"Debate..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Vintage Bettejo)

Bettejo Dux has lived on the cosmic Garden
 Island of Kaua'i for over 40 years.

Bettejo is a regular opinion writer in the Garden Island news
 and is the author of the famed novella, "The Scam." 
 Her latest fiction"Children of extinction"
 is now  released and available on Amazon!

www.bettejodux.com

www.amazon.com

Bettejo at 84 years young taking time
 out of her busy day for one of many
scheduled book signings.

Debate

Bettejo at the Martin Luther King Jr.
festivities at Kukui Grove back in 2013

It's a term and a device we  seem to have forgotten. Today we argue. Call each other names.  Throw things.  Indulge in verbal fisticuffs. It's a knock- down- drag- out with the loser losing his reputation in the community and all the ships at sea.

It's crazy.

There's nothing more fun than a discussion. The discussion site in  The Garden Island News(TGI) Forum is a home-grown  free- for- all only a few brave 'souls'-I use the term loosely, please don't start a fight, yet-dare to imbibe. I love it. I'm an active participant. Been doing it for years. Still here. Some folks say I have the 'skin of an alligator'. I respond, "You've taken a shot at me with every weapon in your arsenal and missed with every shot."  There are those who could argue with me. Care to try?

No debate here, it spells Horse!

We have so many conflicting issues-I wish only to tap into Kaua'i and it's umpteen zillion problems-billionaire land holders vs peasants, like you and me-infrastructure,  traffic jams, tourist problems, dairies, GMOs, over- development, taxes, super ferries, jobless, homeless. EEEKKK.

So, what I'm suggesting: The Forum should declare, a once- a- week debate. For an example, the best voice anti-GMO--Gary Hooser , of course--vs the best voice pro. Topic: Are vast acres of GMO corn good for Kauai? Give each side five hundred words on the Forum, on the same day, and give it their best shot. Be brief. Be truthful. Be knowledgeable. Write and be read. And then a vote. From the people.

Everybody loves the Forum. It's the favorite page for many of us. I think a newspaper is the heart of the community. I think-once again I use the term loosely-the Forum is the soul.  Care to argue?

I love to argue. Lucky you. Lucky, because if there were no paper and ink you'd all go deaf and I'd wear out a soap box a week. I doubt anyone will disagree with that.

I think of the way we seem to do it:  people gather together, carry signs and protest. Protest is good. As American as Apple pie and mother. As Kauaian as a weekend family picnic on a sunny beach-which beats Apple pie and mother hands down. Care to argue?

You know what I picture-this would be a visual community center debate-someone who's smoked all his life and is dying from cancer- debating the issue, Is Smoking Good for Your Health, with a healthy robust non smoker. Would that be cheating? Anyone care to argue?

Another awful thing we do is haul in a bunch of high muckity- mucks to sit on a stage in an  auditorium and listen to us voice our opinions. Pro or con. Sometimes they even serve cookies and juice. Do they listen? Do they care? I don't think so. They sit upstage, these highfaluters, and nod off. Sometimes, as a speaker, you look up and think they're going to fall off their chairs. Or call a cop.

Care to argue? Five hundred words or less...

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

"Overpriced Airline Tickets, Bring on a Ferry System..." 'Kit Ellison' (Guest-blogger)

 Please welcome dakinetalk's newest guest-blogger Kit Ellison. 
Kit and her family have canvassed for a
Ferry system on the Hawaiian Islands for many years.
Kit  is part Hawaiian and  a long time
 resident of Wailua on the Garden Isle of Kaua'i.

Overpriced Airline Tickets, Bring on a Ferry System

  Who said without the Super Ferry airlines would charge over $200.00 per round trip to Oahu?  Well "main-lander's" and Kamaaina alike check on airline ticket prices now.  

Of course this will not effect tourist travel with the current
legal battle Kauai's  bed and breakfasts, poor road conditions, tourist go home attitudes, and more, will it?  

How many jobs will be lost because of the aforementioned problems that a simple ferry could have prevented?

 Don't you think it's about time to put your big people's panties on, admit you were wrong, and get us an alternate means of transportation to and from the Island? 

Grow up babies and open your eyes!  Maybe you need to be without everything a ferry could provide. When is the next hurricane scheduled?

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook... 
All memes on this page were created by James "Kimo" Rosen

"Ads Gone Wild..." 'Kimo's world #72'

James "Kimo"Rosen is a retired Professional Photographer living on the
Garden island of Kaua'i with his best friend Obama Da Dog.

Kimo's World #72
Ads Gone Wild

 Is it  just me or has advertising gone wild?

Supermarkets,discount stores, fast food, car dealerships and big box store  ads make absolutely no sense and seem to have   gone insane?

This meme was used on Facebook to
promote this blog...

Nothing is ever just a simple price. Nothing even seems to make business sense? Remember when  items where simply priced at .99 each? Now you will see Colgate tooth paste advertised at 5/5/, Frito lay corn chips 2/5.Even at the farmers market you will see papayas advertised at 4/5? Why not just advertise at 1.25 each.  DiGiorno frozen Pizza is advertised at 2/12.50. I don't want two pizzas. I just want one and Ironically one pizza alacarte is $5.00.
I could buy 2 individual pizza's cheaper than the package of two? Who manages these stores?

Passing by the car dealerships  there are signs posted on used pick up trucks that read, $900.00 and in small writing, it says down. The sign is misleading from a distance because you cannot see the word down until 2 feet away.

A local fast food enterprise advertises;  4-chicken nuggets for $1.60, yet 10 chicken Nuggets are advertised at $4.99.  Do the math! It's cheaper  to buy 3 packages of 4 chicken nuggets at 1.60 each.  Buying  3 packages of 4 nuggets would equal-12 nuggets for $4.80.Therefore saving 20 cents and even getting 2 extra nuggets. Shouldn't you get a better deal buying the bigger package?

A local discount store has has Clorox bleach, 1/2 gallon for $1.60, and the gallon is $3.99. It's cheaper buying 2 half gallons than the larger size gallon.

The old joke about the salesman who was so good he could sell freezers to the Eskimos who live in the Arctic circle is not so far fetched. Don't get me going on Food trucks...

Remember to always check prices, do the math, otherwise the joke may just be on you.

BTW, Have I got a deal for you.

P.S.
Check out this YouTube, a dog on a merry-go-round! ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iaZUf21-gk

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook

'Generic versus name brand..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst New York.

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

Generic is not always better...

Generic versus name brand

 How many of you have noticed the increase in generic products over the years? Is generic just as good as name brand?  

I recently went to my pharmacy to pick up a necessary pill that I have used generic for many years because of the insurance rules about using drugs that keep the cost  down  for the insurance companies.  It seemed to be OK for years until this time when I picked up the pill and it had doubled in size. When asked about the size change, I was told it had a lot of fillers in it and the drug company chose to keep all their pills the same size to keep their costs down in their pill molds. All other generic companies making this pill have disappeared and I decided to get authorization to get a name brand. My insurance waiver lowered the cost a bit still wanting to charge me $177.00  for a month’s worth. Especially when it comes to drugs, it makes you wonder if their efficacy is the same for treating medical problems.

The grocery stores, even the big chains are pushing their generic brands to reduce costs for themselves as well.  I find that some products make a big difference and I pay the extra for name brand.  They claim the ingredients are the same but it makes you wonder, they must cut back on some ingredients to make it more profitable for themselves.  Generic things like napkins and T.P are rarely the same quality and generic mayo makes a big difference when making a recipe up. 

In this age of cutting back, cutting cost, big industry trying to make more money, generics has reared its head in almost every product on the market.   A word to the wise, cheaper is not always better.  

Judith her sons, Jacob and Joel.
Her husband Steve is on the far right.

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

"The Philosophy for Racial Harmony..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau'

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..
Unc states; "I am L' esprit de 1776...Je suis pour  La Liberté ,Egalité et Fraternité" 
The venom-breathing-extremist for absolute FREEDOM FROM POLITICS  & RELIGIONS. 
I am PRO-CHOICE ON EVERYTHING WITH RESPONSIBILITY...

The Philosophy for Racial Harmony

In view of the racial problem of killings of an unarmed black person in Ferguson MO, Phoenix,Arizona or elsewhere ,to save lives ,we must educate people to respect each other in order to stop unnecessary killings by law enforcement or civilians.

First,
If you are stopped & questioned by law enforcement or any one,listen calmly and  do not make sudden or aggressive moves while being  questioned, avoid misunderstanding that may result in unnecessary killings or injuries,two wrongs do not make a right. If one is dead or injured by misunderstanding we all need to use common sense to avoid blood sheds.     

Second,
Do not have an inferior complex that you must fight fire with fire. Respect the police or authorities for doing their jobs even they may be wrong. Ask in a friendly manner why you are being stopped or questioned, unreasonable jail time or being beaten is better than DEATH !!! ALIVE you can fight back with legal assistance.

Third,
Keep your hands visible and  avoid holding any objects while being questioned, be calm & answer questions normally, in a friendly manner. The police are there to protect all citizens. How would you like to be in their shoes ? If he or she messed up,we have laws to take care of it. Fight fire with fire to show your manliness could be a mistake that may cost your life  !!! Any physical resistance invites restrain from the police,give him or her the benefit of doubt,police are the law until determined by the law who is right.

Peace between people is a two way street ,in the US,we all have the right to express our opinions without violence. If you are violent and  lawless,you have only yourselves to blame if it resulted in death or injury.  Verbal arguments  hurt no one.

The US  can resolve our wrong doings when heads are cool.We  abolished slavery,allowed  women suffrage, same sex marriages,equal rights for all people and  elected a black president., Give us a little time to correct our mistakes, abide it should be yesterday,has any other country done the same ?      

For law enforcement,update safety procedures on profiling and unreasonable physical restrain methods unless the object of interrogation initiates the physical confrontation.            

There are always the die hard trouble makers with their inferior complexes on both sides,two wrongs do not make a right. The majority should impose  self discipline by deporting  the idiots with a one way ticket to any country who will accept them.

Protesters damaging innocent 3rd party by looting or destroying innocent businesses and  hurting innocent bystanders are not a peaceful protest ! It is criminal and deserves prosecution to the limit of the law .Be a good citizen,obey the laws,live & let live or find a country that would accept you.  Good luck. 

l'oncle Amusant AKA "Unc"
-----------------------------------
Special notes & thoughts 
----------------------------------
To All red,white,blue or brown brothers and sisters, PASSIVE RESISTANCE CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY.  If you did nothing wrong,you have nothing to fear from law enforcement or anyone.
No one has the right to strike another person,if some one strikes you, you must defend yourself with all your might. 
Ban real or toy guns in public.The 2nd amendment is for militia only,criminals are not militia,natl guard or law enforcement.....no one has the right to strike another person,if they do,you must defend yourself with all your might. be nice but carry a BIG STICK !!!

 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 Sunrise!"

Send a friend request to view Sunrise therapy daily on James Kimo Rosen's Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/james.rosen1

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

"National Prayer Day and counting..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Vintage Bettejo)

Bettejo Dux has lived on the cosmic Garden
 Island of Kaua'i for over 40 years.

Bettejo is a regular opinion writer in the Garden Island news
 and is the author of the famed novella, "The Scam." 
 Her latest fiction"Children of extinction"
 is now  released and available on Amazon!

www.bettejodux.com

www.amazon.com

Bettejo at 84 years young taking time
 out of her busy day for one of many
scheduled book signings.

National Prayer Day and counting

Bettejo at the Martin Luther King Jr.
festivities at Kukui Grove back in 2013

National Prayer Day and counting.

 This could go on forever. I would suggest those interested in this never-ending debacle, find and watch the Christopher Hitchens and Tony Blair 90 minute debate in Toronto, November 2010. Look for Christopher Hitchens and Tony Blair, BBC News and Munk Debate, "Be it resolved religion is a force for good in the world." If you know the Hitch, you'll know what side he's on. I won't give the winner of the debate away. 
Check it out on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_U3HYug4GM

Kimo, those that prey together, stay together. Don'cha get it? I don't think us non believers do the wish trip. Anyway, I don't bow my head or shut my eyes. I commune with others in the flock. 

Also interested in Arthur Hernandez statement, "I heard many people who elevated themselves in a very high level in the tree of knowledge..." Isn't that a slap in the face? According to the Garden of Eden story, the head honcho forbid Adam and Eve from eating thereof. The tree of knowledge? Interesting metaphor. 

Me, as a devout non believer, I munch on the leaves of reason. I just heard from Jim Jung, spoke with Monroe Richman, and love Kimo. May the world be filled with more and more human beings like them. Like me, too? 

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

"Money is not everything..." 'Obama Da Dog' (Source)

Obama Da Dog is a life long resident of Hawai'i. Obama
is the special needs daughter of columnist and blogger
James "Kimo" Rosen. They both reside in Kapa'a town.

Money is not everything

SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?"
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?"
SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make $100 an hour."
SON: "Oh! (With his head down).
SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow $50?"
The father was furious.
DAD: "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.
The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $ 50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

DAD: "Are you asleep, son?"

SON: "No daddy, I'm awake".
DAD: "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier. It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $50 you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, smiling.
SON: "Oh, thank you daddy!"
Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

DAD: "Why do you want more money if you already have some?"

SON: "Because I didn't have enough, but now I do.

"Daddy, I have $100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."
The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $100 worth of your time with someone you love? If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family and friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.

Some things are more important.

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