Excellent interview with Michael Lujan Bevacqua who breaks down what the military buildup means for Guam and our Mariana Island neighbors and how you can become informed and get involved. "No matter what you feel about the buildup, everybody has to accept the fact that it's going to radically change Guam."
They certainly can't get any lower. Alfa Romeo places a billboard on the lowest point on earth which happens to be 20 miles off the shore of Guam: the Marianas Trench.
"This week, NOW on PBS travels to the U.S. territory of Guam to find out whether their environment and infrastructure can support such a large and quick infusion of people, and why the buildup is vital to our national security."
I googled "How to fend off cannibals" because I'm going to Fiji next week and then I realized the cannibals live in Papua New Guinea. Totally different island. Sorry, Fiji, my bad. We're cool, right?
"Do not wear hats while you are traveling in Fiji as this is regarded as a sign of disrespect." I also may not touch anyone's head and I may not wear anything that bares shoulders or legs. AND I've been told I might have to wear a muumuu to a reception thingy. A muumuu! I might as well borrow someone's burqa. Do you have one?
I just watched Discover Guam, a documentary about Guam produced by Jon Tanuvasa of Timecode Productions. Two years in the making, the hour-long documentary contains beautiful footage of Guam and interviews with people about Guam history and culture and a special features section. I think every Chamorro should have a copy of this in their library. It's a great gift to send to islanders who no longer live on Guam or who have never been to the island they're from (there are a lot of those, you know).
The dvd is available at Bestseller for $15. Check out myspace.com/aglimpseofguam for clips from the documentary or email timecode671 (at) hotmail (dot) com for more information and get your copy in time for the holidays! Support local artists!
I'm gearing up for my first trip to "The States" in 15 years. I'll be in Houston for 2 days for Julie and Ken's wedding and then up to Boise to spend Thanksgiving with my father, sister and niece. I just know there's going to be some culture shock...hopefully no jet lag. I've started fasting in preparation for a Krispy Kreme explosion.
My flight itinerary is crazy. Guam to Tokyo to LA to Houston. Then Houston to Minneapolis to Boise. Then Boise to Portland to Tokyo to Guam. All of the stops are under 3 hours. I am super excited about this adventure!
Guambats, don't miss the Stevie Wonder Tribute this Tuesday night at Colors Restaurant/RED. It's going to be a great show featuring all local musicians!
And no, Stevie Wonder is not dead. He's alive and well. One doesn't have to wait until a person dies to pay tribute. ;)
"Jess has made dramatic improvements but we must still remain guarded. I want you to know that Jilette informed me of the MV article. I am sure you and all of Jessica's friends are very upset about it. The article was harsh and did not take into account the other side of Jess that we all know. How loving and caring she is, how she is a wonderful mother to Mason, how she takes her job seriously at ST, and I just could go on and on.
What matters is what we know about Jess. I just want you to know that you all have organized her fundraiser with great care taking the sensitivity of alcohol into great consideration. Colors Red is the appropriate venue because everyone there truly cares for Jess. Please tell everyone to ignore the article and comments and stay the course. You all are wonderful people and I am so touched by all of you."
This is my response to the news story and opinion in today's Marianas Variety (printed story on page 4 and opinion on page 9) in regards to holding Jessica's fundraiser "in a bar" for "binge drinking."
When we met to formulate and plan this fundraiser we were very careful to be sensitive about the issue of drinking. Firstly, yes, Colors Restaurant/RED has a bar on its first floor. However, the fundraiser is being held upstairs in the dining area and dinner is going to be served. Secondly, anyone who has been to a fundraiser on Guam knows that it's customary to receive a complimentary beverage (almost always alcohol) with your $10 ticket. At Jessica's fundraiser you will receive a complimentary glass of non-alcohol Rockstar energy drink (this is written clearly on the ticket).
I'm not angry with the critics because I was on guard and expected this. I just want to set the record straight that we are in NO WAY promoting the consumption of alcohol and/or binge drinking at this fundraiser, and that a lot of thought and careful consideration went into the planning. In fact, there is no mention of drinking and no alcohol sponsor logo on any of the flyers or tickets.
Another thing. In today's Marianas Variety story on page 4, it says "Jessica is the mother of a toddler who she had left with others the day of the accident." Left with "OTHERS"? I believe Sunday is the day Mason regularly spends with his father. I am not trying to bring Mason or Chris into this but I hate the way the story implies that she just put her kid somewhere and went off to do her thing.
To avoid further speculation and/or misguided information, I'd be happy to personally answer any and all your questions about the fundraiser. I'll be on Patti Arroyo's show today on K-57 to personally respond to the criticism. Please forward this and repost and let's continue to move forward and focus on the immediate task at hand: helping our friend recover from a tragic accident.
One last thing. If any of the critics would like to organize a fundraiser for Jessica that they are 100% comfortable with, please let me know when those fundraisers are scheduled so that I can come out and support.
My iBook fell out from the back of a van and died when I was shooting in Kosrae and could not be revived despite attempts to swap out old parts with new ones. It was time for an upgrade I suppose. I mean, they're not even called iBooks anymore.
So I got a new mackbook recently and yes of course I love it. And look how fun it is, this built-in Photobooth thing. The camera is not bad at all.
I just woke up here. Notice the traces of mascara under my eyes.
Kitty has undergone extensive Photobooth torture and it will continue until it stops being funny which will be NEVER.
Josie and The Brain.
I think my e-Harmony profile picture is a winner, don't you?
