i L i n d . n e t

A seal stopped by for a bit of rest on the beach in Kaaawa one morning earlier this week and we missed crossing paths by minutes! We heard about it the next day. This seal had symetrical scars on either side of its back in the middle of its body as if it had been speared or shot at some time in the past. At this point, though, Ms./Mr. Seal appeared healthy and happy. So now we have to be on the lookout for turtles, whales, and seals while we’re walking at dawn.

A national struggle that will go on for a generation. No, not the war on terror. It’s the long struggle that will be necessary to reverse the damage of the Bush economic policies, according to economist Joseph E. Stiglitz.

Here’s a tool worth bookmarking–WikiFOIA, “The wiki for helping people understand and use the Freedom of Information Act at the state and local level.”

From Hilo comes another case of a director of a nonprofit organization facing theft charges after allegedly dipping into the till, apparently for personal gain (you may have to register to view this Tribune-Herald story). With nonprofits being run more like businesses, it seems they are also increasingly vulnerable to insider crimes. Maybe being “businesslike” isn’t such a good idea after all.

Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Senator Dan Akaka teamed up for a Washington Times op-ed column last week in support of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act.

There is apparently enough hotel construction and renovation going on statewide that a travel agency is pitching its new database of such projects as an aid to visitors.

Among those visitors, according to AP, are a group of California legislators who are here in Hawaii at a “retreat” with lobbyists, as well as business and union leaders, to discuss various issues in a more relaxed atmosphere. I’ll have to go looking for more specifics.

This is one of the photos of Ms. Wally that’s included in today’s batch of Friday Felines. The light was just right yesterday morning and so I just had to run and grab the camera. One thing led to another and, well, at least the cat lovers among you will enjoy the result. Just click on Ms. Wally’s photo for your weekly dose.