WRITING

America Needs Obama to Bowl a Strike
Kitsap Sun
During the run-up to Pennsylvania's Democratic primary in April, the campaign carnival freak show was in full swing — babies were kissed, diners were patronized and, famously, bowling alleys were desecrated. It was during this critical apex of the hotly contested heavyweight bout with rival Hillary Clinton that then-candidate Barack Obama walked into an Altoona bowling alley, laced up a pair of bowling shoes, took off his jacket and proceeded to turn in one of the most pathetic performances in the history of bowling.

Presidential face-off: A comprehensive look at the candidates' positions
Kitsap Sun
Click to see my analysis of Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama's positions on various issues.

DUH RAIDUHHHHHZZ! — You Can Have ‘Em Kitsap Sun On Sunday, my Oakland Raiders were shut out by the Atlanta Falcons, 24-0, in the most pathetic offensive performance I've ever seen. And as a die-hard Raiders fan, I've seen many pathetic performances. Seventy-seven offensive yards. Fewer first downs than quarters played. A time of possession of 14:45 — at home. And, quite probably now, one fewer fan. Raiders Fans: Stand Up to the Tyranny of Al Kitsap Sun Since my announcement last week to forsake my beloved Oakland Raiders and auction off the right to choose my favorite NFL team, I have been called a "disgrace," "deadbeat sellout" and "sorry excuse of a 'so-called die-hard' fair-weather fan." Good-bye Raider Nation; Hello Broncos Kitsap Sun Desperate and exasperated, I recently offered an extreme response to what has become a commitment to mediocrity by my Oakland Raiders. And on the day I officially cut ties to the team I had fearlessly followed for 18 years, I finally figured out the real reason behind the team's chronic losing. It's just me, baby.

Former Retsil superintendent says he was forced to resign
Kitsap Sun
The former superintendent of Retsil, Richard Shreder, now says he was forced from his position when he resigned in March, despite a claim by the state Veterans Affairs director that Shreder left on his own accord.

Surfriders put faith in coach Johnson
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
If one of the most time-tested motivational tools is fear, Kailua coach Darren Johnson has a bright future as a motivational speaker.

To meat, or not to meat?
The Windward Oahu News
Somewhere, a cow is breathing a sigh of relief. As more Americans come to grips with the fact that one-third of their population is obese, the heaviest per capita country in the world is finally waking up in a cold sweat to the reality of its bingeful eating - and it's not because of heartburn. Add to that America's cultural obsession with thinness, and you get a group of people who are realizing that a steady diet of Big Macs and pizza is an efficient way to eat one's way into a grave. And yes, a lot of relieved cows.

Phanton swimmers to challenge UH
Honolulu Advertiser
Everyone you expect will be at the University of Hawaii-Manoa's Duke Kahanamoku pool Saturday when the UH men's swim team faces North Carolina State. Everyone except North Carolina State.

$tadium time: It's not cheap to attend Warrior football games, but fans aren't whining
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
A family of two adults and two children can expect to spend at least $52 for tickets and parking to attend a University of Hawaii football game, the second highest amount in the Western Athletic Conference. A recent survey by the Star-Bulletin of the 13 conference schools and Hawaii's non-conference opponents found that Hawaii's cheapest tickets rank third overall as the most expensive single-game or season tickets and parking for a four-member family, behind San Jose State ($78) and Wisconsin ($64).

Bulldogs' dedication pays off in big way
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Ask any successful football coach what it takes to win, and he will most likely ramble on about hard work, discipline and teamwork. But Kaimuki head coach Ronald Oyama doesn't bother preaching these cliches. His players do it for him.

Going cross country
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
On a day like this, the last thing any sane person would want to do is run. But Robby Philipp, red faced and wheezing, looks like he just finished a marathon. The Mililani senior, his shirt soaked in sweat, his chest pumping madly to catch some breath, is late for practice. Normally, the sight of Philipp in this condition is not very noteworthy. After all, he is a cross country runner, and he runs long distances at practice almost every day. But this time, it's hard not to take note -- especially considering that practice hasn't even started.

Parents blast Moanalua officials
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Moanalua High School officials did not give proper attention when told items were taken from lockers of junior varsity football players and offered back by some varsity players for money, according to parents of some JV players.

Damien gives up St. Louis games over safety issue
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Damien will forfeit its two varsity football games against St. Louis this fall, according to a letter Damien president Gregory O'Donnell sent to St. Louis president Allen DeLong last week. The letter cites issues of player safety and liability, O'Donnell told the Star-Bulletin yesterday.

PRESS BOX COLUMN
Damien's destiny was to slay Goliath
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
We boarded the bus and arrived at the field. Thunder. We exited the bus, got onto the field, and warmed up. Rain. Lightning. A canceled game. Destiny deprived.