It's been a good near two and a half year run for the Wassap Wit Dat! blog.

Yeah, that long. And for those who've been with WWD! since the beginning...... wassamattah you?    

It's grown - and helped me grow - in so many ways I cannot express in words. Yeah, I'm speechless..... ok ok, you got me. Wen am I evah speechless?

But I am awestruck.

The countdown is on to the end of my employment at The Honolulu Advertiser and its newspaper, website and blogs as well (see zzzzzz? I still can learn.     Mahalo for da link regarding "it's/its" - duh). It's just a few days away but I am respectfully bowing out now so that Kwonics, Lanceformers and Lurkahs alike can have a last chance to view the final WWD! blog entry before it goes black.... since not everyone reads everyday.    

I have to admit, if you haven't noticed, writing (in english) is most definitely not my strong suit (hold your tongue zzzzzz     ) hence Pidgin (which my friends would say is my native language). Truth be told (hopefully none of my players are reading this blog entry) I almost didn't graduate high school because of one course - English.

It was my senior year in high school and of course the "cruise" year. Well, actually every year was my cruise year and if I remember correctly, my senior year I had two teacher aid courses (ended up being three), band, math and english. *I'm pleading the fifth on how I managed more surf sessions than class sessions my entire four years in high school*

About a month before graduation, my english teacher (name withheld so not to get her in trouble) notified me that I didn't turn in enough assignments and I wouldn't be graduating unless I take summer school.

Not graduate? Not walk with my class? Waaaaat? Wassap Wit Dat!

Well, I knew exactly what was up with that. I F*&%#@ up big time and had no one to blame but myself. My mom would have a heartattack, my dad would have literally killed me (no joke) and I would have disgraced my familybeyond recognition that I'd have to commit seppuku just to save some kind of face.

After a very very very long talk with my english teacher - which included begging and pleading - she finally allowed me to turn in EVERY single assignment but at half the grade. I busted okole for the next couple of weeks and found out a few days before graduation that I earned a C- for the class.

Huh?

Turns out most of my assignments were 'A' work but since it was only worth half, I got 'C's.

I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders and thanked her profusely for giving me a chance, an opportunity, to prove myself and that she didn't waste her time on a "punk".

Once I began my career in accounting and eventually landing a job at The Honolulu Advertiser, I had made a comment (my WWD! observation skills and my big mouth on full tilt) regarding the Island Life section - as well as the blogs - not having a male voice as most, if not all at the time, were females. 

Jokingly, I mention it to a good friend - the then administrative assitant and former Island Tails blogger Leslie Kawamoto - who suggested I let Mark Platte - former VP newsroom editor - know about it putting me on the spot right then and there.

Long story short, so began Wassap Wit Dat!. Even though this was just a blog - nowhere near any newsworthy type of material - Mr.Platte gave me a "chance". As those of you who've stuck with WWD! since the beginning know that I try and seize every moment (opportunity) I can.

Writing for The Honolulu Advertiser - even though it wasn't "real" writing - was/is a honor I didn't take lightly. It took me a pretty long time to "let loose" and 'Pidgin' isn't something that was "appropriate" for mainstream media.

It (Pidgin) initially only came out in my repsonses to posters but as the readership grew, more and more had commented that this blog was "different". I especially liked the fact that our transplants - to as well as from Hawaii - wanted to hear more because they missed the "sound" of it. *If you ever been to one of the Triad pah-tay's you'd know it be full on blown out when we'd talk.*

Now there's pretty much a guarantee that any WWD! blog entry has shmall kine Pidgin in there somewhere. Sometimes no can understand and you all know what I say to those who complain....... No read then!    

Now it's a graduation of sorts. A fitting end being that it's graduation season here in the 808 and where it all "began". There are goodbyes to be said, "virtual" hugs to be shared and on to bigger and better things right?

If there is one thing graduation exemplifies -  besides a sense of accomplishment - it's a sense of gratitude.

From every inch of my heart and soul, Mahalos for all da good, da bad, da ugly, da put downs, da jokes, da laughter, da ragging and da memories but most of all, Mahalos for "believing" and supporting Wassap Wit Dat!. There is no way WWD! would have continued without YOU.

So hea's a shout out to each and everyone of you...... literally.

• eMH - very 1st poster 1/15/08 9:30pm
• jojo
• Marc
• jusamee - 1/16/08
• MoOgooGuypAN - 1/16/08
• tanataran808
• Scott
• the wife (later changed to Da Wife)
• kefster
• J.P.K - 1/18/08
• Chicken Grease - 1/22/08 originator of term "Lanceformers"
• Cat (OMG she read MY blog!)    
• 9th Island Girl  - 1/16/08
• Yoshi
• hemajang - 1/17/08
• PrincessPixie
• domino diva
• Kimekomi - 1/22/08
• hollyGL
• Don
• NevaUMind
• tinytim
• Opso - member 1/18/08 originator of term "Kwonics"
• ohora
• Bill
• adt
• iwonderwhytheyhateme
• gotpoi
• stacyj
• ResponsibleMemberOfSociety
• kpkp
• Dave C
• Coconut Willy - 1/21/08
• warriorfan
• Paula
• cheerbrat
• Largo - ; )
• Beara
• no can believe
• LRob - 1/23/08
• cataluna fan
• RNtobe
• Duck soup
• jusbrowsin
• shouldbeworking
• ga bows - 1/25/08
• chicago
• lib
• DaBomb
• Jane
• Duck soup
• jb
• wafan
• Mokihana
• AC
• Yvette
• Nate
• nukem
• ekylo
• panda-hugger
• Wen
• Makiki - 1/29/08
• Sister-In-Law
• not-a-lurker
• BananaFish - 1/29/08
• hawaiiflower
• CDaMan
• tt
• eDave
• homey
• Ninja Assassin
• hukilau
• kako mochi
• Randy
• TChahng
• Kekoa
• IPO
• Jason
• The Clown
• Dr Grace
• Ni
• chawan_cut
• Mie
• anon
• Juan E
• not so tall soy latte
• lakesidegt
• kikaida
• charles
• Lava 2 Eat
• Susan
• HereToHelp
• Ethan,Micah and Asher
• Super Chang
• 808bk
• Rugby 101
• Bill
• Paula
• Robin
• MainlandIslandBoy
• Papa Bear
• Wannie
• De
• King Katonk - 2/29/08
• Y3
• munch - 2/29/08
• snow - 3/3/08
• I Chang Therefore I Am
• E.Coli Sandwich
• PinkPlumeria
• sgoose
• LocoMoco
• Kekoa
• roach - 3/10/08
• Da Tin Man
• 1nutbugga
• franksabunch
• Rusted2much
• No Mind
• Dave Matthews
• TT
• Mr Lurker
• Da Kine
• amyama
• willie
• Warrior Dave
• Jen
• Poi Dog
• kefster
• rn2b
• Long Time UH Fan
• bakopi5
• Kakaako Blogger
• FormerBG
• rusted
• Jason
• acuradriver02 - 3/25/08
• Da Kin
• TChahng
• First
• hi hi
• Lurker
• dachad
• 9th Island Cuz
• J
• : )
• Goose
• De
• Rodney
• yuenhernandez
• Dave
• dakinelidat
• cyjai
• EMM386 - 3/31/08
• test
• Bumbai
• Professional Dispatcher
• islandgirl in nc - 4/2/08
• book2 - 4/2/08
• spankthemonkey
• goodbeer
• Cin
• G.Kwon
• enzo
• Wild Willie
• LJ
• Adam
• me
• iEATpoke
• Jorge
• franksabunch
• Honolulu Haole
• Michel - 4/16/08
• KAN - 4/16/08
• guest
• Speed
• Ynaku - 4/17/08
• crappy bowler
• kapalikuokalani
• Speaking of License Plates
• repeat
• M - 4/21/08
• Q
• greymomma
• C.W.
• jiggyboo
• conspiranoia
• Ukuhead
• Alohabound
• 1dble
• power-c
• Dirtball
• b-relaxed
• GumbysHorse
• CJS1
• just an opinion
• happy go lurker
• kaiyo
• Stuck in the Mind for Life
• ensei
• Angry Bovine
• Ed
• jpeace
• pupulegurl
• suka
• HiFlyer
• mclovin
• raja
• JT
• Lolo Kine Big Head
• joeydacat
• warren
• Local Dad
• blueballs coach ha
• kauaigirl
• TwoFish - 5/10/08
• Ninjya Girl
• 4TUN8
• mjstc
• Chiemi
• enzo
• Alkatraz
• Shauna
• joeydacat
• peeweeSherman
• hawaiian gurl
• hilo kine
• wicked
• MG
• theidquiz
• momona
• A.B.
• You'll love this contribution
• ES101
• scott - 5/20/98
• SLDP
• frankie
• HOP 2008
• Ocean Lover - 5/21/08
• darealBBcoach
• BarbieQ!
• Braddah C
• ex hilo boy
• 10pinmisser
• KPD
• Mrs.R
• Jackey Too Old
• trippook
• Ducks808
• Hnl2Las - 6/4/08
• 12117
• radjahdat
• Supposed Lurker
• tony
• thehaolecousinsboyfriend
• Lose Money
• Wes
• HauulaPoi54
• Glenn
• NKHEA - 6/19/08
• livestrong
• Missy
• issunboshi
• L8-10
• Cindy
• KalopaMom
• What The Pluck
• anklebiters
• MMM
• Kim
• L
• lj
• aja717
• sassy7 - 7/3/08
• honda si boy
• Tankobu
• Reido
• Amanda
• dubgee
• smurf84
• lesliek
• dj
• blt sandwich
• decrepit
• T dawg
• Robbie
• kris
• CaptainblUbAll
• Yikes
• incognito
• pink lady
• from big island
• Aunty Paula
• AlexM
• Hitman24
• wwdfan
• x3x
• Lurka
• YobOtob
• Stephen Tsai
• ksdfokdkwk
• JindoMaster808
• zzzzzz - 7/23/08
• Colleen Patterson
• MMM
• N's Mommy
• logan
• tman
• logic1201
• kuuipo
• gmanoa - 7/28/08
• daBomb
• MaYoROana808
• L10pc
• motocross mom
• rahrah
• peachypeach
• Kelli
• Uncle Jimmy - 08/08/08
• Zoom220
• leerahrahrah
• B - 8/11/08
• hanapaa - 8/11/08
• fdog
• MadiMacMele
• al
• masas808
• Daniel
• calwillnol
• RK
• NEO - 8/21/08
• 808Dad - 8/22/08
• D - 9/4/08
• b-dizzle fo' shizzle
• Masako - 9/4/08
• shoyu burner - 9/4/08
• Syxx
• Caryn
• tksv
• ZX6R - 9/6/08
• sparkyhasselhoff
• moose
• Bre - 9/17/08
• BC
• skycastles
• da hoover
• uglyvalentine
• Jet
• troy
• govgirl
• ducky
• doofus
• lovelyhanalei
• jim mendonza
• what
• AquaDan
• Braddah Lance's Teachah
• follow the money
• J-Dog
• bamboohouse808
• Like
• Wahtdahaps
• Owek
• Wes
• leerz
• Fire Reggie
• ratmin
• Eugene
• Pikake
• rayboyjr - 10/24/08
• susie
• Pu'ka
• Lulu
• buddahbelly
• Cuz'n Makawao
• Troy
• c
• Andi
• Shizah
• 2B
• Jay Higa
• Lurkah girl
• Rod's Big Bro
• mrthreem
• IKHEA
• Kathy Goo
• HRHKhunPamela
• Synaps
• Dee
• tita leerz
• jaydee - 12/23/08
• TEN
• teejay
• oh man...
• Kat
• bB
• NKHEA - 1st poster of 2009
• mahina59
• Alex
• mapuana
• The BC
• j-roc
• FLOJO
• HRH Pami
• robert
• J.P.
• anada1
• Brother Love
• NEENZ
• onenutbugga
• alidoki
• Dani
• Lance DuBosky
• yoshiyoshi
• Khun Pamela
• Rosette - 2/13/09
• kate - 2/13/09
• Sook
• JPW
• Melissa
• Zpizza girl
• Hitman 24
• mutadah
• kauinoa4lyph
• sansei
• HiloBoy
• uhsa2
• BuBu
• Lulu
• Carol Takahashi
• kaimana808
• Kristen
• Voice of the Haole
• Ack Patrol
• uji
• dokidoki
• che - 3/24/09
• Crystal Padron
• theDman
• bubbles
• ottotman
• Kage
• Mr. Coors
• patricia kaniho
• Kalikiano Kalei
• getITon
• Center Of Thought
• D.
• Glenn Miyashiro
• Bookworm
• LALeilani
• TTT
• Kraze Apparel
• World Wide Ed
• kuya.d
• Keith
• matt - 5/18/09
• 9th Island Cuz
• UH Baseball Fan
• Sachi
• jtbrogan
• mypassionbucketisfull
• Tacoma
• volleymom2 - 6/3/09
• Lurker
• Tahoe-gal
• Mike Brawn
• kaiolohiakid
• ManekiNekko
• t-roy - 7/7/09
• David In Oregon - 7/8/09
• Kelsey
• midori-mm - 7/13/09
• onecupcoffee - 7/13/09
• Sittinginlimbo - 7/20/09
• Hawaii.kiwi
• Maxcat
• C Chan
• carokun
• houcndat
• GTS
• COhiba
• Lori
• islandcrafters
• nanigurl
• NaPueo
• New Blogger
• Jun Tao
• chicorex
• MGI
• Hawaiian Superman
• John Garcia
• That Lurkah
• Chocaholic
• hawaiiobsessed - 9/13/09
• jtb
• JENN
• greenbananas
• missb84
• britt84
• BReal
• DT
• KU808HAWAIIAN
• J.HA
• SoftwareDude
• doug wheeler
• Tom AKA Systom
• crazy deb
• Just visiting
• jhmcn
• dougtat2
• ducksinthewind
• ted
• sally - 11/13/09
• ylea
• Vern
• Seattle Gail
• hi2wa
• Gene
• OMFG
• aokami
• Alohikea
• aj
• Hawaiianbod
• sally - 1st poster of 2010
• kingmushroom
• Michael
• Koreankanak - 1/12/10
• Brian
• meangene
• m@x
• Alex
• Mash
• Jack
• strobie
• Jufi
• just me
• dihudfan
• Seawalker
• Echidna
• jayz
• Zatoichi
• omilu
• (Jesse) James
• jamrus36
• Keoni
• Menosabe
• tv
• cstrobel
• Madeleine
• K-POI
• Jay
• losthawaiian
• 9Ball
• 91boz
• 4G
• 420
• Ekela
• old dude
• Ozzie
• sir
• Rich Figel
• ec
• R-Dizzle
• You Da Man
• scott mullen
• ted
• 1B
• CCHAN
• Where's da aloha?
• halekipa
• Bruce
• HP
• Creative
• Alan Spelder - 6/1/10
  Very last "Lanceformer"

WHEW!

Now that was a handful huh? Now you wonder why this post took so long? Cause I had to go through EVERY SINGLE BLOG then go through EVERY SINGLE COMMENT (20,000 of 'em) and if I missed you, my sincere apologies but then again if I missed you then you nevah post enough!    

For some, we've become "virtual" friends and for others I've had the pleasure to meet in real life, we've become "real" friends but in any case, friendships are something I treasure and don't take lightly.

We may see each other again, we may not. We may keep in touch for the time being or we may drift away....... but there will always be Wassap Wit Dat! somewhere in your heart (at da least longing for my kim chee).

So the next you find yourself using OUR catch phrase, chill-lax and smile. You helped make WWD! one of the most successful blogs at The Honolulu Advertsier and for that..... we all should be proud.

From me to Da WWD! Hui (listen to the words)............

 

Mahalos and Aloooooooooha!

Shoots!
k-den,

Braddah Lance

 

p.s. If you need any silkscreen or embroidery work done, I'll be set up and ready to go in a few months. Trust me, I'll hook you up if you mention WWD!.       

For those who want to email or stay in touch, email wassapwitdat@gmail.com or check into the WWD! Facebook page by clicking below.

 

Check back tomorrow...... GUARANTEE!!!

But in the mean time, did you check out WWD!'s tribute to the USS Missouri?

Click here to see the post!

 

On an early gloomy and rainy Sunday morning, I made my way down to the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor although that wasn't my intended destination.

As I was driving there, images of what "it was like" started stirring up in my coconut shell and there was no way in the world that I would have been able to come close in imagining how it would have been with bombs, explosions and sun scorching infernos blasting on that day, December 7, 1941.

Movies and pictorials was all I had to fall back on trying to envision that disastrous day - but that wasn't enough. Walking on the hallowed grounds, standing above the memorials and taking a moment - several moments - to reflect, respect and remember what happened nearly 70 years ago wouldn't fit into one day let alone a week.

NEO, a history major and a devoted Kwonic, was extremely gracious enough to stop by - on his day off nonetheless - and be our personal tour guide to one of the most iconic treasures in not only World War II history but in the world itself, the great USS Missouri or more commonly known, the Mighty Mo'.

A very educated history buff with information, facts and stories up the wazoo, it's amazing his head didn't explode from the wealth of knowledge stored up in his noggin'... and he didn't hold back. I was extremely impressed with his thoroughness and passion for not only the Mighty Mo' but for history itself.

As we toured the great ship, NEO painted a vivid picture of how it was like being on board. Simplistic things we take so granted in this automated electronic day was literally "man-handled" back then but with amazing precision and efficiency. Pictures will never do it justice as it is a monument that needs to visited and experienced first hand.

In tribute to all our service men and women (past, present and future) this Memorial Day, follow along as WWD! humbly honors one of the United States greatest treasure resting where it all began in our waters at Pearl Harbor,

E Komo Mai Mighty Mo'! 

 

Two amazing sights... Battleship USS Missouri and the Arizona Memorial

 

The newly renovated - and still renovating - Pearl Harbor Historic Sites is at the very least, very renovated. It has a very modern and ecological redesign as well as making sure not to lose the ambiance of the historic site.

 

The only way to the USS Missouri is by shuttle for civilians as it's docked on Ford Island

 

All 50 state flags line part of the dock in the order of joining the union

  

Some of the massive fire power on board the Mighty Mo'

 

Artillery shells - empty of course - come 6ft tall

 

Hard to see but that little speck in the middle is a boat that will gun you down if you dare enter Pearl Harbor without permission. They even keep an eye out on the Mighty Mo' visitors for any suspicious activity.

 

Under the massive guns the Mighty Mo' is known for and they are hugemangeous! A total of nine 16-inch guns, each equipped with a 65-foot-long, 116-ton barrel that could fire a 2,700-pound shell 23 miles in 50 seconds with pinpoint accuracy - basically from Pearl Harbor to Haleiwa as NEO says.

 

The number signifies how many rounds have been fired from this specific turrent and the map shows the location of hits

 

A very interesting story about the dent made along the railing. Check it out by clicking here.
 

The model is hard to see through the reflection but under each turrent is four levels of mad efficiency. Back in the day, the sailors assigned to the turrent could load all three turrents in less than 30 seconds. Today? In under 15.

 

Tactical command central
 

The view for the tomahawk missles

 

Looks pretty old school huh?
 

Classic

 
 

Future Captain and XO?
 

The view from the upper deck

 

Check out the maze of wiring

 

I didn't chance it
 

The navigation bridge seemed pretty "plain" considering the firepower that was below it

 

  Do you "see" anything?
 

Notice the bubble level? If the bubble passes "60" on either end, the boat capsizes - not a good thing when you're at sea.
 

 

I'm guessing this was installed after the war
 

Captain's cabin
 

Damage control
 

Damage control crew
 

Pretty tight quarters
 

The view back then at the time of surrender

 

The view today

 

  

There are two instruments of surrender signed - one for the Allies and one for Japan. On the Japan copy, Col. Lawrence Moore Cosgrave from Canada signed his name on the wrong line and thereafter everyone else had to cross out their own name and resign on the succeeding line thereafter.    
 

Chicken skin speech
 

It is and will always be an eerie site of the USS Arizona still leaking oil

 
 

The Mighty Mo'
Check out the website by clicking here, http://www.ussmissouri.com/

 

For those planning on visiting Pearl Harbor - a word of advice. Don't try to do both the Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri on the same day unless you have a super sized stamina tank. Even though they are virtually near each other - besides becoming exhausted walking all over - you really do a disservice by "rushing" through.

There are two other attractions to visit (with paying admission) while you're there, the USS Bowfin (attack submarine) and the Pacific Aerospace Museum.

 

Muchos Mahalos again to NEO for coming down on your day off and sharing your mana'o, mo'olelo's and your passion for such an iconic piece of history.  

 

We soon may not remember..... but let's never forget.

 

 God speed to all the service men and women of all of our armed forces.

 

 

 

Hint hint........ Stay tuned for June 1st's blog entry

Hint hint........ Stay tuned for June 1st's blog entry

Hint hint........ Stay tuned for June 1st's blog entry

Did I mention to stay tuned for the June 1st blog entry?  

 

FOR MORE PICS OF THE MIGHTY MO', CLICK HERE!

PLEASE stay tuned and check in

Friday May 28th

AND

Tuesday June 1st

 

     

 

We see people jump on da bandwagon all da time. Some just like be a part of something good and trying to go wit it and then there's da minute few dat kinda kills everything.

You know those people who appear to be part of da "show" but really about something else.

April 15th is not only about taxes being due but it's also a group from da "Tea Party" demonstrating their 1st Amendment right at da State Capitol showing their displeasure of taxes.

Last time I checked da history books - or at least da parts dat I read - da Tea Party was about da insane taxes and it's exhorbant way of bleeding da money out of hard working fed up people.

Dat particular day it was pretty hectic at da Capitol and as I was driving by for some reason I only - fo' realz - ONLY saw TWO signs from da gazillion out there. Of course it was da beginning and end. Da first said,

"Husband unemployed. Reinstate all pay raises and (something else)" then da very last sign there was dis lolo waving a sign dat said "Deport Obama da Muslim".

Heh? Since wen was hiring a (your) husband and calling Obama a Muslim part of taxes or any direct relation to da Tea Party event? Get a life.

Just like the comments left about Obama's sister coming back home. It was never about her journey across da country, which da article clearly was about, but about how President Obama crippled the economy. How was Obama's sister coming back home have anything to do with da economy?

Or like the article about the how a former UH Warrior gets a walk-on try out for a NFL team and people start blasting Coach Mac. People, get wit da program!

Don't even get me started on da breaking news section of our web page? All of a sudden people are criticizing that there are no pictures from a lava at Kalapana..... uh, it's breaking news.... it ain't a "live show" wea camera crews are set up waiting for things to happen.

Wassap Wit ALL of Dat!

I for one am not against opposition or debate..... wen it pertains to da subject at hand but wen it goes totally off on a different tangent, WWD!. I can also see how if bringing up da past to help support a point to da subject mattah is relavant but like da crackah at the Capitol calling Barack Obama a Muslim needing to be deported is just straight up ludicras.

We all do it from time to time and even on dis blog but wat I like about it is dat at da least whoevah goes off says so but gets back on topic. Surah, WWD! is a place to let loose but for da most part Da Hui respects wat we talking about and dat's cool.

So for today, if you gotta let loose (no, not a fut), feel free to do so. Rant, rave, praise, vent..... watevah. No scade 'em go get 'em.

 

SHOUT OUT:      Late notice but there is a pah-tay tonight at our trusted place, Fort Street Bar & Grill at da Topa Towers (across da street) from Aloha Towers starting at 6pm.

It's an Aloha Oe of sorts because, sadly, Fort Street B&G will be closing it's doors later this week and of course dis is/will probably be da last of da Triad Pah-tays as The Honolulu Advertiser dissolves into history.

I know it's a week night for you MLC'ers but if you can make it, you'll meet some of da oddah bloggers as well as posters too. I'll be honest and say I'm going to try my best to be there but I'll still be at baseball practice and got a couple of things to do right aftah so if I get a chance to head down there, it'll be later.... but if you been to a Triad Pah-tay it usually pau late anyways.

And yeah, Lurkahs can come too.