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Wednesday, June 8, 2016

"Around the corner I have a friend..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Dakinetalk's favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)
"Unc"  is really passionate about creating a national Caregivers day.
'Unc' currently resides on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu. 
He is a retired cinematographer,
 and  enjoys giving the politicians a bad time...

Around the corner I have a friend

 Around the corner I have a friend,
   
   In this great city that has no end,
   Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
   And before I know it, a year is gone.
   And I never see my old friends face,
   For life is a swift and terrible race,
   He knows I like him just as well,
   As in the days when I rang his bell.
   And he rang mine but we were younger then,
   And now we are busy, tired men.
   Tired of playing a foolish game,
   Tired of trying to make a name.
   "Tomorrow" I say ! "I will call on Jim
   Just to show that I'm thinking of him."
   But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
   And distance between us grows and grows.
   Around the corner, yet miles away,
   "Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today.."
   And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
   Around the corner, a vanished friend.
   Remember to always say what you mean.
   If you love someone, tell them.
   Don't be afraid to express yourself.
   Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
   Because when you decide that it is the right time it might
   be too late.
   Seize the day. Never have regrets.
   And most importantly, stay close to your friends
   and family, for they have helped
   make you the person that you are today.

A Friend .

L'oncle Ammusant  AKA~ Chester "Unc" Lau



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



Tuesday, June 7, 2016

"Whose willing to abandon their vehicle...? 'Glenn Mickens' (Kaua'i County Watchdog)

Glenn Mickens has lived on Kauai  with his wife Ruth for the last 26 years. Born July 26, 1930 in Wilmar, California, USA) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched in four games (two of which were starts) for the 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers. He also played for five years in Japan, from 1959 until 1963 for the Kintetsu Buffaloes. There, he compiled a record of 45–53 with a 2.54 ERA.  Glenn also  served in the Army for 2 years and coached baseball at UCLA for 25 years. 
Last but not least Glenn would really like to see Kaua'i give the county manager style of Government a chance.

Mr. Mickens is locally known
as one of Kauai county's
political watchdogs
and Nitpickers...
Mahalos Glenn!

Whose willing to abandon their vehicle

For every biker or walker who use the Kauai multi use trail for "travel" there are a thousand vehicle users who will never abandon that car or truck for any other means of travel. 

There was a  Garden Island poll taken on 3/18 that asked "What's the best way to ease Kauai's traffic troubles?" 688 people responded and 339 said to build more roads whereas 32 want to add more bike/pedestrian paths. Even if you expand this poll to the masses the results are going to be the same. 

And to try and make the case that the multi-use path will ever alleviate traffic is also a dream. In fact, most people have to take their vehicle to get to the path and thus increase traffic
congestion.


If we live with the fact that the vehicle is here to stay and we have to plan and accommodate for their use--wider and more alternate roads, we will improve the traffic congestion that now plagues us. And, again get us a County Manager who will go after problems like this with solutions being his/her only goal--not politics!!


Editor's note, Dakinetalk guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the opinions of dakinetalk. Guest bloggers are given space to express their beliefs and or opinions. We feel there are many roads and like to give people space to express their thoughts,after-all that's what dakine is...
Aloha, James "Kimo" Rosen---Blogger-n-chief, dakinetalk blog---
P.S.S.
Check out Glenn's Wikipedia page;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Mickens

With all the stress of the world, don't forget to
watch the sunrise or sunset, it's free! 
Photo, James "Kimo" Rosen
Hana Hou, (Encore) 



Monday, June 6, 2016

"No more Aloha spirit in Pro bowl..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen' (Kimo's world #132)

James "Kimo" Rosen is a retired professional photographer
 and amongst other things lived in a tent outdoors for 7 years.
Rosen currently resides on the tropical island of Kaua'i
with his best friend and spiritual adviser Obama Da Dog!


Kimo's world #128
Editors note;
Hawaii tourism leaders lament loss of Pro Bowl to Florida; Read how Hawaii lost the Pro Bowl
http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/business-breaking/hawaii-tourism-leaders-lament-loss-of-pro-bowl-to-florida/

No more Aloha spirit in Pro bowl

The Pro bowl started becoming less of a game when they started playing  a week before the Super bowl making any Super bowl team players ineligible--thus making players give up their Pro bowl status to substitutions. 

The game is no longer played with a competitive edge since players do not want to risk careers to possible injury.

Football has become a monetary business and the good ole days of team spirit and players being rewarded with a trip to Hawaii  as a way to say thanks for their above average play amongst peers are long gone. 


These days players are paid well enough to afford Hawaiian vacations any time of the off season. It's all about the money and even though Hawaii is where most of us would a prefer it, the buck stops here and proceeds to  Orlando with all the bells and whistles, except  the Aloha spirit. 


Editors note, 

This blog appeared as an opinion article in the June 6, 2016 edition of the Honolulu Staradvertiser;

The Staradvertiser has a paywall, so for those without a subscription I have copy and pasted below along with the link;


Pro Bowl in Florida will lack aloha spirit


Hana Hou, (Encore)  







Saturday, June 4, 2016

"One Day off can make a difference..." '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

One Day off can make a difference

When you approach your 60's in the working world you begin to reflect on your past working years and ponder how much longer you can or want to work a full-time job.
 My career in my field started about 40 years ago and I have never lost the interest or enjoyment in performing my profession at any of the positions I have held . 

Over the last year or two, as the 60's have crept into my age bracket, it has begun to get a little harder to get up at 5AM and work a full day. The bones make a strange sound in the am as I get out of bed and use the stairs, the body takes a few minutes to wake up and the will wains a little in the am hours. Since I am not ready to retire just yet, I found a solution that seems to do the trick.


After convincing my boss over several months of cajoling and convincing, I now have off my Mondays! What a difference it makes to have a three day weekend every weekend.No more Sunday grumbles. The week somehow seems to fly by with only a short week. “Hump” day comes quickly and even though each day is a little bit longer – it is so worth it.


Arranging my schedule was a great way to give me a little break until I take the big step some day and really cut back. I have been working at some capacity since my teen years and am looking forward some day to “slowing” down a bit. So until then.....I am greatly enjoying my Mondays!!! 

"Judy, Judy, Judy!"

Hana Hou, (Encore)



Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Don't Miss This Year's Taste of Hawaii..!" 'James "Kimo" Rosen' (Gourmet edition~Kimo's world #131)


Katerina Norman, Kapa'a Rotary past president 
and Shawn Gallagher, Executive chef
of the Eastside in Kapa'a enjoy the

 25th milestone silver anniversary
of the Taste of Hawai'i at Smiths Tropical Paradise.


Kimo's world special Gourmet edition #131
Don't Miss This Year's Taste of Hawaii
Purchase Tickets Now~All For Charity!

The Taste of Hawai'i' is Kaua'i's annual signature event by which many visitors plan their trips  and locals count the days!There's still time to purchase tickets  for the 2016 'Taste' this coming Sunday, June 5th at Smiths Tropical Paradise!
Purchase Tickets now! 
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/

http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/shop/tickets/taste-hawaii-admission-ticket/
'Taste' is  my favorite annual event on Kaua'i and is basically my Christmas-Chanukah in June.  Last year I decided to buy a new shirt for  the event. I tried the shirt on and it looked very nice, a medium tight fitting pullover aloha shirt.  I decided right before leaving to change to my regular wardrobe, a loose fitting T-shirt and shorts with a draw string, I am so glad I did and here's why;
Purchase Tickets now! 
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/
The brunch which features over 40 chefs strutting their signature dishes, 10 plus beer, wine and soft drink beverage vendors allows you to eat  and drink to your hearts content. The 10 plus musical bands from Rock' roll to Big band allow you to burn off a few calories and make room for even more delicious ono grinds--then take a breather over  at the silent auction to make room for the Lappert's ice cream station. Therefore remember to wear  loose fitting clothing to get in as much as possible.
Purchase Tickets now! 
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/
The wood fired flat-bread brushed with olive oil and herbs presented by The Feral Pig restaurant along with their slow smoked  Porchetta, a savory boneless pork roast of Italian culinary tradition was one of many ono food exhibits at the 25th milestone silver anniversary at  the Taste of Hawai'i.  Everyone who tasted this culinary delight had two things to say, "Broke Da Mout and Wop Da Jaw" ( meaning delicious in Hawaiian pidgin) (photo bottom page)
Purchase Tickets now! 
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/
Rumor has it for this special day that the  food  and drink have zero calories, so just pretend your in heaven and eat to your hearts content. I feel sorry for the people wanting to lose weight that have had  their stomachs stapled, unstable them for da Taste! 
Purchase Tickets now! 
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/
Seriously,"Taste" is not only a taste of food but a taste of community, a taste of charity and a taste of fellowship."Taste" is a community event sponsored by the  Kapa'a Rotarian's. All profits go towards scholarships for our local youth and fund international projects such as providing safe drinking water and sanitation in schools for people in poverty stricken areas around the world.
Purchase Tickets now! 
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/
The Taste of Hawaii is the original food and wine tasting event for the islands and on Kauai. Produced by the Rotary Club of Kapaa and countless community volunteers, this year marks the 28th year of hosting  The Ultimate Sunday Brunch. Taste of Hawaii will be held on Sunday June 5, 2016 at Smith’s Tropical Paradise. 
https://www.smithskauai.com/
Purchase your tickets online;
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/shop/tickets/taste-hawaii-admission-ticket/

Purchase Tickets now! 

http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/


When: Sunday June 5th, 2016, 11:30am – 3:30pm

Where: Smith’s Tropical Paradise
https://www.smithskauai.com/


Price: $100 online or $125 at the door
I always look at the event as being free since all proceeds are donated to charity, not only that you can  write off a portion of your ticket on next years tax returns! Wow!

Tickets: buy your tickets online here, or call 808-346-7095  Tell them  you saw Kimo's world blog!
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/shop/tickets/taste-hawaii-admission-ticket/

Or if your on Kaua'i you can still purchase tickets at the following locations;  

Hanalei surf company
Magi Dragon (Princeville shopping center)
North Shore Pharmacy
Jim Saylor Jewelers
Vicki Fabrics
Deli & Bread Connnections
Inkspot Quality Printing Corp.
Poipu Surf (Kukuiula shopping center)
Westside Pharmacy

BUY TICKETS Now!
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/shop/tickets/taste-hawaii-admission-ticket/

http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/



Taste is not only the ultimate
Sunday brunch but one of the best
parties on  earth! 

It's a bird, it's plane, wait, it's a drone
photographing the Taste!

Last years (2015) 27th annual Taste of Hawaii had a  bride and groom celebrating their reception. What a great idea! We were even spied on by a drone photographing the event.  
Photographer extraordinaire Dennis Fujimoto
of The Garden Island news, takes notes
for his cover story on the newly married
couple, Mr. & Mrs. Turner.

Bistro chef grilling the Ono Ribs!

 Does life get any better than this? 
Grilled St. Louis ribs, slow cooked,
 smothered with a secret recipe
 of pineapple BBQ sauce?



 
The Ebi Tempurura musubi was one
of the most delicious entrees!

Hee Fat shave ice artist putting
the finishing touches on
the most amazing shaved ice
on the planet!


My friends joke, but it's true. I am a hermit. I live for this one event. 

There's still time to get tickets for this awesome event. I look at this  event as free since all proceeds go to charity,not only that you can  write off a portion of your ticket on next years tax returns! Wow!  Such a deal! Ticket's are $100.00 in advance and 125.00 at the door.
Go online to purchase now;
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/shop/tickets/taste-hawaii-admission-ticket/

Cafe organic strutting the best and smoothest
 iced coffee and Kale salad.
For the complete photo gallery of the Taste of Hawaii 2015 click on the link below;
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10207186791132382.1073741846.1361088023&type=1&l=1db1d553ce


Steve Saylor and Bettejo Dux
discussing world affairs at the
27 annual Taste of Hawaii.
The Coconut wireless is
reporting Ms. Dux was
the best dressed at the event.

Last year I had a flip cam that I bought on closeout at Costco for only $25.00 and wound up getting it on KHON T.V.  with Joe Moore's nightly news out of Honolulu. Check it out. I was amazed what the guys in editing did with my video from a flip cam. Here it is. 
http://khon2.com/2014/06/03/kauai-man-sets-champagne-saber-record/

 Read dakinetalk blogs about  past Taste's of Hawaii;
2014-" A Taste of Google;
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-taste-of-google-james-kimo-rosen.html
2013- "Eat Drink And Be Merry-All For Charity;
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2013/06/eat-drink-and-be-merry-all-for-charity.html
2012-A Taste of dakine;
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2012/06/taste-of-dakine-james-kimo-rosen.html

Purchase Tickets now! 
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/

Hana Hou, (Encore)
Sunrise images below created by James"Kimo"Rosen with 'PIP' App Bon Appétit!





Purchase Tickets now! 
http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

"Taxation without representation..." 'Larry Arruda' (Special Kauai political edition)

Please welcome guest-blogger Mr. Larry Arruda.
 
Larry was born and raised in Lihu'e Kauai.Graduated from Wilcox Elementary in 1959
and Kauai High School in 1963. Larry is a Vietnam war veteran. Larry served 30 years in Costa Mesa California  as a highway design administrator. Larry Retired in 2002 and moved back home to Kauai in 2003.



Taxation without representation

Some of our elected officials are looking for ways to come up with  funding for the repairs of our streets and highways and for improving them. Of course, that means more taxes for all of us.

Increase our GET(General Excise and Use Tax) rate;  Increase our Gasoline Taxes;  Increase our vehicle registration fees; and anything else they can think of.  And when I say "elected officials", that doesn't mean just our elected County Council and Mayor.   It is apparent that our island's representation to the state legislature have created some influence in the matter by urging our council members to impose those taxes on us rather than to fight for Kauai's fair share of the TAT and Gas Tax. 


What happened to the Gas Tax money that we've been paying all these years?  Where's the vehicle registration fees that we've been paying all these years?   THAT is the money that suppose to pay for new roads, and for maintaining our roads. 

I suspect that those funds were used to replenish other funds that were stolen from to fund their salaries and benefit increases.  Now we're told they need to increase our GET and Gas Tax and fees to pay for roads.  Imagine if they had to tell us that their reason for the increase was to fund their salary and benefit increases. 

Apparently many people on Kauai, and many of them voters, do not know that the people of Kauai are NOT receiving our fair share of the TAT and the Gas Taxes that we pay for at the pump. Here on Kauai, in addition to Federal Gas taxes, and State Gas taxes, our County Gas Tax is $.17 for each gallon that you buy.   Oahu pays $.165 per gallon; Maui pays $.16; and the big island pays $.088 per gallon.  Anyone been on the big island lately?  You notice how nice their roads are, compared to ours.


The additional State gas tax for the State of Hawaii is $.487 per gallon. Second highest in the country.  Only California is higher.   
Until such time that our elected officials can provide proof and assurance that the people of Kauai are receiving their fair share of these funds,  and that these funds are being properly and legally expended on highway improvements and repairs,  with all due respect, I feel that this council DOES NOT have the right to impose any additional taxes on the people of this island. And thanks to the majority of our 7 council members, all attempts to do so thus far have failed. 

It is the responsibility and duty of those individuals voted into power, and that includes our four state legislators, this council, and the Mayor, to provide proper and fair representation to those that elect them and to the entire population of Kauai and Niihau.
We elected each of you to do a job, and that job includes making sure that the taxes we all pay are properly and legally expended and distributed. 

As far as I am concerned,  our elected officials, except for a few of them, have failed to do exactly that and have failed to provide dedicated representation to the voters and the tax payers. 
To bring back a 250 year old phrase, "Taxation Without Representation".
REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU VOTE this year.  Remember Which ones are REALLY for the people of Kauai.  WHO is really "representing" us in the state legislature?

Larry is very concerned about how Kauai is governed
 and sincerely believes that a County Manager system
 would be extremely beneficial for ALL the people of Kaua'i.  

Hana Hou, (Encore)




Monday, May 30, 2016

Andy Rooney on Memorial Day..."(Kimo's world #130)~Happy Memorial Day!~

Andy Rooney was an American radio, television and newspaper
journalist. He is best known for his famous commentaries
at the end of the CBS show 60 minutes
Born; January 14, 1919
Died; November 4,2011.

Andy Rooney is my mentor and all time favorite
journalist and columnist. Please listen and watch
 the 2 minute YouTube video about Memorial day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hffOK7W75c

Editors note, 
This blog originally ran May 25,2015. Because of popular demand  we are publishing it again on this 2016 Memorial day. Please thank a veteran or someone who is currently serving in the armed forces!  Aloha!
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2015/05/in-memory-of-all-who-gave-ultimate.html

Andy Rooney on Memorial Day

Today is Monday May 30, 2016. I usually post my blog Kimo's world blog every Monday, however this Monday there will be no Kimo's world in it's usual format in memory and honor of all Americans who lost their lives to protect our freedoms...

My favorite journalist, columnist and my mentor Andy Rooney speaks from the grave on the true meaning of Memorial day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hffOK7W75c

Andy Rooney explains the true meaning of Memorial Day, honoring those who did not give their lives, but had them taken.

Andy is the epitome of American freedoms with his witty wisdom, knowledge and genius. This is why I chose Mr. Rooney to to represent Memorial day.

Please take 2 minutes to watch and listen to what Andy had to say about this day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hffOK7W75c

Kimo's world normal format
will return next Monday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hffOK7W75c

All photos of Andy Rooney are taken from public domain files.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hffOK7W75c

P.S.
 For further reading about Andy Rooney; please check out my blog titled;"Channeling Andy Rooney."
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2014/01/channeling-andrew-rooney-james-kimo.html

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

This photo is full of emotion and wins my vote
as truly telling the story of Memorial day
 without any words.