You no doubt never heard of someone named Earl Finch.  Need to be of Japanese ethnicity living in Hawaii to have any interest in him.  I recall his reputation, and saw an  article yesterday in the local  Star-Advertiser  to recall this bit of memory. But first, I had a particular  joy of life ( you need to read my posting of yesterday )  last night.  For reasons that defy any sure explanation, I slept 11 straight hours without waking up even once.  The last time this happened, not sure, but certainly, maybe more than a third of a century ago, if ever.  My speculation is that my walking exercise program was the primary reason, (did three mile-long walks), plus a sense of mild euphoria about my present life. Also, too, no worries on my mind.  The only conflict is that there are three University of Hawaii sport teams playing in roughly the same frame, and a UFC fight involving the only local person of any noteworthiness: Don't miss ...

It's been a dismal week for the world.  Enough about wars and politics for today.  Ah, Friday, and I'll only report on the joy of life, more specifically, mine. Well, actually, the first topic is a sad one, with good memories.  One of the icons of American Pop,  Neil Sedaka, passed away .  He was a year older than me.  I recall his performing in Honolulu in 1976 ( watch this 27 minute video ) on New Year's Eve, and again 43 years later in 2019.   Wrote over 1000 songs , helping define the sounds of the 1960's with  Breaking Up is Hard to Do  and  Calendar Girl .  He successfully transitioned into a super star with  Laughter in the Rain , and saw songs like  Love Will Keep Us Together  covered  by others .  According to Google AI:  resilient, melodic and iconic.  Here is a  medley from 42 years ago .  Sedaka had a way for making you happy, which is the theme of today, I've traveled th...