Aloha to Weekly Winners, Roger Moore, and James Bond

We have winners at SOS Aloha - Library Pat and Carol L. win a book choice from my convention stash!

I wasn't sure what I would feature today ... until I read the news about Roger Moore's passing at age 89.  He was my first Bond. James Bond.

As a teen, I enjoyed my first Bond movie, THE SPY WHO LOVED ME. At the time, I was intrigued by everything Egypt - my interest was fed by King Tut's world tour of his glorious artifacts. While the movie poster promises Egypt's antiquities, the opening scene takes us to Switzerland and the spectacular parachute jump with the Union Jack.  A few notes on the piano leads to Carly Simon singing ...  

Nobody does it better
Makes me feel sad for the rest
Nobody does it half as good as you
Baby, you're the best.

Roger Moore took Bond in a different direction than his predecessor, Sean Connery.  Moore's Bond was tongue in cheek with spy gadgets, karate chops, and his signature drink - Martini, shaken not stirred.  Moore starred in seven Bond movies - the most of all the Bond actors.  THE SPY WHO LOVED ME remains my favorite with FOR YOUR EYES ONLY as a close second.  What's not to love about the Greek ruins, a take control heroine, and sky high monastery?

Aghia Triatha, Meteora, Greece

After he gave up the Bond role, Moore became a UN Goodwill Ambassador at nudging of his Swiss neighbor, Audrey Hepburn.  Even in his passing, Roger Moore will always be remembered for his twinkling eyes and inviting smile.

I am giving away a book choice from my book stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Roger Moore - did you enjoy him in other roles?  Do you have a favorite Bond movie, location, or song?

2.Comments are open through Sunday, May 28, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, May 29.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Barbara Bach as Russian Agent Triple X

with Bond in the Karnak Temple

Luxor, Egypt

Aloha to Hawaii Five O Season 7 - Bromance, Tango, and Bond

Back in July, the cast and crew of HAWAII FIVE O participated in a Hawaiian blessing to kick off production for Season Seven.  The above picture was published by the Honolulu Star Advertiser (link). Two months later, fans welcomed the new season with Makaukau 'oe e Pa'ani? - Ready to Play?  My friend NL Gassert (link) and I played yeah or nay with the episode (she was my travel buddy when I lived in Hawaii):

Yeah to the wheel chair races between Steve and Danno as they recover from liver surgery (Danno gave Steve half of his liver at the end of last season ... something that will be a recurring joke between them for the rest of their lives).   

Nay to Steve meeting "Jack" in the hospital chapel.  "Jack" was a CGI creation superimposed on an actor who resembled the original Steve McGarrett - Jack Lord. The producers intended for the two "Steves" to meet ... but I thought it was creepy. 

Yeah to return of the bromance and carguments between Steve and Danno.  This is why I watch the series ... along with the scenery, of course!

Nay to the serial killer. I wasn't drawn into the plot.

Yeah to the new governor being an Asian wahine (woman) - a closer representation of the Hawaiian ohana (families) than previous governors.

Last week's episode was aptly titled No Ke Ali'i Wahine A Me Ka Aina - For Queen and Country. Above is 'Ioloni Place - home of Hawaii's last queen and the fictional office of H50.

In the second episode, Harry - an rogue MI6 agent - lands in Honolulu and recruits the H50 team for his mission. Again, NL Gassert played Yeah or Nay.

Yeah to the references to James Bond. Jerry was delighted to play with the agent's gadgets.

Nay to the Tango that Kono danced with the bad guy to distract him. There was no passion.

Yeah to Kono's red dress during the Tango (I can't find an online image to share with you).

Nay to the action leaving Hawaii to follow the bad guy to Europe.

Yeah to the bromance in the air as Harry flies Steve and Danno to the Czech Republic. Danno teases Steve that Harry flies a jet (while Steve only flies a helicopter).  

Yeah to Steve reflecting upon his feelings for Catherine and acknowledging that they will never again be a couple.

Yeah to Steve and Danno accompanying Harry to place flowers on his wife's grave back in London (a flashback to the opening scene of Roger Moore in FOR YOUR EYES ONLY).  

And it would not be H50 if they did not jump the shark - Steve and Danno receive an award from the Queen!  

FYI, three of Hawaii's queens - Queen Emma, Queen Kapiolani, and Queen Lili'uokalani - enjoyed a warm friendship with Queen Victoria. Below are Queen Kapiolani and then Crown Princess Lili'uokalani at Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.  Picture courtesy of the Hawaii State Archives.

Although H50 has lost some of the spark, I still find it entertaining. And the scenery ... yes, the water is that blue!  I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about the new TV season - what are you watching?

2. Given the shipping costs, the giveaway is only open to US residents, but I welcome comments from all readers. 

3. Comments are open through Sunday, October 9, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 10.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

NL and Ivy near the Navy's Boneyard

in Pearl Harbor West Loch