Thoughts on the Massacre in Connecticut..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen''

I was an English teacher in Japan back in 2002 . I taught Yo-chen (kindergarten)
along will ages up to 80. Enclosed is one of the Kindergarten classes I taught.
The innocence is apparent and I am still aching as to  what happened in Connecticut.

Check out my opinion article in today's (12-17-12) edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news, "Cops should carry Guns."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-monday-december/article_1d73e144-481d-11e2-8c7a-001a4bcf887a.html

Morgan recent posted on Facebook;

TURN OFF THE NEWS.......My thoughts will  follow Mr. Freeman's...

Morgan Freeman's brilliant take on what happened at the elementary school in Connecticut....

"You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here's why.

It's because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single *victim* of Columbine? Disturbed
people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he'll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.

CNN's article says that if the body count "holds up", this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer's face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer's identity? None that I've seen yet. Because they don't sell. So congratulations, sensationalist media, you've just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.

You can help by forgetting you ever read this man's name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem. You can help by turning off the news."





Mr. Freeman  is somewhat right, none the less we are concerned and care that's why we watch the news and read  to see what happened. It's important to not block this. Just as it's important to not block the numerous men and woman who serve in the armed forces that are brought home in body bags daily form the wars our politicians get us involved in.

During the Vietnam era servicemen and woman were shown daily on the evening news being brought home  in body bags, which in turn  helped start huge protests and demonstrations against a useless war.George W. Bush put an end to showing our military in body bags during his tenure as President.

Although our hearts ache and our minds have a hard time digesting such atrocities like the recent massacre in Connecticut,  it's only because of the News that we can and will make a difference.  James "Kimo" Rosen

Check out my opinion article in today's (12-17-12) edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news, "Cops should carry Guns."

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-monday-december/article_1d73e144-481d-11e2-8c7a-001a4bcf887a.html

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




If you would like to mail sympathy cards or letters of support and solidarity to the school, the school address appears to be:
Sandy Hook Elementary School
12 Dickenson Drive
Sandy Hook, CT 06482

"Living with Cerebral Palsy ..." 'Judith Whitehead' ( Inspiration Sunday))

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

 ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years..." Today she talks about  not being 

limited by physical disabilities and the importance of enjoying the simple things in life.   ;D) Enjoy...

Living with Cerebral Palsy

Recently a good friend I had known  since  high school passed away from a long battle with cancer.  She and I had re-connected with Facebook, as she moved to Florida many years ago.  Back in the 1970’s she gave birth to twin girls on an army base where her husband had been stationed and  sadly enough their birth was a complicated one and they were both born with Cerebral palsy; she was faced with a full plate of responsibility as her husband and she were also no longer together.  She knew nothing at the time about the condition but learned quickly how to help these girls survive.  They had limited function from the waist down but she soon found out that  they had  brilliant minds and she made it her mission to help them succeed into accomplished adults that could lead 
independent lives.  She was their advocate and mouth piece for the rest of her life even when she was suffering from the worst of cancer.  

 Being  born with Cerebral palsy does not mean that one’s  life cannot be complete, and full of joy and accomplishments.  There are many  forms  of the disease ranging from limited motion, speech  and independence.  Each case is different and must be looked at individually as to what the greatest accomplishments each can reach in their goals.  Just because her girls could not walk or move on their own did not mean they could not have goals and aspirations of their own; and my friend made it her mission in life to reach every goal they were capable of achieving.  She devoted her life to making sure that they were as  independent as they could possibly be and helped them achieve every desire they set their minds to.  I am so happy that she was able to watch her daughter accept her PH.D. degree this   past  Summer and her other daughter obtain her masters degree.  They are both productive members of  society, giving back every day and living a fulfilled life despite their limitations.  They did have one advantage that many with Cerebral  Palsy don’t have…a mother that would go to the ends of the earth 
to protect, advocate and watch over her most prized possessions, her twin girls.  She  was  living proof that whatever hand you are dealt with in life, you can succeed with faith and perseverance. Her twin girls are now in their 30’s and they are the legacy that she has left.

Having a physical limitation does not mean that your life is over; everyone has something to offer and everyone has gifts to share in life.  I am convinced that  we are all put on this earth for a reason and I know what my friend was meant for.  Her greatest joy was watching over her girls and taking them to a level of independence; I am so glad she was able to see that before she passed away.  

Our lives are so short lived.  We all can learn a lesson from my friend; pay it forward and give a little something of  yourself every day.  Don’t put off that good deed for another day,  for another day doesn’t always come along as my friend realized early on in life.    She will long be remembered for her kindness and gentle 
soul and her spirit will stay alive in others that were touched by her.

  Giving of  ourselves  to  others cost nothing and it is the greatest gift of all.  There are many children and adults with C.P. that are struggling to lead productive lives much like my friends twins.  There are many services out there  and resources  ready to be tapped .  We are all Gods children and we all deserve a chance to lead successful, joyous lives.  

Rest in peace my friend; you have taught your children well and you have accomplished your goal.

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



http:/www./dakinetalk.blogspot.com

"Liking on Facebook..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

You can like many things in life!
In my younger years I liked fishing in Alaska for salmon.
In my current life, I like to like what friends have to say on Facebook! :D)

Liking on Facebook is a quick way of telling friends aloha, love and your my buddy without having to write a paragraph or spend 20-30 minutes on the phone.

Liking on Facebook and comment sections of most periodicals  not only saves time, but keeps you safe from accidentally saying something offensive in the comments box.

Liking is like having your cake and eating it too. So next time your friends post anything you have an interest  in, hit the like button. It takes very little time and you'll make your friend happy, who knows they may even start liking your comments...

I had a real scare on facebook, they said my account may be disabled for 15 days for spamming. I was given a test to verify photos of friends, it said I may not be able to post for 15 days, so if you do not hear from me for 15 days, please continue to check my blog daily. I am afraid to post the address since it seems every time I post my address they take it as spam, thew address is dakinetalk(dot) blogspot(dot) com i wrote this way so it does not interpret it as spam. hope to see you tomorrow! ?

Like ·  · 

• Irina Briksa likes this.
• 

  Joseph M Giannotti Jim, I just realized how easy it is now to report spam, by mistake. On the RH side of my screen where FB shows the latest activity I clicked on your post. When the post comes up there is also an X on the top right of the post box. I thought it was just...See More

  11 hours ago · Unlike · 1
• 

  James Kimo Rosen Joe, thanks for posting. Looks like I am able to post but did I ever have a scare. I admit I'm a Facebook junkie. 15 days suspension would be huge withdrawal symptoms. I think for now I will post my daily blog and just use my like button a lot and not do to much posting.

  11 hours ago · Like
• 

  Diana LaRussa Once I posted several times in a row to other people and they warned me with a pop up message. Have they warned you or did they just block you?

  7 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 1
• 

  James Kimo Rosen THEY said i was blocked for 15 days? But if you get this I guess I am OK? They actually gave me a test with about 10 tagged photos and asked me to identify the person that was circled. i got them all right, but still said i was suspended for 15 days, anyhow, so far so good.

  about an hour ago · Like
• 

  Chester Lau You are still Ok for today

  34 minutes ago · Unlike · 1
• 

  James Kimo Rosen I hope so, Unc...

  A few seconds ago · Like

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...Thanks Deb!

Is It OK For Santa To Pack A Gun..?"‏ 'Obama Da Dog'

The question remains, is it OK for Santa to pack a gun? a shorter version
of this blog appeared as an opinion article in the 12-17-12 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news
titled, "Cops should carry Guns."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-monday-december/article_1d73e144-481d-11e2-8c7a-001a4bcf887a.html

I would like to respond to the recent Letter to the Editor in the Kaua'i Garden Island news, by Judie Hoeppner."Why was Santa packing a gun? Enclosed is  the link to her letter; 
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-thursday-dec/article_4ef549d4-44e8-11e2-be81-0019bb2963f4.html

Enclosed is my response;

 Judie says in a public forum to Kauai Chief of Police Darryl Perry,
"Dear Chief Perry,I am writing to express my utter dismay and disgust that you would allow officers to wear a Santa costume and pack a gun!"

Judie, I think it's great the officers take time  to be with our keiki. There's a real world out there and police are there for our safety  and to protect.  Just a few days ago some nut case in Oregon opened fire  on a shopping center killing two people and injuring many others and today a deranged gunman opened fire on an elementary school in Connecticut masssacring  25  with 18 being children.
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15907407-elementary-school-massacre-27-dead-including-18-kids-in-connecticut?lite

I'd rather have Santa packing a gun and being alert just in case things go out of control and from the looks of society things are out of control.

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-monday-december/article_1d73e144-481d-11e2-8c7a-001a4bcf887a.html


If you would like to mail sympathy cards or letters of support and solidarity to the school, the school address is;
Sandy Hook Elementary School
12 Dickenson Drive 
Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Rabbi Baum blogs on this subject;
http://www.ourjewishcommunity.org/2012/12/14/mourning-and-darkness-despite-hanukkah-lights/

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

"Soon There Will Be No Place To Drive..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen

We are blessed to have a Bicycle trail on Kauai which helps avoid bumper to
bumper standstill traffic. Such freedom of  riding a bike at leisure and getting
to your destination in many instances faster than those in motor vehicles.
 Check out my opinion article in the (12-28-12) edition of the Kaua'i garden Island News, "Congested Kaua'i."

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-friday-dec/article_d9a6d9d6-50ae-11e2-99cc-001a4bcf887a.html

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 coming of age to drive, not to mention the many new people who move here every year, translating to even more traffic congestion.

 The cosmic island of Kaua'i is only  33 miles long and 25 miles wide. The major  thoroughfare 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 at 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, and car rental agencies frequently  sell out of inventory to our visitors. When will it end, where will all these vehicles go, after-all we are are only an island?

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.

Electric cars will not solve this dilemma of too little space. Walking, biking, the bus and more roads is a step in the right direction to alleviate bumper to bumper traffic and road rage.

With  approximately 235 miles of paved 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. 

Please remember to wave at me as I pass you on my bicycle.

Check out my opinion article in the (12-28-12) edition of the Kaua'i garden 

Island News, "Congested Kaua'i."

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-friday-dec/article_d9a6d9d6-50ae-11e2-99cc-001a4bcf887a.html

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

"Hang Up The Car Keys..?" 'Marvin Gross' (Source)

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

 How do you know when it is time to "hang up the car keys"?I say when your dog has this look on his face

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

"Nostalgia..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux  has  lived on the cosmic Island of Kaua'i  for
over 40 years. She is a people lover, animal lover and lover of life.Today
she talks about modern technology and if it really makes us happier?
www.bettejodux.com

In the first house we built- FHA financed- we had power, water, a phone-in the kitchen-a washing machine, a stove and  refrigerator, a hot water heater, a radio-I had my own- and, of course, a bathroom with the usual features.

We had two cars. One was a family car and the other was a Model T my father drove down the hill to catch a bus, a red train, a ferry boat-where he had a warm breakfast and a pleasant trip across the bay-then a street car and finally an up hill walk a couple of blocks to work. He said he rode everything but a bicycle.

I walked to and from school- rain or shine-up a long flight of narrow stairs built into a steep hill-side.

This was long before there were dryers, dish washers, freezers, microwaves, computers, televisions, blenders, and all the other high-tech stuff that gets us through the day today. When we wanted light we pushed a button or flipped a switch. We turned a faucet and hot or cold water  poured out. A milk man-a neighbor- delivered milk and sometimes-during the war-black market catsup and butter. Catsup and butter-and gasoline-were rationed.

A mail man rumbled up the road and delivered the mail. Dogs ran free. When things went wrong we could usually repair them ourselves. We went on long walks-with our dogs and often a cat- down quiet narrow, winding roads, often collecting neighbors and their dogs and kids along he way. I can remember the trees, tall and green, and the gorgeous golden eucalyptus. The rolling hills were rich and green with life. Once my dogs and I confronted a rattling rattle snake.

If I wanted to be entertained on a cold and rainy day, I read a book or listened to the radio. The good radio program usually began in the evening-although there were soaps at lunch time. I loved I Love a Mystery- so scary- and the Shadow.  Laughed at Bob Hope and Baby Snooks, Jack Benny and Charlie McCarthy. So much of what was going on on the air was left to a kid’s imagination.

When the weather was nice I played with my dogs and rode my horses in the woods. Climbed trees, built rickety tree houses, which were not so much fun to fall out of, and some times played  hide and go seek with neighborhood kids.

We lived in the country so going to a movie was a real exciting treat. My father sent me to San Francisco, all dressed up in new shoes and a suit with a corsage on the lapel, to see Fantasia at the Geary.

Life was so simple. I was so happy.

Then came the Bay Bridge. No red buses, trains, ferry boats, street cars. Standard Oil, Firestone and Ford bought all the public transportation systems in the country With that came suburban sprawl-the richest loam in California concrete coated. Orange groves-like bad Indians- bit the dust  The air went bad. Water went rationed.  Food went frozen. Press a button living began. Boobs and televised junk keep us planted in a chair or  glassy-eyed dazed to a screen. Fast forward to today where high-tech toys make us happier.

What? Sez who?

I just went through a scene with my computer Time Warner got involved. Kauai Electric Techies from all over the world keep my phone lines busy. Guys at MacPro in Lihue held my hand. Weeks of  struggle.

Does all this make me happier?

Hopefully this nonsense will pass and we’ll all be back to two tin cans and long string.     End-

Special addition from Rolling Stone, "Obama's Pot Problem
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/obamas-pot-problem-20121207utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
Prohibition doesn't work! Obama Dubya and Clinton have all publicly admitted to smoking pot in their youth, however Clinton didn't inhale. :D) Michelle Obama has a white house garden, any idea what she's growing in it? I predict within 10 years pot will be legal nationwide and America will no longer have a deficit because of all the tax revenue from the new legal crop.

Get Well Senator!



Hana Hou's (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

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Hana Hou #2