Here is a bit of TV trivia for those fans who remember the old series Hawaii 50. (That’s pronounced “Five Oh” for those of you born yesterday – or for those of you still listening to radio I guess.) “Five-Oh” has long since entered into the vernacular as shorthand for “police.” As in “I got crosswise with Five-Oh” means “I got arrested.” But in fact, Hawaii being the 50th state and all, in the original parlance “Hawaii Five Oh” simply referred to the Hawaii State Police – as distinct from other types of law enforcement in the Aloha State, and to distinguish the native cops from police officers visiting from Iowa or New Mexico or someplace colder and without waves. (At a minimum I suppose it’s less confusing than saying “Hawaii Hawaii” – but I digress.) In any case, today’s the anniversary of Hawaii’s August 21, 1959 entrance into the Union as the 50th state. (See history.com entry, here.) So, Happy Birthday, Hawaii. Oh, and also… “Book ’em Danno!” – for those who still remember Jack Lord’s famous line from almost every episode of that show.
Last but not least, a TikTok video from Deacon Parker, who provides comic relief for when the Five Oh drama gets a little too intense.