"Filling the Jar..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Dakinetalk's favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

"Unc"  is really passionate about creating a national Caregivers day.

Any help , support or ideas would be greatly appreciated...

'Unc' currently resides on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu. 
He is a retired cinematographer,
 and  enjoys giving the politicians a bad time...
"I am PRO-CHOICE ON EVERYTHING WITH RESPONSIBILITY..."

Filling the Jar

Unc,Armed & Dangerous
 in basic training 1946.

 An 85-year-old man was requested by his doctor for a sperm count as part of his physical exam. The doctor gave the man a jar and said, "Take this jar home and bring back a semen sample tomorrow."

The next day the 85-year-old man reappeared at the doctor's office and gave him the jar, which was as clean and empty as on the previous day. The doctor asked, what happened and the man explained.

"Well, doc, it's like this--first I tried with my right hand, but nothing. Then I tried with my left hand, but still nothing. Then I asked my wife for help. She tried with her right hand, then with her left, still nothing. She tried with her mouth, first with the teeth in, then with her teeth out, still nothing.

We even called up Arleen, the lady next door, and she tried too. First with both hands, then an armpit, and she even tried squeezin' it between her knees, but still nothing."

The doctor was shocked! "You asked your neighbor ?"


The old man replied, "Yep, none of us could get the jar open."

 A note to Unc from Jack Lord star of the original Hawaii Five-O,
where "Unc" worked as a cinematographer

"The ultimate way to start the day, with a Kaua'i Sunrise meme"

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

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"My Mentor, My Last Hurrah..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen' (Kimo's world #92)

James "Kimo" Rosen is a retired professional photographer
currenting residing on the Garden island of Kaua'i
with his best friend, Obama Da Dog...  ;-)
Photo above; Melinda Kontos, John "Ulysses" Kontos
and James "Kimo" RosenPhoto courtesy of Jason Gross

Kimo's world #92

My Mentor, My Last Hurrah

I recently returned home from a long overdue visit to my birth home of  Buffalo N.Y. I called this sojourn  'my last hurrah." I had not seen many family or friends in over 40 years.  Many were no longer with us, for those I visited cemeteries with my sister three different times.

During my visit  I wrote an opinion column that appeared in the Buffalo news about life coming full circle.  A few days after the letter appeared in the Buffalo news a voice from the past searched me out on Facebook.
http://www.buffalonews.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letter-changes-in-buffalo-are-incredible-to-see-20150919

My life has shown me  a career as a professional photographer in Alaska. I graduated  one of the best photography schools in the country, 'Brooks Institute in California.' I published a magazine in Alaska for many years, all this in big part  to the person who was searching for me.

This person recognized me from my opinion piece in the Buffalo news, even though it was signed with my newly acquired Hawaiian name, 'James "Kimo" Rosen.

Jim Rosen's High school
graduation photo.
Rosen looked
much different
back in 1974...
However, Mr. Kontos
somehow looks the same!

You see back in the day everyone called me Jim or J.R. I am the one who should had been searching for this person to minimally say thanks for shaping my life, thanks for helping  me to a career that I loved. Thanks for believing in me when most others had written me off. Thanks for being there at the right time and place.

 I had a hard time in High school and  hung out with the wrong crowd. This  was the one person that gave me hope and confidence. He took an interest in my dreams and helped me find my way in this nebulous world. This person was my mentor and photography teacher at Kenmore East Senior High school in Kenmore N.Y. This person was and  is Mr. John Ulysses Kontos.

My mentor, John Ulysses Kontos
and myself...

After receiving the friend request I responded with a Big "WOW!" I actually had tears in my eyes. We started corresponding. I found that Mr.Konto's lovely wife Mel was actually the one I was responding with--since Mr. Kontos never took well to the digital world. He's still an old film, pen and paper guy. Thank God his lovely wife Melinda manages his Facebook page for him.

Many Facebook personal messages later they invited me over to their home. My nephew Jason acted as my chauffeur as Siri directed us to the Konto's residence from my new iphone.

We visited for well over two hours trying to make up for 41 years. They invited us to stay for pizza and salad, we had to decline since it was the start of the Jewish new year of Rosh Hashanah and my sister would had killed us if we didn't have an appetite for her world renowned brisket.

Melinda and John Kontos

I Have never had tears in my eyes from a Facebook friend request before.This was truly a chicken skin experience as we say in Hawaii, most call them call goosebumps.
I finally got to the shake hands and hug my mentor after 41 years, my looks have change drastically since 1974, however Mr. Kontos somehow still looks the same.

I ended the day taking many photos of this glorious reunion on my newly acquired phone, after showing the photos to Mr. Kontos, he responded "A+."

My photography teacher and mentor
John Kontos and  myself
in a selfie taken with an iphone camera.
It's amazing how far photography has come.
Who ever thought you would be able to
take photos with your telephone and transmit
them worldwide with a swipe of the finger.

Photos from my recent sojourn, 
This week will  center on The New England Patriots ~ Buffalo Bills on September 20,2015 from Ralph Wilson stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. I got to see future hall of famer Tom Brady perform.
My team lost , final score 40-32, Pats.

Buffalo Bill's quarterback
Tyrod Taylor (#5)getting ready  to
make a big play! 

Future hall of fame quarterback Tom Brady (#12) had
another outstanding game. It was an honor
to see him play, even though I wanted the Bills
to win....

Bills fans are da best!

The camera man takes my photo as
 I take his photo, look below, I made
it on national T.V. What are the odds?

A Big Mahalo Nui Loa
(Thank you) to my old friend
Richard Fudeman for inviting me
to the Patriots `Bills game on
September 20,2015.

My Dear friend's Debra and Rick Comstock
were watching the game in Hawaii
and guess who they saw on national T.V?
That's me with leaning over with
the reddish-orange shirt and
white head band.
The Bills Loss 40~32

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

P.S.
Check out y first Youtube selfie video with my iphone of my dog 'Obama' trying to say I love you! 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq2dmeGpZSY&feature=youtu.be

"The millennium generation..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst New York
( A suburb of Buffalo, N.Y.)

 and has worked in the ophthalmology
 field of medicine for over 30 years

The millennium generation

 Each generation is given a name.

We started with the depression years whom produced the Baby Boomers ( my generation) and now we have  raised the millennium generation which my children are.

The boomers were raised with the ethic that you work hard and stay with a job that brings you good benefits and retirement benefits.

  There were not many pats on the head for good job done growing up. Parents expected unspoken things from you such as good manners, dedication and responsibility.

Our children’s generation were raised totally different; everything was praise for accomplishments, and a “good job” mantra. We grew a generation that wanted immediate gratification, money and raises  at work in a short amount of time and frequent job changes to climb the ladder to success.

Wonder which generation produced the best of workers? I love my kids, but I do see that all the praise that we gave our children did give them a more confident attitude which we thought was great at the time. 

It’s a new world out there today. No longer do companies give big retirement packages anyway, maybe they have the right idea? Change positions until you become happy?  How many of us baby boomers “stick” out a job to obtain the benefits? There is no more job security out there in the working world.

Good luck to all our millenniums. You are raising generation X. Wonder what they will be like?   

Judy, Judy, Judy!  ;-)

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

"I like to call libraries, secret homeless shelters..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen' ( Special homeless edition of Kimo's world #92)

James "Kimo" Rosen is a retired professional photographer
whom recently started using an iphone and taking pictures with it.
The above photo of Rosen's best friend Obama Da Dog was
shot with an iphone-6. Rosen currently resides on the tropical island of
Kauasi with his best friend Obama Da Dog! 

Editor's note;
This blog also appeared in today's (10-08-15) edition of the Honolulu Staradvertiser. The Starsdvertiser has a paywall, so it is copy and pasted below; Read the blog since the Staradvertiser did not allow me to copy in full!
http://staradvertiser.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Libraries are ‘secret homeless shelters’

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Where I live, the libraries have turned into free computer rooms, cheap DVD rental stores and a haven for the homeless to wash up and get rest.

Plus, librarians no longer tell people to “shhh”; everyone seems to be talking in loud voices, not whispers.

Many homeless get shut-eye while burying their head in a newspaper and pretending to read. They need a place to wash and go to the bathroom. Since shelters are few and far between, libraries have become pseudo homeless shelters.

I like to call libraries “secret homeless shelters.”

There is not the need for the average citizen to do research at the libraries. Most have Google at their fingertips. The Internet can deliver books, music and movies directly to our mobile devices.

Everything changes. There is nothing wrong with what libraries have become, but it’s a far cry from what they once were. James “Kimo” Rosen

I like to call libraries, secret homeless shelters

Special Homeless edition of Kimo's world #91

The noise looks  like
 an owl, look close! ;-)

Where I live the  Libraries have turned into free computer rooms, cheap DVD rental stores and a haven for the homeless to wash up and get rest. Plus  librarians no longer tell people to Shhh, everyone seems to be talking in loud voices, not  whispers.

 Many homeless will  get  shut-eye while burying their head in a newspaper and  pretending to read. The homeless need a place to wash and go to the bathroom. Since  shelters are few and far between libraries have become pseudo  homeless shelters.
I like to call libraries, secret homeless shelters.

There  is not the need for the average citizen to do research at the libraries. Most have Google at their finger tips. Google can deliver books, music and movies directly to your mobile devices.

 Everything changes, there is nothing wrong with what libraries have become, but sure is a far cry from what they once where. 

My blog appeared in the states largest newspaper!

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

"Warning to Seniors and will be Seniors on your long term care ..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Serious facts)

Dakinetalks favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

"Unc"  is really passionate about creating a national Caregivers day.

Any help , support or ideas would be greatly appreciated...

'Unc' currently resides on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu. 
He is a retired cinematographer,
 and  enjoys giving the politicians a bad time...

"I am PRO-CHOICE ON EVERYTHING WITH RESPONSIBILITY..."

Editors note,
Our dear friend "Unc" currently lives in a care home. Please read this blog, it is from his heart. 
Unc, we love you!

Warning to Seniors and will be Seniors on your long term care 

No one lives forever 

Have you written your obit for your Executors and  love ones? Do it NOW ? Or will you let the government do it for you ? 

Tomorrow is not promised...Have fun and  enjoy life  to the fullest everyday ,but be prepared,you worked hard for what you got.

The young ones don't need your blood and sweat,they can find their own .Leave nothing for other people, you know who they are when you really needed help !!! enjoy your last dime, no regrets,rain or shine,it has been a great ride !!!

The day will come unexpectedly when you  get up one morning,lose your balance and fall ,unable to get up by yourself.Ambulances were called and you landed in the Emergency room ,hopefully no bones were broken. The doctors can't do much for you because this is an age related ailment,worst if you are inflicted with other ailments or bed ridden !!!

  You lie in the hospital bed thinking who can help you now? your best friends or relatives are still working or not able to handle the 24/7 physical care giving that you needed or they may be in the same situation like you.

The young ones are working and unable to help or not interested.but you will need professional care immediately !!!

You will loose your driver's privilege along with your freedom to be mobile. You will be  relying on strangers to taxi and care for you 24/7. 

Unc as a young man  in
the Korean War!
Mahalos for your service Unc!

Friends may be burn out taxiing you when they have their own problems. It is time to think about this is NOW while you are physically and  mentally able .

All your expenses starts to pile up immediately !!! Not only from the hospitals expenses  but your away from home  expenses as well .what to do if you are single and  owned a home ?  Selling your home to pay for Home care expenses would be next,need I say more ? When this fund is depleted,it's GONE forever !!!what will you do than ?  

Social Security will help some, but not for long term nursing care. Moderate or luxurious Care homes will empty your savings,what will you do if unprepared ? 

Check out the Care homes costs now and make your decision for what you can afford for long term care.

In a care home,you are not living,you are just existing waiting for the Final Exit. 

Do you want to live like that while waiting for the FINAL EXIT ? you worst fear will be inactivity and silence ,as most of the seniors there are hearing impaired or too senile to communicate with others unless you can find things to keep your mind and body active. 

Try and keep entertained with the help of books, TV , computers or other hobbies ,lucky if you are helped by dedicated and  kind hearted Care Givers,TENDER LOVING CARES ARE NOT PROMISED !!! 

Good or bad,as your health deteriorates,physically unable to help yourself or too senile to complaint .you are now depending on the mercy of the Care Givers.   Others are just a pay employees and could care less if you live or die,unscrupulous managements will raise your rent when ever they can.

You are now unemployed on a fixed income, or no income,what are you going to do now ?  Government will not help on long term care,you are on your own !!!

Abuses can occur in care homes and seniors are too senile or incapable to report or complain to authorities Therefore Care Givers can do just anything that they can get away with .

 Love and Aloha, "Unc" C

PS
A warning to all who will  needed Professional Care givers when working relatives and  friends are too busy working and  in no position to help on a  24/7. Care homes are no picnic !!! I was a carefree guy who could climb the 45 degree mountains with full field pack  while serving the US Army in the Korean war !!!  when I aged in recent years,I was stricken with multiple ailments  and landed in the emergency room and  now in a moderate senior  care home.....

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

"A woman and her parrot..." 'Robert Bitos Gandia' (Source)

Guest-blogger,Robert Bitos Gandia

.Robert is an avid cook (ono gandule rice) and always laughing!!
Robert lives in Kekaha on Kauai's west-side and loves football!!

Bitos is an avid Cheeseburger connoisseur!

A woman and her parrot

A woman had a parrot that she took 
with her everywhere she went.

 She would even take the parrot to the club with her when she went dancing and drinking on Saturday nights. Whenever the woman went onto the dance floor, the parrot would yell, "The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire, we don't need no water, let the muthafukkah burn! Burn, muthafukkah, burn!" The crowd on the dance floor would always cheer and holler in appreciation when the parrot would yell. This would make the parrot yell even more and of course make the crowd go wild. This would go on all night long.

 One Sunday morning the woman took the parrot to church and into the choir stand with her. And when the choir started to sing, the parrot yelled, "The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire, we don't need no water, let the muthafukkah burn! Burn, muthafukkah, burn! She embarrassingly corrected the parrot, "No, you don't say that here!!" The parrot looked around and asked, "Why not? These are the same muthafukkahs that was at the club last night!"

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

Kimo's world almost made it back in the Garden Island news..." ~James "Kimo" Rosen~ 'Kimo's world #90'

James "Kimo"Rosen is a retired Professional Photographer

 living on the Garden Island of Kaua'i

 with his best friend Obama Da Dog.

Editors note,
I was excited, the editor of the Garden Island news had emailed me and  asked,"If you’re still up for it, let’s start your column. I miss it!" Stop by when you get a chance and we’ll have lunch." 
I replied, I would be honored. 
Fast forward--The Honolulu publishers decide to not go with it in the 23rd hour. For those not living on Kaua'i, The Garden Island news is owned by Oahu publications which also owns the states largest newspaper, The Honolulu Staradvertiser. I am hoping they reconsider, in the mean time, I do thank the editor of The Garden Island news for going to bat for me. .

The enclosed blog  was actually scheduled as the new come back column for Kimo's world in The Garden Island News!

Please enjoy my new column that never made it, but almost made it!  ;-(

I would like to quote Marlon Brando from the classic movie, 'On the waterfront.' On how I currently feel!  ;-)
"I could've been a contender. I could've been somebody" 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz6YMrJt7xk

Kimo's world #90

 The almost return of Kimo's world in the Garden Island News! 

"Ruffling those feathers"

This past year I picked up a new hobby. 

I was never an early riser but for 200 consecutive mornings I awoke  early and photographed the Kauai sunrise from the lanai where I reside.  I posted 5 photos a day on my Facebook time-line titled "Sunrise, Spirit face and Cloud therapy." I had a decent  following of anywhere from 20-50 people a day.   Some people actually said  my photos helped ignite their day.  One friend in particular a life long Kauai resident had moved from Kauai to Arizona for health reasons and told everyone how much these photos did for her spiritual well being. She later passed away.  Her son emailed me upon her passing  and thanked me for making his mother's last days comfortable with her being able to witness the majestic beauty of her home land of  Kauai every day on my Facebook timeline.

 Making others  feel a spiritual sense of great pleasure, happiness and joy. How many hobbies are as good as that?

 

Nobody ever  had a negative response to my sunrise therapy/spirit face photos, how different from writing opinion articles where whatever you say is put under a microscope and dissected to the point of insanity.

 I have been told that  my opinion articles ruffle the feathers of many. The Urban  dictionary defines ruffling one's feathers as,"playfully and flirtatiously annoying someone to a point when  they hate to love you and can't get enough of you.(even though they're angry and aggravated)

However the Hana Hou encore, the best part is that  every once in a while somebody actually compliments me and says,  "that was really a great  article, so funny I spit out my morning coffee when I read it." Finally, somebody understood  my satire!

That's what makes writing such a passion and rush for me. Writing also stimulates my brain, and if anybody's brain needs stimulating it's mine! 

Feel free to laugh, spit out out your morning beverage, cry, pout, rollover, stress and curse me behind  my back, or even right in front of me.  

See you soon with something new to ruffle those feathers.  

I'm baaaack!    (Not...)

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

Dis one my favorite!  ;-)