1. Cartwright Neighborhood Park holds a special place in my heart. I always looked forward to playing baseball there as a kid because it was one of the best-kept diamonds in town, with lush grass in the outfield and a centerfield fence that was always tempting to swing for during batting practice.
It was also cool to know I was playing on the same field Alexander Joy Cartwright Jr. — known as the “Father of Modern Baseball” — used to introduce the game to local residents after he moved here in 1849. Cartwright went on to serve as the first appointed chief of the Honolulu Fire Department and helped start what would eventually become the state’s public library system. He died in 1892 and is buried at Oahu Cemetery.
The city renamed Makiki Park in his honor in 1938, but it wasn’t until October of last year that the Honolulu City Council passed a resolution approving placement of a memorial plaque at the makai corner of the park near Keeaumoku Street.
The granite plaque is engraved with Cartwright’s picture and some background information to connect park visitors with his important place in baseball history. It was dedicated last week with sponsors Alan S. Hayashi, Honolulu Firefighters Foundation, Oahu Cemetery, Nordic PCL and First Hawaiian Bank all in attendance.
— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser
2. It’s always disappointing to stash a bottle of your favorite soft drink in the fridge, only to have it go flat by the time you’re ready to finish it. These silicone bottle stoppers by Charles Viancin will keep that from happening — there’s always a satisfying phhhht! when you unplug it.
You might want to bring an empty bottle to test out whether it seals properly; not all bottles, especially plastics, are the same. I use it for mineral water.
The stoppers come in several fanciful designs for $3.50 at The Compleat Kitchen at Kahala Mall.
— Steven Mark, Star-Advertiser
3. A low-key gathering became a raucous party when we played Cards for 808, a local version of Cards Against Humanity by Ku-A-Kanaka of Hilo.
Each player takes turns drawing and reading aloud a fill-in-the-blank card. Other players choose a response card from their deck. The cards are a collection of references to local culture and vernacular, growing up in Hawaii and people and places we either love, poked fun at or gave stink eye to.
For example: “Da last time I went to da KCCN Birthday Bash, I lost my __.” Responses included “bust slipper,” “little lauhala basket,” “Fijian Kava” and “pakalolo.”
And: “His ‘aumakua is a __.” Sample responses: “Puka pants,” “stink eye” and “that one uncle who calls you bebe.”
Keep your smartphone nearby. We spent the night sharing this on social media and looking up Hawaiian words we didn’t know. Definitely for kamaaina or locals who moved away who will feel nostalgic over cards for Zippy’s, Guy Hagi and “da aunty with da forest in her hair.”
Cards for 808, encased in a sleek faux hala box, can be found in limited supply at Na Mea Hawai‘i at Ward Centre, or order online for $55 at cardsfor808.com. A brand-new hula extension pack ($19.99) was just introduced at the recent Merrie Monarch Festival.
— Stan Lee, Star-Advertiser
4. Don’t ask me how smearing oil on your face can be a good thing, but my moisture-craving complexion is loving it. You’ll be as surprised as I was after massaging a few drops of Simple’s Hydrating Cleansing Oil, made with 100 percent pure grapeseed oil infused with vitamins A and E, over your face, lips and eyes to dissolve makeup and reach into pores.
A quick rinse and your skin will be amazingly clean, soft and hydrated — with no greasy residue. You may never use soap again.
Simple’s micellar water has long been a part of my skincare routine, and like all the brand’s products, the cleansing oil has no artificial colors, perfumes or harsh chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive skin. And it’s easy on your pocketbook too, at $9.99 MSRP for 4.2 fluid ounces.
Find Simple products at most drug stores.
— Christie Wilson, Star-Advertiser
Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. The information presented represents the authors’ opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
