La Lima o Kalikimaka (Fifth Day of Christmas)

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, my Tutu gave to me ....

... Hawaii Five O!

Did you expect anything else?

Top Five Reasons to watch the show:

1.  Alex O'Laughlin as Navy Commander Steve McGarrett represents the military presence in the islands.  As part of the back story,  Steve's father also served in the Navy and his grandfather died aboard the USS Arizona.

The military significantly contributes to the Hawaiian economy while honoring its traditions.   Yesterday, we toured of Pearl Harbor, including the Submarine Piers.  We spotted a giant lei draped across a crow's nest.  It was an awesome sight!


history.navy.mil

2.  Scott Caan as Detective Dan "Danno" Williams represents the Haoles (white men) who moved to Hawaii.  In Danno's case, he relocated from New Jersey, "civilization", to follow his daughter (his ex-wife remarried and moved to Hawaii).   Danno is the perfect partner for Steve, insisting upon procedures to Steve's "clandestine" activities.  Plus Danno delivers excellent banter to create a budding "bromance" with Steve.

3.  Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly represents the Asian immigrants who contribute to Hawaii's scene.   Although Chin Ho is tainted by unsubstantiated allegations, he is dedicated to the Hawaii Five O mission.  He also understands the local culture.

4.  Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua is the surfing pro turned police rookie.  She defends her cousin, Chin Ho, while packing a mean punch in high heels (after an undercover sting).  Kono is the fresh face and idealistic hope for Hawaii's future.

5.  The local backdrop steals the scenes every time.  Diamond Head.  Waikiki Beach.  The North Shore.  The Koolau Mountains.   Pearl Harbor.

In honor of Hawaii Five O, I am giving away five books of hot heroes from an author I met in Hawaii last year - Cherry Adairr.  She attended the Readers' Luncheon hosted by Jane Porter at her beach side home.   Cherry's heroes would be welcomed as new members of Hawaii Five O's crime fighting team:

- Black Magic

- Hide and Seek

- In Too Deep

- Kiss and Tell

- The Bodyguard, an anthology with Gena Showalter and Lorrie O'Clare.

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about your favorite hot hero/heroine (can be from any book, TV show, or movie).    

2. For the duration of the "12 Days of Christmas", comments for all posts will be open through January 6.  I will randomly draw winners for each day's prize(s) on January 7. 

For Days 5 - 11, I will contact the winners and ask them to list their top three preferences from the books being offered as the giveaway.  I will assign books based on preferences received on a first come, first serve basis. 

Prizes will be mailed NLT January 10.

3. The "12 Days of Christmas" is only open to US residents. However, I will mail a special Hawaiian treat to any international reader who sends their mailing address to sos.america@yahoo.com.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Kim in Hawaii

Yesterday we also toured the National Park's Services new visitors' center for the USS Arizona Memorial.   I could list 1000 heroes from the interactive displays.  But one caught my eye - Army nurse Anna Urda Busby.   From The Pearl Harbor Memorial,

In 1939, Anna Busby joined the United States Army Nurse Corps. On December 71h, she had just finished breakfast when she heard a terrible noise. Running outside, she saw black smoke spiraling into the sky. She got word that the Japanese were bombing Pearl Harbor.

Anna put her uniform on and reported for duty at Tripler General Hospital. The corridors were overflowing with the wounded from Pearl Harbor. Anna tended to hundreds of patients that day. She got little rest and worked through the night. On that day, Anna was typical of the dedication of nurses and doctors throughout the island of Oahu.

Ms. Busby has written a book about her experiences in WWII entitled "Wherever You Need Me." The book is available through the memorial bookstore (which accept Internet orders).