"Drugged Driving..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

Prescription Drugs are as much a danger as Alcohol on the roads.

One of the most overlooked reasons for  driving accidents is not drunk driving ,texting or cell phone driving but rather new studies have shown that drugged driving is a danger to us all.

This is not illegal drugs but rather the prescription drugs that almost every adult over 55 is on one or more of these, even over the counter drugs  can effect our abilities to react in a timely manner especially the cold medications such as  NyQuil.

Diabetic drugs can effect our blood sugar glucose levels, effecting our concentration, high blood pressure medications can make us drowsy, pain killers can make us feel euphoric almost like an illegal drug and antidepressants can make us feel mellow like we have weights on our arms and legs, Just because you follow your doctors orders does not mean that your medications are safe to take while driving a motor vehicle.

  Many cities are now training  their law enforcement to recognize the behavior of people on prescribed drugs, in fact if you run a red light or are caught speeding in many cities under the influence of prescribed medications you will face the same penalties as drunk drivers face for not heeding the warnings on the  medications you take.

Courts issue penalties for DUIs, it's time prescribed drugs taken legally be added to all laws regarding DUIs when they impair ones concentration.

Pharmacists are trained and legally are there for you to ask questions, ask your pharmacist if the prescribed drugs you are taking effect your driving abilities. Taking multiple prescription drugs can have a chemical reaction similar to mixing many different alcoholic drinks, and don't even think of mixing alcohol and prescription drugs.

Take appropriate action before it's too late, "Don't take your meds and drive unless you discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist and they give you a green light. Remember a green light form your medical professionals can avoid running red lights and saving someone's life by not getting behind the wheel.
Please don't take prescription drugs and drive....if you enjoy dakinetalk tell your friends and post it on Facebook, tweet the URL and let the world know about dakine!

This blog ran as an opinion article on 08-09-11 in the Kauai Garden Island News under the title;"

Green lights can help avoid red lights..." Check it out at; http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_254e38a4-c25b-11e0-8139-001cc4c03286.html

"Trains Helped Kill the Greek Economy – They’ll Kill Hawaii’s too..." 'Panos Prevedouros'

We are honored to have guest blogger Panos D. Prevedouros, Ph.D, he ran for mayor of Honolulu in the 2008 election and finished 3rd in the primary elections with 18% of the vote from a field of nine candidates...  He  is a professor of traffic and transportation engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering at UH Manoa.  Panos graduated from the Aristotle Univ. of Greece in 1984,  with Masters and PhD degrees. He chairs the Freeway Simulation Subcommittee of the Transportation Research Board. He was president of the Hawaii Highway Users Alliance from 2006 to 2008. Panos co-authored a Transportation Engineering textbook and over 100 reports and technical papers. He received the 2005 Van Wagoner Award of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. He co-organized the 1st International Symposium on Freeway Operations (ISFO) in Athens, Greece, and the 2ND ISFO in Honolulu in June 2009. Dr. Prevedouros served in the Transit Advisory Task Force in 2006 and in the Technology Selection Expert Panel in 2008 of the City Council of Honolulu.

Trains Helped Kill the Greek Economy – They’ll Kill Hawaii’s too

“Some years back a Greek finance minister, fed up with his country's waste and extravagance claimed that he could save money by shutting down the national railway and driving around its passengers in taxis.” [1]

Too bad he didn't execute his plan for the closure of the railways. In 2009 the Greek railways collected $250 million in fares and posted a net loss of $1.4 Billion. A Billion wasted here, and a Billion wasted there … the rest is history for the Greek economy. Greece is now in a debt crisis.

In 2000 a Greek colleague and I conducted research on Greek railroads and we developed models which predicted that the rail freight service would soon carry nothing [2]. No way, they said. Four years later the freight operations of Greek shut down for good. Unfortunately, investment on Obama-like medium-speed rail passenger service continued unabated in Greece. So the budget hole got even bigger.

The lesson here is that public investment in non-performing infrastructure will eventually swamp the budget and saddle current and future generations with a heavy debt burden. Non-performing is any infrastructure in constant need of subsidy whose contribution to the economy is less than its true cost. Roads cost a lot, but contribute much more to the economy, health and safety of the population. Trains cost even more, but offer much much less.

What do you think the future holds for our tiny island that "wants" a five to seven Billion dollar train?

What do you think the future holds for the car-dependent, and highway and airport vested state of California which still plans for a $35 Billion “high speed rail”? A lot of good answers can be found in the article: High Speed Rail and Social Equity. Basically, the only high speed rail that makes sense (and money) is the 340-mile Shinkansen. All the rest, including California's, are A Fast Track to Nowhere.

The lessons about trains "modern" trains can be summarized by three common sense idioms, as follows.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Trains went obsolete for a reason. You can’t solve 21st century mobility problems with 19th century technology. There are always a few exceptions, but Greece, California and Hawaii trains have nothing exceptional.

Those who refuse to do arithmetic are doomed to talk nonsense. One can write a book on this but I will mention only three rail related “math” of Honolulu mayor Peter Carlisle: (1) Get Honolulu’s financial house in order ... by spending over five billion on rail, (2) HART will cost us nothing, and (3) The Ansaldo contract will save Honolulu tens of millions in rail costs. All of them pure nonsense.

They are taking Honolulu for a (train) ride. Biased politicians, biased government officials and their paid consultants deceive the public in order to get elected, become chief of a new division and make millions, respectively.

To read  other blog's by Dr. Prevedouros go to; http://fixoahu.blogspot.com/

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this blog site do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Publisher of Dakinetalk the blog...

To all politicians and non-politicians,  we are interested in your views about what you are most passionate about. We would enjoy your guest blog submissions, whether we agree or not we like hearing all sides. Please submit your guest blogs to; jrsensei@hotmail.com   

"I'm kicking the Habit..." 'Douglas Dunn' (Cosmic Tuesday's)

Welcome guest blogger Douglas Dunn, On Stage with Barack Obama
California Democratic Convention
April 2007

Douglas Dunn runs a small publishing consulting business in which he works with individuals who are self-publishing books. Doug has been a certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter (for Deaf people), and  last but not least he has also been a Democratic Party media spokesperson for San Diego County, and has appeared at numerous forums in which multiple parties were represented. Please enjoy as Doug blogs about kicking the addiction of petroleum... To be continued when Doug's new car is delivered to him.

Doug welcoming Hillary Clinton to the San Diego Democratic convention in 2007  as she consults with him about kicking the petroleum  habit..Check out the You-tube of Doug signing Hillary Clinton's speech!
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=DDWiz27#p/u/1/k3UsCQWOHSg  

Time to kick the habit. Time to “just say no.”

I’m tired of pulling into gas stations and pouring dollars and oil-based energy bought from terrorist pushers down the hatch.

Definitely time to move beyond the gas guzzler. Yep, that gas-guzzling Prius and been a sweet ride for lo these eight years (and 160,000 miles) but time to upgrade to the 100% electric Nissan Leaf.

Did the test drive.
Placed the order.
Got the home charger installed.
Got some nifty “I kicked the habit” stickers sent to me by Nissan USA.

Now just waiting for a car to stick ’em on — waiting impatiently for the dealer to call and say my car has finally pulled into port and ready for me to come in and pick it up. Delivery is scheduled for the first week in September. If any variation, hope it is because the car got here early.

Looking forward to the day when I can plug the Leaf into my solar panels and drive off, powered by sunshine -- the free gift of energy from Apollo the sun god or whatever other deities there may be.

Looking forward to the day when I can just say NO.

NO gas.
NO oil changes.
NO tune-ups.
NO valves, rings, pistons, timing belt.
NO radiator or coolant to maintain.
NO regular power train maintenance.
NO smog checks ever.

Of course, the biggest drawback to an all-electric car, especially here in auto-addicted Southern California where we drive long distances routinely, is “range anxiety.” (For my friends in Kaua‘i, where short local trips are more the norm, this might not be as problematic -- and, yes, Hawai‘i is one of the 9 roll-out states.) But the Leaf is designed to go 100+ miles on a charge, and “rapid charge” stations are now being installed throughout the roll-out areas so that one can get almost a full charge in only about 20 minutes. It would still be inconvenient stopping for a 20-minute recharge every 100 miles or so on a cross-country long-distance drive, but for routine driving it meets most needs, and we’ll be keeping the trusty Prius as a second car and backup.

Delivery of the car is still several patience-challenging weeks away. But I eagerly wait my turn to climb into the sleek, smooth silence and ride off into the sunset ... or plug into it.

Check out DougsDoug's websites below...
Politics website:
http://www.wordwiz72.com/dem.html
Sign language web pages:
http://www.wordwiz72.com/interp/
http://www.wordwiz72.com/interp/aslvideos.html

"Seniors Can avoid Nursing Homes By Becoming safety minded..."'Judith Whitehead' (Inspirational Monday's)

Inspiration Monday's are back with guest blogger Judy Whitehead, this blog is about, assisted senior living. I wish they had those facilities in Hawaii, It sounds like a wonderful world where Judy lives, That's why she is our inspirational Monday blogger, enjoy!

I am in contact with many seniors throughout the work day and have found that many have had to make the choice of moving into an assisted living arrangement. With one simple twist of fate, their lives have been forced into a dramatic change that will impact their lives greatly.   They have fallen unnecessarily in their own homes and because of a broken bone or serious injury, they have no choice but to move into a place with assistance. Working in the medical field and interacting with seniors all week, along with my own father who is in his 90’s, I see firsthand what can happen if precautions are not taken to build a safe environment for our seniors of today. Independence is a priority for seniors among their many desires and that can only be accomplished by keeping in mind these simple precautions.

If a senior citizen is lucky enough to maintain their own home, they must be able to obtain assistance

with household choirs such as lawn maintenance and snow removal. Many of them insist they can still

do those things themselves, until they slip and fall. Don’t take that chance that it won’t be you that

takes a spill. Seniors love throw rugs; that’s a retro item from the 40’s and 50’s. Get rid of them and

walk on smooth floors or low carpeting. That’s an invitation for trouble if they are kept about the home. Get some good shoes that fit correctly, not some favorite slippers that are years old or shoes that have no tread left on the soles. Avoid stepping over curbs and use the handicapped cutouts on sidewalks and avoid walking alone if going for a stroll. If it becomes an effort to rise from a low chair, don’t continue to use it no matter how favorite a chair it is. You will be tempted to reach for a table or something to get up with for support and that is also an invitation to fall. If you still drive, avoid driving alone at night, even though it may be a short distance to the corner store. Have someone to go with you or better yet, go during the day. Have regular eye exams; I see people every day in my field that should not be driving and thank you New York State for making it a decade before people are required to renew a license!

 Be a smart senior and if you are able, look into senior apartment arrangements; they are

convenient and offer a great range of prices depending on your finances. They are still independent

living but without the worry about home maintenance, food preparation and having to drive places.

They provide all those necessities and enhance new friendships as well. Many places let you try out their program for the day for free, you can try a meal and meet the staff as well as the neighbors. This is also a great place to live if you like to travel. This option provides no worrying about leaving your home unattended. Transportation to local places is provided for you and in some situations, this option can prolong or save your life. Senior apartments usually come with emergency alarms and are designed for a seniors safety in mind. Don’t avoid these living options if you are ready to make the change; people make the mistake in thinking that they can still live alone when they are struggling to get through the day. Years ago this option was not available and was not as as popular as it is today. There were only two options several years ago; live in your own home or go to a “nursing” home.

 We now have so many Independent Living Apartments available that there are choices to be made. Be a smart senior and evaluate your lifestyle, don’t wait for an “event” in your life that makes the decision for you. Be proactive and choose for yourself.

What a great life seniors have in New York state...The Governor of Hawai'i, Neil Abercrombie was born and raised in Amherst N.Y, where guest blogger Judy Whitehead resides. The Governor is 72...

Printed with Permission!  Important Hawai'i News...

Breaking news on the Big Island as reported by Andy Parx in his blog Got Windmills;
http://parxnewsdaily.blogspot.com/2011/08/pnn-cops-beat-arrest-reporter-for.html

Sunday, August 7, 2011

(PNN) COPS BEAT, ARREST REPORTER FOR TAKING PHOTOS OUTSIDE CONCERT IN PAHOA

(PNN) -- Aug 7 -- Big Island reporter and blogger Damon Tucker was severely beaten by police and arrested for "hindering a government operation" Friday night while taking pictures from a public sidewalk outside a concert he was covering in Pahoa.

According to a post on his popular Damon Tucker's Blog "the police have now confiscated my camera and cell phone as well as roughing me up and locking me up in a police detention holding cell for taking video and pictures of them in action from the sidewalk in front of Pahoa Village Cafe."

Seven pictures posted yesterday, taken by Tucker's wife upon his return from the emergency room, show apparent multiple deep abrasions scraps and bruises on all of his extremities and torso.Tucker says his right shoulder is damaged, he is limping on his left leg and is in severe pain.

He says that he took the pictures on his cell phone which was confiscated by police as "evidence," as was his camera which he was not using.

Tucker wrote that he will "be filing a lawsuit against the Hawaii County Police department soon for a few things."

In his Friday night post Tucker wrote that:

People are allowed to take pictures and videos of police officers w/out getting roughed up. I’m battered, bruised and bloody from an officer slamming on the sidewalk… Thankfully I have eyewitnesses that will come forward to say what happened.

My wife took pictures shortly after I was released from jail tonight…

I just want my cell phone back and camera back…. I was rolling video when the officer took me down and they took my cell phone and camera from me for “Evidence”.
This is not Tucker's first run-in with police while covering news and taking photos. On Christmas Eve, 2008 Tucker was investigating complaints of violations of the American with Disabilities Act at Pahoa Post Office when a HPD officer threatened him and forced him to delete pictures Tucker had taken of the parking lot and the officer.

Tucker declined further comment for now saying he is weighing his options and will post again about the incident on his blog. He is due to appear in court on September 8.
Posted by Andy Parx at 11:04 AM

"False Messiahs anxious for converts are detriment to your self esteem," 'Chester Lau,' "Hungry People" 'Obama Da dog,' (Serious Sunday's)

Aloha and welcome back frequent guest blocker Chester Lau, a.k.a (L'oncle Amusant) Unc is usually witty with jokes, this blog takes on a serious tone with some good advise to be heeded by politicians. Unc lives in Honolulu and is a retired cinematographer and shares with us on this 'Serious Sunday' of multiple blogs.

Thanksgiving meals are given out for free by one of many Kaua'i Christian ministries. Many times people get a much needed meal and other times many are looking for a free handout.Blog #372

False Messiahs cause Homeless ,Over Population & Dependency without the Incentive to be Self sufficient & responsibility to self & society, Why Work when things are FREE? But one gives up self esteem & integrity to accept "FREE" gifts that one did not work for !!!

As you can see the multitude of Obese healthy families in line to pick up FREE GIFTS & Foods from the Convoy of Hopes .(The mentally ill & disabled exempted, these we should help ) .We should mandate that people need to be EDUCATED first for better employment to sustain themselves.

"Give a man a fish he live for a day,teach the man to fish he can live proudly for ever."

 by L'oncle Amusant a.ka. 'Chester Lau'

Obama Da Dog is back writing in compliment to (Uncs) Blog featured above..,Blog #373
 

Just because one is 'Homeless,' Doesn't mean they are 'House-less.' Many people of means are homeless in their hearts and souls and many people without a house, are comfortable living outdoors as were our sages.

Hungry people in Kenya look hungry, they are thin emancipated with ribs sticking out. They are barely clothed and look like death warmed over.

Hungry people in America many times are obese. look at the poor people, those on welfare and food stamps, look at the people standing in soup kitchen lines, most are obese or morbidly obese.

Hunger in America is nothing like Hunger in Africa. How many Americans have you seen half naked with their ribs protruding out and flies circling them?

People in America are not hungry, however they could be starving, starving to get as much as possible without lifting a finger.

America is no longer the home of the Free and the land of the brave, America is the home of freeloaders and land of the Obese...

If you enjoy this blog please forward it to your friends and post it on your favorite social networking site!

"A Pets 10 commandments.." 'Obama Da Dog' (Shabbat Saturday's)

Obama Da Dog is back blogging about mans best friend. Remeber Obama says, " That Dog spelled backwards is God..!"

Welcome to "Shabbat Saturday's." Saturday's are now reserved for subjects of a spiritual matter in honor of the day of rest. This blog was an anonymous email and feel it needs to be heard.  Please send all Shabbat guest blogger submissions to; jrsensei@hotmail.com  Attention;Publisher.

1- My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2- Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3- Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4- Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5- Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6- Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7- Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8- Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9- Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10- On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank GOD for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

Check out this wondefrul youtube, a song about God and Dog!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY


Below are the words;
God and Dog Lyrics by  WJ Francisco

I look up and I see God
I look down and see my dog
Simple spelling G.O.D
Same words backwards D.O.G

The would stay with me all day
I'm the one who walks away
But both of them just wait for me
and dance at my return at glee

Both love me no matter what
Divine God and and canine mutt
I take it hard each time i fail
But God forgives, Dog wags his tail

God thoud up  and made the dog
Dog reflects a part of God
Ive seen love from both sides now
It's everywhere, amen bow wow

I look up and I see Good
I look down and see my dog
And in my human frailty
I cant match their love for me...

"Oh, Grow up..." 'Michael A. Herr' (Aloha Friday's)

Michael Herr is back as our guest blogger for this Aloha Friday. Michael's blogs seem to get better each week. This week he blogs about growing up, see if you find yourself in any of his explanations, I did.   If you enjoy reading entertaining and exciting fiction check out Michael's website at: http://www.michaelherr.com/ 

Do we really want to grow up?

ALOHA FRIDAY
 Don't forget out check out Michael's great fiction at his website; http://www.michaelherr.com/  I just finished his fourth book, "The Old Queen's Murder." a Serial killer and a copycat end up on the big Island, another nail biter, i could not put down.   You can purchase the whole set, 6 books for only $18.00 including P&H

Oh, grow up !

Ever hear that phrase? When you were in elementary or grammar school, or even in high school, did anyone ever tell you to just "Grow up!"? Maybe it was an adult who used that phrase when you got on their nerves; whining for a toy that you'd been told you couldn’t have. Maybe it was another kid, disgusted at hanging around with someone who acted like a baby. If it was a girl responding to your attempts at affection, then it was particularly hard to take.

So what did you do? Sulk? Take your toys and go home? Complain about how unfair you were being treated? Or maybe you tired to pull yourself a little taller and act more like a grown-up?

What did those who told you to "grow up" mean? They probably weren't referring to your physical being. No, they most likely meant you should act more mature. More like an adult. And how does an adult act? Unfortunately, we all know the answer to that question. Adults act just like kids.

Was there a bully at your school? Probably. And maybe that person still bullies other, just in different ways. Like browbeating someone in a conversation. Or maybe pushing ahead in a line since their business is more important than yours. Possibly forcing you to go to a restaurant of their choosing all the time, rather than the one you prefer.

Was there a class clown at your school? Someone who made a joke out of everything? Today you might watch that person on late-night television; think Leno or Letterman. Or they might be that annoying friend who, when you're trying to have a serious discussion, keeps interjecting little 'humorous' comments. Either to keep off the serious stuff, or to belittle you. Sometimes they're just plain sarcastic.

How about a teacher's pet? Was there someone in your class who just loved to pass out papers, sharpen the pencils, clap the erasers — report on what their classmates had done? Someone always ready to tell the teacher how wonderful it would be to do that extra assignment, or to re-read that chapter in the history book? Today they're probably in an office somewhere telling their boss what wonderful ideas he has and how that new ad campaign will rocket sales. We have a name today for people like this — brown-nosers.

Was there a flirt? A girl (yes, I'll be sexist here) who led all the boys on. A girl who would touch her hair, bat her eyelashes, fiddle with the buttons on her shirt (or yours)? We had a name for her kind back then too — p****-teaser.

Maybe a whiner? A kid in class who always groaned no matter how short the assignment the teacher gave? A kid who struck out at baseball and always had a complaint about the pitcher, the wind, the crowd in the bleachers, the sun in his eyes? Where is he today? Why, he's the one who writes all those letters to the editor.

So, did you know any of these kids when you were in school? Guess what? They haven't changed a bit. Those habits are ingrained now and carried over to their adulthood. They didn't grow up. They got taller, they lost their hair, they put on weight. But their basic character stayed the same.

Last question for the day, do you recognize yourself in any of these kids? No? Neither do they.

So if you run into any of them today, just tell them to Grow Up.

Much aloha.

http://www.michaelherr.com/

Disclaimer

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this blog site do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Publisher of Dakinetalk the blog...