Caught in the act and on camera!
February 25th, 2009 by ShaunaBeing bad just got a tad bit harder.
With technology easily accessible and rather cheap, citizens could soon be at the forefront of playing an active role in keeping communities safe and looking out for criminals.
Legally speaking, I’m not sure how much evidence a photo can be, especially if there is no way to find the suspect. But if the bad guys knew their actions could be under the watchful eyes of many, and not just the police, maybe it might help deter crime.
How often do you spot illegal actions taking place? Minors getting allowed to buy cigarettes? People littering or spitting their gum on the sidewalk? I’m sure each of us encounter drivers breaking laws on a daily basis.
Well, some ordinary citizens in South Korea are tired of it and taking matters into their own hands...
Vigilante ‘paparazzi’ patrol streets for cash in South Korea
By John M. Glionna
Los Angeles Times
SEOUL, South Korea — With his dapper red scarf and orange-tinted hair, Kim Rae-in is a card-carrying member of the “paparazzi” posse, cruising Seoul on his beat-up motorcycle on the lookout for the next “gotcha” moment.
He’s not stalking starlets or pop singers. He’s after real money-making snapshots: the slouching salary man lighting up in a no-smoking area, the homeowner illegally dumping trash, the corner merchant selling stale candy to kids.
Kim, 34, a former gas station attendant, isn’t choosy. Even small crime pays big time — more than $3,000 in January alone.
“It’s good money,” he says. “I’ll never go back to pumping gas. I feel free now.”
Kim is among a new breed of candid-camera bugs across South Korea — referred to as “paparazzi,” although their subjects are not the rich and famous but low-grade lawbreakers whose actions caught on film are peddled as evidence to government officials.
Kim Rae-in, 34, hides his camera in a shaving kit while working around Seoul. He is among the citizen "paparazzi" roaming the streets of South Korea looking for typical lawbreakers. (Los Angeles Times photo by John M. Glionna)
In recent years, officials here have enacted more than 60 civilian “reporting” programs that offer rewards ranging from as little as 50,000 won, or about $36, for the smallest infractions to 2 billion won, or $1.4 million, for reporting a large-scale corruption case involving government officials. (That one has yet to be made.)
The paparazzi trend even has inspired its own lexicon.
There are “seon-parazzi,” who specialize in pursuing election-law violators; “ssu-parazzi,” who target illegal acts of dumping garbage, and “seong-parazzi,” who target prostitution, which is illegal in South Korea.
BOUNTY-HUNTER STYLE OF JUSTICE
Amid the nation’s worsening economic crisis, officials say there are fewer government investigators to maintain public order. So they increasingly rely on a bounty-hunter style of justice.
Many paparazzi are out-of-work salary men, bored homemakers and college students who consider themselves deputized agents of the South Korean government.
To meet a growing demand, scores of paparazzi schools have sprung up, charging students $250 for three-day courses on how to edit film, tail suspected wrongdoers and operate button-sized cameras.
Although accurate numbers are hard to come by, schools estimate that 500 professional paparazzi now work in South Korea, where many celebrities still walk the streets unhindered. But not for long — at least one paparazzi academy is offering a course in stalking well-known people.
‘IT’S SHAMEFUL WORK’
Few officials question the ethics of arming a citizenry against itself with zoom video and long-range lenses.
“They don’t violate any laws, so there’s no reason to restrict them,” said a National Tax Service official, who declined to give his name. “They don’t infringe on others’ private lives, do they?”
Yet many believe these furtive photographers are doing just that. Some paparazzi students say they hate ratting out their neighbors, but the money is too good to resist.
“It’s shameful work — I’m really not proud of it,” said one student who declined to give her name.
Said another, who also asked to remain anonymous, “Let’s put it this way: I don’t want to be called a paparazzi; I’m a public servant.”
Experts say South Koreans would rather look the other way when it comes to petty infractions.
“In Korean culture, we don’t want our neighbors spying on us,” said Park Heung-sik, public policy professor at Seoul’s Chung-Ang University. “In elementary school, when a classmate reports on another’s bad behavior, there’s bad blood. A student might get beat up. It’s the same with adults.”
Paparazzi school administrators remain unapologetic.
“The paparazzi critics are usually the ones who are breaking the law,” said Moon Sung-ok, head of Mismiz Report & Compensation School in Seoul. “The clean ones, the innocent citizens — they have no problems with us.”
IT’S PERSONAL FOR SOME
Shin Gi-woong, 38, once owned a sushi bar; now he runs Posang Club paparazzi school, with its logo featuring the cross hairs of a gun’s scope in the “o” of Posang.
He got involved in the trade after a car accident in 2002 with a driver he says made an illegal U-turn. That gave him the idea to document such accidents. For years, he was a “car-parazzi,” cruising for traffic violations, until the government outlawed the practice.
So he shifted gears. He started nailing store owners selling outdated candy to children. He busted jewelers and pharmacists who didn’t give receipts (as required by law). He nabbed a political candidate for taking a free meal, also verboten.
Then, in 2004, he started the Posang Club. He stocked his closets with inexpensive cameras and shirts and blouses that featured hidden cameras in buttons. He put his shingle out for students.
Shin teaches that upholding the law is the important thing.
“Money doesn’t come first,” he said.
TEACHING CRIMINALS A LESSON
But for Kim Rae-in, it’s all about the cash.
Kim focuses on merchants who don’t offer receipts. He often uses a small video camera hidden inside a bag he keeps under his arm.
He chooses his cases by instinct, doing Internet research on store sales volumes before hopping on his motorcycle each day. He sends a DVD of his evidence to the proper government agency and collects his cash in a few days.
He plays by the rules, he says, and so should everyone else.
“People don’t abide by the law anymore because they know there aren’t enough investigators,” he said. “That’s why paparazzi emerged. These crooks get what they deserve.”
Ju-min Park of the Times’ Seoul bureau contributed to this report.
-----
What other crimes do you think could easily be caught on film and would you be willing to turn the bad guy in?
On the flip side, does going undercover expose you to more danger as you never know how the person caught in the middle of a crime might react?
How invested should citizens be in keeping a community safe?
And what was the latest illegal action you saw some idiot do in plain view?
-----
Lucky comment numbers for today (besides #1, #88 and #100): #57 and #142
Tags: cameras, crime, lawbreakers, money, paparazzi, South Korea, technology, violators
February 25th, 2009 at 12:28 am
?
February 25th, 2009 at 12:31 am
OMG! i don't think i've ever been first!??
*uhhh, yes, i am oblivious to lucky numbers!
*
February 25th, 2009 at 12:32 am
*still waiting to be sniped!*
February 25th, 2009 at 12:41 am
about the paparazzi "law enforcers"... hmm... i can see doing that kind of stuff for more serious crimes but not for the lack of a receipt! unless the store was trying to pull something off on me, i wouldn't want to put an additional burden on their business. i might ask for a receipt but i wouldn't turn them in (unless i didn't trust them for some reason... perhaps?). now, if someone did that for traffic enforcement... err... i'd be in trouble! lol... i mean, who doesn't speed? yeah, yeah... admit it!!
if everything is anonymous and no one knows who took the picture then it would be a little easier to turn in a picture of someone shoplifting (which i've seen - but, the person made me scared!) or being violent (like beating up a homeless person, which i've also seen - but, that person made me even more scared!
). now, we'd probably call 911 but the response time is so long, the perpetrator is gone before the cops arrive! 
February 25th, 2009 at 12:42 am
*wondering if there are comments in moderation which will bop me out of first position??? heh heh... ! getting paranoid? oh yes!*
February 25th, 2009 at 12:43 am
good night hive! hope it's not too cold tonight!!
February 25th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Good job snow! (act like you've been there before. act like you've been there before)
February 25th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Morning all!!!!!!!!!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 5:18 am
Good Morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What DAY is dis? (OL having anudder senior moment)
I saw a crime just yesterday.........some guy crossing the street by JAYRUNNING.....oh, was me. Never mind.
OL.........CRIMINAL
February 25th, 2009 at 6:17 am
Good Morning to all you ice cubes.
I agree with snow that minor stuff should be considered a crime. Pshaw, forgot to give the receipt for a kalbi plate or something. What's the crime in that? You going eat the evidence.
What got me upset the other day is seeing this guy in the truck ahead of us (and yes, plenty people around and us on his tail) just dump a whole bunch of tangerine skins out the window. Sure it's biodegradable but heck man, your truck was a mess anyway, leave it inside until you get home or until it dries up and turns to dust whatever, but no dirty our streets. Stoopid E-diot.
Hooo, get me all riled up so early in da morning. Where my tea? hmmmm hmmmmm
February 25th, 2009 at 7:03 am
ohiyo gozaimasu to all!
It was so windy last night and cold too.
Scott, how you doing this morning?
February 25th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Just last night I was driving home at 11:30 and saw this guy weaving all over the freeway. When I came up to him he almost side-swiped me. I had to swerve in the next lane just to avoid him. 'Da buggah was obviously drunk or medicated and he shouldn't have been driving. Makes me wish I could've video taped him with his license plate then turn him in.....for his own sake!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Good Morning Hive!
Yay for snow!
I FAAK last night, and was too delirious to post last night/this morning.
Sorry I didn't get the tormenting in last night!
February 25th, 2009 at 9:36 am
This "paparazzi" idea just turns everyone into narcs. I don't really think it's a good idea for certain things, the manini stuff like forgetting to issue a receipt is just lame.
If you do it to bust people for illegal dumping, or some safety violation like playing with fireworks next to a large field of dry brush, then I can see doing it. But if you just perch on the side of the road waiting for people to jaywalk, that's dumb. Also a good way to get beaten up after people figure out what you're up top after a while.
I think the best use of a "paparazzi" type camera would be on the road, like a police dash cam. There's no way you could work the camera and drive at the same time, so it would have to BEE a fixed camera or a passenger operated thing. I'd bet there would be some crazy footage that comes out of those cameras.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Good morning Hive!
I see drivers doing stupid stuff all the time. Since I'm usually either on foot or on the bus, it aggravates me even more. I saw a guy pull out in front of a bus this morning - the bus almost clipped this guy's back bumper. EE-DEE-OT. As for illegal activity, I see drivers on cell phones all the time (it's illegal in Washington). Police aren't supposed to pull them over for cell phone use alone, but drivers can be ticketed for it if they're also ticketed for another infraction.
I wish there were more cameras/traffic enforcement at intersections where drivers habitually run the red light or block the intersections. There's one intersection by Genki Sushi that is always a mess at rush hour, esp. if it's raining (rain in Seattle? shocking!) because drivers block it. Grrrr.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Otherwise, I think paying people to film lawbreakers can lead to dangerous abuses. There's an incentive to make it look as though someone's breaking the law. How do those paying the filmers verify that the film isn't manipulated?
February 25th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Have you noticed that the bank videos showing robberies are the crappiest quality money can buy? There are phone cameras with better quality picture and resolution.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Good Afternoooooon Hawaii
No time for weather report this morning....
We had another power outage on campus early this morning. Took out our entire data center. Power surge took out two of our PDUs at the same time. Still not all the way up as we're waiting on our SAN to fsck ( no, that's not a typo of the naughty word, similar to PC's scandisk
) itself.
Last weeks outage was attributed to balloons made of mylar that got tangled in a power line. Do we look like we're Area 51
February 25th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
now if this were a story about blogs and workplaces, i'd be worried.... heh
February 25th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
chawan_cut - I'm sure where you work they got their
on you all the time. They better!!
February 25th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Wonder what "attracted" Queenie to this piece? Could it be this Kim Rae-in is actually Rain in disguise? Ohhhh Rain ♡ ♫ ♭ ♬
February 25th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
teejay brings up a very interesting point. Yes, what's up with all these blurred cameras? In Banks no less. You can go to Costco and buy a set with DVR and 6 cameras for what? Couple hundred bucks? Clear color PLUS night vision. And you can monitor all the zones.
There's a restaurant we go to in Kona that got vandalized. C0hiba you know where Pine Trees at Kohanaiki? We went by one morning and somebody sprayed their green building with purple paint. They cleaned it up and not too long after that, the security cameras went up. Don't know if they had further incidents since then.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Wea everybody today? Too cold? It's cold and raining in Hilo. Some places was in the 50's this morning.
Had my windows fixed today. $547 beeg dollas.
Had to do it. I had the guy change both sides and I asked what he found. The passenger cable broke. The driver side was working but he say rust on the cable and eventually it would snap too. That's why I had him change both sides cause if one side broke the other will follow.
Dang it, there went my returns
February 25th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Eh, Ynaku, it's cold and raining in Seattle too. Not as big a surprise there. Here's what Scott Sistek, one of our local tv weather bloggers, says:
"Shorts in Alaska, Coats in Hawaii? Well, relatively speaking, maybe. Monday, Barrow, Alaska smashed their record high for the day with a 26 degree reading. The old record was 21 set twice in 1917 and 1989. That follows a period earlier this month when temperatures were as much as over 20 degrees below the average of -22.
I'm betting 26 probably qualifies for short sleeves up there, and possibly a pool party, except any outdoor pools in Barrow are A) a very poor investment and B) still likely frozen solid. (Incidentally, while I've never been to Barrow, if there are any outdoor pools up there, I'd love to meet the salesman.)
On the other hand, down in tropical Hawaii, Kahului set a record low temperature was set when the temperature plummeted to 51 degrees overnight, breaking the old record of 53. That probably qualifies for at least some sort of jacket, but I'll bet any outdoor pool parties were still a go
One place where outdoor pools are plentiful and any parties are definitely a go this week: Arizona, which has been hot, even by their standards (for February, at least.) Tucson hit 91 on Monday, breaking their old record of 87. It was the second day in a row that Tucson was the hottest temperature recorded in the entire nation, and the 91 was just one degree shy of their all time highest February temperature.
Normally, Tucson doesn't see their first 90 degree day until April 10th.
(Thanks to UW's Mark Albright for the information.)"
There's a possibility of snow tomorrow just in time for the commute. Aigoo.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Wow KAN, thanks for the report. What a switch. Alaska record high and Hawaii record low. WWD!!!! And snow in Washington
That means slick roads then. Hope you not planning to drive? If so take it easy K? No like you getting hurt and gotta stay home all day blogging with the rest of us post hoars. 
February 25th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
While on surveillance, I've videotaped several criminal activities that were happening right in front of me. I called up the police and showed them the videotape. They were then handcuffed. They were quite surprised to find out they were videotaped in the act. I'm a private investigator that works on Long Island.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Tanks Ynaku! I commute by bus, so I'm not worried about that. I was able to walk to and from work during the big snow in December, so I'm always able to get to and from. And most days, I can post hoar from work as well as home, so no change there!
February 25th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Hello hello! Everyone must BEE busy working or staying warm today!
snow: Woo-hoo!! Lucky #1 (and 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)! Regarding the receipt situation, I actually see signs at some places that say your items will be free if you don't get a receipt. Of course, in those cases, you ALWAYS get a receipt.
Ynaku: What attracted me to this story? The undercover criminal element, of course!
Plus it sucks that we always see these illegal actions occurring and the bad guy getting away with it. Korean angle? Heh heh! BTW, I totally missed seeing all those cool symbols... yours was pretty today! ♡ ♫ ♭ ♬...
February 25th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
ICORP Investigations, Inc.: PI work... wow, you must have a lot of interesting stories to tell! The best is when there is no way to deny the evidence!!
KAN: Do the public buses ever stop running BEEcause of very bad weather?
chawan_cut: Hmm, now I'm curious where you work...
bamboohouse808: You work with computers but you don't have access to your co-workers' online activities, right?
February 25th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
hi hi hive! hmm... looks like the cold weather is freezing up everyone's fingers!!
ukuhead - good advice... most of the time heh heh...
February 25th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
could it BEE? is everyone working today???
*gasp!*
February 25th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
*can't believe that i have a quarter of the posts!*
February 25th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
yes we bee working today. gotta keep warm.
February 25th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
you need help? wait I gotta work on my spreadsheet. so I guess you on your own again.
February 25th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Hey Shauna, you put your numbers too far apart. I no can post hoar until 57
February 25th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
maybe snow can
February 25th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
ynaku - shucks, i didn't know windows ever had to be changed!! i'm waiting until i have to change my brake pads... funny, 'cause every time i have them checked, there's more left than the last time!! so ODD!! anyway, that's supposed to BEE $500+ (not looking forward to paying that bill!)!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
ynaku - i don't think i can post hoar 20 more times! phew, that would BEE tiring!!
*wiping brow
*
February 25th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
i'll try to do it a little bit at a time... better than not at all, right???
February 25th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
not sure i can last until 57 - maybe there would have BEEn more interest for 69, qb!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
endurance is an issue... especially when it's cold
February 25th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
*waiting to be told that i'm too fast
... i mean, posting comments too fast, according to wordpress!*
February 25th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
only 15 more to go!!
*peeking into the mancave... everybody sleeping, or what?*
February 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Ynaku: It's warming up now so hopefully the BEES will BEE back. Regarding the windows, is there a way to know when they are going to break? I put my window down every day so I can get into my garage using that key thing... I'd hate for it to break on a rainy day and you can't get it back up!!
snow: MayBEE today is your lucky day!!
anklebiters: You guys had a power outage cause of the weather?? What happened to all the backup power?? Is everything back to normal now?
teejay: Yeah, good point about those blurry cameras. And then police often want you to help locate the suspect. Good luck trying to spot someone off a grainy, blurry, black-and-white picture.
February 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I
February 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
shall
February 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
KAN - i need that joke about keeping a babooze in suspense! oh wait, was that a joke or wat???
February 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
try
February 25th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
snow: Think of it as burning calories!! Though it would BEE much more helpful if it weren't just exercising your fingers!!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
oh, scott is here! still standing, scott???
February 25th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Ooh, a three-way race for the first lucky number of the day! I wanna BEE lucky, too!!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
crap...phone call. Good luck towards #57
strongly disliking boss and coworkers today.
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
February 25th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
aggh... is scott trying to get lucky!?????
February 25th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
getting closer....
where are the snipers?!?!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
lol... oh, sniper got sniped!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
it's gonna BEE me!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
me!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
yes, i need more exercise than post hoaring!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
woo-hoo!! so snow and i got the first two! the rest of the musketeers gotta get the rest!!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
sniped by qb!!!
das okay... i'll go be oblivious again... ha ha!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
snow: Since I had this bad cough, I haven't BEEn exercising either.
But coughing a lot does help your abs. 
Don't forget to keep me posted on the 10th. And mayBEE lunch on Monday when BF is in town??
February 25th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
qb - woot! you BEE lucky today, too!! i guess i shouldn't be greedy, eh (unlike some people)?! that would be an undesirable quality for a musketeer!!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
oh shucks, i just scheduled something for monday! let me see if i can reschedule and i'll let you know!
*thinking about tormenting banana in person!*
February 25th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Scott: What bad timing!! Unless it's a call from the wifey?
Ocean Lover: I do the jayrunning also... BUT I always check to see if there's a cop around first.
I'm gonna get caught one day. There's this one light on Fort Street Mall by McDonald's. It's a pretty empty street since only buses go on that road. The wait time is also pretty short but it seems so silly to STAND around waiting while there's no one passing by... But I've seen security scold some jaywalkers...
February 25th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Yeah, Dr. said wife is dialated (sp) 3 cm as of this morning. A day or so? In laws just landed from Ohio. Pray for me. This is going to be a hell of a 2.5 weeks. And now I have to cut back on the booze? WHYYYYYY
February 25th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
snow: Yup, AFOOFA for the musketeers!!
BananaFysh: Trying to get two women to go lunch with you on Monday for some extra servings of tormenting! Hee heee...heh heh... hahahahaha!!
This is gonna BEE so fun if snow can make it! *rubs hands together in glee...*
February 25th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Shauna: no fair you can win at your own game!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Scott: So in the in-laws are staying with you guys, right?!?! I think the Hive get together falls during that time so hopefully you can vent to us on that one night! What is the dilation supposed to BEE??
February 25th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
say what now?
February 25th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I'll definately make the Hive gathering. Dilation....I don't know......a foot? Baby just shoots out all clothed in J.Crew, right? No blood or anything is what I've heard. I'm so ready for this!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
what now
February 25th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
@ wimmins for lunch on Monday?
sounds good! 
How about Sunday night as well? Anyone available for some activities?
February 25th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
@Scott -
February 25th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Scott: I can't win at my own game unless I delete a post on purpose. I've never done that!!
I swear on my musketeer halo! 
BananaFysh: You're also here on Saturday night, right? I was just talking to Rod and he got some tickets for that 70s reunion night that a bunch of other people were going to. I told him that kind of music would BEE right up your alley. Expect an e-mail soon.
Yeah, who's up for meeting late night on Sunday?
For the March 10 get together, Masako mentioned Kochi's. Rod was thinking we should go back to Fort Street Grill. Any other ideas?
February 25th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
100.1% sure I can't meet Sunday, but shall attend the 10th. I liked Ft. Street Grill. Don't know where Kochi's is, but I like the name
February 25th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Hey Soon-to-bee-daddy Scott. I think when she get close to 10cm she better bee lying down ready to push. Get your catcher's mitts on son. Babee is a coming soon. Take her walking to loosen up or she going be screaming bloody murder an she going grab you by the neck so stay out or arms reach or hold her hands.
February 25th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Ft. Street is only open Wen-Thru-Fri. March 10th sorry, their Closed.
February 25th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
oh yeah,
February 25th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
How about Ryans at Ward?
February 25th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
qb & banana - i can make it for lunch on monday! can't miss tormenting banana in person, now can i??? sunday, i dunno... most likely not... we have something in the afternoon and i'm not sure when it ends (if i don't take enough centrum silver, i might be tired!).
scott - don't worry, it will all be worth it in the end!! but, yeah, you don't want your wife dilated a foot
!! maybe a few cms more before your wife has to go to the hospital (ynaku was right about 10 cms, but you want to be there BEFORE she's dialated that much!!)
omg, jack made a comment!
February 25th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Jack: OMG, you spoke!
Thanks on the Fort Street tip!! So does that mean we may meet you on the 10th? 
Scott: I love Ryan's. The junk thing is that Mondays are the days the pupus are half off!!
snow: Woo-hoo!!! Cyber-tormenting will BEEcome real-life .... uh... what's the word I'm looking for?
February 25th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Ukuhead: How's the cough doing?
February 25th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
jaydee: Drunk and unaware drivers are the worst. I guess you could call 911 to report the problem. But who knows if the driver will BEE caught in time. Glad to hear you didn't get into an accident!!
February 25th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
KAN: Where are you? Waiting for you to get #88!!
February 25th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
qb - you mean "tormenting" was not the right word??
oops!! 
February 25th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
@snow - yay! looking forward to a
food fightnice lunch with you two!@Shauna -
I BEElieve it's "cyber-bullying" and IRL "tormenting." Oh wait, no, KAN was the "cyber-bully," yeah? In any case, it's "tormenting" IRL.
February 25th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Maui police seize cocaine, marijuana, crystal meth, weapons
Advertiser Staff
Maui police said today that search warrants executed in January and February resulted in the seizure of just under 3 pounds of powder cocaine, over 5 ounces of marijuana, over 8 pounds of crystal meth, $73,0000, three weapons and drug paraphernalia.
Advertisement
Maui police said in a news release that the warrants were executed at several residence, vehicles and businesses after a long-term investigation into a drug-trafficking organization.
Three adult male parties have been arrested, with more arrests to follow, police said.
The FBI has adopted the case and will work jointly with the Maui Police Department's Vice Division for further investigations.
The street value of the cocaine powder is approximately $129,500.00 (based on $100 a gram), the process cannabis is $2,000.00 (based on $400 an ounce) and the crystal meth is $749,800.00 (based on $200 a gram).
The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected in the very near future, police said.
Hope this not BF!!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
yes
February 25th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I stay sick now too. I think Shauna gave it to me. What does that make it.... computer virus?
February 25th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
@teejay -
No way man! not me!
All my weapons are LEGAL. Well, mostly.
Way to go MPD & FBI!
February 25th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Howzit everybody's
Waz BEEze on UR's having one MCLer moment
NKHEA...goin get one BEEa....Ynaku you like 1
February 25th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
BF: Glad to hear!!!!
NKHEA: Where's mine?!!
February 25th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
@teejay - ai yah! you sick too?
I tell you, you peeps gotta sleep with clothes on! Cold at night!
.
.
Nah, hope you feel better soon!
February 25th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
teejay: Oh no, you're also sick?? MayBEE your son got you sick. Wasn't he sick recently?
BananaFysh: You should practice what you preach.
Kidding!
NKHEA: What MLC moment were you having? Stay here and we'll make you feel young again. #100 is coming up. Go for it!!
February 25th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
OK
February 25th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
i
February 25th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Shauna: Just kidding. My son did get me sick. Just post nasal drip but it affects my throat and I end up coughing. I now have a deep voice and can sing some awesome Barry White.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
hope nomo
February 25th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
now
February 25th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
100!!!!!!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
It took 14 hours to get everything back to where it was before the power outage....600+ servers. At least I had lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant...had their equivalent of a won ton min
I need to listen to some hang banging music tonight....
Greeley Estates - Outside of This
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu3CupCVjcw
February 25th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!
NKHEA...da new numba 1
February 25th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Greeley Estates - Y'all With the Vampire Squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDcSqkGt-Ws
February 25th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Greeley Estates - Go West Young Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSiZDEdzyag
February 25th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Greeley Estates - Without You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LemxBCefTk
February 25th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
teejay; sorry
get'um right hea wit me 
and da bugga is ice cold 
ankles; man tot you waz goin snipe me
NKHEA.. drinking BEEa's and eating dry aku MMMMMMMM
February 25th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
The Left Banke - Walk Away Renee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUUAuSvHDq0
February 25th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Tommy James and the Shondells - Crimson & Clover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJbGd5N6o9o
February 25th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Carole King - It's Too Late
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPeVbEg1DHE
February 25th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Gilbert O'Sullivan - Alone Again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_P-v1BVQn8
February 25th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Janis Ian - At Seventeen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efHOIT1ROk8
February 25th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
The Chi-Lites - Have You Seen Her
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=584mFHi6Yuc
February 25th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Shauna; are you calling me OLD too
NKHEA...goin start his own Senior Citizen Blog
February 25th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Marty Balin - Hearts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6xWxLreUu4
February 25th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Holy crap! I just finish watching Forrest Gump and didn't realize that Robin Wright Penn was both "Buttercup" in the Princess Bride and "Jenny" in Forrest Gump.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
...and with that.....good night to all....i'm tired
CyA l8r ...
February 25th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
NKHEA: Thanks for the ice cold one. No worry...you get 10 percent of Shauna's blog for being old fut.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
teejay; you one nada one
Latta's
NKHEA...goin eat his mush fo dinna
wit da BEEa's
February 25th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
@ Teejay - " I now have a deep voice and can sing some awesome Barry White."
THAT.......was GREAT! Two thumbs up......about 10 cm wide!
Bruddah Scott......you worried bout your in-laws staying with you for 2 weeks? "PSHAW".......mines LIVE WITH US.
If OL's in a vile mood........you know why.
OL.............they do turn "baby" when they get older
February 25th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Sorry, QB, I was at my pretzel class (yoga), then having dinner. First you, den NKHEA got all da good numbers so far! Although Snow did an impressive job of post-hoaring earlier.
Scott! I fully expected we'd hear the baby was out by now! Let the in-laws fuss; you can vent to us. (Wow, was dat a poem?)
Ankles, I loved the songs #s 107-112. That's squarely in my music era. But that song in #103 is perfect for the late-night crew.
Snow, I want to hear all about Banana-bullying after that lunch. I'll report fully after Banana's trip to Seattle.
Jack! You did more than lurk!
It's not a full moon tonight, but it feels like it!
February 25th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
anklebiters: Sorry to hear about your tiring day! Thanks for still finding the time to post music links!
Can't BEElieve the week is barely half over yet!
KAN: Hey you! How was yoga? Anything good for dinner? I attempted to make spaghetti last night and realized I didn't have any noodles! So I had to use macaroni instead.
For some reason, all my cooking tastes bland. It makes me wonder how much spices restaurants add to our dishes!
February 25th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Ocean Lover: How did your in-laws end up living with you guys? Is your home big enough that there's privacy? So whatcha watching on the tube tonight? American Idol?
NKHEA: You are not old! You are young at heart and provide the wisdom to the rest of us!
And congrats on the new #1! Get the last lucky number of the night now!! It's far from bedtime yet! 
February 25th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Queenie.......they couldn't live by themselves anymore. The FIL is 87 years old and has prostate cancer and is "TAISHO" and can't do anything on his own. The MIL is 80 years old and has been on dialysis for over 5 years now and has had a couple of minor heart attacks. Their old house was filthy and cockroach ridden and my wife wanted to take care of them as they couldn't live alone anymore.........
OL........bettah not say anyting more
February 25th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
@Shauna: yoga was good. I really like my teacher - she's a very friendly and gentle person. I always sleep well after yoga class.
Dinner was pretty boring, but yummy - sardines with garlic and shoyu over hot rice, with two tangerines for dessert.
I think food usually tastes better if someone else has cooked it, and that's not just my wishing someone else would cook for me. The cook just gets tired of the meal before the non-cook eaters do. My mom agrees with me. The one person I know who is the exception to this rule is the chef/owner of one of my favorite restaurants - he always complains about the cooking at other places, but his food is so FANTASTIC that I can see why he likes his own cooking the best. (Banana - pay attention - that's where we may be going for sharing plates!)
NKHEA - you not makule, brah. We seen yo' six-pack (an I don't mean your cold remedy!) Of course, dis is one noddah MLCer whose talkin', so . . .
February 25th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
OL: You too good along with "Da Wife". "Da Boy" is still invited to see my gift to myself since he into technology. I still have to find someone to help me set it up for peak performance.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Sorry Shauna, I meant to say "10 percent "OFF" Shauna's blog" at NKHEA. NKHEA and me are old futs.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Status report: In laws here, watching American Idol. I had a nice long walk at Magic Island to clear my head. Had avacado, asparagus, poke for dinner, 2 beers (so far). This is the calm before the storm I suppose.
How 'bout that Norman Gentle guy on idol? Hilarious if you ask me!
Time for beer #3
Peace unto the Hive
February 25th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
annyeong haseyo!
dang.....i betta look ova my shouldahs now when i doing warusa stuffs.
hah!
Queenie - what bout Femme Nu, 939 or Rock-Za?
dat way we can watch our musketeers in action. 
juuuuuuuus kidding. NOT! 
da whole hive might just show up! PLUS da lurkahs!
eh......mayBEE we save dat for latah.....that is IF Ynaku like partake. heh
i know teejay will BEE raring to go.
i haven't BEEn to Kochi's for happy hour/pau hana drinks. only for eating.....but i've heard it's pretty good. isn't the bar area not too BEEg tho?
Champions is not bad. Kanpai get choke parking......and what bout Queen BEE?
February 25th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
But OL, you said yourself that you're always in a good mood...remember? Life is too short...remember? Nothing bothers Ocean Lover. Hah!!!
teejay........getting under OL's skin.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
OL - wow! i give you and your wife credit! care giving is such hard work. especially with 2!
NKHEA - you crack me up!
KAN - what! no raw onions with your sardines! aigoo....
Scott - i guess you ain't stopping at 3!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Thanks for the thoughts Teejay!
Bruddah Scott.........remember, when you think YOU got it rough with the in-laws....think of ME and SMILE (at my expense).
Time to watch Criminal Minds.
OL.........BS will get through this
February 25th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
opso: You know me, I'll be there and drag everyone I can. I just can't stand all those fake boobies. It gives a new meaning to "Silicon Valley".
February 25th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Teejay............I'm human.
OL............TRYING to smile
February 25th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Hey Opso.........mahalo! Only those that KNOW.........understand.
OL.........nuff bout my situation...........nighty night everyone!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
opso: According to Masako, this is what she found out about Kochi:
...He said only the Heinikens are 2 bucks and the five dollar pupus are chicken katsu, edamame, fried octopus, fried pork, yaki soba, agadashi tofu and a couple other stuff that I cannot remember. He said everything else runs around 10 to 20 bucks...
And regarding those poles...I just realized that I used to handle a flag pole pretty well throughout high school and college. I wonder if I can dig up that pole...I remember having one at my house to practice when I wanted...
February 25th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Ocean Lover: Sorry to bring you down with that topic!! Good night! You're going to miss an upcoming lucky number...
February 25th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
No wonder you're the queen.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
teejay: And you're the king, right?
February 25th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
@OL, I BEE sympathizing with you, bro. But, is your house 896 sq. feet! I'm afraid to let out a fuut! I can always blame it on the dog
February 25th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Opso - no can handle raw onions. They make me want to eat chocolate. And I'm trying to cut back on sugar.
G'night King Teejay and QB. Time for the makules to go to bed.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Queenie - $2 heinekens?! book it!
the $5 pupus stuffs sounds awright. can also sprinkle in some of da $10 and $20 stuffs too. no problemo.
and yeah! dig up dat pole gunfunnit!
and if you cannot find it......one will BEE provided for you!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
KAN: Good night! And I lurve raw onions!!
Scott: Always blame it on the dog!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
noooooooooooo!!!!!
i forgot had Lost tonite!
i only realized it now. aigoo......
February 25th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
opso: Thanks to you I got the last lucky number!
MayBEE that same luck will help me find that pole! Hope there's no rust on it! 
So Kochi's sounds good to you? I hope Masako logs on soon. She has a co-worker who works there... Oh yeah, I'm slowly catching up on "Glass Castle" since I've BEEn sick. Up to episode 15 where she finally met his parents. Do you remember that fireworks scene when he proposed?!? Totally loved it with the background music. Uh-oh, the bar just got raised for the guys! Haha! 
Next lucky number: #169
February 25th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
KAN - raw onions = eat chocolate?
and a g'nite to you.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
nooooooooo!!! i missed the lucky # too!!
and i neva even go brush my teeth!
Queenie - what......i bet you when
at that proposal scene eh? 
February 25th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Goodnight KAN!!!!!
Yes I guess I'm still the king and you were one of those "hot" flag girls weren't you?
You know what get's me? We never had the "Rainbow Dancer's" when I was at UH.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Shauna: Thanks for asking about the cough. Funny this is everytime I cough, I fut...
The cough and congestion are getting better. How about you? Seems this cold lasts quite a long time. either that or I'm getting older and cannot recover too fast.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
opso: No, I was rolling my eyes cause those kind of things "only happen in the dramas..." But a girl can wish, right?
teejay: I'd like to let you BEElieve that was the case but don't want to mislead you... Hmm, so there were no dancers when you were there? You're not that much older than me...
February 25th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Ukuhead: Hey there! I think (and hope) I'm getting better. Today's the best I felt all week though I'm still hacking here and there. I have never coughed and farted at the same time though! LOL! I think the cough takes a while to go away. My co-worker and sister are also fighting off one...
BananaFysh: Oh yeah, that girl in the photo wasn't my sister. In fact, I didn't even know which girl you thought was her since I didn't see anyone in there that kinda resembled me... Thanks for going through all that effort and actually linking to the actual photo!! You and your research!
February 25th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
teejay and Ocean Lover: I saw this story and thought of you guys since you mentioned Good Samaritan and jaywalking...
Injured good Samaritan ticketed for jaywalking
DENVER (AP) - A good Samaritan who pushed three people out of the path of a pickup before he was struck and injured has been ticketed for jaywalking. Family members say 58-year-old Jim Moffett and another man were helping two elderly women cross a busy Denver street in a snowstorm when he was hit Friday night.
Moffett suffered bleeding in the brain, broken bones, a dislocated shoulder and a possible ruptured spleen. He remained hospitalized Wednesday in serious but stable condition.
The Colorado State Patrol issued the citation. Trooper Ryan Sullivan told the Rocky Mountain News that despite Moffett's intentions, jaywalking caused the accident.
The other good Samaritan was also cited for jaywalking. The pickup driver was cited with careless driving causing injury.
Sullivan says the two elderly women haven't been cited but the investigation is ongoing.
"It's a horrible tragedy," he said.
Sullivan said Moffett and the others weren't in a crosswalk, but said he didn't know why the bus stop was in an area without one.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Queenie - no lie.....i know you was bawling your eyes out! "ohhhh.....how sweet of him!" bwahahaha!!
BF - oh yeah.....sunday nite? shoots! we go have some Newcastles!
i HOPE i'll BEE recuperated by then........cause y'know.......i have that MLC function on sat. nite.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
dang......tonights ep of Lost not up on veoh yet.
k.....BEE back lataz.......i going watch Aquarius now.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Can I get the magic # 169 minus the 1?
In laws asleep now, as is the wife. Pondering life
Just had beer #4
What's that smell? Joey? (dog #1) Aibo? (dog #2)
Naw, that's ME!!
Thank God for 35 mph wind. The fuuts shall reach Waikiki in about 3 minutes.
J/K
February 25th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
opso: Not! Wink, wink!
Scott: Are you sneakily drinking beer?!? Don't worry, we won't tell on you! Can't wait to hear from you tomorrow!
February 25th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Queenie: I need one "Bad Samaritan" story to go along with that. Just for me....
February 25th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Off to bed.
Can't wait to see my little Kai Monkey
I've already got his nicknames picked out
We've got a bet going. I say he'll be born Sat. at 4:00pm. Wife says tomorrow 11:00pm. In laws say NEXT Monday morning.
Of course, I'll keep you posted.
Aloha and Goodnight
February 25th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Thanks for the entertainment.
Finally finished my work.
Was lurking and laughing. Too busy to significantly contribute.
Good night all.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
NKHEA, I just got home. Wea my beea? Too late? Das ok I tired too. But I cold and like eat saimin.
Hey opso, If I went to that "French" restaurant, lightning going strike from heaven and take me and everyone within 10'. I no think so. Not even to watch our musketeers use dat pole 8O.
So what we going place bets on when Scott's wife going give birth?
I say Friday Morning 2 am. Let me know if I win.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Ho boy. I getting on kinda late.
@opso - You forgot about Lost? AIGOO!!
Oh man, was a pretty good one too! We actually get answers!
Well, more Questions too, but at least some answers.
Sunday night Newcastles bay-BEE!
Have a good place in mind? Someplace with a dartboard would BEE nice too!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:03 am
@KAN - Ah! My curiosity is piqued!
I'd like to know where your friend's restaurant is! Hm.. mayBEE I've BEEn there?
Queenie, can you send KAN my email addy? Thanks!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:08 am
@Shauna - That would have BEEn too ODD if that girl was your sister.
And what you mean, "Practice what you preach"? I always do!
I get my clothes on!
for now....
.
haha!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:10 am
That Good Samaritan story is MESSED UP. I'll bet the 2 ladies started crossing the street first, and then the 2 guys went to help them. So messed up.
Sheesh, not bad enough that the guy got all messed up, and then he gets a jaywalking ticket? Worship The Fruit!?
February 26th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Eh, get snipers around or what? I thought I heard a cough...
.... and now I smell something.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:14 am
So, are we betting on Scott's baby arrival time?
I'll guess Saturday morning, 4:30 am.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:18 am
oooh! I SO CLOSE TO NUMBER OF LUCK! i WANT TO GET THAT LUCKY NUMBER! I want to hold it and pat it and pet it and name it George!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:18 am
after I get it I want to go lie in my bed in the sun!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:20 am
oh no sun now! it is too early! so funny!
so confused my brain! why are the air purple now? it taste like stink too!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:20 am
February 26th, 2009 at 12:21 am
OMG! I GOT
February 26th, 2009 at 12:21 am
yo BF!
just got playing a GTA 4 session. shhh.... hee hee
dang! i know.......i forgot all about Lost
ho....got some answers. i guess i gotta wait and watch em on Veoh.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:21 am
THE NUMBER OF LUCK! I WIN I WIN I WIN!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Hey! wassup opso!
ooh, GTA 4!
OMG SO MUCH VIOLENCE! WATCH OR A BOY WILL SHOT AT YOU! THAT PLAY TOO MUCH VIDEO GAMES! NEED TO GO OUTSIDE TO PLAY FOOTBALL OR RUGBY OR HANG TEN!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:26 am
darts eh?
what? you going play Queenie for her bikini? haha!!
oooooh.....GAME ON!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Lost was a trip as always. How come you forgot? :shock"
Maybe a white flash will come and take you back in time so you can watch um.
Watch out for the bleed nose though.
Yeah, get some answers, but get more questions too, just like the rest of this season's episodes.
Top Chef was pretty good too.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:27 am
new post is up!
I give you "first" crack
February 26th, 2009 at 12:29 am
play for BEEkini?
SHOOTS!
Last time I played was after the Super Bowl, and BEEfore that, must have BEEn at least a year. Ho man, I SUCK. Queenie might actually have a chance.
haha!
Hm, am I gonna play for fun, or serious?
MLC & WWD! shout outs! chee-hoo!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:32 am
BUT i know WHEN life OR REAL is the GAME! YOU TAKE video games SERIOUS to MUCH you going CANNOT KNOW YOUR MIND IS FANTASY OR REALLY MESSED UP!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:33 am
opsoooooo!
You gonna take it? "first" is still available!
you brushing your teeth?
February 26th, 2009 at 12:34 am
HAHA!
I bet your brain stay sore now, yeah?
Mine stay all bus already, so not too bad.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:34 am
i guess from now going start to get some answers. they getting into it too deep with da questions awready.
new post? nah.....you can hoar em.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:35 am
since you found em FIST you deserve it.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:36 am
no, I insist!
You take um!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:36 am
fo reals......my mind stay all kapakahi now.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:36 am
now watch, snow going come swoop in and steal um.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:37 am
oh, all right.
hehehe
see what happens when get "flowers" on the brain?
February 26th, 2009 at 2:14 am
Yawnnnnnn........ LAST!!
February 26th, 2009 at 3:24 am
LOST
February 26th, 2009 at 7:44 am
LUST!
February 26th, 2009 at 11:20 am
último
February 26th, 2009 at 11:35 am
February 26th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
CXCII
February 26th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Lost, lust!!
Wham, bam, LAST!!
February 26th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Say what now?
February 26th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
CXCV
February 26th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
CXCVI
February 26th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
CXCVII
February 26th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
CXCVIII
February 26th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
CXCIX
February 26th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
CC
February 26th, 2009 at 4:30 pm