Category: Living Life

Demanding Good Government

Forty years ago, the Watergate scandal outraged Americans and diminished the public’s trust in government. Demonstrations were held nationwide demanding that a more honest, open government be held accountable to the public, thussparring the good government movement.

“Good government” is used to describe the ideal corruption-free government that is transparent, responsive to the public rather than private interests, robust with citizen participation, and where public officials are held accountable for their actions.

Common Cause Hawaii has been a leading ‘good government’ voice advocating for improved process-related measures that affect our democracy. For the last 40, it has advocated for campaign finance reform, voting modernization, and stronger transparency and ethics in the Legislature. It considers process-related issues and improvements as universal issues that impact all of our social and economic policies.

Today, one good government issue provokes the public with as much force as Watergate did: the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Citizens United, which opened the floodgates of special interest money from corporations, unions and wealthy individuals into “Super PACs” (political action committees that do not coordinate their efforts with candidates) seeking to influence our elections.

As a result of Citizens United, Mainland corporate spending on national campaigns ran into the billions in 2012. Locally, the 2012 elections data reflected that 16 Super PACs spent $4,801,069.06 on Hawai’i campaigns. The 315 Hawai’i candidates who ran for State and County offices spent $13,404,231.01. The 16 Super PACs managed to spend 26 percent of the entire pool of money spent on Hawai’i elections. According to the Campaign Spending Commission, Hawai’i also attracted a significant amount of “outside” money from Mainland donors: 24 of the 61 registered non-candidate committees received 100 percent of their funding from outside sources.

Citizens United reminded Americans how fragile our democracy is, and the strides we must take to strengthen it.

Communities across the country are advancing resolutions through their city councils and state legislatures that declare support for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, challenge corporate power, and eliminate unlimited campaign spending.

As part of our effort to limit special interest money’s influence in politics, in 2012, Common Cause Hawaii introduced two state legislative resolutions (HCR 5 and HR 5) and one Honolulu County resolution (Resolution 12-207), all of which passed. In the 2013 legislative session, Common Cause Hawaii successfully advocated for HB1147 (now Act 112), which would require Super PACs to list their top three donors in political ads.

Our work extends beyond legislative activities. We are currently coaching high school students on key good government issues: money in politics, transparency and ethics. Additionally, we are planning a series of workshops to involve mobileapplication (apps) developers in creating apps to share Campaign Spending data in attractive and convenient ways.

With the prevalence of social media, a new wave of citizens are in tune with how special interest money influences public policy, and can quickly raise awareness to questionable issues and actions. Through our advocacy and outreach, we develop new activist leaders and equip them to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in the law-making and electoral process.

Together, we can present a unified voice demanding higher standards for government ethics and transparency, and firmly say: money has no place in politics.

Forty years ago, the Watergate scandal outraged Americans and diminished the public’s trust in government. Demonstrations were held nationwide demanding that a more honest, open government be held accountable to the public, thussparring the good government movement. “Good government” is used to describe the ideal corruption-free government that is transparent, responsive to the public rather…
Don’t Miss a Beat with Online News

A couple years ago, University of Hawai‘i journalism professor Bev Keever had her students undertake a very basic reporting exercise: request misconduct reports filed with the Legislature by Hawai‘i’s four county police agencies.

It turned out to be anything but simple. But Keever, a former Vietnam War correspondent, finally obtained what turned out to be vague summaries, sorely lacking in detail, and only for the Honolulu Police Department dating back to 2000.

By the time Keever got the records, her class of blossoming reporters was long gone. So she brought the three-inch stack of photocopies to Honolulu Civil Beat, a relatively new arrival on the media scene here.

Keever’s groundwork became a five-part investigative series in Civil Beat. “In the Name of the Law” explored the public policy decisions that have kept police disciplinary records off limits to the public in Hawai‘i since the mid-1990s, when an earlier crop of UH journalism students fought — and won — a Supreme Court victory opening misconduct files. Their victory was short-lived; the police union convinced political allies in the Legislature to exempt police records from disclosure.

I’ll let you read all about the politically charged situation that spanned three governors and many legislative sessions. You can find it at www.civilbeat.com under Special Reports.

But the project that took more than six months to pull together illustrates just who we are. Started by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his business partner, Randy Ching, in May 2010, Civil Beat is the only independent news organization in Hawai‘i dedicated to public affairs journalism. We don’t cover sports, entertainment or lifestyle features unless they involve some aspect of public policy. Taxpayer money is always a big issue for us, as is raising questions of possible wrongdoing or lack or government transparency.

We’ve provided in-depth coverage of controversial issues, from the Honolulu rail project to the debate over genetically engineered crops. Earlier this year, another multi-part special report examined the history of the Ala Wai Canal, its flawed design and environmental problems — and its murky future.

We believe a vibrant news organization is vital to democracy and we can make a difference in the lives of people and public policy through solid, smart, watchdog journalism. In fact, legislators and other elected officials circulate our stories and quote from our coverage.

One of our main goals is to foster civil discussions through our website, a virtual “civic square” where people can gather to understand, debate and discover the issues. We welcome community voices and invite you join us online.

And we’ve won a slew of journalism awards for our work, including being named the Best News Site in Hawai’i for three years in a row by the Society of Professional Journalists.

In September, we teamed up with The Huffington Post to launch HuffPost Hawaii, which brings news to Hawai’i while sharing our local issues with a global community. Visit us at www.huffingtonpost.com/Hawaii or email hawaiiblogs@huffingtonpost.com.

A couple years ago, University of Hawai‘i journalism professor Bev Keever had her students undertake a very basic reporting exercise: request misconduct reports filed with the Legislature by Hawai‘i’s four county police agencies. It turned out to be anything but simple. But Keever, a former Vietnam War correspondent, finally obtained what turned out to be…
What’s So Good About Growing Older?

Dr. Lucy Miller and William Neil Rapozo, Sr. of Kauai County

John McGuire and Betty Chieko Goya of Honolulu County

As part of Older Americans Month in May, the Hawai’I State Executive Office on Aging and the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs joined the Area Agencies on Aging and Gov. Abercrombie in recognizing eight outstanding senior citizen volunteers from each of the four counties. The 2013 honorees are: Dr. Lucy Miller and William Neil Rapozo, Sr. Of Kauai County; Betty Chieko Goya and John McGuire of Honolulu County; and Diane Logsdon and Richard Endsley of Maui County; Shirley Ito and Peter Hoffmann of Hawai’i County. These outstanding kupuna represent the thousands of seniors who contribute to the wellness and quality of life of their communities.

Every year, eight kupuna — one male and one female from each county — are selected as Older American volunteer honorees for the exemplary work they do to aid and support their individual communities. Each of the honorees personifies the contributions Older Americans continue to make well into retirement as productive, active, and influential members of society. This year the honorees were recognized by the Governor in Older American Month events in each county.

“We celebrate Older Americans Month each year to recognize the vitality of older adults and their outstanding contributions to our communities,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “Each of the 2013 Older Americans Month Award honorees from across our state embodies this year’s national Older Americans Month theme, ‘Unleash the Power of Age!’ Kupuna are taking on new roles in retirement. The people of Hawai’i appreciate and thank them for their continuing service.”

Richard Endsley and Diane Logsdon of Maui County

Peter Hoffmann and Shirley Ito of Hawai’i County

As part of Older Americans Month in May, the Hawai’I State Executive Office on Aging and the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs joined the Area Agencies on Aging and Gov. Abercrombie in recognizing eight outstanding senior citizen volunteers from each of the four counties. The 2013 honorees are: Dr. Lucy Miller and William Neil…
My Take on Things: What’s All the Racket?

Two and a half hours, and three sets later, a group of “50 plus” women enjoy beautiful weather at Wentworth Tennis Courts in Pearl Harbor. The youngest is 52 and the oldest will turn 80 in August. All appreciate a challenging game of tennis as you can hear laughter, applause, “good shot” and “great get” from two courts of women’s doubles. Some of us have had meniscus, knee and shoulder surgery, but that doesn’t stop us from playing our hearts out.

These “young-at-heart” women play two or three times a week. They start their first set by drawing playing cards and the two matching cards are partners. Luckily, I drew the same card as my sister, a “junior” player at age 56 and a retired teacher. More sets are played as ladies change partners and opponents.

Lee Bassett, the “senior” player learned to play tennis in 8th grade in New York; and after raising her children, got back into it at age 35. She says, “I’ve got the old-ladies shot down!”— just after she hit a lovely drop shot winner. Luckily she was my partner!

All these women have played in leagues and loved the sport for countless years. No one goes out to break a record…or themselves. There are never losers…only winners and runner-ups having a fun time together. And that’s the point: fun.

So nowadays, no matter how old you are or what your body feels like, that shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. You just simply need to adjust and do it…for fun!

R2: Connie, Sharon, Helen and Lee, R1: Sherry, Ellen, Cathy and

Two and a half hours, and three sets later, a group of “50 plus” women enjoy beautiful weather at Wentworth Tennis Courts in Pearl Harbor. The youngest is 52 and the oldest will turn 80 in August. All appreciate a challenging game of tennis as you can hear laughter, applause, “good shot” and “great get”…
What’s So Good About Growing Older?

So, the editor of Generations Magazine calls me and says, “Frank, let’s do another column for the magazine. We loved having your thoughts in the magazine, so please … hana hou!” Then the editor came back and said, “But this time, Frank, write about getting older and staying fit … snicker, snicker.”

In my mind, fitness is like saving money. For example, if you had the presence of mind while you were in your “stupid” years to put money in that piggy bank, then you’ve probably been pretty good with money during your lifetime and now enjoy some level of financial security. Now, apply this concept to fitness. The more you put into your “fitness piggy bank” over the years, the more you’ll get back in return during your “enlightened” years. Ah, but there’s a caveat … I know people who live on the edge, from paycheck to paycheck, and are the happiest guys I know. And, I also know people who have a lot of money and are miserable! Because wherever you are right now, there you are! There’s no right or wrong in this matter …

Tango And Spice — Oil on Canvas
Frank B. Shaner

This column is not meant to judge your financial or physical wellbeing. It’s only here to point out the oddities and the triumphs in life, plus the flaws inherent to the human spirit and psyche. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.” This quote is obviously open to interpretation, but perhaps you can use it as inspiration to do

things that will change your life — and the life of others — for the better. Give as much as you want, uplift as many as you can, and strive for the highest spiritual, emotional and physical well being possible. See how far you can go, and then see what happens …

It’s really not very complicated. This vessel (body) that was given to us is a remarkable, fine-tuned instrument. Say for example that you play a guitar, and you love that instrument because it gives you joy and freedom. It brings out emotions deep within your soul; it brings fourth creativity you didn’t realize you had. In other words, it enhances your well being. So naturally, you’d take good care of it. Shouldn’t we do the same with the beautiful bodies we travel in? Shouldn’t we keep them tuned so that they will continue to serve us as we move through this life? Of course! And it doesn’t take much. The body needs to move, stretch and be challenged. We live in an extraordinary place. The climate is perfect for outdoor activity, so let’s embrace it as much as we can. So, I say (in least judgmental way possible), get off your ass and move that mass! Put on some walking shoes and dance in the grass. Get outdoors! Your body will love you for it … it’s never too late!

Join in a conversation with Frank B. Shaner on Facebook and experience his art online at www.frankbshaner.com.

So, the editor of Generations Magazine calls me and says, “Frank, let’s do another column for the magazine. We loved having your thoughts in the magazine, so please … hana hou!” Then the editor came back and said, “But this time, Frank, write about getting older and staying fit … snicker, snicker.” In my mind,…
AARP Hawai’i: Life Reimagined

After the kids were grown, Rhee, a career pharmacist turned fulltime mother, weighed second-career options. She thought of teaching or returning to a pharmacy, but memories of her church’s baking class brought back fond childhood memories of afternoon tea and pastries.

Today, a little more than two years after launching her small business venture — Mama Nita Scones — she has grown from selling scones at farmers’ markets to being a sought-after pastry company that fulfills online catering and gift-box orders.

“As a pharmacist I had to be very exact about filling prescriptions, so that attention to detail probably carried over to my baking,” Rhee says.

At age 50, Rhee did what thousands of Hawaii baby boomers have done or are considering doing — pursuing new passions in adulthood. Many people redirect their lives after major turning points, such as parenthood, retirement or care for elderly parents.

AARP has launched an initiative called Life Reimagined to help older adults unlock their dreams and navigate new life stages. Life Reimagined offers flexible online and offline programs, experiences, resources and services. www.lifereimagined.aarp.org.

AARP has also created Life Reimagined for Work to help experienced workers achieve their employment goals. It’s a social network- based jobs program, connecting workers (with 20-plus years of career experience) with employers who seek qualified workers for more satisfying work and entrepreneurial opportunities. www.workreimagined.aarp.org.

As for Rhee, she’s looking at new ventures such as creating wedding favors and setting up a scone factory. While expanding is one option, she says firmly that, “making money is not the sole purpose of my business … I have a mission.” She dreams of training people in underdeveloped countries about her business model so they can sustain themselves. Recently, a church member approached her about training women in Thailand to bake scones for coffee shops.

Anita’s eyes twinkle at the prospect of doing good work and using local fruits to develop new flavors. Up every morning from 4 a.m., she’s baking her way toward her dreams one scone at a time. For a closer look at what she’s doing in the kitchen, visit www.mamanitascones.com.

Contact AARP Hawai‘i for more information:
State Office: 808-545-6024 | Toll-Free: 866-295-7282
hiaarp@aarp.org | www.aarp.org/states/hi

After the kids were grown, Rhee, a career pharmacist turned fulltime mother, weighed second-career options. She thought of teaching or returning to a pharmacy, but memories of her church’s baking class brought back fond childhood memories of afternoon tea and pastries. Today, a little more than two years after launching her small business venture —…
Medicare? Are You There Yet?

Remember the familiar line chanted by children being driven somewhere, “Are we there yet?”

As I visit companies to conduct Medicare preretiree seminars, I hear employees nearing the age of Medicare eligibility, quietly asking each other something similar —“Are You There Yet?”

Most can hardly believe they are reaching their 65th birthday and will soon qualify for Medicare.

About 17,000 people in Hawai‘i are expected to turn 65 next year. Many may still be working and need to understand how Medicare will coordinate with their employer health coverage. Others want to learn more about valuable benefits, like FREE preventive screenings. Here are some rules:

STOP — Determine when you will first become eligible for benefits. You can use the Medicare Eligibility Tool at www.medicare.gov. This will help you avoid late enrollment penalties.

LOOK — You should get your Medicare card in the mail a few months before your 65th birthday. Contact Social Security and Medicare if you do not receive your card. You can reach Social Security at 800-772-1213 or Medicare at 800-633-4227.

LISTEN — Learn more about your options by attending Medicare workshops during the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period, Oct. 15th through Dec. 7th. You can also call or meet with a licensed agent for more information.

So ask for directions if you need to, sit back and relax. You are almost there!

Martha Khlopin hosts the popular weekly radio program “Medicare Moment with Martha — The World of Medicare” sponsored by AlohaCare. It airs on KHNR-690AM on Saturdays from 11–11:30 a.m. and on KGU-99.5FM on Sundays from 10–10:30 a.m.For info, call (808) 973-0754, mkhlopin@alohacare.org.

Remember the familiar line chanted by children being driven somewhere, “Are we there yet?” As I visit companies to conduct Medicare preretiree seminars, I hear employees nearing the age of Medicare eligibility, quietly asking each other something similar —“Are You There Yet?” Most can hardly believe they are reaching their 65th birthday and will soon…
25th Annual Talk Story Festival

Around the world, every culture has it’s own way of sharing information and stories. In the Islands, we know it as ‘talk story.’ These informal conversations are about slowing down and taking the time to share ideas, stories, history and opinions with the people around you. The upcoming annual Talk Story Festival aims to keep the conversation going with hopes of inspiring and connecting us all.

The Department of Parks and Recreation invites you to two free nights to the 25th Annual Talk Story Festival, Hawai‘i’s oldest and largest storytelling celebration. Some of Hawai‘i’s best storytellers and mainland guests are featured. Nine storytellers each night, 20 minutes each, with dramatic lighting and gifted sign language interpreters. Video of these performances is projected beside the stage. Gates open at 5 p.m. Big crowds are expected, so come early both nights!

*SP0oOoKY STORIES

Friday, October 18, 6 p.m.– 9:30 p.m.

* THINK DEEP TALES

Saturday, October 19, 6 p.m.– 9:30 p.m.

(Touring O‘ahu, neighbor islands and public libraries the following week.)

Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom

Hawai‘i Tellers will include:

‘Tita’ Kathy Collins (Maui), Yasu Ishida (Japan), Dan Kelin II (Honolulu Theater for Youth), Sandra MacLees (Big Island), James McCarthy (guitar man), Shain Miller (Ong King), Kilohana Silve (hula & story), Jeff Gere (hosts both nights).

Mainland Guests:

Lyn Ford (Ohio) & Kuniko Yamamoto (Japan)

For more information, contact Jeff Gere at 808-768-3032, jgere@honolulu.gov. and visit www.honoluluparks.com.

Around the world, every culture has it’s own way of sharing information and stories. In the Islands, we know it as ‘talk story.’ These informal conversations are about slowing down and taking the time to share ideas, stories, history and opinions with the people around you. The upcoming annual Talk Story Festival aims to keep…
Enjoy the Summer of Your Life

Seniors of all ages and their families will find that Oahu offers an array of events from July 8 to August 16th, ranging from a dance festival to “sake tasting.” Mark your calendars today for one or all of these exciting events.

Altamira Dance Company

From July 8th to 21st, some of the world’s most acclaimed performers, teachers and critics from Hawai‘i and the Asia Pacific Region will converge in Honolulu for the second biennial Asia Pacific Dance Festival. One of Hawai‘i’s featured artists will be Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehuna with kumu hula Robert Cazimero. Other artists are from New Zealand’s Atamira Dance Company, Taiwan’s Taipei National University of the Arts, and Korea’s Samulgwangdae. The East-West Center Arts Program and the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Outreach College are co-producing these events. For information, call 808-958-8246 or visit www.outreach.hawaii.edu/community/asiapacific/.

“Living the Art of Hula”

July 11, Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Kennedy Theatre

Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua

This stunning performance will bring together three kumu hula who have been leaders in the hula community for the past three decades. An intimate conversation with kumu hula Robert Cazimero, Vicky Holt Takamine and Michael Pili Pang will open the concert with their personal journeys in hula, the traditions and the process they go through to create new choreography.
Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehuna (Cazimero), Halau Hula Ka No‘eau (Pang), and Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima (Takamine) will have performances showcasing the creative choreography of each of the featured kumu hula.

Samulgwangdae

Samulgwangdae

July 14, Sunday, 2 p.m., Kennedy Theatre

This Sunday afternoon performance will be by the globally renowned samulnori group Samulgwangdae from Korea. The four core percussionists are masters of the changgo (hourglass-shaped drum), kkwaenggwari (small gong), buk (barrell drum) and ching (large gong). The musicians and dancers will create a captivating blend of Korea’s traditional farmers’ band music, acrobatic military exercises and shamanistic ceremonies with its own modern compositions and theatricality.

Taipei National Unversity of the Arts

The Asia Pacific Dance Festival Welcome Ceremony

July 19, Friday, 6 p.m.
East-West Center Friendship Circle

FREE to the public. It will feature the artists from the Atamira Dance Company, Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), and Halau Na Kamalei
O Lililehuna. The TNUA is equated with excellence in Taiwan and around the world. Their alumni have gained respect and international acclaim as professional choreographers dancers, teachers and researchers.

“Journeys” Performances

Kennedy Theatre
July 20, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
July 21, Sunday, 2 p.m.

A different performance each day, one of which will be by the Atamira Dance Company who is the leading creator and presenter of Maori contemporary dance theater of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Festival Public Forum

July 21, Sunday, 4:45 p.m., East-West Center (Jefferson Hall Imin Conference Center)

Another FREE event. The Sunday’s “Journeys” performance will be followed by a discussion with the visiting artists and special guest dance critics Deborah Jowitt and Steve Villaruz. It will be moderated by UH Manoa Assistant Professer Tammy Baker.

Continuing with the “music theme,” young and old ukulele
performers from around the world will come together for Hawai‘i’s largest ukulele concert in Kapiolani park. This event is FREE to the public.

Tony Group Autoplex presents the 43rd Annual Ukulele Festival

Roy Sakuma

July 21, Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kapiolani Pk.

The first Ukulele Festival started in 1971 by ukulele master Roy Sakuma. Some of this year’s international lineup of performers will come from Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Thailand, plus the Mainland, as well as many from Hawai‘i’s own, including Ohta-San and 11-year old Aidan James of YouTube Sensation. The Roy Sakuma Ukulele Band of some 800 keiki, teens and adults will also perform popular tunes. For the 42nd straight year in a row, Hawai‘i’s Ambassador of Aloha, Danny Keleikini, will serve as the emcee.

Free parking and shuttle service from Kapiolani Community College and back will be available from 8:30am–5:30pm. Ukulele displays and giveaways, food booths, inflatable bouncers for keiki, and Ukulele Festival souvenir t-shirts add to the lively, festive atmosphere. For more information, email info@ukulelefestivalhawaii.org or visit www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org.

“The Joy of Sake”

August 16th, Friday, 6:30 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Hawai‘i Convention Center

This event was founded in Honolulu in 2001 as a way to give sake enthusiasts an opportunity to experience and appreciate premium sakes from breweries all over Japan. The event will feature “competition sakes” from the U.S. National Sake Appraisal — each recently bottled and cold-stored to ensure maximum flavor.

The Appraisal is a blind tasting conducted by a team of ten judges from Japan and the U.S. All 300+ entries will be available for tasting. Tickets are available at www.joyofsake.com and are $85 per person ($95 at the door).

Seniors of all ages and their families will find that Oahu offers an array of events from July 8 to August 16th, ranging from a dance festival to “sake tasting.” Mark your calendars today for one or all of these exciting events. From July 8th to 21st, some of the world’s most acclaimed performers, teachers…
What’s So Good About Growing Older?

Every week I talk to people who are newly eligible for Medicare insurance or are already enrolled in a plan. While some are happy to be at the age to get those senior discounts at retail shops and restaurants, some, not so much. They would rather trade those discounts for the yonder days of platform shoes and “discothèques.” Did you recognize that word? Might be time for you to learn more about Medicare.

So for those who need a little coaxing to embrace the idea that life can be good at any age, let’s look at some words of wisdom cloned from, where else, the Internet.

As we age let’s, become more peaceful. And whose business is it anyway, if we choose to read, watch TV, or play on the computer, until 3?

We can walk the beach, in a swim suit stretched over our beautiful bulging bodies, and dive into the waves, despite “stink eye” from the young, with their lean, mean, six-pack abs. They, too, will grow old.

As we grow older, let’s care less about what other people think. We have earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer the question, what’s so good about growing older? We can choose to love the person we have become. We have an excuse to forget the things we choose to no longer remember.

We can have a “senior moment”, eat, drink and be merry and finally understand Medicare!

Martha Khlopin hosts the popular weekly radio program “Medicare Moment with Martha — The World of Medicare” sponsored by AlohaCare. It airs on KHNR-690AM on Saturdays from 11–11:30 a.m. and on KGU-99.5FM on Sundays from 10–10:30 a.m.For info, call (808) 973-0754, mkhlopin@alohacare.org.

Every week I talk to people who are newly eligible for Medicare insurance or are already enrolled in a plan. While some are happy to be at the age to get those senior discounts at retail shops and restaurants, some, not so much. They would rather trade those discounts for the yonder days of platform…
My Take on Things: Shuzi Health Jewelry

It was September 8, 2011 that I had a stroke … some say it was “mild” and some say it was a “nerve stroke” while I say, “It happened, now move on!” Every day since then, I test myself on doing things with my right side. Within two weeks I got rid of the walker but was very careful getting around. Driving and bouncing a tennis ball took two months. Walking down a flight of stairs without using the handrail or wall took nine months — that’s when I bought a Shuzi bracelet and walked down 12 steps with no problem (at the bottom of the stairs, I turned around to look up in amazement). I did more “self-tests” like balancing on my right leg for 40 seconds instead of the 3 seconds before Shuzi and walking on stepping stones on the side of our house with ease. There are so many products out there that claim a lot of things, but this one I believe made a HUGE difference to my “balance” in life.

This is what I know: Shuzi (pronounced Shoo-zee) has been an international company since 2004. The jewelry utilizes a proprietary “Nano Vibrational Technology” Chip from the United States which is programmed to resonate with your cells’ natural frequencies. The chip sends out a pulse that balances the body’s bio-field and blood cells become much rounder and stronger promoting better blood flow, which means more oxygen through the body.

Studies with QEEG (brain mapping) showed on average 25% improvement in cognitive efficiency and 20% improvement in emotional efficiency. The full study is on shuziusa.com.

So, don’t just take my word for it. As in anything else, try it yourself and do your own testing. I think you’ll be pleased.

For more information, Shuzi Hawai‘i can be reached at 808-386-0929, www.shuziliving.com.

It was September 8, 2011 that I had a stroke … some say it was “mild” and some say it was a “nerve stroke” while I say, “It happened, now move on!” Every day since then, I test myself on doing things with my right side. Within two weeks I got rid of the walker but was…
Summer Green Smoothie

Summer brings in the time of year when melons are in season. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are rich in vitimins, minerals and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, potassium, magnesium vitamin A and C. Adding them to a green smoothie makes for a tasty drink and a great way to get a lot of healthy nutrients into your body at one time.

Blend well to milkshake consistency. Enjoy! See link for demo: www.youtu.be/16U9a1Vhoak.

Ingredients

1 apple or pear
1 banana
3 pineapple spears
Handful of blueberries
1 cup watermelon
1 cup Kale
1 cup Spinach
Handful of mint leaves

Summer brings in the time of year when melons are in season. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are rich in vitimins, minerals and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, potassium, magnesium vitamin A and C. Adding them to a green smoothie makes for a tasty drink and a great way to get a lot of healthy nutrients…