Keeping up with Windward folks

Visits to Castle Medical Center’s emergency room have risen nearly 20 percent over the past four years, to 33,161 patients in 2012.

The main provider of emergency and trauma care in Windward Oahu is clearly due for expansion, which is due to begin in November as part of a $28 million renovation.

The yearlong project will increase the number of ER beds from 18 to 25, within the existing footprint of the 51-year-old hospital.

The whole facility has 160 beds, which are vitally needed for Windward Oahu’s growing population.

Comics not like they used to be

Is nothing sacred?

Earlier this week, Archie was killed off, the victim of a bullet meant for his gay friend, a senator and gun-control advocate in the "Life With Archie" universe.

Yes, that Archie, the wholesome, orange-haired, freckled-face kid whose biggest troubles, back in the day, seemed to be choosing between Betty and Veronica.

Now, Marvel Comics announces that Thor, its hammer-wielding god of thunder, is actually a woman.

What?

Series writer Jason Aaron stated: "This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. … This is THE Thor."

We’re all for powerful female role models — but really?

Time was, comics were the great escape from reality, taking readers into the wonderful world of fantasy. Still, core characters remained, steadfastly and reassuringly, in character and alive.

So much confusion. It’s getting to be too much like real life.