GOING FOR GOLD

U.S. men's hockey team does it again

A day short of the 30th anniversary of the “;Miracle on Ice”;—in which the U.S. men's hockey team beat the Soviet Union in the Lake Placid Olympics—the U.S. men did it again. A big upset over Canada Sunday has propelled America into tomorrow's quarterfinals. With the U.S. atop the medals board with 24, there's been much to cheer. Snowboarder Shaun White, skiers Bode Miller, Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso, and speedskaters Shani Davis and Apolo Ohno have all added excitement. Ohno, an occasional Hawaii visitor, has become the most-decorated U.S. Winter Olympian ever, with seven medals in assorted gold, silver and bronze.

DON'T DELAY

Tax scofflaw or just forgetful?

Homeowners, if you haven't paid your second installment of Oahu's real property taxes for 2009-2010, you are now delinquent. Yesterday was the deadline—and the city reminds property owners that non-receipt of the tax bill does not exempt one from payment, nor does it excuse one from being assessed a late penalty fee, plus interest. But, better late than never: For information, call 768-3980 or go to http://www.honolulupropertytax.com.

BREAKING RANKS

Kennedy's successor sets out on independent path

Scott Brown is no fool. The U.S. Senate's newest member is breaking ranks with fellow Republicans to support a Democratic jobs bill. Brown, elected last month in Massachusetts to fill the seat vacated by the death of liberal lion Edward Kennedy, says the bill is not perfect but he will support it for now. GOP pundits spun his election—which deprived Democrats of the 60 votes needed to end filibusters—as a repudiation of Barack Obama and everything the president represents.

But Brown clearly understands that voters catapulted him into office because they are disgusted by the state of the U.S. economy. They want jobs and they want them now. Blocking a bill that, imperfect as it may be, aims to get Americans back to work wouldn't have played well back home.