tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56032309777663497012024-03-05T23:21:35.968+10:00The Saipan SCUBA Diving BlogWith a heavy emphasis on video to help tell the story this is simply one man's perspective on SCUBA diving and living life on the island of Saipan with a little Tinian and Rota in there too.scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-87852596208140680612009-04-24T09:09:00.001+10:002009-04-24T09:27:56.548+10:00To Blog or Not To BlogThat has been one of the many thoughts running through my head on a regular basis. It's been a long break for this blog writer (at least when it comes to writing this blog). That's not to say there's nothing to write about. Quite the contrary. In fact life has been so jammed packed with stuff since I returned to Saipan from LA and my open-heart surgery ordeal that something ultimately had to give. I decided it would to be the blog since time taken to write about everything was taking precious moments away from the most important things in my life – my kids!<br /><br />I remember a few months ago, when asked by someone about not writing on my blog. I responded with “I’m too busy just living my life and don’t really have the time (or desire) to spend additional hours telling everyone else about it!” Each day there is a “Blog Moment”. “That’s a blog post, where’s my camera, my note pad, my computer” I think most bloggers go through this, especially those who take it seriously and know the importance of posting on a regular basis. It’s like an addiction. I decided I needed to go cold turkey and take a break.<br /><br />I also know that writing in general can be quite therapeutic and that during my surgical recovery this blog proved to be a very effective way of communicating with friends and family as well as tell a pretty cool story. It’s cool now only because I lived through it and have been given a clean bill of health with a renewed perspective on life and the importance of living everyday knowing it could be your last. <br /><br />I also have come to realize the power of this blog. To reach out, to educate, and to network with people looking for the things that I do. This blog, directly and indirectly, has lead to many opportunities, many that may not have come knocking if it were not for the time spent contributing to it.<br /><br />As with everything else in life, I think it comes down to balance. Too much of a good thing is usually not so good in the long run. Then again not doing something at all seems not only a waste but also rarely does doing so lead to good things. So, with that said, I have decided this blog will be back. It is unlikely that I will post in depth thoughts and stories everyday but rather I will mix in some very short takes and photos / video from around the islands to keep people interested in coming back and reading more. There will be some changes to the layout in the coming weeks and I hope anyone who is still following will be patient. (If you’re still following then you’ve certainly demonstrated this or you’re related to me!)<br /><br />As today is Earth day I thought I’d start with the “much awaited” short clip of a Humpback Whale as captured less than a mile off the reef in front of the Palms Resort, Saipan.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2mHn5vYXaSs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2mHn5vYXaSs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Hope to see you back again tomorrow, the official start of the 28th Annual Flame Tree Festival!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-62771441352581931802009-04-22T06:40:00.005+10:002009-04-22T08:31:29.052+10:00NBC Nightly News & The Marianas Trench Marine MonumentToday is Earth Day and with any luck (no other major breaking news stories) NBC Nightly News will be airing their story on the Mariana Trench Marine Monument tonight. Check your local listings but, it should be in prime time. I'm not sure how much if any of the footage I shot for them will be used but regardless of my own personal hopes it's a pretty exciting thing for the CNMI.<br /><br />Here's my letter to the editor which appeared in today's papers.<br /><br /><blockquote>Promises Kept.<br /><br />This week, most likely on Earth Day, barring any major breaking news stories taking over the air waves, NBC Nightly News will broadcast, in prime time, a national story about the Marianas Trench Marine Monument. Likely the story will be less rah-rah environment and more, how did we get here, what now and what are the challenges ahead? Regardless, the story illustrates an important promise kept.<br /><br />While much work remains to be done to realize all the benefits touted and to effectively harness the full potential of the declaration, everyone who has had a hand in making the monument a reality should hold their heads high this coming Earth Day. Be proud; together we have taken a most difficult yet monumental first step on the way to preserving one of the most special and least understood places on our planet. To that end our children will thank us, for perhaps the most important of promises has been kept, the promise to do what we can now to save our oceans and the very existence of hundreds, if not thousands, of species, potentially even our own. By doing so we have also brought a tide of change to the shores of the CNMI.<br /><br />In addition to this week’s NBC story, late last week Angelo Villagomez and Ike Cabrera traveled to San Francisco where, on behalf of the Friends of the Monument, they accepted the 2009 EPA award acknowledging commitment and significant contributions to the environment. Although getting a monument declared is not necessary to receive this award, as demonstrated by Beautify CNMI winning it in 2008, the fact remains, by receiving this honor twice in successive years we now have something very important in our corner - momentum. Even the critics must recognize that this round of press alone delivers not only on the promise to bring positive world-wide attention to the CNMI but it can also be the catalyst we need to re-brand the CNMI. That is, if we don’t screw it up.<br /><br />During NBC’s visit a few weeks ago, I remember hearing someone saying this will be the first time since the 1990’s one of the big 3 networks has come to the CNMI to do a national TV news story. Back then ABC did their expose on our booming, less than glamorous garment industry and the accompanying issues with human trafficking and prolific prostitution. Of course, a story like that followed by years of corruption (aka Tom Delay and Jack Abramoff) can make for a difficult image to shake long after the factories are gone and the federal government assumes control of local immigration.<br /><br />Now I know an image can’t be changed overnight nor will it be changed by one 3-minute spot on the national news. However, if we play our cards right, manage the monument with due diligence and ride this wave of media coverage over the coming weeks, months and years we can do it, one story at a time.<br /><br />Case in point. Following the day of diving with NBC, including 4 very different dive sites in the Grotto, Naftan Point, Ice Cream and Ship Wreck, I asked reporter Ian Williams how his day had compared to other dive days he’d experienced around the world. He enthusiastically and whole-heartedly responded with “as good as or better than any I’ve ever had”. As our conversation continued we discovered his points of reference include some very high profile places in Asia including many in Indonesia, a country generally well known for some pretty decent diving. This without even setting foot anywhere near the actual area designated as a monument. Think of the possibilities for education and tourism when yet another of the promises is met. That of a world-class visitors center on Saipan complete with a walk through replica of the Trench and live video feeds from the many research expeditions and their crews of local students and scientists. The job has really just begun; let’s work together to keep the promises and reap the benefits for the sake of our children.<br /></blockquote><br />For a little more on NBC's visit to Saipan you can visit Angelo's blog <a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2009/04/one-week-with-nbc.html">here</a>, as well as the Friends of the Monument <a href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com/2009/03/welcome-to-nbc-team.html">(FOM) blog here</a>. <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=88982">The Tribune also did a story</a>. I will also be posting some photos and video once I see the story. Thanks to the internet we here in the CNMI should be able to watch it almost live. If we have to wait until next week to see it on the tape delay I'l be a pretty disapointed!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-71767725959347684762009-02-19T21:36:00.003+10:002009-02-19T21:50:19.910+10:00Diving With Saipan's Humpback WhalesObviously there is more to come. Be patient, I'll be back writing again soon. I know I've been off the blog for a while but that doesn't mean there hasn't been plenty to write about. My little friend here is just one of the many stories I'll tell soon enough.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JB2XEv6dtUwY2PKS2RH3vEkFsKBk_9S_i9DfG8jIARvjYP6CcueEHKg6luaZiSweIbeS3HmIxXIBJH8lDAoZq5jLkcNd5NOBJWlUrORqh3NnlZQDl4WJMYJ_NhG8SfGAV4SEcnRefOHM/s1600-h/Humpback+Whale+Saipan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JB2XEv6dtUwY2PKS2RH3vEkFsKBk_9S_i9DfG8jIARvjYP6CcueEHKg6luaZiSweIbeS3HmIxXIBJH8lDAoZq5jLkcNd5NOBJWlUrORqh3NnlZQDl4WJMYJ_NhG8SfGAV4SEcnRefOHM/s400/Humpback+Whale+Saipan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304471839158699410" border="0" /></a>I managed to get a short video clip of this Humpback Whale just outside the reef near the Palms Resort (Hotel Niko) on the northwest side of Saipan while enjoying a calm day on the Aqua Jet boat. Unfortunately, I didn't get a shot of the mother and her calf!!!!!!!!!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-39894982777885669262008-11-26T16:56:00.006+10:002008-11-26T17:21:26.809+10:00Big Sale at Saipan's Holiday Bazaar 2008The 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> Annual Artists’ Holiday Sale will be held this weekend Nov. 29, from 10am to 7pm, and on Nov. 30, from 10am to 5pm, at the Multi-Purpose Center in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Susupe</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saipan</span>.<br /><br />To kick off this holiday shopping season I'll be there with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DVD's</span> in hand, a TV and DVD player for anyone who wants to take a trial run before they purchase. And for this weekend only you will be able to purchase the Underwater World of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Saipan</span> DVD on sale for $20 each or 2 for $30.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMp3idFCeSXDKzMY-QYKegnau1AcqtwV8xv79wZCE_MsxQuI2ODA9rUj1TJIQnJkn23zxKLyz9QrU5aXvsYRdn1zwO92FH1x5RlAC-RHWwj093-WXwWwpzbR9EbHOe98grx3E9HFlghIs/s1600-h/Postcard-FRONT.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMp3idFCeSXDKzMY-QYKegnau1AcqtwV8xv79wZCE_MsxQuI2ODA9rUj1TJIQnJkn23zxKLyz9QrU5aXvsYRdn1zwO92FH1x5RlAC-RHWwj093-WXwWwpzbR9EbHOe98grx3E9HFlghIs/s400/Postcard-FRONT.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272857240359028898" border="0" /></a>I'll be at booth 22 just as you come in the door so you won't be able to miss me. Come on down and check out all the great gift options from the other artists and vendors as well. It's a good time and there are plenty of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">quality</span> gifts you will not find anywhere else but on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Saipan</span>.scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-42391419324300402942008-11-13T22:18:00.007+10:002008-11-13T23:04:02.452+10:00Saipanda or No SaipandaThere’s a little <a href="http://mustbethehumidity.blogspot.com/2008/11/kick-saipanda-to-curb.html">discussion about Saipan’s unofficial mascot going on over at Lil Hammerhead’s blog</a>. It stems from the <a href="http://www.mvarietynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12587:mva-urged-to-disclose-saipanda-royalties&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=2">latest Variety article</a> in which Congressman Reyes is calling for MVA to release the royalty numbers from sales of Saipanda merchandise as well as the elimination of this mythical creature altogether. Saipanda is part panda, part rhinoceros and was introduced in 1999 as <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=889">the brainchild of a Tokyo advertising company contracted by MVA.</a> It is said to symbolize the male Japanese traveler who is a repeat visitor and is crazy about Saipan.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPhh-KDFhCyNa0f_Qn0LJTMgXYU6vmeYGRSUBgZQEOTG21LfwJ-dRgSbPNvArbkutJLh4-pCjj0AQPaOCw9DATOQ1KP21950PfR3zADVzb4eZ94bxjuVOA8QglcbjgXhsra6f5369IPwY/s1600-h/248728844_83eaf5b277.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPhh-KDFhCyNa0f_Qn0LJTMgXYU6vmeYGRSUBgZQEOTG21LfwJ-dRgSbPNvArbkutJLh4-pCjj0AQPaOCw9DATOQ1KP21950PfR3zADVzb4eZ94bxjuVOA8QglcbjgXhsra6f5369IPwY/s320/248728844_83eaf5b277.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268121818725576978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Saipanda at DFS store)<br /><br /></span></div>As you might imagine many people take issue with this being the CNMI’s calling card. They point to the fact that tourists might mistakenly think they are going to see panda bears when they visit the islands and that the creature has no significance to the local culture, flora or fauna. The congressman’s latest attempt to nix the creature is not the first by concerned lawmakers. Senators Pangelinan and Crisostimo <a href="http://www.mvariety.com/calendar/january/19/localpage/lnews31.htm">raised the same concerns last year in this article from the variety.</a><br /><br />Over the past eight years Saipanda has appeared in all shapes and sizes including a larger than life mascot that shows up for photo ops and big events such as inaugural flights and international trade shows. It is featured during the “Happy Children in Paradise” program every summer where travelers are met at the airport by the large cuddly creature and children receive Saipanda merchandise including backpacks and water bottles. The large DFS store in Garapan has a huge, towering replica situated in the middle of the souvenir section of the mall and thousands if not millions of people have had their picture taken standing next to it. Not to mention the many purchases of everything from T-shirts to key chains and chocolates bearing its likeness.<br /><br />MVA also receives revenue from the sale of these tourist items and presumably uses that money to better promote the islands travel industry. How effective has it been? That’s a tough question and probably one that has not been thoroughly answered. In 2007 the variety reported: <blockquote>“Only 32.2 percent of 1000 Japanese travelers surveyed were aware of the existence of the Saipanda campaign promoting the CNMI in Japan”.</blockquote> I’m not sure I would suggest that 1/3 of the population being aware of Saipanda should be considered as “only” since that seems to be a pretty good market share to me. Could there be a better mascot, perhaps or even likely yes but at the moment this is what we have.<br /><br />Anyway, the real question becomes a matter of importance and priority. With all the things MVA does or does not do and their pretty hefty budget of taxpayers dollars is this really the most pressing of issues. I mean if Saipanda actually makes money for the local economy and increases awareness of our destination in our primary market shouldn’t we turn our efforts to areas that really need to be addressed?<br /><br />The development of a new mascot and branding the destination will take a lot of money and it is a crapshoot at best. While not trivial, development of a recognizable brand should take a back seat to that of efforts focused on ensuring everyone who visits our islands leaves with a memorable, positive experience and images of warm, friendly hospitality. If, for the moment, a souvenir bearing our mythical creature can conjure up a desire in Japanese families to return to our island paradise than so be it.<br /><br />So, the parting question for today is, if you could be the head of MVA for a day, a month, a year, what would your priority be to improve tourism for Saipan, Tinian and Rota?<br /><br />Trivia Question: <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=84052&cat=1">Did you know that in 2001 MVA paid 7,000 for a new costume for Saipanda</a>!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-36875560160804826302008-11-11T13:58:00.011+10:002008-11-11T15:13:12.820+10:00Saipan Rotary’s District Governor's Charity Golf Tournament 2008I awoke on Sunday to dark skies and rain. By the time the sun rose the clouds were parting and members of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Saipan</span> Rotary club were busy setting up for this years District Governor’s Golf Tourney. It was last year at about this time that I participated in my first Rotary event. How time flies. A year ago I played along side golfing phenom Harry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Blalock</span> at Coral Ocean Point and recall doing fairly well both on the course and at the awards banquet. This year with my recent surgery I decided it best to leave the clubs at home and become the official photographer! With the hot sun overhead this turned out to be a good call since many of us “officials” were able to seek shade while the golfers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sweated</span> it out under the hot tropical sun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6l88M1GSj7KrO1xs_l59-6DrU6rRIbEBsNUfcaS4j_-AD_BUkY2n3FN66ubMw9CV3YeHz67gSqPg9bo5e2oELN-rm5gVYPKQ6bxuu9BzkGc0syHjyu1_SgcgZuS8HGfPDREgLwOfVvLS/s1600-h/DSC_0125.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6l88M1GSj7KrO1xs_l59-6DrU6rRIbEBsNUfcaS4j_-AD_BUkY2n3FN66ubMw9CV3YeHz67gSqPg9bo5e2oELN-rm5gVYPKQ6bxuu9BzkGc0syHjyu1_SgcgZuS8HGfPDREgLwOfVvLS/s320/DSC_0125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267245071579505970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_glEOKBxpGmiR6fpBw3JvemiQcWFwwmqI7TbC0oXuM4nMO9SIb5cYEVskrGYXM65RzVxbF3G4WcjCVkn2vnuaPoiPFs3w7BcN_HgcuPOLv5NDN8IZVdY0SfZzLOEFKoO-Z35yqFAXdtG/s1600-h/DSC_0127.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_glEOKBxpGmiR6fpBw3JvemiQcWFwwmqI7TbC0oXuM4nMO9SIb5cYEVskrGYXM65RzVxbF3G4WcjCVkn2vnuaPoiPFs3w7BcN_HgcuPOLv5NDN8IZVdY0SfZzLOEFKoO-Z35yqFAXdtG/s320/DSC_0127.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267245071990156498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtFhv4wweFs2L7kb9a1DiXFY6lP-cYulpBf_n_OuVUWzLjadj4RrInWf10DHDTJgbAD5dapXaL-labYZMt1c4qYp-CdFTV-miEkz3FNUYH_nfzifLXyesMLMonBytH-3h3wggEHzLv5tX/s1600-h/DSC_0138.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtFhv4wweFs2L7kb9a1DiXFY6lP-cYulpBf_n_OuVUWzLjadj4RrInWf10DHDTJgbAD5dapXaL-labYZMt1c4qYp-CdFTV-miEkz3FNUYH_nfzifLXyesMLMonBytH-3h3wggEHzLv5tX/s320/DSC_0138.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267245075383379138" border="0" /></a>Once a year the Rotary District Governor makes his way from Japan to the islands of Micronesia stopping on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Saipan</span> for dedication ceremonies and of course the golf tournament. The charity event helps raise awareness and funds for the Rotary Club whose motto is Service above Self". This year the governor was on hand to officially open the Skateboard Park in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Garapan</span> giving youth a safe place to skate rather than see them utilizing busy roadways and sidewalks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Faqg-TlVgI54LNU6CEK1qNG-5Oer1bWoV8PadkqLDjpJYWKhmPqThuY6HYyBKaJSf5SlTu7B1ycqRk1vAZ9m499v6k5Gx3K7OvPqRfdMyuVBTOh-y74zTW9DWQDsHm18hp6LRpq52JZU/s1600-h/DSC_0144.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Faqg-TlVgI54LNU6CEK1qNG-5Oer1bWoV8PadkqLDjpJYWKhmPqThuY6HYyBKaJSf5SlTu7B1ycqRk1vAZ9m499v6k5Gx3K7OvPqRfdMyuVBTOh-y74zTW9DWQDsHm18hp6LRpq52JZU/s320/DSC_0144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267245087184672914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlZ1l0nK1VWJEs1e-ZrXF_w5TIIq5CszOXOi8dnr5aPmJ7Iz5lvjxxxhsCWt_HQ1c_rXZWoGAAM2XrNngQdTDFn9doEmH24mPQlr2ExbEAcPUFs-8MeXPNbsobe5_mkuE4byji1Wwqt6X/s1600-h/DSC_0160.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlZ1l0nK1VWJEs1e-ZrXF_w5TIIq5CszOXOi8dnr5aPmJ7Iz5lvjxxxhsCWt_HQ1c_rXZWoGAAM2XrNngQdTDFn9doEmH24mPQlr2ExbEAcPUFs-8MeXPNbsobe5_mkuE4byji1Wwqt6X/s320/DSC_0160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267248753288910882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgXFlTVSE_NnQMCEzsD51nsUtfqGKMt_kJu0IJtCombtuIu9wuy8A1kmARPUlP-9bZRQlzBrP1ds8AHzdpPJjrq6k6E1FAzhtUdLp0wkSk7aKy2AF3eStJkj95YSQUPMOrWGybNDE4l2K/s1600-h/DSC_0165.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgXFlTVSE_NnQMCEzsD51nsUtfqGKMt_kJu0IJtCombtuIu9wuy8A1kmARPUlP-9bZRQlzBrP1ds8AHzdpPJjrq6k6E1FAzhtUdLp0wkSk7aKy2AF3eStJkj95YSQUPMOrWGybNDE4l2K/s320/DSC_0165.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267248759037786194" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-GhleiuPy7G4nX0geYFRhrQymdlMITIDXOP9ePLoolCsK6mLrsORtQ6E8vFPbq5MAgrN474FSmpLrK8lHpj60BQYZHu8chy0butHtwAItYhDdHq_i5iKmTvvUGrmAUfmQwOW4Y3hE2uM/s1600-h/DSC_0155.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-GhleiuPy7G4nX0geYFRhrQymdlMITIDXOP9ePLoolCsK6mLrsORtQ6E8vFPbq5MAgrN474FSmpLrK8lHpj60BQYZHu8chy0butHtwAItYhDdHq_i5iKmTvvUGrmAUfmQwOW4Y3hE2uM/s320/DSC_0155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267245085315503810" border="0" /></a>Twenty-nine golfers took part in the double Peoria style event on the West course of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lau</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lau</span> Bay. This format is really all about luck and is designed to give all participants a chance to win regardless of skill level. With the help of the District Governor, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Saipan</span> Rotary President Ben <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Babauta</span> kicked off the event at precisely 7AM shot gun style. With this type of start each group begins play at different holes technically making it more likely they will all finish at about the same time – LUNCH TIME.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDC547MniXwfooqch09hSqsLb2RPmJfYess9s1EAc-FOVYcT1qErTMmY5X2TyNtawWwCbmzPnJQ074C5SkjoFBeZk33UH0IczOfK4rSwzyMZJiBlGoKBCHP-yx6v4kh1Ng2pB3TmnuBRt/s1600-h/DSC_0325.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDC547MniXwfooqch09hSqsLb2RPmJfYess9s1EAc-FOVYcT1qErTMmY5X2TyNtawWwCbmzPnJQ074C5SkjoFBeZk33UH0IczOfK4rSwzyMZJiBlGoKBCHP-yx6v4kh1Ng2pB3TmnuBRt/s320/DSC_0325.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255004569642562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-Egc60Bv7Qvz1hVUfYjbt3hLZgSplGV1jFkTT4bhj1JDOquv4dFdgk9LV0LBvLuA7DR8TPoLCRxHMc3q1q_s5RIzaELxztb1YgAwV_rVDuOQ3Ujvx2-g1nbfLSQR1198lY_jesyVAVTb/s1600-h/DSC_0236.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-Egc60Bv7Qvz1hVUfYjbt3hLZgSplGV1jFkTT4bhj1JDOquv4dFdgk9LV0LBvLuA7DR8TPoLCRxHMc3q1q_s5RIzaELxztb1YgAwV_rVDuOQ3Ujvx2-g1nbfLSQR1198lY_jesyVAVTb/s320/DSC_0236.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252324898272082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0I9MDnw4x1PgsiN5GHacKrZuy3LnctDhLs62MOoGigVTcfYIOObz7q37wvCI8OPVtmVyL4C6AK9WJ_AN7j5vzOzX_fCnGVA8viE02W1nqIVm-TwRILiMkH_4sVwGkwdcm0SZnhq2br4z/s1600-h/DSC_0455.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0I9MDnw4x1PgsiN5GHacKrZuy3LnctDhLs62MOoGigVTcfYIOObz7q37wvCI8OPVtmVyL4C6AK9WJ_AN7j5vzOzX_fCnGVA8viE02W1nqIVm-TwRILiMkH_4sVwGkwdcm0SZnhq2br4z/s320/DSC_0455.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255477336061090" border="0" /></a>Hole # 7 was designated the closest to the pin and since there were many volunteers hard at work at this one that is where I ended up getting most of my shots of all the participants. It’s a pretty par 3 with water at the side of the tee box and an uphill climb to a green that is surrounded by bunkers. By the end of the morning only 4 or 5 of the 29 actually hit the green giving them a shot at one of the only prizes requiring any skill.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprjE9kiOklc-gn9GLnykMzYEi3BQSfT7ov65kmqJOi1bcpUdUEjIbqO5cRHOmo4HnTjVM0PaJ3Mvmq6xh8dodSDsTI25yS0a7X4b-KhUfPMi8_yeVlQP-Y5TuljngAoeFrbJJ0kCTfz4o/s1600-h/DSC_0234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprjE9kiOklc-gn9GLnykMzYEi3BQSfT7ov65kmqJOi1bcpUdUEjIbqO5cRHOmo4HnTjVM0PaJ3Mvmq6xh8dodSDsTI25yS0a7X4b-KhUfPMi8_yeVlQP-Y5TuljngAoeFrbJJ0kCTfz4o/s320/DSC_0234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252320303656386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY0i1SgjdF72CXs3dLBd38H0MfZ05q-ZC20i2fjNNHf_pWyClZ1NlIdELIJ4EVaAxJ86DrtF82qRJ8EN9I_uB8Po8eJkNSxofYIlAxEoA8NcmNysVG7RwH9NGOQvCbdu_9lrvW-UJogLI/s1600-h/DSC_0195.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY0i1SgjdF72CXs3dLBd38H0MfZ05q-ZC20i2fjNNHf_pWyClZ1NlIdELIJ4EVaAxJ86DrtF82qRJ8EN9I_uB8Po8eJkNSxofYIlAxEoA8NcmNysVG7RwH9NGOQvCbdu_9lrvW-UJogLI/s320/DSC_0195.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267248760065591618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPaZZuyRhDOwBifVA8Deh3OcH_LIuWMaYLIO4WjTpPNNJMgg_66EHrtJqubBGG129iTm-MfetMGSddVDbhAJHMI1rriQTiDx6-I3LRUYcfZWTAI6XGRnsAtXBZajz_NYviUuKvltRZ35S/s1600-h/DSC_0213.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPaZZuyRhDOwBifVA8Deh3OcH_LIuWMaYLIO4WjTpPNNJMgg_66EHrtJqubBGG129iTm-MfetMGSddVDbhAJHMI1rriQTiDx6-I3LRUYcfZWTAI6XGRnsAtXBZajz_NYviUuKvltRZ35S/s320/DSC_0213.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267248760310496290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LII3HsGEoIESzKacKBjdgs1nXmbJq8dx94yAnTUYjR8ycBeqAGSRyW7q1uTPeqE3PpQsROdChozlvTxevf5GJpVrH_bGYXsRWQYTenJjgVyAL8HUJA3oLuRTtmTotOn1yhT9vHCzXczU/s1600-h/DSC_0279.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LII3HsGEoIESzKacKBjdgs1nXmbJq8dx94yAnTUYjR8ycBeqAGSRyW7q1uTPeqE3PpQsROdChozlvTxevf5GJpVrH_bGYXsRWQYTenJjgVyAL8HUJA3oLuRTtmTotOn1yhT9vHCzXczU/s320/DSC_0279.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252878619449810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF_UKoyDAAwo80hgyeX32QepDZnq08gBv6w0tznilLPwKf373LrIG-lzEe9PT7wbnrM8wfkELerr9BOL4f9thcxCiVYA44n4XcIVFNIHEfQ1RuHk6c8UXsgz338IOKDDQiqWxRSLtS53J/s1600-h/DSC_0241.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF_UKoyDAAwo80hgyeX32QepDZnq08gBv6w0tznilLPwKf373LrIG-lzEe9PT7wbnrM8wfkELerr9BOL4f9thcxCiVYA44n4XcIVFNIHEfQ1RuHk6c8UXsgz338IOKDDQiqWxRSLtS53J/s320/DSC_0241.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252328408957218" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNBoH2dE55chz6THB9M2Sq-KaNCYqKqdiq0u4Yrwy20eNZuAG3f6xKRa96RPgUxwemlF569HJbQo6ezljqxhdTvy-rdwqF4s50OffdEHZ9ZE6k7GWnyG8ocMDOmAu3TI_ukCMbydw7VzR/s1600-h/DSC_0254.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNBoH2dE55chz6THB9M2Sq-KaNCYqKqdiq0u4Yrwy20eNZuAG3f6xKRa96RPgUxwemlF569HJbQo6ezljqxhdTvy-rdwqF4s50OffdEHZ9ZE6k7GWnyG8ocMDOmAu3TI_ukCMbydw7VzR/s320/DSC_0254.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252868682179570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfM1awHHHZE2DwtFBOckCWv-BUuBe-9SsKD4J0X4l-zXG1PnW789Hs4NqsPi0d_iQZwDc3KBOFS7FeAxnOiIBPNyqEP1urxg9SBOg7dPP3m0cZCJjaQmflE7Qq0W8NrVbheaUr581PanL1/s1600-h/DSC_0291.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfM1awHHHZE2DwtFBOckCWv-BUuBe-9SsKD4J0X4l-zXG1PnW789Hs4NqsPi0d_iQZwDc3KBOFS7FeAxnOiIBPNyqEP1urxg9SBOg7dPP3m0cZCJjaQmflE7Qq0W8NrVbheaUr581PanL1/s320/DSC_0291.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267253580623975906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuGFS4B1wHWtLNnPIqqJ57i-wNQ8rO8jEEmxEITr2pd3-4oedgFudz59MZi81dBuxPPjnHcqyh6MQal8tUkek2H60U98TkI9XuS43BjK3jnjda20zMR4lwwV_YNRqC5N-3UKhYhYCAJYQ/s1600-h/DSC_0309.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuGFS4B1wHWtLNnPIqqJ57i-wNQ8rO8jEEmxEITr2pd3-4oedgFudz59MZi81dBuxPPjnHcqyh6MQal8tUkek2H60U98TkI9XuS43BjK3jnjda20zMR4lwwV_YNRqC5N-3UKhYhYCAJYQ/s320/DSC_0309.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267253588046428402" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lau</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Lau</span> Bay Golf Resort has two full length courses. Our tournament was played on the West course which is the less spectacular of the two. The East course lines the cliffs of the Pacific and although it costs a little more to play it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">definitely</span> worth it. Our course for the day may not have had the views but with plenty of man made water hazards and bunkers it is no less <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">challenging</span> and always well maintained. On the West course the 18th hole tee box provides the most spectacular view of the bay.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4dTa4YjCl04e-cdga6nLawCsyUync3fPqCRGp31ARnfCW0rFI1paWpPK7r5Q1YD7Fi_zq9DS8fiEqz3IIOUSSnkKarkho0rf7FIGrPYefyeMpY6gSGP7-JqBxUBoQxy9x_0AU1hBktZY/s1600-h/DSC_0348.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4dTa4YjCl04e-cdga6nLawCsyUync3fPqCRGp31ARnfCW0rFI1paWpPK7r5Q1YD7Fi_zq9DS8fiEqz3IIOUSSnkKarkho0rf7FIGrPYefyeMpY6gSGP7-JqBxUBoQxy9x_0AU1hBktZY/s320/DSC_0348.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255021754011314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(The new club house being built)</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tjH6G_UxCiyCgf0GMw7Yepnn8zuVXpvzJHVV4z24GnOBOrcsFDTsPVKoRIOCfWp0Lfbdp0XyHJndOaAPrKXihlCxMgQneBV_x7zcqM0_ZI2kKiGMjbY1U2v_BroOr5nXzyrGbj-8Nnvf/s1600-h/DSC_0440.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tjH6G_UxCiyCgf0GMw7Yepnn8zuVXpvzJHVV4z24GnOBOrcsFDTsPVKoRIOCfWp0Lfbdp0XyHJndOaAPrKXihlCxMgQneBV_x7zcqM0_ZI2kKiGMjbY1U2v_BroOr5nXzyrGbj-8Nnvf/s320/DSC_0440.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255467669936482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQnfyF8XoBuaAkRFV5QoIJXdWERG55kvJewn_NCFO8aWT5mzgb04SavaKdvP-CKeFRF2grTCKf11L4IXKPFqsXRC7epPo6wx8dqeIViUm63Hr3pzabTMB8zWjA1Fld9inN3ks7pzW9Uj_/s1600-h/DSC_0336.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQnfyF8XoBuaAkRFV5QoIJXdWERG55kvJewn_NCFO8aWT5mzgb04SavaKdvP-CKeFRF2grTCKf11L4IXKPFqsXRC7epPo6wx8dqeIViUm63Hr3pzabTMB8zWjA1Fld9inN3ks7pzW9Uj_/s320/DSC_0336.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255014235077426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqBkqe0GCZIBOfYydk8k4M2GXAL8M2QtITSqyzqdkqfQpX2FuwI-zKp_4RZfedN_XxAoUDMl5oT6K6J3C8Jt1VhLOtWAz9GTSMyEgYsfLhi9akZcem4Sm3ijdkyp6GY1ce5rFNuOBmltU/s1600-h/DSC_0345.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqBkqe0GCZIBOfYydk8k4M2GXAL8M2QtITSqyzqdkqfQpX2FuwI-zKp_4RZfedN_XxAoUDMl5oT6K6J3C8Jt1VhLOtWAz9GTSMyEgYsfLhi9akZcem4Sm3ijdkyp6GY1ce5rFNuOBmltU/s320/DSC_0345.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255016881113138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaws6uvWpRRLK0Ghf-Kz3RY5HBdb70IwWSWs2Yrn1bBp7DAr5u_-NIyXiihjTGMTIHyHIf1Ay62gWyEAK8AbDcv6FLgqtPV7rPiJH3XCgAxcnrW_tCr9-DZN8L3vmoRXpoQbcjy8yABbkt/s1600-h/DSC_0327.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaws6uvWpRRLK0Ghf-Kz3RY5HBdb70IwWSWs2Yrn1bBp7DAr5u_-NIyXiihjTGMTIHyHIf1Ay62gWyEAK8AbDcv6FLgqtPV7rPiJH3XCgAxcnrW_tCr9-DZN8L3vmoRXpoQbcjy8yABbkt/s320/DSC_0327.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255008768578722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSNaGzwGjOpPN4S7dqU2x9T5WIo2_0nYF6BmziLl5kFy_F9INjOojpn0PJi7ef25xLZUxtkv1LHAahKNFRKlneCTdVducBKEgZlR5ysqXcDUiiJ1GkmfescvOLTb3joVOL5PUPAL2L2_4/s1600-h/DSC_0452.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSNaGzwGjOpPN4S7dqU2x9T5WIo2_0nYF6BmziLl5kFy_F9INjOojpn0PJi7ef25xLZUxtkv1LHAahKNFRKlneCTdVducBKEgZlR5ysqXcDUiiJ1GkmfescvOLTb3joVOL5PUPAL2L2_4/s320/DSC_0452.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255469985945074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg625iLgOze5H1zYIS8IWMHNYiCBHAxrdsXaaY_AeAy13yrHL3mDWvGJ_Ct6f7WyAKOnO67mvfWDrHqQJeX027DjHFfqCWeA572wXreqqNpzn9jkK2EoJBM-vZfIH-qY39Jr_iaGc7Xdzdc/s1600-h/DSC_0448.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg625iLgOze5H1zYIS8IWMHNYiCBHAxrdsXaaY_AeAy13yrHL3mDWvGJ_Ct6f7WyAKOnO67mvfWDrHqQJeX027DjHFfqCWeA572wXreqqNpzn9jkK2EoJBM-vZfIH-qY39Jr_iaGc7Xdzdc/s320/DSC_0448.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255468690952370" border="0" /></a>Here's a few action shots including the Governor sort of doing a fist pump as he goes to pull his ball from the hole. A couple of good outs from the trap on 7 and even a few putts disappearing into the cup.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SAd5_9VqvBPRUxDA4CWpA-n2cWbZ458ZMzDv_f93hDdSfpI5QQcXvpGEDJXvdKWTY388v17dmeU8i_pJ20ISjQnWf_2AcdyxCna67ibeYonLp0a-xrIF8ErHavq9fZWEjL8Shy5ofu6K/s1600-h/DSC_0230.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SAd5_9VqvBPRUxDA4CWpA-n2cWbZ458ZMzDv_f93hDdSfpI5QQcXvpGEDJXvdKWTY388v17dmeU8i_pJ20ISjQnWf_2AcdyxCna67ibeYonLp0a-xrIF8ErHavq9fZWEjL8Shy5ofu6K/s320/DSC_0230.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252313116070146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglapCeCNnpMi1N-LTayY4vPCHmwk4-vuAKbpre6qfk8jXHlG7BNRile_MdhAwmlDOgeWbJn_Vjr8jRRxcZZ4LoHuk31mhOOMEBNB-504LFB7h656V1THLNNXmuSLlEE7n1vmqQML2A-gUH/s1600-h/DSC_0232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglapCeCNnpMi1N-LTayY4vPCHmwk4-vuAKbpre6qfk8jXHlG7BNRile_MdhAwmlDOgeWbJn_Vjr8jRRxcZZ4LoHuk31mhOOMEBNB-504LFB7h656V1THLNNXmuSLlEE7n1vmqQML2A-gUH/s320/DSC_0232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252319236257410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTT94Azq5eK-TxR6c0rXpJUaFTBEQZyUrqO0rdvIgtat0miYoNQmk8aQKr456OkidqYyrQZtir2iCRYrwArsTjaW1355ZmW2yqfbAfFcLKnBdOnP0ETco55gE8iiMhphLIrOHsZpFZt2L/s1600-h/DSC_0304.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTT94Azq5eK-TxR6c0rXpJUaFTBEQZyUrqO0rdvIgtat0miYoNQmk8aQKr456OkidqYyrQZtir2iCRYrwArsTjaW1355ZmW2yqfbAfFcLKnBdOnP0ETco55gE8iiMhphLIrOHsZpFZt2L/s320/DSC_0304.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267253583605283154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpK69VT5m0F57-vgOJp6WeHXTnMpiHJBwT5p-rO5GfYGJWDVCZHCGrqPJEmTTzIkUbQVMwnogt9d-wEqXM00eX0Q8c4V4-8MrkDD1Qxky99LcGfN00-IkvNbQZb-nrAe9PPeQXPNuCLsH/s1600-h/DSC_0303.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpK69VT5m0F57-vgOJp6WeHXTnMpiHJBwT5p-rO5GfYGJWDVCZHCGrqPJEmTTzIkUbQVMwnogt9d-wEqXM00eX0Q8c4V4-8MrkDD1Qxky99LcGfN00-IkvNbQZb-nrAe9PPeQXPNuCLsH/s320/DSC_0303.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267253579664601922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6K9LUYYEBKciNqKF67F-LD1b60NB6-Q6QSGjezO49KJ0lzM3LVy3dX7tYoNkblx1189uwenpfb262VFpfgbVhI2gIyKLNHHcymAeodKrgAHWbH5KfwegNjeRaq90q5ubnWwOOokuTrxM/s1600-h/DSC_0362.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6K9LUYYEBKciNqKF67F-LD1b60NB6-Q6QSGjezO49KJ0lzM3LVy3dX7tYoNkblx1189uwenpfb262VFpfgbVhI2gIyKLNHHcymAeodKrgAHWbH5KfwegNjeRaq90q5ubnWwOOokuTrxM/s320/DSC_0362.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255467758228066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafDppQ9lEwc-EBY6lLUWFcpoAQ3zINDQ6VwDLrSG6z4JRY6IngtuZ8oUp9hGxu8jCKPLTmb2rx134coHirP44XOIpXH2xNALtIShdd58kNbQzB1vW3v1D1MeFaCsXMvNMPqpF0i_otoH4/s1600-h/DSC_0249.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafDppQ9lEwc-EBY6lLUWFcpoAQ3zINDQ6VwDLrSG6z4JRY6IngtuZ8oUp9hGxu8jCKPLTmb2rx134coHirP44XOIpXH2xNALtIShdd58kNbQzB1vW3v1D1MeFaCsXMvNMPqpF0i_otoH4/s320/DSC_0249.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252872582435634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcx7o8_L_gkNIvxGVfBqwiELo87IAOT5_MlqWzG6_MiU-7Emvq1sylkEPXLdoCmd8MaN_bIJWN3bv1f1lX8V4k15J0iyQt8DXHVv-Oci5PK9lv4FiJcDQ3uNF-Czk23wVjF-fIfN9Z0Q3c/s1600-h/DSC_0277.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcx7o8_L_gkNIvxGVfBqwiELo87IAOT5_MlqWzG6_MiU-7Emvq1sylkEPXLdoCmd8MaN_bIJWN3bv1f1lX8V4k15J0iyQt8DXHVv-Oci5PK9lv4FiJcDQ3uNF-Czk23wVjF-fIfN9Z0Q3c/s320/DSC_0277.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267252875450966018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSi2cb9PoAuMlWEYNDCYb2yPyhnpUWZgANj9TXO59FF8_rWmiuwC_hs2vklUGocjK3YFYkIFda1W5dXpEWqXMPV_G1TveJNr_RMcnOlZYa9MeWvJKiIqp27WOKeYUBv28e7lmPa3KijcB/s1600-h/DSC_0320.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSi2cb9PoAuMlWEYNDCYb2yPyhnpUWZgANj9TXO59FF8_rWmiuwC_hs2vklUGocjK3YFYkIFda1W5dXpEWqXMPV_G1TveJNr_RMcnOlZYa9MeWvJKiIqp27WOKeYUBv28e7lmPa3KijcB/s320/DSC_0320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267253591026114578" border="0" /></a>When it was all said and done I’d say it’s safe to say a good time was had by all although some seemed to win an exceedingly high percentage of the raffle prizes! The overall winner on the course was Vince <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Attao</span> who pocketed the $500 first place prize while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Yasu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Irinaka</span> finished 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">nd</span> winning $400 and Ed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Manibusan</span> rounded out the top 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">poketing</span> $300. Other big winners included Rotarian Angelo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Villagomez</span> who took home one of two $500 gift certificates good for any flight on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">NWA</span>. Not so bad for a mornings work!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZ35Ik9EHrtO-nWOiD8up1p6f1m99SjGShYsp_h6H3x2Xw0-5ca7XO1ceCR0VjEhOt1XUora0VB6XimBj4mIvJ4V2LFuDHtchyphenhyphenFxwKlHCGCMbTAUUgwYlCvgBtjicaaZ8R1JYLQnGqmwA/s1600-h/DSC_0535.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZ35Ik9EHrtO-nWOiD8up1p6f1m99SjGShYsp_h6H3x2Xw0-5ca7XO1ceCR0VjEhOt1XUora0VB6XimBj4mIvJ4V2LFuDHtchyphenhyphenFxwKlHCGCMbTAUUgwYlCvgBtjicaaZ8R1JYLQnGqmwA/s320/DSC_0535.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255796108899458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKGXL3CZdMZKAd7giYcL7w8dDOI_KYDH3tu72BDHw92w7TIjlZxGDz8V5OD35tITeFDyWpwyGN8fQqD6SFA4Kvw6H2zCpqP3M2R0Sv4RgslIlPSGkzjI5Vu54GyFZbEqOBfXW5kJtXFLx/s1600-h/DSC_0480.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKGXL3CZdMZKAd7giYcL7w8dDOI_KYDH3tu72BDHw92w7TIjlZxGDz8V5OD35tITeFDyWpwyGN8fQqD6SFA4Kvw6H2zCpqP3M2R0Sv4RgslIlPSGkzjI5Vu54GyFZbEqOBfXW5kJtXFLx/s320/DSC_0480.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267255790956092882" border="0" /></a>Thanks Governor and to all those who participated and volunteered, it was a fun day with proceeds going to good causes!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-79374148550677080852008-11-08T23:12:00.006+10:002008-11-08T23:43:53.241+10:00My First SomersaultSeventy-four days after open heart surgery I did my first somersault. Almost without thinking. I was in the living room playing with my daughter, trying to help her straighten out her own sideways version when she said, “you show me daddy”. And I did. Nothing cracked, no shooting pain through my chest, just a dizzy feeling as I sat up and wondered if that was such a good idea. Morgan’s laughter and her eager attempt to do what daddy had just illustrated to perfection proved to be more welcome than any thoughts of my sternum splitting apart. The fact I was not rolling around in pain made it perfectly obvious that I should do another and with just the slightest bit of encouragement I did. “Again daddy”. A couple of times! Besides, I remember Anita, my cardiac surgery nurse practitioner at UCLA, telling me that if I did do something to my breastbone during recovery I would definitely know about it. Tonight I’m no worse for wear and I am thankful for being able to notch another first into the post surgery totem pole with the added bonus of doing so as my little one notched her own first.<br /><br />The first time I slept on my side, rolled over or drove a car will forever be notches on the recovery calendar but these past few days with my kids have been pretty special. It is true, at least in the case of being away from them, that absence makes the heart grow fonder but it is also true that it amplifies the changes that are often missed from day to day making it easy to recognize them as milestones. It’s also true that they (kids) grow up really fast and the lost time makes the time with them that much more special.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEd16lp0WCYXQumqqn_wSdyhEbETE-mE9GPypymTKKweqFqLO3tqZy-a4S53k6r3sBXX5zwQlWSfUvmfeBiKYwPUJN6-ISqN51AWr8-dJqexIggnFUEybijpLgn0mR2leWqZ7lxg5AY31/s1600-h/56706320_tp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEd16lp0WCYXQumqqn_wSdyhEbETE-mE9GPypymTKKweqFqLO3tqZy-a4S53k6r3sBXX5zwQlWSfUvmfeBiKYwPUJN6-ISqN51AWr8-dJqexIggnFUEybijpLgn0mR2leWqZ7lxg5AY31/s320/56706320_tp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266274160659390466" border="0" /></a>The first time I watched Morgan get dressed by herself from start to finish was pretty cool. Now, for daddy, her going to the potty means nothing more than wiping her bum as she insists and is quite capable of doing everything else. If you’re a parent you know how cool that is in a weird sort of way (I mean it is still wiping a bum)! She’s now taken to her favorite game of asking what letter everything within sight starts with. “What letter does toilet paper start with daddy”? Wall, sink, towel?….. Now the most amazing thing is watching her “read” ABC books to her little brother. At 33 months she’s had these book as long as she’s been alive and to see the transformation from 4 months ago is mind blowing. When we left for LA we were amazed at how she could say all the words in each book, sometimes without seeing the individual picture. Now she spells the words out and exaggerates the pronunciation for her 10-month-old sibling as part of their bedtime routine. Again how cool is that!<br /><br />He on the other hand is almost walking. I feel like I’ve missed a lot of the crawling stage and given how fast he motors around on all fours that might be considered a good thing. He’s going to be a handful as soon as he gets his balance. Yesterday I had the opportunity to hang out at home alone with him for the first time in a long time. Being his 10-month anniversary that meant photo time. He’s a happy kid; honestly never unhappy although starting to get a little assertive when he wants something. And if I do say so myself, pretty darn cute!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdQDIQ2V4fd_UKyP4Xf9wHFh3v_QaMdGLMC2qJP1H0Zj6CFCBu9Bv-UExZGD1UWRp9h-iFuvfSWRv_bHiT_ve-NEfAjD69cO0OazMG4st3_PEAlORvI4SbrpU4vfd7Sx9vCR3tEUvAEgB/s1600-h/DSC_9987.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdQDIQ2V4fd_UKyP4Xf9wHFh3v_QaMdGLMC2qJP1H0Zj6CFCBu9Bv-UExZGD1UWRp9h-iFuvfSWRv_bHiT_ve-NEfAjD69cO0OazMG4st3_PEAlORvI4SbrpU4vfd7Sx9vCR3tEUvAEgB/s320/DSC_9987.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266276141057647490" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9o5ELMwo_lGrSbqvqPY6LHBaoU6laCd-tMd5PuTRl-6rQ0bxLjl3Nle_3sG9K3qFN7cZyZJ8rmMW3qPLf7ZBGRMIdXzsdKV4cuPUxZLKIFZOD9-KK92M6M2OTgUX_lOdeYpYKN5FYU9OA/s1600-h/DSC_0002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9o5ELMwo_lGrSbqvqPY6LHBaoU6laCd-tMd5PuTRl-6rQ0bxLjl3Nle_3sG9K3qFN7cZyZJ8rmMW3qPLf7ZBGRMIdXzsdKV4cuPUxZLKIFZOD9-KK92M6M2OTgUX_lOdeYpYKN5FYU9OA/s320/DSC_0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266276130806002962" border="0" /></a><br />Over the past week I haven’t blogged. Bottom line is that upon returning to Saipan and hitting a brick wall so to speak I decided the best course of action was to slow down a little bit, take time to settle in and not beat myself up over not getting more done or worrying about much of anything other than the most pressing of issues and my kids.<br /><br />It was a good call!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8AVda7D4BlGAWJzSZUa_Sk_OKs-XgdtUQdklaKCOj6E-QewZTDcMOoflijmYE5fN0QKWxB-Yqv8UI87UadbfBe8d-4ZI_lomxew4vqIwoJ67FWTDlSHHFDdQoEuGyzy2E6z11S8ldp0t/s1600-h/DSC_0008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8AVda7D4BlGAWJzSZUa_Sk_OKs-XgdtUQdklaKCOj6E-QewZTDcMOoflijmYE5fN0QKWxB-Yqv8UI87UadbfBe8d-4ZI_lomxew4vqIwoJ67FWTDlSHHFDdQoEuGyzy2E6z11S8ldp0t/s320/DSC_0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266276132129786594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBXWRLTyzFc28c_PjUHFqS21s494gJzeBUfp55OAYgdEWqY3APF8lUe9eVMsLCW8BQml5JLcz6prtkccHFcTAdphVeymryBLcrbeSkfZojHZPaqL_pHut843c7gGkdZ1aW8Xs3bARkRdP/s1600-h/DSC_9991.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBXWRLTyzFc28c_PjUHFqS21s494gJzeBUfp55OAYgdEWqY3APF8lUe9eVMsLCW8BQml5JLcz6prtkccHFcTAdphVeymryBLcrbeSkfZojHZPaqL_pHut843c7gGkdZ1aW8Xs3bARkRdP/s320/DSC_9991.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266276143657524242" border="0" /></a>Now it’s time to go to bed because the 2008 Saipan Rotary Golf Tournament starts tomorrow at 6AM – Lau Lau Bay West Course.<br /><br />I’m taking pictures although I feel like I could do some chipping, couldn’t be any harder on the sternum than a somersault!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-47130150311878032442008-11-03T17:38:00.004+10:002008-11-03T17:57:06.424+10:00Obama Pees Liquid GoldI had a good laugh today when I checked my blog stats By the way anyone that denies they do this either has hundreds of thousands of visitors or doesn't have a counter.<br /><br />I found that someone reached my blog by doing a Google search for the key words -<br /><br />OBAMA, PEES, LIQUID, GOLD<br /><br />So of course I had to copy and paste into Google to see exactlty where the Saipan Scuba Diving Blog would come up in the results.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXBrxcrwTOR_b1icD__ea7BjOsB2Gi1SSkeJEdeaGb6G7tISWLxA-MHNc3ejqmVIAZZN3S0XONcNe1Y2kXHRY21qG362bwuDdX7f9KDgucTbd457_N8Fmb0Gy5K1dKzbcItKYkzOt2bNh/s1600-h/tNBod7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXBrxcrwTOR_b1icD__ea7BjOsB2Gi1SSkeJEdeaGb6G7tISWLxA-MHNc3ejqmVIAZZN3S0XONcNe1Y2kXHRY21qG362bwuDdX7f9KDgucTbd457_N8Fmb0Gy5K1dKzbcItKYkzOt2bNh/s320/tNBod7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264336669369922162" border="0" /></a>Number one! - Ya baby<br />Click to enlarge!<br />That comes from <a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/08/where-were-you-when-obama-spoke.html">a post I did when watching his speech at the democratic convention</a>. I was trying to pee for the first time following surgery, it really was liquid gold!<br /><br />On a similar note it's always been quite entertaining to see the trend with search results from Europe. It seems thats where most of the people looking for SCUBA SEX or SEX UNDERWATER and NAKED DIVING come from!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-1283655405840934022008-11-02T21:18:00.006+10:002008-11-02T21:49:25.796+10:00The Darkness I Really Wasn’t Expecting<span style="font-style: italic;">Sunrise on Saipan<br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">From my studio window I can see the thick clouds blocking the sun’s first rays as they appear to the East over top of the open Pacific. It’s 6:15 AM Saipan time and I’ve already been up for an hour or more.</span><br /><br /><br />Up until today I would have told anyone interested in listening just how happy I am to be alive. The feeling is indescribable really and quite often it comes over me after a momentary flash that all too quickly reminds me how my chest was just cracked open and my heart stopped in order to fix my tricuspid valve. The jubilation is heightened by the fact that this very recent event forced me into thinking about my own death as a real possibility for over 6 weeks before waking to good news and words of a life expectancy no different than any other relatively healthy 40 year old.<br /><br />Today for the first time in a long time, almost as suddenly as the those images of myself retracted on the operating table appear in my mind, I’ve had thoughts that perhaps it would just be easier if I wasn’t here at all.<br /><br />The reasons are multiple, the rational non-existent, yet the feelings very real.<br /><br />I half joked with friends before leaving LA that it would take about 3 days upon returning before the feeling of missing everything so much would be replaced with the overwhelming realities of not only being a father of two less than three years of age but also those of an artist / environmentalist whose decisions of the past few years, including that of starting a new business, have put a strain on family and finances.<br /><br />Touching down to overwhelming responsibility.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4QupGJheaO7867SXFRLGNN3AndwsG4RA8BPXcmQhAsOTIaTmvC5wsbTOlQnVQfKBXWsoq_DWkoI2SmWNSl1soTOj0txdh6Z_yKpYDh43P3kGpN2XyiBwbAcIKI0-B_O-NPJls2Xrlxlk/s1600-h/northwest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4QupGJheaO7867SXFRLGNN3AndwsG4RA8BPXcmQhAsOTIaTmvC5wsbTOlQnVQfKBXWsoq_DWkoI2SmWNSl1soTOj0txdh6Z_yKpYDh43P3kGpN2XyiBwbAcIKI0-B_O-NPJls2Xrlxlk/s320/northwest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264018423906498994" border="0" /></a>On Thursday morning at about 2AM I cleared CNMI customs after a long long day of travel including an 11-hour flight from LAX to Tokyo, a 4-hour layover and a 3-½ hour flight to Saipan that was extended by an hour as crew on the tarmac attempted, to no avail, to fix the entertainment system. Other than the wasted hour it didn’t matter to me much since I was out like a light for that one and just happy to be home when it landed safely.<br /><br />My wife met me at the terminal and after a short 5 minute ride I walked in the door only to find my daughter up with her Nana waiting for Daddy to come home. Looking so much taller and with her hair now once again in her eyes she played just a little shy for a moment before picking up right where we left off and the long awaited hug for daddy became reality!<br /><br />After a few hours sleep the first morning was spent watching her and her little brother, marveling in the changes drastic to me yet subtle to those around them. He’s almost walking, quick as can be on all fours and literally always happy and easily amused. She’s a well-spoken, strongly independent 2-½ half-year-old toddler who is nearly always well behaved but as with most her age, quite capable of having monumental meltdowns for no particular reason.<br /><br />The first sign that perhaps expectations of a lingering joyous return were a little high was the fact that, less than 12 hours after touch down, my first dive almost seemed anti-climactic. The anticipation had been intense. Three months earlier I didn’t know if I would be able to dive again. Now just over two months from surgery I was back in the water doing what I love but it didn’t overwhelm me with joy like I thought it would. As I sit here a couple of days later, on a hot afternoon looking out towards the open ocean, I have little desire whatsoever to go diving or to do anything else for that mater.<br /><br />I force myself to remember the jubilation of being alive. Why does it escape me now? I sit with a view of a tropical paradise yet I feel no joy. I am “home” yet I wish I were not here. I have been given a gift of life and while others struggle to hang on I am sad and overwhelmed. <a href="http://rudysbeat.wordpress.com/">I think of little Rudy</a> and know what I feel is just not right.<br /><br />Rationally I also know there must be a period of transition and adjustment. I know it will take time to settle in and catch up. For over three months the focus has been on my health while my family’s world has been turned upside down. I’ve seen my kids all of 4 days in the past 2 months, the last of which they and their mom (and Nana) have been functioning perfectly well here at home without me. In the days prior to surgery it was a necessary to come to terms with the thought of what it would be like for my kids to grow up without their dad. I didn’t like the concept but ultimately I found peace of mind knowing they would be fine in the care of their wonderful mother and an extended family that would ensure they are loved. Now this thought that once brought solace brings feelings of uselessness. It’s exacerbated by the non-rational 2-year-old mind that has gotten used to mommy doing everything.<br /><br />In retrospect being on my own in LA for the past 6 weeks has made for a relatively easy task when it comes to distracting oneself from thoughts of responsibility while concentrating on physical recovery. Now as I return to Saipan and turn the page on this journey feeling pretty well physically I realize that the mental ups and downs are probably here for a while. The awesome task of putting my life back on track and picking up where I left off seems overwhelming. I thought perhaps I had escaped the often talked about Cardiac Depression that catches up with patients having major cardiac surgery but perhaps not. Less than a week ago I marveled at how easy it was to feel alive and happy, now I wish I could have captured that feeling in a bottle or better yet a tank.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;">For those of you coming into this little open heart surgery discussion a little late you can find all the posts easily by clicking on the Open Heart Surgery Labels at the bottom of this post or by clicking on the links under open heart surgery over on the right hand side of the blog. Those ones are listed in chronological order!</span>scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-69531503531130451682008-10-29T19:06:00.003+10:002008-10-29T20:21:04.537+10:00Heading Home - Traveling LAX to SaipanI wonder if the check-in agents got a raise when the airlines started charging for luggage and enforcing weight restrictions? On either side of me there’s been yelling and sarcastic answers from the other side of the counter with at least 3 groups. More than one person has been disgusted with having to repack a bag or pay extra for one that is over weight. I continue to stand and wait patiently as the agent process my paper work. My bags have all ready been weighed and they BOTH come in at 47.5 pounds – Ya baby!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJin1h3vYxzOcCIjmN59IpRPqPag-z6j6y3AhOeuD2PMZFYMfYXeS55RmoPkHFQ1O8w5J7-aE3c79rA0T-EWcCWYGcdbCfq4hLNUhtQOAA-_7IVlDF01sA3qEB3BVSHVov_oE3Uj4S0sP/s1600-h/NWA+Check+In.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJin1h3vYxzOcCIjmN59IpRPqPag-z6j6y3AhOeuD2PMZFYMfYXeS55RmoPkHFQ1O8w5J7-aE3c79rA0T-EWcCWYGcdbCfq4hLNUhtQOAA-_7IVlDF01sA3qEB3BVSHVov_oE3Uj4S0sP/s320/NWA+Check+In.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262518731693726466" border="0" /></a>Things have gone extremely well up to this point. There was an agent directing traffic in the first line and as soon as I asked where I had to go to check in with an agent I was politely directed to the SHORT line for once! The agent at the desk took his time making sure everything was done properly, even getting chastised by a supervisor who seemed like she really didn’t care what procedure he followed so why was he asking her! In the end he apologized many times over for the delay and even came out from behind the counter to shake my hand and try to help me with my bags. Following check in, as I pushed my cart of bags towards the baggage drop off line, another NWA agent quietly told me I could wheel them a bit farther down the hall to another entry point closer to my gate and with no line. Sweet! This is going well.<br /><br />Arriving at security my documents were stamped and I passed through a pretty short line at lightning speed. Then, “This way sir” the dreaded words – To the pat down area I go! Oh well it really had been too good to be true to this point!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsstUjOcjYANAsbKei5EEZG48tt9cM58jTAiiZZw-sH2Ao1eVGql2jaIg3ZkuB4zXrouFtodb81DpsAzhHu40bWeqbop6POGkrrV55BSr1IKSWtvqCFynF09j6gkkDwvK6-UTDSOZgxLM/s1600-h/security.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsstUjOcjYANAsbKei5EEZG48tt9cM58jTAiiZZw-sH2Ao1eVGql2jaIg3ZkuB4zXrouFtodb81DpsAzhHu40bWeqbop6POGkrrV55BSr1IKSWtvqCFynF09j6gkkDwvK6-UTDSOZgxLM/s320/security.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262517636627420386" border="0" /></a>The first thing the man doing the patting said was I was selected for screening by the airline. I find that a little hard to believe unless they print out your boarding pass with some special code for “pick this guy”. As far as I can tell there is no communication between the airline and the person standing by the x-ray machine with the little baton directing you either to carry on or to move into the Plexiglas enclosure.<br /><br />Whatever! I’m here in plenty of time and after all I am a single male traveler with a laptop and a hard drive in my carry on. I’m also Canadian and have been in the mainland US for over three months and am now returning to a US Commonwealth that few customs officials actually even know exists. Besides I probably look way too relaxed and happy since I arrived pretty early and have plenty of time for this. So being singled out probably makes sense in this case but it still sucks because a ½ hour later my chill’n time at the gate has been erased!<br /><br />When I arrive the gate area is packed and they are making a last call for passengers requiring assistance to pre board. They’ve also made an announcement for general boarding and that line up is already very long. I think, what the hell, this surgery thing has to be good for something. I don’t really need much help but I do have 2 medical letters and getting on a little early would be much better than waiting in what was now a growing line.<br /><br />I got a real look from the agent doing the boarding pass check at the gate as the last wheel chair went before me. She even said, as if I was an idiot, “we’re doing the pre-boarding sir”. I thought to myself “oh ya, was that the pre-board pat down your airline just selected me for back there?” This as I showed her my letter and then smiled as she said oh, ok sir and waived me through.<br /><br />I’m even wearing my Torrance Memorial cardiac rehab shirt. I’m so tempted to go topless in Tokyo’s Norita airport and see what kind of service I get!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-39209185861688012602008-10-28T19:45:00.009+10:002008-10-28T20:26:46.643+10:00Preparing to Head Back to SaipanI’m packed. Probably the earliest I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> ever completed that chore on the night before a flight. This gave me a chance to hang out with my friends Dave and Sandy. They’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ve</span> been my saviors here in LA. From numerous transportation efforts and family meals to a roof over my head and the company of friends from the good old Club Med days, the hospitality has been more than anyone could ever ask for.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftfd-OkkZ2cIk_PKMQbSlD9LFOZSMIG2zzb_GIc7yQan7NA_s0W1tn4ci7QXsK3QGERYV-34vorrzMS9_zQPgG6kVyVCcQbMqrnNQXcaJ2X8VmV38DHxTO8FjjzDixLR02nZgxUEZqwS_/s1600-h/IMG_0179.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftfd-OkkZ2cIk_PKMQbSlD9LFOZSMIG2zzb_GIc7yQan7NA_s0W1tn4ci7QXsK3QGERYV-34vorrzMS9_zQPgG6kVyVCcQbMqrnNQXcaJ2X8VmV38DHxTO8FjjzDixLR02nZgxUEZqwS_/s320/IMG_0179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262139361069309874" border="0" /></a>On this last day in LA many things have come to mind that, in an odd sort of way, made me think how grateful I am this heart issue and resulting surgery happened. Of course I can only say that now because I’m doing really well. No real issues I can’t live with. Sure there’s a scar but who really cares about that. Besides don’t chicks dig scars? I also feel at ease because I know there was nothing I could have done to prevent <a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/08/racing-heart-and-realization.html">the rapid heart beat that triggered the chain of events of the past three months.</a> Once diagnosed I really had no other choice than to have open-heart surgery unless of course a quickly deteriorating level of health and probable premature death was what I had in mind. The cause and outcome also means no major life style changes are necessary although the events have been a much needed wake up call for the tweaks required to give myself the best chance of keep things going for a while longer!<br /><br />So, I really am just happy to be alive and realize, among other things, that without the need to come to LA my daughter would never have played with Dave and Sandy’s boys at this age. All of us now have memories that will make seeing each other in the future that much more special and I’m sure by then Ryan will realize I’m not Morgan but rather Morgan’s dad!<br /><br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/09/difficult-times-ahead.html">I knew this time away from my family was going to be really hard</a> and I know it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">doesn</span>’t compare to many others who’s jobs or circumstances regularly take them away from home for great stretches but that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doesn</span>’t make it suck any less. I feel like I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> missed the whole crawling phase of my little guy’s life and that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">doesn</span>’t sit well. Today when walking around Target and noticing far to many babies and kids the same age as mine I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">couldn</span>’t help but get excited knowing that I’d soon be back to being a dad and a husband. It’s the type of giddiness that coined the term “absence makes the heart grow fonder”, because it really has.<br /><br />Three weeks ago if it were not for my decision to remain in LA and do a cardiac rehab program I’m not sure I’d feel the same level of excitement about going back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Saipan</span> as I do now. Besides had I made the choice to return I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">wouldn</span>’t have met these fine ladies from Torrance Memorial.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxzn39Vo7RO9TXd7rf5W9YkLLN1mR9OPjTX7U1VogV6rrTCyzosZacB8QcuwwUUqjeXN-6a2POtlpRcGRpG-EwVQmfniWMvHnrgPl-fSIW4tXEoDeNIXgmwXhDb1HeKq1doBenpV0ZAhX/s1600-h/DSC_9911.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxzn39Vo7RO9TXd7rf5W9YkLLN1mR9OPjTX7U1VogV6rrTCyzosZacB8QcuwwUUqjeXN-6a2POtlpRcGRpG-EwVQmfniWMvHnrgPl-fSIW4tXEoDeNIXgmwXhDb1HeKq1doBenpV0ZAhX/s320/DSC_9911.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262140984431917858" border="0" /></a>Nor would I have been able to say I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ve</span> shared an apartment at Seal Beach in Southern California with Michael Jordan. I likely would not have gone to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DEMA</span> and perhaps most importantly I know I would never have met <a href="http://rudysbeat.wordpress.com/">my little friend Rudy</a> who’s family’s circumstances reminds all of us to stop and smell the roses and appreciate every moment we have even if it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">doesn</span>’t always seem like much fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXPDHVfubA2AAz2fOD8WxVrdiQDRxG4Qj_gxaq_og7YQL8OWqtW3dQt_D6sJeryXnNnvAMEfkyWpll2QQoPZfBIrFZ3s8-RfI7FXtJ0lREwBl4SAswbqReupI0r5VPsq5oPeHuS3w1ue-/s1600-h/Mike+from+Saipan+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXPDHVfubA2AAz2fOD8WxVrdiQDRxG4Qj_gxaq_og7YQL8OWqtW3dQt_D6sJeryXnNnvAMEfkyWpll2QQoPZfBIrFZ3s8-RfI7FXtJ0lREwBl4SAswbqReupI0r5VPsq5oPeHuS3w1ue-/s320/Mike+from+Saipan+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262140986959075698" border="0" /></a>You go little guy, I'm thinking of you in more ways than one.<br /><br />It seems much easier for me now just to be happy I’m alive. There is something extremely freeing to be able to do that easily. We often think it or say it but to really feel it and recognize it often every day is something I’m not sure was possible for me three months ago. Life really is short and what’s important is your family, your friends and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ability</span> to recognizing the little things most people take for granted.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YzeZn2f4MD3miUhGIABGnqwzKsmNXixbHiu7N5n-q6zA8NIYn8aItNZvktbGhbsB61WdxKiYv5VGI8CLTrqYM6jAKnyUTrU5vS-wQRLbj0Kygc-uXxv15PQLaTRqgpr5_bRneI7BfiDp/s1600-h/DSC_9852.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YzeZn2f4MD3miUhGIABGnqwzKsmNXixbHiu7N5n-q6zA8NIYn8aItNZvktbGhbsB61WdxKiYv5VGI8CLTrqYM6jAKnyUTrU5vS-wQRLbj0Kygc-uXxv15PQLaTRqgpr5_bRneI7BfiDp/s320/DSC_9852.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262140985732845170" border="0" /></a>I’ll likely be off the air for a few days as I fly over the Pacific but one of my intentions upon returning home is to pick up where I left off with a racing heart beat. I also plan on going SCUBA diving within 24 hours of my plane touching down in the Marianas so stay tuned!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">For those of you coming into this little open heart surgery discussion a little late you can find all the posts easily by clicking on the Open Heart Surgery Labels at the bottom of this post or by clicking on the links under open heart surgery over on the right hand side of the blog. Those ones are listed in chronological order!</span>scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-80627603737842417142008-10-28T03:41:00.004+10:002008-10-28T04:11:16.648+10:00Obama Live on CNNI've got a very busy morning before heading back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Saipan</span></span> tomorrow but I made the mistake (or perhaps not) of turning on CNN as I was finishing a list and preparing to leave the house. Obama had started his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">speech</span> in Iowa. Part way through, even though I know time is tight, I started to listen. Primarily because I wasn't hearing all the pundits nor was I hearing the same stump <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">speech</span> headlines or all the same deliveries. I was drawn in, bottom line, he makes sense and clearly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">communicates</span> his ideas and looks to be someone people could be proud of having as the leader of their government. <br /><br />Do I believe everything he says? No. Will everything he says happen? No. But nor have I ever believed everything any <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">politician</span> looking to get elected has ever said. If I was an undecided American voter I don't think I would believe much of what either of them say!<br /><br />He's still on and it's probably almost over now. All I can say as he finishes up is that if this man is not elected President of the United States there is something seriously wrong. Seriously!<br /><br />Time is tight, excitement runs high, only one more sleep and a whole lot of napping (hopefully) on the plane - gotta go!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-47007587625019341982008-10-26T16:39:00.003+10:002008-10-26T17:24:35.839+10:00DEMA Las Vegas 2008 Comes to a CloseDay four.<br /><br />I awoke today feeling excited but oddly not at all for the last day of DEMA. I needed the “keep your eye on the ball” mentality today because I had a job to do. With only six hours left in the DEMA show I had to concentrate on what was at hand rather than the fact I’d soon be reunited with my family. During last nights 5-minute telephone conversation with my daughter she had told me “only five more sleeps daddy before you will open my door”. Her words were now playing in my head over and over again only the number was now four.<br /><br />Time to concentrate. One day left. What’s the priority? What’s left to do? Agghhh! I could use another 4 days here. The first three have been fantastic for their own reasons and I knew today would be no different except of course it would be the last and I was feeling like a kid in a candy shop when Mom and Dad give the 2 minute warning. I had made my list and knew getting to the show floor would keep my head in the game and focused on things other than future giggles over pancakes in my own kitchen.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTO35KYNrFEJwZ1L32LVs-3SIkEoF_QjAyTdxPsMrZqUgvXBGHuUzewpxvlPYuWYIh3F3XfYHfW-n2Z87c2U1NAajezv26edVa2-Rq91pj5uUb3YbeMTA42dmvUcGr3wDUEp0tRQLbM5N/s1600-h/IMG_0148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTO35KYNrFEJwZ1L32LVs-3SIkEoF_QjAyTdxPsMrZqUgvXBGHuUzewpxvlPYuWYIh3F3XfYHfW-n2Z87c2U1NAajezv26edVa2-Rq91pj5uUb3YbeMTA42dmvUcGr3wDUEp0tRQLbM5N/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353043535764738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(DEMA Floor by Indonesia)</span><br /></div>Zip…….. 7 hours later and DEMA is over! Just like that. The full tally of people I’ve met is not yet complete nor is my informal survey designed to find out just how many of these dive industry folks even know where Saipan is let alone how many have dove the waters surrounding it. All week I’ve talked about Saipan, Tinian and Rota to many of the leaders in dive travel, underwater imaging and marketing industries as well as training and conservation organizations. My goals were clear from the beginning.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTHmDHM6LY1CRQQzu30Fz8MNcaJSfvd7-Ps2PvqA0QYNO-R-D3jMgaGLCvIyQnoHQ5KcVPcQMvFRKQgRFs_FWHLBG1g2uyubpv0nBsU2iRny7Ia3L6r1cv1vip_U0iCLW7-T_FameHq9r/s1600-h/IMG_0146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTHmDHM6LY1CRQQzu30Fz8MNcaJSfvd7-Ps2PvqA0QYNO-R-D3jMgaGLCvIyQnoHQ5KcVPcQMvFRKQgRFs_FWHLBG1g2uyubpv0nBsU2iRny7Ia3L6r1cv1vip_U0iCLW7-T_FameHq9r/s320/IMG_0146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353034211331666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Annie Crawley and her very proud Mom!)</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQbBlij8iZczvqJJ4Lws2_OTm_CpVvgXFifO-KAsR-CEJMRAmBwiwNp4XQyjRvmBDygBL2SfBvb2tRfgj5rJgvtMXxNt14OTJKMVASXwAWyK_qUKvSwNobpd-1nr7eT2cJSG0XM6u6zRp/s1600-h/IMG_0120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQbBlij8iZczvqJJ4Lws2_OTm_CpVvgXFifO-KAsR-CEJMRAmBwiwNp4XQyjRvmBDygBL2SfBvb2tRfgj5rJgvtMXxNt14OTJKMVASXwAWyK_qUKvSwNobpd-1nr7eT2cJSG0XM6u6zRp/s320/IMG_0120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261352717141925426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Me and Bob Talbot - never been to Saipan)</span><br /></div>Networking with the intention to promote the CNMI, The Underwater World of Saipan DVD and my skills as a videographer. I was also here to learn from the best in terms of both people and locations including how and why they have become or continue to be successful. Finally I was determined to enter the world of still underwater photography by purchasing a housing for my Nikon D200 or perhaps a smaller less expensive option. Either way I was in need of expert advice and this was the place to find it as well as invest in the future.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Cg0oEQSNoot_5_xN_7YE3mMwgwTBAxlsSFuiROvsCtr2-67YThoSR7En81hI8ApLlsBBYfjqAM1fHFzfDpZ-NDkZgdrwnzNqy0MhGPaI34CiFdtNFC5qG8lqP_xHMfNaLzhN-kn9b_u5/s1600-h/IMG_0149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Cg0oEQSNoot_5_xN_7YE3mMwgwTBAxlsSFuiROvsCtr2-67YThoSR7En81hI8ApLlsBBYfjqAM1fHFzfDpZ-NDkZgdrwnzNqy0MhGPaI34CiFdtNFC5qG8lqP_xHMfNaLzhN-kn9b_u5/s320/IMG_0149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353299836537218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Wyland and I, yes if he looks like he is in pain he is . He just had a turtle added to his arm)<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYDnKmWlJTQiD2fmBZ7aOgNEjYbuoi9kEkRyqYQ92e_FLDDN40r_3mVKJqZTWv04FZra6gda-1HgET5puSomynmtyr9KLaIcfS3nwWxFCBJlikOB4_RVv-MVVktwAqbvbs1WzmbNo3HLA/s1600-h/IMG_0138.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYDnKmWlJTQiD2fmBZ7aOgNEjYbuoi9kEkRyqYQ92e_FLDDN40r_3mVKJqZTWv04FZra6gda-1HgET5puSomynmtyr9KLaIcfS3nwWxFCBJlikOB4_RVv-MVVktwAqbvbs1WzmbNo3HLA/s320/IMG_0138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353032574400738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Friends of Jennifer McKinnon and our Underwater Historical Trail)</span><br /></div>During every interaction the discussions included Saipan and the CNMI. Among the things that brought the most interest and further discussion were the potential marine monument in the northern islands and the development of a historical underwater trail including the many WWII relics scattered around the Saipan lagoon. It should be noted here that I have now experienced first hand the beginning of what would be a very real increase in worldwide exposure should these two endeavors become reality. This is especially true for the monument as more than a few prominent leaders in this industry raised eyebrows with interest and expressed support for the concept of large-scale conservation in the region. All agreed it would be good for tourism and the planet.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotSzU-le2Xj0xDGyY_kpNp6KtoaHcgUkXiCXmcrhJJbVK116daeIw9ZH36I2XsBjBSiCHoOutZwDkJaHxG9j_iXoRWz2KX_IfMkFicSeDvGnxsSRqgy0JTBoOYBGN_mB2p_0hBYFP7i0Y/s1600-h/IMG_0097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotSzU-le2Xj0xDGyY_kpNp6KtoaHcgUkXiCXmcrhJJbVK116daeIw9ZH36I2XsBjBSiCHoOutZwDkJaHxG9j_iXoRWz2KX_IfMkFicSeDvGnxsSRqgy0JTBoOYBGN_mB2p_0hBYFP7i0Y/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261352712718897922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Ikelite housing - possibly)<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI02ouA73Pn1aqRfwc3lpeHKEpS57LWYwYw04FSrnQ8blKjV1yR2ltqntILvGUAJZ7WtT_mVygDTOseiH7ejmiEBDglE7ZXwfuctlfM-deVaepS350luADasl1vD0fwhGhClGK8uG2V7pJ/s1600-h/IMG_0161.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI02ouA73Pn1aqRfwc3lpeHKEpS57LWYwYw04FSrnQ8blKjV1yR2ltqntILvGUAJZ7WtT_mVygDTOseiH7ejmiEBDglE7ZXwfuctlfM-deVaepS350luADasl1vD0fwhGhClGK8uG2V7pJ/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353306334206882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Sea and Sea - mmmm possibly)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">As you walk parts of the floor at DEMA it’s like walking the globe. The Micronesian section takes you to Yap, Chuck, Palau, Kosare, Pohnpei. The Bahamas and Cayman Islands occupy large areas of the floor while additional Caribbean destinations have smaller booths nestled together according to geographical location. The same is true for Asia including the large set-ups from the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia. North and South America are well represented especially California and the Florida Keys. Within each section are individual operators and resorts looking to stand out from the rest by offer something no one else has or fulfilling a local need.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjY_10CZUFpcjxNe2iieqZVxvgoZXEellmA-m265YPVy08O6G5g0qglwgh4urPPdW3Or35PebuUxwtycMcmgce9PBws3XJVdVvOA8PdxgSVGWsmHCF2mBVwDk7WhvK0PYmm8B6AA8pE-Y/s1600-h/IMG_0091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjY_10CZUFpcjxNe2iieqZVxvgoZXEellmA-m265YPVy08O6G5g0qglwgh4urPPdW3Or35PebuUxwtycMcmgce9PBws3XJVdVvOA8PdxgSVGWsmHCF2mBVwDk7WhvK0PYmm8B6AA8pE-Y/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261352711819403922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Jeff, a good Canadian putting us on the world map with the Diving Almanac)</span><br /></div></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2ip0pobXTbnX9CS7STNJHqyc0BUeN4DctDuMLpyBrh0_eAWqJuvt5y80WgWujlgnVWaISWdcFBBr-pJKw2uwouj5tsvJmYjSCBgGjLCN7zNJJ2fVPR6CFvPPIE0UbiWfntkcGQy7GKmd/s1600-h/IMG_0126.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2ip0pobXTbnX9CS7STNJHqyc0BUeN4DctDuMLpyBrh0_eAWqJuvt5y80WgWujlgnVWaISWdcFBBr-pJKw2uwouj5tsvJmYjSCBgGjLCN7zNJJ2fVPR6CFvPPIE0UbiWfntkcGQy7GKmd/s320/IMG_0126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353031320195538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Joey who knew where Saipan was!)</span><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr8nGiRKT1S8PKmZ287sxKHfm92ZQ-PGJU4gM_i3s2Z0mAqYn8rXUZSBRx-UakQdS3EoBQG8lS6GZHR_tJ21NF-l-SxG8Ubt6Ssg0h7ZNg8Q6Qi-nUCD-gXjQWSzwaNUMsyCWyE5fRiEq/s1600-h/IMG_0130.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr8nGiRKT1S8PKmZ287sxKHfm92ZQ-PGJU4gM_i3s2Z0mAqYn8rXUZSBRx-UakQdS3EoBQG8lS6GZHR_tJ21NF-l-SxG8Ubt6Ssg0h7ZNg8Q6Qi-nUCD-gXjQWSzwaNUMsyCWyE5fRiEq/s320/IMG_0130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353029421825634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Wendy and Jason Heller from ....... DivePhotoGuide.com)</span><br /></div>At the end of the day my opinion that the diving in the Marianas deserves discussion among the most popular dive destinations around the world holds true. Ultimately Mother Nature has delivered the necessary features and diversity for us to become popular with divers around the globe but at the same time the level of success for our dive industry is dependent on effective marketing and delivery of a positive experience for all who visit.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qFje_3iXi6WCyB7x6DXWKrIbzLL2pFf1AmSwA9nQRfSsFSsyhdZ7NHtf-cWsh_tFwcECsHMgbcFR_Aoaf25kLM-QtLXIj4nmNsh04x9f003_g-3xp-qQlnonxfCjYeladgzTobPuT5b3/s1600-h/IMG_0156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qFje_3iXi6WCyB7x6DXWKrIbzLL2pFf1AmSwA9nQRfSsFSsyhdZ7NHtf-cWsh_tFwcECsHMgbcFR_Aoaf25kLM-QtLXIj4nmNsh04x9f003_g-3xp-qQlnonxfCjYeladgzTobPuT5b3/s320/IMG_0156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353305590505074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(The Put Another Dollar In - PADI booth)</span><br /></div>No doubt improvement in both these variables is needed especially outside the Japanese market but at the same time increasing international awareness while improvements to service and infrastructure are made is not only possible but also proactive and necessary based on the initial response to my most popular DEMA question “Do you know where Saipan or the Northern Marianas Islands are?”<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jngbO4SHkwxG3p1OfxmW0VM5DXQ6oIp1ihDkEZRqqra2dEAOrc4KEAeDUEK2mdxtWaHTiCVLD4BWIB3s6MATS0kbMso6YxdoXS-MIazD71IgoFAnEjjUFBAo5j_32q6nKowI3CpIa_C8/s1600-h/IMG_0121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jngbO4SHkwxG3p1OfxmW0VM5DXQ6oIp1ihDkEZRqqra2dEAOrc4KEAeDUEK2mdxtWaHTiCVLD4BWIB3s6MATS0kbMso6YxdoXS-MIazD71IgoFAnEjjUFBAo5j_32q6nKowI3CpIa_C8/s320/IMG_0121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261352722796956258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Bill Acker from Yap)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqW2cE0ULN9_vlx8YVG3m0pzy-8q6b8ok6h3zVLDd0Z5ElzPwg2w_QAkJj-dY6rg8Eze9o-KLUurCL_-270NYF9qGdrcTtTUoUqVtISdPZU3MGH8bWYisijyYAikMuLw_CkR3kGobL4NJ/s1600-h/IMG_0122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqW2cE0ULN9_vlx8YVG3m0pzy-8q6b8ok6h3zVLDd0Z5ElzPwg2w_QAkJj-dY6rg8Eze9o-KLUurCL_-270NYF9qGdrcTtTUoUqVtISdPZU3MGH8bWYisijyYAikMuLw_CkR3kGobL4NJ/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261352718495466066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Sam of Sam's Tours Palau)</span><br /></div>While I believe I have done a lot to spread the good word and promote the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota I came up a little short in deciding upon a housing option for my still camera. DEMA was the place to put my hands on the hardware but in the end it will be getting home to my family and resuming income generation that will allow the actual purchase!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb6my3Uz3oZyWmh7Xwpyp0b3PScQ3Hl9gA8DxghzuLfe8gnTkKaAc4HO-wae6iNPF_4oBfT8MvQ5jOWNGFA2IJJfy7Pzsho2Q4XUIsRA-qzuiSXAhQ3eMaM2AE26T47qOQt2qWTmPvjal/s1600-h/IMG_0171.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb6my3Uz3oZyWmh7Xwpyp0b3PScQ3Hl9gA8DxghzuLfe8gnTkKaAc4HO-wae6iNPF_4oBfT8MvQ5jOWNGFA2IJJfy7Pzsho2Q4XUIsRA-qzuiSXAhQ3eMaM2AE26T47qOQt2qWTmPvjal/s320/IMG_0171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261353306902174466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(The Wetpixel Team including Adam, Alex, Eli and Eric Cheng)</span><br /></div>Only 4 more sleeps! This next one will go by quickly. It’s been a long four days and even though I wish I could have accomplished more I am truly happy I was able to make it here at all. I am happier still that I’m now closer to getting back to warm weather and crystal clear water only minutes away from my home.scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-53609328753333607252008-10-25T04:29:00.007+10:002008-10-29T20:45:37.831+10:00Saipan Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest 2008Today marks the 2nd annual Marianas Dive Underwater Pumpkin Carving contest. Obyan beach is once again this year's location and once again there will be delicious cupcakes! <a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2007/11/underwater-pumpkin-carving-finally.html">Check out pictures and stories from last years fun here.</a> Everything gets underway around noon with a BBQ, free T-shirts to the first 20 entrants and yes Rose has promised her famous cup cakes. Last year coverage made the local news including judging controversies and a whole lot of fun.<br /><br />Here's video from 2007, the first Marianas Underwater Pumpkin Carving contest. Unfortunately for me I can't be in two places at once so I'll be hitting the DEMA convention show floor while everyone else enjoys themselves in crystal clear warm waters making crazy pumpkin faces!<br /><br />Have Fun! Share pictures!<br /><br /><br />UPDATE<br /><br /><a href="http://kellionsaipan.blogspot.com/2008/10/marianas-dive-uw-pumpkin-carving.html">Check out Kelli's blog for a great run down of this years event</a>. Looks like fun was had by all.<br />Atsuko also has a whole bunch of great pictures on <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/atsuko.eck/10252008UnderwaterPumpkinCarvingContest?authkey=X7cwmAmcSoQ#">her Picasa Album here</a><br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OlK_pGQ4sUg"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OlK_pGQ4sUg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-53869502023037905692008-10-23T18:20:00.008+10:002008-10-23T19:06:15.635+10:00Las Vegas DEMA 2008 - Day OneA pretty good first day I’d say. I must admit it got underway a little later than planned but the bed just felt way too good this morning and the drapes don’t let in any light. So I didn’t actually get to the floor until noon. Here's me checking in and although I can’t remember this ladies name she had her picture taken because she didn’t know where Saipan is. Oh well I look like I'm still asleep!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs-vjAru8INqA3SC9rECgVHJ4_BL6fvbX151ldjgozJP-G9RAlT1f9LUAaOAPPrxnFsCE4U3cMiWxHPco0XhJbOHdMbwep1sEyIzDoA0xdNIfXrHcbn8iTGAg1W_29wUrthMmublZ4uPJ/s1600-h/IMG_0049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs-vjAru8INqA3SC9rECgVHJ4_BL6fvbX151ldjgozJP-G9RAlT1f9LUAaOAPPrxnFsCE4U3cMiWxHPco0XhJbOHdMbwep1sEyIzDoA0xdNIfXrHcbn8iTGAg1W_29wUrthMmublZ4uPJ/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265038346813410" border="0" /></a>DEMA is a pretty big show. More than 11,000 dive and travel industry professionals from around the world including more than 700 exhibitors on a show floor that spans 185,000+ square feet. I walked and stood and talked and listened for six straight hours. As I sit on my comfy bed writing this I can feel my chest is sore but then again so are my feet!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG5iMn177_rakoZ1JQfJksuhyphenhyphenLnOGWzKopp3zP88CvYUeBq_jPcDffHWwphS6Gz_yhJmhyphenhyphenQWMdahOT0r3VHzzbMGoqrelFtvF5p-XYbYnYU0yWSOfu7SAZwkisPkJ5UX9s7aThwjqOP_T/s1600-h/DEMA+floor+2008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG5iMn177_rakoZ1JQfJksuhyphenhyphenLnOGWzKopp3zP88CvYUeBq_jPcDffHWwphS6Gz_yhJmhyphenhyphenQWMdahOT0r3VHzzbMGoqrelFtvF5p-XYbYnYU0yWSOfu7SAZwkisPkJ5UX9s7aThwjqOP_T/s320/DEMA+floor+2008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265032223286722" border="0" /></a>It didn’t take long before I started meeting up with a few familiar faces. First was Annie Crawley. I completely forgot to get a picture with Annie but I’ll be back to talk to her a little more. She’s added a number of DVD’s to her collection of productions and I would like to take a closer look at them and get the scoop on how she’s managed to do so much in such a short period.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie53AGCeH79dT5f3btSocRiFg6Ebtfr-HQAkIfJTtK_1oZyUlIkoh_xuFtFLlNmU1ZcrzVC5v7YPd2RadVuqSLPUi03Bs5T0kx1jgsmtUfIHQT8DJE-21N9Tj2wHrP1cRhNOjuPtElo7iB/s1600-h/Me+at+DEMA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie53AGCeH79dT5f3btSocRiFg6Ebtfr-HQAkIfJTtK_1oZyUlIkoh_xuFtFLlNmU1ZcrzVC5v7YPd2RadVuqSLPUi03Bs5T0kx1jgsmtUfIHQT8DJE-21N9Tj2wHrP1cRhNOjuPtElo7iB/s320/Me+at+DEMA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265040585063890" border="0" /></a>Just after entering the Micronesia section I ran into Navot Bornovski the owner of Fish N Fins in Palau. In the time I’ve known Navot he and his wife Tova have added two live aboard dive boats to their fleet making a total of three. In fact his newest vessel almost made a run up to our northern Islands this past summer! They have a great program at Fish N Fins so if you’re thinking about Palau you won’t go wrong there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ea4wIaI-KaGz2iDibUh6F8GBLRIg3gNIbZhg0g5-FGzIhcEmBCZjAEy6Xwp5NUyK6-4RCZ8te9NXgrIv2XjNAfTWdhxMO_eOBk5NoGKJxVVAU82gZX2bFB28hVkzFJ47deuWKZdI2Luf/s1600-h/Mike+Tripp+Navot+Bornovski.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ea4wIaI-KaGz2iDibUh6F8GBLRIg3gNIbZhg0g5-FGzIhcEmBCZjAEy6Xwp5NUyK6-4RCZ8te9NXgrIv2XjNAfTWdhxMO_eOBk5NoGKJxVVAU82gZX2bFB28hVkzFJ47deuWKZdI2Luf/s320/Mike+Tripp+Navot+Bornovski.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265786137121938" border="0" /></a>Of course the New World Publications booth is always a good place to find some pretty famous diving folks. I had the pleasure of meeting Ned and Anna DeLoach for the first time. Ned and I talked about the amazing number of new species being discovered in Indonesia and the coral triangle. I asked if it ever gets old stumping the scientists by taking pictures of creatures that until that moment were not known to exist. Judging by our discussion I’d say the answer is no!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2rdIZEYWurcR9GZw-y02v8JJXBKzVl8aRYS-WfrkA9Wcrd5lOwj3Qhow4MDI-Th3cmu4e4aZtgtTfyL83OUM3gWfl7rw-NCOWnHD_iBdVnuHy-3mBEGf3h-msJLjeDaPdkewY62tDqu6/s1600-h/Mike+Tripp+and+Ned+DeLoach.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2rdIZEYWurcR9GZw-y02v8JJXBKzVl8aRYS-WfrkA9Wcrd5lOwj3Qhow4MDI-Th3cmu4e4aZtgtTfyL83OUM3gWfl7rw-NCOWnHD_iBdVnuHy-3mBEGf3h-msJLjeDaPdkewY62tDqu6/s320/Mike+Tripp+and+Ned+DeLoach.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265472875010338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eOVWniTo2KMoF3K8GKNJVvcyuMdotmFEhgBZOfcMw2Ag-WBL4IopGlCPsDI_9lShCiIcAesghCnl7J4BIjOOT4y3__2wdSTNslEC_p-yJZ4HpZM-LjKHLzNHPbQdaD01IMoYOKFX3Fcb/s1600-h/Mike+Tripp+Anna+and+Ned+Deloach.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eOVWniTo2KMoF3K8GKNJVvcyuMdotmFEhgBZOfcMw2Ag-WBL4IopGlCPsDI_9lShCiIcAesghCnl7J4BIjOOT4y3__2wdSTNslEC_p-yJZ4HpZM-LjKHLzNHPbQdaD01IMoYOKFX3Fcb/s320/Mike+Tripp+Anna+and+Ned+Deloach.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265481249017650" border="0" /></a>I also got to speak with the great Stan Waterman for about an hour. I’d met Stan a few years ago and he recognized me (and the DVD) right away. We again talked about the CNMI and how it’s not well known among the dive world. We talked about ways that could change. We talked about his book, open-heart surgery and how often life’s material collections are really only worth the relationships and circumstances from which they are acquired. I know, a little deep but you’ll just have to read his book Sea Salt.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQf7bvhwrZ5-sPjU2b-rbjqV2ZGdQnH5LGI_n2K9vEsiODqhxBBwFuJ0jXlbkS-smA0is4Vy1f9kfEFvUCTi7sT54C9gu2sUrGMwFXmUDgZVdqdzXzgOiUnoBOJQ97qBqOV0_le3gPNTh/s1600-h/Mike+Tripp+Stan+Waterman.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQf7bvhwrZ5-sPjU2b-rbjqV2ZGdQnH5LGI_n2K9vEsiODqhxBBwFuJ0jXlbkS-smA0is4Vy1f9kfEFvUCTi7sT54C9gu2sUrGMwFXmUDgZVdqdzXzgOiUnoBOJQ97qBqOV0_le3gPNTh/s320/Mike+Tripp+Stan+Waterman.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265787220369218" border="0" /></a>Next up, recent Women Divers Hall of Fame inductee Nancy McGee. Nancy has been a scuba diver and underwater photographer for thirty years and is an extremely active in promoting diving and new destinations at trade shows and to audiences around the world.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesec215uSuUeTQqvRN6_FOOqyE6Ftr0EXa9grGRAfNrY5naB0tzHOnCi52cHhx192VryopnrYMOkD6RmNBYDgiLLrXhvhWjpP2phwFPwdrxEwQJWbMsZvu1hDGq-tYF2D10LF63e_TpYY/s1600-h/Mike+Tripp+Nancy+McGee.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesec215uSuUeTQqvRN6_FOOqyE6Ftr0EXa9grGRAfNrY5naB0tzHOnCi52cHhx192VryopnrYMOkD6RmNBYDgiLLrXhvhWjpP2phwFPwdrxEwQJWbMsZvu1hDGq-tYF2D10LF63e_TpYY/s320/Mike+Tripp+Nancy+McGee.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265488346045730" border="0" /></a>I think it was some time in March when Charles from Wreck Diver magazine was on Saipan. Eric at Speedy Tertle asked if I could help out and take him on a couple of dives and talk to him about Saipan Diving. It was shortly following the underwater survey of the lagoon and we discussed all the possibilities including development of an underwater historical trail and Wreck Diving doing some coverage in their magazine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmZNDhXppGCBXoi2TzXCCIGk70acXgzhkF1-dzBP3FrO9jaeTLxOuMv74wy9pOyn9qCtpeqd6oKw5j3ktXGHWxlIJqZSVUxzJsD2dZ4NSYLZLtB0_ToLM8YsmjmA27ln2nrPOuriAfz3U/s1600-h/Mike+Tripp+Charles+Wrech+Diving.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmZNDhXppGCBXoi2TzXCCIGk70acXgzhkF1-dzBP3FrO9jaeTLxOuMv74wy9pOyn9qCtpeqd6oKw5j3ktXGHWxlIJqZSVUxzJsD2dZ4NSYLZLtB0_ToLM8YsmjmA27ln2nrPOuriAfz3U/s320/Mike+Tripp+Charles+Wrech+Diving.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265486356588402" border="0" /></a>With an ever-growing list of locations I couldn’t help but think about how one of this guys creations could help the CNMI. When I stopped by his booth and discussed the potential Frank certainly didn’t rule it out and pointed to the success Guam and its Visitors Bureau has had with his unique work. In this case something Guam has might be worth making ours too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF6T60uktFZxwiV774wW4qopsSBf8MltCBJZiaR8z7__OHd_D8E7YdDLCsJ3SDV3kha5GdEVkLJxtwEYajzhmJ0YU4EcpXSrjf91965juFz-LzNeZ2zCo1h9rwOBVV_GS2pa9_KiAzl4_/s1600-h/Mike+Tripp+%26+Franks+maps.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF6T60uktFZxwiV774wW4qopsSBf8MltCBJZiaR8z7__OHd_D8E7YdDLCsJ3SDV3kha5GdEVkLJxtwEYajzhmJ0YU4EcpXSrjf91965juFz-LzNeZ2zCo1h9rwOBVV_GS2pa9_KiAzl4_/s320/Mike+Tripp+%26+Franks+maps.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265043664565506" border="0" /></a>Come to think of it I didn't see the Guam booth. They are usually here. I must have missed them but I didn't miss this Saipan Spotted Eagle Ray. This photo belongs to photographer Dough Perrine and it is on a wall of fame here. Doug was on Saipan a year and a half ago taking shots of the rays at Ice Cream and Eagle Ray City. He had two articles published from that trip including one in a National Geographic publication. And yes to anyone from MVA who recognizes the photo, it is the one I've used in my presentations. As you can see it's a impressive, eye catching shot and I'm thankful to Doug for allowing me to use it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sYls2jI9OXQ16h9QqevqRPuLgzxQlq0NnTupUuJgWjru4lK4kX46c5JCoIcCxQlEicNc1HBhP5buG6qcy1qM7CQzpJMnzIcjXj8e6rTz8IZQfIjIc60SDDImYFMO_RNkqrkckx5EcplS/s1600-h/Doug+Perrine+Eagle+Ray.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sYls2jI9OXQ16h9QqevqRPuLgzxQlq0NnTupUuJgWjru4lK4kX46c5JCoIcCxQlEicNc1HBhP5buG6qcy1qM7CQzpJMnzIcjXj8e6rTz8IZQfIjIc60SDDImYFMO_RNkqrkckx5EcplS/s320/Doug+Perrine+Eagle+Ray.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260265038453261154" border="0" /></a>That's enough for today It's time to get ready for tomorrow!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-15291522023775624072008-10-23T03:14:00.007+10:002008-10-23T03:42:21.259+10:00Eight Weeks Later it’s Time for DEMA<a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/08/sleepless-in-la.html">Eight weeks ago last night I had a long sleepless 8 hours</a> at UCLA medical center in the cardiac ICU. It was impossible to sleep with chest tubes, central lines, IV’s, a catheter, beeping machines, compression stockings turning on and off and perhaps the most irritating thing, an little oxygen sensor attached to my finger like a leash. I couldn’t move much because of the pain and all the attachments. If I did dozed off for a few seconds, a machine would beep, a nurse would come in to change an IV or take my blood sugar or perhaps it was time for the 4AM x-ray!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxsISTridVwQ18pc5z8uk2RkWBds7lRCqj7rZQvQyf-Mu40rlKJVA-942Ss4v4a9vvHhqhOZPjIHtIKGITbSvyayPbtEcnf2lPlPsaJjTmJ1u7xk6aLY-_T_Nlbw9v_AThvAt7q8Lcvz-/s1600-h/dema_logo.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxsISTridVwQ18pc5z8uk2RkWBds7lRCqj7rZQvQyf-Mu40rlKJVA-942Ss4v4a9vvHhqhOZPjIHtIKGITbSvyayPbtEcnf2lPlPsaJjTmJ1u7xk6aLY-_T_Nlbw9v_AThvAt7q8Lcvz-/s320/dema_logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260030423036576098" border="0" /></a>It’s a far cry from my surroundings last night and the deep sleep I had at the Las Vegas Hilton in preparation for attending the first day of the largest Diving professional trade show of the year. The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) gets underway today with over 10,000 industry professionals hitting the large floor at the convention center.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc7PPeg90JZmpDT0UUUJGrKq6O8PBP9JzR9kivYl4TuCc0XDwXGr6a5_a889-kCfb_6zg9ueOmuiiENJbt9eZaY8v-LEp2HtvLX8uEW2_3qWZzH6S-p7y3pLBwDXv8bIzRmp6ysIbq3-7/s1600-h/IMG_0499.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc7PPeg90JZmpDT0UUUJGrKq6O8PBP9JzR9kivYl4TuCc0XDwXGr6a5_a889-kCfb_6zg9ueOmuiiENJbt9eZaY8v-LEp2HtvLX8uEW2_3qWZzH6S-p7y3pLBwDXv8bIzRmp6ysIbq3-7/s320/IMG_0499.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260030433161931138" border="0" /></a>Eight weeks has been the magic number for all the medical people. On Monday, just one day shy of 8 weeks, my cardiac rehab nurses finally allowed me to work out my chest on a rowing machine. Literally each day I have gotten stronger and after carting around my luggage yesterday I think I will even be able to pick up my little 20 lbs buddy when I return to Saipan next week.<br /><br />It’s truly unbelievable to me that I'm preparing to network with everyone in the diving world today when only a few months ago I wasn't sure if I would ever be allowed to dive again. I’m a little torn about feeling so good however, because in the back of your mind you want people to know what you’ve just gone through yet on the other hand I’m extremely happy there are no outward effects of having open heart surgery only 2 months ago! <a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-need-button.html">I need one of those buttons</a> again!<br /><br />Here goes. Stay tuned for nearly live updates and looks at this convention.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">For those of you coming into this little open heart surgery discussion a little late you can find all the posts easily by clicking on the Open Heart Surgery Labels at the bottom of this post or by clicking on the links under open heart surgery over on the right hand side of the blog. Those ones are listed in chronological order!</span>scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-42911433297752298552008-10-21T13:53:00.005+10:002008-10-21T14:40:58.700+10:00My Monument Letter to President Bush<a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/10/most-interesting-day-on-saipan-monument.html">The federal discussions are now underway on Saipan</a>. This week is the week to make public comments regarding the proposed Marianas Marine Park. (No name has been officially adopted so I'll change it up now and again.)<br /><br />Anyone with an opinion is being asked to write to the president,<a href="http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/cnmi"></a> or call your local congressperson or senator the number is <span style="top: 88px; left: 15px; width: 610px; height: 759px; background-color: rgb(230, 253, 229);"><span style="top: 0pt; left: 0pt;"><span style="left: 210px; top: 693px; width: 190px; height: 56px;"><span class="BP" style="top: 28px; background-color: rgb(230, 253, 229);">664-8999</span></span></span></span>. Your opinion matters. Here's my letter to W.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>October 20th, 2008<br /><br /><br />George W. Bush<br />President<br />1600 Pennsylvania Avenue<br />Washington, DC 20500<br /><br /><br />Dear President George W. Bush,<br /><br />My name is Mike Tripp. I am a SCUBA diving instructor, underwater filmmaker, pharmacist and father of two living in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on the island of Saipan. I write to you in support of the large marine protected area that will be created by proclaiming the waters surrounding the three northernmost islands of the archipelago a marine monument.<br /><br />If my words, in any way, help sway your decision in favor of this designation then I ask that they also persuade you to do everything within your power to ensure the monument not only protects the marine habitat within its boundaries but that it also helps ensure the preservation and practice of local Carolinian and Chamorro culture throughout the CNMI.<br /><br />As a Canadian living on Saipan and as someone who has traveled extensively, I am familiar with the concerns of those who feel their language, culture and traditional way of life is threatened by outside forces. In the CNMI this threat is not new nor is it unfounded; therefore, it is imperative that any governing body tasked with regulating the monument area have strong representation by local indigenous people whose ideals are in line with those of their ancestors and whose actions will uphold the high value of conservation passed down from generation to generation.<br /><br />At the same time I ask for you to do everything within your power to ensure creation of the monument is followed by the resources necessary to achieve the many benefits touted for local residents and the world as a whole. Without proper funding for education, infrastructure and enforcement the federal designation of a monument will be nothing more than a line on a map and one that has the potential to divide our local population.<br /><br />With funding and effective co-management comes the ability to protect this vast area far better than what can currently be achieved by good intentions alone, as these are no match for foreign fishing fleets illegally poaching such a vast area so far away from the populated islands of the south. With funding comes the ability to build a world-class visitors center that will not only stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and increasing revenues from tourists, but it will also provide a foundation for marine education and the preservation of indigenous culture. With funding and effective management will come international notoriety and a sense of pride for local residents when they are recognized by the world as long-time environmental stewards and role models for effective conservation. This pride will ultimately help fuel the creation of additional infrastructure and programs required to immediately stimulate economic growth while encouraging new generations of young indigenous people to embrace their own heritage and ensure traditional ways are passed on to their children.<br /><br />As a father of two children who were born here on Saipan, I feel a sense of responsibility to do what is right for future generations of islanders as well as the planet as a whole. I believe creation of a marine monument along with appropriate funding and effective management by both federal agencies and the local people provides an opportunity that should not be missed especially as a result of the few who wish to see the status quo maintained.<br /><br />In closing, as an active member of the community I believe, in context of the information above, the vast majority of CNMI residents support the designation of a marine monument surrounding the islands of Asuncion, Maug and Uracas and hope that you will decide in favor of its creation.<br /><br /><br />Sincerely<br /><br /><br />Mike Tripp<br />President<br />Mike Tripp Productions<br /><br /><br />cc: Benigno R. Fitial, CNMI Governor<br />Pete P. Reyes, CNMI Senate President<br />Arnold I. Palacios, CNMI House Speaker<br />Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior<br />James Connaughton, CEQ Chairman<br />Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., NOAA<br />Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce<br />Ignacio V. Cabrera, Chairman - Friends of the Monument</blockquote><br />I encourage everyone to take the time to write your own letter or email. Send it to the paper, send it to any government office or take it down to American Memorial Park. It does not have to be long it could be written on a napkin although paper and a pen would be preferred.scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-5983050529187055452008-10-20T13:43:00.014+10:002008-10-21T12:30:46.248+10:00A Most Interesting Day on Saipan - A Monument Hangs in the BalanceIt’s a beautiful, not too hot, not too cold kind of day here in Southern California. I have no idea what the weather is like on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Saipan</span> today but I do know it is going to be a very interesting one to say the least.<br /><br />Yesterday, James <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Connaughton</span> arrived on island to conduct official federal discussions with the people of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CNMI</span> regarding the wishes, concerns and, ultimately, support for or against the creation of a large marine protected area surrounding the islands of Asuncion, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Maug</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Uracas</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqun4Liq6yOC7pcHVOcDaMERLpZAhAy7npugYsT2t_4BXmLYrOdVIDIHYsVaelnZPV2yut_mHIf1Ajk7_aKPLmkHC5nuO9qBjYuZgmGM5gZEHiX3L63VM_Hf-zqP29w2hJ31virP6TCob/s1600-h/NMI+map+with+trench.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqun4Liq6yOC7pcHVOcDaMERLpZAhAy7npugYsT2t_4BXmLYrOdVIDIHYsVaelnZPV2yut_mHIf1Ajk7_aKPLmkHC5nuO9qBjYuZgmGM5gZEHiX3L63VM_Hf-zqP29w2hJ31virP6TCob/s320/NMI+map+with+trench.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259118922420220274" border="0" /></a>These tiny, remote islands in the Western Pacific make up the northernmost tip of a rugged archipelago stretching over 400 miles to the south. Each of the 16 islands of the Mariana chain protrude like vertebrae on a human spine as they arch their way along the deepest part of the world, the Marianas Trench. Three of the islands are considered active volcanoes while 7 are inhabited. Less than fifty people live in the northern islands while the southern islands including <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Saipan</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tinian</span>, Rota and Guam make up the population base. Politically the chain is divided but it is also united under the flag of the United States of America. The southern most island of Guam is considered a territory while the other islands, with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Saipan</span> as the capital, make up the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CNMI</span>).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBo65XzLix0cAMLnrqYrSzN_dk6hqSW5VIJp5BBC6B02k9a3GrsnP4jLO4_waWHs4wVSlQbYKs25vnGxyaM2v6Vy5MnrE7xCmetdJhohIw5muv8r9NNELhUekMxgOKf8GzrH7kAz3LcoK/s1600-h/uracas1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBo65XzLix0cAMLnrqYrSzN_dk6hqSW5VIJp5BBC6B02k9a3GrsnP4jLO4_waWHs4wVSlQbYKs25vnGxyaM2v6Vy5MnrE7xCmetdJhohIw5muv8r9NNELhUekMxgOKf8GzrH7kAz3LcoK/s320/uracas1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259117128771817122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Uracas</span><br /></div>Today gets interesting because after 10 months of discussion the concept of the Marians Trench Marine Monument becomes an actual proposal and the dialogue between the federal government and the people of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">CNMI</span> including local government representatives officially begins. Open to the public on Capitol Hill at 11:30 AM there will be a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives where Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Connaughton</span>, Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, will presumably be outlining the preliminary details of the proposal. A proposal that would see President Bush use the powers of the Antiquities Act to create the second largest marine sanctuary or protected area in the world. A proposal that has caused a lot of debate and, with significant advocacy campaigns for both sides, a certain amount of tension and distrust between those who favor and those who oppose.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkfnCg1lsdbgw_DONKH6cRNCxdtdMCq6Jy9LOugGndfNeEpRGZqdXCSk-NOICa5R81-v6Wg5mN0J33_TED8UYar8Fw-htpUXxDtK3jnw2iuilpfwnfA6cZo_lyhxtrh97QXvjFwm_ixl-/s1600-h/014-18439.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkfnCg1lsdbgw_DONKH6cRNCxdtdMCq6Jy9LOugGndfNeEpRGZqdXCSk-NOICa5R81-v6Wg5mN0J33_TED8UYar8Fw-htpUXxDtK3jnw2iuilpfwnfA6cZo_lyhxtrh97QXvjFwm_ixl-/s320/014-18439.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259117124946000482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Maug</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Anyone who follows along with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">CNMI</span> politics or who has had the opportunity to sit in on a session of the house or senate knows that this should make for a very interesting start to a long day indeed. Just to fill in anyone who’s jumping into this midstream, I’ll provide a quick run down of the highlights and how I perceive we’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ve</span> gotten to this point before jumping in with a few “fly on the wall” predictions as to how today might go down.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInXXRULz98BqCXAnvZixznfkqlJ-MwmMz5FQBOiv53wGdRTymW2SmlpDIhHqgXs5QT_R7GJHaSAe9CJ4Drc4pjNmvZSJwI4HuejBSQnSA93G4xnAG2mWiFprh-COcHjk_0URen6r8Rl3i/s1600-h/asuncion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInXXRULz98BqCXAnvZixznfkqlJ-MwmMz5FQBOiv53wGdRTymW2SmlpDIhHqgXs5QT_R7GJHaSAe9CJ4Drc4pjNmvZSJwI4HuejBSQnSA93G4xnAG2mWiFprh-COcHjk_0URen6r8Rl3i/s320/asuncion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259117131597220994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Asuncion</span><br /></div></div>The Marianas Trench Marine Monument, as it has become known, was a concept first floated by Jay Nelson of the Pew Environmental Group in November 2007 during a public retreat designed to establish the goals of a local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">NGO</span>, the Marianas Island Nature Alliance (MINA). It was stated that President Bush was looking to have large <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">NGO</span>’s from around the world assess potential areas for the possibility of protection through use of the Antiquities Act as was done in creation of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Papahanaumokuakea</span> monument in Hawaii two years earlier. While MINA decided to concentrate efforts in other directions, their director at the time, Angelo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Villagomez, </span>would later become the local Pew representative in charge of coordinating community outreach and advocacy for the monument concept.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AhN11vBMhWDN2q2bPLXrdev_tYt2f2WvT6fhBoKdl2I7chgdzQcO98UM_a8DXj5LarCj4Ddl2U2s1rYvpxHsv6yKuxTGEYJdaLAkud7os4X8j4kpL2rluMIt3u8vpAAv4szJoIVUWQl7/s1600-h/Marianas+Trench+map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AhN11vBMhWDN2q2bPLXrdev_tYt2f2WvT6fhBoKdl2I7chgdzQcO98UM_a8DXj5LarCj4Ddl2U2s1rYvpxHsv6yKuxTGEYJdaLAkud7os4X8j4kpL2rluMIt3u8vpAAv4szJoIVUWQl7/s320/Marianas+Trench+map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259117123516775858" border="0" /></a>During the MINA retreat, John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Gourley,</span> a local resident, former biologist at the Division of Fish and Wildlife and advisor to the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Wespac</span>), opposed the idea and would later become a leader of the movement to block the concept from being discussed. Shortly after Pew began conducting public information sessions, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">CNMI</span> legislature also acted quickly (within 24 hours of its introduction) on a resolution essentially stating they were not interested in any proposal that allowed unilateral action by the federal government. Around about the same time, Governor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Fitial</span> also wrote a letter against the idea despite never meeting with Pew representatives or hearing the concept.<br /><br />From the beginning the lines were drawn. Fortunately the story does not end there. Those in favor of the concept did not give up and quickly pointed to the need for conservation as well as the potential benefits beyond resource preservation that would come with the designation including increased tourism, more jobs, positive international exposure and higher education for local residents. The opponents pointed to a “takeover” of the waters from the local people and a loss of commercial fishing and mineral extraction rights across 1/3 of the Exclusive Economic Zone (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">EEZ</span>). They also set out to create an “Us vs. Them” mentality with the pushy outsider being the Pew Environmental group.<br /><br />Early on, opponents also attempted to sound the alarm that native Hawaiians did not welcome the formation of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Papahanaumokuakea</span> and that President Bush had forced it upon them. Pew brought William Aila, a respected native Hawaiian, to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Saipan</span> where he spoke about the indigenous Hawaiians asking President Bush to declare the monument. In doing so he said Bush had ended the government infighting and pro-fishing lobbying that had prevented Hawaiians from achieving the additional protections they desired.<br /><br />Next came the argument that the designation would prohibit indigenous people from ever visiting the islands and that restricting 1/3 of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">EEZ</span> from any potential extraction of minerals or fish in the future would spell disaster for the local economy. Pew commissioned an economic study and like every economic study it was based on assumptions that could be argued one way or the other, but in the end it showed the immediate and long-term positive economic boost that would come from increased federal funding and increased tourism. At the time Aila also assured local fisherman that in the case of Hawaii, it is local Hawaiians that decide who is issued permits for fishing. So, although there were restrictions, it is not entirely prohibited and he encouraged people of the Marianas to demand a seat at the table when negotiating any rules or regulations for their own monument.<br /><br />Another point of contention is the debate over who owns the rights to the waters surrounding the three islands. While the courts have ruled in favor of federal jurisdiction from the high water point out to 200 miles, many in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">CNMI</span> believe the issue of submerged lands is ongoing and that agreeing to the monument will officially give up what is theirs. However, many recognize that creation of the monument along with a co-management agreement including participation by local government would give the people of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">CNMI</span> a stronger position in the regulatory process while providing much needed funding for properly managing such a vast area of water.<br /><br />In June just before I had to <a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/08/most-frightening-of-words.html">leave the island for my heart condition</a>, a small group of local residents was formed. The Friends of the Marianas Trench Marine Monument (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">FMTMM</span>) believed in the concept Pew had brought forward but realized the organization had not necessarily handled the delivery appropriately under the circumstances. They also realized that the opposition was spreading misinformation while attempting to put a stop to any real discussions before they got started. The Friends set out on a campaign to educate and discuss the issues as well as the potential benefits with the people of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">CNMI</span>. Over 5000 signatures and numerous support letters later, the group has grown and by all reports I get from the ground it seems they have been successful in gaining considerable support for the Marine Monument. This, while what seems like a few with a vested interest in the status <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">quo</span>, continue to oppose the idea based on the loss of potential commercial mining and fishing rights as well as the change in administrative jurisdiction. They continue to push the idea that no help is needed to protect or study this vast area of water despite the current lack of funds and personnel to do so. They point to past “effective” fishery management by local agencies through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Wespac</span> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Magnuson</span>-Stevens Fishery Act as reason enough not to consider any type of large marine protected or no-take zone in the area. It is interesting to note that should a monument be designated there will be a change at the Federal level with regards to who manages the proposed area. As it stands now jurisdiction falls under the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">NOAA</span> fisheries division, of which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Wespac</span> is an advisory body. If the monument becomes reality governance will be co-managed with the lead federal agency shifting to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">NOAA</span> Sanctuaries program where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Wespac</span> has little influence. Local input and co-management responsibilities will likely mean changes at the local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">DFW</span> offices as well and perhaps even the creation of a new local agency all together.<br /><br />So, with much at stake and both sides firmly believing they are right, a whole bunch of people will show up this morning when discussions about the monument officially begin in the Senate chamber. No doubt on one side of the room will be Angelo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Villagomez</span> and Jay Nelson alongside the Friends in a sea of orange. On the other will be John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Gourley</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Sylvain</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Igisomar</span> and other representatives of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Wespac</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">DFW</span>. I predict all or most of the government officials will be present and the room will be full. The press will be there. Jacqueline from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Saipan</span> Tribune will get a great front-page cover shot for tomorrow’s paper. Chris Nelson or one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">KSPN</span> reporters will be there with their video cameras trying to capture the scene including an interview with at least one of the Senators and Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Connaughton</span> himself. Then later today there will be a press conference at the Friends of the Monument office in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Garapan</span> where support signatures will be officially turned over to the federal government. Finally at 5:30 tonight a public forum will be held at the Aquarius hotel. The room will again be packed with supporters in orange and those against (I’m not sure what color they will wear). There will be tension. There will be angry accusations. There will be many trying to sound intelligent but in the end many will likely ramble on. They will run out of time and then everyone will go home.<br /><br />That’s as far as I wish to predict. I don’t believe Angelo and John will go for beers together afterward but I’m confident Angelo will have at least one among a group of dedicated people wearing orange.<br /><br />Stay tuned for a full report!<br /><br />UPDATE - The Day After.<br /><br />An excellent story in the Tribune today. <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=84593&cat=1">'CNMI may regain control over its submerged lands'</a><br />Another Tribune story on the petition hand over. '<a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=84594&cat=1">5,502: A monumental number'</a><br />And Another Tribune article about Friends & Style <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=84558">'Monument backers sport orange ahead of forum"</a><br /><a href="http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com/2008/10/288-wow-community-involvement.html">Jane Mack has written her take on the public forum.</a><br /><br />Other articles and Links from the past 24 hours or so..<br /><a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=84578&cat=15">Amazed and Proud</a><br /><a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=84576&cat=15">Thanks for supporting the monument plan</a><br /><a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=15&newsID=84575">The WOW of MMM</a><br /><a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=15&newsID=84574">DFW arguments for marine monument</a><br /><a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2008/10/360-on-1020.html">Angelo's Blog and Updates</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaW1nIf2hNEM11sImRkpJvLz2v0b3TzrCTb_KPKEHbAqgNDsVrJW_Cp9qqkfsvNQK1dA4B4TZ5DuzfgBaT9X-xW1fY0sv7cop1h43WLsca1eASm-28EKB4ImR2alSnoTfIs9IW8O1m1qS/s1600-h/Friends+in+the+Senate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaW1nIf2hNEM11sImRkpJvLz2v0b3TzrCTb_KPKEHbAqgNDsVrJW_Cp9qqkfsvNQK1dA4B4TZ5DuzfgBaT9X-xW1fY0sv7cop1h43WLsca1eASm-28EKB4ImR2alSnoTfIs9IW8O1m1qS/s320/Friends+in+the+Senate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259315448121841890" border="0" /></a><br />The following are links to additional articles I've written about the Marianas Trench Monument in chronological order. Those with an * have been published in the Saipan Tribune and Marianas Variety.<br /><br />April 25th 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/search/label/Northern%20Island%20Marine%20Monument">Act Two - Northern Island Marine Monument</a><br /><br />Friday, May 9, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-why-kill-it-now.html">Marine Monument - Why Kill It Now?</a>*<br /><br />Monday, May 12, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-personalities-politics.html">Marine Monument – Personalities & Politics</a>*<br /><br />Wednesday, May 14, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-lets-talk-eh.html">Marine Monument - Lets Talk eh!</a>*<br /><br />Friday, May 16, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-benefits-its-not-all.html">Marine Monument - The Benefits / It's Not All About the Fishing</a>*<br /><br />Thursday, May 22, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-get-informed.html">Marine Monument - Get Informed</a><br /><br />Friday, May 23, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-ruths-round-up.html">Marine Monument - Ruth's Round Up</a><br /><br />Saturday, May 24, 2008<a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/bush-eyes-unprecedented-conservation.html"><br />Bush Eyes Unprecedented Conservation Program - NPR Report</a><br /><br />Monday, July 14, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/07/coral-triangle-meet-trench-monument.html">Coral Triangle Meet the Trench Monument</a><br /><br />Friday, July 18, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/07/pews-role-defined.html">Pew's Role Defined</a>scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-2211704102027919982008-10-16T13:41:00.004+10:002008-10-16T14:07:41.156+10:00Sunset at Seal Beach<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, being a little lazy on the writing tonight. I went for a walk to the beach yesterday. It was a clear night although there was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">definitely</span> some effects in the sky from the fires burning around LA.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1fiyktW7e8M12o68pssviKhyphenhyphenuGzoy8LxJEO2jR6gBdhiiea9tITT7yrq34K4tCVc6dzaUFpL5U6Yh6almpmQ72kI80G48fWZmRZuzy8TEMR_Od9bKzhCikVkLt2uFK554CUTqXoed1n_/s1600-h/Seal+Beach+Sunset+MTP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1fiyktW7e8M12o68pssviKhyphenhyphenuGzoy8LxJEO2jR6gBdhiiea9tITT7yrq34K4tCVc6dzaUFpL5U6Yh6almpmQ72kI80G48fWZmRZuzy8TEMR_Od9bKzhCikVkLt2uFK554CUTqXoed1n_/s320/Seal+Beach+Sunset+MTP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257594480130103554" border="0" /></a>No <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Photoshop</span> here, there really never is on this blog. Plenty of potential photo ops and mother nature seems to provide all that is needed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrZCisJ3UDHwTgGnJK2gKMMeU74tLcQRIVWAHOS3DGuyBX3zBoD-q-JTZ1U8PLk88c1hDyjjNQ_-6xEw1BPLmSJJyrg4Hmgop-jZiTlf13-nrt6eEfdcmoDljuK30qJHzMxYukGamE1Jj/s1600-h/Seal+Beach+Sunset+MTP+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrZCisJ3UDHwTgGnJK2gKMMeU74tLcQRIVWAHOS3DGuyBX3zBoD-q-JTZ1U8PLk88c1hDyjjNQ_-6xEw1BPLmSJJyrg4Hmgop-jZiTlf13-nrt6eEfdcmoDljuK30qJHzMxYukGamE1Jj/s320/Seal+Beach+Sunset+MTP+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257594484003591810" border="0" /></a>I never get bored of trying to capture a sunset. It's gotten so much easier with digital! I remember one particular night siting on a beach in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Moorea</span> many years back discussing the crap shoot it was taking a whole roll of film not really knowing if you have the exposure right. One of the pictures I got on that night is now framed and hanging in my house. I got lucky - with the picture!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskmBbH8EQKVmNjNHCFRDSNcQZgZhREzZf0ANCs550_eL7zvqAigxRod4Hs6IcIN-Y2SgigtSnWzbcLlNutEqw_9Vc1tX8A0id2TySk82j5ftjJyIYqgUX9NBcNrnwBmLp37mblu75eBrv/s1600-h/Seal+Beach+Sunset+MTP+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskmBbH8EQKVmNjNHCFRDSNcQZgZhREzZf0ANCs550_eL7zvqAigxRod4Hs6IcIN-Y2SgigtSnWzbcLlNutEqw_9Vc1tX8A0id2TySk82j5ftjJyIYqgUX9NBcNrnwBmLp37mblu75eBrv/s320/Seal+Beach+Sunset+MTP+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257594477241715458" border="0" /></a>I love watching the sun set and taking the time to reflect on the day. Sunrise is cool too but way too early. I like getting up in the morning about as much as I like wearing socks.scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-37210918664971389712008-10-14T03:36:00.011+10:002008-10-15T15:47:53.508+10:00Santa Ana Winds Whip up Fires in LAI nearly froze my ass off in bed the night before last. Two blankets were not enough. Getting up in the morning was like getting out of a sleeping bag on a cold morning of camping. I laid in bed an extra hour knowing it was going to be cold but, in the end I also knew the front deck at the place I'm staying would be sunny. Finally, I jumped up, threw on pants, a fleece jacket AND socks as fast as I could. Yes socks! No time to have breakfast, straight to the sunshine.<br /><br />On the deck it was windy, warmer in the sun but very windy. Later that day when I went for a walk to the pier you could see the dust and sand coming off the beach into downtown Seal Beach. Putting two and two together, this is why the warm deck I'd been sitting on was also covered in fine dirt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3g-x8A8oU9dkGxNtH7kaEfW0eGx5CLxBKIlo-bYr29LDiincs4jOR-a08ESU1oLzDeE2oRryaA-mk0_QRKeoZjEQH43yvV1GIXN9txlRmFXoeRlnDcxBgqxk4vNC5DilBvlarNCQxi_Me/s1600-h/Seal+beach+MTP9621+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3g-x8A8oU9dkGxNtH7kaEfW0eGx5CLxBKIlo-bYr29LDiincs4jOR-a08ESU1oLzDeE2oRryaA-mk0_QRKeoZjEQH43yvV1GIXN9txlRmFXoeRlnDcxBgqxk4vNC5DilBvlarNCQxi_Me/s320/Seal+beach+MTP9621+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256714852617694578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EvCsS-nVbGYu25aZoorzeNeAzbVobb_16Yw2CZxWuzvWLEo1Ue_hM0M20JI6K2ndxZycs_oJb3_DE2GSJMNxuAnXSr2LJJpcliXhmVL-xaJXNOnDeGQQaJ2A6Jyfj7n1X-lF7Ljse8BD/s1600-h/Seal+beach+MTP9621+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EvCsS-nVbGYu25aZoorzeNeAzbVobb_16Yw2CZxWuzvWLEo1Ue_hM0M20JI6K2ndxZycs_oJb3_DE2GSJMNxuAnXSr2LJJpcliXhmVL-xaJXNOnDeGQQaJ2A6Jyfj7n1X-lF7Ljse8BD/s320/Seal+beach+MTP9621+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256714854546219778" border="0" /></a>Today I wake up, it's not as cold or as windy however, the news channels are reporting fires burning north of here and blaming the Santa Ana Winds. Traveling around the greater Los Angeles area for the past few months I can tell you everywhere you go it is very DRY. I had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Saipan</span> weather report from Denise the other day telling me how humid and warm it was there. Not so here. It is very easy to see how a small fire in a trash can or from a cigarette butt, combined with these winds, could easily whip up large fires in highly dense residential areas almost instantly.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RJ0CLhdHTVgO92CkXDoe-5Ou6KJTLCO14F1HRyiwZW34Yk0wv86q7-fx-6lIPDAUtPDA-h_XKe8-IObXcVsR6jQUM7RTuAF8SBdc7kzcpqsueU9C9dwskFbnDTzBkDZFd2xe1xxtlFWk/s1600-h/ALeqM5h6tKFclHjGfdf3gGJViO-50l2M2A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RJ0CLhdHTVgO92CkXDoe-5Ou6KJTLCO14F1HRyiwZW34Yk0wv86q7-fx-6lIPDAUtPDA-h_XKe8-IObXcVsR6jQUM7RTuAF8SBdc7kzcpqsueU9C9dwskFbnDTzBkDZFd2xe1xxtlFWk/s320/ALeqM5h6tKFclHjGfdf3gGJViO-50l2M2A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256698904739050722" border="0" /></a><a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gwSSrT7-LciDlr1tYmyE9e19oX9QD93PLATO0">(Read the story here, picture AP)</a><br /><br /></div>I've learned from the news today that the Sana Ana winds actually come down from the mountains east of this vast human settlement between there and the coast. I guess this explains why it's not as cold or windy at the pier today. There were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">definitely</span> more folks out enjoying the winds yesterday even though they came with a bone chilling, off shore, cold.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyvvCbYWOa584Tu4Muem87Z6_idXa1ThTX7foXm0YTynMCQjeLOKlw3zz8RBMMIWtnsWodAOd2egKQGQ09621BEnaz2pPMiiqekpWXnS2csbGx3IB_m9PYsE2CYY3nRThJ2zCci2gIBi1/s1600-h/Seal+beach+MTP9734.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyvvCbYWOa584Tu4Muem87Z6_idXa1ThTX7foXm0YTynMCQjeLOKlw3zz8RBMMIWtnsWodAOd2egKQGQ09621BEnaz2pPMiiqekpWXnS2csbGx3IB_m9PYsE2CYY3nRThJ2zCci2gIBi1/s320/Seal+beach+MTP9734.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256714863537134850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1HeECm-HqDIUk7VwMwYyriabOJ3DEnis6oBX5uB09VCQ59-Vfb5c2L2axpQLcsNa1UuQx7sPGN0A8vr9-3PLZLowiJN4_BgVC3unaMf5NbA8VzKU3Zoux65I96aNjjsn-NVTKKeC8F71/s1600-h/Seal+beach+MTP9730.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1HeECm-HqDIUk7VwMwYyriabOJ3DEnis6oBX5uB09VCQ59-Vfb5c2L2axpQLcsNa1UuQx7sPGN0A8vr9-3PLZLowiJN4_BgVC3unaMf5NbA8VzKU3Zoux65I96aNjjsn-NVTKKeC8F71/s320/Seal+beach+MTP9730.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256714860118692514" border="0" /></a>The seagulls were the ones who seemed to enjoy the wind the most. Lifting off, spreading wings and gliding above potential food sources with the greatest of ease. I don't know if they're cold but the people fishing were bundled up and feeling it like I was.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg519TrBBJzN9NzYuBf_NiyAJF0hyphenhyphenLgbrjfG3l-eLH-i2DrGEkY8fM3sbL3qzYsrcolpFXJRLc0Kg0emmevFu1n1qKq1kQD561UDCZz2H0b8PnU6XtZqGBsuWGZufFbAYk9LeHILzcqTsO/s1600-h/Seal+beach+MTP9656+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg519TrBBJzN9NzYuBf_NiyAJF0hyphenhyphenLgbrjfG3l-eLH-i2DrGEkY8fM3sbL3qzYsrcolpFXJRLc0Kg0emmevFu1n1qKq1kQD561UDCZz2H0b8PnU6XtZqGBsuWGZufFbAYk9LeHILzcqTsO/s320/Seal+beach+MTP9656+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256714861166153554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UO9CE1Gels2AA-rM46fSRIz1W-9-gcL2eVcla8yAW-CuPpzKInkjvyPNItgNZYwezhV0bjJS5iMHoAbsCblVCONocygLkSTvZFPlogU31oaG9XwzxA8-OaB76TvaW51ZIVVIu51JGTFQ/s1600-h/DSC_9716.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UO9CE1Gels2AA-rM46fSRIz1W-9-gcL2eVcla8yAW-CuPpzKInkjvyPNItgNZYwezhV0bjJS5iMHoAbsCblVCONocygLkSTvZFPlogU31oaG9XwzxA8-OaB76TvaW51ZIVVIu51JGTFQ/s320/DSC_9716.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256725364279921602" border="0" /></a>When it comes to having to add socks to my morning routine I draw the line. If I have to jump into a body of water to get out of a fire I'd prefer it to be warm! It's time to get back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saipan</span>. Only two more weeks to go!<br /><br /><br />Update October 14th.<br />Fires continue to burn with additional ones now south of LA near <a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/09/southern-cal-road-trip-and-marianas.html">the area I took my road trip</a> a few months ago. An <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7668603.stm">updated BBC story on the fires can be found here</a>.scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-83153871085646393062008-10-12T08:42:00.012+10:002008-10-14T05:55:02.517+10:00Miura Found Dead in L.A.After reading about his extradition and his boarding a flight to LA a few days ago I was tempted to go to LAX and meet his arriving flight to see if it attracted as much media attention here in LA as it has on Saipan and in Japan.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM98-h_B4ljN8LMEv4NWZXa10TeV-4teguCnZJsU4J8Vr3A56dfCFSdvOqwXCQ6-8fGeNBSbj15T3yu5k12CGWK_NgK4GcL7ESSm-o07K38zNjh8tCwTo9BqIi8zzNo9zUez9aRyrtfB1v/s1600-h/1863x.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM98-h_B4ljN8LMEv4NWZXa10TeV-4teguCnZJsU4J8Vr3A56dfCFSdvOqwXCQ6-8fGeNBSbj15T3yu5k12CGWK_NgK4GcL7ESSm-o07K38zNjh8tCwTo9BqIi8zzNo9zUez9aRyrtfB1v/s320/1863x.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256040399118047650" border="0" /></a><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRtSrZDU0H6mv4kFN3V_wjcZoT-vGjh7h0QiNXgpIATGnxQXfLI6qczLwGb1b7Hdxo2nkADf_EjcZCIRSf_nxuuLij_IaL5eprreFI9gWRmC_kZHzt6JPVyD41xXkqHYKanDEuu_ihGk/s400/1863x.jpg&imgrefurl=http://jgpo-guam-cmtf.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html&h=267&w=400&sz=22&hl=en&start=12&um=1&usg=__uACIcD3fSZn2oH8zdih6VeenFn8=&tbnid=CyTMoN0NBtcdXM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3DKazuyoshi%2BMiura%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN"><span style="font-size:85%;">Miura's arrest on Saipan attracts Japanese media</span></a><br /></div>Given this turn of events I think Saipan will be getting plenty of international press over the next few days at least. Once again not the kind we really want but I guess it is press. How does one hang themselves in police custody? In their cell no less?<br /><br />This entire case was a huge thing on Saipan over the past 6 or 7 months especially when he was first arrested coming to Saipan for vacation from Japan. The influx of Japanese news media resulted in a huge increase in business revenue from literally hundreds of reporters.<br /><br />One of the nurses from my cardiac rehab came up to me yesterday while I was riding the stationary bike and said "Hey, I heard Saipan mentioned on the news today, and I knew where it was!" I wonder just how many mainland citizens will see this story here and scratch their heads wondering, where the heck is Saipan!<br /><br />Now if I could just get the remote away from my roommate who's fallen asleep on the couch watching Saturday college football I could turn to see if this story has hit the major network and cable news channels yet.<br /><br />You can read more about who Mr. Mirua was including, his profile as seen on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazuyoshi_Miura_%28businessman%29">his own Wikipedia page </a>and his original arrest reported on Saipan <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=77361">here</a>. The story of his death reported in the <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=84335&cat=1">Saipan Tribune here</a> and how the <a href="http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20081012TDY02309.htm">Japanese media are reporting it here</a>.<br /><br />Oh ya I forgot to mention who Mirua's LA based lawyer was. Ya, I think this is going to get some media play! How DOES someone kill themselves in Jail these days?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-_aP8RZ78U8G3LoqxWFIPzCicGXGe8MPB0xBSOo_TQ5bZVgIhVMKvMUeYdfhLaqMTaj22guvB2v0dWRk3FROOsjz9BTxHz3nI2Vneg8xDBTAH62znjnDZc69Q60iX7a2xQMN8b2Fce1o/s1600-h/nn20080309a4a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-_aP8RZ78U8G3LoqxWFIPzCicGXGe8MPB0xBSOo_TQ5bZVgIhVMKvMUeYdfhLaqMTaj22guvB2v0dWRk3FROOsjz9BTxHz3nI2Vneg8xDBTAH62znjnDZc69Q60iX7a2xQMN8b2Fce1o/s320/nn20080309a4a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256040549710072274" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080309a4.html"><span class="lingo_region"><span style="font-size:78%;"><b>Lawyer Mark Geragos, representing Kazuyoshi Miura, speaks to reporters in LA</b></span></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/10/11/murder.suspect.suicide.ap/index.html">CNN story</a> has hit the ticker! The "fair and balanced" look over on <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,436408,00.html">Fox News here</a>.<br /><br />UPDATE October 13th.<br /><br />I've caught the story being played on a couple of the networks local programing and something on one of the major cable news channels in passing. In all the cases I did hear Saipan mentioned and that Geragos has called for an inquiry. How often does someone hang themselves in jail. Are there not 24 hour cameras on each cell with someone watching a monitor or do they not do that. Anyone know?<br /></div></div>scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-22766038683647953562008-10-11T17:40:00.007+10:002008-10-11T18:44:56.619+10:00Open Houses on Potential Marine Conservation AreasWashington, D.C. – The Federal government has organized a series of open houses to discuss the advisability of providing additional recognition or protection to the historic and scientific qualities of three specific marine areas in the Pacific. These public discussions were scheduled in response to President Bush's memo to members of his Cabinet asking them to assess and recommend the appropriate future course in these three marine areas. The open houses are open to the press.<br /><br />Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands<br />Monday, October 20th 2008<br />5:30pm – 7:30pm<br />Fiesta Resort Saipan<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYennlcAVawagT3BZHfrI9mu3nvWFQLXC9PuY9NQORWpAeF_jolHIo-cJ7ElqOJDTe9vmbmvm_C99vN72p8mEFcZc9GWf3cy6U3Sw5cygUw2k2Z50JkTXLqbS2bwiNeKIVnnde1zlTN49_/s1600-h/Marianas+Trench+map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYennlcAVawagT3BZHfrI9mu3nvWFQLXC9PuY9NQORWpAeF_jolHIo-cJ7ElqOJDTe9vmbmvm_C99vN72p8mEFcZc9GWf3cy6U3Sw5cygUw2k2Z50JkTXLqbS2bwiNeKIVnnde1zlTN49_/s320/Marianas+Trench+map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255809521783508210" border="0" /></a>One of these three areas includes the 3 northern most islands in the Marianas chain. The proposed Mariana Trench Marine Monument would become the 2nd largest marine protected area in the World. As <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=84177&cat=3">Jean-Michel Cousteau discuses in his special to the Saipan Tribune</a> these waters are special, with rare species, active volcanic seamounts, and two continental plates colliding at the deepest of depths in the Marianas Trench.<br /><br />Federal officials have been discussing the concept on Saipan for about a month. The Pew environmental group has been on island for months engaging people in discussions and providing information about the concept. This open house will be an opportunity for public comment directly to the Federal officials. Below are links to blogs & websites that have additional information and commentary as well as a series of links to all the comments and articles I’ve written on the subject.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrnvrw-i30E1-YWt3KZtjKlXOEBx1qXLCJGcAAAud41nFcSEM6_8qcGCy74q1NBX_78zFGPjPYaIPZ4ejjKZTGf-FsQFj347aVWv9vi-VXdGRp-mlxWUFxjIoZSieHCAbUdUWVnlU5PwM/s1600-h/Friends+of+the+Trench.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrnvrw-i30E1-YWt3KZtjKlXOEBx1qXLCJGcAAAud41nFcSEM6_8qcGCy74q1NBX_78zFGPjPYaIPZ4ejjKZTGf-FsQFj347aVWv9vi-VXdGRp-mlxWUFxjIoZSieHCAbUdUWVnlU5PwM/s320/Friends+of+the+Trench.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255810244356355570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com/">Friends of the Monument</a><br /><a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2008/03/proposal.html">Angelo’s Saipan Blog</a><br /><a href="http://www.globaloceanlegacy.org/cnmi/#monument">Ocean Legacy Project</a><br /><a href="http://mustbethehumidity.blogspot.com/2008/10/place-our-place-where-none-of-this-is.html">Lil Hammerhead</a><br /><a href="http://www.dfw.gov.mp/Monument_Page.html">The Division of Fish & Wildlife</a><br /><a href="http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com/search/label/National%20Marine%20Monument">Jane Mack</a><br /><a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2008/09/whole-kit-and-kaboodle.html"><br />Click this link for a whole bunch more articles and stories!</a><br /><br />My Articles:<br />April 25th 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/search/label/Northern%20Island%20Marine%20Monument">Act Two - Northern Island Marine Monument</a><br /><br />Friday, May 9, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-why-kill-it-now.html">Marine Monument - Why Kill It Now?</a>*<br /><br />Monday, May 12, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-personalities-politics.html">Marine Monument – Personalities & Politics</a>*<br /><br />Wednesday, May 14, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-lets-talk-eh.html">Marine Monument - Lets Talk eh!</a>*<br /><br />Friday, May 16, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-benefits-its-not-all.html">Marine Monument - The Benefits / It's Not All About the Fishing</a>*<br /><br />Thursday, May 22, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-get-informed.html">Marine Monument - Get Informed</a><br /><br />Friday, May 23, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/marine-monument-ruths-round-up.html">Marine Monument - Ruth's Round Up</a><br /><br />Saturday, May 24, 2008<a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/05/bush-eyes-unprecedented-conservation.html"><br />Bush Eyes Unprecedented Conservation Program - NPR Report</a><br /><br />Monday, July 14, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/07/coral-triangle-meet-trench-monument.html">Coral Triangle Meet the Trench Monument</a><br /><br />Friday, July 18, 2008<br /><a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/07/pews-role-defined.html">Pew's Role Defined</a>scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-60246387511320016312008-10-10T05:41:00.012+10:002008-10-11T06:12:23.807+10:00Putting it Back Into PerspectiveI just had a comment left on my <a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/2008/09/two-week-follow-up.html">Two Week Follow Up</a> post from a month ago. It seems Rolf found my blog while sitting in the ICU recovery room at UCLA with his son following surgery by Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Reemtsen</span></span>. Rolf left a link to his blog <a href="http://rudysbeat.wordpress.com/">Rudy's Beat</a>, where the family is in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">midst</span> of some serious medical procedures for their infant son. As soon as I opened the link I was swept back into that place, reminded of the babies who looked so tiny on big adult beds as they rolled past me walking slowly around the unit. At that time we all talked about how hard it would be to be the parents of those kids.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4-5juOa7dpZasm9wlhnK3QIZkfNGwjJs_TM1J41wz023Pa2rkQqYaQlsdk0sQqPWirt7RSVp3mjmYIgprzh4pSvMlg5CXRuYnwmf7IZGkKUw4vR8tcokBgTdNma0afW7a1x-V9I-QTf2/s1600-h/Surgery+Pics+-+68.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4-5juOa7dpZasm9wlhnK3QIZkfNGwjJs_TM1J41wz023Pa2rkQqYaQlsdk0sQqPWirt7RSVp3mjmYIgprzh4pSvMlg5CXRuYnwmf7IZGkKUw4vR8tcokBgTdNma0afW7a1x-V9I-QTf2/s320/Surgery+Pics+-+68.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255253762122540146" border="0" /></a>Going through open heart surgery was hard, no doubt about it, but I can't imagine what it would be like to watch my kids go through it. I've only read a small part of <a href="http://rudysbeat.wordpress.com/about/">Rudy's Beat</a> so far but I'm going to get back to it because I think it might give a pretty good look at what parents must go through.<br /><br />It seems from what I've read so far that things are going well and of course my thoughts go out to them and hope everything works out. Rolf made a comment about Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Reemtsen</span></span> and I'm confident that he's had a very good surgeon. Of course, I only know of his capabilities from listening to his peers talk about him and knowing he deals with some of the hardest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">paediatric</span> cases around but, what I do know for sure is that he has a great bedside manner. I remember Denise and I thinking that this would be that much more important when dealing with kids AND their parents. I don't think it should be underestimated. My confidence in him going into the big day was very important. Rudy's story is another reminder to me that Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Reemtsen</span></span> and his staff change lives everyday and they should be commended. They certainly won't be forgotten!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">For those of you coming into this little open heart surgery discussion a little late you can find all the posts easily by clicking on the Open Heart Surgery Labels at the bottom of this post or by clicking on the links under open heart surgery over on the right hand side of the blog. Those ones are listed in chronological order!</span><br /><br /><br />UPDATE:<br />I've just gotten through most of <a href="http://rudysbeat.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/another-member-of-the-brian-reemtsen-fan-club/">Rudy's Beat</a> blog. Well worth a long visit, a very good read and a very candid look into the lives and thoughts of parents with 3 kids and now, a brand spanking new baby boy who had to have complicated open heart surgery two days after being born. The family knew surgery was needed and in fact began writing a few months before delivery when the whole family found out during an ultrasound that something was wrong. If you are a parent you will cry as you follow along with this near real time journey. If you've faced a similar position you will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">empathise</span> and be thankful someone wrote down many of your own thoughts. So much of the emotion they are going through is similar to what I felt yet much of it is still so different because, its just not the same when it happens to your kids, to your new born baby! I certainly plan to follow along and wish them all the best!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-56478956181717051092008-10-07T04:36:00.004+10:002008-10-07T06:49:40.641+10:00I’ve Been Better Thanks!I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> been a little quite on the blog lately. Just haven’t felt like writing or more precisely finishing things I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ve</span> started. It’s not that there’s been a shortage of things to do or write about. Each day typically provides at least one or two blog worthy events but I’m just not motivated enough to put them down on paper so to speak. Also, I hate to admit it but everything has been competing with mind numbing TV and far too much CNN, The Comedy Channel, ESPN, and NFL football to name a few.<br /><br />It’s not like I’m doing nothing, although, at times it sure feels that way. I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ve</span> started a cardiac rehab program three times a week and have been doing a lot of walking on my own as well. Unfortunately, there's still a lot of down time without the family around. In addition I've been told by the rehab folks to slow things down a bit and to not push things to fast.<br /><br />Part of the problem is definitely body fatigue and pain which really only disappears after lying down. The pain is not excruciating by any means but there is almost always an uncomfortable feeling in my chest and back. It’s far more noticeable after walking or standing for long periods of time or after car rides. It’s difficult to describe but imagine a severe crick in your back, between and across the shoulder blades, that just won’t go away. I feel like if someone could lift up my shoulder blades and get in there like they were kneading a big pile of bread dough I would be in heaven. The word from past survivors and the rehab folks is that this could take as long as six months or more to go away. Ultimately, it’s caused by how your body is positioned on the operating table. For 3-4 hours every muscle and nerve in your chest and back are chilled and then pulled and held in positions they don’t like very much. This tends to leave a lasting impression! A little reminder of what you've just been through even though your mind is ready to move on.<br /><br />So following a few emails over the past few days wondering exactly how things are going I figured I had better put something up to let everyone know that I’m doing OK. Not great by any standard of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">measurement</span> primarily because I really miss my family on Saipan but, I'm hanging in there.<br /><br />Then again I’m certainly not doing as well as I was when my new profile picture was taken.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbPVeKWpGwUU6tFNvUL3_bJ37MCHQt7fwjhZpvVIouLEtbFlzO8ed7TX-uYMaXhvSNMedhJuQRLrSjtuPyq4LeMtFiduQIc7mFgP6EX0joa7yg_vyABN9pLEZ6TRNsNTWSNLp9Y1ecbdd/s1600-h/Club+Med+Diving+Group.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbPVeKWpGwUU6tFNvUL3_bJ37MCHQt7fwjhZpvVIouLEtbFlzO8ed7TX-uYMaXhvSNMedhJuQRLrSjtuPyq4LeMtFiduQIc7mFgP6EX0joa7yg_vyABN9pLEZ6TRNsNTWSNLp9Y1ecbdd/s320/Club+Med+Diving+Group.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254111990453970258" border="0" /></a>But hey, that was taken at Club Med and that was life as it should be!<br /><br />Now I know it’s not the first thing most of you will notice in the picture but check out those abs (on me). This is now my goal photo (with regards to my abs)! I need to loose a few pounds from where I’m at these days and realistically the only way anyone is going to look at this current gut and think "sexy" will be if I can add those six pack handles back to the canvas and distract ones eyes from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">incision</span> scar and what looks like two large bullet holes from where the chest tubes came out.<br /><br />I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ve</span> got a way to go but I don't mind looking at the picture and goals are a good thing to have when you’re trying to fight off the urge to waste the day with mindless TV.<br /><br />Anyone care to guess which Club Med Village this was taken at!scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603230977766349701.post-63698180073337051532008-10-03T16:18:00.002+10:002008-10-03T16:21:03.176+10:00The Underwater World of Saipan DVD Commercial<object height="344" width="425">I should have done this a long time ago. I've added the TV commercial that plays on local stations to the right side of the blog. It's right under the links to a few of the reviews that have come in. I may be slightly biased here but many others have backed up my thoughts so here goes.<br /><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CZWVw4fi9nI&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CZWVw4fi9nI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />The DVD delivers a realistic first person look at what the diving around Saipan is like. It takes you from the top of Mount Tapochau to 7 unique dive sites and makes you feel as if you’re actually here diving them. The fish ID feature allows you to follow along and discover over 130 species that live in these crystal clear waters. Unlike many underwater DVD's the soundtrack contains original music composed specifically to bring out the best of the creatures featured and the incredible images that capture them for you. The easy to navigate menu makes it easy to enjoy your favorite parts over and over again whenever you want. For anyone thinking about visiting and diving Saipan you will not find a product out there that better defines the experience. Take it from thousands of tourists who've taken one home, you will not be disappointed and it will remain a keepsake ready to instantly bring you back to paradise at anytime.<br /><br />The DVD is available for purchase here at the right hand side of the blog or on the official <a href="http://www.theunderwaterworldof.com/">Underwater World of Saipan website</a> as well as at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Underwater-World-Saipan-species-identified/dp/B000O78AGU/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1223007210&sr=8-9">Amazon</a>.scubatripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07503265598968789965noreply@blogger.com6