for me no complaints at all ! Just wondering ! But, make it easy OK ! That's all I ask ; -)

Michele Picking ?

2011-09-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

Whatever happened to my first college love Michele Picking, the afro brunette from Vegas, who stirred up my life in Hawaii during my under grad days ? Last I heard while I was training to be a missionary at MTC,Provo,Utah ! I dropped her off at the Honolulu International after a night at Waikiki that's the last time I this mysterious girl, no father, no permanent residence & no carrier ? I still have her Christmas card from 84' made by her mother v. cool ! She mentioned she had to hitchhike from the airport & that was it ~ She never wrote back to me after I arrived in Orange County.....~ I tried facebooking her no...mas ! So where ever you are Michele...here's looking at you kid !

Deluge of Voyuer pest !

2011-09-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

In this day & age of mobile devices another invasive pest has begun...the influx of Voyeur videos of innocent folks at home or on vacation or at work or bathrooms or beach etc. I was a victim this stupidity as a teen took a video of in my friends beach backyard taking a shower after diving ! Mind you I was in my beach shorts ! It got posted on Youtube as brown guy taking a shower. The teen who was on vacation from Washington could have at least told me rather than me finding out from a friend in the mainland who looked up beaches in Laie !

Laie Marriott Hotel ~

2011-09-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

If one never lived in a third world nation...you could excuse the Honolulu City council of banana republic mentality, however, the approval process for the SMS permit to build the hotel took angle only seen in Banana republics. Its as theatrical as a Shakespeare plot & laughable as a Jay Leno monologue.

But, Laie prevailed after contentious debates over drainage,traffic & silly as keep country ..country ! So it wil comprise of 220 lovely rooms that will nestle next to PCC providing many opportunities to laie residents & BYUH students.My attraction to the Marriott Courtyard deals with the economic benefit to Laie it self ! Many residents will be able to provide many service industry positions that fuel need cash flow for local businesses.

We are lucky to live here & feel the country feel to a town bestowed by the LDS church as a gathering place & that we take seriously !

Politicians & their religion !

2011-09-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

After watching Jon Huntsman disgraceful interview on CNN sunday, my stance on Politicians have taken a nose dive as far as I'm concerened.They just abt. do anything to make them look DA MAN ! Dont forget sayin g & parading their family.Abt. family Hunstman goes unbasfully cookoo when wife , who happened to be a Episcopalian , now mormon gives a sleezy picture of of we are not full mormons.Then came the poor daughter, who as an LDS YM, made bumble bees very fashionably. Her short dress after palying the piano revealed every inch of her shaply butt for all America to see with the thong that caused a crack !!!! Oh... geez man ! Ya dads running for president ! Well, so much for the that !

Louie Zamperini

2011-09-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

After reading one of the most adventurous & mind numbing books ever the "Unknown" by Laura Hillenbrand abt. the former US Olympic Miler Louie Zamperinni, my utmost respect for those who fought for our freedom during WWII ! If humanity can learn lessons on long suffering & forgiveness, its still alive 7 well in this world folks thanks to a good lord who has mercy on us ! But, after reading "Unknown" I just felt Japanese war time criminals got away Worth murder 1 ! But, we live in a most socially connected world now that exposes all to "I told ya so moments" my kudos to Louie ...what an inspiration !

Bikini ~

2011-07-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

Bikini was discovered on my birthday July 5th 1960 ! Huh ha ....cuz, I love girls I Bikini's, just the sheer look of a great looking girl in that inches of fabric ! Here are some of my beauties in daylight ~

Hypocrites galore ~

2011-07-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

I always notice those who want attention will go to no means to spot light them ! I have always greeted folks cordially but, for them it take a monumental effort to give back in return.

Recently this this jerk who I wished Happy Birthday the day before mine totally forgot response in kind but, wished a friend of mine the next day ! No big deal but, idiot like these cause more problems for others who for no reason get feeling hurt ~ So dropped him from my social network site !

Politicians do it , celebrities do it but, don't do that to me baby or else I banish you from my life ...cuz, I don't give a rats ass for egos & pansies ~

Ciao !

Treasure in Laie Bay !

2011-07-08T13:22:00.001-07:00

Iosepa, the Polynesian Voyaging canoe recently took to the seas & while anchored a crew member dropped $1000 in $20 bills into the bay from a pouch he carried ! Only recovering $500 a $500 bounty awaits those crazy & adventurous to brave the ocean in search of pure cash !

Good luck ! Cuz, Ill find 'em before everyone else & may the craziest win ! Aloha !

Secret treasures on Oahu .....Wailele Falls !

2011-07-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

Wailele Fall or PCC Falls or Turtle Falls located half hour hike from behind PCC has become the best kept secret on Oahu ! If you have discovered it, the sheer joy of been there to jump from the 20 foot wide rock platform is a sheer delight. Even though only11 foot jump the pond with its cold water from the rain beacons me every time friends visit from the Mainland !

First discovered by pig hunters Wailele Falls has become a mecca for families hiking for fun ! Its a half hour hike from the back of PCC & BYUH softball field after you park your car on the grass by dirt road near blue sign, then hike muddy road belonging to HRI then the farms, cross left creek up you go the come to an end a bump the trail begins ! My first foray into the hike brought disappointment due to the drought in 2005 ! Water looks polluted & stagnant ! But, my next hike, a rain storm transformed the pond into a delightful paradise ! So its best to hike there after rain !

Upper right has a makeshift camp ground & further up right a geocache spot, I found a container with $ & a watch ! While on mountain bike hike alone I jumped in Nude ! ha ha ! My 4th of July hike was the best with the Tingey family from Idaho. Water never looked so clear ever & less colder , but, I ever swung from the rope too !

Wailele Falls,Laie ,Oahu ~

What a Life in Laie ~

Now they are gone ~

2011-06-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

When you remember College years it only inspires the funnest time our lives that never can be replicated at all ! So with sadness I remember late College pal Marney Huges, a Canadian beauty, who attended BYUH from 1987-90. Marney passed away 7 yrs ago from breast cancer at a young 40 ! Its not that she passed away so young, rather the the fond memories she left behind for us ! Well, kiddo here's looking at you babe !

Develope Laie, Hawaii ~

2011-06-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

In the recent months Laie,Hawaii has faced media scrutiny due to fantastic infrastructure development plans that enhances the future of country town.

But, are we under siege from a lack infrastructure ? Laie its seems, are on the brink of collapse from opportunity to expand services for those who live here !

A back road to aleviate Kam Hwy,Hotel to provide jobs & BYUH's lack of Housing ! Its time we though of upgrading existing infrastructure missive then look to the future !

Sudden blasting of Sri Lanka !

2011-06-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

In the recent months another ugly spat has emerged since the Sri Lankan froces routed the notorious Tamil Tigers scourge from the island nation.The inability to recede from the casualty in the closing phase of the battle up north by the Army !

No battle field get sanitized with good conduct example Iraq & Afghanistan ! Even with the Arab spring the lack of atention on despots who cling to power thru brutal suppression.Sri Lankan tamil diaspora has launched an offensive the the govt. cant stop because, its one sided & sympathy for Tamil Tigers are profound in Europe & now with Hillary Clinton, who has Tamil Tiger women helping her presidential campaign.

Even though govts. by large applaud Sri Lankan victory in the battle field, now human right issues are negating rather focusing attention on genocide nonsense & retaliation ! Even after the death OBL international community would focus on scourge of terrorism, stupidity rules.

Now its time to move on & forget abt the LTTE, who robbed a nation of its inncence for 30 yrs .....& of course their friends like Norwegians & Swiss.

Too many Tourist Accidents in Hawaii !

2011-06-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, another sad news item this week....a 61 yr old Canadian tourist fell off Chinamen's Hat to hit death. Had it not been his age we could blame it on the terrain ! But, visitors to Hawaii always should follow Local mind...if there aren't any local around wouldn't you think that's a warning ! even though adventure calls ?

I'm always one to follow friends advice when I'm in Utah....always ASK ! It save so much pain & suffering ! My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Anderson.

Also 2 notorious careless tourist accidents were the 18 yr old Cali boy who ,trying to impress a cute girl he met in Waikiki straddled Blow whole in Maka'puu & got blasted up then disappeared down the shaft & also the couple vacationing in Kauai got swept away at the treacherous tide pool near Hanalei....!

Be careful folks....it Paradise...you could get lost

Ernest P. Reid..Gone too Soon ~

2010-10-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

When someone close to us unexpectedly pass away, we tend not to feel the emptiness till a task or event necessitate the presence of that one.Well it happened this past week as my former Bishop passed away sunday evening from heart failure at Kahuku Hospital.I had spoken to him during church that day for a brief moment and felt his health wasn't that great that morn.He left home to rest & that's the last of him I saw.

So Bishop Reid till we meet again in the spirit world its Aloha Oe from Me !

Gone too Soon from Us !

New Harbour in Sri Lanka

2010-08-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Sri Lankan govt. dedicated the strategic Hambantota Harbour complex last week with great fanfare which now gives all shipping between Suez canal & Singapore a run for their money in bunkering & repair facility.It hasn't gone without the chagrin of India & Singapore, their displeasure is understandable since the end of the civil war Sri Lankan President has made key initiatives in opening the island nation to more business opportunities.India worries since the Chinese govt. provided all the financing & planning which irks the Indian foreign policy of keeping all small neighours in check !
China 'string of pearl" have caused Indians to pressure GOSl to open a Indian Consulate(aka listening post) near the Harbour.But, the locals in S. Sri Lanka will be the biggest beneficiaries along with local businesses. Now the only hiccup, no freeway to Hambantota.But, that'll happen in due time.Singapore can complain all they want since, world always evolves.

Fools & those who follow Them ~

2010-06-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

More & more new from Despotic states such as Iran,Venezuela or N. Korea grace our news forums, my focus on what Nazi germany did to humanity during those horrible decade of power it saddens me, why we havent learnt or learn our lessons from history.Having left a conflict nation, my confusion with people today, dont we want a stable life with stable leaders ? Rather having Adminhajad of Iran or Chavez or Omar bashir of Sudan, who basically destroyed human dignity with gross human right violations minus freedoms ! One must not be naive, we take blame for inaction or lack of participation in issues.But, still to deny holocust & deny freedoms just to stay in power deserves the unpardonable sin !

When do we learn or take action against those bigots who shove their agenda on the happless citizens with no accountability ! Nations are time and again ruined by despots with complete disregard to consiquences or citizens.When will we learn .....? Is there a push button to open a trap door on dictators rather than they on us ?

Laie Point Lookout

2010-06-29T11:52:00.001-07:00

Waimea Bay morning body Boarding with Randy,Matt & Josh ~ 4/2010~

2010-06-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Eddie Aikau surf meet

2010-06-28T14:58:00.001-07:00

Clyde Aikau , Eddie Aikau Big wave challenge 2009

2010-06-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

US Air Force C 17 's over laie

2010-06-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

Sharks Cove on Eddie Aikau 11/2009

2010-06-28T14:56:00.001-07:00

Waimea Bay morning body Boarding with Randy,Matt & Josh ~ 4/2010~

2010-06-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

Laie Falls with Williams ~

2010-06-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Beautifull & Soft

2010-06-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Why & how......even confused Napoleon,Sheakspeare & Adonis.....beauty of women ~ thru ages & now I'm stunned by female face...a sight to behold after a awefull day at work ! Every face tells a story none alike stops you in my tracks....! From a baby girl to womenhood.....I'm accused of staring sometimes but, its just the photographer in me !

South Africa & World Cup Soccer 2010 ~

2010-06-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

One cant help but, be envious of South Africa as they host the World Soccer fanatics to splendid atmosphere of Joy,culture & change.How joyous the local are to feel the world spot light in a positive light after many years of apartheid & conflict !

Culture, the settings on Africa are gorgeous & down right fabulous not even counting the African Savannah with all the exotic animals etc.By far theeee set location for any sports event,,,hands down ! People in S. Africa are so lovely, their joy so exuberant its contagious !

Change, this is what Africa should be ! sans coups,dictators & genocide....if any lesson that could be learned here, free people minus oppression & a free society, thrives a ideal platform for progress which sets a good example for All of Africa.

I wish S. Africa the best even the I worry abt. future S. African leadership, who are beginning to look a lot like the same old power grabbing, corrupt & despotic brethren that have plagued the African continent....I wish all of Africa a fond Aloha !

Ipad & Itouch....changing facet of Micro smart Technology

2010-06-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

Since my intro into Apple Itouch last year, my life has changed dramatically in every facets of society from daily chores to where to go by micro stanching my life to a basic screen where my daily functions are simplified to my utter joy ! As more I network thru Itouch...now comes the Big cousin Ipad ! A marvelous innovation to simplify our daily tech life to a mundane window. My stress levels has decreased drastically no more
opening a laptop or desk top waiting for connections ....now its standardized to a screen which I only have to touch ! Given today's constant info glut Itouch & ipad create a huge vacuum left by in between commute window.

I became an info portal during the February tsunami warning for Hawaii, due to the fact I kept a global audience updated thru Facebook & Twitter all on my itouch to the amazement of my online friends !
Where news centers cant be I can update news or event from anywhere thru my i devices ~

Kudos to the team at Apple & Steve....Aloha ~

Hawaii's suffering without alternate transportation ~

2010-06-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hawaii gets of jitters when it comes to alternate transportation options ! Example, Mass transit & super ferry ! Its unthinkable for Islands be devoid of Ferries which transport goods & services for basic needs ! However Hawaii bucks the trend in blocking any form of Inter island ferries from operating.The problem ? Local barge companies,Rental car agencies & Car dealers have become the culprits by funding anti rail & ferry foes to galvanise opposition which successfully drove & bankrupted the "Super Ferry Aliikai" which gave low income locals, cheaper travel & small farmers another avenue of revenue.After seen a decline in air travel & car rentals due to locals boarding personal vehicles to Maui, sent shivers down the spine of opponents.They & we the "Joe Public" got bush whacked ~ So I hope Mayor Mufi Hanneman after getting elected Governor would finish rail transit & bring back ferries ~

High Speed Rail in Sri Lanka finally !!!!

2010-06-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

After 25yrs of civil war Sri Lanka joint many emerging nations in linking capital cities with International travelers bypassing awefull traffic jams in Colombo.High speed train, links Colombo with Katunayake International Airport a crucial step in welcoming tourist to the Exotic Sri Lanka after many years in the back water of International travel.Train made its maiden run transporting Bollywood movie stars at the Indian Bollywood Film awards ceremony in Colombo.Now all the Govt. needs to accomplish will be the Freeway from Galle to the Airport, which has been mired in incompetence & shoddy work.Now its at least another option for many locals also another mode of travel to the only International Airport in Sri Lanka~My cudos to the Govt.

Dogs...why we love them & sustain us thru time

2010-02-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Dogs....its one creation that I cant live without in this world....I never met a dog I didn't love or they love me....they are my other life !

My first dog Rani(dachshund) was stolen after been with us for 7yrs,Then Bruno(German Sheperd mix) was my ultimate hero who, came to my brothers rescue when intimidated by bullies.He hated my Dad & older Bro. (no idea why) Bruno died from a broken heart after we moved to a new condo where dogs were non allowed.We sent him to live with our uncle, where he died from a broken heart a few months later. I haven't still recovered from it ! Now, Karla (Golden Retriever)had to be sent away to Ewa Beach cuz, my friends the Wagners, he was took hypher ! So now , I take Jet(Black Lab)for walks & he loooooves me even though they belong to my family the Fredericks the Greatest ~

People train digs to be mean...once while walking on the beach with a girl friend a local guys motioned his Pit bull to bite me ! But, the dog looked at me & refused to budge with infuriated the man, who started cussing & kicking the poor dog !

So never be alone always love Dogs.....they know us better than any other ~

Eric Pomo, a contrast in Humanity !

2010-02-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Eric Pomo died after been disabled by pedestrian accident in Honolulu surrounded by a loving 2nd wife & family.I met Eric in 1992 in Laie, when we lived near Hukilau Beach, he faced many struggles due to bad associations.But, he had the heart of a giving soul,whose enthusiasm for life marred his sad young life.He had the lust for exotic beauties in Hawaii all the time.....where he met & married a Nepalese woman. After Eric got run over by a car, the burden of care, the wife abandoned him while Eric was on crutches & unable to work ! Finally, Eric's family took him back & he met & married a sweet caring girl, who loved him !

While in Hawaii, Eric drove the coolest convertible around a blue 60's beauty ! I stayed with him for 2 days in Kailua to give him support.When Eric needed folks people were there ....who loved him but, not the 1st wife who took most of his $...but, I'll always remember Eric the kind hearted who loved life & smiled always.Never met a girl who never liked him, because, he was a good looking kid too !

But, he's is in a better place no more pain & suffering now after all the trials....Rest in Peace Brother : - )

PS: Eric's second wife passed away from broken heart a year later ~

Why do Banana Republics exist !

2010-02-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

As recent arrest of the Legendary Sri Lankan Army general Sarath Fonseka has once again shown the pitfalls Sri lankan govt. falls into every century for god knows why ? After recent route of the brutal Tamil tigers, rather than building on the momentum of publicity, Sri Lanka landed an egg on its face again ! I blame the families who run the country ! Due to the fact there mere survival, these families manipulate the poor masses for their own perverse agenda with any sensitivity to the progress of the poor folks who have to tolerate this nonsense once again ! I blame the opposition leader for manipulating the General for his own personal gain. As he has been labeled a wimp or weak by the singhalese for his conduct during his tenure as Prime Minister.

One cannot fail the irony of dumb Sri Lankan politicians who thru the ages have fell to this trap constantly as if on que ! It's sad & incompetent but, they totally disregard citizens needs by piling up as much wealth & power during their rule !

Its so sad !

Strange story of a Clump of Silver coins from Sri Lanka

2010-02-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Pawn Stars(TLC channel,USA) ran an strange episode of a man trying to sell a clump of silver Ruphee coins from a famed shipwreck off Southern coast of Sri Lanka that was discovered by Arthur C. Clerk & dive buddy in the late 60's.This 7th Century wreck carried silver minted Ruphees (belonging to the Shah who built the Taj Mahal) to East coast of India, while on route the vessel sank off Hambantota coast with all the booty ! Mr Clark discovered and recovered most of the silver coins that were in 3 clumps. One presumably in a museum that got damaged by the Boxing Day tsunami, second & third had been in the possession of the Clark family. Rightfully so.

When the character brought this this specially made case with the Sri Lankan treasure to the Pawn shop ! I smelled a rat cuz, first, you really cant take these loot thru customs without notice ! Second, the man claims....Clark family gave it to him for services rendered bull crap ? third, he wanted $700,000 from a pawn shop in Vegas of all places ? Fishy ? ya damn right folks ! The whole clump, size of a Rugby ball, any fool notices you just cant smuggle thru Katunayake International Airport in the middle of a darn civil war where, heavy security checks are conducted on ALL baggage ! Even if you bribe someone they never fail to detect metal !

So whats the real story here folks ? This individual failed to sell it cuz,even though he said he had the paperwork the Pawn shop didn't have the $.If ya get a chance, check the Discovery Channel "Pawn Stars" that play Sunday evenings or on the net check the past episodes ! Geez, amazing or what !

Alden P.Ribgy: An American Fighter Ace(Great American Slugger)

2009-11-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

I met USAF Major Alden P. Rigby on a monsoon night in Colombo,Sri Lanka in march 1980 where he & his wife Eileen were family history missionaries for the LDS church.We hit it off right away cuz, I was a flying buffs & he was WWII fighter ace with 6 confirmed German Me 109 victories to his credit ! He served with the 487th fighter squadron,352nd fighter group out of England. His squadron was based nea Asch,Belgium which was liberated by the allied troops months before & Major Rigby supported bombers group sorties into Nazi Germany flying the magnificent P 51 Mustang ! His lgend was born on an ill fated desperate attack by the Luftwaffe into allied forward bases in liberated Europe ! Read on google abt the "Y 29 " air battle over Belgium... Major Rigby shot down 4 German ME 109 fighters !

But, the gentle grandpa I met in 1980 was a hero in my book cuz, he baptized me into the LDS faith that Fall morning in a hotel pool on Horton Place,Colombo,Sri lanka ! Since then I served a mission for the LDS faith & now serve in Bishopric in a ward in Hawaii.

But,WW II vets have a special place one my soul they protected Ceylon from Japanese & my grandpa Cecil served in WW I ! My other grandpa Arthur drove a truck in Egypt for Gen. Montgomery's 8th Army !

As Winston Churchill said" never in the history have so few given so much for others....." I always remember Alden P. Rigby !

Why do we abuse the Oceans ?

2009-07-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

If King Neptune had an army in existence.....all those who abuse the ocean would be in the Davey Jone's Locker ! But, now we have none to blame depleting of fisheries & polluting of pristine seas except.....humans !

As more forcast of depleting fisheries hit man's appetite for ginormous consumption of sea denizens come to an unparalleled consequence we again face the nagging question ? Food or future ?

Who cames first ? Salmon stock's are dwindling, so are the Pollock & Cod fisheries. As US enforces a comprehensive ban on long line fishing & gill netting....which leaves room for other less law abiding nations to have a "Field Day" ! Even the Arrogant Japanese harpooning of Whales in the Antarctic waters under the pretext of "Research" who's to judge poor who need sustenance.While so called G8 nations violate the sea for the same reasons.

Any winners Here ?

RAW interferance in Sri Lanka

2009-07-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Interference of RAW Indian CIA has brought to focus a nagging cancer that plague's Sri Lankan nations existence & development since, Independence from Colonial Britain in 1948.

However, it reached crescendo during the last 2 decades even though with the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by the ltte in Madras taught RAW a stark lesson in double cross.Research & Analysis Wing as it's called promoted & funded ltte training bases in Tamil Nadu ( see Time Magazine June 1989 issue) against the Sri Lankan Govt. a stark deviation from supporting a democratically elected govt. .

RAW ops against Sri Lanka began as late Sri Lankan President "JR" deviated from Socialist policies of "Mr.B"a staunch non aligned Socialist, steering Sri Lanka towards a free market & a more business friendly atmosphere.But, adding to the Indian concerns when JR made a derogatory remark abt. Indira Gandhi & her sons ! Which didn't help at all ! Mr. Gandhi made the call to teach JR a lesson which the RAW poured into Sri Lanka to pump life into the JVP & trade unions.But, what also created most worrying incident, Trincomalee China Bay oil tanks !

Sri Lankan govt. asked bids for maintaining & upgrading these strategic harbour to a Singapore based subsidiary of US oil giant Chevron corp. This one issue, as one see Indian agreements with GOSL now ! Now other entity can have any investment in China Bay ! Indian oil now has a contract to upgrade the tanks (which I think they never will...just to drag out the construction in to many years to stagnate any economic progress) which they never have to date ! In fact, mired in contract disputes & oil shipment issues ! Go figure ?

Since ltte's defeat in June, RAW has now began links to Tamil Diaspora organisation in Malaysia & Canada to counter balance any progress Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has abt. Inviting China into the Sri Lankan development programs.

Even recent developement show India will open a counsate in Hambantota ? Actually it should be called a listening post for the RAW.

Now...let the games begin folks !

Others of a lesser God ?

2009-07-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Recent shooting of a pair of Hawaiian Monk seals in the northern Hawaiian Island of Kauai in May points to a depressing trend callous disregard of the ocean & it's denizens by the only stewards who can sustain this treasure.....Humans. It begs the questions...why anyone can kill harmless mammals basking in the beach in remote local ? In the last few months on Hawaii a women bashed & killed a Peacock in Wainae & another was prosecuted for killing the state bird the "Nene Goose" at a golf course last year ! Why ?

Only a thousand or so Hawaiian Monk seals are reportedly are around & still declining since, the extiction of the Caribbean sea & Mediterrenean sea seals due to human mismanagement.Are we our animals keeper ? Oh course ! we are they gave us sustenance in during man's the early existence ! So it's rightfully us who should be good stewards of god's great gift to human kind.........the other living creature that cant express their plea to the only one's who could.....Humans !

Who's minding the Store here ? Sri Lanka ?

2009-07-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Over a month since the defeat of the Tamil Tiger terrorist in N. Sri Lanka, who took terror to a whole different spectrum & good riddance.However, no prospect of so many unanswered questions remain & it's doubtful anyone would find the truth.....which becomes the first casualty in a conflict !

But, my nagging question remains the audacity & the scale of arms smuggling, ltte terrorist were able to successfully operate boggles my mind.Note this recently captured torpedo's by the lanka army in Puththuku. area last month ! This weight a ton ? to unload in heavy seas & land it's no easy task ! Any fool can attest to the sheer logistics involved here !

How did this happen ? It's unfortunate to point the finger at the Sri Lanka Navy since, all smuggling occurred thru sea lanes or did it ? Many beg to differ ? Due to corrupt UNP politician who were allegedly were on the payroll of Ltte intel during the 2001 ceasefire. We'd never know by one thing for sure many NGO's are in complicity in assisting the ltte in various area's notably the Norwegians NGO's who tipped off Sea Tigers whenever Sri lanka Navy detected an Arms Ship off the coast of Mullaitivu in many an occasion. Which became the reason Pres. Rajapakse, to his credit, withdrew the SLMM from Navy vessels ! Finally !

Even though KP,arms smuggling chief of the ltte remains v. active in global smuggling for the Ltte in Malaysia, there has to be someone else involved here ! It's so obvious to a normal mind !

SL Military just cancelled a $200 million arms shipment from China & Pakistan, v. smart move & shows progress by a competent govt. not prolonging global arms merchants of death.

But, there are so many unanswered questions in the 20yr. ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka...so many questions ?

Farah Fawcett & Michael Jackson are gone !

2009-06-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well, all ya can say is these 2 celebs lived life to the fullest ! Hands down...do I feel sorry for them noooo....they lived a life envious of all ! But, sad cuz, they died "young" to say the least....many more years ahead of them but, father time caught up with mother nature.

I loved farah Fawacett in High school while gawking "Charlies Angels" then When I served my mission in Orange County, California.....she lived in Mission lake that same year. We even wanted to go by her place once !

As for Michael Jackson, I loved his music "Billy Jean" " Girl She's Mine" " Bad" to name a few ! Well, your life style can be hazardous folks !

No matter what I loved them both just their entertainment aspect.....not their life styles !

Rest in Peace Guys ...love ya : = (

2009-06-12T14:28:00.001-07:00

WRECK DIVING IN MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN BASSES REEF IN SRI LANKA (Compiled by Sri Lanka Navy Wreck Divers)

Introduction
During the recent past number of Maritime Archaeology Projects were launched by Archaeology Department and Central Cultural Fund (CCF) of Sri Lanka. Most of these projects were funded by UNESCO. Even though, Archaeology Department of Sri Lanka has few divers (some are qualified others not) at Maritime Archaeology Unit, Galle, Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has provided support in terms of divers, boats, diving equipments in big way in all successful underwater archaeology projects. The last being the Galle Harbour project 1992, which was launched to recover what ever possible artifacts from 25 historical (more than 100 years old) Maritime Archaeological sites within the Galle Harbour, prior to commencement of Galle Harbour Expansion Project dredging work. A separate Maritime Archaeology Museum was established in Galle Fort in 1993 (later damaged during Tsunami disaster in 2004) and whatever possible artifacts from wrecks in Galle Harbour were recovered. However delay in commencement of proposed Galle Harbour expansion project has reduced the importance of this Maritime Archaeology in Galle. Excavation of VOC ship ‘Avondster’ (which was sunk in 1659) was the highlights of this Galle Harbour project.

History of Maritime Archaeology in Sri Lanka
It was in 1962 – 1963 period that Dr. Arthur C Clarke pointed out to then Commissioner of Archaeology Dr L E Godakumubura, that there was high potential in investigating the area around the Great and Little Basses reefs of the South-East coast of Sri Lanka. Until the two Light Houses, Great Basses and Little Basses were built and commissioned by British rulers in 1870 under the Imperial Light House service, this navigationally hazardous region (due to coral reef approx 6 to 7 miles away from main land Sri Lanka) interrupted number of voyages of ships on famous ‘Silk Route’.


Location of Great Basses and Little Basses Light Houses south East of Sri Lanka



The area of the Great and Little Basses was known to the Chinese Navigators as the ‘Iron Pincer Island’. Their knowledge of this hazardous region is well illustrated in the Navigational pattern followed by Cheng Ho in the first decade of the fifteenth century. The Navigational route was such that these Chinese sailors move along the latitude directly in line with either Adams Peak or ‘Namunukula’ mountains (approaching from East, crossing Bay of Bengal) and when the ships were within a defined distance from the shore-line of Sri Lanka, they move directly Southwards at right angles to their path. Having covered known distance and thereby avoiding the Great and Little Basses reefs, the ships once again traversed Westwards on a parallel latitude.


		Chinese Navigator’s path to avoid Basses Reefs

The Persians referred to these hidden rocks as being magnetic. The ‘Arabian Nights’ in their fairytale descriptions mentioned how the nails of the wooden ships were attracted towards the magnetic rocks and how the ships burst asunder. These poetic presentations reflect a prevailing danger centering on the Great Basses and Little Basses. Until the Lighthouses were established by Imperial Lighthouse Service of UK in 1870, on this deadly reefs away from Sri Lankan main land, number of ships ran aground and perished. Archaeology Department of Sri Lanka has found difficult to protect these valuable maritime Archaeological site due to the simple reason that they do not have sufficient maritime resources (boats and diving equipments) and personnel to protect them. Now, the Sri Lanka Navy is playing major role in protecting these sites. Our waters in Sri Lanka have a rich repository of cultural heritage. These forgotten treasures are vital to understanding our world history, in particular how people interacted economically and culturally in the past. Being an Island nation situated in East-West shipping route Sri Lanka has been famous host for ships visiting our ancient ports of Godawaya, Galle, Colombo and Trincomallee. The geographical and geological condition of the area around the Great and Little Basses resulted in many unknown sailors going down with their ships and their belongings in these treacherous waters. Thus, there is a rich heritage culture under the sea resting among these outcrops of rocks. Even though Department of Archaeology in 1963 – 1964 period took initiative to declared the sea bed surrounding the Great and Little Basses an Archaeological reserve, it has never completes the legislation process. Therefore, as the sole guardians of Sri Lankan seas, SLN has a major role to play to protect these sites. The action plan for such policing work, SLN has legislative authority to catch and prosecute persons who damage these sites. Sri Lanka has three sorts of legislation relevant to the protection of the underwater cultural heritage. First, there is a heritage – related legislation. The earliest was the Treasure Trove Ordinance 1887 and 1891, now part of Antiquities Ordinance, which asserts the principle of state control of treasure found on private land if that treasure was made over the 100 years ago. The offence is concealing treasure, not finding treasure. What is important when you’re find it is how you record it and how you report it. Second, there is the Antiquities Ordinance No 9 of 1940, as amended time to time. The ordinance regulates any intervention in or destruction, despoiling and removal of artifacts from any archaeological site. The Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka has existed since 1890, responsible for all tangible evidence of human activity. In 1998, it was given responsibility over Archaeological activity in the territorial seas, so the Department follows the same Archaeological principles on land and at sea. 1998 amendments extended to the territorial sea and made Archaeological impact assessment (AIA) and survey compulsory. However, no proper AIA was done on Basses area, due to lack of diving personnel / equipments by Archaeology Department of Sri Lanka. Finally there is the legislation directly on underwater cultural heritage. This is now includes the Antiquities Ordinance, specially its 1998 amendments, UNESCO heritage instruments, the UN Convention on Law of the Sea 1983 and International Council on Moments and Sites (ICOMOS) guidelines. However, there is a draft legislation, protection of the Maritime Heritage act. Ministries of Fisheries and Cultural Affairs (NARA comes under Fisheries, and Archaeology comes under Cultural Affairs) acting together and will create a Maritime Cultural Authority whose principal functions will be the control, management, protection and preservation of Maritime Cultural Heritage of Sri Lanka. It will be headed by Director General of Archaeology with collaboration of the Director of National Museums, Director of National Archives, the Chairman NARA, the Ministries of Fisheries, Coast Conservation, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Shipping, Tourism, Environment, Science and Technology. The principal receiver of wrecks, who works under the Merchant Shipping Act, will also be represented as well as the UNESCO National Commission and five members of public who will be people of knowledge. The SLN will take an active role in this proposed Maritime Cultural Heritage Authority. The SLN initiative to pool the resources and setup a project at Basses reefs will be able to regulate and protect underwater cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The sites inspected by Sri Lanka Navy Diving expeditions during this inter-monsoon period ( Jan – Feb 2009) as follows,

a.	Bottle Wreck at Great Basses Reef
		Mr. Peter Throckmorton and Dr. Arthur C. Clarke found this wreck of the early British period, a ship obviously docked at Galle in its eastwards passage and collected a consignment of soda bottles from firm by the name Clark and Company, which had supplied pointed-bottom soda bottles, which were in thousands few years back. However today, only very few bottles remaining and all other bottles taken away by treasure hunters and area is damaged by dynamite fishing. The large anchor and cannons of this wreck also now in danger of removed by treasure hunters. Some of the treasure hunters has left their spikes also underwater to come back on another day for the work.


		Bottle wreck seen from surface (at 20 feet depth)	Bottle wreck anchor


		Soda bottles in hemp sacks (Hemp ropes and sacks do not decay for centuries)	Treasure hunters left their spikes to come back in another day


		More than 200 years old soda bottle recovered as a sample	Bottle made in Ceylon by Clark and company in Galle

b.	Copper Wreck at Little Basses reef
		The Dutch-origin wooden ship wreck (ship carrying brass bricks) which is situated in little basses reef also under thereat from treasure hunters. The pictures taken during inspection dive few weeks back as follows,


		Beauty of Little Basses reef. Now the reef is damaged by dynamite fishing	Taking notes of copper wreck consignment which has to be protected


		Propeller and shaft of the decayed wooden ship which carried copper bricks	Sample of a copper brick

c.	Silver Coin Wreck at Great Basses reef
		The first exposure of this country to underwater archaeology was in the very early 1960’s when a team of divers including late Rodney Jonklaas, the late Mike Wilson (later known as Swami Sivakalki) and late Vidyajyothi Dr. Arthur C. Clarke, discovered a hitherto unknown wreck in Great Basses, containing sacks of silver coins minted in Surat, India coins dated AH 1113 (AD1702). Later, historians confirmed ship was owned by Indian Mogul Emperor Aurangzeb, who ruled India from 1658 to 1707, the infamous son of Emperor Shar Jahan (who built Taj Mahal). The “Silver Coin Ship” was sailing to China from Surat, India (Ancient port North of Mumbai) for silk trade when she sank in Great Basses reef for unknown reasons. Later this wreck featured in a Sinhalese film ‘Ranmuthu Duwa’. Dr. Clarke wrote in his report to Archaeology Department in 1962/63 indicates retrieval of one British Cannon, Brass tray, Cannon balls and 350 lbs of Silver coins ( an estimated two ton of Silver not retrieved). Coins were in “1000 Coins” bags and now the bags decay and coins in “lumps” of 1000 coins each. Some of these coins were ended up in famous Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC, USA. Even in early 2008, a keen diving tourist who has visited this site with an unauthorized diving team from Hikkaduwa (Tourist destination in South of Sri Lanka), reported to Director General of Archaeology department ‘day light looting’ of Silver coins by treasure hunters arriving from Hikkaduwa with foreign diving teams. An e-mail sent by one of the tourist who dived at this site on 13th Apr08 reported looting of this historic silver coins shipwreck. Therefore, this historic Shipwreck site will be under strict protection of Sri Lanka Navy. No person allowed to dive in this site without SLN diving supervisors.


		Propeller a wreck closer to silver coin wreck (partly submerged due to sand deposit in this monsoon)

		However, this wreck is covered with sand during this inter-monsoon period and will be visible only during next inter-monsoon period (March / April 2009). In 1986, the Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) conducted first “National Archaeological Congress”. PU Weerawardena presented a paper on ‘A Theoretical Framework for Maritime Archaeology and Maritime History of Sri Lanka’. The interest generated by this paper led Professor Senake Bandaranayake, then Director PGIAR to call an informal meeting of divers, Archaeologists and enthusiasts from other disciplines to formulate an action plan. In 1988, Maritime Heritage Trust (MHT) convened a one-day seminar exclusively on this action plan. Dr Clarke and Mike Wilson were among the participants where Wilson in a paper entitled ‘ Sri Lankan Underwater Archaeology-Early years’ said, referring to the Great Basses wreck, “It was on one of these expeditions when I was alone …… that I found two wrecks on same day, one of which has been carrying Silver coins, how many I have no idea. That I must tell you, frankly that on the first discovery my thoughts turned at once to its protection as an Archaeological site; a site of future Archaeological importance. Like Arthur (C. Clarke ) and Rodney (Jonklass) I really believe that future generation of Sri Lankan Archaeologists would include underwater Archaeology in widening spectrum of their discipline”

“That generation is seated here, now among us, in truth, laying the groundwork of the future of submarine Archaeology in Sri Lanka. This ‘Silver coin ship’ is a real attraction for keen divers and senseless treasure hunters. Therefore, it is paramount important for SLN to protect it for future generation.

d.	Ancient harbour site at Godawaya –
		Godawaya, the village south of Ambalantota, where Walawe river falls in to sea few centuries ago (now the river has changed its flow and falls in to the sea at Ambalantota) is a historic site. The findings and excavations at ruins of ancient harbour and stone pillared dock will bring new light to the Sri Lankan Maritime Heritage. The ancient wreck at 2 ½ nautical miles South of Godawaya is laying at 100 feet depth. The findings of ancient clay pots in this site may change the Maritime History of Sri Lanka. This pot is presently examine by marine archaeologist who will carry out the “carbon testing”, the latest scientific method of finding age of archaeological artifacts. The correct age of this pot may indicate us the Sri Lankan Naval traditions 2500 years back.


		Godawaya river mouth	Head Quarters of ancient harbour controller (the Commander Southern Naval Area then ? ) at Godawaya


		Wreck found at 2 ½ N.M. from land at depth of 100 feet	Clay pot (suppose to be at least 2000 years old) found in the wreck


		Recovering sample of clay pot

Action Plan
	Following action implemented to protect these historic shipwreck sites under Naval Supervision. Local Police and Archaeological Department were informed that SLN approval is required for any diving expedition in Basses reefs. Foreign and local diving expeditions allowed only under Naval supervision to ensure no treasure hunting. A fee be charged by SLN for such services. SLN has marked the wreck areas with buoys and allow only the underwater photography in these areas. Supervising of diving expeditions will be done by retired SLN divers, who are well trained and experience. It is important to note that the visibility in water in basses reef is extremely good during inter monsoon periods. Therefore, even supervising dives from a boat also possible. Some photographs attached to this article were taken from surface, when visibility was excellent; more than 100 feet from top. These wrecks are graves of gallant sailors who sailed in our waters and who perished with their ships; whatever the nationalities they are. Therefore we have a moral obligation to protect these graves from treasure hunters, who disturb and damage these graves. Carry out above diving operations will be done under direct supervision of Commander Southern Naval Area. Arrest of all personnel carry out dynamite fishing already initiated and awareness programme for local fishermen at Kirinda area was under taken by SLN. Dive charter operators are a group who likely to gain considerable financial benefit from this progressive programme and once convinced of its merits, would become strong advocates of protection of these historic shipwreck sites. If sites can be protected and made available for operators to take their dive groups to visit, then they are likely to increase their business. SLN will play the role of Policing these sites. The control of these diving expeditions will be done at Kirinda, the closest point of land to Basses reef. Naval detachment Kirinda has sufficient space, basic facilities (electricity, Fresh water supply and good road network) required for further expansion and development of diving station. Souvenir shops (which sale replicas of Basses lighthouses / coins) which will be located closer to proposed diving station will also earn considerable amount of money for the country. These diving expeditions are possible only during inter-monsoon periods (Feb-May and Aug-Sept). Therefore, it will be easy for SLN to plan and execute these tasks (maintaining diving station, supervising, control and provide boats/diving equipments). In Australia, on its most popular shipwreck dive, S S Yongala in Great Barrier Reef, surface markings has been installed. This site gets about 10,000 dives a year. Similar potential is available in Basses Reef in Sri Lanka. Wreck diving community in the world will able to carry out very interesting wreck dives in Basses reef during diving seasons and enjoy hospitality of Island nation of Sri Lanka.

End Notes
	1.	Finishing the Interrupted Voyage – papers of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Workshop on the 2001 convention on the protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
	2.	Maritime Archaeology and Long-range History by Professor Senake Bandaranayake.
	3.	The First Steps in Underwater Archaeology in Sri Lanka – Roland Silva.
	4.	Introduction to Maritime Archaeology in Sri Lanka – LCdr(Retd) Somasiri Devendra.
	5.	Maritime Archaeology in Sri Lanka – The Galle Harbour project 1992 published by Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology - University of Kelaniya.
	6.	Maritime Archaeology in a development nation : The case of Sri Lanka – LCdr(Rted)Somasiri Devendra, Mohan Abeyrathne and Saman De Silva.
	7.	Avondster – Excavation report of the VOC ship Avondster in Galle Harbour – Published by Centre for International Heritage Activities

Sri Lanka : Perfect location for Helicopters ~

2009-06-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

As the Civil conflict has concluded in the dramatic defeat of the ltte, interesting observations have surfaced as a result. Specially the role of helicopters during the conflict ! After fixed wing air craft were grounded due to lack of spare parts or airbase damage or ltte manpad threats, it's always the helicopters that were able to supply & supports military operations. Throughout the whole conflict choppers made a huge contribution due to Sri lanka air force small air stripes that saturated the island. Point in fact attack chopper base Minneriya- Hingurakoda became an ideal launching pad for ops then on the otherhand Vavuniya became the UAV hub & Anuradhapura sited as Training base.These airbases eased the burden on the Army & took the pressure off the Navy as well.In fact Ampara SLAF located the commando & Air mobility units.

So now the status of these Air bases come into question due to operating cost & Need ! Choppers have become integral part of Sri Lanka. Medivac missions & humanitarian ops trained the SLAF to purchase the right choppers rather that expensive western choppers that cant stand the Hot ' Humid Sri Lanka climate.Recently , SLAF ordered more Mi 17 large choppers which work perfectly in the Northern theater of ops.

Now, tourism should benefit from these infrastructure bringing added revenue for cash strapped economy.Also, training schools for foreign or UN ops could be considered on the long run since, Sri Lanka posses battle hardened chopper pilots who now could face a different scenario due to scaling down of the defence establishment in the future ?

Who knows ? As Hambantota Port comes online also, Weerawila Airport, choppers will be needed to provide cargo & others supports for shipping traversing along the southern coast which could become a huge commercial Enterprise ? But, I bet on Choppers playing a major role in the future in Sri Lanka let in be tourism or medivacs or defence.....helicopters have come to stay in Sri Lanka.

Kawela Bay at Northshore

2009-06-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Kawela Bay located next bay from Turtle Bay Resort gives you seclusion envy of any recluse or celebrity ! Forming a perfect half moom bay facing a really gnarly surf that rock's any one's brain to whack...it's a must place to visit ! And don't forget my friend dropped her mask & snorkel in 3 feet of murky water only 10 feet from the shoreline : ) Why the water iz murky.....good ????? Me ....don't know jack ! I had to snorkel at least 80 yards to see clear reef, hmmmm, which I give a 6 for clarity !

But, the real secret to Kawela Bay.....Turtle's & they are galore.... I followed one for almost five aloha minutes before I got back into my senses. One turtle came up under me just 5 feet which made me jump ! But, also , I saw the largest Puffer fish ever in my life & the smallest one ever too......Then, the strangest site.....a Grey,yellow,black & white gorgeous reef denizen who look as if embedded inside a reef out crop.....how does one get out of that one ?

But, it's the sheer beauty of Kawela Bay baby that gets ya, tranquil beauty surrounded by homes to the left & horse path to right.I did get burned good but, who cares ? Cant beat the sheer stillness of Paradise sans traffic noise,tourist & bums !If look before you enter the beach area, the largest tree I've ever seen in my life. Only if we care abt. the ocean, will we be good custodians of reefs like Kawela which seem to be effected by pollution by man made pesticides from the farm across the road from Kamehameha Highway.

Now, that's the oxymoron....but, don't fish at Kawela Bay just lay down & enjoy the solitude of Hawaiiiiiiiii !

Cest Le Vie ~

2009-05-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Even before the last highranking ltte rebel body was ID'd, behind the scenes, a mad scramble to cover up by NGO's & EU sympathisers of all illegal deeds conducted under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Some of these stories will surface in the years to come due to Intel debriefings from ltte prisoners.

West's culpability in the Sri Lankan conflict shames even the normal human dignities accorded to democratically elected govt. thru out the globe. I guess the colonial mentality never left some EU nations, the blatant looting of resources then hijacking the political climates by unrest.Word's cant describe hypocrisy !

But, now, with defeat of the ltte I beg to know what these former colonialist, who have a lousy track record of discarding their former colonies to rot while, they keep their facade of "Freedom" going !

One actions speak louder that words...one that comes to mind...water boarding....or interfering in elections ! But, new players are on the scene... China, who plans to position it self as a major player in the Indian Ocean & Iran !

So what's next for these Indian Ocean developing nations after colonialism,Cold war, Insurgencies,terrorism,Ethnic conflict & environmental disasters ! Who knows ? .................................... Ask Larry King : (

Rohitha Abeygunawardana:Timeline of Surviving in strife ridden Sri Lanka

2009-05-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

As the Deputy Minister for Nation Building in Sri Lanka vacations in Italy this week one cannot glimpse back into the violent 90's in conflict ridden Sri Lanka say what if's & phew ! He became the ultimate survivor purges conducted by ruling govt. against so called opponents or future opponents to rule. As a successful businessmen in Beruwila,Southern Sri lanka Mr. Abeygunawardana, partnered with a Muslim businessmen as
success grew, he decided to throw his novice hat into the political
ring in the south at worst time !

As late President Premadasa was eradicating nationalist JVP from the scene, Rohitha, a SLFP supporter) was targeted at his home in Polagala(destroyed during 04' tsunami) one night by the Sri Lanka Police squad hunting for JVP activist.Apparently snitching by jealous neighbours Rohitha along with cousin Clifford(detained while visiting his mother) were detained, taken to a notorious internment camp to executed in 24 hrs ! As the word of his arrest, his panicked family contacted his brother in law in Colombo who, along with Mr. Abeygunawardana's sister searched frantically & by found him.By sheer luck Rohitha's brother in law ran into a classmate from his High school Nalanda College ! Who at the eleventh hour released him to great relief of the family !

As the years progress Mr. Abeygunawardana, decided to contest the Kalutara parliament seat for the SLFP(now PA) which he won handily in 2000. Today, after brief portfolios as Deputy Minister of Post & Telecom,Higher Employment & now Nation Building , he stands as a survivor & a witness to political terror in developing countries.It's always ironic how humans react to persecution.
(Photo at top left to right-Mr.Rohitha Abeygunawardana,President Mahinda Rajapakse & brother in Law Sarath Amarasekara)

Post Conflict Sri Lanka Defence Establishment

2009-05-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

Now since declaring victory over the ltte Sri Lanka security forces faces a dilemma that other victors in battle faced throughout history.......status & purpose for the standing army ?

Current armed forces strength stood at 140,000, of which army counted 100,000 in uniform. Now after all mopping up ops & sweeping the jungles of ltte arms dumps SLA still needs to combat ltte combatants who have escaped or are have gone under ground ! If US combat ops showed in post war Iraq the threat of guerrilla warfare still exist in the northern theater.Tamil Tigers cell in Jaffna are still intact also in other liberated areas.Will they commence terror time will tell ! It's also has become a huge humanitarian operation for the army to undertake the care of tamil refugees in the north not ignoring the task of resettlement of displaced non combatants.

The other issue deals with as months & years drag by defence budget will shrink & this leaves the enviable task of troop reductions from active duty to civilian life for thousands of soldiers.Many have to face the normal life of employment in the public or private sector ! Can they cope or are there opportunities for them ? These nagging question are faced by many nations who after wars, faced immense pressure to down size armed forces due to budgetary constrains & heavy cost of maintaining an armed force.

One option that Sri Lanka has, peace keeping operations worldwide ! Battle hardened & easy to deploy in most troubled spots in the tropical theaters such as Haiti (800 SLA now) ,Congo,Sierra Leone & Liberia to name a few.Other hot spots are out of bound due to political sensitivity such as Afghanistan,Iraq,Bosnia,S.Lebanon & Sinai.Other issue due human rights violations on both sides of the conflict even though not proven, many in the UN might shy away from deploying Sri Lankan armed personnel into conflict regions. Not to say be judgmental, however, these are considerations that have to be addressed in the coming years & let's hope so after an end to one of Asia's prolonged conflicts.

Has anyone learned any lesson's ?

(An 124 unloading Mig 27 Flogger D Fighter Bombers from Ukraine at Katunayake Air Base,Sri Lanka- Bhodhitaj Photo 2004)

Sri Lanka: Tamil Tigers Terrorist Asia's longest running conflict over

2009-05-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

As shocking as it is, Asia's longest running bloody murderous ethnic conflict came to a classic end yesterday in Kariamulliwaikkal ,NE Sri Lanka.After deadly battles that claimed over 120,000 Sri Lankans & Indians ltte or Tamil Tigers were magnanimously defeated in battle by the Sri Lankan armed forces with the lineup of the SLA 58th & 59th Divisions on the coast of N.E Sri Lanka !

Only mouth pieces left the notorious arms smuggler KP, who's on Interpol red notice list & has the support of Erik Solhiem & the Norwegian govt. , who are co perpetrators of eelam war in the last three decades. But, as the bodies 0f Prabakaran's son & the rest of the terrorist are on display, it's ironic Western govt. still believes ltte propaganda even encourages it !

Comparision 'n contrast Sri Lanka can learn from Hawaii

2009-05-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

(Honolulu)

It's not often in developing countries that lack infrastructure stunts development, which trickles down eventually to civil unrest ! As visible thru out the developing world today. Case in point Sri Lanka.....after decades of civil conflict the govt. has finally realized the need for sustainable development to combat dire economic stalemate. (downtown Colombo)

Sri Lanka began well during the colonial rule when Portuguese built the spice trade followed by Dutch building forts & finally British who basically built only surviving infrastructure in Sri Lanka today first Ports ! Such as Colombo,Galle & Trincomalee China Bay. Which created a burgeoning trade sector that has become the most crucial segment of the lankan economy.

Second, Railways British built railway provides a life line to masses that hasn't been duplicated anywhere ! Even today continues to play a vital role in Sri Lanka.Tea exports are a prime example, also, rubber which thrives on rail transportation to far away markets. Current Sri Lankan President inaugurated an audacious plan build an extension rail line to the S.E. city of Hambantota, where the Chinese aid plan to complete a vital port.

Third, roads which are woefully in adequate for a growing population and has crawled the economy due to lack freeways.So Sri Lanka should copy Hawaii as an example in sustainable development that provides vital services to thrive in the global market. Both islands share the strategic locale where harbours & land creates needed survival points for other partners & players. Many Sri Lankan politicians visited Hawaii recently exploring the similar diversity of infrastructure,land,economy & military studies. But, more need to accomplished due to growing global trade & communication industries that create viable also favorable solutions for both islands to benefit in the future ~

Preserving Sri Lankas Gorgeous Reefs !

2009-05-05T17:38:00.000-07:00

One of the picturesque sights in the world are Coral reefs....those who have ventured to the great Barrier reef, Red Sea or Hawaii's Hanama Bay can attest beauty of mother nature ! But, one island nation that has seen disturbing damage to coral reefs are that's found in Sri Lankan cost ! Due to ethnic conflict & lack of legislation reefs in Sri lanka are ravaged by coral hunters prospecting to lime stone for building, tourism etc & fishermen, who are trying to make a living in dire circumstances ! But, there's no doubt the ecology has began to feel the severe strain from unregulated damage caused on the environment that has gone unchecked for decades.

Even though a work of a few local environmentalist has began to bring to surface the calamity ahead, it's still a watershed moment for the whole country.Hawaiian islands have shown how sustainable efforts to balance nature & man's ever growing needs can be formulated by a responsible government.Recently, US govt. named northern Hawaiian islands to free from human encroachment by giving nature preserve status to whole chain of islands north of Kauai !
Sri lanka needs to follow in these same footsteps if there can be any future for the beautiful reefs to survive the next decade ! Gorgeous reefs !

Tamil Tigers......Propaganda prowess tamil tigers diaspora in the West !

2009-05-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

After three decades of wanton terrorism in of the most beautiful islands Tamil Tiger terrorist have exhausted the victim option...persecution option....equality option..... now the ultimate hypocrisy by labeling genocide as ltte are running out of land even to stand on !

Tamil Tigers should be given credit for the Propaganda prowess that portrayed Sri Lankan Govt . a incompetent novice only to be made fun at by the International community by far!
Even I laugh at and still reading bad grammar formatted responses by the Govt. media units. Which brings up the sad point of lying to get one's message across to who
ever believes in it !Most Tamil businesses were known to be less than honest partners in Colombo maybe it's survival or competition , albeit ltte took this platform to a whole new level. One notable, coup by the Tamil Tigers Diaspora happened in New York City in 1994. Discovery Channel ran trailers the Fall of 1994 a documentary labeled "Tamil Tigers one of the most vicious terror groups in the world " ! However, to by chagrin......it never aired on the given day or preceding lineups !
Later, did most unsuspecting Sri Lankan discovered to the dismay......Tamil Tigers diaspora propaganda arm swung into full swing in New York & presto.......that Discovery Channel documentary never aired ! Later, as this duplicity surfaced many were stunned ! A terror organisation....was able to squash a Democratically elected govt. in branding their own form propaganda which was detrimental to them !

The second, incident of ltte diaspora propaganda coup happened in Canada in 2000. A Canadian investigative journalist in Toronto picked up the scent of tamil tiger drug dealing & credit card scams that were prevalent in Toronto at that time. After his expose' revealed the extent of illegal
scams perpetrated by ltte in Canada, before the public were able to obtain a copy of the newspaper tamil tigers got wind of the negative publicity & early morning hundreds of ltte supporters emptied or bought any copy available in the city of Toronto so as to cast bad publicity for them. Which almost succeeded !

This goes to show how a terror group such as ltte can & will con unsuspecting westerners to believe their brand of one sided propaganda unrivaled in modern times ! Now, ltte has brandishing the 'Genocide card" after taking hostage poor tamil villages as human shields but, their duplicity has not materialized due to .........images of human suffering & Tamil Tiger brutality !

Left: ltte terror leader Prabakaran(former smuggler & thief)

When Terrorist Fail......

2009-04-30T13:04:00.001-07:00

As Tamil Tigers are facing what amounts to be destruction by the hand of the Sri Lanka army, the ideology & propaganda that fueled ltte has taken a deceitfully face. It's a farce, since the only solution to the Hostages taken by tamil tigers.......surrender or let the poor civilians go ! But, as history has taught us terrorist when falling on their faces....don't stick to plan, but, rather hypocrisy ! Where true colors of raw deceit in the face of total defeat. Brought on by some western nations who, in cahoots with ltte prolongued this ethnic conflict for future spoils in very strategic island nation. Sri Lanka has shown the world terrorism can be defeated by planning & supports of the populace ! Now, since ltte leadership has no place to flee , they resorted to old cowardly tactic copied from ages ago.....the civilian card !

Also the culpability of the Norwegian goverment against a democratically elected republic reeks of utter disregard to sovrengnity of Sri Lanka. A blatent epesode of Norwegian involvemnet surfaced after the fall Sri lanka army Elephant Pass Garrison in 2001 when the Tamil Tigers were knocking at the door of Jaffna ! As the Sri Lankan govt. pleaded for assistance a shipment of RM 70 Multi. Barrelled Rocket launchers were onroute from Czecoslovakia on an An 124. As the shipment refueled in on of the Gulf States, Norwegian Intelligence sabotaged most of the equipment on board ! However, Sri Lanka Army also recieved MBRL units from Pakistan, which saved the Day for the embattaled Sri Lankan army in Jaffna. However Norwegian culpability surfaced when Sri Lankan 58th Divisio0n captured Mullaitivu only to find norwegian supplied underwater breathing apparatus for use by Se tiger frogmen for suicide mission. By the list goes on MI 16 assisting Anton Balasuriya escape from Wanni jungles to Satellite facilities provided by Norwegians !

Trincomalee Harbour(China Bay)

2009-04-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

If any nation needed a powder keg....for a conflict Chinabay Harbour in Sri Lanka took the honor before Pearl Harbour or Gibraltar ! Considered by many naval historians to be the 6th in the world as a harbouring facility now, that's no misnomer even British Admiral Horatio Nelson once proclaimed 'anyone who controls this has access to the whole Indian Ocean'. Well, dunno about that !

Ironically, it's the Royal Navy that built the existing facilities at Trincomalee Harbour during the Colonial days till 1958 when SWRD Bandaranayake, fervent nationalist & opportunist removed the Royal Navy Chinabay.

During the WW II Chinabay became so crucial to the Allied war effort Imperial Japanese Navy bombed it with Betty Bombers in 1941 because, China Bay was the complete package a 7600 foot runway& 100 large fuels tanks !!!!!!!! For many years, A Zero fighter that crashed into one, stayed put as tourist attraction !

However, post Independence Ceylon, successive govts. were unable to come up with any sustainable plan due to Indian foreign policy during the cold war ! American Navy salivated the facility for the 7th Fleet which caused Prime Minister Indra Gandhi, a fit which in turn caused the rise of the Tamil Tigers in a round about jigsaw puzzle ! Chevron subsidiary in Singapore contracted to upgrade the tanks for storage in 1980 which caused furor among the Nationalist & communist that played into the hands of the Indian Foreign policy ! From there it spiralled into what it's today ! Undeveloped & under political agreement by the Indian govt:. Which means all the Oil storage tanks are under complete contract to Indian Oil firm for further development !

But, due to the on going Conflict with the Tamil Tigers, Chinabay has gained a even more strategic importance as been to only supply point to Jaffna by the Navy ! Since Tamil Tigers territory blocked land access.This in turn, became vital & regular target of the Tamil Tigers sea wing Sea Tigers, who carried out constant suicide raids into Chinabay Naval & Air Force facility.
Many Sri Lankan Navy ships, Attack craft & aircraft were casualties during the conflict.

However, today 2009 since the defeat of ltte by the Sri lanka army & opening of A 9 artery to Jaffna, Chinabay has taken a breather. For how long ? Thats any one's guess ! Lttte terrorist have been destroyed in Sampur area , Muttur wetlands & north towards Mullaitivu this has reduced the constant vigilance by the armed forces today. Since the Tamil Tigers leadership are cocooned in stretch of land the size of Los Angeles Airport !

But, future ? GOSL needs sustainable development such a infrastructure for piers , cranes, roads such it's a wait and see approach in the coming future.By no mean Indian Govt would pressure for access or for commercial purposes. Trincomalee has tremendous commercial potential rivaling SubicBay with an usable runway & Harbour, world the limit ! It's a great location for a Hub for Cargo carriers such as Cargolux,TNT & DHL even more so, heavy ship repair firms could find fine overhaul facilities ! Not to mention the cruise industry, with near by Resorts at Nilaveli the tourism industry which requires less investing has so much potential !

Recently , there were feasibility studies for building condo developments along the southern part of Tricomalee since the rail line hugs the port surroundings.But, it will be interesting as this conflict nears what the future hold for China Bay....the finest protected harbour in the world ~

Freeways in Sri Lanka.....Finally........

2009-04-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

After many false starts Sri Lankan Govt. announced the Southern Expressway project will finally be completed next year 2010 ! Which is sweet music to many & a headache others. However, no unseen calamity, freeways in Sri lanka are a must if GOSL plans for development of any sought ! Currently, its a sheer mess with one narrow artery providing the only access to the International Air Port at Katunayake from Galle. Birds fly faster to Galle from KIA than humans that's how bad the situation has become since, influx of traffic on the roadways due to expatriates wealth & mid- east remittances locals have the purchasing power to indulge in Automobiles.

Having said that now, even a bigger concern will be how to educate the locals to drive on a freeway ! Since, traffic deaths has claimed over 8,000 people due to horrible driving habits of locals ! Roads are so narrow in Sri Lanka & no planning or whatsoever were given to future needs
this added with the burgeoning Ethnic crisis created a monster for all citizens. But, Galle Hwy & now next extension project from Colombo to Katunayake International Airport should provide some relief to the travelling public in the future. Also, 4 lanes instead of 2 plus plans for future widening of route makes this a viable alternative to present situation !

Are there environmental impacts here ? Of course due to monsoon season, which creates flooding in low lying areas in the South. Poor villages,who live in make shift dwellings along the Hwy could be impacted because, no formal building codes exist to monitor flood zones ! Relocating & compensation for the villages are a must & a consideration ! If no feasibility studies are not taken into consideration for sustainable development or what good does it do for future growth ?

But, GOSL has announced projected plan to build the crucial Kandy - Colombo HWY & a beltway around Colombo in the near future after completion of the Flyovers in Colombo. Sri lankans are die hard travellers as evident since 1980's when remittances from Gulf rich states hit the populace. Transportation has become an even bigger attraction for economic development shipment of good from A to B not ignoring the fact to attract tourist Sri Lanka needs navigable roads such one sees in the state of Hawaii !

Hambantota Harbour..China's String of Pearl's !

2009-04-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Since announcement by the GOSL regarding Hambantota Harbour project been ahead of schedule, many in the West & Asia have suddenly woken up to the fact that China has begun the arduous task of building port facilities through out South Asia & Africa to show the flag of the PLN ! Chinese navy needs these port facilities if they intend a show of force in this vital shipping way. Sri Lanka has benefited the Southen Port project, which when completed will employ thousand of desperately needed jobs for Southern Youth. More over, it gives the economy a big boost & brings technical know how to the marine industry which as been neglected due to the ltte conflict up north.

According to Lloyd's of London, over 100 ships of all category transit South of Dondra Head, between Bombay & Singapore....there are no ports that can accommodate ships for Bunkering, repair or docking services which is ironic due Sri Lanka's location ! Now hopefully, Hambantota Port should alleviate this issue & bring vital investment to Sri Lanka. Even though China's naval ambitions put aside, GOSL was wise in allowing this vital port project to come to fruition.

Because, Galle Port due to environmental concerns & locations, has been limited in infrastructure expansion so far. However, Galle Port, has proved to be an ideal Yatch berthing facility for hundreds of yatches that transit from Asia to Africa & Europe ! But, a bigger port such as HBT was needed to attract shipping to Sri Lanka.

Then, when & if , Trincomalee Port becomes safe for shipping facilities, down the road....China Bay could become an economic bonanza for the Cruise industry ,Sports fishing , Ship Repair & building. Trincomalee Harbour provides GOSL with a natural incentive for economic development which must relieve that decades of neglect by successive Govt. due to Indian govt. pressure against super powers using Chinabay tank farm for naval refueling. Which some analyst have suggested the beginning of the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict !

Bay of Bengal, Tamil Tiger smuggling Pond ~

2009-04-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Since the capture of Mullaitivu & Puthukkurippu by the Sri Lankan forces recently, the sheer audacity & scope of Tamil Tigers smuggling operations were bared for the whole globe.

But, 'it takes two to tango' so true when opening this can of worms...ltte arms smuggling !
The sheer scale & 'mod us operand' pales any ones imagination ! Ships up to 2000 tons,Trawlers, Mini subs,Piracy & bribing Sri Lanka customs. So far 7 Tamil Tigers armsuggling ships have been sunk by the efforts of the Sri Lankan Navy & Air Force even as far as Indonesia.SL Navy sank many small speed boats recently adding to the davy jone's locker ! But, what shocked many were the smuggling of the 6 Zlin 143 single engined 2 seaters from South Africa ! Apparently, according to Dr. Rohan Gunaratne, Zlin's went up north in container transiting Colombo Port ! By bribing corrupt Sri Lanka Customs officials ltte procurement chief Know as KP smuggled just about anything ltte wanted !

One must wonder the scale of this operation, but, none 'takes the cake' than the hijacking a shipment of Mortar from Zimbabwe which ended up in ltte units battling Sri Lankan army during 'Operation Jayasikuru'. Ltte turned the operation into a protracted war of attrition, a classic guerrilla offensive which cost GOSL so much that former Pres.Kumaratunge had to halt the campaign ....lock , stock 'n barrel !

Now, the sheer scale of smuggling, one gives ltte procurement chief KP (above photos before & after plastic surgery) grudging respect since, Fedex couldn't come up with a scam such this ! KP since having plastic surgery no one knows his movements at all protected by corrupt Thai officials, KP moves around reportedly with 20 fake passports !!!!!!! He was detained in Thailand briefly after the capture of he notorious Russian Arms dealer Victor Bout, well, his slip from Interpol red notice shows duplicity in Govt. around the world when it comes to fighting terror. One's bitter lemon...is anothers Cup of Tea !

Western Hypocracy & Bungling in Sri Lanka

2009-04-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

Sri lankan ethnic conflict has entered a decisive phase yesterday after 30yrs. of Tamil Tiger terror suicide bombing,assassinations & arms smuggling. So it comes as no suprise that Prabakaran & his remaining band of terrorist are trapped in South Puthumatalan in the North East Sri Lanka to the sheer joy of the Sri Lankan people & off course the army., who has taken the brunt of ltte attacks over the years loosing Generals to GI's suicide bombings.

But, now the another rather strange international drama has been unfolding unbeknown to most...the frantic behind the scenes effort to same a notorious terrorist Named Vellupillai Prabakaran, inventor of Female Suicide bombers, who have killed the likes of Rajiv Gandhi,Pres. Premadasa,Gen. Parimi,Dr.Teruchelvan & the list goes on ! But, Norway, Britan & Sweden are at a confusing crossroad, as what to do ? The current humanitarian crisis due to Ltte taking innocent civilians hostage along with last remaining ltte units.

Threats are been made daily to the GOSL, no IMF loan, indictments on the Defence Minister,Army Chief etc. & boycotting our awesome Sri lanka Airlines ! But, I beg to differ, since the Sri Lanka govt. was democratically elected & has faced terror attacks too numerous to mention ! Western govt. are perplexed when it comes to Sri Lanka. It is well know in the west the Strategic importance of Sri Lanka due location. But, so many western nations wish to interfere most notable the Norwegians, whose blunt support for ltte reared it's ugly head during the defunct Ceasefire of 2001. Also, as the Sri lankan army has captured territory the level complicity by Norway rather embarrassing.

But, it's innocent Sri Lankan who have suffered the brunt of the hardships in economic opportunities & daily basic needs. But, conflict have many ugly heads....& players...which has transformed a beautiful island nation into an textbook example of Western Hypocrisy !

My College trip to Mauna Kea 1990

2009-04-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

It was the spring break of 1990 my college buddies Matt Francis,Bob Mackee,Shoko & Jenna spent 4 days in Big Island of Hawaii !!!!! Wow, what memories of that trip folks !

Colombo via Madras 1974

2009-04-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

It was the summer of 1974 when My Dad,Younger Brother Asanka & I traveled to Madras, India from Colombo,Sri Lanka for fun ! I was just 13 yrs old & was so excited about going abroad..thanks to my mom cuz, she worked for the Ceylon Railways & received govt. rail passes so we traveles free all over Sri Lanka & S. India. Life was good in Colombo, we were on school vacation from Ananda College & after mom had already made the trip with my older Brother Sarath left a weeks before us.When they returned we left from Fort Railway station in Colombo catching the red eye to Mannar to catch the ferry across Palk Straits to Rameshwaran on the South western tip of India .....wow my poor mom got emotional & ran along the train as we pulled away till the train picked us speed(she missed us ) Now, as I look back, only a fool wouldn't treasure a trip like that....since the govt. battle with the ltte terrorist ruined any form of travel across Palk Straits. After spending the night on the train we arrived at the Mannar Pier early morning only to be greeted by not the smell of Gulf of Mannar breeze but, locals defecating under the bridge to the Pier !!! But, there were many Europeans backpackers & adventurers also which added to the fun. We were greeted by dads friends in the Health dept. where we spent some time. Since we were taking Saffron & Cardamons to sell in Madras for fun $ we my dad asked a American tourist if he could take a packet since he was over the quota allowed ; ) Fun. He politely said .....no after been treated to Ceylon Tea !!! Fun !

On the Ferry "SS Ramanujan" oh boy we had a field day exploring the rickety old bag ! But, specially the snack shop below deck yummy !!!
(Ramanujan, named after the brilliant Tamil Nadu Math genius)
We set sail abt. noon after delayed by some screaming late passengers.
But, here I wuz crossing where none of my high school buddies gone before ! Saw a Oceanography mapping ship half way then....voila...Rameshwaran Bridge ....beauty..we cleared customs after my dad bribed Indian Customs with a bottle of Sri Lankan Arrack liquor ! The train station was loaded with tourist even an African American too Cool ! But, it's the lunch hut that I never forgot baby...this old coot ran the coolest joint unlike any in Hawaii!!!!! He even made omelets on a metal plate so hot the its cooks in 1 minute !!!!!! Cool ! We shared the Lunch plate since it was too big...but, Sri Lanka curry tastes much better !

We embarked on a day & a half trip to Madras passing Trichinaplloi,Coimbatore & Madurai which I vaguely recall(I wuz only 13 bubba ...know what I mean ?) Undercover agents raided the compartment next to us for contraband going north ! Cool ! We arrived in Madras station to the
rather shocking aroma of people defecating along the railway tracks. Yooooo !
We stayed just across from the station at this cool motel where many Euro's stayed & next door to us were 2 German girls whe slept only in there indies baby ! Cuz, I was them one morning thru a hole in the wall yup ! But, it's food in the motel....wow ! Talk abt. bucket brigade geez, man ,they fed ya by the bucket load ! No Kidding !

We exchanged the spices for $ then went sightseeing,buying & eating...where I saw my first TV showing "Smerfs"wow..mu bro. & I just were so enamoured cuz, Sri Lanka never had TV till 1979 baby ! So, we ate ice cream from a tap,expolered Madras Bazaar( I stole a wallet) & saw Buddhist ruins.Traveled by bus (women sit on the left..dont forget)
Then, fate stuck...me while crossing a dirty bridge a bug hit my right eye.....next day I got Conjunctivitis which made me sooo exhausted & sick .....Dad decided to leave early cuz, we planned to travel to Bangalore ! Bummer, but, as we came back to Rameshwaran, I wasnt sick anymore....sammy....! But, I had another bugger of a incident dad had a tailor sew a nice white bell bottoms for meeeee ! Ya baby !!!!! While picking up a lunch plate from ya know where ....the darn thing leaked into my bells baby ... soo uncool for the dude son ! Well, as we got ready to for the return crossing... dad wrapped a Sarie on both my lower legs to avoid paying customs duty in Mannar ! Huh, smuggler you ! So, we sailed back it was uneventfull.. except the 2 ladies from the motel in Madras were on board too ! Weird huh ?

As we arrived in Mannar...hoh ho ! we were the first to disembark cuz, dad's doctor buddy motioned us over & gave my brother a Fanta drink.I dont remember the trip back except catching the train from Mannar.Boy..did I have some tall tales to tell baby ! some loot too !
So, when school started that fall I wore my 24hr. tailored pants & all the stickers I bought(v. Popular) & sold the loot to all my school mates except one just kept asking me "Ya really didnt go to India did ya " Moron , I did ding dong ! So, As I settled down to a fun Sr. Year at Ananda College I could only remnisent that memorable trip to S.India that summer of 1974 ~

PS: It took only a few yrs. for travel thru Mannar came to an abrupt halt as the Conflict began in 1983 which shut down the Ferry,Train & all forms of travel to Rameshwaran.Tamil Tigers destroyed the travel routes thru the sea. Which later now has become a smuggling haven for the Tamil Tigers &... Sinhalese are Persona Non Grata even in Tamil Nadu. So it remains.....Today !

Palaly 1973

2009-04-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

I was 14 that summer so mom since, she worked for the Lanka Railways as IBM data processor, got free govt. passes to fly on Air Ceylon DC 3 Dakota to Palaly Air Port in Jaffna in 1975 to the delight of me & my 2 brothers.All I remember Ratmalana Airport tarmac,Spitting on the windows over Anuradhapura,Stewerdess tray with cheep sweets,Palaly terminal & by Ceylnco Building over Colombo in Dusk !

It was the last time I flew over Sri Lanka ! When I left in 82' It was 3am ! But, how I got the window seat baffles me cuz, my younger bro. always got what he wanted & older bro. got it by force ! So I swear the window was open so I spat, ew ! I notice the spit hmmm ! Well, that's what happens when ya only 12yr. old ! Geeez , give me break ok !

1976

2009-04-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

1976 was a blast for me cuz, I turned 15 yup...then...the Non Aligned Movement held their Conference in Colombo at the BMICH.Now for those uninitiated in cold war politics...this wuz the place to be & Seen among some of the worst perpetrators of human rights & conflicts around the globe.But, for me it was a chance to see all these heads of states, which for a poor Sri Lanka boy wuz ,big stuff baby ! Leading up to the summit, Holden,Peugeot 405 & Police bikes were imported for motorcade work which I saw everyday dry runs Thu Colombo. loved it cuz, its fun stuff.

One day my dad whose worked for the Govt. & a member of the ruling party took me to the Cuban contingent holed up across the Canadian embassy near Rupavahini TV HQ.These Cubans were just in there shots & smoking Cigars typing ( ?) But, I couldn't resist Cuban tan,They were v. fair !

So on the day of the conference dad took us behind the SLBC (radio station) near BMICH to watch the motorcade of Heads of State. I wuz soooo stocked man, it wuz exciting, since where we stood only SLFP party members were allowed.First to zip past was Indira Gandhi in her Benz 600 wow ! She waved at me baby ! Then, Anwer Sadat, was the best cuz, he leaned out at (me) with a Handkerchief, waving bubba ! A mere 7 feet from my wholesome ! God, I loved it ! I noticed he wore a Gold bracelet on his left wrist.His wife Jehan was more composed !

Then, I saw Pres. Neto from Angola,Sheiks from the Mideast,A lot of African HOS. Wow...then came a v. fast motorcade....Joseph Tito of Yugoslavia in a shiny gray Benz 600 with to more cars ! Wow ! He was with a smartly dressed navy aide ! He waved at me too ! Cool Huh ?

But, the guy who took the cake was Gaddafi of Libya in bright colored garb stopped his car & waved at all the School kids in front of BMICH. Wow ! He just stole the lime light bubba !

Fidel Castro sped by so fast that I don't remember the motorcade...but, that summer of 1976 I never forgot.... we had the spot light from the whole world folks. For a 15 yr old now that wuz , action in all sense..... Just like in the Movies !

Post Script: Holden cars were sold to the rich folks & Peugeot's were given to the Police.And next year my dads party lost the election in a landslide... & UNP came to power with better food , more money & more freedom.........of course then slowly began the deadly rise of the Tamil Tigers in Jaffna(ltte began in 1976 !)

But, if ya were there in Colombo 76' cant say it was historic ! Cuz, things have never been the ever since.....really.....I mean it !

For whom they harm

2009-03-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sri Lankan ethnic conflict turned a dramatic corner in the last few months with the Armed forces destroying all or some whats left of the Tamil Tiger terrorist, who have basically held the island nation hostage for a better part of 20years.As I reflect broken dreams & aspirations for my homeland, one cant wonder, how ironic that people of peacefull religions could resort to hatred.

I remember the idalic visits to Jaffna,Point Pedro & Delfts isles in the late 70's. What shocked me were the people ! Such hard working & wonderfull folks who opened their humble doors to us Colombo denizens. Well, I really miss that....those were the days ! Will things be the same ? Who knows....now as the Sri Lanka has become a monster to it self, I wonder, if normalcy will ever prevail ? Such as trust & hatred ? Only time can tell...well ..it's said time heals ? We'll see.

Everyone has taken side , if one says no, that's so hypocritical because, the line in the sand is drawn very clearly. Even a college professor friend mentioned that Sri Lankan govt is to be blamed.Huh , ha if words can be so decieving & easy. So far there are no winners...unfortunatly, there's one winner......Arms dealers....those parasites who,profit from conflicts among man & his ignorance.Even, Indian govt. which trained ltte tamil tigers, are licking there wounds from 1000+ dead Army dead in Jaffna. Worst....the brutle assasination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by Ltte in 1990.Now, they have no fans in Colombo where, many blame Indian interfearance as the cause of the escalation of the Conflict.

But, many players have surfaced shockingly Norway, giving ltte operational base, satelite broadcast stations , Money & Naval training even sabotaging Sri Lankan army MBRL shipments on route to Colombo.

Thailand where most of the arms are smuggled by ltte ships to NE lanka by KP the interpol rednotice felon runs a very efficient operation even though he was arrested, only to be released by corrupt Thai officers after been bribed. Thai police were visibly shocked by the descovery of a minisub in 2003 near Phuket build by ltte operatives for smuggling of which same models were captured by the Sri lankan army in the last 3 months in Mullaitivu !

Indonesia,where the Ltte Sea Tigers have managed buy fast hulled boats which have been turned into Fast attack craft.Muraj class attack craft have used v. effectively by Sea Tigers till SL Navy devloped the Arrow Special Boats Squadron & Sl Air Force, which effectively began bombing Sea Tiger Bases along the NE & NW coast in 2006 & 7.

The senseless assisination My Ananda College class mate Kanchana Abeypala in1989 in Colombo,Sri Lanka

2009-03-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

If you had a childhood friend that you saw thru Kindegarten to High school wouldnt you have fond memories of them ? Well, I had that buddy from Anderson Flats neighbourhood called Kanchana Abeypala, an unasuming fellow who never hurt a fly, even though he had these funny looking Klingon type ears.Also he was a little bow leggad too. But,Kanchana was the nicest guys ya ever met, he kept a low profile thru all high school & acidemicly was top of the class thru every grade.

But, when I heard from my father that fall of 1989 that he was was shot coming down the High Court steps i n Hulsdorfh, Colombo I was stunned senseless.His assailants were JVP activist who, wanted to silence the growing litigations against a spate of killing against Educated & Journelist.These individuals exposed or summoned the courage to bring to Justice a crack down on free speach & Transperancy in Sri Lanka during the bruttle era of sanctioned murders.

We were friends at Ananda College also neighbours, caught the School bus for 7yrs ! He lived a block away from me in Andrson Flats,Park Road, Colombo.He became an attorney, well a human rights lawyer, defending those harmed by JVP or other political parties & he paid the ultimate price with his life.

2009 will be his 20th anniversary of his shooting death....he would have been 48yrs old ! God Bless His Soul ~ Aloha~

Age old persecutions: Nights Templar & Mormons

2009-03-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Age old persecutions of religious groups are not common with rulers and nations adapting to drastic measurse by imposing for personal or interest .

Two groups that stand in my mind Nights Templar & Mormons (Latterday Saints) who, not of their own doing have suffered tremendously due to religious begotry by Individuals or by state sanctions orders.

Both suffer suspicions from rituals that have sacred value but, twisted by other to propagate hatred persecuted of dubious nature.One,a very ancient order to save Christians from extinction in the hands of gentiles.
The other to restore ancient christian order from been twisted by modern ideals.

Black Panthers Are Alive 'n Well In Sri Lanka

2009-03-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well,proof is in the pictures forlks...Black Panthers are alive & well in Sri lanka as the recent discovery of the Balck Panther in poachers snare in hills central high lands.What beauty it is, I heard abt.them during my families hike to Worlds end near Horton plains in 78' from locals. But, we city folks never believed it ! Even though local swore by it ! It's so remote and wild along with the terrain that it's almost impossible to spot 'em.What a great day for us wilderness buffs allover the golbe huh ? Now I hope the govt. protect this species & keep the poachers away.

Forgotten Murder of Jeanie Mae Brown

2009-03-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

It happened during in Birmingham during civil rights riots to an innocent Black mother of 10 in Alabama was gunned down while looking for her lost wallet at night in a drive by shooting by 4 white men.They paid for their Hyienous crime even though brought to justice by the DA only to be covered up by the Sherrif, a known Bigot.

It happened after

Why Melson Mandela Matters ~

2009-03-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

It's been 19yrs since the release of My Hero Mr. Nelson Mandela from Robbin Island where many fellow freedom fighters were imprisoned by the former Racist Aphartaid regime of South Africa.

Why we need to remember Persecution of Jews

2009-03-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

After recently viewing on PBS the documentry of a revisit by a Jewish sex slave to the Plaszow Concentration Camp with the daughter of Infamous Nazi Camp Commandent Amon Goeth, who was hanged after the war. I'm amazed how ignorance works in the minds of just ordinary poeple !

The Almost repeat of Munich massacre in Lahore,Pakistan: Failed Hostage taking of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team.

2009-03-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

Sri Lanka Cricket team narrowly avoided their own version of Munich Olympics of 1972 bloodbath monday in Lahore, Pakistan due to a brave tour bus driver who,thru sheer guts, drove thru the ambush to the stadium albit saving a sure Munich style Hostage taking. Which given the nature of fanatics who with a lackof regard for human life could the had a horrible out come. These fanatics have learnt from the likes Black September the shock 'n awe of modern media interest in Breaking News.

Mexico City Olympics Protest 1968 by John Carlos & Tommy Smith

2009-03-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

It was fitting to see Mexico City unvailed a plaque for John Carlos & Tommy Smith, who gained pariah status for their awesome protest against equal rights in the US during the 200m medal ceremony at Mexico Olympic games by giving the black power salute.Yeah !

Terrorist will always will be terrorist ~

2009-01-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Many feel the Gaza bombing campaign to be inhuman & distructive well, why do critics always look the fog at reality ? Hamas, a deadly terror group, only believes in violence & are inept at goverance be given symphathy by critics who never take into consideration that people who belive in violence never succeed ?

Give me a break ! Israel built Gaza into an agricultural post, only to be destroyed by extremist after the settlers had left in 2004. Now one ever took upon the task of rebuilding Gaza after that ! Just complained about occupation.That's with Hamas around there will be no peace in Mid East.

Dirty Bush

2009-01-22T16:30:00.000-08:00

To My great relief, the departed Bush Presidency of incompetence,Lies,slim & Corruption for 8yrs painfull yrs for the USA, But, now we can sigh a breath of relief cuz, it's new beginning for all of us, gone are the days of dividing and fear for political points. The plethora of creeps from Rove,Ari,Cheney & Rumsfield...if standard for hipocracy they wore it big 'n tall.Now having left the nation in shambles we must take responsibility for ignorance, buying people on TV adds & face value. From Cheney's corrupt Haliburton issues to Rumsfield cozing with Saddam years before things went south to Ari Fliecher note abt "your names have been noted" for all those who disagreed with George W. stupid policies.Rove.....well, he should have been indicted from the Valerie Plame & swift boat affairs & I'm glad Pres.Reagan kicked himout of his campaign in 1980.

If these fools had done what they were elected to do, Barack Obama would never would have made it to the White House on January 20th , 2009 !!!! But, as a campaign worker for Obama, what blessing for the antion have someone with his life story & background.

I have high hopes for the good 'ole USA but, I wish we never ever elect incompetent fools like Goeorge W. Bush ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!

God Bless America................Yes, We Can ~

Uncle Joe Ah Quin from Laie !

2008-11-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

There he is, original who played Mahana's father in the Polynesian classic epic movie "Johnny Lingo" Joe Ah Quin of Laie.He lives in my ward Laie 7th & is the ward Choir director. But, claim to fame to treasured voice that sing " This is Laie". Noone sings "aloha oe " at farewell's like Uncle Joe Ah Quin.

Obama Fan

2008-10-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Moi ! yup......me a big Obama fan well, he went to High School at Punahou and loves Hawaii. But, wew are the same age sage know what I mean ? We believe in the same causes & struggles that permiate society in general.Obama, the quintessential outsider or ignored to be exact made something out of his life.

Now, when he becomes the President of United States of America it'll set the stage for many in society looked down or persecuted by many because of there race,ethnicity or physical prejudice. Lesson in point never underestimated the power of resiliance and tenacity of the individual mind ! Education and persevearance has paid of for Obama. He epitomizes the struggle for a better life for coloreds in America with hard work and focus. American dream pops the highest reward for those that make the best out of freedom !

Barack Obama will unify and calm the wounded nation from the corrupt Bush II administration and corrupt lobbist in DC.

Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka

2008-09-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

Adam's Peak of Sri Lanka

Now folks here's a contradiction in terms......depending who ya talk to this gorgeous peak found central high lands of Sri Lanka defies beauty and legend.

Snorkel Kings

2008-08-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

The gorgeous snorkel destination of Northshore Oahu unmatched and tamed beauty is something to behold. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of snorkeling at Waimea Bay ! Even though the fearsome reputation during the winter & spring, summer Waimea bay can be a snorkelers paradise as I did many occasions. Little rock that juts out forward of jumper rock has some of the largest schools of sardines or mullet anywhere baby ! It's guardian happens to be a pair of convict fish pretty though. They popped out to let me know "hey, cuz, thiz is my plaze" ! Nice,

But, the really big reef fish ya gotta swim to the rocks left of jump rock abt.50 yards away ! As I did man, I saw the largest "Moi" I've ever seen in my life huge buggers ! I wished I had a camera because, the visibility amazes me a sure 20 yards max.

At Waimea jump rock there were abt. 40 teens ! Wow !

All shapes and sizes well, ethnicity too!

Up the road from Waimea lies Three Tables beach .....boy, what amazing beauty...exotic seascapes that are interrupted by TUNNELS man ! Awesome.That's me snorkeling at Three Tables.... note how clear the water is ?

My kuddos to the State of Hawaii for banning fishing at Waimea ! Now, the abundance of colorful reef fish dictates we preserve this gem for future generations to come. This hold true for Shark's Cove due to efforts of locals this Natural Preserve is a testament to Ocean & man can co habit with respect & preservation on the part of our local govt. Local economy has boomed due to more visitors attracted to unspoiled preserved Oahu reefs.

Another winter happening in Oahu, "the Kona winds" in January 2004 this coconut tree in my yard crashed into our car port coming inches of the brand new 2003 Buick ! But, it destroyed the car port ! I t happening around 1.30am ~

All this is good folks......but, there lurks no matter what people say...... the awesome Tiger Shark's of the North Shore...see photo ? This 3 foot baby washed up with a hook at "Jennergators" in Laie ! By buddy Matt Francis took this photo ! Se the hook ? Now that sucks ! Inhumane and what a waste of a beautiful creature ! No "Aina" ~

Save our Reefs folks that's all the good lord's going to give us ~ I attended a beach cleanup at Kahuku point with a Hawaiian reef management outfit boy ! Our are under attack from sea nets and marine debris.....if we don't show some "pono" to a Ocean we are history.

Aloha Oe !

Laie & things

2008-08-24T20:17:00.001-07:00

To live in Laie, in the North shore coutry of Oahu, ya gotta be loving hawaiian life folks ! It's not for all and only for a few. Hukilau Beach one of the cool family beaches ever in Hawaii !

This is Wailele Falls behind PCC. It takes me abt 26mnts to jog up & 15mnts down cuz, I'm baad ! It's only abt 5 feet deep.

Below...Famous Hale La'a..road to the House of the Lord" I walk my friends dog along here !

Below... laie Point during the summer ya jump off the top right side and climb right back! Was location for 2008 Summer Flick "Forgeting Sarah Marshal"

The Gem of Oahu the Windward Northshore town ofLa'ie.......above Pounders Beach great for Boogy boarding or body surfing but, be carefull a few have gotten hurt bad here ! Favorite spot for commercials.

Hukilau Cafe formerly run by Famous Chef Sam Choi, it's great for Breakfast specially Coconut pancakes La'ie Folks !

Colombo hangout scene during 1978-82 !

2008-08-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

If ya were teen or Young adult in Colombo during the late 70's & early 80's oh....man was it fun !

Because, when the UNP came to power in 77' Colombo became a mecca for excotic restuarants no kidding ! Some I cant remember due to the excotic names taken from Greek martime gods & Idols & legends....man were they good ! And people were just getting money to spend in there pockets from remitances from overseas expatriats. You had to be a real bore ! They were all different Seafood,Italian,Indian & great Lankan fare.

But for me Green Cabin in Colpetty for some delicious local fare then desert at Zellers at Bambalapitiya & hoppers at the Muslin joint across from Majestic movie theater & Italian Ice cream at Gelato 2nd floor cafe across from Thurston College. You really had to be a geek not to enjoy that ! But, when I worked downtown Colombo in 81', I had the lump rice from Lower Chatham Street digs fellas....oh man ! it's just awesome,warm & cheep too ! But, you really couldnt eat every day cuz Cholestorol.... !

But, for fun ya had to go to ladies College Dance beat shows... cuz, ya saw the cutest or richest girls in Colombo there. Specially one .....Anusha David... prettiest girl I ever saw in Sri Lanka ! She was dating my buddy Upul Gunawardane,who live close by too.But, she later hooked up with this Muslin dude from Royal College. But, I was in Love with this Shorty I met at the YMCA athletic summer camp at St.Thomas Bandarawela ! Wow...I forget her name now ! Short, white(bugher) & ran track ! But, I last saw her in 82' a month before I left for USA for College.

We used to "hang" at the SSC pool Upul ,Usha,Kishan etc. it's was the best of times folks.....waht can I say ! Saturdays we watch Rugby at CR & FC (my team) then head to "Bamba"or Bambalapitiya for dinner then a dance at one of the beat shows.But, it's the food that I always loved just any type of cuisine Singhala,Tamil,Indian or western. You could even roam at night because, it was safe then not now I hear. My buddy Kishan Wicramasinghe, would go to the movies at Liberty then eat Colombo "short eats" at a joint across the Kolpetty market wow ! This stuff folks wuz great called cutlet,patties & rolls wow ! Ya just had to be there !

Enjoy if ya ever get to Colombo !

Japanese Zero Crash site above Laie Mountains~

2008-08-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

I found out last year abt a Japanese Zero,during the attack on Pearl Harbour in Dec. 1941 crashed into the Koolau mountains behind the town of Laie,North shore Hawaii. Either shot down by P-41 fighters out of Haleiwa or flak not clear however, many had trekked to the site through after grueling hike.But, over time many collectors or vandals have spring cleaned the site of any wreckage of the Jap Zero. In fact longtime Laie resident late Walter Wong mentioned to me about the wheel carrage still at the crash site the last time he ventured up.But, now nothing remains of the wreckage too bad ! But, that's what happens to Historical artifacts around these islands.

According to late Walter Wong, when he hiked up to the site part of the wing,cockpit,wiring & wheels were still intact. Then hikers would bring down small objects one by one. In 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbour some of the attacking force flew over Laie on their way to bombing Kaneohe Marine Corp Station.

Now, even the site is unknown by many due to Jungle canopy. But, you can still get up to the Hiking trails of your way to Laie Falls hour & half hour hike. Or scouts now hit the Koolau mountain range hikes & boy what a view folks ! It's to die for ! Which I almost did in September of 1989 hiking with some BYUH buddies. We decided to hike back down the Laie Falls to Laie.....dumb move v. dumb.After repelling down a 100 foot rope, we had to slide down a 40foot water fall where I met my Waterloo.Trying to slide down the upper falls tube, my right index finger jammed into the rocks, breaking it ! Then I splashed 40 feet down into the cold Hawaiian water with my Camera bag ruining the Canon T 60 beauty ! What a bugger baby !!!!
We made back to the trail after giving up the Laie Falls path.....3 hours later. Can ya say stupid ?

Olympics: Excitement,Excitement,Excitment~

2008-08-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Wow....2008 Beijing Olympics Begin tomorrow folks after been denied the 2004 bid, China now gets an opportunity to show case their own version of "competition".Why, they have loaded their guns with all or nothing bid for mother load of medals doped or not China wants this stage at all cost.But, as in the past Berlin,Munich,Moscow Olympics are our guide, games leave an inevitable mark on their nations.Look what happened to Germany,Russia & now China.You play freedom fire with hosting a global event on this scale which requires freedom of the press and open forums, which both China lack.Classic example reworking the visas for Joey Cheek, Gold Medalist in the Winter Games, why Joey Cheeks along with 26 athletes are protesting China involvement in Darfur Genocide.

But,I love the Olympics soooo much,which fortunately, I saw the awesome Los Angeles 84' games.See I was a mormons missionary serving in the California Anaheim Mission & got assigned to Mission Veijo, which was hosted the 124mile Bike road race.Guess what?.... I had a black & red Schwinn Bike with a back rack,which I placed a wet towel from BYUH & a whole stack of LDS Phamplets yeah baby!!!! It wuz legal too !!! I my mission Companion Elder Frank Stock & I took off that hot august morning leaving our Santa Rosa House we shared with 4 other missionaries.The day before we rode part of the course near Mission lake area plus the finish line so we knew where to be.Theeee place Vista Del Largo climb 'n descent wow....it wus deadly. I had an ooops moment...when I tried to hold on to a Hay bale stick near the side walk..only to fall on the Hay bale fellas soooo embarrassing !

But, when the race started I was amazed at the strength & stamina of the Olympics riders ! They had to go around the course 16 times to complete 124 miles.So I took photos many great shots.Specially on of the eventual winner American Alexi Grewald ! Wow, the wooosh of the Pelaton and amazing posturing by each country tailgating their top riders.One that got my attention was Steve Bauer from Canada....he was sooo strong but, had to settle for a Silver in a Photo finish.Boy,ya never see American Patriotism evident so strongly as during the Los Angeles games that awesome summer.

I kept as souvenirs race map,race tape & a flag which kept for a v. long time.But, what I gained from the Olypmpics.... the camaraderie of just been there folks ! Competition ..yes...but,everyone came together that summer in 84' break dancing,Jacksons Thriller videos & Cali blonds ! What else could ya ask for folks...Olympics ! Wow !!!!!

P.S.: We gave away all the phamplets and we were fed by LDS members who lived along the
race course ! Wow ! But, turned out to be hilarious......we ran into two fellow missionaries along a side walk!!! They were stunned to see us that Saturday afternoon because,they were serving in the San Clemente area.They were wearing khaki shots,bear bodied & in sandals !!!! Huh ha ! We laughed that one for a few months folks.And our encounter was sooooo brief that I really don't remember what they said ! abt. a month later after normalcy had returned to Mission Veijo....I decided on our mission day off to try Vista Del Largo for myself......well, no cigar baby, I only got maybe a hundred 200 yards up.....then wuz pooped to da Max...almost fell of the bike too ! You go do it.......you Buggers !

The Georgous BYUH Soccer Team ~

2008-08-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

This bunch of girls are by far georgous of all soccer babes I've seen fellas ! Brand to Hawaii there are more blondies on that team than anyother around and hands down fun,funny also, just girls.
I got to see 3 matches at the fields at Laie and I gotta tell ya they cheer like no other plus a bunch of fighters too. Tough mammas ! But, I know 2 of 'em, just so down to earth mormon girls who happen to enjoy like......girls screaming, giggling & cute bunch of blondies,brunettes,Sliver blonds,ash blonds,tall blonds,short blonds etc. Well ya get the point or what huh ? Geez, but, it always at Vball or BBall games I see them the most ! Loud and been girls Well, "girls just wanna have fun" There's one mamma ya DONT wanna mess with cuz, she looks like a real brawler baby ! But, she v. nice ! But, on the fields watch your hmmm ! Everything, now what I mean Bubba !

I hope to see them this fall ! Some dont come back to BYUH due to marriage or majors but, I hope to see this one cutey, tallest one on the team.Nice coed...saw her at Hukilau once in April wearing a v. modest Bsuit ! Good for her ! Sh loves basketball and always sits with the "Mormon Oarmen"

It's really good to see these cuties cuz, most of the boys here are young and immeture ! So it make it hard to date for these girls cuz, ya gotta have a car to go anywhere in the North Shore. So in that sense, I feel bad for 'em ! But, girls soccer is very popular in Hawaii now and "Byuh seamaidens" as I call them had a winning record in 08'.

This past december while watching UH Warriors play Washington Huskies at Aloha stadium at a friends house on Moana Street, I noticed next door at the Ah Puck's back driveway the whole soccer team was having a looks like a closing social. What got my attention was all the blond heads that pop above the wall. Cute site fellas.... so I stoodup and waved at 'em. I am too dark for them to recognize though !!!!! They had a small social before Christmas and I'll never forget all the beautifull BLONDIES baby !!!!!!!!!!!!!

1970 Insurgency in Sri Lanka

2008-07-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have to talk abt. it since all these civil wars happening around the world these days ! My dad told us we cant go to school one evening ! Cuz, there wuz gonna be some kind of trouble brewing with the Marxist Youth Movement that week. That's when the mud hit the ceiling a island wide marxist uprising hit first Colombo the spring of 1970, the capital, then all police post nationwide. I wuz too young to comprehend anything except,Dinkie toys,Cricket,Rugby,model airplanes & biking. But, when ya see a machine gun son, ya know something iz a disturbance in the universe ! Know what I mean ?

But, it's my dad we were worried abt. cuz, the Bugger was into Lenin,Mao & Che(in short... a commie or socialist to da max). Now how we know that... in his study there wuz this huge banner of the Peking branch of the Commie Party and books from Moscow etc. My bros use to play with them often and this one book from USSR abt. Chinese repression during the "Great Leap" & other crack downs on poor Chinese but, it's these photos man of people getting shot & stabbed by the red guards that got our attention.

My pops was a party hack for the Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranayake or "Mrs. B", I 've seen her many times in parliament, he campaigned for in these two cities in the South. So when the JVP insurgency(that's it's called now) started my high school mates would drumup the wildest rumors abt. bodies floating in the Keleni River and mothers crying at the Ward palce general hospital, where my dad wuz an Auditor ! He had a special pass to travel to work because of the curfew impossed all over country. Then I saw the Indian Airforce Chetak Choppers flying overhead then we realized it wuz serious now!

But, we didnt care no school, play army with my buddies and listen to the only radio in town Radio Ceylon which filtered all the news by now. Then somethign strange happened, my pops got really serious cuz, our Muslim Uncle Mohideen got detained and beat up by the Security bummer cuz, we really liked him. But, mom said he was friends with the North Korean Embassy folks and since NK supported the JVP uprising all NK symphathysers were getting rounded up and thrown in Welikad Prison. But, by the time they got to my pops the Insurgency wuz over. One morning I heard mom say "there are two guys with backpacks sleeping in our Front Lanai(Porch... It was nice covered and marble)" then it happened the next night too ! On the 3rd morning mom, who ran the house , asked them politely asked who & do ya need Tea ? To which they replied "No we are Ambush from the Security forces" !!!!!!! Wow ! my brothers & I thought this was way cool....here they were right out side our living room baby ! This went on for abt. a couple of months and they were gone !(many years later, I learned local CID was keeping tabs on my pops, who he wuz having Tea with after dark.. I mean Marxist type ) I went back to high school and then the stories began.

If ya need to find out trends, scoops or the juicy stories ya always ask high schooler because,their parents talk in front of them annnnndddd kids like to impress da fellas by outsmarting their friends with the scoop !!!!! So, now came the real stories of the Insuregency in 1970....but, they were mostly sad cuz, few of our teachers never came back to school at Maradana that Fall. We were told they were shot by the army because, there JVP ! Wow....I remember, even though only 10.....some of the faces of younger teacher never matched with the new ones. But, guys who lived near Keleni River saw bodies floating... many of insurgence. Still it was all in awe, but, then it hit home, why we had security ambush at our home at night.My pops, became,accused by association, of being JVP !!! But, far from it fellas he wuz a diehard socialist to da max who thought Russia wuz da bomb baby. (I didnt.....I liked....England..cuz, of Cadbury Chocolate... got it ?)

But,after his other buddies were detained for been part of the insurgency pops got off cuz, his friends in the SLFP ruling party saved his butt.But, one evening all those commie banners & books vanished to my disapointment !!! I used to play with 'em. Mom said dad left at 2am to the Kirulapona River and dumped the whole lot of 'em. Uncle Mohideen was released later(he was trampled to death near the Kaaba in Mecca during his Haj pilgrimage & body buried in the desert) but, over 10,000 youth died that year. Some of the them the College educated, so we lost some of Sri Lanka's brightest that summer in 1970. Our former neighbours son 'n wife were arrested.The army linedup the son, a UOC grad. (Uni of Colombo) & others shot 'em all, but, this guy pretended to be shot and fell (played possum, know what I mean baba) till darkness fell. Ran into the jungle survived then come home unscathed. WOW ! His wife later used to tutor us at home.

Today, all those stories turned out to be true.Pops gave up politics and then the LTTE started where the JVP left off which I kinda sucks because, Colombo was such a fun place then, but now it's gone South.

Laters....'gators !

PS: Funny thing happened at the Katunayake Air Port during the Insurgency in 71'folks ! Govt. kicked out the North Korean diplomatic staff.And, who was seen them off at the airport ?......The Chinese Ambassodor and staff. No go figure that one out !

Surfer Bob !!!!!!!!

2008-07-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

My main man "Surfer Bob" Mckee from San Deigo was a legend in Laie among the coeds at BYU Hawaii during the late 80's & early 90's.Everyting abt. my main man wuz classic even his car the infamous "Ducktapper" which girls at byuh wuz a must do ! But, it was his character that knocked me flat folks....just one of those denizens the good lord put on this planet so we can have a moment to joy & laughter.

He forte wuz....could name all the surfspots in the North Shore in on sentance man ! How cool iz dat huh ? But, it was also, his signiture pharase such as "Phehr" or "hohooo". Only he could get it right ! All the girls loved so much that they would tell their visiting parents abt. it ! He got heart broken by this one cutey from Cali or was he hurt babe !

He graduated from college, during which he worked as a Custodian at the Basketball Stadium.But, it was at the Basketball games that all the guys noticed him. Cuz, he brought this doll, a stuffed refree with a vecro attached heard ! Whenever he didnt like a call he contort his face, then pull the head off ! Boy did the guys love it ! Girls always flocke to him during the games just for that ! Wow !

He had a fuse.... if ya lit it man..... his eyes got wide and right hand courled ! It was hilarious fellas ! ya had to see it ! But, he was good hearted and simple.But, dont pick an arguement with him forget it baby ! But, the darn car of his the infamous duck taper took the cake. It wuz a old Mazda and every end had to be held by duck tape all over the darn thing man ! The windshield wippers , well, a nylon string held the 2 blades, so when ever it rained he grabbed the string...yanking the wippers till things cleared. And all this time shouting "hohoooh" or "phehr".

I used to have him over for lunch on sundays with my girl friend just for entertainment !

The I visited him in San Diego, where he worked as a process server, man he just would yell na dget sooo ticked off at everything and everyone.But, he asked me to pray for him as I went to the San Deigo Temple.Last time I saw may man.....he was visiting Laie with my buddy Matt Francis. Well, he hadnt changed but, even more serious now. But, heard married some lady with a few kids....now that's how ya settle down folks !

Know what I mean !!!!!! Aloha !

Glass Ball Craze in Hawaii

2008-07-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Well, unless ya never been to a beach in the Pacific or just plain blind one of the funnest pasttimes I discovered in 1997 in Laie Bay wuz, Japanese Fishing Glass Ball collecting along the beach shore in the early mornings !!!! Aaaah ! ya could go just plain crazy abt. I used to dream that there I wuz, in a beach all by myself with loads of Glass floaters all for my self baby ! But, that dream never came true fellas.... cuz, It wuz all hard work.....walking, walking then more walking...but, it wuz luck too ! If ya the first dog on the beach the Glass floater gods bless ya with the booty if not dream on you lazy lubbers !

These glass floaters were used yrs ago by Japenese,Taiwanese & Chinese in their fishing nets as they dragged trawling around the Pacific for ya know what ! So many of these nets go shipwrecked as I say and after the nylon or rope rotted or broke off floated around the Pacific ocean and after storms or currents or tide wash up in Hawaii by the basketsfull.I first saw one(97') on the beach on a beautifull sunday in Laie Bay spot called "jennagettahs"(named after late Oscar winning Hollywood starlet Janet Gaynor,who had a beach home right there & since da local couldnt pronounce her name say it all da time). I was with my hoale kids walking da bay, by sheer greed I ran abt. a good 100 feet and got it ! Wow, what a victory in broad daylight !!!

Then, every saturday & sunday morning 6am, I make my sprint to the beach (I lived with Bro.Swapp across from Kam Hwy) then walk past Hukilau the river mouth then cross into Goat Island, walk all the way around greedily but,with adventure, then walk toward Kahuku point.
Overtime I figured secrets of Glass ball floater hunting.......where there wuz a bay or other flotsom washup!!! That's wuz it ! And lo behold, there they were on cue ! The gods loved me.... I always knew that folks ! Then these floaters sprang a googgly on me......storms! On aloha morning after a storm... I got a real whacker of suprise glass balls galore... I mean da motherload fellas ! But, it even got better cuz, at Goat island I happen to look under the coral laieside ! Whoa...3 oneday and rockface facing north 3more ! Wow ! So... I became, da man ! As my collection of Glass Fishing Balls got larger, so did my reputation. All the kids thought I wus da man !

Then, one day all of a sudden..... I lost interest... just like that....it just got old, the challenge was over... the quest ran out of steam folks ! My last one, which turned out to be the largest I ever found, happened during my church camp at Hukilau abt 2000 ! After a stormy night I decided to make a last trek, one for the road to say. As I kept trugging towards Kahuku passing Goat Island, in the distance abt 200yars away, I see a black round object on the exposed reef ! Geez man, I almost ran cuz, from the opposite side 3 hunters are closing in ! So, we played cool ! Walking as if looking at the Maleakahana Beach homes to fake it ! But, they stopped to pickup an object which, as fate would have it ! I made a beeline towards the object as I focused it became larger and my heart started pounding all with ravishing greed. I could see... it was a rare gem.....a net enclosed Glass Ball the size of Soccer ball !!! 30 aloha feet from the shoreline on the reef....just waiting for me ! As I picked the prize.... I dont think any such feeling my whole life ! I did it darn it ! Well, what can I say people were just gaga over it and this kid tried to steal floater too ! But, it graced the entrance at former Swapp home till he passed away . I polished it every month.

But, as in life we move on and did I... too.... to swimming thru coral tunnels at Sharks cove,Three tables & Waimea(which I havent....too scared.. for cryng out loud..yeah you try it smartass) Well...breakfast sandwhich at Ted's Bakery and all the delights at Cholo's at Haleiwa ! Well, mummas.. it happens.

P.S: BTW... that last Big Glass ball I found....After Swapp died his oldest daughter snaked it from me man Geez ! Also, I lied..... I found my first one while a freshman at BYUH,at Clissolds beach, one glass ball the size of a grape fruit came ashore which I kept for abt 5yrs. till this rotten brat of a kid dropped the darn thing in my room and broke it ! So much for dat huh !

Well, ya beach bums Glass floaters are still there and let the hunt begin baby !!!!!!!!!!!!! Aloha !

Old Japanese Footruler Barber of Laie,Hawaii.

2008-07-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

If ya were a student at BYU Hawaii in the early 80's specially a foreign student,with low cash flow that wuz the place to get a hair cut if ya went to BYUH !!! Cuz, it only cost $1 !!!!!!! One good 'ol George Washington baby. I first heard abt. this old Sweet Japanese grandma barber from my Kiwi mate from New Zealand, who said it's a must do !!

So, I armed with my 1 buck entered her shop which by all standards would not fit 4 big Samoan sole's. (know what I mean son) There were abt. 3 customers waiting inside & when it was my turn. Grandma Barber had to step on a wooden block (5 inch buggah) !!! Cuz, since I wuz 6'1 baby tall huh ! But, no shampoo (it cost more $...which I no have cuz). I do remember she saying if I shampoo.. which did that morning(I think sole). It took no more than 10 minutes for her to shag "my do"! I liked it... a lot and so proud of it tooooo ! Which I told everyone of my buddies at BYUH ! Since, it wuz a right of passage for all foreign sole's like me.But, no girls baby.... only for the fellas and Kiddies !

But, what got everyones fancy wuznt the $1 or the Grandma or the wooden block.....but, fellas it's the 1 foot ruler ! Grandma used a one foot ruler to measure HOW much ya wanted cut from your "do" or 'fro or birdsnest or hair dammit. She would ask me "How much one ? inch or more " in her raspy voice.I loved it man... I still remember it too since... I no more hair now ! I one baldy (a beautifull one) But, that ruler was hilarious and iconic. What creativity in people.Her papery worn hands and those piercing eyes that had the look of someone trying of keep life in their own way.......livable.Her jeans and gray hair told of someone we loved,cared abt. for her own sweetness !!!! Mahalo Nui lady !

But, sadly, after returning from my mission to Anaheim Cali, I heard Grandma Barber relocated to Kahuku behind the store in a home due to Zion's change of rental plans.But, what a hoot fellas ! One for the ages...... The footruler Grandama Barber of Laie ! Yubba Dubber Dooooo !

The Kadale Vendor at Ananda College,Colombo,Sri lanka Circa 1977

2008-07-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Kadala vendors are a hallmark of Sri Lankan capital Colombo. Specially around high schools,for my parents, it was tabboo due to hygiene issues. But, what the heck my high school buddies didnt give a ratass... why... were hungry before school got out at 1pm. So, we had our favorite the unkept Kadala vendor outside the left gates of Ananda College. While waiting for my bus Narahenpita 103 I believe. I stand by his rickerty cart and watch my man spice up his simple fliar baby. In Sri Lanka 70's, it only cost abt 5cents. Saron clad Tamil dude was a good man, always kept an eye out for new students commuting for the first time.

But, one day I got busted big time fellas. I had 1 ruphee, which I used after school to buy Kadale with shredded coconut garnish. Man, this iz garbanzo beans baby steamed with a little spice or whatever he called the conctoction ! But, hello, we never gott sick darn it ! So, that one fatefull afternoon outside Ananda College, I got busted by my dad buying Kadale man, how the heck did I know It wuz tobboo....not to me or my buds Tikka,Dushan,Bumsy,Kishan,Damith,Rajeeva or Dilantha. We loved it and made fun of my man muttu I think his name wuz.But, there it wuz Busted baby...caught red handed by my late Pops ! Crap, what the dickens wuz he doing there in the first place.

I got home and got railled on that whole darn evening by M & P ! Know what I mean. For eating garbonzo beans from a Kadale vendor outside my high school !!! Go figure ! But, I would see this poor vendor plying his trade outside CR & FC Rugby Club ( My Fav Rugby team) and Galle Face Green on Sundays. He recognised me everytime ! To my parents frown..." You know that Unkept,unshaven,barefooted & red toothed (from chewing Lankas finest tobbacco) bugger ?

Of Course.....he was the only form of entertainment for us high schoolers at that time of our lives !!! But, sadly, I still remember vividly the last time I saw my man "Muttu". I say abt. 82' as I, while working for Cornel, went to Aitken Spence Air Cargo office, he wuz pushing the same cart along the busy road I bet he was going to St. Joe's College to sell to the Students coming out of school.I was in College in the America when the Sad & unfortunate riots of July 83' broke out in Colombo. I instantly thought about my Ananda College Kadale vendor !! Did he survive ? Cuz, we all knew he wuz Tamil, But not that we give a ratsass abt. that.. as Teenegers we were very fond of him man ! But, a long ago memory of a icon in our young lives in a land....that over 120,ooo have lost there lives due to ignorance and shortsightedness. May he rest in Peace !