"Bringing Dignity to Politics..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen

Hawai'i U.S. Senior Legendary  Senator Dan Inoyue and Hawai'i U.S. Congress woman
 Mazie Hirono are most likely delighted to see the recent  friendship between
 Republican N.J. Governor Chris Christie and President Obama...

Disasters bring people together. Neighbors that never talked are now each others friends helping each other in basic survival.

Politics is a dirty game, citizens suffer as partisans spin everything to fit their desired agenda of making the other guy fall. Politics has become a war of Republican vs. Democrat with the citizens of the U.S. losing on all fronts.

When Republicans in congress make a goal that's it's number one priority beyond all else is to deny anything president Obama proposes only stifles America.

Chris Christie the Governor of New Jersey and the keynote speaker at the 2012 Republican National convention and huge (and I mean huge) advocate for Mitt Romney is praising the president for all he has done to expedite storm relief with less red tape, bureaucracy and promising a fifteen minute rule on returning phone calls on anything to do with the east coast disaster.

Seeing video's and photo's of Republican Governor Chris Christie praising the president, shaking hands and working with each other is a step in the right direction. Politicians need to learn from this and quit partisan warfare for the benefit of all America and the world.

It's sad that it takes a disaster to do what's pono, may this disaster bring dignity back to politics from this point forward.

Aloha check out my opinion article an edited version of this blog in the November 4, 2012 edition of  the  Honolulu Star-Advertiser, it's a paid  subscriber internet version, so I am copying and pasting the whole article  along with the UTRL

http://staradvertiser.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx 

"Let's restore dignity to political process"

Disasters bring people together. Neighbors who never talked are now each others’ friends, helping each other in basic survival.
Politics is a dirty game, citizens suffer as partisans spin everything to fit their desired agenda of making the other guy fall. Politics has become a war of Republican vs. Democrat with the citizens of the U.S. losing on all fronts.
Republican Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, the keynote speaker at the 2012 Republican National Convention and huge advocate for Mitt Romney, is praising President Barack Obama for all he has done to expedite storm relief with less red tape and bureaucracy.
Seeing Christie and Obama working with each other is a step in the right direction. Politicians need to learn from this and quit partisan warfare for the benefit of all America and the world.
It’s sad that it takes a disaster to do what’s pono. May this disaster bring dignity back to politics from this point forward.
James “Kimo” Rosen
Kapaa, Kauai

This blog also appeared in the 11-10-12 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news as an opinion article titled; "disasters bring people together."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-saturday-nov/article_269d690e-2ac5-11e2-874e-001a4bcf887a.html 

There was also a Letter to the Editor in Response to this blog in the Kauai garden Island news on 11-11-12
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-sunday-nov/article_7c0f0d40-2bd6-11e2-897f-001a4bcf887a.html

America’s split won’t be repaired anytime soon

In response to Mr. Rosen’s letter “Disaster brings people together” published Nov. 10. His letter only proves that what he sees as a disaster will never bring people together as he claims. Mr. Rosen says “politics has become a war of Republicans vs. Democrats.”

Why is it Mr. Rosen only mentions a one-sided opinion that he wants to shove down our throats and thinks this will bring the people together?

He says, “when Republicans in Congress make a goal that their No. 1 priority beyond all else is to deny anything President Obama proposes only stifles America.”

It’s a two-way street Mr. Rosen, but I guess you forgot to mention what the Democrats have done to stifle America. The last four years prove the disastrous track record they have achieved and will continue to hand out over the next four years. We all may enjoy the thought of bringing the people together, but I’m afraid that the major split in this country evident by the election results will play the biggest role of why it won’t happen anytime soon.

Steve Martin

Wailua

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" The Kamado Grilling Saga..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux turned 82 years young on August 15, 2012.
Today she blogs about  her culinary skills and her new Amado Kub 82
grill. Bettejo is pictured above with her new grill and some Ahi skewers.
Bettejo has lived on the cosmic island of Kaua'i for over 40 years
and is a people lover, animal lover and lover of life.

Recalling the green peanut butter cookies is only the start.

In Manila we lived in the Carmelence Villa, 450 Lamayan, Sta. Ana, on the Pasig. Carmen Melencio,  General Aginaldo’s daughter, owned three homes stylish behind tall iron gates with a gateman. He lived there  24/7 in a guard-house. Her home, which we rented, her daughter’s home across our very own two lane drive with overhead lighting, and the Thai Ambassador’s residence at the end of the drive settled serenely into an exotic orchid strewn garden. It had a 24/7 yard boy who kept it groomed. I could use him here.

I have pictures of my staff at the front door. Most prominent was our cook, Josie-with a black eye-and three amahas, one holding one of our precious Siamese cats. I bring this up because, on our flight back to Hawaii, on one of Pan Am’s first jets, as we  sighted Oahu and prepared to land, Billy, our youngest son, began to cry.

“What is it?” I queried.

“.. who’s gonna be cooker?” He managed to blubber through his tears. Billy knew I couldn't cook and he’d worried about this sad state off affairs all the way across the Pacific.

Actually it wasn't quite that bad, I could make grilled cheese sandwiches, but very quickly I had to learn how to shop and how to cook what I bought, for four kids me and a hungry husband.  I never got good at it and I never enjoyed it, but we ate. I discovered I was pretty good at making chili. We ate a lot of chili. For breakfast lunch and dinner. Interspersed, on special occasions, with grilled cheese sandwiches.

What Bill said he loved best about my chili was that it never tasted the same twice.  That’s because I never measured, I just tossed stuff-mostly kidney beans and tomatoes-in a pot and served it hot or cold in pretty white porcelain bowls I’d brought home. I graduated to broiled chicken, steak, lamb and baked potatoes. Plus a tossed salad. I even managed to invent an egg dish for breakfast which, I learned later, all the kids hated. I thought it was cute. It was grilled toast with a hole in the middle into which I broke an egg and fried.

When Bill was ill I prepared exotic health food and fed the left overs to me and the dogs and cats.

After Bill died,  it was microwave all the way. Twenty seven years. Garnished with a swig of wine or orange juice and cup of tea or coffee, the best I can say is: I got here.

Which gets us, quickly, to the wonderful 82 and all my new and wonderful friends. Kimo Rosen offered to do a Bar-b-que thing,  so I bought, from Frontgate, the KAMADO KUB  grill. Too darling. Small black clay cooking pot with a heavy easy lift lid and hard wood side flaps that go up and down. It goes well with my wrought iron and sits proudly regal smack in the middle of  a round white stone table with benches.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to fire it up and cook stuff on it. The instructions say it bakes, grills, and smokes. Holy moly.

Check out this Hilarious Youtube, "Which Dog is Guilty?"
It's only 34 seconds...
http://www.maniacworld.com/which-is-the-guilty-dog.html

Bettejo publishes her own columns, they can be viewed at;

http://bettejo.wordpress.com/

Bettejo is a published fiction author, check out her award winning title "The Scam"

http://www.bettejodux.com/

Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"Your first Halloween message..." 'Debbie Eayrs" (Source)

Guest-blogger Debbie Eayrs co-owner of Eayrs plumbing and heating from Homer, Alaska is the source of this important information on Halloween  ;D) Your first Halloween message. Happy Halloween Halloween is coming! A man is walking home alone late one foggy night... when behind him he hears: Bump...BUMP...BUMP... Walking faster, he looks back and through the fog he makes out the image of an upright casket banging its way down the middle of the street toward him. BUMP...BUMP... BUMP... Terrified, the man begins to run toward his home, the casket bouncing quickly behind him FASTER... FASTER... BUMP... BUMP...  BUMP... He runs up to his door, fumbles with his keys, opens the door, rushes in, slams and locks the door behind him. However, the casket crashes through his door, with the lid of the casket clapping clappity-BUMP... clappity-BUMP...clappity-BUMP... on his heels, the terrified man runs. Rushing upstairs to the bathroom, the man locks himself in. His heart is pounding; his head is reeling; his breath is coming in sobbing gasps. With a loud CRASH the casket breaks down the door. Bumping and clapping toward him. The man screams and reaches for something, anything, but all he can find is a bottle of cough syrup! Desperate, he throws the cough syrup at the casket... and, (hopefully you're ready for this!!!) The coffin stops  Hana Hou, (Encore) shared from Facebook...

" Share what you know..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Monday)

"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 giving back and an her eye opening
 experience, how appropriate  for one in the profession of  ophthalmology   Enjoy...

SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW


Last week I returned to my old alma mater….The community college I graduated from back in the 1970’s to address the senior class of my old major, Medical Assisting.  With the way jobs and careers are today people need the best edge in order to succeed in their trained profession and I felt I could give back to the class by sharing what I had done for the last 30 years with my career.  I received a 2 year associates degree back then in Medical Assisting and turned it into a B.A. degree several years later in Gerontology.

The school looked the same as I had left it so many years ago but the student faces and atmosphere were very different.  Many of the students were older and had many more responsibilities than I had back then. Some were parents of young children, some were adults returning to school to tool themselves into a new career and some were just educating themselves to grow their knowledge in the field.

I was well received and felt I gave them some good food for thought about their lives and what  direction they could take them but most of I I tried to impart to them that education never goes to waste and whatever they gleaned from school could never be taken away from them; it could only help them in life no matter what age they were. 

 It was an eye opening and enjoyable experience; and I was asked to return next semester to  do a repeat performance!

Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"Understanding Woman..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Dakinetalks favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)
talks about  a great new book, "Understanding Woman!"
Thank you Unc for all your wonderful
words of wisdom and jokes.

Great new paperback edition*** Recommended

Thought you'd like to know that the book,

"Understanding Women" is now out in paperback.

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"At the Zoo, sample chapter-Planet Japan..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

The enclosed blog is a sample from my 2004 book, "Planet Japan." 
The book contains 30 stream of conscious essays about my feelings
in this foreign land.  Enjoy... 

Living a memory and knowing and cherishing it now... 119, (Ichi, Ichi, Kyu) not 911 is the number to call for an emergency in Japan. The date is listed with the year first and the postal zip code on letters is the first thing addressed on an envelope, not the last as it is in America.

At the Omuta zoo, I found a quiet place to eat peanuts and everyone thought as they walked by that I was one of the attractions. In the town of 100,000, I was one of about six Caucasian people.

Relaxing at the zoo, watching the lone giraffe, the lone elephant, the lone lesser panda, I know how they feel. One elephant, one giraffe, one lion, one tiger and one Gai-jin (foreigner) fitting in at the zoo.

I had my first McDonald’s hamburger since leaving America. It actually felt like home, like a friend, like being with family. The McDonald’s hamburger was my refuge, on sale at only 59 Yen, about 50 cents US. Never in my wildest dreams or nightmares would I have imagined a McDonald’s hamburger being my refuge and salvation.

Japanese beer is not beer it's a drug all its own. Most Japanese beers are 5.5 percent alcohol. Suntory makes a beer called Suntory 2002 that is 6.5 percent alcohol. The Japanese munch on soybeans not chips while drinking beer. The beer in Japan is lethal and in the day we drink iced (Oocha) Japanese green tea with more caffeine than coffee just to recover from the beer.

Ironically I had three weeks of vacation and chose to stay in Omuta. Traveling stresses me more than work and is very expensive so I’m staying put and enjoying my own backyard! In America I enjoy traveling alone, but in Japan it's very difficult since all the signs and names of cities are in Kanji which I still do not read. In America I enjoy being alone, in Japan I need to be held by the hand. Funny that when I have free time, I miss all the action of teaching. Ironically, I was looking forward to my vacation, now I am looking forward to school starting. The students are my friends!

Why travel? I have a two-bedroom tatami mat, Japanese-style apartment overlooking two retirees gardens and beyond that a park. The other night I was laying on my futon staring at a full moon outside my sliding lanai door. I can bicycle and walk everywhere. Omuta is considered country.
Yellow watermelons, three huge eggplants, five apples, one dozen large eggs, large loaf bread, three boxes of tofu, Salmon steaks, two skinless chicken breasts, all these items can be purchased for 100 Yen (.88 cents 33US). Keep in mind 100 Yen is about 12% less than one US dollar. Again another falsehood about Japan is that everything is so expensive. I have never tasted better produce or spent so little on everything from cucumbers to garlic to fish to snacks to school supplies to CD's/videos... Yada Yada Yada. Japan truly is Hyaku Yen (100 Yen) country, and the city of Omuta is cheaper than other places in Japan. My friend from Tokyo remarked I was blessed to live in Omuta! 

When you hear Japan is expensive it's because most people base their facts on Tokyo, that would be like saying America is expensive if we based everything on New York City.

The simplest things give me such a feeling of accomplishment. I went to the video store and in broken Japanese, English and charades was able to purchase a membership card. I went to a discount store called Direx to purchase a brand new refrigerator for 188,000 Yen about $160.00 US. My employers furnished a refrigerator in my apartment but it is so old, that it used ten kilowatt hours of electricity a day versus approximately two kilowatt hours per day for this new energy efficient refrigerator/ freezer. I figured I would save in electricity in my time remaining in Japan more than what the refrigerator/freezer cost me. I was able to convey I needed it delivered and for 1000 Yen about $8.78 US I had two young men deliver it to my apartment. Rent is paid by my employers but I am responsible for the utilities. Water, electric and gas, all utilities cost less than $100 US per month.

I’d been getting my haircut by a beautician who is a friend of a friend, but she was scared to cut too much of my hair. Many barbers are afraid to cut foreign hair for fear of making a mistake. I finally had to go to another barber and explain that I wanted to keep my ponytail Hawaiian style), but wanted the rest of my hair cut like anyone else. Not only did I get a perfect haircut but I also got an old time hot towel shave and they trimmed the hair that grows out of your ears with a device I have never seen before. The cost was only 1500 Yen about $12.00 US and there is no tipping in Japan. It’s one of my favorite qualities or should we say inequalities.

I am on the Japanese National Health plan, taking advantage of getting much needed dental work done while in Japan. The Japanese do not use rubber gloves like in America. Dental work costs very little, I had two missing teeth replaced and capped many teeth. The total cost was around $10,000 (Yen), about $88 (US) for major work, about 10 visits including xrays, and teeth cleaning. There is one assistant that speaks English, the dentist’s daughter, her name is Mami (pronounced Mommy). It is nice going to see mommy at the dentist! To relax in Japan I go to the dentist...

The simplest activities like getting a haircut, going to the doctor, having something delivered, making transactions at the bank or post office are challenging. It's like being a kid and learning everything for the first time.34I hang out at a local mall called YoumeTowne or Dream Town, and people-watch and let the people watch me. Many people go to hang out in the air-conditioning. Starbucks, Mister Donut, McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Toys R Us, are the American influences in this mall. My favorite food at the mall is called Taco Yaki. Octopus fried balls are oishii (delicious). They would be a hit in America, I know it.

Everyone uses the word Dozo, when seating you in a restaurant, when handing you something. It means please. I thought people were calling me Bozo... My friend introduced me to his wife Miho (Me hoe). I thought how crude introducing your wife as your hoe. Aito (eight-o) in Japanese means lets see. I asked a friend the score of the soccer game and he said aito, I said thank you... Hai (hy) means yes and is a basic acknowledgment used constantly in the Japanese language. I thought people were just being friendly and said Hy a lot.

I’m taking photos daily with a Fuji disposable 35 mm camera to go along with my text. I want to show that in photography as well as in sex, it's not the tool but the carpenter. Ironically I am a professional photographer by trade and people found humor in me using a disposable camera. Disposable cameras are great, if you loose one it’s not a major financial loss and you can always keep one on you as easy as carrying a pack of cigarettes, you’ll never miss the chance for a Pulitzer. In photos, the Japanese are obsessed with giving the peace sign. I must act candid and fast to get a photo without the peace sign. Mark Twain once said, "The best way to cheer yourself up is to try cheering up someone else."

Gambette Kudasai (keep your spirits up)

Hana Hou, (Encore)   Shared from my photos of Japan

Where will all the cars go...? James "Kimo" Rosen

There are many alternatives to driving, biking is healthy,
fun and saves thousands of dollars in gas. Try walking,
biking or taking the bus as an alternative to driving.

Imagine an endless line of cars with nowhere to go, Kaua'i may soon come to this reality. Every year there are thousands of  people becoming of age to drive, translating to even more traffic congestion.

 The cosmic island of Kaua'i is only  33 miles long and 25 miles wide with few roads. The major road  which nearly  runs around the whole  island is called a highway, although it  looks nothing like a highway, more like a country road with  speed limits posted in most areas only 25 mph.

There are more than one million registered motor vehicles in the state of Hawaii, that's more than one vehicle for every man woman and child. Everyday car dealerships sell more and more vehicles, when will it end, where will all these vehicles go?

There is no state in the United States with fewer lane miles than Hawai'i,  with Kaua'i ranking last place in miles of road among the four major Hawaiian islands.

With  approximately 235 miles of paved roadways and 40 miles of unpaved roadways on Kaua'i, there will soon  be no place to drive, just motor vehicles at a standstill from one end of the island to the other. With  under 300 miles of paved roads on Kaua'i and over 60,000 vehicles and growing, eventually there will be the ultimate traffic jam with nowhere left to drive.

There is no greater feeling than passing  car after car, truck after truck while riding a bike or walking.  Obesity is at an all time high, why not try killing two birds with one stone  by  getting some much needed exercise while leaving your vehicle behind. The environment will love it, your health will treasure it and with gas at an all time high your pocketbook will scream for joy.

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"Mayonnaise,Spam, Rice and Shoyu‏..." James "Kimo" Rosen

Cooking and exchanging recipe's is a way of life in Hawai'i.
Mayonnaise, Spam, Rice and Shoyu sauce are the four
most common ingredients... what can you create
with these ingredients?Aloha, 
Check out my opinion article in the 04-02-13 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news, " True Kama'aina."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-tuesday-april/article_526d1986-9b58-11e2-9121-0019bb2963f4.html

You are not a true Kamaaina (Hawai'i resident) until you master the craft of using all of the  the following ingredients, Mayonnaise, Spam, Rice and Shoyu (soy sauce) in  most of your recipes.
Many times while talking story with friends we often exchange recipes. I noticed that most recipes consist of Mayonnaise, Spam, Rice  and Shoyu.

Spam Musubi is a popular sushi roll made with you guessed it ,all four of  the ingredients.  Spam Musubi is easy, take a sheet of nori(seaweed) fold some rice into it, combined with mayonnaise and shoyu and  a cut piece of spam sitting on top. This is a major comfort food enjoyed  by all, even vegetarians  and those on kosher diets are known to sneak spam musubi when their friends aren't looking.    (below link, photos of Spam Musubi)
https://www.google.com/search?q=musubi&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS481US482&prmd=imvnse&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=iRyDUIuyD83MigKrmYD4Dw&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQsAQ&biw=1016&bih=498
Next time you order a burger make sure and order it with lots of  extra mayo,  next time you need salt reach for shoyu instead, forget potatoes and yams, rice will work for everything. When your craving a steak go for that can of Spam. After mastering these skills you will be a true Kamaaina with a local palate that shouts Aloha!
Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...


Aloha, Check out my opinion article in the 04-02-13 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news, " True Kama'aina."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-tuesday-april/article_526d1986-9b58-11e2-9121-0019bb2963f4.html

"The Cookie and the Stick..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

 

Bettejo Dux meets Obama Da Dog with friends and
her kids in above photo. Bettejo has lived on the cosmic
Island of Kaua'i for over 40 years. Bettejo blogs about
her kids. Bettejo also has her own website;
http://www.bettejodux.com

The Cookie and the Stick

I was informed by a friend that, “…anyone who can train a goat can make a million dollars.”. A million bucks in the bank, or under the bed, would be nice so I set out to do it.

Remember the kids? I brought them home in May last year and they grew up to be goats. House goats. Billy and Kim, named after two of my children. That was the start. Now all I had to do was train them and be able to pass this valuable skill on to others who might want to train a pair of house goats.

First of all, they were-and are-darling. A little big bigger. A whole lot bigger-as a matter of fact-and a whole lot smarter. Trust me on this one, goats are very bright and put two of them together and the mind of a human being is taxed to out wit them.

They have a keen curiosity. Interested in everything. Anything new is to be explored, tasted, and touched. They sniff and nibble. They love things that clatter. They can open doors and unsnap snap hooks and do other wondrous feats for a creature that has no hands.  They love to carry thing in their mouths and delight in the chase to get them back. They climb trees.

They love and are attracted to red, bright colors, and shiny things.
They love to jump and run and buck and leap like fairy tale horses. And, like horses, they can’t be potty trained.

They have distinct personalities. Kim, the little white nanny, is much smarter than Billy. She’s the alpha goat. She has a powerful sense of justice. When I finally had to restrain one she was the first. One was to stay put  in clean, comfortable,  and expansive quarters while the other ran free and I switched them around-so far so good- but when I unchained her that first day she  put on a wild west show to end all wild west shows. She tried to butt. She came at me on her hind legs striking. A blow with one of those cloven hooves can be quite painful. She spoke to me with her  blue eyes sparking fire, her voice crackling with goat annoyance.
They do have a vocabulary. They speak and communicate with each other. On that  day  her usual pleasant little goat bleats were snorty, quick, and grumpy. She voiced, quite plainly, what she thought of the new deal.

I think animals must think we’re very dumb. They understand everything we say-ignore it usually- but we can’t learn their lingo. I’m not fluent in goat but I’m learning. I taught them ‘eeep’ means  get back in your pen and breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be soived in da main dining paddock.
They love cookies.  i usually carry a pocketful to hand feed them when we meet in pleasurable circumstance.

I also carry a stick to whap them with when they get sassy. They don’t like that stick and when I lift it and say ‘no’ they pay attention.
They love to play chase with Bootsy, my dog. And move furniture. They are at their absolute darlingest when they lie by my chair  chewing their cud. My life and my house have completely changed since they moved in.

The opening sentence in my million dollar tome on training goats? “You don’t train goats. They train you.”

Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

http://www.bettejodux.com

"President Obama's sister..." (Obama's Dad) 'James "Kimo" Rosen



Obama Da Dog, Obama's Dad and President
Obama's sister. My eyes are closed because I feel I am dreaming!
Notice the Obama head-band and T-shirt! ;D)

This  blog also appeared as an opinion article in the October 24, 2012 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island News; "President Obama's sister."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-wednesday-oct/article_5fdbd13c-1db0-11e2-800a-001a4bcf887a.html

President Obama's sister 

There was a Democratic rally on Kaua'i at Chiefess middle school in Puhi on 10-20-12. President Obama's sister was the keynote speaker, other prominent Democrats  present were  the legendary senior U.S. Senator Dan Inouye,  U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, Hawai'i Governor Neil Abercrombie and a host of local and state politicians.

I met president Obama's sister (Maya Soetoro Ng) she graciously talked story and posed for photos with my dog named Obama and myself.   She thought it was cute I named my dog Obama. Maya has high energy and is  a great ambassador not only for her brother but for the entire Democratic party. I felt like I was in the company of a rock star, her charisma and energy was the high point of the rally.

I started thinking, Maya is introduced as President Obama's sister, the local paper headlines President Obama's sister, the emails and social media inviting people to this event all called Maya, President Obama's sister. Speaking with attendees at the rally everyone called Maya, President Obama's sister. Why is it Maya is  always President Obama's sister? Is it her name is to hard to pronounce and remember (Maya Soetoro Ng)? After-all  most westerners don't know how to pronounce NG, I don't. Or is it we are so star struck with name recognition?

I have a sister, how would she like it if every time she want somewhere she was introduced as my sister, or how about if every-time I want somewhere I was addressed as my sister's brother?  How would  any of you like it?

I thought hard about this and when Maya left the auditorium where she spoke I said," great meeting you Maya,"  and she said  looking away from me and eyes clued on my dog, "nice meeting you Obama," and told me I am a great dad to my dog.

I guess there's nothing wrong with being known as Obama's dad, I now understand the concept of  being President Obama's sister, not that there's anything wrong with it.

Signed; (Obama's Dad) James "Kimo" Rosen

Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from my Facebook photo album...

Hawai'i U.S. Senior Legendary Senator Dan Inouye, Obama Da Dog,
Hawai'i U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, James "Kimo" Rosen
and a Secret Service Dude....

Hawai'i Governor Neil Abercrombie consults with Obama!
For friends on Facebook check my photo album on this
historic event of all these dignitaries getting to meet my dog! :D)

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4913829767841.192826.1361088023&type=1&l=d839558288

This blog also appeared as an opinion article in the October 24, 2012 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island News; "President Obama's sister."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-wednesday-oct/article_5fdbd13c-1db0-11e2-800a-001a4bcf887a.html

"HOW ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE LIFE..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Monday)

Judith Whitehead guest-blogs about the sanctity and  preciousness
of life. Judy lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the medical profession
for over 30 years.  Remember that everyday is Thanksgiving!

HOW ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE LIFE

Last weekend we were driving down a busy street near our home to stop at a restaurant/food stand for a quick sandwich. As we approached the restaurant we saw cars begin to slow down. A huge accident had just occurred minutes before we drove down that very lane of traffic. A tractor trailer had drifted into the oncoming lane that we were in and hit a van with two people in it head on. The van had tried to swerve out of the way but it was no match for the tractor and both ended up in the front of a house that had been converted to an animal clinic. The two people in the van were killed instantly and the truckers lived. Ambulances and police came on the site within minutes after we had passed the area.

 Was it just fate that we drove slower that day; was it their untimely coincidence that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time? Is there a greater plan out in the universe when people are taken from us so quickly without any warning? We never know when our time is up. We don’t have to be sick, elderly or ailing to be called to a greater place.

Just another reminder to make the most of life on this earth and to enjoy and live well each day.

Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"DRINK, STEAL,SWEAR AND LIE..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Chester"Unc" Lau, Dakinetalk's favorite
Uncle is back blogging more words
of wisdom.

DRINK, STEAL, SWEAR & LIE -
Sounds Like Congress?

I met this guy while I was in Albuquerque and he has
a motto he lives by everyday. He said listen carefully and
live by these 4 rules : Drink, Steal, Swear, & Lie.
 I was shaking my head 'no', but he then told me to listen
while he explained his four rules. So here they are :

1.. "Drink" from the Kosher  wine  bar every day.

2.... "Steal" a moment to help someone that is in worse shape
 than you are.

3.. "Swear" that you will be a better person today than
 yesterday.

4.. And last, but not least, when you "lie" down at night
 thank Washington & Jefferson that you live in America and have freedom.
 
I am not as good as I should be,  I am not as good
as I could be .   but THANK GOODNESS
 I am better than I used to be !

Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"Why Buy Bottled Water..?" 'James "Kimo" Rosen

Tap water may actually be healthier than bottled water
sitting in plastic bottles.

Why do people continue to buy  water in plastic bottles?  Most restaurants have filtering systems on their tap water these days and  many times the filtered water for free is many times healthier than the water that sits in the plastic bottles for sometimes months before it is consumed.
The plastic ignites toxins into bottled water, so all the purity means nothing once it's aged in plastic.

Brita sells filtration systems  that you just clip onto your kitchen faucet and every-time you want the filtered water just click a button.

Bottled water is a scam, the bottles are a major source of pollution and major component of most landfills. The water itself  initially may be clean, pure and filtered however after stagnating in plastic it becomes non pure, and ironically probably less healthy than tap water.

 Some say filtered water may actually be bad since your system builds no immunities from filtered waters. Bottled water is a waste of money, buy a filtration system and save thousands or just brave it and drink straight from the tap. The savings  alone  will alleviate stress, less stress more healthy!
 Remember don't order the bottled water in restaurants, just ask for a class of ice water, don't be scammed.

For everyone who likes Kaua'i check out this  episode of Southpark, a parody on Kauai, Coco Palms, cruise ships, super-ferry etc. Thought you might like it. I haven't seen the whole thing but the bits and pieces I have seen are pretty good!

http://www.southparkstudios.com/news/zpin1c/see-episode-1611-going-native-uncensored

Check out the Al Smith Dinner of 10-18-12, where the presidential candidates make fun of themselves and each other; whoever loses has a career in stand-up for sure!

Obama- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6g2YkTAYQ4

Romney- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIHbe-aO6oI

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"Happy Election day, or should I say erection..?" James "Kimo" Rosen

Election day in Japan was always an excuse  to go out
and eat at  your favorite restaurant.

Election day was my favorite subject  to talk about during my time teaching English as a second language in Japan.
For some reason the students were very interested in American politics. They knew of George Bush, Bill Clinton and many other American politcal personalities.

On the other hand, how many Americans know anything about Japanese politicians?

The thing I enjoyed most was the way my students pronounced Election day, since most Japanese  with their accents make the 'L'  sound like an "R'

Election day in Japan became Erection day,  how appropriate  a day reserved for a bunch of big  erections or as I call them politicians.

Happy election day, or should i say erection day!  ;D)

Check out Jimmy Kimmel's report on the first lady debate with Ann Romney  and Michelle Obama!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EohGmG-QUhA


Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"My Son the Vet..." 'Obama da Dog' (Source-Truthbook.com)

'Obama Da Dog' shares with us a humorous story from one of her favorite sources http://www.truthbook.com   My Son, the Vet One Sunday, in counting the money in the weekly offering, the pastor of a small church found a pink envelope containing $1,000. It happened again the next week!   The following Sunday, he watched as the offering was collected and saw an elderly woman put the distinctive pink envelope on the plate. This went on for weeks until the pastor, overcome by curiosity, approached her. "Ma'am, I couldn't help but notice that you put $1,000 a week in the collection plate," he stated. "Why, yes," she replied, "every week my son sends me money, and I give some of it to the church." The pastor replied, "That's wonderful. But $1,000 is a lot; are you sure you can afford this? How much does he send you?" The elderly woman answered, "$10,000 a week." The pastor was amazed. "Your son is very successful; what does he do for a living?" "He is a veterinarian," she answered. "That's an honorable profession, but I had no idea they made that much money," the pastor said.. "Where does he practice?" The woman answered proudly, "In Nevada ... He has two cat houses, one in Las Vegas and one in Reno. http://www.truthbook.com/stories/dsp_viewStory.cfm?storyID=981 Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook....