"RIP" Mr. Stoessel..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen

I did not personally know Mr. Stoessell however I would like to acknowledge his many Letters to the editor which frequented the editorial pages of the Kaua'i Garden Island news.

Aloha, check out my opinion article in the 09-28-12 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news,"RIP Mr. Stoessel."
 http://thegardenisland.com/promo/homepage/letters-to-the-editor-for-friday-september/article_5136147a-0952-11e2-8472-001a4bcf887a.html

"RIP"  Mr. Stoessel..."

I read  with sadness and dismay in the obituaries that Horace Stoessel had passed away.http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/obituaries/obituaries-for-wednesday-september/article_d9c978cc-022c-11e2-ab74-0019bb2963f4.html

I did not personally know Mr. Stoessell however I would like to acknowledge his many Letters to the editor which frequented the editorial pages of the Kaua'i Garden Island news.  Most  of
his letters were factual accounts of county government.

Horace  made me have a better understanding of many political actions that took place in our local island government.

Whether you agreed or dis-agreed  he cared about his community and voiced his opinions many times on how he felt we could better our Cosmic Island.  I remember one letter in particular  about how the salary commission raised  nearly every local politicians salary  during the brink  and peak of the current economic crisis. The salary increase would  immediately take effect unless of course our county council  nullified it in whole or part, which never happened since nobody  wanted to vote down a salary increase for themselves.http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-saturday-february/article_80a44d0e-2c18-5ddc-a4fe-49c1948c2da0.html

Mr Stoessel, I will miss your frequent opinion articles  which opened  my eyes to  many local issues.

From one frequent Letter writer to another, mahalo Nui Loa Mr. Stoessel and may you rest in peace.


Aloha, check out my opinion article in the 09-28-12 edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news,"RIP Mr. Stoessel."
http://thegardenisland.com/promo/homepage/letters-to-the-editor-for-friday-september/article_5136147a-0952-11e2-8472-001a4bcf887a.html

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

Check out the photo of my dog 'Obama' and myself in this weeks, Midweek Kaua'i magazine!
http://www.midweekkauai.com/2012/09/focus-on-kauai-10/

"Birds on Kaua'i..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Guest-blogger Bettejo Dux is one of Kauai's most delightful  people, she has lived on the cosmic island of Kaua'i for over 40 years... She is an animal lover, people lover and enjoys life to the fullest. Today she talks about birds on Kaua'i in memory of hurricane Iniki which shattered the island of Kauai on September 11, 1992 while  September 11, 2001 shattered our nation  www.bettejodux.com

BIRDS ON KAUAI

I’m not going to describe them, I’m not a bird watcher, but I am a bird listener. My jungle house is an aviary. I’m awakened and put to sleep by the songs of these incredible creatures. They love it here. My land is bird friendly.

On September 11, 1992, I was awakened by a clatter. Early morning jangles make me nervous. I scurried to the kitchen. I had one phone.  It stood there staunchly, red lights flashing. When I put the receiver to my ear, I could hear Billy’s voice.
“Mom,” his voice crackled thick with urgency. I thought there was a problem in Honolulu, but before I could speak he  did, “Know you don’t listen to the news. Storm’s coming. Big. Turn the radio on.”
I’m not a cool-head. My first response to disaster is panic. Standing in silent stillness I  screamed and yelled and tore my hair.
“Mom…”
“Yeah. When?”
“We’re going to shelter now.”
“Not a breath of air here.”
“There will be.”
“Okay.”
“Check out the nearest shelter.”
“Can I take the horses?”
“Call first thing tomorrow,” the line went dead.

Billy had helped me with the horses before hurricane Ewa. We’d chased them to hell and gone, trees crashing down around us as they raced for open country.  They sense stuff. We were living up the Alexander Dam Road in a big tough lava rock house. My husband  helped us get Flash and Beau in the barn and he and  Billy went to bed. I stayed in the rickety barn. All I can remember about that night was the noise. The sound of that storm was the roaring thundering thump beat of a thousand over-heated hearts.

This time I had three horses and not a Bill or a Billy in sight. Once I settled down I got to work. My house had survived Ewa with nary a scratch and I clung to that. I battened down the hatches. Secured everything I could. My idea was to lock the horses in the their stalls, get the cats and the dogs and- eventually-me in the car and ride it out. The horses were edgy under roof. I tried to calm them.

The first thing I noticed were the birds. It seemed like hundreds of them were feather- scrunching in the pasture and  the cattle in the hills  were lumping together across the street. I put three pans of food in the car, nibbles for the dogs and the cats, carrots for the horses, a bottle of wine for me and stood my ground. When a swirling gust threw me into the wrought iron, I checked into  my shelter and huddled down. Before the night was over the dogs were eating carrot, the horses nibbles, but I had the wine all to myself.

The next morning when the birds took off with a joyous whirr it was a celestial event. When a lost peahen in a tree let out a shriek all of us knew we’d made it.

It was a glorious golden morning on Kauai.

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

Bettejo  also  publishes her own blog column.
You can check it out at ;  http://www.bettejo.wordpress.com .   Besides her blog she recently published and authored the humorous fiction book, "The Scam," check it out at(www.bettejodux.com) or  on Amazon.

http://www.bettejodux.com/

"The Dumbing Down of America..." 'Obama Da Dog'

"Obama Da dog taking a break from Reality TV and Facebook..."

People may look smarter these days, toting their laptops, Ipods, Ipads and cell phones everywhere they go, but are they?

People no longer make small talk with strangers in the grocery store, the bus, malls and coffee shops.  Everyone is in their own little narcissistic world talking or texting  someone miles away while they ignore the beautiful girl or handsome guy sitting  at the next table or shopping alongside them in the produce aisle of the super market.
Even while driving people have the need to talk, text, talk, causing accidents by not concentrating on the road.
On top of all this so called technology which is making people social outcasts since they do not learn how to conduct themselves in social environments  such as the cocktail party of the past. Nowadays everyone is posting what they ate for dinner on facebook, who cares?
The one good thing with all this, teenage pregnancy is down since people have very little human contact.  Everything is live-streamed on the Internet form religious services to  weddings and funerals, even intimacy, nobody needs to go anywhere anymore. People judge each other by how many friends they have on Facebook.
The icing on the cake is the most popular form of entertainment is Reality TV where real life people with no talent try to  entertain us doing nothing.
People seem dumber with all the technology than they did before the computer age? I long for the days where there was no Snooki, Paris Hilton, Honey Boo Boo and Big brother.
Charles Dickens sums this up best with his famous quote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..."
  Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"Happy Jewish New Year..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Monday)

"Guest-blogger Judith Whitehead lives in
Amherst N.Y. and hasworked in the ophthalmology
 field of medicine
 for over 30 years..." Today she talks
 about  friends, family, health
 and her feelingson the Jewish New year ...
A Beautiful  Rosh Hashanah greeting http://www.123greetings.com/events/rosh_hashanah/happy/dip_your_apple_rosh_hashanah.html

　

At this time of year Jewish people gather with friends, family
and ask for forgiveness for all of our digressions that we have
 done during the past year.It is the Jewish New Year and tonight we will
spend it with dear friends and family as we have done every
year for the last several.

It’s our time to reflect on the past and be thankful for what we have; they
 are the most important things in life that one can not do without…friends, family
 andgood health for without those ingredients life would not be enjoyable.

With those important things all is possible and that’s what we will talk about tonight.
L'shana Tova and a Happy, healthy new year to all.
P.S. For those who want to go to Rosh Hashanah services, Our Jewish community live streams services. It's pretty cool, you can be at services in your pajama's. They have a live chat in a sidebar, it's cool, they kept acknowledged me last year saying we even have someone from Hawaii, not only that my sister in N.Y,. was at the same service. check it out. Services begin Sunday night at 8:15 eastern time, that's 2:15 Hawaii time, see you there...http://www.ourjewishcommunity.org/OJC_LiveStreaming.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Watch+Services+in+your+Pajamas%3F++Why+Not%3F&utm_source=YMLP&utm_term=click+here

A Beautiful  Rosh Hashanah greeting card....
http://www.123greetings.com/events/rosh_hashanah/happy/dip_your_apple_rosh_hashanah.html

Aloha check out my opinion article in today's (09-15-12) edition of the Kauai garden Island news"Let them walk and give them wings..."
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-saturday-september/article_39707cb6-ff8b-11e1-bacb-0019bb2963f4.html

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

"Happy Birthday Universe..." James "Kimo" Rosen'

Apple's and honey are a tradition
for Jewish New year. Symbolizing a sweet
and fruitful year to come...
http://www.123greetings.com/events/rosh_hashanah/happy/dip_your_apple_rosh_hashanah.html

Shalom,

Check out my opinion article in the 09-17-12 edition of the  Kaua'i garden Island News, "Happy Birthday, universe."

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-monday-sept/article_bc8e4652-0092-11e2-b5d6-001a4bcf887a.html



Happy Birthday Universe!


Monday September 17th is the Jewish New year, (Rosh Hashanah) It is the anniversary of creation,the birthday of Adam and Eve.
It is 5773 in the Jewish year, not 2012.

Unlike traditional new years, the Jewish New year is a time of reflection, soul searching and forgiveness.  Apples and honey are a tradition symbolizing a sweet and fruitful year to come.

Rosh Hashanah is where Jew's ask  G-d to be given another year of life and be entered into the book of life, asking not only G-d for forgiveness but for forgiveness from all those we have erred. One week later on yom Kippur your fate is decided,if you shall live or die in the coming year.

For those not Jewish or those atheist friends out there, nothing wrong with asking for forgiveness from others, a good way to start the Head (Rosh) of the year.  Therefore I am asking for forgiveness for all those I have erred and wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous Rosh Hashanah.
 Now If only I can remember to write 5773 on all my checks.   Happy Rosh Hashanah!

P.S. For those who want to go to Rosh Hashanah services, Our Jewish community live streams services. It's pretty cool, you can be at services in your pajama's. They have a live chat in a sidebar, it's cool, they kept acknowledging me last year saying, we even have someone from Hawaii, not only that my sister in N.Y, was at the same service. Check it out. Services begin Sunday night at 8:15 eastern time, that's 2:15 Hawaii time, see you there...http://www.ourjewishcommunity.org/OJC_LiveStreaming.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Watch+Services+in+your+Pajamas%3F++Why+Not%3F&utm_source=YMLP&utm_term=click+here


A Beautiful  Rosh Hashanah greeting card....
http://www.123greetings.com/events/rosh_hashanah/happy/dip_your_apple_rosh_hashanah.html

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

"Buy American..." 'Marvin Gross' (Source)

Marvin Gross a Financial consultant from Western New York
talks about the importance of supporting our American
Bothers and Sisters...

Well over 50 yrs ago I knew a lady who would not buy Christmas gifts if they were
made in China. Her daughter will recognize her in the following.

Did y'all see Diane Sawyer's special report? They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family's home that
were not made in the USA .

There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally. During the special they showed truckloads of items - USA made - being brought in to replace everything and talked about how to find these items and the difference in price etc.

It was interesting that Diane said if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like
200,000 new jobs!

I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART and ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA '

FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '

I WAS SHOCKED SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE
DOLE
SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF

Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think?
The Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in
American markets.

70% of Americans,.. believe that the

trading privileges afforded to the Chinese

should
be suspended.

Why do you need
the government to suspend trading privileges? You Can..DO IT YOURSELF,AMERICA !!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC'
(and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all. You
will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at
what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example. The point is
do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.

THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans each refuse to buy just $20 of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar
trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!!

Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on Aug.
1st and continue it until Sept. 1st. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American
exports. Then they might have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

Remember, August 1st to Sept. 1st !START NOW.

Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted.

If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives,WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!

Pass it on, America ...

Well, come to think of it, instead of doing it for just 1 month why not try to do it all the time.

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

"What's so funny..?" 'Michael A. Herr' (Aloha Friday)

Renowned author Michael Herr is back guest-blogging on this awesome Aloha Friday talking about  what's really funny?  Make sure and check out Michael's website at; http://www.michaelherr.com/

ALOHA FRIDAY-"No Work 'Til Monday" 

September 14, 2012

 

　What's so funny ?


Aloha folks,

Despite the fact that my wife's co-workers nickname for me was 'Mr. Grump', I love to laugh.

However it seems to me that I laughed much more and much louder when I was much younger. I can remember rolling on the floor, literally, at something I thought was so terribly funny. I can remember tears of joy rolling down my cheeks at something I saw in the movies or on an early television show.

So much of what I see now on TV, or in the movies, or online isn't so much funny as it is cool, or sharp, or witty. I like cool, sharp and witty. But what I'd really rather see more of is . . . funny. Saturday Night Live is/was sharp humor. Piercing humor. Humor that skewered its topic. Humor that made you go "ouch, got 'em that time". Topical, witty, incisive. But I found it to be very rarely funny.

I'm showing my age once more, but I remember the days when we had true funnymen (and funnywomen). Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Jackie Gleason, Imogene Cocoa, Lucille Ball, Buddy Hackett (even dirty funny then was more funny than dirty, unlike today), Kent Bowman (of "No Talk Stink" fame) . . . and one of my all-time favorites, Red Skelton. Those people were funny. They made you laugh; they lightened your day or night. Today the funny people often leave me depressed because the funny stuff they talk about is also terribly sad when you really think about it.

I remember some wonderful food fights from Laurel and Hardy. Those fights started slowly; they started off small. And they grew into wild pandemonium as everyone got into the act throwing food, throwing pies, at each other and everyone else. The most wonderful moment was always when Laurel was standing there with a gooey tin of whipped cream. You could see him debating in his mind as to whether or not he should throw it in Oliver Hardy's face . . . and when Hardy said "don’t you dare" you could see Laurel make up his mind in an instant. Splatt !

I left off one of the greatest pratfall artists, Dick Van Dyke. I loved seeing Van Dyke, and Gleason and others, slip and crash resoundingly to the ground. Physical humor was marvelous and was so funny because we knew that they weren't going to really hurt themselves.

As an example of this type of humor, we knew in March of the Wooden Soldiers that Oliver Hardy wasn't going to drown when Old King Cole had him dunked in the pond. But watching him bubble away underwater while Laurel ran frantically around outside the pond was hilarious. And the humor of that scene reached its zenith when Hardy pushed Laurel into the pond only to have Laurel come up soaked from the water and pull out Hardy's watch from his pocket.

The humor shown us by these people, and more of their ilk, was so wonderful because it wasn't mean. It wasn't vicious. Today, however, so much of what passes for humor is rooted in someone else's pain. Oliver Hardy used to hit Stan Laurel on the head (after he took off his hat of course), but we knew it really didn't hurt. Today, with things like YouTube and World's Funniest Videos, we see people crash on their skateboards or bicycles, we see trees fall on them and we laugh . . . but we ignore the fact that, despite disclaimers to the contrary, these people probably did get hurt, somewhat. Maybe not enough to go to the hospital. But really hurt, with some degree of pain. But we laugh. And it's not funny.

Okay folks, see you next week.

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

check out Michael's website at http://www.michaelherr.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, but they could? ;D)