|
Da Kine
Star-Bulletin Staff &
Wire services
|
Author to speak
Samuel Hideo Yamashita will introduce and speak about his new book, "Leaves from an Autumn of Emergencies: Selections from the Wartime Diaries of Ordinary Japanese," from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, 2454 S. Beretania St., fifth-floor Diamond Head Room.
Yamashita spent the past decade collecting 80 diaries documenting ordinary Japanese citizens' thoughts during World War II. The book features the contents of eight diaries, including those of a Navy kamikaze pilot, an army straggler on Okinawa, an elderly Kyoto businessman, a Tokyo housewife and schoolchildren evacuated to the countryside.
Admission to the talk is free. The book usually sells for $27.08 (including tax) but during the event will be available for $20 ($18 for JCCH members).
For more information, call 945-7633. A story on the author and book will appear in Sunday's Today section.
Be on HGTV!
The Home and Garden Network's hit series "That's Clever!" (formerly "Crafters Coast to Coast") will be making stops around the country, including Hawaii, to tape unique and funky artworks and the people who make them.
If you are an undiscovered artist working in 3-D, or crafter looking for five minutes of fame, send an e-mail to jchoi@wellergrossman.com to receive an application, or visit www.HGTV.com's "Be on HGTV" section.
If chosen, a crew will visit you in your home and profile you, your hometown and your craft.
CRIB NOTES
Prevent tree-light trauma
No more last-minute runs to the hardware store because you're a box shy of lights to dress the Christmas tree. And no, you can't get away with illuminating just the top half just because that's the only part the neighbors will see. You'll know and that's what counts. Home Depot actually has a formula for estimating the length of lights you'll need to set your entire tree aglow.
First, measure your tree's height and diameter at its widest. Round up to the next full foot if necessary. Then, multiply height by diameter, and multiply that number by three. The answer will reveal the number of feet you'll need, a feat that will amaze your friends.
To determine the length to wrap a porch, wrap a piece of string in the same manner you plan to use the lights. Remove and measure the string.
HOME & GARDEN
'Critters' on display
Entries to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden's 3-D Fogs and Garden Critters art contest will be on display tomorrow through Dec. 30. Garden hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For more information call 233-7323.
Christmas party
The Waialae-Kahala Outdoor Circle invites the public to join in holiday caroling and a gift exchange at its annual Christmas luncheon 11 a.m. on Dec. 15 at Oahu Country Club.
Attendees are encouraged to bring toiletries and other personal items for teens which will be donated to the Waikiki Health Center's Youth Outreach Program.
Suggested value of the present for the gift exchange is $10. Cost of the luncheon is $23. Reservations are required by Tuesday. Call 396-6123 for more information.
Bamboo crafting
Make beautiful yet practical items for your home and garden using only a band saw and power drill during Elko Evan's workshop on bamboo crafting.
The 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 class, to be held at the Green House, 224 Pakohana St. in Pauoa Valley, will also cover bamboo lashing techniques.
The cost is $10, or $5 for students and those 65 and older.
A class on constructing a gray-water and rain-barrel catchment system will also be offered at the same time by Jon Abott and Lawson Cannon.
Gray water refers to the reuse of water drained from baths, showers, washing machines and other water conservation applications. Gray water and rainwater are ideal for helping to reduce the use of treated tap water, which in turn helps the environment and lowers the monthly water bill.
The cost is $20, or $15 for students and those 65 and older.
To register, send e-mail to thehawaiigreenhouse@ verizon.net or call Betty Gearen at 524-8427.