As the economy took a turn for a turn this past year, I set up my own consulting business and soon found myself working with friends and acquaintances who needed digital media and marketing support.  My latest creation is Polu Manu Productions.

I built this site for a fellow outrigger paddler, Bird Levy Strain, who represents emerging artists, many of which have some connection to Hawaii or other ethnic culture.  What she does is so in-line with what I support such as diversity, international relations and art, that I couldn't resist taking on the project.  I found it fascinating to learn about Leonard Peltier and and Shawn Gillis, two artists she represents, each with their own unique causes and styles. 

Take a look at Polu Manu Productions and support emerging artists!

Greetings from Breckenridge, Colorado!  It's amazing how one can travel and with an iPhone and laptop in hand, not miss a beat whether in the Rocky Mountains or Mauna Kea on the big island of Hawaii!  Have you heard about the Twitter phehonomenon?  Upon my re-entry to warmer climates, I attended the Web 2.0 Conference in San Francisco and learned how "twittering" is taking the business community by storm.  There are many practical uses for twittering.  The most useful I found to be was for conducting on-line research.  Set up an account for free, conduct searches on various topics of interest for your business or social needs, and find out who is "twittering" about that topic.  You can also see which topics are being twittered the most and make direct connection with thought leaders in your area of interest. Check out www.twitter.com and start experimenting with the latest on-line marketing tool for business.

Yep - it's that time.  I decided after one full and committed year to racing as a Novice (undefeated Novice team in '08!) and having put in my time in our SFOCC (San Francisco Outrigger Canoe Club) Nai'a club boats, I'm ready to buy my own OC1.  I've been advised to get either a Pegasus, Zephyr or consider some other boat for my size/ability (185 lbs).  I've just started my quest - so, help me spread the word.

Twas the morning of race day the fog was light gray.

We rigged all our boats instead of a sleigh.

With six of us ready, each with a paddle.

We could hardly resist to get on with the battle!

We raced around Alcatraz as fast as we could.

With a home team advantage we were all feel'n good.

The Italian team was shouting, they bumped into our side.

But out team paid them no attention and continued our ride.

While rounding the pier, I thought "what a glorious day".

Happy Holidays to all from San Francisco Bay!

Whatever means of transportation you prefer, wishing you the very best in the new year!

Michael Richter '08  

Ironman just completed it's 30th year anniversary and race from the Big Island of Hawaii (visit Ironman.com).  In addition to celebrating the growth of the sport, there's now a social network just for triathletes called "IamTri" - very cool!   It's built using "Ning" - a social networking platform, and includes features such as creating your own profile, live chat with other members, blogs, upload of videos and photography and more.  You can link up with other athletes, share training tips and get information about upcoming calendar of events.   The sport has truly embraced the new, new world of technology - check it out, it's an entirely new way of networking and staying in touch with your passion for your sport.