The Left Lane
Military ready for 'Operation Playmate'
Military ready for 'Operation Playmate'
Associated Press
Playboy magazine is calling its centerfolds to active duty. The men's magazine has announced that it hopes to boost the morale of the U.S. military by offering a free pen-pal program that lets soldiers communicate with its nude models. "Operation Playmate" allows military personnel to e-mail letters to the magazine, each of which will be answered with an autographed photo and message from a Playmate.
Playboy Playmate Dalene Kurtis writes an e-mail under the watchful eyes of some U.S. Marines.
The program was instituted during the Gulf War in the early 1990s, and
retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf described the Playmates who participated as "true patriots." Playboy founder Hugh Hefner said he felt compelled to aid the war against terror in Afghanistan.
The service is free, but restricted to active-duty military. Each e-mail sent to OperationPlaymate@playboy.com must include the APO number of the person who will be contacted by the Playmates. Family or friends can send a letter on behalf of soldiers without access to e-mail.
— Associated Press
Modern aloha shirts for the traditional man
Stretch is the word these days at Tori Richard, the Kalihi-based sportswear company. The company is introducing aloha shirts made from a fabric that is 4 percent spandex and 96 percent cotton. The shirts will be available only at Macy's until after this holiday season.
"We wanted to interpret a modern shirt for the traditional man," said
Josh Feldman, company president. "The traditional cotton reverse-print businessman's aloha shirt hasn't been changed in 30 years."
Design details such as hidden buttons under the collar add an au courant European flair. French seams, abalone buttons, and matching pockets and front panels add sophistication. The new fabric is machine washable and will need a light touch-up with the iron only if a crease is desired.
— Paula Rath, Advertiser staff writer
Christmas ornaments with touch of braille
You may see her ornaments in the homes of Dick Clark, Bette Midler and Rosie O'Donnell, but they also have appeal for those who can't see at all: Local artist Moloka'i Kehlor Harper's distinctive hand-painted glass balls are on the scene again for Christmas, and this year feature Braille designs, in Harper's view.
"A Touch of Braille" ornaments feature raised shapes of palm trees, plumeria, pineapples and a "Mele Kalikimaka" greeting, suitable as gifts for the visually impaired.
The ornaments, added to her line of Pineapple Plantation "Absolutely Made In Hawai'i" decorations, are each retired after a three-year availability; $15 to $18. Information: (808) 876-0955.
— Wade Shirkey, Advertiser staff writer
