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    Hawaii needs to avoid massive unemployment tax increase

    By Keli’i Akina

    For Hawaii employers, it’s deja vu all over again.

    Just like they were a year ago at this time, the businesses that provide jobs to the state’s civilian workforce are in danger of having their annual unemployment taxes skyrocket, which, in turn, could cripple Hawaii’s economy just when it is starting to get back on its feet.

    Last year, the tax was supposed to more than triple, until the Legislature finally stepped in to ease the pain. This year it could increase by more than double, from an average of $825 per employee to $1,768.

    The tax is legally required to increase because of all the demands on the unemployment system caused by the coronavirus lockdowns, which at one point saw more than 200,000 Hawaii employees out of work.

    Many of those employees are still out of work, still drawing unemployment wages and still depleting the state’s unemployment fund reserve, as the state’s emergency restrictions on businesses approach possibly their third year.

    When the reserve drops, Hawaii employers are expected to make up the difference.

    Last year, the Legislature passed a law that froze the unemployment tax rate for employers at the Schedule D rate — a slight increase from the pre-lockdowns rate, but far less than the catastrophic Schedule H hike that would have otherwise automatically gone into effect.

    Unfortunately, the bill was little more than a stop-gap, addressing only 2021 and 2022. Now, as 2023 approaches, Hawaii businesses are once again in a pickle.

    Since the lockdowns began, the state has paid out $6.5 billion in jobless claims, leaving the unemployment fund with only $123 million.

    In order to keep the fund up last year, the state funneled $800 million from the federal government into it, then cleared that debt with an equivalent amount of federal relief funds. Still, the fund is still far from the $1.3 billion reserve that is deemed adequate for a year’s unemployment claims.

    Thus, if the Legislature doesn’t intervene again, the state unemployment tax will soar up to Schedule H — the highest rate — for 2023. That’s an increase of 114%, more than enough to affect hiring decisions or prevent struggling businesses from surviving the lockdowns.

    Hawaii was one of the states hit hardest by the coronavirus lockdowns, especially given their effect on tourism. Yet, we’ve seen some positive trends, with the economy growing faster than some predicted, leading to higher state revenues. In fact, the state budget currently has a $3 billion surplus, at least a portion of which could be used to shore up the unemployment fund.

    In a recovering economy, the last thing you want to do is introduce a massive tax hike. Instead, you want to embrace policies that grow the economy. That’s because the state can gain far more in revenues from an economic bump than from trying to wring more tax dollars out of already-strapped Hawaii businesses.

    The Aloha State’s private sector has had to overcome so much in the past two years. Many businesses have had to close their doors forever. Others are barely holding on, hoping that the worst is behind us.

    There are many ways that the Legislature can address this problem. One could be to introduce another rate freeze, to give officials time to reexamine the law and its automatic tax increases.

    What we should not do is levy yet another heavy burden on Hawaii’s businesses and disrupt our state’s economic recovery.
    ____________

    Keli’i Akina is president and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

    Grief as deep as you Love

    Grief is a complex human emotion. It can produce love, anger, confusion, depression, anxiety, regret—well you get what I am saying.

    Humans seem never prepared and not in the least taught how to cope and resolve grief. Like anger, another confusing human emotion, there are few common sense coping strategies or tactics to deal with the cascade of emotion.

    Grief is as ignored as peace-making—we devalue and sabotage peace-making in our lives.

    Grief, Anger, Jealousy act on humans like a water/mudslide. It seems we can only guess at the onset, where it will go, or how to cope with the sheer force of these emotions. Mostly, we lash out and hurt others in our expression of a fundamental human emotion.

    If I take the meta-view, to look at my life as an observer would, at the thousands of cascading emotional episodes, contemplating the trauma creating the triggers, in the light of the deaths of so many friends, it is clear, what we take for real is not permanent.

    From the perspective of our own death, and the wisdom of our meta-view, our existence is unreal, just as our solid material world is not real, at least in the light of timelessness and eternity.

    Rainbow bridge over Hawaii

    A wonderful poet, Hafiz once spake so, “To take for real that which is ephemeral, is like the ravings of a madman.”

    Yet as I watch those I’ve walked beside, friends, colleagues, citizens, frenemies, who have been around me, pass across the rainbow bridge, I see it as a promise and a warning to be in alignment with your highest purpose, or be in fear and regret.

    Choices are our greatest power

    The warning: Those who seek to “rule” their worlds are distracting you from creating your world through your choices, narrowing your sense-of-power to better manipulate you by their words and decisions.

    The promise: When what you think, say and do are in alignment, there you will find happiness. Happiness and a collaborative co-creative world that benefits the many not the few is a choice. Choose carefully, think focused, visualize the thought forms of what you prefer, and then act to choose it in the material world.

    Align>Ask>Accept>Act>Receive is the promise

    It’s not the journey that crowns you but the end.

    As day turns to night, like flowers, we are here, then gone, so are also our lives in the broad span of time. We are soon forgotten, even if we are famous.

    So, make the most of your one wild and crazy life.

    Robert Kinslow is a coach, consultant, change agent and sustainability expert. Connect with him here or LinkedIn

    SureFire Powerpak

    Mobile video light review

    When it comes to a video light, I used to lug heavy camera gear around to capture the funny, meaningful or downright awesome moments that can spontaneously arise during the days of our lives. Since the cellphone revolution, my camera has become my choice mostly for it’s light weight, flexibility of use and features, and reasonably fast time of operation.

    Let’s say an important moment is emerging, I reach for my cell and in a second or two am ready for the moment to present. Or, perhaps a moment is in full swing, in a few seconds, I’m recording without having lost much of the meaningful moments.

    A serious impediment to night-time photography, recording those “dark moments,” is the cellphone camera itself. Cell cameras are notorious for their poor low-light performance, making low light spontaneity unable to be visually recorded. Also, cell flashlights have limited range and focus. External video lights can be cumbersome and lack flexibility. So, if I’m holding a light and trying to focus/exposure, AND point-n-shoot, frame the image, I’m not going to get optimum results.

    SureFire video light and mobile case
    The video light mounted on a iph6

    FirePak video light

    Along comes the FirePak video light, charger and flashlight. SureFire’s design strategy is simple enough, integrate a phone case with rechargeable storage and 2 high-performance mobile LED lights with enough lumens designed for video for 16:9 video frames in a form factor compatible with multiple sizes of phone cameras. USB and micro-USB ports allow charging your cell phone from the charger, or an included cable can be used to recharge the FirePak video light. SureFire says it has an effective range of up to 50 feet and while the light does travel that far, usable lumens land in the mid-range.

    When I picked up the FirePak for the first time, I was struck by the wedge shape that fit comfortably in my hand. At first, the squished wedge shape looks cumbersome. Pick it up and it feels completely different. If you can imagine a drip coffee cone with the tip cut off and both sides squished flatter into an oval shape, you can imagine the shape of this flashlight. The FirePak slides smoothly under the molded rails of the phone case snapping securely onto a stop that positions the LED lights in two positions with respect to the iPhone camera.

    SureFire video light and mounting case
    Features of the video light and mobile case

    The durable case is built for rugged use (not moisture or water) with a 4-level light switch and distinct illumination levels. Design-wise the features are functional while dramatically expanding your performance—as a video light or a back-up battery.

    LED lights create enough lumens for 16:9 video frames

    When I switched it on, the double LED “eyes”  emitted two blinding rays of light, even at the lowest setting. I wondered when I might use that much light? However, once you turn it on at night, you discover the benefit of blinding light.

    At the highest setting the bulbs create significant heat, so don’t be surprised when you touch it. As an illumination device, there is enough light to do fine work, like reading or repairing, too. A distinct setting for faces for interviews would be a good user feature, just in case you are listening, SureFire?

    It’s kinda tough to steady the cell when the light is installed on the case because of the extra weight and thickness requires your normal hand position to block the LEDs. Your hand size and strength will discover what position is best for you. I had to adjust as shown in the pictures below. It’s quite difficult to switch on/off the light without shaking the image. Shooting vertically is difficult for the same reasons, so you’ll have to learn how to control the frame with two hands.

    SureFire video light
    Normal hand position for mobile recording

    SureFire video light
    You may have to modify your hand position for this video light

    If I were a DP on a film using cell-phone video, and this light, I would make sure there were several on charge at all times. No one wants to wait for your only battery to charge. A question a newbie DP might ask is: How long will one last? So, test your equipment before shoot day, OK?

    Charging the unit

    Charging the unit was problematic, as my first attempts failed, due I believe to a mismatched charger plug. Initially, I began charging the Firepak using a USB port built into a small power strip. After two days, the blinking red light indicated it was not fully charged, though I thought it might be close to fully charged, so I began to charge my cellphone at 5%. I recorded the time and charging rate at 10% intervals but at 57% the FirePak fully discharged and stopped charging the cell battery. I reached out to Rob Kay of Guns and Tech, he suggested using a direct charging plug and trying again. Once I plugged it into a 2A charger direct to the plug, it charged up overnight.

    All in all, this unit is a good buy for those who want to expand their video capabilities to low-night-time conditions. It is small and powerful enough to have in your toolbox, just in case. It is durable and useful for most cellphone recording situations. And, it serves well as a flashlight illuminator during emergencies and when you might need a torch to light your path.

    Whether you already have a youtube channel, are a budding professional videographer, or just want the firepower to be able to record life’s dark moments, FirePak is an excellent choice for all. You can see the FirePak in action at the manufacturer’s website: surefire.com/firepak

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    GoalZero & Sunjack reviews

    Portable Powerpack Solar panel reviews

    As everyone who lives here knows, Hawaii is no stranger to power outrages. The last big storm that came through knocked power out on the North Shore for half a day, yet that of course would be child’s play, if we got hit by something the magnitude of Iniki or Irma. As we all know, it’s just a matter of time.

    So, how to charge our devices, in this event? Not everyone can afford a gas-powered generator (at least $1000) much less deal with the hassle of storing fuel. There are a few fixes that will at least keep small devices like your phone, pad, flashlight or radio powered up.

    The first option, and the least expensive, is to stock up on batteries. The industry standard for modern flashlights, radios, lanterns, etc is the 18650 Li-Ion battery. Get yourself a battery charger to keep them topped off.

    If you want to charge devices such as tablets, cell phones, etc., you’ll need to get some type of powerbank, essentially a battery with ports that allow you to charge any USB-based device. I’d suggest, opting for a portable solar panel which can assist in charging small devices, and keeping powerbanks topped off. There are a number of them available for backpackers or home users.

    Input: Solar panels with charging cable arrangement. Output: Panel—>Powerpak—>Phone is the correct order

    Goal Zero Venture 30 Solar Kit

    With a little research, I soon came upon the weatherproof GoalZero Zero Venture 30 portable power-bank phone, tablet & solar panel combo. It is a compact kit that includes storage and recharger. The kit is designed for the backpacker or traveler but anyone with charging needs in an emergency can benefit from this system.

    Designed to charge point-of-view cameras, tablets, phones and other USB compatible devices, it’s 28 Wh (3.6V 7800 mAh) rechargeable battery can be coupled with a Nomad 7, 13 or 20-watt solar panel. Together they weigh a little more than 1-½ pounds. Built for travel or backpacking, for home use, it’s a bit under-powered.

    Output kit showing cable types and solar panel chaining feature

    The battery unit has been designed to be weatherproof (light rain not submersion) and shock-proof (moderate impact resistance) and can remember charging profiles of the devices you connect. The battery can be placed into a protective shipping mode designed to avoid self-discharge during periods of storage. For natural disasters, fully charging the battery and then placing it in storage mode for future use, is recommended prior to the event. Such a practice extends battery life significantly. The manufacturer claims “hundreds of life charging cycles” for the battery. The battery has two USB ports each capable of dishing out 2.4A each just like a plug version would. Apple, Android and Windows devices compatible with the output cables above.

    This system included a 7-watt panel. While a standard 2A USB plug-in source can charge the battery in as little as 5 hours, charging times will vary from 16-hours with the 7-watt panel to 6-hours with the 20 watt panel. Priced accordingly, an innovative aspect of this kit is up to 4 solar panels can be chained together via the chaining input port.  Remember, battery and device charging times will depend on both the panels capacity, the angle of the sun to the panels, and the amount of sunlight available in your geographic location.

    Test setup: Input (solar panels) and Output (cable types): Panel—>Powerpak—>Phone is the correct order

    During periods of use, charge the battery fully first, then connect to the battery and charge your devices is the recommended use cycle. And, don’t forget to place the recharger in storage mode before you put it away for future use. Prior to an emergency, I suggest a dry run with the devices you plan to use before the emergency occurs so you understand the limits and capabilities of your Venture 30 Solar panel recharger kit.

    SunJack 14W solar charger with 1o000mAh battery pack retails for $169 and is a good bet for camping or home use.

    Sunjack 14W Portable Solar Charger + Powerbank

    Another solar panel/powerbank combo we tested was the Sunjack 14W Portable Solar Charger + Powerbank.

    The solar charger has four panels and when folded is about the size of an Apple iPad. It folds into a rugged nylon case, which can be quickly unfolded and hung up to face the sun. A mesh pouch on the rear holds the charging port and cables, the devices to be charged, and the battery pack. It has a series of grommets along the edges of the panel so that you can easily attach it to your backpack.

    The panels provide up to 14W of 5 volt USB power under a bright sun ideally producing 2,000mAh every hour. That means you can recharge the powerbank that comes with it in about 4 hours (under a bright Hawaii sun).

    Sunjack’s powerbank includes Qualcomm’s “Quick Charge 3.0” technology, which speeds up charging appreciably if the device on the other end (in this case my phone) also has “Quick Charge” capabilities.

    The panels provide up to 14W of 5 volt USB power under a bright sun ideally producing 2,000mAh every hour. That means you can recharge the powerbank that comes with it in about 4 hours (under a bright Hawaii sun).

    According to the experts I spoke to at Illuminationgear.com 1.5-2Ah is the minimum acceptable usable panel output.

    Otherwise, charging your powerbank, or anything else, will take a full day. The Sunjack 14 W system, which retails for $149 (with the power bank) is a good place to start. You could also consider their 20W kit with 2 lithium battery packs, for $169.

    The Sunjack’s 10,000mAh Advanced Powerbank, which comes with the solar kit (or sells separately for $29) has three ports, the standard USB, the micro USB and the new USB-C. What I really like is that it comes with Qualcomm’s “Quick Charge 3.0” technology. This means if you have a phone or other device that is “quick charge” compatible (such as my Samsung 7) this little unit will charge your device (according to the manufacturer) up to 80% faster.

    A mesh pouch on the rear holds the charging port and cables, the devices to be charged, and the battery pack. (Courtesy Tim Yan photo)

    Whether it’s 80% or 59% faster is anyone’s guess but it’s fast. My cell phone was charged in about 20 minutes. In an emergency situation this could be crucial.

    I’d certainly recommend this nifty little combo from SunJack.

    The takeaway on this piece is the larger solar charging unit you can afford, the better. What’s more, if you can get a combo that comes with a fast-charging powerbank, assuming your devices also have this capability, get one.

    Editor’s Note: Rob Kay contributed to this article

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    Earth Day 2017

    Screen Shot 2017-04-21 at 11.10.37 AMHow many of you remember the first time you saw our Earth? This view of ourselves embedded in a living planet, wrapped in oneness, exploded into our collective consciousness.

    Did you know soon after this view of our whole planet was available to us, the modern global environmental movement was birthed?

    “Once a photograph of the Earth, taken from the outside, is available, a new idea as powerful as any in history will be let loose.” – Sir Fred Hoyle, 1948

    For many Americans, perhaps the entire human population, this picture has sparked a collective shift about our planet. For the first time in history, we saw that we are all on a canoe—one race of islanders afloat in a sea of space.

    This photo was taken from Apollo 8 on Christmas eve 1968 while scouting for a moon landing site. The crew lost radio contact with NASA going around the back of the moon and took this photo when they re-emerged from the dark side of the moon.

    Imagine… as they rounded the moon’s edge, they saw our Earth some 240,000 miles away—glowing in deep blue framed by white clouds—embedded in seemingly empty space. The surface features in the foreground are on the eastern limb of the moon as viewed from our planet.

    Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders had become the first humans to leave Earth orbit, entering lunar orbit on Christmas Eve 1968. In a historic live broadcast that night, the crew took turns reading from the Book of Genesis, closing with a holiday wish from Commander Borman: “We close Screen Shot 2017-04-21 at 11.07.03 AMwith good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you—all of you on the good Earth.”

    “You develop an instant global consciousness, a people orientation, an intense dissatisfaction with the state of the world, and a compulsion to do something about it. From out there on the moon, international politics look so petty. You want to grab a politician by the scruff of the neck and drag him a quarter million miles out and say, ‘Look at that, you son of a bitch.” — Apollo 14 astronaut, Edgar Mitchell

    As a species we had ventured beyond our Earth’s atmosphere into the sea of emptiness around our planet home. It was the first mission to leave Earth orbit and these were the first astronauts to see the Earth as a whole. Now we have the meta-view, a view of ourselves as one system, held together in space with no one to save us and no one more responsible than us for our shared destiny.

    Within 2 years of publication of this perspective, 1970, the modern environmental movement was birthed, the first Earth Day was held, and the Federal Clean Air and Clean Water Acts were passed by a Republican, Richard Nixon, who clearly recognized the values of conservation, of clean air and water to all our people.

    In 1970, with nine staff members and a $125,000 budget, a Washington, D.C.-based group organized the Environmental Teach-in, which would become became the first Earth Day.

 With then senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin as their champion, the staffers brought together volunteers in dozens of cities and college campuses around the country.

    04221970
    Judy Moody and Denis Hayes on April 22, 1970 with the first Earthday teach-in banner in the background

    Hayes, who had dropped out of Harvard Law School the year before to join Senator Nelson’s project, also chaired the Earth Day anniversary celebrations in 1990 and 2000. 
”[Hayes was] the one who did the unglamorous, wearisome job of starting it up,” Ralph Nader told the New York Times in 1990. “[Hayes] is an orchestrator of environmental events which were national … and now are global.”

    Like Earth, Hawaiian islands are remote and surrounded by a sea that restricts passage, yet, unlike Hawaii, humans do not have ships bringing food or water to Earth. There is no Planet B. We have no other home nor do we have alternative sources of food and water.

    BruceJustinAlGore1999LtrEarth day 1970 celebrations in Hawaii were led by Bruce Justin Miller and his team at University of Hawaii. The events of the first Earth Day, were called the First National Environmental Teach-In. While I do not have any pictures from that day, I ran across this letter written from Al Gore to Bruce and his team in 1999.
    [Click on the pictures to expand them into larger sizes for reading or to download.]

    And, these micro-fiche snippets from Star-Bulletin and Honolulu Advertiser, are illustrative of the energy and interest of folks then. Thanks to Dave Atcheson.

    HonoluluAdvertiser_EarthDay1970In the Honolulu-Advertiser article was an a column advocating green practices. Notice it mentions the UH Earth Day event, and proposes ways for islanders to reduce waste by using reusable bags, making laundry soap, reducing car miles, and eliminating toxic cleaning products, and pesticides, such as DDT, etc.

    Yet, here we are almost 50-years later debating those same ideas, because fossil fuel businesses have such a stranglehold on politics and people, we still cannot believe we can change our behaviors, it seems.StarBulletin04221970

     In the second article from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, dated April 22, 1970, a prophetic quote from scientist, Dr. J. Murray Mitchell Jr. who said, “…The release of increasing quantities of carbon dioxide and thermal pollution into the atmosphere threatens to change global weather and melt the polar ice, flooding wide areas. Man may begin to notice the change by the end of this century.”

    For many GenX’ers, perhaps even Boomers—ahead of our time—that our society is still _talking_ about changing our behavior, almost 50-years later, reducing our waste and footprint on our only planet—still talking and not doing—induces major depression and climate angst. Yet, it is also the driving force for social improvement of our continued advocacy. As the 50th anniversary approaches of that moment when a picture of our Earth shimmering in space changed us forever, why not get involved with the Earth Day Network?

    Riseup folks, we are much better than we have been programmed to believe! Stand up for the Earth on which you stand.


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    Preparing for the Future of Work

    Future of Work is Here

    Each generation’s ability to advance their own destinies and contribute positively to subsequent generations is dependent on their awareness of how important it is to be future focused. The hourglass of time does not stop running, and it will take all of us, starting now, to imagine and work our way beyond the past we and our ancestors have created, yet where many surprisingly find ourselves stuck.

    Look… the future is coming for you. Can you imagine a future-focused—worst and best-case scenario—a scenario largely dependent upon what we do now?

    Starting with a pragmatic understanding of reality, as it is today—this moment—is crucial to effectively create our dreams in the future. It has been said, if you are anxious, you are focused too much on the future. If you are, regretful or depressed, too much on the past. If you are content, then you are present focused. Too much of one and you are stuck!

    Near Future Scenario
    Anyone Born after 2000 and Today’s High School Students

    man-76196_1920Scenario…The year is 2025. Hawaii, like most of the U.S., has accelerated their shift to a model relying upon extended family groups. College debt has continued to rise and further compromised meager savings; increased long-term debt has become an unsustainable challenge for many parents and students, alike. Little attention has been focused on what courses and degrees will result in work (or jobs) for these youngsters who have grown up in an age of uncertainty. The poor have grown poorer, educational systems have not kept up with emerging market-driven needs and the middle-class, especially has continued to erode. The U.S. world educational ranking grade remains at a “C” – i.e., the bottom of the middle of the pack.

    A different scenario…The year is still 2025.

    Ostock-exchange-911608_1920ur educational institutions have responded to the revolutionary needs of students and provided them with expert guidance as to the set of courses that will ensure their best options in the future. Likewise, college costs have been eased by the inclusion of more virtual courses taught by world-renowned educators who inspire as well as instruct. Targeted technical knowledge, specific skills, flexibility and lifetime learning are now embraced by highly diverse mainstream workers. U.S. world educational rankings have risen to a “B” and we are on our way to an “A” ranking.

    Now, today, ask yourself:

    Playbook4Teens
    The Playbook for Teens is co-authored by Hawaii Wingman, Carleen MacKay, who is the originator of a series of work-focused playbooks for several generations.
    • Are your children’s schools teaching robotics and new technologies at every age and level – from kindergarten on? Do you know?
    • Are you involved with your children’s teachers – challenging them to advocate for continuous improvement in teaching methodologies?
    • Have you read Playbook for Teens on Amazon? Might you inspire high-schoolers with the real-life stories of people, just a few years older than they are; people who can demonstrate winning game plans that will matter to their own futures.
    • Are you building blocks for future-focused viable careers by helping your children to find opportunities to learn well beyond the classroom walls?

    The future will be determined by what we teach our children today


    Pivot to the Pacific, into YOUR future.

    workforcewingmentaglogoWe are your Wingmen

    Reach out to your favorite wingman—we are multi-generational coaches. You will benefit from our proven 8-Step process. Let us guide you to what you need to know and do in order to advance your career in a time of hyper-shift. We can help you implement a plan that will work for you the day after the day after tomorrow.

    Look us up on LinkedIn:  Carleen MacKay :: Rob Kinslow
    Authors, Speakers, Emergent Workforce Experts


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    Riseup

    What’s your calling?

    What motivates you to get out into the urban world to stand and speak for positive vision of the future?

    timrobiblogpic
    My inspiring brother, Blue eyes Tim Kinslow

    In 2007, as he lay in the hospital, his body succumbing to the ravages of chemo and cancer, my younger brother called me out. I was there with about 30 of his family and friends. Tim had been sitting quietly in his bed, propped up, yet with his head lowered, listening to the muffled banter from everyone. I was over at the door, opening and closing it softly so that the sudden sounds would not jar him, as he loved quiet stillness.

    Suddenly, he raised his head, looked me in the eyes from across the room, and asked, “What are you doing over there, Robbie?”

    Continue reading the rest of the story…


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    Future of Work Trends

    Think about five short years from now, UNLESS something radical changes…

    By 2021…

    1. The old will be older and broker and millions, in this fastest aging of U.S. States, will increase dependence upon younger generations amid overburdened social and healthcare systems that are ready to plunge our economy into a state-of-disaster.
    1. Gen “Z” will be out in full force – half won’t be ready and many more will be denied access to specific skills and competencies the future demands. Increased negative economic and societal challenges will increase major differences. In Hawaii, for example, college costs will continue to rise much faster than subsequent wage growth.

      wakeupwithpurpose

    2. Hawaii’s workers will not be in the full-time, “job” workforce. In the private sector, needed skills, competencies and talent will be used when needed, if needed and as often as needed. The race to a safe haven in the public sector will be overtaken by underfunded pensions. Our ability to pay for the last of the “lifetime” jobs, already standing on shaky ground, will be vulnerable to changes you might not want to experience.

    Yet, IF we straighten up and fly right… support our people,

    By 2021…

    1. Old age will be re-defined and Kupuna will be encouraged to continue to contribute to the world of work – well into their 70’s, perhaps 80’s. Likewise, a shift to emerging active aging programs, such as health-focused Blue Zones project, will prove beneficial to all.generation-z_infographic
    1. Gen “Z” will have many more opportunities to learn at modest costs. Much of this learning will be online and will be augmented with the dedicated help of pensioned, older folks who will have the time and interest to actively mentor the most challenged of Gen Z’ers. And, by the way, the youngest among us will also mentor up to help Gen Y, X generations learn what they have to teach.
    1. We will all learn to manage our work lives as our businesses – not as simply jobs! We will embrace lifetime learning, a term that, once-upon-a-time, was simply granted lip service. We will grow our careers, re-align our lives in line with our own changing interests and changing technologies, re-boot old interests and help others to succeed.

    We are your Wingmen

    Look us up on LinkedIn:  Carleen MacKay ::  Rob Kinslow

    The Science of Consciousness & Healing

    I want to share a little-known secret for improving your quality of life, achieving deep healing and radiant health… even living longer… and better.

    stream-1106336_1920(1)It’s not a new super-food.

    It’s not a new yoga practice.

    And, it’s certainly not a new pill…

    It’s your own consciousness.   

    Consciousness is the “x-factor” behind deep healing, radiant health and living a long, productive life — even as you advance into your 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond!

    Yes, health and longevity originate in human consciousness and finds expression in body, mind, heart and soul.

    If you’re curious about WHY this is so and, more importantly, want to discover tools you can use to shape your health and happiness, connect with Dr. Marilyn Schlitz. Marilyn has been at the forefront of fascinating and game-changing work in consciousness research, integrative medicine, longevity and healing. She brings more than 30 years experience and study with leading-edge scientists, healers and shamans.ConsciousnessHealing_intro_skyscraper

    On Saturday, July 23, she will present a fascinating FREE online event: Using the Power of Your Consciousness for Healing: Discover the X-Factor in Creating Radiant Health.

    During this exciting event, you’ll…

    • Receive a more complete picture of how healing really happens through consciousness
    • Discover the power of expectancy in creating pain and discomfort (and what you can do to shift it)
    • Recognize the importance of loving relationships in any healing process
    • Receive insights into the remarkable new findings that show you can consciously influence your genetics, as well as your endocrine and immune system

    I invite you to join me for a mind-expanding hour on how to use the power of your consciousness for health and healing. 

    True holistic health is so much more than managing your weight and cholesterol and hoping for the best… Marilyn will show you how you can work with your consciousness to achieve a quality life. Register here

    be-1358282_1920Using the Power of Your Consciousness for Healing you’ll receive the latest scientific insights that demonstrate the power of your thoughts, emotions and relationships in shaping your health and happiness.

    You’ll also be given simple practices to apply in your daily life.

    If you can’t listen live, you’ll receive a downloadable replay of the event.

    Questions? Answers? More posts by the author.
    If you like my posts—even if you don’t—why not contribute to helping spread the word?
    Thanks in advance for caring and sharing this post on your social media sites.

    Disclosure: The link in this post is an affiliate, which means I receive a small commission if you clicknpick. Affiliate link or not, my promise is to only recommend and link to resources I believe will add value to your life and/or work.

     

    Let’s talk about the Future of Work

    Enough about the past; let’s talk about the future of work.

    How, when and where will we work? 21stCenturywork

    We are already working full-time, part-time, on-demand, temporarily, once-in-awhile… from home, from our car, a train, plane or automobile and from across town or across the world. We work for free, for a fee, for ourselves, for the good of others, for learning and/or for the fun of it! We gain-share, bargain or are paid an hourly rate.

    The speed of change is accelerating. Within a year or two, few people will ask the question we are asking.

    The more you have to offer the changed market, the more choices you’ll have to work in any – or all – ways we have just highlighted.

    The more you prepare to meet the demands of change, the more adaptable you’ll be. The more you will be able to accommodate swiftly moving life circumstances and interests.

    What are a few of the most recent changes that have affected how, who and where some of us will work in Hawaii in the near future?

    hand-1112469_1920First, take a look at the on-demand world and you’ll soon have help with everything from Spring Cleaning to furniture packing. Haven’t heard about the hundreds of on-demand companies in Hawaii? Take a look at how many home food delivery options are a short 808 call away. Want a glass of wine with your dinner? Google “home wine delivery – Honolulu.” Prepare to see well over 150 home delivery options. Your favorite food and wine will be on your table within 24 to 48 hours.

    These, and many other firms are delivering services and goods in new ways that will affect you—including, how you work, where you might work, or… how you shop!

    The tip of an iceberg of change is floating your way. Keep looking. A new option will emerge tomorrow or the very next day. We’ll keep you posted to many of the changes.

    Speaking of changes… here’s one to watch: reasonably long-term jobs with a good company began to change in the 1970’s and ‘80’s. Such jobs are now only one way of working and if trends are to be believed, also diminishing in numbers.

    The On-Demand, Hyper-Shift, Work from Anywhere Economy is here. Everyone is now a business – including you!

    It’s time to learn how to run You, Inc.
    But, it’s a bad idea to solo,
    at least until you are ready to fly without a wing-man.

    Ask us how we can help you to prepare for a future that matters. Let’s #makeworkbetter, ok?

    Look us up on LinkedIn:  Carleen MacKay :: Rob Kinslow :: Fabian Lewis

    Story of a Freelancer

    Story of a Freelancer
    by Carleen MacKay
    :: Rob Kinslow

    In our April 5th post, we introduced you to the new world of work, to “Freelancers,” or people who work on behalf of organizations when and wherever needed.

    pexels-photoBy 2020, according to a raft of experts, 40%+ of American workers will be “freelancers” in all sectors of the economy. Other experts predict the number may be as high as 50% by 2020.

    Situation: This is the story of a real-life person. Our freelancer is someone who migrated from a dozen years of full-time work where he had been designated the “Employee of the Year” to being laid-off and forced to taste the painful and “Unexpected Freedom” of freelancing.outsource-1345109_1280

    Goal: Although he submitted resumes for numerous full-time editorial and corporate communications positions, the response rate was low to non-existent. He was further encouraged to pursue freelancing by the lack of interest among prospective new employers, who tended to view his extensive experience and knowledge, not as an asset but as a negative option. Especially, when considered against hiring recent college graduates for a fraction of the salary, our story-teller felt he wanted or his experience deserved. He discovered the world of hiring in the new decade is not about experience and capabilities, but about casting ones portfolio within the needs of prospective clients. He learned to explore and market for this new business of freelancing.

    Actions: He undertook face-to-face networking activities, while simultaneously expanding his LinkedIn profile and building a network of 500+ contacts. He accepted freelance opportunities that did not pay well, simply in order to gain experience. He began building a portfolio of work samples.

    As time went by, he became adept at turning in quality work on tight deadlines, which drew the attention of new clients. Soon he landed two or three “anchor clients,” giving him a solid foundation of steady work at a respectable wage which, in turn, led to several large-scale web content projects.

    By the end of his first year as a freelancer, entrepreneur-696966_1920he began to reap the benefit of client recommendations and word-of-mouth referrals.

    Consequences: Our freelancer is now established in a successful freelance business. Not only does he have the comfort of working from home, his daily schedule allows time to play tennis and swim laps at his neighborhood club. He is no longer dependent upon a single company for his earnings, but instead works regularly for a wide range of clients – most of whom he has never met in person and with whom he stays in contact via various online modes of communications.

    Lesson: Our freelancer learned the value of persistence by making strong use of online platforms and staying in touch with prospective clients. She has become adept at establishing his brand, at creating sales documents, at maximizing his profile on LinkedIn as well as at leveraging various social connections online as well as in person. He learned to set boundaries to client requests for uncompensated hours in order to prove his worth. Eagerness to work should not be over-used to extract uncompensated commitments or outcomes.

    Credible experts predict that the workplace may be dominated by Freelancers in the next decade. Here’s a snippet, summarizing these predictions, from Thomas Frey (futuristspeaker.com).

    “Virtually any company that cannot find ways to do things more efficiently and reduce costs will not survive. Business colonies are an organic process of matching labor to projects for the exact duration of the contract.  No more, no less.”                                                                                                                        

    Do you want to learn how to Freelance? Ask us for help!

    Look us up on LinkedIn:  Carleen MacKay :: Rob Kinslow

    Would you like to learn about another way to work in the 21st century?

    Look for our next post…


    Questions? Answers? More posts by the author.
    If you like my posts—even if you don’t—why not contribute to helping spread the word?
    Thanks in advance for caring and sharing this post on your social media sites

    Future of Work

    Did you know? The Future of Work is HERE and NOW…

    Jobs are disappearing from the future of work

    The world is saying no to many traditional jobs these days.  Take a look at the truth of Work. Ensure you have a Future of Work

    • No political party can promise you a job. At best, they attempt to create platforms that will encourage business success, thus (presumably) encouraging hiring.

    • No private sector organization will hire you full-time, if you’re not needed full-time.

    • No public sector organization or institution can afford to ignore their enormous pension debts by continuing to hire as they have in the past.

    Layoffs are the future of work

    • No large company is any safer, than any smaller company in terms of providing job security. The Fortune’s 100 companies (the largest employers) have had more than double the number of layoffs than non-Fortune’s 100 companies.

    • No, invention is not a birthright. New technologies have created thousands of new jobs, while causing the loss of thousands.

    Future of Work is YOU

    • No end is in sight for the economic unrest that the world is facing. Economic unrest works for and against “jobs” in this country as elsewhere.

    • If pension-less workers do not continue to work, in some capacity, later in life, our economic system will be challenged to cope.

    • No, we cannot afford to overlook the aging of America. There are millions of Americans age 65 and older. Put this in perspective, in the United States there are more people 65 and older than in each of the entire Canadian and Australian populations. This demographic will double by 2030. More than 30% of the US workforce is 50+ years young.

    • No, the U.S. workforce is no longer competitive in the high-demand areas of mathematics and the sciences. Our children are fragmented into the haves and have-nots; our boomers are under-prepared for new massively disruptive challenges, retirement requirements and longer work lifetimes.

    What are you willing to do to win your battle for the Future of Work? Will you find new ways to work? Can you see opportunities embedded within the many threats? Will you dare to do something different than experience dictates?

    Join us now, fasten your space-suits, summon your reserve of courage for there are many, and often better, ways to work beyond the old world of the familiar. Let us tell you the stories of the pioneers of the future who have turned tomorrow’s threats into today’s opportunities!

    Visit us at NewWorkForceHawaii and explore stories of inspiration written just for YOU.

    Or, contact us via our LinkedIn Profiles:

    Carleen MacKay ::  Angelica Lewis :: Fabian Lewis :: Rob Kinslow

    Leadership Learning from the Wheel

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    Learning from the Wheel of Life
    Figure 1: Movement Model of Behavior

    Leadership Learning:

    According to my Native heritage, teachings and wisdom, recognition of Our ancestors, who’ve prepared the path of life for us, must be acknowledged. My teachers and mentors inspired me to leadership. Our relationships can include those with those who have gone before and those yet to come. Honoring and acknowledging those on whose shoulders we stand, connecting and communicating with our past and future, are fundamental practices of sustainable development. Me, you, we are all a bridge between the ancestors and those yet to come. Leadership from Learning is key.

    Figure 1 shows how you may exemplify leadership learning. Read more here, or connect with me on LinkedIn


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    Thanks in advance for caring and sharing this post on your social media sites

    How to teach Hawaii’s youth the principles of freedom

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    If you want to create a generation of leaders and engaged voters for the future, you need to understand what is going on with our education system today.

    And according to Connor Boyack, the featured speaker at the latest Grassroot Institute of Hawaii luncheon, our education system isn’t doing so well.

    Keli’i Akina

    Boyack is founder and president of the Libertas Institute in Utah and creator of the “Tuttle Twins” book series aimed at children and young adults.

    In 2019, he was named one of the “25 most politically influential Utahns” in The Salt Lake Tribune, and his books have sold more than 5 million copies. The adventures of the Tuttle Twins — Ethan and Emily — also have become the basis for a popular cartoon series on YouTube, now in its second season.

    Sharing the stage with me at the Grassroot Institute’s sold-out event on Oahu, Boyack said major studies of student proficiency in America have shown pathetic results, putting our nation’s future as a free nation seriously at stake.

    He said his own review of modern social studies books found them teaching “superficial factoids of history” but failing miserably at teaching “the substantive ideas that motivated these historical actors.”

    Boyack said he started looking into the world of education about 10 years ago so he could talk to his own children about what he did every day at his job at the Libertas Institute.

    “How do I teach them that I was fighting eminent domain at City Hall, battling with these lawmakers or talking with reporters? How do I express to my kids the ideas that I believe in, that I’m fighting for?”

    He said he was surprised by the lack of any materials for children that explained the principles of freedom and the free market. After all, he said, there are plenty of materials that parents can use to pass on their religious beliefs. Why not the same thing for those who want to pass on other values?

    Thus, the Tuttle Twins were born.

    Over the years, the Tuttle Twins have done more than just help children understand freedom and America’s founding principles. They also have become a clever way to get parents talking and thinking about these principles too.

    Boyack cited the story of a 12-year-old Colorado boy named Jaiden who made nationwide news a few weeks ago after he was banished from a class for refusing to remove a Gadsden flag patch from his backpack. The historic flag features the well-known coiled snake and the slogan “Don’t Tread on Me.”

    During a conversation with Jaiden and his mother that his mother videotaped, the school’s vice principal cited the flag’s alleged “origins with slavery” and said the patch was disruptive to the class environment.

    Jaiden’s mother pointed out that the flag originated during America’s Revolutionary War and had nothing to do with slavery. But the vice principal said she was only enforcing policy and Jaiden’s mother would have to speak to more senior school officials if she wanted to keep pursuing the issue.

    Jaiden, however, was a “Tuttle Twins” reader, and he recalled for his mother how in “The Food Truck Fiasco” episode, the media was able to help the twins resolve an injustice. He asked his mother if she would help him reach out to the media.

    So his mother drove Jaiden down to the local TV station, where he went up to the front door and asked if someone there could come out so he could share his story with them. No one would.

    Next, Boyack said, Jaiden went home with his mom “and they were talking about what to do, and he was very adamant that he wanted to stand up for his rights. He knew that the vice principal was wrong. They were trying to figure out what to do. So the mom messaged me on Twitter, said her son’s my biggest fan, he wants to stand up for himself. Can you help?”

    Boyack said he posted the mom’s video on Twitter the next morning, then went into a 45-minute meeting. By the time he came out of the meeting, the Tweet had already amassed 5 million views.

    Since then, more than 50 million people have seen or heard the story about Jaiden being kicked out of school for wearing a Revolutionary War symbol. Even Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis came to Jaiden’s defense, describing the flag’s message as “iconic” and a “great teaching moment for a history lesson.”

    Jaiden, of course, was allowed back into the class — Gadsden flag patch and all — and Boyack couldn’t be more pleased.

    “Let’s create a million more Jaidens,” he said to the applause of our Hawaii audience. “Let’s educate kids that understand their rights, that understand what freedom is.”

    He added: “What I’ve been blown away with is that kids not only can understand these ideas — if you present them in a simple and story-based way — but they want to.”

    Boyack said organizations like the Grassroot Institute and Libertas work hard to uphold freedom, but they can’t do it alone. To ensure that the next generation is prepared to uphold these values, we need the help of every parent and family.

    Said Boyack: “I don’t believe that we’re going to save our country at the Capitol. … I don’t think we’re going to save our country in the courtroom. … I think if our country is to be saved, it’s at the dinner table. … It’s engaging families. … It’s rebuilding social fabric. And it’s fostering critical thinking — demonstrating to our children what civic engagement looks like. That’s … where the magic can happen, and where so many of us are trying to apply our efforts.”

    ___________

    Keli‘i Akina is president and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

    Aiming a Sledgehammer at Monster Homes

    In Honolulu, some people have dealt with the housing crisis by building “monster homes.”  As one prominent real estate company has described them, they are large houses built in land zoned for single-family homes.  They “tend to take up more than 75% of the lot space on which they stand, can have as many as 20+ bedrooms and often stand at 3 or more stories tall, built in residential districts.”

    The current penalty for building one of these, in violation of building codes, is $250 per day of violation, up to $2,000.  Some say that this amount is far too small to be an effective deterrent.  Thus, Bill 52 was introduced at the request of the Department of Planning and Permitting.  That bill says that an initial fine of $25,000, plus $10,000 per day without an upper limit, may be imposed for a violation of the development standards in Revised Ordinances of Honolulu section 21-3.70-1(c) (which relate to maximum height; height setbacks; maximum floor area ratio; maximum numbers of wet bars, laundry rooms, and bathrooms; minimum sizes of yards, among other things) as a result of incorrect information supplied by the applicant or design team, or if the house is converted or constructed so as to violate any of those development standards.

    It seems that the bill as written does not work as advertised.  It allows the City to levy huge fines against home builders not only for building monster homes, but also for technical violations such as a required side yard that is in places 1 inch too narrow.  That is not the problem that the bill needs to address, and it instead allows city authorities to swing a sledgehammer at technical violations found in a house that is nowhere close to what anyone would consider a monster home.

    Instead, the enhanced fines should kick in only if there is a material difference between the approved plans for the building (which, if the permitting inspectors are doing their job, will not allow for building a monster home) and what is actually built.  If there is such a material difference, that means either that the design team supplied significantly false information when applying for a building permit, or the construction team built something significantly different from the approved plans.

    But, some critics would say, how does one define a “material” difference?  It’s certainly tough to define in legal terms, but historically juries and judges haven’t had much of a problem with it.  Business disputes often center around contracts, and judges normally don’t step in unless they find a material breach of the contract, especially if the relief sought by the suing party is extensive.  Stockholders who feel they have been duped into buying or selling a security need to prove that the company behind the security has omitted a material fact. Just like beauty, materiality is hard to define but it is in the eye of the beholder.

    Using a materiality standard instead of a technical one should allow judges and juries to bring some sense and sensibility to enforcing the prohibition of monster homes. That kind of sensibility needs to be a part of any decision to impose the huge penalties that the City officials are seeking.

    And, last but not least, a material difference between the approved plans and the building built doesn’t mean the result is a monster home.  But it does mean that either the design team or the building team did something to disrespect the permitting process. If we are going to have a permitting process and building codes, they do need to be respected. This may result in the ordinance being overly inclusive, but in an understandable way.

    Plastic Water: The Dark Effects of Sunlight on Plastic Water Bottles

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    This may be hard to swallow, but the drinking bottle that you are dutifully carrying around with you all day to stay properly hydrated may be delivering more than water into your body. 

    The most commonly used plastic water bottle is made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, which is indicated on the bottle with a stamp of the number 1 surrounded by arrows. This plastic is considered safe to use for water. But is it?  

    While some chemical residues from the production process contaminate all plastic containers and can be released into the contained food or drink, PET plastic water bottles are relatively low in these chemical residues, making them relatively safe to use for water, if the bottle is used as intended.  

    Most people don’t know the environmental conditions for which their plastic bottle was made. Actually, these bottles are not intended to be exposed to sunlight, or be stored in a hot car. 

    UV radiation from sunlight has the ability to break chemical bonds in plastics, including PET, and this causes the plastic to quickly decompose. According to an article in Plastics Today, “PET is sensitive to UV light especially at elevated temperatures, under high humidity, and in the presence of oxygen—all of which are present when PET bottles are exposed to the weather.”  This also happens when people keep their water bottle in their car, or beside them at the beach. 

    According to an article in Recycle Magazine, “The data clearly shows that exposure to ultraviolet radiation was very damaging to the PET material…Exposure to UV radiation, whether it is from outside storage or possibly even exposure to fluorescent lighting in retail stores, should be considered as another contributor to PET quality degradation.”  In other words, sunlight and heat breakdown the plastic, producing a slew of chemicals.

    What’s wrong with the chemicals from plastics breaking down? According to the Endocrine Society, “Plastics contain and leach hazardous chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that threaten human health…EDCs are chemicals that disturb the body’s hormone systems and can cause cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments of developing fetuses and children. The report describes a wealth of evidence supporting direct cause-and-effect links between the toxic chemical additives in plastics and specific health impacts to the endocrine system.” 

    A public health discussion of PET water bottles was published by the Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety, in an article on Reusing Disposable PET Bottles. (Emphasis added.)

    1. Chemicals such as chemical monomers and additives that are used in the manufacture of plastic may migrate into water or beverages no matter if they were being used only once or repeatedly.

    2. The amount of chemical migration from plastic will depend on the nature of the substance it comes into contact, the contact temperature and the contact time. However, proper usage of the plastics will have insignificant chemical migration, which does not pose any health risk to consumers.

    3. For PET bottles, trace amount of antimony, a heavy metal which is used in the production of PET, can migrate into water upon storage. A previous study conducted by Centre for Food Safety, however, showed that concentrations of antimony in PET bottled beverages were very low (well below the WHO’s guideline value for drinking-water quality) and would not pose any health risk.

    4. Manufacturers have to ensure that plastic bottles are safe to use for its immediate intended purpose (e.g. water bottle should be suitable for containing water and will not transfer its chemical constituents into water in an unacceptable amount). Yet, they may not be able to ensure the safety of their bottles for uses beyond which they are designed for (e.g. the use of a water bottle for storing vinegar or oil).

    5. It is important that consumers do not misuse plastic bottles as this may result in greater amount of chemical migration than would otherwise be expected.

    6. With all plastic types, migration increases with temperature and time of contact. Although increased migration of chemicals from plastic bottles does not necessarilypose health risk, it could change the organoleptic properties such as taste, colour and odour of water they contain. Therefore, it is better not to expose PET-bottled water to sunlight directly.

    Note that these PET water bottles are not meant for use in the sunlight or heat. Analysis of the health impacts of these plastic bottles was performed assuming the bottles were not going to be in direct sunlight or heat. This means that scientific studies about their safety and low level of chemical leaching is only applicable to bottles kept out of the heat and sunlight. Having a plastic bottle of water with you at the beach sitting in the sunshine, or sitting in your hot car, are considered a misuse of the bottle, and essentially voids health assurances by releasing more chemicals than expected from test without heat or sunshine. 

    Unfortunately, the current discussion of the safety of PET plastics for water bottles fails to mention the UV and heat problem, and assumes, without any scientific evidence, that the chemicals leaching out from the plastic in the sunlight and heat, and which make the water smell and taste bad, are not a health risk. For example, the website Livestrong.com references the Hong Kong article above, but reaches a different conclusion in its article, Can Cases of Water Bottles Sit in the Sun.  According to Livestrong, “However, while leaving the bottle in the sun may change the color, taste or smell of the water, it won’t cause dangerous chemicals to leach into the water, the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong states.

    Actually, the Hong Kong Food Safety article, quoted above, states, “Although increased migration of chemicals from plastic bottles does not necessarilypose health risk, it could change the organoleptic properties such as taste, colour and odour of water they contain.” Of course, the term “not necessarily pose a health risk” means it likely does pose a health risk, but not absolutely so.  

    Livestrong is not alone in ignoring or downplaying the UV impact on plastic water bottles. So does the CDC. To purify water for consumption, the CDC recommends soda bottle disinfection, or SODIS. While mostly for poor countries where plastic bottles are more available than clean water, the CDC recommends, “Users of SODIS fill 0.3-2.0 liter plastic soda bottles with low turbidity water, shake them to oxygenate, and place the bottles on a roof or rack for 6 hours (if sunny) or 2 days (if cloudy). The combined effects of UV-induced DNA alteration, thermal inactivation, and photo-oxidative destruction inactivate disease causing organisms.” Nowhere is it mentioned that the PET soda bottles used release toxic chemicals into the water while it is “disinfecting” and deteriorating in the sunshine. 

    What are these chemicals? Marine biologists concerned about the effect of plastics polluting the oceans have studied the impact of UV degradation of plastics, and found a soup of chemicals produced. According to the article entitled, UV degradation of natural and synthetic microfibers causes fragmentation and release of polymer degradation products and chemical additives , “In the current study, non-target analysis revealed the presence of several tentatively identified degradation products of PET… In the order of relative abundance, these included: 1,2-ethanediol monobenzoate, terephthalic acid, 4-acetylbenzoic acid, benzoic acid, 4-methylbenzoic acid, phenacyl formate, vinyl benzoate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate and 4-ethylbenzoic acid…All compounds showed an exponential increase in formation over the course of the experiment, suggesting a continued production as the UV degradation process proceeded…This shows that the original constituent chemicals used in the production of PET are also formed during UV degradation, together with a suite of other products.”

    Should we ignore these chemicals leaching out of the plastic that we smell and taste? If they are detectable to the senses, aren’t they affecting us, even if the science is not looking into the impacts of these chemicals?

    One chemical we haven’t discussed is antimony, a heavy metal that causes cancer. According to the Ecology Center in their PET plastic report 2022, “Our partners at Defend Our Health tested 20 popular beverages packaged in plastic bottles and found antimony, a cancer-causing plastic chemical, in every bottle. 40% of beverages tested, including Pepsico and Coca-Cola brands, had antimony levels higher than California’s public health goal for drinking water. Antimony, known to be toxic to the liver and heart, is used to speed up the final reaction in the process of making PET (#1) plastic. This same polymer is the common “polyester” used in apparel and other textiles. This means the problem doesn’t end with plastic bottles. Antimony is also found in food packaging and other packaging made from PET, as well as clothing, stuffed animals, and other polyester items.

    Of course, the Hong Kong experts say the antimony is below the WHO guidelines in the PET bottles they tested. However, California guidelines have recently been changed, with drinking water limits of antimony lowering from 20 parts per billion to 1 part per billion, reflecting a growing awareness of the health impacts of antimony.

    Chemical contaminants from PET water bottles can act as a hormone disruptor, a carcinogen, and an irritant to the skin, kidneys, nervous system, intestines, and liver. If you can smell it, it goes from your nose to your lungs into your bloodstream. If you can taste it, you are going to swallow and absorb it.  

    You would expect that there would be lots of studies on plastic chemical toxicity in humans, given the vast daily exposure we all have to food and drink contaminated with plastic residue and breakdown products. On the other hand, 390.7 million metric tons of plastic was produced in 2021, and the amount is growing. That’s a lot of economic incentive to keep things going plastic. Why bother with the science of plastic-caused disease when we all love plastic so much?

    According to the Cleveland Clinic, “The science of plastics and health is a little fuzzy. Many ingredients in plastic haven’t been thoroughly tested in people. Much of what we know comes from studies in animals. We don’t know exactly how all these compounds affect human health. But there are hints that compounds in plastics may be linked to problems.”

    If you want to take the hint and avoid plastic poisons in your water, here are some suggestions:

    1. Use alternatives to plastics, especially glass, whenever possible.  

    2. If you use plastic PET bottles, keep them out of the sunlight. If outdoors, keep the plastic bottle covered and cool. 

    3. Don’t keep bottled water sitting in the hot car.

    4. Keep in mind that you don’t know the history of that plastic bottle, and whether anyone, including the store where you purchased it, kept the plastic water bottles in the sun and heat. You might want to first try a bottle before buying a case to make sure it doesn’t smell or taste bad.

    5. If the contents on any bottle look, smell, or taste bad, do not consume and discard the bottle.

    6. Be aware than flavored drinks may mask the plastic smell and taste.  

    7. Store PET water bottles in a cool, dark place.  

    8. If you are storing water for emergencies in plastic containers, regularly check the water for smell and taste, which can indicate a need to replace the water and the container.

    9. Keep all plastic containers of food and drink out of the sun and heat and away from florescent lighting, which also emits UV.

    The convenience of using PET for water bottles will keep it popular with industry and the public over the foreseeable future, despite the increasing evidence showing health risks from plastics exposed to UV. Hopefully, the plastics industry will continue to improve on water bottle chemistry, so all you drink in a plastic bottle of water is water.  

    Chickens and Goats and Pigs, Oh My.

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    Volunteers Aloha Animal Santuary
    Volunteer Appreciation Day

    Aloha Animal Sanctuary appreciates their volunteers.

    I was Leah’s + 1 at the Aloha Animal Sanctuary volunteer appreciation event.  A safe haven for animals like cows, pigs, chickens, and other farmed animals, the Sanctuary is 100% volunteer run.    At the Sanctuary are animals who have been abused, abandoned, and/or neglected and have nowhere else to go. Sometimes, there are animals there who were at risk of being sent to slaughter without legal intervention.   

    Leah started volunteering in 2020 as a school project. Her job was to provide TLC, ‘tender loving care’, feeding and interacting with the resident animals there.   At the time, I thought this assignment was perfect for a 10-year-old animal lover who could pet and cuddle animals.     Located in Kahaluu, Kaneohe, I wondered why this town girl would travel all the way there… or more specifically why her mom would drive out there, adding to an already busy schedule week after week.  After attending this celebration… I get it.  

    100% volunteer run

    The Aloha Animal Sanctuary was celebrating and recognizing the 125 volunteers that run the organization.   Tender Loving Care Givers, Animal Caretakers, Habitat Care, Egg Collectors, Animal Wellness and of course all the background administrative stuff that is not glamorous, but needs to get done.   100% volunteer run, Aloha Animal Sanctuary is funded through tours, donations, and love.    Leah started on the TLC team, feeding and caring for the animals. 3 years later, school assignment done, she continues to volunteer.   It became a family project, her little brother joining in with the chores.    A family activity, infused with core values, provided educational opportunities for the kids. More about the family’s adventures here.

    Family visiting animals at Aloha Animal Sanctuary

    Little brother learns to interact with goats.

    Animals are Ambassadors at the Aloha Animal Sanctuary

    Many animals live on property!  My favorite is Haku… the pig.

    Sort of reminded me of the 1995 movie, Babe and of course the 2006 movie Charlotte’s Web.  Both of these drama’s depicted pigs as intelligent, personable, and adorable.  No, he didn’t make me think of bacon, OR barbeque ribs!

    Brian Heithaus received the Volunteer of The Year award. He is the overnight caretaker who lives onsite and does repairs and assists with emergency care of the residents as needed. Brian called the resident animals.  “Ambassadors for the cause”.  Fits!  Many people have never had the chance to interact with animals like pigs, cows, chickens, or turkeys, although we slaughter and eat them by the billions annually. The Aloha Animal Sanctuary helps people form personal connections with these animals and see them for the individuals that they are.

    Here’s Andi.  Raised on a cockfighting farm, rescued by the sanctuary.  Ok, I’ll admit that I am not a fan of birds… having watched the 1963 Horror film- The Birds.  Produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this film made quite an impression.   Still, meeting Andi put a face to my favorite food, and gently persuaded me to consider the why behind the Aloha Animal Sanctuary.

    Animal agriculture

    Animal agriculture is the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, and deforestation. Up to 137 plant, animal, and insect species are lost every day due to rainforest destruction in the name of animal agriculture. 

    Every year, over 56 billion land animals are killed for food.  These animals are bred into existence purely for human consumption, and require lots of water, grain, and land. 1.5 acres of farm land can produce 37,000 pounds of plant-based food, but the same 1.5 acres can only produce 375 pounds of beef. 

    Plant Based  

    This is Hawaii.  This is a celebration of the volunteer service.  Naturally then, there’s FOOD!!    One catch.  All food, in recognition of the mission was vegan.  No eggs, dairy, honey or animal flesh ingredients.  (Hmm, I packed my own emergency chocolate chip cookies just in case.)

    I needn’t have worried! Amazing food!  Super delicious, lots of variety.  The primary ingredient of all the dishes was NOT tofu.   (whew). 

     

    My favorite, called “dirty cauliflower” made with tempeh, porcini mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, cauliflower, and various herbs was delicious. Wow.  This dish matched my local tastes.  I got the recipe and will try this at home!

     

    The lead author of a recent Oxford University study, the biggest ever conducted of global agriculture and one that has been praised by other researches in the field, stated that “adopting a plant-based diet is the single biggest choice an individual can make to make the greatest positive impact on the environment.” 

    Dessert was coconut nice cream, a slice of delicious double chocolate cake, and whipped cream.      For this omnivore, it was not so scary, somewhat different, and oh so delicious.  I can do this!!

    A Sanctuary for animals AND people.     

    After lunch, we had the requisite thank you and speeches each volunteer introduced themselves, telling everyone what they did at the sanctuary, and how long they had been involved.   The newcomers talked about how the sanctuary welcomed them, and gave them a sense of place, made the islands feel like home. The old timers talked about what the place means to them.    No one railed about animal rights, or guilted me into eating plant based.   None of that, only kindness and aloha.  This is their style.   No bombardment, no preaching.  No guilt.  Leading by example, and educating the public, while gently opening our minds and hearts.  

    The Aloha Animal Sanctuary holds regular visitor days, as well as volunteer days, and special events.   Find out more on their website, or email the Director of Public Relations at jessica@alohasanctuary.org.

    HART continues its crusade against transparency

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    By Keli‘i Akina

    When will the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation learn that a lack of openness undermines public trust in the rail?

    HART has been dogged by questions about transparency and accountability for years. We’ve witnessed the agency’s seeming reluctance to conduct a forensic audit, confusion over the status of the Federal Transit Administration’s financing agreement, vague explanations of cost overruns — the list could go on.

    And now they seem to be at it again.

    This week — to the ire of many — HART’s board of directors considered a rule that would restrict the speech of board members appointed by the state Legislature’s speaker of the House and president of the Senate.

    Keli’i Akina

    The rule proposes that state appointees who say anything publicly about the rail project must “state that he/she is making the position as a state appointee,” and “that he/she has the permission to speak or make statements in writing [from] … her/his appointing authority.”

    The rule also proposes to officially require that state appointees sign a confidentiality agreement to participate in the board’s executive sessions, so long as the board doesn’t determine there’s a conflict of interest regarding their participation. This is an especially noteworthy proposal considering that board member Natalie Iwasa, who was appointed by state Speaker of the House Scott Saiki, has been barred from participating in executive sessions since her refusal to sign such an agreement.

    Appointees from the Legislature have not always sat on HART’s board. In 2017, seemingly to keep an eye on the board, the Legislature passed a rail bailout bill for the city that also added four non-voting members to the HART board — two appointed by the leader of each chamber.

    Now, HART wants to put special conditions on the ability of those state appointees to speak publicly. Moreover, at least one of those state appointees — Iwasa — is a known critic of HART and the rail project.

    It’s hard to believe this is a coincidence. The only possible explanation is that HART wants to discourage state appointees from speaking publicly about board matters.

    Saiki and even the state attorney general have arrived at the same conclusion, telling Civil Beat that the proposed rule raises constitutional questions and appears to discriminate against the Legislature’s appointees.

    State Attorney General Anne Lopez wrote an official letter to HART, explaining that wording of the proposed rule appears to infringe on the appointees’ free speech; “improperly” treats legislative appointees differently from other board members; and impermissibly restrains those appointees from expressing their individual views.

    And this isn’t the first time an effort by HART to impose a gag rule on legislative appointees has generated controversy. Last year, the board’s requirement that appointees sign a confidentiality agreement to attend executive sessions resulted in a similar disagreement over the legality of the rule between HART lawyers and the attorney general’s office.

    In other words, nothing has changed.

    We shouldn’t allow the latest controversy to be brushed off by assurances that such rules are common for public boards. Even if that were true, it runs contrary to the spirit of transparency and accountability that is so desperately needed at all levels of our government.

    HART might wind up arguing successfully that its board hasn’t done anything wrong, but they certainly are not making any effort to observe openness and encourage public trust. In fact, they seem to always be running in the opposite direction of those objectives.

    Our state and counties in particular have struggled with corruption for years, which no doubt has stemmed from a lack of transparency and pressure to fall in line with questionable practices.

    We must continue to demand change.

    If HART’s governing board does not abandon its efforts to quell the free speech of state-appointed members, they might find that the Legislature — and the people of Hawaii — have run out of patience with their lack of openness.

    Given the agency’s dependence on financial support from the state, they might not like the consequences.
    __________

    Keli‘i Akina is president and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

    Challenging the Housing Czar

    This week we look at Governor Green‘s Emergency Proclamation Relating to Housing, and his use of the emergency statutes to suspend many of the laws that account for delays upon delays in housing starts. 

    The proclamation has been on the books for a couple of months.  It came after much effort was expended in developing the temporary rules that would be used under the emergency proclamation.  As expected, some organizations unhappy with the proclamation and its consequences sued to invalidate it.  (Which, by the way, is the legitimate way to challenge its validity.  Threats of violence or worse against the housing administrator, causing her to resign for the safety of her and her family, deserve nothing but contempt.)

    Some of the proclamation’s detractors point out that housing crisis is not what’s normally contemplated in a state of emergency.  With hurricanes, tsunami, and wildfires, for example, the event hits, it goes away, and leaves death and destruction in its wake.  The housing crisis certainly doesn’t fit this mold; but, then again, neither does COVID-19, which was used under Governor Ige to justify chained 60-day emergency proclamations spanning multiple years.  The Legislature was in session multiple times within the duration of the pandemic, and it implicitly approved the use of emergency authority then; some bills were introduced that would have modified or limited the Governor’s authority for emergencies of long duration, but they did not pass.

    The opponents also focused on the intricate, detailed rules attached to the proclamation, which were the product of many weeks of considered thought, outreach to and input from dozens of stakeholders.  That doesn’t happen in the case of a real emergency, argue the opposition, therefore the housing crisis can’t be a real emergency.  To them I have two things to say.  First, I would much rather be governed by rules put together after much thought, deliberation, and stakeholder involvement than by ones hastily assembled while staring down a crisis.  If a government agency is doing its job right, the rules it puts out should always be the former rather than the latter. Second, if properly vetted rules were drafted by an agency to be used in a possible emergency that didn’t happen to be at our doorstep, I would call it prudent planning rather than a waste of taxpayer resources.  Does our response to a real emergency have to be thrown together at the last minute to be valid?

    Next, the opposition seems to be saying that the housing crisis was long years or decades in the making, so it lacks the suddenness required of an emergency.  As our statutes define an emergency or disaster, however, suddenness is not required.  What is required is an occurrence, or threat of one, that results in injury, harm, or loss of life, property, or the environment.  If astronomers found an asteroid that they predicted would slam into Oahu in three months and bring half of the island undersea, for example, would that not qualify as an emergency?  And we certainly have been losing people — fortunately they haven’t been sickened or killed, but have been boarding one-way flights to Anywhere But Hawaii. 

    Will any good come of the emergency housing proclamation?  It’s probably too early to tell yet.  But it does represent a fundamental change from past administrations who considered themselves boxed in by the myriad of state and county rules and processes that have grown up over multiple generations.  Sometimes you just have to break the current system before you can see if something else works better or more efficiently.  If there are better solutions discovered in the process, our legislators can take steps to adopt them.  If there are none, then the noble experiment validates the status quo.  But, given the dismal state of our housing supply and the near-constant reports in recent years of steady population decline, my bet is on the success of the experiment.  I look forward to the likely upcoming struggle to implement its findings.

    Save your Smile: The Battle against Cavities

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    Battling Cavities: Your Guide to Prevention and Care

    Have you ever cringed with tooth pain while enjoying a sugary treat? Likely, that’s a cavity knocking on your dental door. But don’t worry, understanding how to spot, prevent, and manage cavities with advice from your dentist can keep your smile shining.

    needs dentist, tooth sensitivity
    Ouch- eating a cold treat that causes sensitivity. Photo 214544478 Bad © Cunaplus Dreamstime.com

    Understanding Cavities

    Cavities, also called dental caries or tooth decay, happen when mouth bacteria’s acid attacks your tooth’s outer layer, the enamel. These bacteria thrive on sugars and form plaque with saliva and food bits. This plaque is the harbors bacteria that lead to cavities. Therefore, plaque removal through brushing and flossing is a great defense.

    bad breath- see dentist possible cavity
    Ouch- eating a cold treat that causes sensitivity. Photo 214544478 Bad © Cunaplus Dreamstime.com

    Detecting Cavities– Check with your Dentist

    Among other symptoms, bad breath, despite brushing, flossing and even minty mouthwash, might be a sign of an undetected cavity.

    Spotting cavities early can save you trouble. Look for:

    1. Tooth Sensitivity: Pain with hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods.
    2. Discomfort: Pain, especially while chewing.
    3. Structural Changes: Weakened teeth, larger cavities, or fractures.
    4. Infection: Severe pain, swelling, or an abscess.
    5. Bad Breath: Accumulating bacteria can lead to chronic bad breath.
    6. Appearance Changes: Dark spots or holes on your tooth

    Managing cavities

    If you suspect a cavity, it is a good idea to book an appointment with your dentist. Early intervention is the best course of action. The dentist may use x-rays to assess the damage. Early cavities are often filled with a composite filling, or amalgam. If your cavity has progressed to a severe state, a root canal might be needed. a root canal procedure is performed to save a tooth that has been severely infected or damaged. During a root canal, the infected pulp inside the tooth is carefully removed, the root canals are cleaned, and then the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. After the root canal, a dental crown is often placed over the tooth to provide additional strength and protection. Finally, in extreme cases, a tooth might need to be removed.

    dentist fixes cavity with composite filling
    Flowable_compositeBy-Shaimaa-Abdellatif-Own-work-CC-BY-SA

    Preventing Cavities

    Prevention is better than cure:

    • Regular Brushing: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque.
    • Daily Flossing: Clean between teeth to remove food bits and plaque.
    • Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods.
    • Fluoride Defense: Consider fluoride mouthwash or treatments.
    • Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist every six months.

    In Conclusion

    With vigilance and good oral care, you can tackle cavities. Spot the signs, act swiftly, and prioritize dental visits. Prevention is your best friend. For more insights, visit tclevelanddds.com and read more about cavity prevention.

    Taxing Government Benefits

    We’re still well into the aftermath of the Maui and Hawaii County wildfires.  Our governments have opened up their coffers and have begun doling out lots of money toward disaster relief and emergency assistance.

    Legitimate questions now need to be asked about whether the government is going to want to take back some of that money in taxes.  It’s an important issue for people in the midst of the disaster because if the money is taxable and a wildfire victim spends all of it on necessities like food and shelter, is that victim going to have major problems down the line because that person needed to set a bunch of that money aside for taxes and didn’t?

    On August 30, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service released Notice 2023-56, a technical document (probably best appreciated by tax geeks and legal wonks) that is supposed to help people make sense out of the different kinds of government payments they may be receiving, and whether they are taxable.  The Service noted that it isn’t always easy to figure out whether a particular payment is subject to tax, and it basically decided to look the other way for 2022 payments; but, since they can’t do that forever, they decided to publish some rules.

    Usually, if you receive money and you get to keep it, that money is income for tax purposes.  The Notice discusses three exceptions:  state tax refunds, “general welfare” payments, and disaster relief payments.

    State tax refunds aren’t normally taxable, except that if you took an itemized deduction for a state tax payment and then get some or all of the payment back, you might have to walk back your deduction.  The Notice also said that some “refundable credits,” which are paid to you even if you didn’t owe tax, are not considered refunds and need to be analyzed like other payments from the government.

    Some payments from the government are considered “general welfare” and aren’t taxed.  These payments have to be based on the need of the individual or family receiving the payments, and they can’t be a payment for services sold to the government.  Many of the refundable credits that Hawaii offers to lower-income families come under that description, so they aren’t taxable. On the other hand, payments to businesses are usually taxable, but there are exceptions; many of the COVID-19 relief programs, for example, included language in the law saying that benefits wouldn’t be taxable.  Businesses also need to be wary of General Excise Tax on payments related to the disaster.

    There is also a specific section of the federal income tax law, section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code, that applies specifically to disasters that are declared by the federal government so that FEMA gets involved.  The criteria for tax exemption under this section are similar to those for general welfare payments.  The payments need to be made on the basis of need, and need is presumed if the payments are directed to disaster victims.

    In any case, a government entity that is paying benefits needs to give you a Form 1099-G at the end of the year if the benefits are taxable.  Especially if the entity has been paying benefits to other people because of other tough circumstances, it probably has some idea of whether the benefits it is paying are taxable or not.  So it may be a good idea to direct specific questions to the paying entity.

    Respect property rights in Lahaina rebuilding process

    By Keli‘i Akina

    Policymakers and various interest groups began sharing plans for rebuilding Lahaina just days after wildfires destroyed the iconic seaside town.

    In the month that has passed since the Aug. 8 fires, rebuilding ideas have varied widely — from taking over land to build affordable housing or leaving some of it vacant as a memorial to placing reconstruction efforts in the hands of a special board, just to name a few.

    Keli’i Akina

    Now, I don’t want to be too hard on these ideas. After all, rebuilding plans are usually the product of good intentions.

    But we have to remember that peoples’ homes and businesses are at stake, and their right to those properties must be defended. That is to say: We cannot infringe on or ignore their constitutional right to freely acquire, use, manage and dispose of their property as they choose.

    This is why the Grassroot Institute has made a deliberate choice to not present any plans of our own — because whether, where or how to rebuild properties should be up to the people of Lahaina, and the government should strive only to give them the freedom to do so.

    Our team certainly has solutions in mind that could be applied to help Lahaina rebuild. We have long urged county officials to expedite permitting processes and suspend certain zoning and building code provisions to encourage more homebuilding. And we champion loosening restrictions on occupational licensing, lowering taxes and introducing policies to reduce bureaucratic barriers for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

    But while we have much more to say on the topic — and the time will surely come for us to do so — I believe we remain in a sensitive period for listening.

    Most importantly, we need to keep in mind the humanity of the situation. We’re not just talking about a fundamental right that deserves to be respected on principle — we need to consider the different desires of those struggling to rebuild their lives.

    Maybe they want to sell their land as soon as possible to fund a new start somewhere else, or maybe they would benefit from the freedom to rebuild as quickly as possible without the expenses and delays that often come with government intervention. Those decisions are theirs — and theirs alone — to make.

    Ultimately, we can suggest policies that will ease the rebuilding process, but we must allow the people of Lahaina to move forward on their own terms. Yes, that means allowing them to make decisions others might not like. But that is their right. And the Grassroot Institute plans to defend that right from any intrusion, no matter how well-meaning.
    __________

    Keli‘i Akina is president and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

    Warning: Vaccines Can Inactivate Your Medications

    Vaccines are a fundamental part of the US public health policy. From cradle to grave, people are being vaccinated against a growing list of problems. And while vaccine side effects are recognized, there is a general belief that the potential benefits outweighs the potential harms. 

    However, one side effect of vaccines has not been mentioned, even as a possibility. It is a massive problem, and its implications still need to be worked out. It has to do with the inactivation of medication by vaccines.

    Drug inactivation is a real problem for many diseases, especially when there are no alternative drugs.  One mechanism for drug resistance and inactivation is the binding of antibodies to drugs. Once the drug is bound to antibodies, it cannot perform its intended function. But why would the body make antibodies to drugs?

    The current thinking is that the drug itself can stimulate the immune system, resulting in antibody production to that drug. Another mechanism is that metabolites of the drug, as it is broken down in the body, can be reactive with proteins and create a drug metabolite-protein complex that stimulates the immune system to make antibodies to that complex, and which will also interact with the drug. 

    However, there is one mechanism that must be added that has not been mentioned in the medical literature, but is nonetheless an obvious cause of drug inactivation. It is immune hypersensitivity as a result of vaccinations and the resulting drug-antibody complex.

    I expect the vaccine industry will claim there is no evidence for these conclusions, since they don’t ever research this issue. But they will deny this. It’s too big to admit that vaccination can cause resistance and inactivation of any medication.

    I am presenting this to you for your consideration in your own life. This may explain why some medications you are taking are not working any more. Or it may explain why you recently developed an allergy to something that never bothered you before. And since so many people are getting so many vaccines these days for COVID and everything else, this a problem of huge proportions. 

    What follows will require further investigation, and is a new concept that has not been tested, to my knowledge. It logically follows from what is already known about vaccines, and it may explain the cause of many chronic diseases and reduced drug effectiveness.

    1. Vaccines are used to create antibodies to a specific target substance or organism introduced with the vaccine, which is called the antigen. Anything foreign to the body can become an antigen and stimulate antibody production.

    2. To stimulate the immune system and create robust antibody production to the introduced antigen, the vaccine contains a component called an adjuvant. Adjuvants are chemicals that irritate the immune system into action. When the body experiences the adjuvant, it becomes more responsive to antigens. 

    3. The hyper-stimulation of the immune system with the vaccine’s adjuvant can also cause antibodies to be produced against other components of the vaccine. For example, some vaccines are produced using egg products as a medium, and some people develop food allergy to eggs as a result of antibodies produced in response to the egg component of the vaccine. Many food allergies are linked to the use of food components in the vaccine. 

    4. Since the immune system is hyper-sensitive to all antigens due to the adjuvant in the vaccine, any other antigens in the body are more likely to begin creating an immune response. For example, hay fever could be developed by exposing a previously nonallergic person to pollen after getting a vaccine. 

    5. This also means that chemicals which enter our lungs, intestines, or skin, and which can create immune reactions, are more likely to do so after hyper-sensitization of the immune system after vaccination.  

    6. Drugs can also be antigens and there is a problem with patients becoming immune to their drug treatment. Studies show that people can make antibodies to medications, and this inactivates those drugs, since they can’t work when bound to antibodies. Vaccines and their adjuvants can increase antibody production to drugs, inactivating them. 

    7. If a person makes antibodies to the drugs they are taking, it will not only inactivate the drug, but may also attack the target organ for that drug, where it is high in concentration. For example, if a person has a skin infection and becomes immune to an antibiotic drug they are taking for it, then the antibodies that attach to the drug will inactivate it so it can’t fight the infection. In addition, the antibodies to the drug will also attack the drug in the skin, causing inflammation, rash, dermatitis, and more.

    8. This means that allergy to drugs can prevent their therapeutic benefit, and attack parts of the body where the drug is concentrated. When the immune system attacks the body, it’s called an autoimmune disease. Vaccines are known to cause autoimmune disease. 

    9. Hyper-sensitivity of the immune system caused by adjuvants in vaccines will last for an undetermined period of time, depending on the adjuvant used. Aluminum is a commonly used adjuvant, and it’s difficult to eliminate that heavy metal from the body. However, repeated vaccinations add to the body’s adjuvant burden, and can maintain a state of high sensitivity, where the immune system is triggered to attack antigens and create antibodies.  

    Implications:

    A. Giving vaccines can cause the immune system to create antibodies to medications, which can inactivate them so they no longer work. It can also cause the immune system to attack the body where the medications are targeted. In other words, whatever health problem the medication was treating can get worse by drug inactivation and autoimmune attack.

    This link of vaccination to autoimmune disease is not new. According to the current science

    “Vaccines have long been suspected to play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases. The main hypothesis that has been proposed to explain this immunological association is epitope mimicry, just like in infections. According to this mechanism, an antigen that is administered with the vaccine may share structural similarities with self-antigens. The immune response to the vaccine antigen could therefore also extend to other host cells expressing the structurally similar self-antigen. A second mechanism that could be involved is bystander activation. It is an antigen non-specific mechanism that leads to the activation of autoreactive T cells. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms that explain the causal link between vaccinations and autoimmune diseases are not yet fully understood and they are also difficult to study.”  (Underline added.)

    Note that immune hypersensitivity caused by vaccination has not been considered, but explains this mechanism for autoimmunity.

    B. This also creates an interesting problem when assessing vaccine and other drug side effects. Some side effects of drugs may be the indirect result of an immune response to the existing medication due to heightened immunity from vaccine adjuvants. The drug may not have caused that effect if the patient was not taking that particular medication while being exposed to a vaccine and its adjuvants. And the vaccine may not have caused that side effect if it was not for the concurrent use of the drug. So the question is whether you blame the vaccine, or the medication, for those side effects? I suppose the answer depends on whether you are promoting the drug or the vaccine. But with so many people taking medications while getting vaccinated, it will be difficult to assign cause to either.

    C. While vaccines are known to cause some problems, the medical industry’s commitment to vaccines will probably outweigh any concerns of side effects that are less severe than the disease for which the vaccine is designed. However, patients have a right to know that, if they choose vaccination, then they need to prepare themselves by removing as many antigens from their lives as possible, prior to being further sensitized by vaccine adjuvants. This may help minimize hypersensitivity caused by the vaccine.

    Pre-Vaccination Preparation:

    If you still want a vaccine, here is some advice for what to do prior to vaccination and for at least several weeks following it:

    1. Eat a low allergen diet. Research your favorite on the Internet.

    2. Do not wear perfumes or put any lotions or ointments on your skin. These substances can be absorbed through the skin and become allergens.

    3. Wear clothing that is not made of toxic fabric, like polyester or nylon. Use cotton, hemp, or other natural material. 

    4. Clean clothing without using detergents with perfumes or toxic components. Avoid fabric softeners, which stay on the clothing and can be absorbed in the skin.

    5. Avoid shampoos and conditioners. In other words, get the chemical toxins, which can become allergens, out of your life.

    6. Realize you can become allergic to particles in the air, such as smoke, pollen, animal dander, etc. And any chemical you smell gets into your lungs, and from there into your bloodstream, and can become an antigen for your immune system. Keep your world as free of these potential allergens as possible while under the hyper-sensitizing influence of vaccines.

    7. Get off medications and supplements as much as possible, in consultation with your healthcare provider, if any. 

    8. Consider alternatives to vaccination.

    Conclusion:

    The potential benefit of any vaccine must be weighed against the potential for unintended allergy, autoimmunity, or inactivation of drugs. People taking medications should be warned to consider any loss of medication effectiveness, new allergy, or new autoimmune condition as a possible result of vaccination. 

    Vaccines may be the cause of more allergies, drug sensitivities/side effects/inactivation, and autoimmune disease, than anyone has imagined. It’s not something the vaccine-biased medical industry will admit, or even research. So this paper is all there is at the moment about this link between vaccines and drug resistance. Download this article and share it with anyone you care about, before it’s censored/suppressed. The medical industry is hypersensitive to criticism of vaccines for any reason. 

    Maybe it’s because they already know about this!