"Take out the easy chairs..."

The recent announcement by 'Borders' of Kauai to shut it's doors has many residents writing Letters in support of keeping the store open. There's even a facebook page that was born to Save 'Borders Kaua'i.' The people of Kaua'i love their "Borders."

 One of Borders problem's was the coffee shop and all the lounge chairs. People go in to  read, relax and have coffee or tea while reading an expensive book or magazine they never intend to buy.

Border's needs to take out the easy chairs and coffee shop, maybe then they'd sell more books in in this cyber electronic age, just maybe?

"Reading tomorrows news, today..."

This blog also re-appeared as an opinion article one year later on January 5, 2012 in the Kaua'i Garden Island news;
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-thursday-january/article_19c856d0-3773-11e1-9424-0019bb2963f4.html

 The Internet is s amazing, anything you need to know is there with a click of the mouse. No need to have volumes of encyclopedias and references books, any research can be done from one's laptop.

Every evening between 11:00-11:45 The Garden island newspaper posts all the news for the following day.
It's magical reading tomorrow's news when it's not even tomorrow.

Everyone can now have psychic abilities by tuning into http://www.kauaiworld.com/ every night. It's re-assuring knowing tomorrows news before retiring for the evening.

Now if only TGI could publish every state's winning lottery numbers and the results of every sporting event the day before, we could bail ourselves out of this financial meltdown!

"Oh no, I hit sent! sorry... :D)

If your like me there are times you have probably clicked on your computer mouse and sent off an email, blog, tweet or facebook comment you wish you could reverse.

Getting caught up in the passion of social networking on the Internet can get one in trouble.

I have a new set of rules when I comment to any one of the many social Internet networks. I send it to myself first and wait at least 15 minutes and read it again. If it still makes sense and I do not feel it's abusive or offensive I do a quick spell check and send it off

I have written quite a few things I wish I could take back and reverse like you do to a videotape. For instance if your reading this your a dirt-bag, oh no, I hit sent! sorry :D)

"Living in the twilight zone amongst strangers..."

The local newspaper recently ran a story titled, "14 month old girl dies in crash."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/article_546e31be-3d88-11e0-884e-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story

If one reads the paper online there is s a comments section and many readers, myself included like to interact with the stories and other readers.

This past Sunday a baby girl was killed in a 3 car accident as their vehicle rear ended a stopped vehicle and the baby was thrust forward and died.Two children in the back in car-seats were uninjured as was the father who was driving.

Supposedly their father was arrested and charged with negligence because he had his little girl on his lap,nothing like kicking a guy when he's down.

Most of us have either held a child or in our lap while driving or have been on their parents laps as children while they drove. I remember my father driving with me on his lap as I pretended to drive as a child.

Here are a few of the comments, "Wow, the victim is the CHILD. The father should be publicly chastised. Throwing out forgiveness from the beginning is not always the best idea when you want to AVOID this behavior in the future." "Stating the obvious (the driver was stupid to have her on his lap) is not being 'cold' and 'insensitive'. Nothing else being said is 'that out-of-line'. Gees... People need to get thicker skins and step away from the Care Bears."

Nothing can bring the baby back, c'mon folks have some empathy and sympathy here. There were some sympathetic comments but most comments were very cold toward a father who just lost his baby.

I feel like I am living on in the twilight zone amongst some of the least caring people in the world.

Those without sin cast the first stone.

"Dance the night away..."

The illustrious Kaua'i county council has it's work cut out for them this term, they must define dancing and talk about amending the plastic bag ban. This is what earns them $56,000 a year, $500 a month car allowance and health-care that most would sacrifice their left private part for. The only requirement is to attend one meeting per week, an average of well over $1,000.00 per hour.

Meanwhile business's on Island and all over the state continue to close their doors for one last time.

Pending, the state house and senate must decide if Marijuana should be decriminalized and what publishers can say in tour guides. Let's not forget there is a bill pending to stop the sale of toy guns.

This would all be comical if it wasn't the truth. I guess it's still comical but at our expense?

Here's what should happen, bring back plastic so we can package pakalolo properly as we dance the night away playing cops and robbers with our toy guns fantasizing about the good ole days...

"Should had named my dog "Palin..?"

Two years ago almost to this date I adopted a four legged friend, a miniature greyhound terrier mix, with white paws, a white chest and a black body, I named her 'Obama'

My dog's name name has affected many of my friendship's and acquaintances. I am no longer invited to potlucks or many social gatherings I once attended since I happen to like President Obama and named my dog 'Obama.'

Many of my friends actually believe President Obama is a closet Muslim and was not born in the United states. I tell them Hawai'i  where he was born is a state, the 50Th state and that President Obama attended the same Christian church for fifteen years prior to being elected?

I believe that the people who actually believe he is not a US citizen, and a closet Muslim are actually closet racists themselves, although they would never admit to it.

OK, I named my dog Obama, therefore everyone always ask me what Obama the president intends to do with this or that. I am not the presidents chief of staff just because I named my dog 'Obama.' I guess it's somewhat of a compliment that people believe I am the presidents chief of staff, but just as much an insult to humanity that they challenge his birthplace or religion.

I have one friend who can't even call my dog by her name, therefore she has taken on the moniker of 'Bommers.'

Imagine your dogs name changing your entire social life, imagine people still being racists.

 I wonder  what might had been if I had named my dog "Palin?"

"Skype it, Mr. Mayor..!"

A recent article in TGI titled " Mayor, Kauaian's visiting Philippines" is alarming with the current state of the economy as it stands.

Our mayor is going on a two week trip to the Philippines, "joining him on the journey are Economic Development Director George Costa and Kaui Tanaka, administrative aide to the mayor and sister city coordinator for the county."

"A group of Kaua‘i residents with ties to the Philippines will also be accompanying the mayor. They include Jimmy Iloreta and Edwin Navarro, who will be representing the Kaua‘i Filipino Community Council and Kaua‘i Filipino Chamber of Commerce, and Orlando Mateo, representative of Laoag Saranay."

My question is how can the mayor and his entourage go to the Philippines for two weeks all expenses paid on taxpayer dollars when many youth programs such as "Head start" are in jeopardy for funding. Taxes for everything are on the rise, and although county furloughs are over for now, state furloughs still exist and is only a matter of time until county workers maybe furloughed again.

During these times when the state is talking about everything from a soda pop tax, to medicare cuts and increased taxes on just about everything, it's an insult to the people.

I am sure the mayor would justify the trip by saying it promotes tourism, tourists aren't coming because we gauge them with airport fee's, car rental fee's and a huge hotel tax.

A skype video conference call seems more appropriate at this time!

"A $200,000 bus with my own chauffeur..!"

Monday February 14Th, Kaua'i Bus commenced late night bus service around the cosmic Garden island adding 3 more hourly scheduled rides. The last bus leaving Kukui Grove for Hanalei is 9:25 P.M. prior to this the last bus out was 6:25P.M.

Sunday service has also been added and will run on a Saturday schedule.

Basically the bus runs every hour at every stop, just add 3 more buses to every schedule.

Please use the Bus and help alleviate the traffic problem, you'll save wear and tear on your vehicle and quite a bit of money not having to pay almost $4.00 for a gallon of gas.

I like to tell everyone I have a $200,000 bus with my own chauffeur!

For prices and scheduled information go to;
http://www.kauai.gov/

Mahalos to da Bus!

"Don't get me wrong..."

There lives in a local man a slight bit older than me, calling me, "Uncle."

You see in Hawai'i everyone calls their elders "Uncle," or Auntie." Their Piers are called "Bruddah," and "Sista," and some are called "Cuz.

Don't get me wrong it's an honor having a younger person call you, "Uncle," but when that man is 10 years older than me, it's somewhat of an insult.

My only response to to that man was Mahalo (Thank you) Auntie. ;D)

Maybe it's time for a prozac nation?

Hawai'i is like a beautiful women's buttocks. It looks beautiful on the outside.....

How can anything  look  so awesome, yet be capable of expelling gas?? ;D)

Hawai'i is the dream vacation , it's the place many hope to retire. It is glorified with photos of beautiful hula girls smiling and handsome young men dancing with fire.

Hawaii really is a welfare and racist nation, echoing the geometric theory of, "reasoning based upon observation is not very sound...

Although I have negative thoughts on Hawaii, I find it hard to live anywhere else at this point in time, therefore I try to be tolerant of these things by creating my own world of blogging, gardening, swimming and riding my bike along with my dog.

Maybe it's time for a Prozac nation?

"The day after..."

Restaurants cherish this, florists look forward to it and candy-stores live for this.
The day restaurants charge 4 times as much for the same dinner, the day newspapers charge 3 times as much for a special ad, and a day that Las Vegas marriage parlors make a killing.

I'm glad I am single and not playing this game of cupid.

I can wait until February 15Th and buy everything half price or less.

I guess this may be one of the many reasons I am still single, since most woman prefer getting their valentine on February 14Th, although if your woman really loved you, she's celebrate it with you on February 15TH!

"Too much government..."

I would like to respond to the recent TGI article," Bill would hold publishers liable for accidents while trespassing."

http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_d334c0f2-30ff-11e0-be55-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story

The article basically states that a tour book publisher will be liable if someone has an accident or drowns at certain places deemed dangerous, Kipu Falls has been the site of many serious injuries and deaths and was cited as one of the those spots that needs to be taken out of tour-books since access is acquired through private property.

There are way too many laws, before long the government will be telling us what we can or can't wipe our behinds with.

I get it, Niagara falls is in many tour books as one of the seventh wonders of the world, should it be taken out because people have drowned there?

If someone goes to secret beach and jumps off the cliff does that mean Kauai's awesome Secret beach should not be in a tour book, and then hold the publisher liable?

People need to take responsibility and quit blaming the other guy. Before long the government will be telling us we can't expel gas after eating mexican food without a costly permit.

"Let it be known I would gracefully accept..! ;D)

(Editors note. A state house representative of the district I live in was recently appointed a higher post. There is a good chance that her replacement will be a local Kauai county council-member.)

TGI recently reported on the rumors of Rep. Mina Morita's replacement. She was picked by Governor Neil Abercrombie to be the new chair to the Public Utilities commission. She has been a representative in the state house for 14 years and will need to be replaced.

There is Speculation that a current Kauai county council member may be appointed her post. Derek Kawakami and Jay Furfaro are two of the county council members under consideration

The question remains is who will be picked to replace the chosen county council member if in fact Morita's replacement is a Kauai county council person?

Kipukai Kuali'i would most likely be the replacement of any council members departure since he came in number eight in the recent election, should Kipukai not accept the job it would most likely be offered to former controversial chair, Kaipo Asing who finished ninth in the recent election allowing the seven candidates with most votes to reign as council members.

The best thing about these new appointments is no special election is required as was when Neil Abercrombie quit his job as congressman and cost the taxpayers, $670,000 requiring a special election.

Kipukai Kualii would be a wonderful addition to the current county council. Let's hope that either Derek Kawakami or Jay Furfaro are chosen and that Kipikai be given a post he truly deserves.

If either Kuali'i or Asing refuse an offer, let it be known I would gracefully accept! ;D)

"Special delivery..."

The county provides through the Kauai humane society free plastic bags at approximates 6 locations along the pedestrian trail, these PLASTC BAGS are free and are for filling up with dog feces.

How can the county ban plastic bags for food items but allow them to be given away for free and filled with dog excrement?

I guess it's OK to use plastic bags after your dog has a bowel movement but not OK to use plastic for food items. We are protecting number two,(poop) when we should be protecting number one (ourselves) from a hypocritical law

I have an idea, next time you fill one of the those plastic bags with your dogs business, send it special delivery to your favorite politician with a note that says, just thinking of you, mahalo for all you do! "Not."

"My dog bought me dinner..."

My dog brought me dinner....My best friend bought me dinner....

There is a publication on Kauai that comes out in the middle of the week, it's appropriately titled, "Midweek."

Midweek recently ran a restaurant review on a local Mexican restaurant called 'Verde'. Their food is new Mexican style  fused with a touch of Hawaiian and Asian cuisine.

I had never been to the restaurant but was inspired to go for two reasons, the review made the food sound mouth watering and ono plus the owners were offering a $20.00 credit to any order if you could show you recently adopted an animal from the local animal shelter by showing your receipt.

I went in and was greeted by a smiling server and asked if my receipt was good since it was almost two years since I had adopted my four legged companion, 'Obama." She went back and asked sou chef Jason if my receipt was valid, he smiled and said YES!

He recommended the Ahi tacos along with a side of Sopaipillas with honey on the side. Sopaipillas are a pastry normally made with lard, he changed the recipe to not include lard. I ordered both to go.

When I got home I was in for a surprise, This was the best Mexican food I have had in years.  I admit it being free had a lot to do with it.

The real test will be when I return and have to pay for my meal, if it tastes anything thing as good as the first I will be coming back time after time!

"Our politicians need to cut their own outrages salaries.."

Protesters of project Head start demonstrated in front of the Kapa'a public library on wednesday 02-08-11.

The new Abercrombie administration which promised no tax cuts or furloughs is cutting funding for the much needed youth program of project head start.

Our politicians need to cut their own outrages salary before cutting educational funds.

Kimo Rosen reporting for KIMO news!

"The news not reported in the paper..."Costco Fire..."

Lihu'e fire department responded to a fire and smoke inside Costco Kaua'i Lihue, the store was evacuated around 1:00 P.M. on Monday 02-07-11 for approximately two hours as firefighters extinguished a fire ignited in the freezer section of the store.

No injuries were reported and the store re-opened at approximate 3:00 P.M. after two hours of cleanup ad safety assurances.

The photo shows people anxiously awaiting to return to their shopping. To the disappointment of many,  the food sample personal had departed when the firemen arrived and never returned upon the re-opening.  ;D(

Kimo Rosen, reporting for KIMO News!

"Spiritual cleansing..."

Nothing feels better than swimming in the ocean el natural, there are many clothing optional beaches around the world.

Many people do not know this but some places in North America permit females to be top-free in public on an equal basis to males, Hawaii is one of those states.

It's a naturist type of nudity, people are not aroused just relaxing in their birthday suits. People are usually mellower when they are not wearing clothes, just doing things in the attire the lord gave us.

Jewish people as a ritual cleansing will take a "mikvah," where you submerge yourself in salt water naked to clean yourself spiritually.

Skinny dipping is a spiritual cleansing, for those protesting it, I dare you to try it. you may have a change of heart.!

"Everyone watches..."

The Superbowl was once a championship football game that the guys could enjoy without out all the hoopla of movie stars, musicians and anyone trying to make a buck.
A four hour pregame show,an interview with the president and two weeks worth of commercialism

Everyone watches, women who know nothing of football,  many not even knowing what a first down, or safety is. This means the guys watching having to explain simple concepts to them so they don't feel left out.

I prefer a regular season game, when the woman are complaining that their men are sitting on their asses and there are 15 games on any given week.

This is the biggest game of the season and it's not the time to be explaining things to the ones who watch but once a year.

May I recommend start watching early in the season.  Maybe next year we can start watching the game undisturbed and in  peace.  Guess I'm dreaming, but at least blogging at half time allows me to not have to explain to my guests what a touchdown is.

P.S.- Superbowl seat  true story...  ;D)

"A woman had 50 yard line tickets for the Super Bowl. As she sat down, a man came along and asked her if anyone is sitting in the seat next to her.

"No," she said, "the seat is empty."

"This is incredible," said the man. "Who in their right mind would  have a seat like this for the Super Bowl, the biggest sporting event in the world, and not use it?" Somberly, the woman says, "Well... the seat actually belongs to me. I  was supposed to come here with my husband, but he passed away. This is the first Super Bowl we have not been to together since we got married in 1967."

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that, that's terrible. But couldn't you find  someone else - a friend or relative or even a neighbor to take the seat?" The woman shakes her head, "No, they're all at the funeral."

"Be Vigilant...."

I happened to be in Kapa'a town three minutes after a Kapa'a man was stabbed.

I am therefore posting this to inform the people of Kaua'i and around the world that a stabbing did happen in our quaint quiet community that some call "Paradise." December had a cold blooded murder that has had a terrible impact on the tourism market and now a stabbing that everyone wants to keep quiet.

Kapa'a man 'Justin Freemon' was stabbed with a knife in front of Steak burgers in the Kojima Plaza in Kapa'a town around 2:30 P.M. Thursday 02-03-11. The assailant took off on bike going northbound. The victim said he knew his assailant. As of my blog time the assailant is still on the loose.

The authorities are keeping things quiet,if I had not been there to record the incident the paper never would had reported it, when I called the police and county for follow up, no calls were returned.  People beware there is a dangerous person out on the streets with a weapon, be vigilant.

"Cameraman will have nothing to cutaway to..."

Superbowl XLV (45) is upon us and this year the Green Bay Packers will face the Pittsburgh Steelers, ironically two NFL teams out of six without cheerleaders. Cameraman will have nothing to cutaway to if the game is slow, however I don't think that will be a problem.

The question still remains, how can the "Superbowl be the "World championship? There are 32 teams in the NFL. There are no foreign countries invited to compete and only 22 states have NFL franchises, 28 states do not have a franchise.

You have to either love it, or pull your hair out. Overpaid jocks playing for what they believe is a worlds championship? Many believe the Superbowl to be more popular and observed  by more than Christmas in America.

The closing line of our national anthem should go,"for the land of the free and the home of the Superbowl."

Enjoy the game!

"Local Politics, Rapozo's chutzpah..!"

(Editors note, on January 11,2011, a plastic bang ban was initiated on the county of Kaua'i, many people are up in arms including yours truly.)

Mahalo Nui Loa councilman Rapozo for your chutzpah to review the plastic bag ban and to introduce an amendment exempting food service establishments.(Reported in TGI 02-02-11)

May I suggest amending it for farmers markets and supermarkets too. I say put it to the vote of the people and bring back plastic altogether, this ban was insane, replacing plastic with paper. Paper is actually more polluting than paper, read the study

http://www.savetheplasticbag.com/

If plastic and paper had both been banned in the recent bill co-authored by Tim Bynum and Lani Kawakara that would had been a different story, but replacing plastic with paper is one hundred giant steps backwards, on top of that the paper bags have to have printed on them with polluting inks that they are biodegradable.

Did you know Walmarts alleged cloth bags are made of plastic in China, read the label.

Our council adopts bills, then amends bills , they run in circles accomplishing nothing, in fact if they did nothing, it would be better than what they do now.

I still cannot get over county council members making over $1,000 per meeting and accomplishing nothing, in fact if they accomplish nothing it would be better than what they do now.