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Good Luck, Mylene
2008-09-06 03:40:00
Mylene Balisalisa, one of my Beautify CNMI volunteers over the last two years, moved to Kona, Hawaii this week. Good luck, Mylene! Check out Volcanoes National Park while you are there.
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Info from the White House
2008-09-06 02:33:00
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Committee on Ocean Policy has a website including information on the Pacific Marine Conservation Assessment. In an effort to keep my two readers informed I have reposted the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Pacific Marine Conservation Area Assessment Questions and Answers 1. What is the President considering as part of this assessment? The President has asked the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, Defense and the Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality to advise him as to whether there are areas in the Pacific Ocean including remote islands and surrounding waters of scientific or historical interest that warrant further recognition, protection, or could benefit from improved coordination of management. The Secretaries will gather information and provide it to the President, who will then decide on any actions. 2. What authorities can the President use to take action? The President has asked for advice on ...
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Chamber Meeting on Youtube
2008-09-04 01:10:00
A big shoutout to the CNMI's starting forward, Brad Ruszala, for recording yesterday's Saipan Chamber of Commerce meeting presentations and putting them on Youtube .I presented first. The video is broken up into two parts:Sylvan Igisomar and Dr. John Joyner presented on behalf of their respective agencies. Sylvan went first:Followed by Dr. Joyner:Again, a big thanks to Brad for recording the presentations and for getting them up on Youtube so fast. I hope that these videos help people understand some of the issues.
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We still need players
2008-06-05 12:38:00
41 individuals have registered for the NMIFA Summer Co-ed Soccer League. We want to start the league next week, so get your registrations in! We'll need about 90-120 players if we are going to play with six teams...and we want to play with six teams. It makes things more interesting instead of playing the same teams over and over.Download the registration form here and email it to me at nmifacoed at gmail dot com. If you have any questions you can call me at 285-6462.I hate to name names, but yes, Brad, Kathy, Walt, and many others...hurry up and get your registration forms in.
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GObama! Yes We Did!
2008-06-04 04:46:00
Barack Obama will be the Democratic Candidate for President this year. He just clinched it this morning (Saipan time).The International stock markets reacted to this news by rallying. Does the whole world want this guy to be President?Even the price of oil started to drop after Obama clinched the nomination.Coincidence?Have we finally reached the turning point?

Co-ed Soccer Summer League Info
2008-06-03 07:20:00
The NMIFA Co-ed Soccer Summer League is set to kick off next week for a second year of co-ed action. Registration for the league is ongoing and organizers are looking to fill the rosters of six co-ed teams.Teams will be picked over the weekend via a school yard draft. The two co-captains of each team will pick a player, then that player will pick the next player, and so on until the rosters of all six teams are full. With this kind of a draft, players will get to play on the same team as their friends, while also ensuring that the skill level of all teams will be roughly equal.The Summer league lasts for 8 weeks starting on June 10, with games played on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. Each team will play one game per week.Games will start at 5:15 on game days and will consist of 2 thirty five minute halves with 5 minute halftimes.The Co-ed Soccer Summer League is an adult league, but younger players looking to compete against some of the island’s veteran players are e...
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Batshit Crazy Bateman Enters the Race!
2008-06-03 00:26:00
BCB for Congress!It was bound to happen. With the number of candidates for Congress growing on an almost daily basis, it was only a matter of time before everybody's favorite "Drunken Face of Evil" announced his intentions to run.Kudos to Jeff Turbitt for breaking this story. I'm looking forward to the responses from Lil Hammerhead and Marianas Pride.******But wait! That's not all!Want to endorse Saipan's #1 Batshit Crazy Haole for Congress?Simply copy and paste the following code into your blog or website template:
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Co-ed Soccer Registration
2008-06-02 03:05:00
The registration form for Co-ed soccer is available here. Please print it out and return to me this week. We are going to pick teams over the weekend.You can email the completed form to nmifacoed@gmail.com or give the form to me. My phone number is 285-6462.The cost to register is $15 and includes a Coed t-shirt and 8 games. Games will be played on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday from June 10 - July 30.
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New York Times on oceans
2008-06-01 05:09:00
On May 31, 2008, the New York Times Editorial Writers published an editorial on President George W Bush's Ocean Legacy:President Bush has expressed interest in leaving a positive “blue legacy.” Last year, he created one of the biggest protected marine reserves in the world — 138,000 square miles of largely unspoiled reefs and shoals near Hawaii. He should create at least one and possibly more such reserves elsewhere in American waters before he leaves office — and should persuade other world leaders to do the same. [emphasis added]Additionally, an article in the Times on June 1st reports on one of the Monument proposals being considered by the President:The Bush administration is taking steps to create a new kind of national monument encompassing Pearl Harbor and other World War II sites in the Pacific.If the president declares a Pacific war monument, it will require rethinking the concept of how monuments are organized. Unlike land-based national monuments or the relativel...
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The Fords Visit Saipan - Day 1
2008-05-31 08:52:00
The first day was a full day. We started off with breakfast at Shirley's, then we went to American Memorial National Park to visit the museum and the World War II memorials. Kevin wanted to see the history museum next, so we drove over there only to find that they were closed down due of a power outage. Customers Use Candles, indeed.Before we got back in the car I dared Kevin and Catie to walk through the bomb shelter out front. Kevin's going to kill me for writing this, but Catie did it before Kevin!Ouch!By that time it was starting to get hot, so we decided to go swimming.The waterpark at Pacific Islands Club was a hit with the kids. I'm not sure how many times they went around the lazy river, but they must have covered several kilometers. We also went kayaking and ate a huge bowl of spicy fries. I even managed to catch a little nap.Jim took a long nap. While he napped we paid a visit to the Kaipat house in Koblerville and to my Dad's house in Fina Sisu.The house in Fina...
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I like Orchids too
2008-05-31 01:19:00
Orchids is a good bar, too. They have free karaoke...just ask Ian.
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Did they get here?
2008-05-31 00:51:00
Why do all the flights have to come in during the middle of the night? It is so hard to stay awake...Is the flight on time? Man, Oreo is getting heavy. What time is it anyway. I hate these late night flights...Is that them? I guess they made it...It is them! Catie, you got so big! This is your nephew, Oreo...Slurp, slurp, slurp...Mom! What has in been, almost three years?Everyone's here! Even Jim. Man, what are we going to do for a month?......

Come greet my Mom at the airport!
2008-05-29 00:40:00
Two worlds are about to collide.For all of my life there has been Dad's side of the world and Mom's side of the world. Every couple of years Dad would show up for a day or two in Mom's world, but Mom has never, ever been a part of Dad's world.That changes in a few hours when Mom, Jim, Kevin, and Catie step off a plane at 1:25 AM coming from Nagoya.If you are reading this, you are invited to come greet my Mom at the airport. It has been 26 years since she's been here.******The Saipan Tribune carried a story today about recently introduced Senate Bill 16-32, "TO ESTABLISH THE NORTHERN ISLANDS COMMONWEALTH CONSERVATION AREA; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."Since this is the Saipan Blog and I'm the Saipan Blogger, I'll just repost the part about me:Angelo Villagomez, a local coordinator of Pew Charitable Trusts, said he welcomes all conservation efforts in the community. But he pointed out that a national marine monument declaration could offer much more environmental protection than t...
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Where we stand
2008-05-27 22:38:00
The conversation about whether or not the CNMI should create a Mariana Trench Marine National Monument is trickling through our commmunity.From the onset we have told people that if this is something that they wanted, the Pew Environment Group would be there to facilitate. We can fund studies, put together a proposal, do research, and help in other ways and with other things, such as setting up meetings with Federal officials in Washington, DC.We have been very clear that there is a timeline associated with the designation of a potential monument. It would have to be created before Bush left office on January 20, 2009.We've also been very clear that there are other areas under consideration and that the President is likely to choose those areas that are non-controversial and supported by a majority of the people.On May 13, the Marianas Variety reported that American Samoa Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono requested President Bush to designate Rose Atoll as a national monument. On ...
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Happy Birthday, Mom!
2008-05-27 14:29:00
You know what? I take that back.I'm not going to wish you a happy birthday today. I'm going to wait two days and wish you a happy birthday in person!I hope you are as excited in coming to Saipan as I am. You'll hardly recognize the place. What has it been, 26 years since you were last here?
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Steamroller
2008-05-26 01:57:00
The body is a little sore today after playing almost four hours of soccer yesterday. Four teams played in the "Sportmanship Tournament," including my team, Wild Bill's Independents (in orange).We called it the "Sportsmanship Tournament" because a few of the Men's League games ended with fights out in the parking lot...including the fight between the Ol' Aces and Onwell that forced the NMIFA to cut the league short by one week.With four teams participating (the Fightin' Ol' Aces and the Brawlin' Onwells weren't invited), we played a round of pool play, with the top two teams playing for the championship and the other two teams playing for third.Our team played really well in pool play. We drew Inter and the MFC 2-2 and 0-0, respectively, and we beat the Korean team, FCA, 1-0. That was good enough to get us into the championship game against FCA (Football Club Arirang).After three games, nobody's legs were moving too quick. We were given a respite when Eli showed up half w...
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I love this bar
2008-05-25 00:10:00
A few months ago I was scolded by Rose for following a post about my Mom up with a post about two monkeys having sex (BTW, that Youtube video has over 2,100,000 views now).In that same vein, I will follow my last post up with a post about Godfathers.Does this picture not describe an average night at Godfather's? I'm looking forward to taking my 10 year old brother, Kevin, there for some chicken fingers and poki (the family gets here next Friday!).:)Just kidding, Mom.Oh yeah, thanks for the shot, Scott.Of the girls in this photo, one is getting married, one is dating a lawyer, and a third is single. Any guesses as to whom is who? But the real question should be, can they play Co-ed soccer?
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Thank you, William
2008-05-24 23:42:00
The dust is settling now that William 's visit to Saipan is over.In four short days we dragged him to over 20 formal and informal meetings to meet with over 300 people, not to mention going on the Harry Blalock Island Issues radio show and the John Gonzales MP 96950 TV talk show. He was also featured in print and on the local evening news.While he was here he completely dispelled the rumor that Native Hawai'ians were against the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. When one of leaders mentioned the source of the rumor, William vowed to have a talk with that person when he got back to Hawai'i.He also told our local leaders to demand a seat at the table. The Legislature, the Office of Carolinian Affairs, Taotao Tano, and even the Manamko', should demand an equal role in the creation of a Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. In Hawai'i they demanded a seat and they got one. Native Hawai'ians now play a role in the day to day management of Papahanaumokuakea.There wa...

Fundraiser Tonight
2008-05-24 06:34:00
From Tony's Mom:Please help me raise a few dollars to send TonTon to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He has worked so hard for this and really wants to use it as a way to get into a great music college in the future. He'll be part of a contingent of students from Saipan Southern High who were chosen to march in the opening ceremony with many other musicians worldwide.I am so proud of the Manta Band from Southern and the kids who keep proving that they can do anything they dream. Please put $15 away and join us on May 24, 2008 at Porky's. You can call me at 287-6781 for tickets.
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Mariana Trench Marine National Monument
2008-05-24 02:40:00
NPR did a story today on an "Unprecedented Conservation Program." One of the areas under consideration for this proposed conservation program is the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument .The story corrobarates what we've been saying since day one, that the President is looking for Monuments that are non-controversial:Conservationists say that CEQ officials last year invited a small number of ocean advocates to an unusual, closed-door meeting to discuss the idea. The White House asked them to help identify potential reserves in waters within the United States' "exclusive economic zone," which extends 200 nautical miles out from the mainland and U.S.-owned islands around the world.The idea, says Sobel, was to highlight areas where President Bush could create "marine monuments" under the Antiquities Act of 1906. This law gives the president broad powers to protect areas of "historic or scientific interest" without congressional approval.Administration officials said they wanted thi...

Nautilus Explorer: Pirates of the Internet*
2008-05-24 02:23:00
Play this Youtube video and pay special attention to the music:Hmmm...where have I heard that music before?From the first and second Beautify CNMI PSAs!The name of the company is Nautilus Explorer . Pirates *!*Actually, I don't know where the music for the Beautify CNMI PSAs came from. As far as I know, we pirated the music from someone else. Arghhhhhhhh!
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Info from the Chamber
2008-05-22 03:43:00
The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the public forum tonight. This is from them:In an effort to further public understanding of, and facilitate discussion concerning, the Pew Environmental Group’s proposal for a “National Park of the Sea” in the area surrounding the three northernmost Northern Islands, Chamber Vice President Harry Blalock will be moderating a forum in the auditorium at the American Memorial Park museum this Thursday (May 22) evening at 6:00 p.m. This session will allow for a presentation by two individuals – Jay Nelson, Director of the Ocean Legacy Project of the Pew Environmental Group and William Aila, who participated in the creation and management of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument – and then for a question-and-answer period. I attach below brief CV’s, provided by Pew, of Messrs. Nelson and Aila. If you haven’t had an opportunity to engage in primary-source research regarding this proposal, this is your chance.Jay N...
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A Fish Story
2008-05-22 00:59:00
Yesterday afternoon we stopped at Assins fish market so that William could see what kind of fish they were selling.Inside the fish market was a poster on the wall showing how large certain fish species had to be before they reached sexual maturity. Jay noticed that there was a quote by William Aila at the bottom.The quote read:"If you claim to be a fisherman, be a proud fisherman, know the resource, take only what you need, get involved in management, and pass on this knowledge."William signed and dated the poster for the shopkeepers.******We've been meeting with as people as possible in the short time that William is here. Our first meeting was with the Rotary Club at their weekly fellowship.Then last night we went on the John Gonzales MP 96950 talk show. We can't tell how many people tuned in to watch, but the cable channel has about 12,000 subscribers, so we can assume the number was large.We've also met with the Saipan Fish ermen Association, the Marianas Visitors Authority...
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William Aila is a cool guy
2008-05-20 01:38:00
Cinta, Gus, some of the boys, Jay and I picked up William Aila at the airport last night. Cinta presented him with a mwaar when he stepped out of Customs.We took him straight to his hotel where we had a reporter waiting for him. I sat in and listened.Wow.If you are reading this, I hope you can make it to one of our public meetings.
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New Marianas Variety Website
2008-05-19 10:10:00
Wow.The Marianas Variety has a new website. After you register on the new website, you can leave a comment on any and all news articles, letters to the editor, and editorials.This is going to be nuts. The Variety is going to become the most popular website in the CNMI overnight.I've already signed up and left my first comment. I'm looking forward to some fun discussions.
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Public Outreach Week
2008-05-19 01:05:00
William Aila will be on island tonight. A lot of people have asked for more information about the monument in Hawaii and we invited him here to provide just that.We have lined up meetings with the saipan fishermen association and some tourism leaders, among others.The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a public forum with William on Thursday night at 6 PM at American Memorial Park. The public is invited.We will also be on the John Gonzales MP 96950 talk show this Wednesday at 7 PM and the Harry Blalock Island Issues talk show Thursday at 7 AM.
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Good Luck, Bev
2008-05-18 05:05:00
Bev left Saipan today. It makes me sad when people leave. It seems like only yesterday that I caught her stealing my photos and reposting them on her blog. I'll miss you, Bubbles.Good luck.
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Barack N Roll
2008-05-16 12:53:00
Anybody interested in putting together a fundraiser for Barack Obama? He should wrap up the nomination in June. Are there any liberal bar owners out there willing to host? Rick?******Taotao Tano has announced that they will endorse a candidate in the non voting delegate election in November. The Saipan Blog may or may not endorse a candidate, but I am going to create a questionnaire for the candidates. It will be environmentally leaning, with a dash of civic duty thrown in.
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Killer on the loose
2008-05-15 02:06:00
On Sunday, May 4, 2008 Grande Nonan was killed in a hit and run accident. The police say it was a drunk driver, driving along Sadog Tasi. The vehicle was apparently a brown or beige Sport Utility Vehicle.If you know of a gray or champagne color SUV (for example: Pathfinder, 4 runner, Exterra, Expedition, Explorer, Montero, Rav4, etc.) with damage to the front portion of the vehicle, especially if those damages occurred on Sunday, May 4th, please contact the police and or Crimestoppers at 234-7272 (PARA). A reward up to $1,000 will be paid to the informant. Crimestoppers is anonymous.I apologize for the inconsistencies in the colors of the SUV, I'm just copying what I read on the Taotao Tasi blog.
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Online Monument Poll
2008-05-14 01:38:00
There is an online poll at the bottom of the Saipan Tribune website today asking "Do you support the proposal to create a Marine Monument in the northern islands?"Please vote "YES"Thank you.
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