"The republican party has gone to hell... 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

I am proud to be an Independent voter who  tends to support many Democrats.
Above the late and great Hawai'i Senator Dan Inoyue and Senator Mazie Hirono
along with Obama Da Dog, yours truly and a secret service dude.

The Republican party has gone to hell and is the devil incarnate. That's right,I said that.

How can a politician, yet alone a political party want to deny children and the  elderly many  benefits from programs such as "Head start," "Meals on wheels" and a host of other government programs to  be lost all because the republicans don't want millionaires paying the same tax rate as the common working person.

If the Republicans get there way another 750,000 jobs will be lost and America will well be on it's way to yet  another major recession . All thanks to John Boehner, Mitch McConnell and the Republican party. 

The Republican party should all  be ashamed.  America take note!

"Rainy Day in paradise..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux  one of Kauai's true gems, Today she 

guest-blogs about  the weather, and when Bettejo talks weather it's actually interesting!  Enjoy...

www.bettejodux.com

Trust me on this one, dear reader. It rains in Paradise. We’re not called the Garden Island for nothing.

I live just below the wettest spot on earth, Mount Kahili. I think I live in the wettest valley on earth. I’ve watched a big black cloud enshroud the mountaintop and slide down the mountain, like a slithering snake, to come to a screeching halt directly  atop my roof and rain over me. I’ve lived in a plantation ‘mansion’ on the Alexander Dam Road that was mostly buried in drippy fog, while at the bottom of the muddy drive Bill drove to work every morning, the sun was shining.

Well, it is the age of Aquarius,I was born to be drenched.

I hope many of you, reading this, tune in to the Garden Island news paper Forum-the most well read page in the paper-and become familiar with the voice of Kauai. Our little  struggling  newspaper  is the heart of Kauai. The Forum-our voices- are it’s soul.

I think newspapers have souls.

Anyway, it’s pouring on Kauai today. Flash floods, mud slides and collapsing old dams are the order of the day. Downpours so heavy windshield wipers can’t keep up and you can’t see through the windshield are clouding our vision.

Well, there are fewer drownings- that’s a plus sign-who goes to the beach when he/she can sit in a warm, comfy, unsmoked- filled bars, dives and restaurants complete with food and drink and gossip? Hey, on Kauai we feed on gossip. Who’s screwing who, who’s ripping who off, who’s headed for skid row? Or already there.

Otherwise it’s just a normal day in paradise. Greedy politicians are on the take. angry voice take to the airwaves, public television screens and others to the Forum. House bound, cabin fevered  Kauaians  vent their spleens. And, in the darker region, communists , atheist, protesters, rebels and conspirators abound.

We could be, without a doubt, the most contentious, diverse-racially, religiously, politically island in America. In the world. Good thing Hawaii has good gun laws, otherwise we’d probably all be out there shooting at each other.

We don’t agree on anything.  No how. No way.

We need more highways. We need more development. We need more tourists. We need more bucks. We need to get the damn homeless off the beaches and out of the parks. Wal Mart’s suffering. So many shops and stores closed down at Kukui Grove- our Ala Moana Center- you wonder how they pay their bills. J.C. Penny’s gone. Borders. What next?

We are micrcosmic America.

But on the upside. We have an excellent community college.The best amateur theater. We love our artists and celebrities and they love us.

Mike Bond will visit Talk Story Book Story tomorrow night. I’m going to be there. Buy a signed book and I need another book like my valley needs more rain. My library needs a library.

But we have Hanapepe and Kimo’s blog and my column and Jeffrey Pears.

We are the richest island in the country.

"Why Do You Think They Call It Dope..." 'Obama Da Dog'

Prohibition doesn't work, I'm a dog and I know that!

Aloha, Check out my opinion article in today's (02-26-13) edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news,"Not A Dope."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-tuesday-feb/article_1062a5aa-7fe8-11e2-a2cf-001a4bcf887a.html

Prohibition doesn't work, why keep the sales from marijuana  in the hands of organized crime?

I personally do not smoke cigarettes or marijuana but highly support the decimalization of the herb. 

They say why do you think they call it dope? Because we are not smart enough to legalize it and use the tax monies to bail us out of the financial mess our country is in. They call it dope not because the people who use it are dopes but because the people who want it to remain illegal are dopes.


http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-tuesday-feb/article_1062a5aa-7fe8-11e2-a2cf-001a4bcf887a.html

"Life is a gift, Freedom is a responsibility." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Dakinetalks favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

Unc talks about  life and enjoying  all of it!

"Unc" is a retired cinematographer currently living 

on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu.

As I've aged, I've become kinder to, and less critical of, myself. I've become my own friend.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50s, 60s & 70s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, eventually, I remember the important things.

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so  blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.  I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

MAY OUR  FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT  FROM THE  HEART!

" How to take a vacation economy style..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

"Guest-blogger Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the

 ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years...
Today she talks about  how to take an inexpensive vacation!
   Enjoy...  ;D)

 How to take a vacation economy style

We've been wanting to take a short vacation for a while; needed a get a way from the grind but didn't want to spend a fortune doing it.

We took stock of all our discounts, clubs, points etc and came up with a plan.  We had enough Southwest points to get almost a free ticket, booked our flights on the Internet with a get a way cheap fare.  Used gift certificates and points to our favorite hotel chain that also gives points for each stay and rented a car with our partners discount and AARP rate which saved lots of money.  The hotel had a cheap breakfast in the am and is centrally located.  There are a lot of things to do that are free in California…tickets to shows that are taping live, beaches etc but our most important reason for going to California is to visit with our sonny boy.  Counting the days until we leave….can’t wait for Spring to put a little Spring in our step.

"We are all guilty on some level..." 'Obama Da Dog'

Can dogs benefit from performance enhancing vitamins?

An athlete juicing is common ground,  I believe every professional athlete is guilty of juicing just as nearly every American is guilty of tax evasion on some level.

How many people declare money or pay taxes on items they sell in garage sales or on craigslist? Or even the money they win at church bingo?

In the same essence athletes take performance enhancing vitamins and pharmaceutics all the time, it just depends on what level you are speaking.

We are all hypocrites, next time stop and think and realize nobody is without guilt. People in glass houses should not throw stones

A Concerned Mom..." 'Marvin Gross' (Source)

Marvin Gross a financial consultant from Western New York shares
more wisdom with Dakinetalk. Enjoy!  

Italian Mama 
Mrs. Ravioli comes to visit her son Anthony for dinner. He lives with a female roommate, Maria.  During the course of the meal, his mother couldn't help but notice how pretty Anthony's roommate is.

Sorry, I had no file photos of  Italian people...

Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Anthony and his roommate than met the eye.

Reading his mom's thoughts, Anthony volunteered, "I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Maria and I are just roommates.''

About a week later, Maria came to Anthony saying, "Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the silver sugar bowl. You don't suppose she took it, do you?"

"Well, I doubt it, but I'll email her, just to be sure."So he sat down and wrote an email: 
---------------------------------------
Dear Mama, 

I'm not saying that you "did" take the sugar bowl from my house ; I'm not saying that you "did not" take it. 
But the fact remains that it has been missing ever since you were here for dinner. 

Your Loving Son 
Anthony 
--------------------------------------------- 
  
Several days later, Anthony received a response email from his Mama which read: 
  
Dear son, 
I'm not saying that you "do" sleep with Maria, and I'm not saying that you "do not" sleep with her. 
But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the sugar bowl by now.

Your Loving Mama 

Moral: Never Bulla Shita you Mama

Conflicting Views of democracy & Religion..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux  one of Kauai's true gems, Today she 
guest-blogs about  the two things sure to get one in trouble, Politics and religion... Enjoy!

www.bettejodux.com

If you deny there are conflicting views, you’re in denial. Religions, all religions, are hard-nosed. You quote your books, chapter and verse, you quote your silly gods, you interpret your books and fight with each other over the interpretations. But all over the world, in the Islamic world, in Israel, in America, South America, voices of reason,  voices of the people,  are rising.

We speak out against war, we speak out against dictators, religious fanatics and other unevolved humans. Strong words here, but appropriate. Muslim women are fighting for the right not to wear the veil. Our troops, many of them, come home sick to the heart about our senseless carnage of innocent people, men and women and children who have done us no harm. We speak out about a ridiculous economic system that never has and never will work. We dare to speak out against those who silence us with guns, with ridicule, with lies, with stupidities. Dare I mention Limbagh, Grundge, and other purveyors of your drivel.

How was your god in America been hijacked by the rich? By the powerful? By the killing machine?  By Cheney, by Palin, by the Waltons, by the lunatic religious televangelist? Who was it said, wisely, “We love you, Jesus, we just don’t like the guys you hang around with,”?

At the very base of this madness lies, in his crypt, your murderous patriarchal gods. I love to hear the nonsense from the leaner brained evangelical bunch who sputter, “God has no sex.” Are you nuts? He seems to be everybody’s father and as most of us recall fathers are usually male. And, further, we are all sinners in his eyes. Well, I ain’t baby and you ain’t gonna stick that thorny feather in my blue bonnet. May I quote a few quotes?

“Religion, which should most distinguish us from beasts, and ought most peculiarly to elevate us, as rational creatures, above brutes, is that wherein men often appear most irrational, and more senseless than beasts themselves.” John Locke.

“There are scores of great religions in the world, each with scores or hundred of sects, each with its priestly orders, its complicated creed and ritual, its heavens and hells. Each has its thousands or millions or hundreds of millions of ‘true believers’; each damns all the others with more or less heartiness–and each is a mighty force of graft.” Upton Sinclair.

“I regard monotheism as the greatest disaster ever to befall the human race. I see no good in Judaism, Christianity, or Islam-good people, yes-but any religion based on a single, well, frenzied and virulent god, is not as useful to the human race as, say, Confucianism, which is not a religion but an ethical and educational system.” Gore Vidal

“The way to see faith is to shut the eye of reason.” Benjamin Franklin.

And last, but not least, “…the government of the United States, is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion…” President John Adams on June 10, 1797.

A touching You-tube video;The way you present your thoughts affects everyone. The power of words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfNO3rd1Pcg

"The Irony of Traffic..." James "Kimo" Rosen

People tailgate at high speeds and give space at slow speeds, Why?

I have recently noticed something I find hard to comprehend.

Most drivers I have encountered on Kaua'i  tailgate at an alarming rate. The few times I drive and do the speed limit of 40 there is always someone one or two car lengths behind me. Most people drive so close I can see birth marks on their faces through my rear view and side view mirrors. The law states,  there should be at least one car length for every 10 mph.

Here's the kicker, the irony, when traffic is  at a standstill in Kapa'a, and people are doing 5-10 mph there usually 3-4 four car lengths between cars.

I just don't get it.  

"Establishing a smokey day fund..." 'Obama Da Dog'

Really Mr. Micken's? Lighten up!

I would like to respond to Mr. Glenn Micken's recent LTE " Re-think legalizing marijuana" 
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-sunday-feb/article_cfdc1556-7359-11e2-9e62-001a4bcf887a.html

The billions of dollars of potential  tax revenues collected  from the sale of marijuana  should Hawai'i vote to legalize it might help built the roads Mr. Mickens and I  so desire, it might help fund more baseball leagues and more baseball diamonds. Imagine having a surplus in the state and county budgets, establishing rainy day funds or should I say smokey day funds for all the unexpected!

Prohibition doesn't work, why keep it in the hands of organized crime?

I personally do not smoke cigarettes or marijuana but highly support the decimalization of the herb. 

P.S. Just talking about this  makes me crave a 40 lb bag of Oreo cookies.

Easy Eddie, Al Capone's Lawyer & Butch O'Hare- "Two great stories...." 'Chester "Unc" Lau (Source)

Dakinetalks favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

Unc talks about two great stories that relate to each other.

"Unc" is a retired cinematographer currently living 

on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu.

Two Stories BOTH TRUE - and worth reading!!!!

     STORY NUMBER  ONE

     Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago .  Capone wasn't
famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in
everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.

        Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer
for a good reason.  Eddie was very good !  In fact, Eddie's skill at legal
maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

       To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well.  Not only was
the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well.  For instance, he
and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the
conveniences of  the day.  The estate was so large that it filled an entire
Chicago City block.

        Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little
consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.

        Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved
dearly.  Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars,
and a good education. Nothing was withheld.   Price was no object.

        And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried
to teach him right from wrong.  Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than
he was.

        Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he
couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

        One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted
to rectify wrongs he had done.

        He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about
Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some
semblance of integrity.  To do this, he would have to testify against The
Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great.  So, he testified.

        Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a
lonely Chicago Street .  But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest
gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay.  Police
removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a
poem clipped from a magazine.

        The poem reads:

        "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to
tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour.  Now is the only
time you own.. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time.  For
the clock may soon be still."



        STORY NUMBER  TWO

        World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant
Commander Butch O'Hare.

        He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in
the South Pacific.

        One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission.  After he was
airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had
forgotten to top off his fuel tank.

        He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back
to his  ship.

        His flight leader told him to return to the carrier.
Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.

        As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned
his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward
the American fleet.

        The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all
but defenceless.  He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time
to save the fleet.  Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger.
There was only one thing to do.  He must somehow divert them from the fleet.

        Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the
formation of Japanese planes.  Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he
charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another.
Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many
planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.

        Undaunted, he continued the assault.  He dove at the planes, trying
to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as
possible, rendering them unfit to fly.

        Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another
direction.

        Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back
to the carrier.

        Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his
return.  The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale.
It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet.  He
had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft This took place on February 20,
1942 , and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and
the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of Honour.

        A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29.
His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and
today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this
great man.

        So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give
some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his
Medal of Honour.  It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.


        SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?


        Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.


        (Pretty cool, eh !)

"Big Bruddah is upon us..."‏ 'Obama Da Dog'

The irony of a soda pop tax is there are many things that make us obese,
and to single out soda pop is discriminatory.

There is talk of a proposed bill in the state legislature to tax soda pop and other sugary drinks to the tune one cent per ounce. This is  allegedly to help fight obesity? Give me a break. An insider told me this tax will also apply to diet soft drinks, a total hypocrisy since diet soda has no sugar.

The proposed  law is discriminatory. my question is,  what about chocolate covered mac nuts, shaved iced topped off with ice-cream,  Hawaii's favorite plate lunch da Locomoco, cakes, pies , doughnuts, cookies and just plain over indulgence? Why just single out one caloric item?

Moderation is the answer. Why not just tax people going over a 2,000 a day calorie limit?  Just implant a calorie intake counter in every citizen. If this sounds ridiculous so is a soda pop tax, fight for  your right of choice. 

Big brother is upon us, or in Hawaii  let's just  say, Big Bruddah.

"Body Found on Golf Course..." 'Marvin Gross' (Source)

Marvin Gross, A financial consultant residing in western N.Y. talks about
the police finding an unidentified body on the golf course.  Happy Valentines day...Enjoy!

.

Body Found on Golf Course

 Today, Police found a Frozen unidentified man's nude body buried in a sand trap. They describe him as having a Beer Belly, Saggy Balls, Wrinkly Ass and a Small Pecker.

 You  OK?

"Laughter..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Inspiration Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux  one of Kauai's true gems, Today she 

guest-blogs about  the beauty of Laughter...  ;D) Enjoy!

www.bettejodux.com

I love to laugh. I have a big laugh. It annoys some people. It is contagious to others.

I remember year ago, in a greasy spoon in Koloa, sitting with a happy group at a large table. It was a wet, happy feast. Chilled wine. Juicy hot  chicken bites to snack on. Crispy hunks of buttery french bread to crunch.

We were all laughing so hard-I've forgotten about what, me the loudest,-we caught the attention of a grumpy looking pair of blue-eyed pale  faces-obviously touristy types-who frowned and glared and finally called the waitress and sent her to our table complaining about the 'racket'. Feeling in a very affluent mood, I sent a message back telling this pair I'd pay for their dinner if they'd skedaddle. They did.

When they huffed out, everyone at our table got up and applauded. We stood and laughed until the tears ran down. Everyone else in the place did, too. I left the waitress a healthy tip.

Bet they were from the south. Arkansas? Hope they left and never came back.

But I don't want to discuss laughter in the sense of what makes us laugh. This will not be about our sense of humor, but the physical, mental, spiritual-if you like the word-benefits from the laughter process. I've learned that just going through the sound and body-laughter- movements causes an increase in pain resistance, a rise in endorphin levels, and, surprise surprise, also increases the power to undermine authority.

No wonder most religions frown on laughing in church.

It also seems your mind is not aware you are laughing for real or faking it. Like a physical activity-singing or dancing-good chemical changes take place in the body.

As an actress I learned to laugh with my whole body. It isn't just a sound that comes out of your mouth, laughter is a physical activity. Your shoulders, your tummy, your head do their thing. Which means, if the damn dog has eaten your dinner while you were not looking, if you howl with laughter- and shake, shake, shake, señora, shake it all the time- you'll feel better about it.

Beats kicking the dog and throwing a fit.  You can always fix a peanut butter sandwich and share it with the silly bulge-belly canine.

Last Monday, in our favorite Mexican dive in Lihue, my editor, Kimo, and I got in a laughing match that set the entire room off. Diners. Waiters. Cooks. Bartenders. Owner in a bright red blouse. No pale faces here. We were laughing so hard we were crying. Munching. Sipping. Drooling.  Dripping hoots of earth shaking laughter.

All because Kimo was giving me orders- the audacity- as my editor and publisher, about the length of my column that appears once a week-on Classic Wednesday in his blog http://www.dakinetalk.blogspot.com

You talk about resisting authority.

Today doesn't count.

Costco farm and Gardens..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

These oranges are great and they don't even say "Sunkist" on them!


Aloha, Check out my opinion article in the (02-22-13) edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news,"Farmers market or Costco?"
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-friday-feb/article_2fc5deac-7cce-11e2-a7da-0019bb2963f4.html

Papayas  are not as easy to come by at the local farmers markets in the winter months, and when you do come across a nice papaya you can pay upwards of $2.00 per papaya whereas in the summertime when they are plentiful you can buy them, 3 for $1.00.

I noticed at the Kapa'a farmers market  that many of the vendors have the same looking medium sized uniformed shaped papaya and others have really nice Pineapples. I ask the vendors did you buy these at Costco? They all respond, "no were not allowed to do that," however when I pointed out a label hanging off one of the Pineapples a woman finally  broke and admitted she bought it at Costco.

I can recognize a Costco papaya and Costco Pineapple a mile away. I have no problem with people making an honest buck, in fact the free enterprise system is what America is all about. I do not want to go  to a farmers market and buy inflated Costco produce, it's not  fair to the  vendors that are actually farmers selling their own products which is what the farmers market is all about. 

A visitor told me she was surprised the local oranges said Sunkist on them, I guess the vendors  tell them that's how they picked them right of the trees.

Now if only Costco had a guy with a machete opening up coconuts and selling them for next to nothing we'd have it all.



http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-friday-feb/article_2fc5deac-7cce-11e2-a7da-0019bb2963f4.html

Mazol Tov to the Post office!‏ 'James "Kimo" Rosen

Mazol Tov to the US Postal service!
Aloha, check out my opinion article in the (03-02-13) Kaua'i Garden island news, "Mazel tov U.S. Post Office."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-saturday-march/article_526a1250-82f2-11e2-947a-001a4bcf887a.html

This article also lso ran in 02-27-13 edition of Honolulu's Midweek Magazine,"jewish Post Office."
http://www.midweek.com/letters-to-the-editor-56/

Congress will soon be voting on whether  U.S. mail delivery should discontinue on Saturdays.

Many people are for it since it will allegedly save billions of dollars, many are against since it will delay important items from being delivered in a timely manner.

I find it ironic that  the secular world wants to cease mail delivery on Saturday. The Jewish people have always considered Saturday the day of rest and the orthodox ones do not work on the Sabbath.

It looks like the post office has just converted to Judaism!   Mazol Tov!(Congratulations!)

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-saturday-march/article_526a1250-82f2-11e2-947a-001a4bcf887a.html

http://www.midweek.com/letters-to-the-editor-56/

" A sign of getting older..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

"Guest-blogger Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the

 ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years...
Today she talks about one of the many signs of  geeting older...
   Enjoy...  ;D)

A Sign of Getting Older

Many years ago we built the home we live in now; its a two story with the bedrooms and bathrooms on the second floor, we do have a bathroom on the first floor as well thank goodness.  It never occurred to me how I would feel at the end of a 9-10 hour work day at this age. now that we are in our late 50's, each step up those stairs seems a great effort at the end of the day.  Why didn't I listen to those older than me when building this house?

Each day when we get home from work, we ask each other who is going upstairs first.  Looking at that mountain of 13 stairs is more than an effort to climb with aching knees and backache at the end of the day. 

A word to the wise; think about a ranch when building a home and you are in your 40's because no matter how fit you are, at the end of a long work day....it makes a lot of sense.

"WAR IS HELL !!!" 'Chester "Unc" Lau'

Dakinetalks favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

Unc talks about an equal opportunity employer, war!

"Unc" is a retired cinematographer currently living 

on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu.

WAR IS HELL !!!

Combat is no place for men or woman !!! Now The Defense Dept has made it  an equal opportunity for men or women to kill or be killed !!!  I am against wars for profits or empire building like in the GW Bush administration,I don't see the Bush gang volunteer to take up arms for night Infantry patrol in Iraq or Afghanistan that they created !!!

If it is a legitimate war to defend the nation,ALL citizens should participate !!!l'oncle Amusant aka "Unc"

"When in doubt, don't go out..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

Kaua'i is known as paradise. There were 3 drownings this past week on Kaua'i.
Safety cannot be stressed enough,  be careful when going to the ocean.
This may sound cliche, "But when in doubt, don't go out..."

Read about the ocean claiming the life of the 5th  person this year on Kaua'i,
http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/ocean-claims-fifth-victim-in/article_aac073bc-7038-11e2-8a15-001a4bcf887a.html


Aloha, check out my opinion article in today's (02-11-13) Kaua'i Garden island news,"When in doubt, don’t go out."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-monday-feb/article_cb064a70-741b-11e2-be9b-0019bb2963f4.html

This past  week  Kaua'i has experienced  the tragic drowning of 3 visitors, this is the fifth ocean drowning to occur so far this year and the year has just begun.

Four  years ago I had a near drowning experience myself, and since then I  only swim in the public pool since I have become gun shy of the powers of mother nature along with other health concerns.

I wish to share a few paragraphs from a blog I wrote 4 years ago, 

I saw dolphins and decided to go in the water, I started swimming parallel with the shore but drifted out, I drifted so far out, on a day I should never had gone in the water, rough surf and white caps everywhere. I figured I could body surf in. I was gaining no ground and waves were covering me making it hard to breathe, I swam on my back and tried to relax but kept getting overpowered and drenched with more waves, this went on for over 20 minutes and I was losing strength and could barely breathe, my thought was I was going to die. I was exhausted and could not handle the situation much longer. I prayed the Jewish signature prayer called the "Shema" and thought this is it.

I know they say swim parallel with the shore, I tried doing that and wedged in a little at a time, no gain,  again I tried body surfing in.  I was getting exhausted and with no lifeguard and only one other person within my eyesight, I thought this was it. I was going to die at my favorite beach, Secret beach.

Miraculously, I gained ground and could feel bottom, but then got sucked out again, finally a large wave rode me in, I managed to walk to shore in exhaustion and fell to the ground thanking the Lord for giving  me yet another chance at this thing we call life.

Mother nature is a powerful source, and life is short and precious. I was one of the blessed and lucky ones. I  felt the need to share this in hopes this may  help save a life. This may sound cliche,"but when in doubt, don't go out."



http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-monday-feb/article_cb064a70-741b-11e2-be9b-0019bb2963f4.html

" O‘ahu’s farm belt..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux  one of Kauai's true gems, Today she 
guest-blogs about a sustainable lifestyle without the burden of politics...

www.bettejodux.com

O‘ahu’s farm belt

Maybe it’s time we all stopped fooling around.

Get beyond sustainable Kaua‘i. Forget politics, political debate and quarreling parties.

If Kaua‘i’s land were put to proper use, we could feed the state; and there may come a time — sooner than you think — when one of the outer islands will have to do that. Why not us?

The outer islands are O‘ahu’s farm belt. We are its fresh organic vegetable bin, its fruit bin, its butcher shop and dairy section.

We need not be, we cannot be, we will not be, its suburbs and high-priced bedroom/hotel/vacation/resort spot.

Some people are tourists, some people are rich, but all us guys gotta eat. Money in it, too. Peace and love.

This blog originally appeared in the Kaua'i Garden Island news, editorial section on August 27, 2009;
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-thursday-august/article_b113d693-1916-5b34-87c6-356286ded425.html

"Hawaii Five-0 offends Hawaii people.... " 'Chester "Unc" Lau'

Dakinetalk's favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

is back talking about the recent  interview with Scott Caan, Hawai'i Five-0-co-star who slams Hawaii.
Hawaiian people are upset. Featured with Unc's blog are a few letters to the editor from the Honolulu Star-advertiser.
"Unc" is a retired cinematographer currently living on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. "Unc" was actually a cameraman on the original  Hawai'i Five-0 with Jack Lord.

Diss 'em, Danno. In an interview on late night talk show Chelsea Lately, Hawaii Five-0 star Scott Caan bashed the islands where the show is filmed. Click the link below to see what he said.



Full story and video here --> http://bit.ly/UqxKog



The fault with the new Hawaii  5-0 is that  TV lies with the scripts that are so juvenile, the producers who purchased them do so  just to get ratings & TV commercials, even the  story lines are unreal. 

Lady Obama the Dog or  Bettejo can produce better & fun scripts than phony scripts about crimes in Hawaii. Love,kosher fish & poi  are better than bang bang bang your are dead !!!

 What value is there  for the general public?  More guns & violence?  We need to emphasize the year round beauty  and   the Aloha spirit of Hawaii with her international ethnicity.

 Hawai'ia's people  get along better than the UN, life may be slow but can be fun & funny. Life is short,why the rush to your grave ? 

Below is an outcry from Hawai'i People as featured in some recent Letters to the Editor in the  Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The site has a pay-wall so the Letter's are copy and pasted as quotes. Please tell us what you think! I think it so strange everyone getting so  worked up over a factious character.

James "Kimo" Rosen



Caan's apology raises questions

"While it was troubling to hear the remarks made by Scott Caan about his impressions of life in Hawaii, it was equally disappointing to hear his apology. Apparently, his producers must have insisted he make these apologies to quiet the outcry.

We Hawaii taxpayers give the film industry ­ including the production of "Hawaii Five-0" ­ huge tax breaks for work here in the islands. While there are some tax revenues generated by filming here, I would like to know if income received by most of the principals in the show, including the producers, directors and actors, is sent to out-of-state banks? Do the big dollars stay here, or end up elsewhere?

I encourage our lawmakers to revisit the film industry tax credits and get answers to these questions."

Frances Cypher
Kaneohe

‘Five-0' actor bites hand that feeds him

"I was amazed that "Hawaii Five-0" actor Scott Caan has the audacity to bite the hand that feeds him so well ( "Hawaii far from paradise, Caan complains to TV host," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 26).

In his interview with Chelsea Handler, host of E!'s "Chelsea Lately," Caan said he didn't like living in the islands, the food sucks, there is too much crystal meth, and everything is in slow motion and too relaxed for him.

He also said his girlfriend deserves a Purple Heart for sticking by him because she doesn't like Hawaii either.

He obviously lacks the sophistication to appreciate this paradise world renowned for its culture, food, lifestyle and aloha spirit ­ all attributes he blatantly disparaged.

The solution is simple. Go home and take your girlfriend with you."

Karla Graham
Hawaii Kai

Time to kill off ‘Danny Williams'?

"Watching "Hawaii Five-0", I thought Scott Caan was just acting as an unhappy transplant from the mainland. Turns out he was not acting, based on a recent television interview. Now he has apologized but, really, apologies have little value.

The producers and writers of "5-0" can easily make Caan happy. In this season's finale, "Danny Williams" can be tragically killed in the line of duty. Problem solved.

And Mr. Caan, don't let the door hit you in the okole on your way out of Hawaii. Aloha."

Anne Sabalaske
Honolulu

Call airline and ‘Book ‘em, Danno'

"Scott Caan should learn to be pleasant and appreciate his good fortune. I can only imagine the torture he is dealing with, missing out on all of his starring roles in major feature film work in California. Oh wait, that was his dad.

He must miss the brown cold mushy shore break of Malibu, where he can proclaim himself as a surfer that he wants to be. Bring on a new character played by someone who enjoys his job.

Also, I realize Hawaii has a crystal methamphetamine problem. None of my friends and associates uses meth. Of course, nobody in California uses it either, being too busy with drive-by shootings and car chases.

It seems Caan has a whine problem. Call the airline. Book ‘em, Danno."

John Waring
Kailua


Replace ‘Danno’ or lose a viewer

"I guess Scott Caan likes the paycheck he gets for shooting “Hawaii Five-0” in Hawaii. However if he dislikes it here so much, maybe he should find himself another gig.
I know that having “Hawaii Five-0” filmed here is great for the economy in multiple ways. However, I can no longer support it. If they replace Danno, then maybe I will come back."

Kathy Bentley
Kaneohe

Caan apologized, so let’s let him be


"What’s with the vitriolic witchhunt against the actor Scott Caan?
He has every right to state his opinion. In this great country, he can say what he wants, and we should all defend his right to say it, even if it sounds offensive.
Lucky we live in a country that lets you speak whatever is on your mind. And, after all, he did apologize. What more does he need to do?
Show some aloha and forgiveness, for heaven’s sake! No one should ever be threatened, or intimidated to pack up and leave (in his Danno character, or for real) just because he, or she, says something off the cuff on a late-night talk show, or wherever.
A poll run in this paper; a ridiculous petition against him? Stop! Get a grip, Hawaii!"

Susie Eubank,
Diamond Head

"leave Politics out of Superbowl Sunday..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

Politics are Politics and football is football. Please leave
 politics out of football, especially on Superbowl Sunday!


Aloha, check out my opinion article in the (02-08-13) edition of the Kaua'i garden Island news, "Politics don’t belong in Superbowl."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-friday-feb/article_25116096-71b9-11e2-bdc0-001a4bcf887a.html

Superbowl Sunday is a day to relax,  escape from reality and enjoy an entertaining game of football.

It is one day politics should be left behind. Scott Pelley's interview with the president should had been saved for the TV show 60 minutes, where it belonged.

Politics is one of my favorite subjects, however to run a pre-game Superbowl show with an interview with President Obama  talking about woman in combat, gays in the boy-scouts, and if he had a son would he let him play football along with talk on taxes was just a real downer.

Superbowl Sunday the ultimate Sabbath  and  the  one day we all need off from politics. Maybe next year the president can talk football?

To everything there is a season and politics is not the season for reason on Superbowl Sunday! Please pass  the chicken wings and great game coach Harbaugh.


Aloha, check out my opinion article in the (02-08-13) edition of the Kaua'i garden Island news, "Politics don’t belong in Superbowl."

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-friday-feb/article_25116096-71b9-11e2-bdc0-001a4bcf887a.html

" Possessions mean nothing in the end..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

"Guest-blogger Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the

 ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years...
 Today she talks about what's really important in life.  Enjoy...  ;D)

Possessions mean nothing in the end

My parents grew up in the Great Depression, when every cent saved went to survive another day .Their upbringings were difficult financially , and they both learned early on how to make ends meet. My dad was 10 y ears older than my mom. After World War II ended, he decided to start his own family and asked my mom to marry him after their third date.

Family was important to my father, and he saw it as his responsibility to take care of my mother and their children. He worked long, hard hours on the road as a salesman, and he could turn whisky into wine with just about any thing he sold.

My mother was his queen, and his goal was to make her happy . Since they grew up from humble beginnings, he wanted her to have any thing she needed. But she was also a saver and only would
buy those things she felt she needed.

They spent 50 happy y ears together until her untimely passing, when he was left to go on alone. His beloved queen left him far too soon. All the mementos that they had collected over the years
from their many trips and celebrations meant nothing to him any longer. They were merely possessions, meaningless without her to share them with.

Several y ears later, we sold the house we grew up in, and Dad moved into a senior housing complex. He wanted nothing to take with him. No knickknacks, no accessories. Just the necessities – a few pictures and clothing – because he realized that all that stuff meant nothing without his wife.

Now that he is in his mid-90's, with limited mobility and failing memory , he has downsized to a room with a bed, TV and dresser, with basic meals to sustain his life. It is more than sad to visit
with him every day and to witness what his life has been reduced to.

Seeing my father’s situation has also made me take a huge step back and take note of all the possessions I have accumulated over the y ears. It was fun to collect them and admire them, but I now realize that having them means nothing if there is no one to share them with.

What do we do with all this stuff when we have to move from our houses into an apartment, a smaller home or a nursing home? It all becomes things that we don’t know what to do with. The objects become burdens for our children to dispose of.We sell them, we hand them down, and we donate them.

It is not things that make our lives worth living. Life experiences, sharing ourselves with others and making each day count are the most important things – they make real memories.

My father was and always will be a scraper and a survivor, and he has handed down those traits to his family . He has shown me, without say ing one word, that stuff means nothing without having
memories of family and friends to share your life with.

My dad has little to do now except read a few magazines a day , watch TV and peruse the newspaper, but there is one thing that he still has – his fondest memories of his lovely wife, whom
he lost so long ago. He has a treasure chest full of wonderful stories that he can dream about
every day .

I am grateful that he still has those memories, and I only hope he can hold on to them a little
longer.

The Buffalo News also published this  on January 26,2013
http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130126/LIFE/130129370/1057

"If only they told the truth on Wheel of Fortune..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

Yes Pat, can I buy a vowel? This blog originally ran as Dakinetalk Blog  #532
on January 4,2012, under the title,"Yea pat, Can I buy a vowel.?" 

The blog has been updated and refined to fit current hot topics in the media.
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2012/01/yea-pat-can-i-buy-vowel-obama-da-dog.html

The Wheel of Misfortune...

One of my favorite TV shows is "Wheel of Fortune," I guess every person over 55 including myself loves 'Wheel of Fortune!?'

After the first round puzzle Pat Sajak introduces the players and they all say something about themselves. Usually something like I've been married for 10 years to my beautiful and awesome wife, who is also my best friend.  They always say positive things.  Now imagine if players really told the truth about their families and jobs. The introduction might sound something like this, "Yea Pat, I've been married to that drug addict  wife of mine for 12 years, she has  gained 60 lbs  and looks like hell. She recently caught me cheating with anther woman and that's the reason I am on wheel of fortune. Divorces are expensive and I pray I win some good money and maybe a trip to get away with my new 21 year old girlfriend." "I have 3 teenage children that are in constant trouble with the law and I have not held a job in over 3 years, so to pay the rent I have been dealing ice."

 Personally I think it would make the show more interesting if the players told truthful bio's instead of all this positive malarky that most likely just ain't true. 

In the meantime I would like to solve the prize puzzle, Is it, "The Kaua'i Multi use trail rocks?" "Yes it is" replies host Pat Sajak, and you have just won a trip to Detroit's best drug rehab center where you will travel on a  beautiful  air conditioned Greyhound bus escorted by football star Manti Te'o!