"True Friends..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

This blog is dedicated to my dear friend John Rogers. this  blog is all about his recent visit
to the Cosmic Garden Island of Kaua'i. That's John on the left and yours truly on the right.
This blog also ran as my column the Garden Island News on 10-07-13
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/guest/always-treasure-life-s-true-friends/article_b7584a82-2fa0-11e3-ba43-001a4bcf887a.html

Enjoy!

True Friends

My  father always told me, "your lucky if you can go through life and count your true and loyal friends on one hand."

This past week I received a blast from the past, a friend I haven't seen in  approximately 30 plus years besides  on  a brief layover flight  10 years ago.   He  traveled from L.A. to  Mau'i for the honor of  being the best man at a friends wedding. He was on a whirlwind  vacation consisting of 4 days, with two days totally dedicated to the wedding, rehearsal , rehearsal dinner, the wedding and reception.

He called and said he was coming to Kaua'i for 5 hours. He had to change planes in Honolulu with a 2 hour layover for a flight Kaua'i bound.   I am thinking to myself, why is he doing this for only  5 hours? Would I do the same?

He was scheduled to come in at 1:10, however he did not arrive until 1:35. He finally arrives and the first thing he says is, he needs to be back to the airport to catch a 5:00 o'clock flight back-- which means we'd have to back at 4:00 P.M. That would enable  me enough time to present him with a home made braided  Ti-leaf lei, drive to Costco and  order a deluxe pizza, talk story, then drive him back to the airport.

I did a little Google research before he arrived and found a later flight out. I  advised my friend  to change his flight. There was a flight that departs at 8:44 P.M. This way I could at least show him some of the awesome Cosmic Garden island, I call home.   After much hoopla and talking to Hawai'ian airlines reps in the Philippine's he was able to change his flight to the later  time with a $55.00 penalty fee. 

My friend went with it, he didn't fight the extra charge. He smiled and went with the flow of who cares, it's only money. 

We now had time to go back to my place, collect  my bike , my spare bike, my dog 'Obama'  and cruise the  awesome Kapa'a -Kealia leg of the Pedestrian trail.  My buddy had not been on a bike for years and said it was one of the best days ever for him.

We capped off our day with an Awesome burger and fries at my favorite Kapa'a restaurant, Burger King, the best burger franchise on the Island.The manager made our burgers special to order, double toasted with extra tomatoes, onions and  mayo on the side, delivered  to our tables with  aloha and  the biggest smile I ever saw.

We only had  6 hours to recap 30 years.  We did  it right. We talked about our ailments,  relationships, kids and how time really does fly. We talked about small things, but it is the small things that seem to matter in the long run.

My  friend John is definitely one of the  true and loyal friends I can count on one hand. He spent approximately  $500.00 to come see me  for 6 hours.

A visit from the past, like talking and being with someone from beyond, true friends are a treasure. I am honored and privileged to have such a  true friend!


Although not a trip you could book through a travel agent, this was a trip that only two  true friends could appreciate, Costco deluxe Pizza, a bike ride with Obama Da dog and Whoppers-- life doesn't get much better.

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/guest/always-treasure-life-s-true-friends/article_b7584a82-2fa0-11e3-ba43-001a4bcf887a.html

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

"Job Security...." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead  lives in Amherst, N.Y. and has
worked in the ophthalmology field of medicine for
over 30 years... Enjoy!

JOB SECURITY

A THING OF THE PAST It has been many years now that the population has felt secure in their jobs; it used to be that if you worked hard, were a valuable employee and gave your best years to a company, they would feel obligated to KEEP you on as an employee and provide for your retirement. Today...not so much.

 The way our economy and employers are these days with taking on cost effective measures and doing more with less, it has become an employers market. There are so many out of work these days that many employers have their choice of the pickings and can pay less with less benefits for more work.

 Many of my friends have lost positions they held for many years only to be replaced with the younger and cheaper help. I don't know if times will ever revert back to the good ole days...but some things just don't get better with technology, they get worse.

 What used to be looked upon as valuable traits in an employee and no longer the case. Wise up employers!!! Less is not always better....

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

Don't forget to watch 'Breaking Bad' series finale, Tonight!

"Premature Decorations..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

Wow, these oranges are great, and they don't even say
Sunkist on them... Christmas comes earlier each year... Enjoy!

Premature Decorations

The one thing that always  flabbergasts me is all the Christmas decorations and gifts being displayed for purchase in September. Right after Labor day, my favorite store--Costco and many  others-- go into Christmas mode. Call it commercialism, call it capitalism. I like to call it "Premature Decorations," a  condition consisting of  visions of green paper money along with plastic debit and credit cards "dancing in our head...".

Christmas is definitely coming  earlier and earlier each year. This really is not a bad thing, since it would be wonderful if people were as generous for longer intervals than just one day a year.

Black Friday is routinely the busiest retail shopping day of the year. Black Friday originated in Philadelphia back around 1975, which originally was used to describe the traffic mayhem that occurred the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday actually indicates the point at which retailers begin to turn a profit, hence the term “in the black...”

Black is also the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people look thinner. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Black can also indicate evil, so look out all you Black Friday shoppers.

I would like to propose the following colors to represent the remaining days of  the week--every week for a full year commencing with Black Friday. 

White Saturday. Brides wear white. White goes with everything and don’t forget that doctors, and other medical professionals, along with chefs, wear white. White Saturday would be the day you go to your psychiatrist wondering why you ate so much on Thursday and spent your life savings on Black Friday. A day so designated to seeing medical professionals wearing white.

Red Sunday. Red is the color of love. Red is also the most emotional color, it stimulates a faster heartbeat. Red clothing makes one look heavier, red stands out, and is noticed. That’s why many fire engines are painted red. Red attracts attention. 

Blue Monday. Blue is the color of the sky and ocean. Blue is tranquil, causing the body to produce calming chemicals. They say to wear blue to a job interview, since blue symbolizes loyalty.  Blue Monday is said to defer one from having the blues which is why everyone shops the Internet on this day--hence Cyber Monday.

Green Tuesday. Green symbolizes nature, and is the most popular decorating color. Green is also the color of money, and without  money  premature decorations would be at a loss. The word is to spend your green.

Finally, we have Yellow Wednesday. People loose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies cry more when left in yellow rooms. Yellow is also an attention-getter.  Yellow Wednesday would be the day that stores try to get our attention once again with big yellow signs that read, ‘Suckers!’

 We may all go bankrupt if Christmas keeps this pace .We would not only say, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year," but  "Merry Christmas and Happy Presidents day," Merry Christmas and Happy Independence day," Merry Christmas and Happy Halloween."  You get the drift.


I'm dreaming of a  white Christmas  may soon become "I'm dreaming of Christmas everyday," even on my favorite Jewish holidays. With that said, "Merry Christmas and Happy Passover to one and all.

May everyone enjoy the season of premature decorations, not be confused with a similar sounding medical condition. Shalom.

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

"TRUTH AND LOVE..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux has lived on the cosmic garden island

of Kaua'i over 30 years. She is an animal lover, people lover and lover of life.

Today Bettejo blogs the  true meaning of LOVE...Enjoy!

You can order a copy of her Novella "The Scam "below.www.bettejodux.com

TRUTH AND LOVE

  Seems like everybody’s talking and truth and love these days. They’re good things to talk about. Very important dimensions of the human condition. I think they go together.

     To love something is such a delightful quality, it’s too bad we can’t go to the store and buy it. And, there’s the rub, so many folks today think that’s what you do. Love comes right along with that orange cashmere cardigan. Know what? It doesn’t.

     There’s a mix up here. Buying stuff doesn’t buy love. Fact is, love can’t be bought. It must be given. And you have to have it before you can give. And the more you give, the more you have.

     We’re not talking about romance, love for your kids or your husband or your family.  Once again there’s a mix up. Of course it’s great to have a loving family, a loving husband, loving kids. One can hope loving comes along with the package but it still isn’t love.

     Love is a feeling. It comes from the heart, not the head, and it can be focused on anything. It’s warm and tingly. It has a human scent that has nothing to do with Shalimar. It has a voice that has nothing to do with singing. It is the music of the spheres that makes you dance on point inside. It’s the taste of maple syrup on your tongue. You can see it in the eyes of those who have it. Little kids and animals, too, recognize it and respond. With love.

     Animals-all animals-and little kids sense it immediately. And they send it back. In myths and legends, according to folklore, what you ‘send out’ comes back times three. So love the world around you and it will love you back.

     Mind you, I’m not talking about insipidity. Love won’t turn you into a little goody two shoes. As a matter of fact it may send you in the opposite direction. There’s something very loving about speaking the truth, even if it makes others angry. That’s how they rid themselves of their anger and rage. It’s how the truth, in them, comes out. How the truth in what they are, shows itself.

     Truth and love walk hand in hand.

     Therefor it’s why it’s hated so deeply by those who do not have it. Cannot feel it. Taste it. Breathe it. See it. Hear it.

      I think, with almost all animals, it’s a given. Maybe with little kids, too. But for some, little kids and animals, it’s deliberately murdered in cold blood. Destroyed. Never to be seen or heard or felt or tasted or breathed in like the scent of spring.

     One of my favorite things to love is a tree. Do you know they defy the law of gravity? They grow towards the sky-upward- not toward the earth-downward.

       The secret, I think: find something you can love. Unconditionally. Something in plain sight. Always. Go and share. Everyday. It’ll come back times three.

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

"Breaking bad and writing bad,it's all good..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

James "Kimo" Rosen  is a retired professional photographer living in Kapa'a with his best friend Obama Da Dog, Rosen also blogs as a hobby...

This blog  also debuted today (09-23-13) as my new column for the worlds greatest

newspaper, "The Kaua'i Garden Island News!"

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/breaking-bad-and-writing-bad-it-s-all-good/article_70752efc-2409-11e3-a7a8-001a4bcf887a.html

Breaking bad and writing bad,it's all good     

There is  a drama series on cable tv called  "Breaking  Bad."  This series is about a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal stage 4 lung cancer.  To pay for all of his medical expenses--and secure his family's financial future before he dies--this high school chemistry teacher decides to start cooking Meth with a former student who he once  failed. I have watched all  5 seasons in 10 nights--live streaming, via Netflix. I am now current with only one remaining episode , next Sunday. The series grand finale! 
https://www.facebook.com/BreakingBad?fref=ts

http://www.amctv.com/shows/breaking-bad

The show is as addicting  as meth itself--not that I've ever done meth--and is considered one of the greatest TV dramas of all time along side the Sopranos. 

The term 'breaking bad' is a southern colloquialism which means when someone who has taken a turn off the path of the "straight and narrow," when they've gone wrong. "Breaking bad" can imply loosing the path for that day or a lifetime.  The slang, also, applies when kids want to have fun; they say, "Let's break bad."

Everyone needs to break bad--especially on the quiet serene cosmic Island of Kaua'i--and to help one  feel vibrant and alive. Living in Kapa'a town--where people know things about you before you do, is the ideal place to not only break bad, but talk bad, and write bad. 

You don't actually have to break the law to break bad, you just need to break out of your straight and narrow. Breaking bad can be as simple as speeding in your car, enjoying it, and not getting a ticket. It could be finding a suitcase with $50,000 cash--not turning it over to the police, but keeping it  for yourself after making attempts to find the owner, but just can't.   Breaking bad makes one feel alive. Everyone has broken bad at one time or another, and anyone denying it is plain and simply lying.

There is also breaking bad news--when you have to tell someone that a friend or relative passed away. Breaking bad news is never fun; however, breaking bad can create excitement, and make life overflow to capacity. After-all every girl has a secret liking for the bad boy.

Writing bad sounds like something a writer does not  want his name associated with; however, if you apply the same principle of breaking bad to writing bad, you may just come alive with a story idea or column that makes you feel vibrant, that makes you feel accomplished--because you do not follow any rule, you wrote bad.

Writing bad  is something I never liked associated with my name. However, after breaking bad, I now feel confident and delighted in writing bad.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Breaking Bad's  Facebook Page  
https://www.facebook.com/BreakingBad?fref=ts

"SUPERSTITIONS..." Judith Whitehead' ( Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the
medical field of ophthalmology for over 30 years.
Today she blogs about counting your lucky stars, or maybe no  so lucky...
Enjoy!
Judith and  husband Steve on a recent trip to the Big Apple.

SUPERSTITIONS

Do I believe in superstitions; most of my life I have had fun with superstitions…finding lucky pennies, pouring salt over my left shoulder if I spill it,  most superstitions come from happenstance from experiences that happened many years ago and just have stuck with us.  

I was always skeptical of Friday the 13th and felt it's probably just another day of the month…until this month when my husband came home from work and shared with me that he  had his department downsized to include him as a casualty  of that.  

I will now look on the 13th of the month if it lands on a Friday with more fear than  prior years and hope I can find enough lucky pennies to reverse the cloud that this year’s luck has fallen on us.  

I know people bring and make their own luck; it’s just a real coincidence this year…..

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

"Fund raiser to thank president L.Putin..."" GOLF SIGN ..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Dakinetalks favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

Unc talks About Obama, Putin and Syria along with  the subliminal meaning of a sign at the Golf course.

"Unc" is a retired cinematographer currently living 

on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu & giving the politicians a bad time...

Unc 's view on Syria,"Fund raiser to thank president L.Putin for saving Obama's presidency on Syria‏"

Shalom Rabbi Kimo and all who read this most excellent 10 star blog,

We need a fund raiser to thank president L.Putin of Russia for 
saving OBama's presidency on Syria.

I propose that all patriotic Americans can breath a sign of relief & donate three cents a week to THE 3 CENTS A WEEK GANG to send month old kimchees weekly to thank president L.Putin of Russia for saving the Obama presidency .Da 3 cent donation be divided by 3 entities,1 cent to buy the kimchee for Putin,1 cent each to Obama da Dog & Unc 
C for service charge to send weekly delicacies to pres.Putin for Peace 
mongering on Syria,unusual for war drum beaters,but US tax payers &our tired military appreciate that,Iraq & Afghan wars are still bleeding the US tax payers & our tired military !!!

Unc
P.S.  Kimchee explained;

Kimchee explained :  Kimchees are a North & South Korean delicacy consisted of  a white cabbage soaked in Garlic,salt & water and let it ferment until the smell can over come an one ton nuclear bomb.the longer one ages them the stronger the smell,similar to Limburger cheese but much stronger. It's a national treasure Koreans kept in large urns out doors in every home ,must be out door for obvious reason except in North Korea,their urns are empty.

P.S.S.
GOLF SIGN ..
This is an actual sign posted at a golf club in Scotland
  
1. BACK STRAIGHT, KNEES BENT, FEET SHOULDER WIDTH APART. 
2. FORM A LOOSE GRIP. 
3. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN! 
4, STAY OUT OF THE WATER. 
5. TRY NOT TO HIT ANYONE. 
6. IF YOU ARE TAKING TOO LONG, LET OTHERS GO AHEAD OF YOU. 
7. DON'T STAND DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF OTHERS. 
8. QUIET PLEASE...WHILE OTHERS ARE PREPARING. 
9. DON'T TAKE EXTRA STROKES. 
10. WELL DONE.. NOW, FLUSH THE URINAL, GO OUTSIDE,
AND TEE OFF.


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

"Ed and Norma..." 'Marvin Gross' (Source)

Marvin Gross is a Financial consultant currently residing in Western N.Y.
Today Marvin shares a story about an  Ed & Norma , an elderly couple wanting to take a helicopter ride
for one of the things left  on their bucket list...enjoy!

Ed  and Norma

Ed  and his wife Norma go to the state fair every year,  

And every year Ed would say,  

" Norma, I'd like to ride in  that helicopter "

Norma always  replied, "I know Ed, 

but that  helicopter ride is fifty bucks,  

And fifty bucks is fifty  bucks!"

One year Ed and Norma  went to  
 the  fair, and Ed said, 

"Norma,  I'm 75 years old. 

If I don't  ride that helicopter, I might never get  

  another  chance"

To this, Norma replied,  

" Ed, that helicopter ride is  fifty bucks,  
  
  and  fifty bucks is fifty bucks"  

The  pilot overheard the couple and said,  

" Folks I'll make you a deal.  I'll take the both of 

   you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire  ride and 

  don't say a  word I won't charge you a penny!  

But if you say one word its  fifty dollars." 



Ed  and Norma agreed and up they went.  

The  pilot did all kinds of fancy  

maneuvers, but not a word was  heard. 

He did his daredevil  tricks over and over again, 

But  still not a word... 

When they  landed, the pilot turned to Ed and  

said, "By golly, I did  everything I could to get you 

  to yell out, but you  didn't. I'm impressed! "

Ed  replied, 


"  Well, to tell you the truth I almost said something  when Norma fell out, 

But you  know, Fifty bucks is fifty bucks!  "  

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

"ME AND MY CHEF’S HAT" 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux has lived on the cosmic garden island
of Kaua'i over 30 years. She is an animal lover, people lover and lover of life.

Today Bettejo blogs the joy of  you know what, cooking...Enjoy!

Bettejo Dux,( pronounced Dukes) proudly stands in front of  the   portrait art reflecting herself  at Kuku'i Grove center by  Kaua'i Professional photographer Carol Ann Davis. Carol Ann recently received the "Life Time Achievement in the Arts" award from the community for her work and artistic achievements in fine arts. 

You can order a copy of Bettejo's Novella "The Scam "below.www.bettejodux.com

ME AND MY CHEF’S HAT

I think there must be magic in the white chef’s hat I wear. Eleven inches high and kind of floppy it’s sit atop my platinum mop-darned if I’m going to call it grey and I think my hair’s  cuter when it’s moppish-and sends signals to that part of my aging brain that is vigorously learning to cook.

I’ve also learned it perks my mind when I’m doing my daily Sudoku. Okay, this is a digression, and I know it looks kind of silly, and I’m sure any doctor would consider senility but I’d flog him with my shillelagh and remind him my chef’s hat and I just did a ****.

So there.

But back to the Vitamix. Three switches-whirr, whizz, zing-and a whole bunch of ice cubes. Well I just learned how good water is for you and ice is frozen water is it not? That works. And if I did a little Irish jig as my darling machine does it job, I get exercise, too. Still do yoga but it’s not healthy to stand on your head on a cold tile kitchen floor and impossible to do with a chef’s hat perilously perching.

Bet you've guessed already this is not to be a soup day.

But it’s like soup. It’s just cold and filled to over brimming with fruit and yogurt and orange juice and, of course the magic ingredients, Brewer’s Yeast and Wheat Germ.

Another more lengthy digression you can’t beat with a shillelagh or smarten up with a chef’s hat. Why my obsession with? Well Brewer’s Yeast is a natural food supplement. Rich with minerals-specially chromium-essential trace minerals, selenium, protein and the B-complex vitamins. Don’t confuse it with baker’s yeast. Sometimes it takes awhile to get used to, it’s kind of an acquired taste, but you can speed up the process by adding more honey. You can never over dose. Everything is water-soluble and really works like magic during stressful times and sometimes it seems everything today is stressful, everybody keeps changing the rules.

Wheat Germ? It’s a natural weight-loss food. ‘Nuff said.

So we’re talking smoothies here. On a hot day? Whew and wow and whoopee.

One, two three. Go. Gather some stuff. Bananas, mangoes, papayas, orange juice, honey, a little olive oil, don’t forget the Wheat Germ and Brewer’s yeast and the ice cubes. Get creative. Remember color. You can make green ones and pink ones and orange ones. Toss in the Vita dear-I’ve got give her a name-and whir, whiz, zing-pour . Drink. Or slurp straight from the container. Bad. Bad. Bad. What did Colette say? “Do foolish things with great enthusiasm.”

Know what? Even my grown up puppy loves it. And if you want to get really fancy you can make Margaritas, daiquiris, and whiskey sours. Rum and mango daiquiris have a precious aroma.

Yeah, well sometimes my Irish jig gets too exuberant , my shillelagh holds me up, and my chef’s hat falls off.

I’ve named her Colette. I’ll bet she’d like that.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook

"Friends..." 'Obama da Dog' (Source)

Obama Da Dog share a story of Love... Enjoy!

Friends

A farmer had some Puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his Yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt A tug on his Overalls. He looked down Into the eyes of a little boy. "Mister," he said, "I Want to buy one of your puppies." "Well," said the Farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal Of money." 

The boy dropped his head for moment.Then Reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of Change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got Thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a Look?" "Sure," said the Farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" He Called. Out from the Doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little Balls of fur. 

The little boy pressed his face against The chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the Dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed Something else stirring inside the Doghouse. Slowly another Little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the Ramp it slid.Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little Pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to Catch up... "I want that one," the little boy said, Pointing to the runt. 

The farmer knelt down at the boy's Side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will Never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs Would." With that, the Little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and Began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so, he Revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking Back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who Understands." With tears in his Eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little Pup. Holding it Carefully, he handed it to the little boy. "How Much?" asked the little boy... "No charge," answered the Farmer, "There's no charge for love." 

The world is Full of people who need someone who understands. It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much You Care.

Friends!

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

"Happy 5774,Livestreaming Religious Services...!" 'James "Kimo" Rosen

Watching the annual Jewish Memorial service called Yizkor via live stream on my computer
 with a photo of my parents and sister along with a lit candle.

Happy 5774

Times are changing, what was once the norm is now old fashioned. The Internet has brought huge changes with social media and live streaming.  People around the world can all be part  of a religious  service live and comment at the same time.

This past Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) I had dinner with my sister, brother-in-law, nephew and many of her friends via Skype video conference. This is much cheaper and less stressful than a 5,000 mile airplane ride on 3 different jets with little kids kicking your seat.

This  past Yom Kippur (09-14-13)  I was not feeling up to being around people and going to traditional Jewish services. First of, your not suppose to drive on this holy of holy days yet most Jews do. I stayed home and watched a beautiful Yom kipper service and a touching  memorial  service called "Yizkor" where you remember all your departed loved ones. This is always emotional if done proper and Our Jewish community, Congregation Beth Adam located in Loveland Ohio  did an A-Plus job.  www.ourjewsihcommunity.org and on Facebook at; https://www.facebook.com/OurJewishCommunity?fref=ts

Part of the ritual of this wonderful service is flashing photos of the congregation's diseased loved ones on the screen. They ask for you to send in photos a month or so in advance. I forget to send in photos this year so I just aligned  photos of my parents and sister along side my computer screen along with a memorial candle as seen in the photo above. The images of every ones departed loved ones was touching, as a Jew or people that love Jews  we are all united as one.

Our Jewish community is part of Congregation Beth Adam located in Loveland Ohio, Just the name of the city alone makes me want to be part of this world congregation. There are two leaders who share the responsibility of  providing weekly services and Jewish holiday services via live stream on the Internet. They are Rabbi Laura A. Baum  and Rabbi Robert B. Barr     Biographies can be viewed at;
 http://ourjewishcommunity.org/about-us/rabbis-bios/#sthash.f63AmEig.dpuf

I realize it's important to get out and socialize however having the internet at your finger tips and being able to watch  and be part of live services in your pajamas and feel welcomed  is a true sign of the times.

5774 is going to be a great year, Happy new year to all!  L'chayim (To Life)

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

"LIFE AS AN EMPTY NESTER..." '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 Judy talks
about the pro's and Con's of the empty nest...Enjoy!

LIFE AS AN EMPTY NESTER

Back in the 1980’s my husband and I were blessed with the most joy anyone could experience, the birth
our two sons.  Having children brings on a wonderful new perspective of life; to view the world once
again through a young  persons’ eyes is the most spectacular wonderment anyone can experience.

Any time I reflect on the many years of enjoyment raising our sons it brings a smile to my face. Never did
we miss a baseball game, cub  scout  meeting, school pageant, choir production….and the list goes on
and on.  Lately I find myself reflecting on old photo albums of the many  many  vacations and road trips
we all took together from one end of the country to another always stopping in places for all of us to
enjoy.

When we moved into our home there was never a quiet moment; someone was always bringing a friend
in or practicing musical instruments etc and our home was filled with laughter and sometimes chaos
that was just part of living.

During the past few years both our boys have left home to start their own lives; one brings him very far
away from home and is able to physically visit although we talk often,  only a couple of times a year. 
The other son fortunately is closer to home and we can be part of his life on a regular basis. 

When our children were in the process of being raised, at times, we felt  it would  never end.  The
endless sporting practices that we had to  chauffeur them to, the endless nights we waited  up to listen
for the door to shut,  knowing they were safe and home for the night.  All these years can add up to
many long and sleepless nights – sometimes I miss those noisy, crazy days.  Now  at night can hear such
an eerie  quietness in the house resonating from room to empty room.

All we ever want for our children are for them to independently happy and self sufficient; and when it
finally comes to  pass, we feel the empty nest syndrome at times.  I now can be as selfish as I want on
some days not having to put the  children’s  needs   first.  No more bickering or fighting about who did
what…just total silence.

There is something to be said for the joy the little patter of feet can bring and there is something to be
said for peacefulness and quiet surrounding us.  I guess I will adjust to this empty nest we are left with;
maybe it is time to downsize our nest into a smaller abode.  Better start to downsize my “ valuable
“clutter” first though.  It’s going to take some time for that adjustment in this next chapter of my life.

And maybe someday I will once again hear the little patter of feet in my home, god willing.

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

PitBulls need to be stopped... "James "Kimo" Rosen

My bicycle lays on its side after the Pitbull attack of 09-11-13.
The world's greatest newspaper, the Kaua'i Garden Island News
assigned writer extraordinaire Tom LaVenture to cover this story.
Check it out;
http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/pit-bull-goes-after-obama/article_771d6838-1cf6-11e3-a87d-0019bb2963f4.html

PitBulls need to be stopped

My adrenalin was pumping, I was shaking. I was walking my bike along side the road after shopping at the local farmers market.  I fell over on my bike and as I lay on the asphalt twirling  my 25 lb best friend on her leash to prevent the Pitbull from mulling her to death, it was exhausting, this is going on for what seemed like ten minutes but in reality was probably only a few minutes. I was screaming for help at the top of my lungs.

A local store owner's employee (thank  God) tackled the dog and stopped a potential fatal scene. Our produce was mushed and my sandals were broken We were  blessed to get out of this alive. Thankfully Obama Da Dog was wearing a t-shirt to shield her from the sun which also helped shield any bites. The pitbull managed to  grab the t-shirt.

The cops and paramedics  finally arrive 30 minutes after I  place a 911 call. They ask me questions along with a humane society officer,  did the pit bull attack you or did you fall, I said both. "Which one was it Mr. Rosen?" It seemed like I was being interrogated while in shock.The humane officer told the cop it really doesn't matter since the dog was off the leash, then the cop asks,do you want to file charges? Sure?

I said I have a couple who witnessed the event and even said this dog has attacked 2 others to their knowledge, would you  like their name and number? No Mr. Rosen were talking to you.  OK fine.

I ask, what happens next? The officers says, you will go to court and he will be fined, what about the dog, well, since it was on his property  the dog will not be destroyed. 

 At first I said I would file charges then decided against since I could see where this was going and do not have the stamina to put up with such BS. The owner of the  store  offered to pay for any damages to my bike and my mushed produce.  


The paramedics bandaged an abrasion on my left wrist and told me to make sure I had a current tetanus shot. Ironically after sleeping on this my legs and back are very sore from the fall and attack.

If it weren't for the brave woman employee of the Thrift store my best friend Obama Da Dog would probably not be alive, she saved my dogs life and major injury to myself by tackling and restraining the pit-bull.

Putting a pit bull in a family setting or  a business setting  is a recipe for tragedy.

The pit bull dog  is  banned in Argentina, Bavaria, Bermuda, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Lativa, Singapore, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the UAE, United Kingdom, Venezuela and parts of Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, China and Japan.There are a few more countries where this ban is still pending... The pitbull dog is a very aggressive, fearless, vicious, bloodthirsty attack dog that has no place in civilized society.

Putting a pit bull in a family setting or  a business setting  is a recipe for tragedy.

http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/pit-bull-goes-after-obama/article_771d6838-1cf6-11e3-a87d-0019bb2963f4.html

Ironically the accident happened right across the street
 from  this posed photo taken last week for another blog.

Readmore:
 http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2009/07/23/20090723thurlets233.html#ixzz2eiXTZYLO

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

"Marriage Counseling..." 'Obama Da Dog' (Source)

Obama Da Dog talks about marriage counseling in this
most serious situation... Enjoy!

Marriage Counseling

A husband and wife came for counseling after 15 years of marriage. When asked what the problem was, the wife went into a passionate, painful tirade listing every problem they had ever had in the 15 years they had been married.

She went on and on and on: neglect, lack of intimacy, emptiness, loneliness, feeling unloved and unlovable, an entire laundry list of un-met needs she had endured over the
course of their marriage.

Finally, after allowing this to go on for a sufficient length of time, the therapist got up, walked around the desk and, after asking the wife to stand, embraced and kissed her passionately.

The woman shut up and quietly sat down as though in a daze.

The therapist turned to the husband and said, "This is what your wife needs at least three times a week Can you do this?"

The husband thought for a moment and replied,.. "Well, I can drop her off here on Mondays and Wednesdays, but on Friday's, I fish!

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