Today, August 30, 2007 is the second annual No Screen Day, started by Hannah Skaggs in 2006. Then 8 years old, this Windward Adventist student realised that reading and other non-screen activities such as playing sports, talking, cooking dinner, or even looking at the clouds with a friend, make us happier, healthier, more connected humans.
Last year Hannah publicized her event at schools around O`ahu, offering gift-card incentives to spark children’s desire to abstain from their screens. It’s not only video games that Skaggs wants people everywhere to give a rest (the 2006 No Screen Day saw participants in Hawaii, the west coast, and Canada and she hopes it will go global), but all devices with screens, including games on cell phones, computers and television. It’s not about condemning these activities flawed entertainments, but more positively about motivating and creating a population of active kids and adults.
So today, whether you’re in Hawai`i, on the mainland, or any other country or city–turn off those screens and support a young girl’s vision. Maybe just this one day will help create more visionaries–young and old.
Literary Lotus 
I earned my masters degree there–a very simple reason that nonetheless took me halfway round the world. Raiatea Helm is a great local talent–she’s on my list of people to interview for WIMR.
I haven’t read all your archives yet, so, what took you to the UK (I have to get used to that!)(rather than England or Britain/British etc.)? Did you live in residence? I guess compared to Hi. it isn’t too expensive! That was one thing I kept forgetting on Molakai that it was the US. Plus usual island costs. (Of course, no begrudging.) If the big guy who dumped on me reads this, “until you, I had not seen an Ugly American” and that was my last day, flying to connect on Maui. I also got tuned in to a lovely voice in a gal named Raiatea. We heard her Dad a few times and he was good so she’s a song off the bird. Ta! Ta! (and all that rot!)
Have a wonderful trip–it’s still one of my favorite cities. I find myself wanting to see a play at the Globe. CT
I’m supposed to go there (London) in two weeks but family problems may delay the trip. We were going to stay on a narrowboat within the city. I see you went to school there. That’s a long way from home! Chip, chip, cheery-oh, Lydia
Great! Thanks for reading LL and the articles. One month on Moloka`i sounds great (I’ve only spent a week), and I think that’s one of the best things about online newspapers, is being able to connect with another place after you’ve left. I do that often to stay connected to London now that I no longer live there.
I have noted this day on my (paper!) calendar for next year. I have enjoyed reading some of your articles and posts and will read more. Through you, I looked up the two newspapers on Molokai and caught up on current events. I was not savvy back in 2005 after I returned from one month on the island. (All great except one instance.) So thanks, Lydia