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TikiTacky
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Sat, May 17, 2014 9:43 AM
I think it might be time to write this off as a lost cause. It's clear Mr. Zhu and his compatriots are being shady, and that likely means one thing. The fact is, Mr. Zhu is in control of Rufus and he obviously has no interest in his welfare other than as a money making opportunity. Shame on the Bahooka owners for handing him over so casually, shame on Mr. Zhu for exploiting well-meaning tikiphiles, and shame on the others involved that have dragged this out for their own personal gain, whatever the hell that is. There's also probably no point in getting the media involved. Mr. Zhu has proven he's untrustworthy, and he'll tell the journalists whatever will make him look better. Since the real situation right now would likely be bad for his future business, there can be no expectation that he would be forthcoming with the truth. So what if we saw pics of Rufus in a pond? As has been pointed out, those photos can't be trusted, and they SHOULDN'T be trusted. If Mr. Zhu thought it would benefit him, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he spent some money to get a new pacu and show it to the journalists—I'd actually be surprised if he didn't. The loss of business he faces from a bad story will FAR outweigh the cost of buying a new fish. It could also explain why there's this shadiness going on. Keep leaking information that Rufus is alive, but without any proof until you can actually figure out a way to get "proof." |
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SoCal Savage
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Sat, May 17, 2014 10:19 AM
Well said Tom. I do think the uncaring way this situation has been handled and the possible callous demise of Rufus is symbolic for Tiki culture as well as just an example of pettiness and lack of empathy towards other species. The fact that money was raised and Damons was ready to take Rufus and now he may be dead just speaks loads. Have you tried reaching out to this guy: http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/24747437/bahookas-giant-pacu-rufus-will-stay I have been trying to email him but it automatically goes to a mail program I don't use. If we can get just one of these local press reporters to open the story back up it should build the same way it did months ago. Also, I don't know these folks, but they put this video up on youtube a couple of weeks ago: |
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THOR's
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Sat, May 17, 2014 11:00 AM
I just wrote him. AThanks Savage. His last article said.." The story continues". So I hope he meant that and will help pick this up! Anyone on here experienced with viral marketing? Lets raise this to the next level. I am goinfg start contacing some large social networks i have friends organizing. The objective is no longer to beg for clear answers...it is to Expose this all and hope for appropriate consequences if there was foul play. |
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SoCal Savage
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Sat, May 17, 2014 11:23 AM
That's what I thought too. Maybe he'll actually want to follow up on it. I agree it's not just about answers anymore but holding Zhu and anyone else accountable if they killed Rufus/let him die/covered up the facts and helped run interference here in the Tiki Community, etc. |
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VampiressRN
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Sat, May 17, 2014 7:35 PM
:( |
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ron-tiki
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Sat, May 17, 2014 8:12 PM
FEZ ?? |
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PabTiki
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Sat, May 17, 2014 8:14 PM
Why not write to some of the people who wrote about him last time? Frank Shyong of the LA Times: Matthew Kang of LA.com: You can also speak to Damon's to get a quote (since they'd expressed an interest in taking him), to see if they've heard anything further. And Lynn Garrett, founder of Hidden LA, who championed him in the past: In fact, I'll guess Lynn Garrett (unless she's already on here) would be the first person to contact, since she managed to generate buzz about this back in February. I think a "follow-up story" to / from these media outlets would be both appropriate and appealing to the writers involved. I suggest activists here contact these people. Who wants to take the ball from here? : ) |
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PabTiki
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Sat, May 17, 2014 8:17 PM
(p.s. Those people can all be contacted from the masthead / "about" of each publication, or the websites themselves. I would do it myself except to be perfectly honest I'd never heard about any of this until seeing all the despair on this forum and then tracking back to see what everyone's been so upset about. It sounds like a worthy cause so I thought I'd pitch in with some research, for what it's worth ... and probably not much!) Wishing a good resolution for everyone .... |
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THOR's
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Sat, May 17, 2014 9:29 PM
Thank Pab, You might have missed the posts here where we have contacted these people in this past week and the response is basically " we are waiting for something more to happen". What, I am not sure... Unless they are waiting for someone to get arrested while snorkeling in Mr. Zhu's koi pond. We have all kinds of things that have transpired since the first articles, yet so far, all are waiting for the final leaf to drop that springs the bear trap. Lynn has not stepped in on any further involvement in this in quite some time that I am aware of. |
OGR
Or Got Rum?
Posted
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Sun, May 18, 2014 8:44 AM
Many thanks to Thor, SoCal Savage and others that are trying to find clarity a midst the muck. I hope closure is near, but as like BK, Tikiskip and others have stated, it is not looking good. Although I love the fact that everyone initially came together for a possible solution to honor and save a part of what we love, which is the main thrust of what TC is all about...traditional Polynesian Pop and it's roots. Viewing from afar (30 minutes below the frozen Tundra of Lambeau field) I contributed and waited for things to transpire swimmingly (NPI) to a happy ending. Oh well, sometimes things become WAY more complicated than they really have to...thanks to greed, ego, and personal gain. Time to go to Locating Tiki....OGR |
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editrix
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Sun, May 18, 2014 9:48 AM
Baring any change in the situation, I suspect that any follow up story in the press will be tied to the reopening of the Bahooka space as a restaurant. If Rufus isn't there, isn't at Damon's, isn't apparently anywhere, then that's something an editor would find newsworthy. (It would also be news if there is a big Pacu fish at the new restaurant that doesn't look or act quite like we remember Rufus.) It's definitely possible to get people talking about this issue before the reopening using social media. For the Esotouric video, I created a few hashtags, which can be used when tweeting, Facebooking, instagramming, etc around this issue: #saverufus #wheresrufus #rufusProofOfLife. If enough people tweet "at" or otherwise communicate these hashtags at media outlets, that will keep Rufus on their radar. If you're inclined to, please feel free to link to the Esotouric page about Rufus at http://esotouric.com/rufus, as it does point back to this forum and is a quick read and introduction to the current situation. I've updated the page to explicitly refer readers back to this thread for evolving updates, and to highlight those hashtags. Thor, I was thinking, maybe you could simply update your lovely graphic into a MISSING poster format that could be shared through social media? Visual information is very effective at getting its message across, and people will remember seeing the drawing when Rufus was in the news earlier this year and wonder what's changed. |
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SoCal Savage
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Sun, May 18, 2014 10:30 AM
OGR your next to last sentence sums this whole situation up pretty well. Editrix thanks for the link. The page on your blog is a nice summary of where things stand for people who aren't on this forum. [ Edited by: SoCal Savage 2014-05-18 10:30 ] [ Edited by: SoCal Savage 2014-05-18 10:57 ] |
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ErichTroudt
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Sun, May 18, 2014 12:44 PM
Actually, that summary is missing a lot of what has transpired. Lets all take a moment and look at this from a distance, I know some you you have "skin in the game" but just for a second lets review and consider some thoughts.... If the owner didn't care about rufus why would he have kept him around as long as he did? We know for a Fact he left rufus there and did construction around him because it he knew it would be harmful to move him. Why would he do this if he didn't care? He would have thrown him in the dumpster and continued on. He gave a deadline of wanting to sell rufus. Tiki central and newspaper and fundraisers went to work...but if you review old threads, by the time damons agreed and measurements were made it was way past the deadline... moving rufus safely became less important than moving him safely to a place "you" wanted. The owner then changes his mind because the deadline was missed. Says he will build a tank. Says you can donate to the transport and tank.... people balk at that idea...why? because rufus isn't going where "they" want..... people come on here and say horrible rude things about him, his character, his business etc. Why? because he changed his mind? Because you all missed the deadline? Because rufus didn't go where "you" wanted? Rufus disappears...rumors abound.....is he in a tank? is he in the long beach river? is he in the pond? People automatically assume the worst and call him more names.... the owner finally replies to the press, "rufus is alive and well in a pond" a pond is better than the dumpster..... so obviously he still must care about the fish people call him more names, say its not appropriate living space (even though internet video proves otherwise) and demand a picture... they discuss breaking into his property They make demands after calling him more horrible names, a liar and threatening to perform illegal acts against him... then everyone sits back and wonders and complains why he won't come up with a picture? In the chinese culture, "face" is a big thing. Once the owner said "he's alive and well", the press calling back and asking him to prove it is the owner losing face....you politely called him a liar, and I would be surprised if he ever speaks about it again... That all said, the biggest thing here is... Rufus is a fish. Few different turns in life and hes on a south american dinner plate. Fish die every day being transported to pet stores, peoples houses,...we've all flushed a dead one down the toilet. He could die in the pond, he could have died at damons, he could just die for any reason, everything does.. This is beating a dead horse. It has to stop...people calling for "justice" and saying the owner needs to be held accountable for actions....its gone to far. people keep demanding an answer that has been already given... Rufus is alive according to his owner. Its done. Just because he didn't end up where "you" wanted is no reason to keep dragging this out. Its over. |
HB
happy buddha
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Sun, May 18, 2014 1:14 PM
Wait, what? Some sane perspective in this thread? Erich for the win. |
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howlinowl
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Sun, May 18, 2014 1:16 PM
Echoing a lot of what I was thinking....but I was afraid to post. howlinowl |
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THOR's
Posted
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Sun, May 18, 2014 1:17 PM
I will comment in full when I get back to the laptop Erich. You missed many facts, and have no apparent appreciation for the true intent of this thread, which you are entitled to, but not here. Your info was totally re-interpreted to support your argument. You also don't share the same concern, or compassion that motivated this project., and again, it's a project based thread, not a debate forum. Thanks for your opinion, however we have a lot of people on board with this cause!
[ Edited by: THOR's 2014-05-18 14:05 ] |
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AceExplorer
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Sun, May 18, 2014 1:20 PM
Erich, I think you have slightly mischaracterized what I, and a few others, have said. Our messages are pretty clear that we were using humor to take a bit of the edge off the situation and not actively or seriously considering, planning, or advocating illegal actions. I even said so in one of my posts in this thread. This thread has become a circus of sorts, and I'd like to suggest that there is little benefit for you to add fuel to the fire by making claims in an effort to underscore your points. Enuff said. Glad you chimed in though. Are you a friend or family member of Mr. Zhu? Heh, just kidding... Maybe... Does Mr. Zhu really give a rats behind about Rufus? Everyone sees that the whole thing has blown up in his face. If Rufus is still alive, why doesn't he sell the fish to one of us? Surely many would come forward, buy the fish, and then donate him to Damon's. For Mr. Zhu or his friends or his family to maintain possession of Rufus makes no sense given the big PR mess that comes with hiding or hurting Rufus. To me this suggests that Rufus has very likely already met his demise. |
ATP
Atomic Tiki Punk
Posted
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Sun, May 18, 2014 1:59 PM
Exactly, Ace! There was a few days we let off some steam by using levity and said as much in those posts Also it was not about getting our way (Placing Rufus in our choice of locations) it was Mr. Zhu & by proxy, Fez Moai has led us to understand certain conditions for the continued well being |
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ErichTroudt
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Sun, May 18, 2014 2:01 PM
Theres no need. Responding to me is just going to deflect the purpose of "your" thread. I've said my 2 cents. To me, a few others, and what looks like the press too, see this a closed chapter.
Actually, since this is not a tiki thread.. I purpose everyone who is sick of this being in general use the "Umod" and suggest it be moved to "beyond tiki".... |
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THOR's
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Sun, May 18, 2014 2:07 PM
Thanks Erich! Have a good weekend. By the way, this is VERY MUCH a "Tiki Thread"! The spirit is ABSOLUTELY on point with what makes the Tiki Community something I am proud to be part of! [ Edited by: THOR's 2014-05-18 14:12 ] |
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howlinowl
Posted
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Sun, May 18, 2014 2:13 PM
"Stay out of it." the voice in my head keeps telling me. "Stay out of it....." Just a couple of observations.... Rufus wasn't a pet while Bahooka was open. Rufus and all the other fish (whom, apparently.....nobody gives a hoot about?) were decor. Decor in a restaurant. If he and the others were pets that the original owners and employees loved (after all, we all do love our pets), they would have either taken them with them or arranged for them to be moved to another place long before they closed up. The present owner bought the restaurant, which included the "decor". Rufus was part of that. Rufus and the others are his property. Everyday he's sitting waiting around for someone to do something with this fish is keeping him from remodeling and opening his new business. It's costing him money. It was pretty decent of him to feed and hold on as long as he did for someone to do something. Somewhere in the 14 pages of this someone used the phrase, and I'm paraphrasing because I'm not looking for it...."murdered this fish". Sorry, but you cannot murder a fish. Shoot a human and he dies, it's murder. Kill a dog and it's animal cruelty. Catch a fish, cut his head off, gut and scale him and pan fry him and it's lunchtime. howlinowl |
ATP
Atomic Tiki Punk
Posted
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Sun, May 18, 2014 2:16 PM
Well Sandra Dee was only banned because she threatened a few people (Do you condone this kind of behavior?) Also it is not a "closed chapter" until we know what happened to Rufus, you are free to not care |
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THOR's
Posted
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Sun, May 18, 2014 2:29 PM
"Howlinow"… Again, Respect the purpose of the thread or refrain from not respecting the motivations of those driving this. Your statements were addressed pages ago, regarding "property rights" VS Moral rights and that Rufus was a pet…a pet tot this community. Again, I have discussed with several friends here who are Moderators over this year about Tiki Central and how this happens to threads. You get those that are "pissing match passionate". lol Some people seem to take joy in pissing on other peoples sand castles. Go make your own castle…and talk about it! I won't piss on it..or kick it over because I prefer more shells or a kelp flag. Just contribute or pass over the thread heading…. Ok? Really, I am asking with best spirit! This thread is to pursue answers and again, closure we are not getting…if you aren't down with helping..GO DO SOMETHING or make something ….please~ Best way to reach me for art or questions directly is this link: https://www.facebook.com/tom.thordarson.3 [ Edited by: THOR's 2014-05-18 14:30 ] |
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ErichTroudt
Posted
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Sun, May 18, 2014 2:36 PM
Yet you bothered to reply to them.... Therefore deflecting Thors purpose of this thread...which he just asked people not to do.
but its up to you to decide its not over? huh...I didn't realized you opinion should be valued more than mine. Bottom line here is, I gave my opinion, some liked it some didn't. I apologized for deflecting the thread. It was done. Some people just aren't gracious in victory I guess. So before you hit reply, maybe do like Thor says and keep the focus.... I got no problems stop posting on this thread, unless people keep provoking me saying offensive stuff, telling me my opinions don't matter and I'm related to the owner.... |
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THOR's
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Sun, May 18, 2014 2:38 PM
"Editrix" I apologize….meant to get right back to you and got distracted here. Shared your site/video on FB! Thanks buddy for caring! Yes, I do have another idea/s for more cartoons on this saga. I just might sketch a few up. I need to read back here…there were others with great ideas for social network energy! Again, thanks!! Best way to reach me for art or questions directly is this link: https://www.facebook.com/tom.thordarson.3 [ Edited by: THOR's 2014-05-18 14:38 ] |
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SoCal Savage
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Sun, May 18, 2014 2:40 PM
Rufus may have been property, but isn't preservation of all things Tiki especially those things associated with historical spots an important facet of this movement (correct me if I'm wrong). If it's okay to put tons of energy into preserving lamps, plastic parrots and wooden idols (all of which I love and am grateful for the lengths people go to find and preserve) isn't it worth it to try and put some energy into a living creature that represented a beloved restaurant? Even if you don't have empathy for Rufus as a living creature (because he was"property") doesn't his place in the history of the Bahooka (I've got mugs with his visage on them) count for something. |
HB
happy buddha
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Sun, May 18, 2014 4:47 PM
I don't think anyone is peeing in your sand Thor. I'm sure everyone hopes for a good outcome for the fish. I only wish I had been to the Bahooka once! I don't think it's the good sentiment that is bothering some, it's the bad. The fish cause is great, but some might see these threads as 14 + pages of conjecture & slander. Wasn't it the negativity that caused the first thread to shut down? But what do I know? Best of luck with the press Thor! |
ATP
Atomic Tiki Punk
Posted
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Sun, May 18, 2014 4:49 PM
Just to add some clarity since your post is all over the place contextually I am assuming that you are addressing my comment and someone else's with a blanket reply? As a matter of fact it was you whom posted a declaration for us to stop pursuing this matter "This is beating a dead horse. It has to stop...people calling for "justice" and saying the owner needs to be held accountable for actions....its gone to far. But you then use nonfactual and inaccurate statements to make your point, so of course your sentiments are essentially meaningless
[ Edited by: Atomic Tiki Punk 2014-05-18 16:52 ] |
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christiki295
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Sun, May 18, 2014 8:16 PM
First and foremost, I hope Rufus is alive and thriving. I still have hopes in seeing him at Damon's, where I occasionally stop in for happy hour. Of course, if Rufus were alive and thriving, it is far more likely than not confirmation of this fact would exist. There has been far more than enough time for any corroboration to have been posted. Furthermore, if one were an business owner, one would attempt to positively market the business, including Rufus, to my likely customer base, not hide and dodge obvious questions. |
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ron-tiki
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Sun, May 18, 2014 8:41 PM
Where's Fez?? Simple question since he supposedly has the answer.. So he says.. Has he gone into hiding? Maybe the tiki community should treat him by ignoring him and disrespecting him like he has done to us time and time again? Just saying… Or maybe that doesn't matter now that he has sold his wares?? Not ohana [ Edited by: ron-tiki 2014-05-18 20:47 ] [ Edited by: ron-tiki 2014-05-18 21:10 ] |
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christiki295
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Sun, May 18, 2014 8:58 PM
I had hoped to see Fez' photos of Rufus, although I am not surprised that they have not materialized, particularly after THOR's post appropriately raising the issue of possible photoshopped photos. |
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THOR's
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Sun, May 18, 2014 9:23 PM
I have to say, this has been one of the strangest things in my experiences on T.C. Yes, the Rufus stuff, but also my wanting desperately to understand you, Fez. I just don't get the constant "tease" throughout this whole thing. I want to understand, truly, and my only feeling is not one of dislike or judgement, but just question as to your intent. Especially when you have expressed that you feel very victimized here. This entire saga has been exhausting to keep a positive heading into the wind. I have to say, I have experienced nothing like this! it's been a TOTAL MIND F…K! To say the least lol |
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THOR's
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Mon, May 19, 2014 8:57 AM
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pjc5150
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Mon, May 19, 2014 9:27 AM
Erich, agreed. . |
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THOR's
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Mon, May 19, 2014 10:38 AM
PJC, Please pass over this thread. You have had nothing to contribute at all except disrespect and sarcasm. Find something worth while to do, please! Thanks! |
ATP
Atomic Tiki Punk
Posted
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Mon, May 19, 2014 12:18 PM
This really captures the sadness that many of us are feeling right now, Tom |
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shovinoff
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Mon, May 19, 2014 3:20 PM
Had my morning coffee in my "Rufus" mug. Never thought I'd feel sentimental about a fish. He's the last living part of something I wish I could still experience. Loved having a Mai Tai on a hot day after work at the bar and always said "Hey Rufus" when I walked into the place that was a refuge from an ugly day. I hope this turns out well. |
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THOR's
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Mon, May 19, 2014 3:40 PM
Shovinoff.... "That was a really cool "moment" in words my friend... You "Get it..." and THAT is definitely what "Tiki" embodies... THANKS so much for contributing!! |
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christiki295
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Mon, May 19, 2014 9:53 PM
I was so looking forward to having a similar feeling at Damon's. |
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Sophista-tiki
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Tue, May 20, 2014 6:20 AM
I didn't read through all of the ( fight) but I was just thinking about Rufus the other day so I popped in here to check and see about his fate. I'm unclear? what happened? just point me to the page # and I'll read it. I don't want to just go by the drawing of carrots this way in Davey Jones Locker. Thats too sad. |
HB
happy buddha
Posted
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Tue, May 20, 2014 6:53 AM
Nothing happened. There are no facts or actual reliable information in any of the pages. Everyone is hoping for the best outcome. |
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shovinoff
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Tue, May 20, 2014 8:53 AM
Thanks for having me. My story?? OK! My Dad, who ran restaurants in Arcadia, San Marino and St. Croix, USVI, used to take the family to the W. Covina Bahooka 1n 1971. I was 10 years old and we had a blast. My little brother and I used to play on the artillery gun in the parking lot. We opened an ice cream parlor called the Tahitian Hut in Rowland Heights. We always reminisced about the Bahooka years after it closed. Forty years later, on a long drive home I was on Rosemead av and saw The Bahooka! all those years I never knew about the other restaurant. It became my new favorite place and had several birthday parties there. My brother said "Wow, is that the gun?" I'm almost glad I didn't know they were closing, as I would have gone nuts trying to find a way to buy it or the stuff or just drink all the Mai Tais. So now I'm working on my own little Bahooka at home in Riverside. I found TC looking for any stuff from Bahooka. One door closes and another opens! Thanks to Suzanne and Stacy for the company and cold ones. Hope to meet y'all at a tiki function or bar soon. Cool art,Thor! |
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christiki295
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Tue, May 20, 2014 3:19 PM
What an entrance, Shovinoff! Is the Tahitian Hut in Rowland Heights related to the one in San Francisco? |
FM
Fez Moai
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Tue, May 20, 2014 6:23 PM
Wow, I go on vacation and everyone goes crazy. |
FM
Fez Moai
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Tue, May 20, 2014 6:33 PM
They were sent via text to me. I haven't been able to send them to my email to post because it doesn't allow me to for some reason. |
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TikiTacky
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Tue, May 20, 2014 6:34 PM
Forgive my incredulity, but you've got to be kidding. [ Edited by: TikiTacky 2014-05-20 18:34 ] |
FM
Fez Moai
Posted
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Tue, May 20, 2014 6:35 PM
There wasn't a single PM sent to me, so how bad were you guys really looking for those pics? |
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TikiTacky
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Tue, May 20, 2014 6:37 PM
Post what kind of phone and OS you have and I'm sure people would be happy to help get instructions to get them out of your phone. |