More than four decades after redefining comedy in Hawaii, Rap Reiplinger and his humor are still making people laugh. His iconic catch phrases are forever carved in the memory banks of fans old and new, whether they live in Hawaii or have migrated elsewhere. Rap's one-liners are comedic glue that bind people together and bridge generations whenever anyone takes a sip of wine and declares it, Not too sweet, not too rancid, but jesss right! That line and other Rapisms make folks laugh, and, whatever their differences, they find common ground in Rap's unique perspective on Hawaii's ethnic melting pot. These catch phrases are so ingrained in the lexicon and culture of Hawaii that many people who say them today do not even know where they originated. The source is the man whose story lies in the pages of this book. The New Yorker Magazine called Rap, Hawaii's most popular comedian. . . in the tradtion of Mort Sahl and Lenny Bruce. Rap was the first in Hawaii to win an Emmy award, when his television show, Rap's Hawaii earned the honor for Outstanding Achievement/Entertainment Special. Rap's groundbreaking work as one of the founding members of the theatrical comedy ensemble Booga Booga, and his solo material have indelibly stamped Rap's name in the rich history of the Hawaiian Renaissance, a revolutionary cultural and artistic movement. "It's a fascinating read. Fun, many moments of keen reporting, tons of warmth and a tsunami of riotous memories." --Wayne Harada, Honolulu Star-Advertiser "Rap created brilliant characters and perfect lines that became part of our shared culture in Hawaii. My grandchildren use expressions that he created decades before they were born! Now Leesa's book is available for them to learn where it all started...and for us to have a great time laughing and remembering how we were affected by that genius of a man. It's well-written and much appreciated!" --Michael W. Perry, Perry & the Posse, KSSK Hawaii, iHeart Radio "Decades in the making, this new biography of Rap Reiplinger explores what shaped the man behind the side-splitting Hawaii humor. Author Leesa Clark Stone manages the sometimes-difficult balancing act of veteran journalist piecing together the behind-the-scenes story alongside her more personal role of persistent widow pressing for answers." --Robbie Dingeman, Honolulu Magazine Leesa Clark Stone is a journalist who started her broadcasting career in Hawaii radio before becoming a morning anchor and reporter at ABC affiliate KITV. Leesa anchored at CNN Headline News after leaving Hawaii then moved to Nashville to work at CBS affiliate WTVF before launching her own company with her husband, photojournalist Rich Stone. Leesa has won an Emmy Award and multiple Telly Awards for her work with Stone Productions, LLC. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri Columbia. Paradise to Paradise: The Rap Reiplinger Story chronicles the life of Leesa s late husband, James Kawika Piimauna Rap Reiplinger and is her first book.