It’s Good Friday. Time to consider whether there’s any way that Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” could be remade in 2008. I tend to doubt it. It’s an all too irreverent look at the beliefs and rituals of Christianity that probably couldn’t survive the political correctness that seems to rule today. The movie’s final scene with the chorus singing “always look on the bright side of life” makes 1979 look like a considerably more open period than today. Would any of our current crop of political candidates admit that “Life of Brian” is among their favorite movies? I can’t even imagine anyone willing to ask the question. That’s a sad commentary.

Thinking about Easter, though, reminded me that I missed noting the fifth anniversary of my good friend George Steele’s death on March 13. He was a big part of the spirit of the old Star-Bulletin newsroom, and his death in 2003 came as a shock to all who enjoyed his company and his special brand of humor.

Yesterday marked the Spring Equinox. I’ll admit up front that this photo was actually taken a few days earlier in the week. But its a far more interesting photo than anything I took yesterday, so it gets the nod for the sunrise of the day.

It as raining out there in the distance, with the sun beginning to announce its appearance from behind the clouds. That brought an orange glow that permeated the patch of rain, giving in an earie glow.

It’s been some time since those annoying auto warranty telemarketers were the hot topic here, but the State Office of Consumer Protection finally issued a consumer alert yesterday on the topic. The March 20 press release says the solicitations “are in violation of Hawaii’s Do Not Call law” and says that agencies in several states “are aggressively investigating these scammers”.

A friend just pointed me to a story in the Winter 2008 issue of The Surfer’s Journal about Henry Lum, which includes this photo of the Waikiki Surf Club board of directors some time around 1950.

My father is second from the right. As my friend said, “he’s the only one wearing a tie.”

Finally, it is Friday, so at least a couple of felines are in order. This is Ms. Kili with her current favorite toy, a few fluttering feathers on a string. She manages to play with it on her own, although it is obviously best when we join in the game and give it a bit of movement. Just click for more.