 “Surf big. Dream big. – Jimmy Daos
By Diana L. Chapman
September 08, 2007
He wrote it on newspapers. He jotted down ideas on napkins in local diners. He spewed his story out on bits of scrap paper. He wrote it despite he had struggled to learn to read and write. He wrote it despite his wife’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. He wrote it despite his limited writing skills.
read more at http://www.theunderdogforkids.blogspot.com
El Segundo News
Book signing to benefit Multiple Sclerosis Society
By Dave Eisenstadt
It can be a long way from rows of supermarket shelves to the stacks and storage cases that line and bisect bookstores - but James Daos has made the distance and then some.
Daos manages the Ralphs supermarket in Redondo Beach - the one on Hawthorne Boulevard - but these days purveys another kind of dry good: the children's book he wrote in his spare time.
“I am a first-time children's book author,” said Daos. “It has been a fun journey.”
The longtime South Bay resident has been on a mini-reading tour. He is scheduled to bring his talent, time and voice to El Segundo on March 10 when Daos is slated to give a reading at the new Borders near the Manhattan Beach border at the Plaza El Segundo shopping center.
The reading along with a book-signing period is scheduled at 11 a.m. March 10. 2007
Daos' book partly is pegged to that most familiar of South Bay genres: the surfing tale. In this case, however, the surfers don't even bear a passing resemblance to the hundreds of surfers found daily bobbing off the South Bay shores much less the numerous legends of surfing yore.
Daos' surfers are ants, those pesky red or black or red and black critters that aren't all that common in these parts. Then again, Daos' ants surf.
“The name of my book is “Ants on the Rainbow ... You'll Never Know!,” Daos said. “It is a classic tale of a colony of ants that master the art of surfing.”
The reading in El Segundo looks to be especially meaningful, Daos said.
That's because it's done partly to help out his wife, who has multiple sclerosis, he said.
“When my wife got diagnosed, my kids and I decided that we would donate a portion of our proceeds to the Multiple Sclerosis Society on behalf of my wife,” Daos said.
Besides the El Segundo event, Daos has given some 25 readings around the South Bay, he said.
More information on the book and Daos can be found on his Web site, www.antsontherainbow.com.
One day at Rat Beach, California
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Straight from the Dugout News of Zone 9
February 2005 Issue 2
Coach Vern Waggoner, Zone Manager
Ralphs Markets, Inc.
ZONE 9 EXCLUSIVE
 The 9th Inning is proud to bring you this exclusive on James Daos, an exceptional associate of ours at store #720 Palos Verdes. This touching and heart-warming story shows the true compassion and strength that our members have when they follow their dreams.
A Rainbow of Support
Peninsulans band together to help James Daos' book, "Ants on the Rainbow," get off the ground.
By Carrie Yamato, Peninsula News
James Daos remembers the apprehension he felt when he started his job at Ralph's on Crest Road 10 years ago.
He heard rumors that Palos Verdes customers could be a little snobby, self-centered, perhaps even demanding. He prepared his patience and people skills for a workout.
Daos soon discovered, however, the perception was untrue.
"People here are really generous," said Daos. "During last year's strike, customers brought us food and drinks and offered moral support. It really surprised me."
More surprising is the outpouring of support, encouragement and resources Daos is receiving for his "Ants on the Rainbow" children's book and clothing line.
"I love things like this," said renowned artist Pat Hinz, who is making a series of "Ants on the Rainbow" rice bowls to raise money for the project. "One day he was detailing my neighbor's car and came over to my garage to ask me if I wanted to be a part of the project, and I said, 'sure.' James is so wonderful and he has such a dream. It seemed so much fun to be a part of his dream."
Part of James' dream is to donate proceeds from "Ants on the Rainbow" to the Multiple Sclerosis Society to help find a cure for the disease. His wife was diagnosed with MS last year.
"He's doing this project from the heart," said Maclovia Martel, who worked on the artwork and storyboards with Lonni Wolcott. "It's a great idea, and he's just a charming and sincere person that you want to do the work for him. Plus, this seemed like a good opportunity."
"James is just a likeable guy," said John Collier, who did the initial photography. "He attracts people, so it doesn't surprise me that so many people have stepped up to help."
Alex Mecl, an agent who has represented surfers in Hawaii and the "Endless Summer" movie, has also provided James with advice.
"I met Alex through stocking groceries at Ralph's," said Daos. "We would just talk all the time."
"James is so excited that it just catches," said Hinz of the reason so many Peninsulans, as well as co-workers, have jumped on board. "Everyone gets caught up in his story. His personality grabs a hold of you and makes you say, 'That's neat. I want to help.'"
Whether it's his positive energy, the good he is trying to create or his engaging personality, Daos is thankful for the support.
"I don't know why everyone is helping," said Daos. "I just take one day at a time. I live for today and try to make a difference in people's lives and do what I can do. I think people want to see me succeed in my vision."
Bedtime Story
"Ants on the Rainbow" began four years ago as a bedtime story for his five children: Amoreena, Dominic, Mark, Brooke and Hannah. The story revolves around a colony of surfing ants, modeled after each child, trying to find the rainbow that will lead them to their parents and the perfect wave.
"I can make up a story about anything," says Daos. "I've told [my kids] so many. But when I came up with this story and they liked it, my wife [Valarie] said, 'You should do something with it.'"
In addition to completing the book and launching a clothing line, Daos is working on an "Ants" Web site that will help empower its young readers.
"There is a section of the book on ant wisdom, so I want to use this to teach and reach out to kids," said Daos. "I want to encourage kids who have an aptitude for telling stories to get involved and get their creative side out, and I want to teach them things like change - whether it's a new school, parents or house - is good."
Although James was transferred to the Ralph's in Long Beach several months ago, he still tries to stay close to the people who have supported him this far.
"I miss the store, I miss the people," said Daos. "I miss the sun and the view of Catalina ... and of course everything about Palos Verdes."
For more information about "Ants on the Rainbow," e-mail James Daos at antsontherainbow@aol.com. For more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, log on to www.nationalmssociety.org/cas.
About MS (Courtesy of nationalmssociety.org)
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild such as numbness in the limbs or severe -- paralysis or loss of vision. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can be lifelong. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.
There are about 400,000 Americans with MS, and every week 200 people are diagnosed with the disease -- more than one person an hour.
What can I do to help?
There are many events available with different levels of involvement to help raise money for MS research. Charitable events range from walking, biking, to golfing. To help you choose events please go to www.nationalmssociety.org/cas to view the events calendar.
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