Blue Hawaii


Everyone knows that for music, I'm a "Beatles" but for glam and persona, I'm all about "THE King". I proudly display the "king of time" clock in my office, (swinging hips and legs included) purchased one stifling, hot summer day in Memphis at Graceland with a former admirer that was sweet enough to purchase the "Takin Care of Business" full day package. I still get chills when I remember boarding the "Lisa Marie" and the feel of the teal and white leather chairs where the King reclined while in the air. Yes, those were the glory days.

One of my favorite "cookie cutter" movies from his days on film is "Blue Hawaii". He was so handsome as Chad Gates (no relation to Bill) returning home from the military to run his family's pineapple business. The military had changed Chad's heart and he would rather spend his time surfing and romping the beaches, singing and necking with Maile, his girl. His parents were devastated that he was no longer interested in running the family pineapple company.

Such it is these days. Just this week, Dole announced the closing of it's major pineapple factory in 2008. They state that sagging revenues and labor costs have made the decision imminent. Apparently it's cheaper for them to get their supply on the open market, which probably boils down to some Hispanic farmer in Mexico that has learned how to grow something that LOOKS like a pineapple. Hell, smother them in tequila and it all tastes the same!

In other words, the Polynesian Morman's have decided they'd rather surf, sing and practice their hula lessons instead of growing pineapples. What is the world coming to? Some things you come to expect in life. If you want oranges, you go to Florida. If you want peaches, you go to Georgia. If you want good herb, you go to Cheatham County. If you want a car up on blocks, you go to Mississippi. It's life's checks and balances. So yes, if you want pineapple, you go to Hawaii, do not pass go and collect your boat drink at the door!

Next thing you know, they'll announce there will be no more country music in Nashville........oh wait!