POTW - My New Year's Resolution

I vow to spend more time out there next year and less time at work. I might as well lower my cholesterol while I'm at it.

Anyone else have New Year's resolutions they'd like to air?

Snowzilla

Even against a local Alaskan ordinance, Christmas lives on! I encourage each and every one of you to Google 'Snowzilla'. This will make you believe in Christmas!

HAFA MERRY CHRISTMAS from the JAQUETTES!

My family and I sing that song every Christmas,
Verse AND Chorus! Tradition...pass it on.
I learned it at elementary school at PC Lujan!

JUNGLE BELLS:
'Here we are on Guam, without a chance of snow!
Where the trade-winds go, a typhoons sure to blow!
Santa and his sleigh, if the tropics will allow,
instead of riding 8 reindeers, he rides a carabao!
CHORUS:
OH...JUNGLE BELLS, coconut shells,
sticker-burrs all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride in a carabao-cart today, HEY!'
JUNGLE BELLS, coconut shells,
sticker-burrs all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride in a carabao-cart today!'

Merry Christmas from the Rockies.

Merry Christmas to all you circle rats and happy New Year!

Merry Christmas from Town House!

Merry Christmas from Town House!

(i remember juliet's brother ben telling me it snowed on mt. lam-lam one time!)

Merry Christmas from the Dan Larson Family

I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. My hope is that we remember why we celebrate Christmas. The season is to remind us of the Gift God sent us in his Son, and the hope we have in Him.
Be safe, make every attempt to renew relationships with family and friends. Start the New Year off right.
Wish I could have made it to the reunion. I miss you all.
Love, Dan and Fam.

Bottom row: Cory 16, shannon 12, Grant 8, Eric 20
Top row: Shelly 29, Dan 30.????

Merry Christmas From Cindy's Clan

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A GM Merry Christmas

My father-in-law, a retired 30-year GM employee, just received his $700 Christmas bonus from GM. WTF? Even he was baffled by it.

earth to rac... earth to rac... come in rac... over!

Coming soon to a blog near you...

Chris and I were speaking (very rare) the other night and it has been discovered that from deep within the archives of the family video library, a 70's dean's circle movie has been found.This particular sequence of ancient footage has been converted from super 8mm tape to DVD. The next trick will be to have it further digitally enhanced, slowed down ( runs 90 miles an hour) and somehow posted on the blog. To say that this film is "classic" in every sense of the word, is an understatement. I may have to confer with the rac meister to get some pointers on how to properly post this treasured clip of many of you circle rats and your parents. More to follow.

Mele Kalikimake et Joyeux Noell

I have not been on this blog in a while, but just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Feliz Pascua, Mele Kalikimaka and Joyeux Noell. As usual, I am off to Tahiti for a few weeks of surfing, hangin' out with my surf posse, and enjoying the island life in the 86F degree ocean.

Be safe!

my graphic & illustration biz '08 client christmas card!

Hafa Merry Christmas and have a FINE '09!
This is the card i sent to my clients, and inside it said
"Thanx for JAMMIN' with me this year!"

from illustrationISM &
BAMmGRAPHICS

NOT PART OF THE ISABEL CARDS LINE-UP!

Fun With Economics III

It just isn't the same being a millionaire these days.  Looking to park a stray million or two in a safe place in these uncertain times?  Traditionally,  Treasury Bills have been the preferred option for those wanting stability with a relatively small return. Until now.

As of yesterday the negative discount rate on T Bills went to .o1%, that is negative as in "I will pay you to hold onto my money for me".  Let's put this in everyday terms.  Imagine our hapless millionaire looking for a place other than under his mattress to stow a million.  He goes to Uncle Sam and says Hey Sam here's a million to invest as you see fit or to pay down your debt or build a new plane or whatever please hold onto it for three months and pay me in interest what you think is fair. Three months later said millionaire comes back to Sam and says "Hi" I'd like my million back plus whatever you think is fair in interest and Sam says actually you owe me $25.56 for my trouble holding on to and investing your million, please remit.  So yes the wealthy are willing to actually lose money to at least keep it in a safe place.  It is safe there because even should Uncle Sam go on a complete Romanesque orgy like drunken spending binge all he has to do is print more money and he's good to go.  Life's good.

In conclusion this does beg the question.  Why are the wealthy willing to put their money where it does nothing for them, in fact actually realizing a slight negative return?  As a general rule those that succeed and thrive in capitalism have not done so by being stupid or making ill advised business decisions.  Why don't they put it in the market?  Or in separate interest bearing bank accounts? Money Market?  Market based Muny's?

We're not talking about a few crazy kids just looking to park a million dad left them or something like that.  The Treasury sold $32 Billion worth of these negative discount bills yesterday, Tuesday.  Why did 32,000 millions get put in an "investment" position where they would earn their owners NOTHING?  

Things that make you say "hmmmm...." 

POTW - Sparks flying...

Ok, so maybe Joanna and I hadn't had that much to drink, but we had fun at the company Xmas party anyway.

hi lost friends

Hi kids! will post a pic when I can figure out how

You know you're home,

when the theaters have custom seating, just for you.

POTW - 26th Annual Japan Autumn Festival

A fun night at Ypao beach park with Japanese games, food and entertainment. Near the end of the night a group of people will carry these platforms bouncing and chanting around the grounds.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

This is what we all did
(minus becky - she was 'creating pumpkin pie')
this morning around the breakfast table -
lil' sketches of each other!
HAFA MAULEG THANKSGIVING from the Jaquettes!
(click on the drawings to see the detail and facial stubble!)




mark jaquette @ illustrationism, bammgraphics & Isabel Cards!

The Parrot

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Why the printer doesn't work...

Guam Ukelele Master Ryan Imamura!

If you've heard of ukelele 'demigod' Jake Shimabukuro, cool -
BUT if you HAVEN'T heard of
the 'young' Guamanian
UKELELE DEMIGOD Ryan Imamura,
you're in for an Island 'Proud Moment'!

MOM'S ON GUAM: RED BETEL-NUT Mouth...

RED BETEL NUT...

... or just beet salad?
Tom & Mimi Santos and Mom (Opal Jaquette) took the
'My Kids Can Beet Your Kids' Challenge!

(THE ORIGINAL 'MY KIDS CAN BEET YOUR KIDS' photo HERE!

Quote of the week

"Either you think-or else others have to think for you and take power from you, pervert and discipline your natural tastes, civilize and sterilize you." -F. Scott Fitzgerald

POTW - Lunch at the Mariott

A couple of co-workers and I had lunch at the Pool Bar at the Mariott Hotel. Too bad there was not wifi there.

When I got a boo-boo.

When I got a little cut on my finger, I went to the store to get bandages. I had two choices, to buy a Hanna Montana glossed bandage or a Nexcare Duct Tape Bandages from 3M.

Tough choice!

Charter for Compassion

World asked to help craft online charter for religious harmony

http://charterforcompassion.com/

Spam to the rescue

It turns out there is a silver lining in a crashing economy... Spam. Apparently, sales of the stuff spike during hard times and now the folks at Hormel can't make enough of it. Looks like I'll be making a trip to the supermarket tomorrow.

Reason: the magazine

I ran across a magazine at the doctors office today that I had never heard of. It's a libertarian journal call Reason. It touts itself as a magazine for "free minds and free markets". Publication started in 1968.

I have to say I was more impressed with this journal than anything I have come across in a long time. It deals with sensitive subjects in a straight forward, in your face manner that would make most mainstream outlets cringe. The magazine is neither liberal or conservative, yet has been endorsed by both.

Check out the online version at http://www.reason.com/

“You want a good magazine? reason magazine.…It’s a magazine for libertarians. It’s a magazine for everybody. It’s a magazine for the world. Reason magazine: A good, good magazine.”
—Rush Limbaugh

“reason is a principled, passionate defender of free speech and the rights of individuals against government excesses, a valued ally and provocative adversary. We certainly don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, but I always find reason worth reading. Even when it’s infuriating, it makes me think.”
—Nadine Strossen, president, American Civil Liberties Union

Guam Greyhound Race Track Closes after 32 Years!

     Guam Greyhound Park closed its doors for the last time yesterday, which will cost at least 10 part-time employees their jobs, according to E.J. Calvo, Guam managing director for Bridge Capital LLC, which owns the dog track and other Guam property. The facility, which has been receiving between 250 and 300 tourists a night, has been failing financially, according to Calvo, who said last night's dog races would be the last for the 32-year old business. Guam Greyhound hoped to redevelop into a casino facility, Calvo said, but the defeat of the casino gaming initiative during Tuesday's General Election means Bridge Capital must close the facility's doors and look at other options. Prop A, which was put forward by Guam Greyhound owner John Baldwin, would have allowed Guam Greyhound to operate casino-style gambling at the Tamuning facility. The company also would have been required to make annual cash contributions to the community and build a $30 million convention center.


     "I doubt we would be opening a dog race operation, unless someone else wants to take over the management and risk," Calvo said. "The business has been hurting for a long time. ... Now we need to just stop the bleeding and work on a new plan." According to Pacific Daily News files, the Greyhound facility in July 1990 averaged more than 800 customers a night. About two-thirds of its customers were tourists.


     Calvo said races were held yesterday to honor existing tourist reservations, but 10 part-time employees no longer will be employed. The facility also has several full-time employees, he said, and some of those employees, such as maintenance workers, might keep their jobs and work at Bridge Capital's other properties. In a news release, Baldwin said he's listing the property for $15.9 million, and that he will consider joint ventures to reopen the facility or develop a new business there.

--- A Personal DC Blogger Note: I remember that greyhound track being a 'fixture in the guam cultural landscape'.
I never went to the track but it was 'always there' on the hill, driving to tumon via the hospital road...and
the dogs and races were always in the news. I remember KALAPANA playing an outdoor concert there as well! -- Mark

MOM's ON GUAM!

I'm jealous BUT glad my MOM, Opal Jaquette, is enjoying her
Winter months in Guam!
Say 'Hafa' to her by writing to her here or
via Mimi Santos' (A Wonderful Family Friend) E-ddress!

As Uncle Lionel Ritchie sang 'Fiesta Foreva!'


Plus, on the beach shot
she said "I think I see
Magnum taking his daily
swim out there!"

The 'Flat Earth Theory'. Mabe Justified!

Think I may have its origins figured out? As I was star-gazing out side tonight with the full moon in view, I realized that we see the same surface of the moon all the time. We never see the dark side of the moon. Ancient peoples saw the same thing. They saw the Moon move across the Heavens, and the surface never changed. It was a flat orb to them. They had no reason to think other wise, nor why could/ would/ should they? To them in retrospect, we must have been living on the same thing; a flat thin orb, like the Moon.

But of course, I do not believe in 'original thought'. I am certain many others have come up with this same conclusion?

But one thing I can testify to, my beer never got cold! It was freezing out tonight!

Ring Tones on cell phones!

Just realized that you can set your cell phone ring tones to each incoming call number...it can be a warning! Cool! I have a certain 'ring tone' that goes off when my wife calls. Do the rest of you guys or gals have one too for your wife's or husbands? (It wouldn't also be the music from the Wizard of Oz, from the scene when the witch is approaching)? ;)

How to avoid the Obama tax increase?

Don't make money!

The 'Fairness Doctrine'

What is so fair about it? Nothing!

UK's Brown: Now is the time to build global society

LONDON (Reuters) - The international financial crisis has given world leaders a unique opportunity to create a truly global society, Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown will say in a keynote foreign policy speech on Monday.

In his annual speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet, Brown -- who has spearheaded calls for the reform of international financial institutions -- will say Britain, the United States and Europe are key to forging a new world order. full story

Isabel Cards

      Hafa 'Again' Prims -

      My daughter Isabel has started a CARD company (that
has included the rest of us in the family) called ISABEL CARDS!
We're getting geared up for the holidays and want to start
early & first with all of our family and friends.

   NOW we have a web site! Head on over to
WWW.ISABELCARDS.COM for the whole
group! Many more are being made and will be put up soon!
THANX for the great response and buyers so far!!

      SI YUUS MAASE!
         Mark Jaquette











A DIVISION OF BAMmGRAPHICS & illustrationISM

This one's for you Ric

The Man Behind the Curtain

Before we all go patting ourselves on the back or kicking ourselves in the ass because our guy won or lost the election, let's take a moment to examine who really selects our world leaders. The truth is that democracy is an illusion - a grand stage set to make us believe we are in control. In truth, elected officials and national policy are created behind closed doors long before they are polished up for general consumption. And that's why I try not to take the process personal. Not that we shouldn't participate in the process, because we should, but only for the entertainment value.

---

Below is a list of some of the organizations I'm aware of who's goal is to shape the future of our world and bring about a more perfect union of nations. It is from groups like these that I believe our leaders come. Do I think these groups are evil? Certainly not. One can make a legitimate argument for the need of a New World Order. It may be the only thing that can save us from ourselves.

Trilateral Commission

Council on Foreign Relations

Bilderberg Group

World Bank Group

World Trade Organization


"The world can therefore seize the opportunity [Persian Gulf crisis] to fulfill the long-held promise of a New World Order where diverse nations are drawn together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of mankind." -George Herbert Walker Bush

“Some even believe we are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as ‘internationalists’ and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure - one world, if you will. If that is the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it.” -David Rockefeller

Jobless rate bolts to 14-year high of 6.5 percent

WASHINGTON – The nation's unemployment rate bolted to a 14-year high of 6.5 percent in October as another 240,000 jobs were cut, far worse than economists expected and stark proof the economy is deteriorating at an alarmingly rapid pace. full story

For the record

I am a registered Republican and tend to vote that way, BUT I'm not at all happy with the leadership in that party.

Not because they go "too far" but because they don't go far enough. Republicans have been shying away from conservative principles and that's what leads to loss in elections, popularity and confidence. Now that we've started the blood letting, it is time to clean house and get some new leadership on board.

I've said it many times over the last few years - throw them all out. Any incumbant will have to prove themself to get my vote. I'd rather take a chance on someone new. (before you start, certainly McCain is not anywhere near "new" but he was as close as I could get to my own personal platform).

Schwarzenegger: $4.4B in tax hikes to end deficit

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed $4.4 billion in tax increases and billions more in spending cuts to close California's worsening budget deficit, declaring: "We must stop the bleeding." full story here

Democrats in Congress wary of overreaching

WASHINGTON (AP) - President-elect Barack Obama is facing a Congress with bulked-up Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate to put much of his agenda into law.

Obama will inherit a Congress with Democratic House and Senate majorities comparable to those enjoyed by President Clinton when the party last controlled both Congress and the White House in 1992. While Democrats are eager to churn out the new president's legislative programs, they're also anxious to avoid the electoral wipeout that swept them from power in the 1994 congressional elections.

That's one reason top leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promise not to lurch to the left and give in to pent-up demands from party liberals.

"The country must be governed from the middle," Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters Wednesday. "You have to bring people together to reach consensus on solutions that are sustainable and acceptable to the American people." full story here

The true test of the times.

1. I predict that the stock market will decline sharply tomorrow...like...big time, if not crash. And any one that has money in the market with any common sense will probably cash it all in. (I know I will).

2. I predict a record braking national wide purchase of arms and ammo before the 2nd amendment is squashed.

3. I predict people filing for divorce will shoot up in blue states, but stay stable in red states.

4. I predict discrimination law suits by minorities will flood the court systems.

5. I predict within 2 years, most that voted for Obama will be kicking themselves in that ass.

☆ GUAM ELECTION RESULTS ☆

** Unofficial results, 58 of 58 precincts reporting **

PROPOSAL A
• No 19,449
Yes 13,735

GUAM LEGISLATURE

1. Calvo, Eddie ( R) 21,862
2. Aguon, Frank Jr. (D) 21,311
3. Tenorio, Ray (R) 19,275
4. Espaldon, James (R) 19,187
5. Ada, Thomas (D) 18,767
6. Pangelinan, Ben (D) 18,336
7. Won Pat, Judith (D) 17,952
8. Cruz, Benjamin (D) 17,484
9. Respicio, Rory (D) 16,567
10. Muna Barnes, Tina (D) 16,112
11. Blas, Frank Jr. (R) 15,493
12. Palacios, Adolpho (D) 15,322
13. Guthertz, Judith (D) 14,595
14. Taitague, Telo (R) 14,552
15. Rector, Matt (D) 14,363

Shimizu, David (D) 14,217
Ada, Anthony (R) 14,010
Ishizaki, Frank (R) 13,907
Moylan, Doug (R) 13,839
Forbes, Mark (R) 13,668
Lujan, Jesse (R) 10,813
San Miguel, Rossana (D) 10,641
Leon Guerrero, Joseph (D) 10,612
Borja, Dennis (R) 7,735
Benavente, Robert (D) 6,090
Cruz, Philippe (D) 5,134


** MAYORAL **

Asan/Maina
Vicente L. San Nicolas (R) (I) 457
Leslie V. San Nicolas (D) 347

Inarajan
Franklin M. Taitague (R) (I) 1,017
Joseph T. Flores (D) 358

Mongmong-Toto-Maite
Andrew C. Villagomez (R) (I) 989
Fidel L. Ogo (D) 435

Merizo
Ernest T. Chargualaf (R) 374
Sherry L. Chargualaf (D) (I) 343

Ordot-Chalan Pago
Jessy C. Gogue (D) 855
Pedro I. Borja (R) 824

Piti
Vicente D. Gumataotao (R) 459
Therese I. Cruz (D) 304

Santa Rita
Dale E. Alvarez (D) 1,013
Jeffery L.G. Santos (R) 361

Talofofo
Vicente S. Taitague (D) 870
William N. Reyes (R) 439

Umatac
Dean D. Sanchez (D) 315
Cristobal S. Quinata (R) 150


VICE MAYORAL

Agat
Jesus B. Chaco (D) (I) 613
Agustin G. Quintanilla (R) 535


CONSOLIDATED COMMISSION ON UTILITIES
Joseph T. Duenas 14,665
Gloria B. Nelson (I) 12,516
Donald I. Weakley Sr. 11,810
Joana Margaret C. Blas (I) 7,197
Sedfrey M. Linsangan 5,026


DELEGATE
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D) (I) 28,243


PUBLIC AUDITOR
Doris Flores Brooks (I) 28,824


Submitted by Senator Mark Jaquette (I)
Alupang Island, Agana Bay, Guam

The First Election Results Are in Already

www.electoral-vote.com: The polls have already closed in Dixville Notch, NH because all 21 eligible voters have cast their ballots. This village of 75 people traditionally opens the polls at midnight on election day and closes them a few minutes later after the last voter has performed his or her civic duty. Barack Obama got 71% of the vote here today. Dixville Notch is not a good bellwether, however; it has voted solidly Republican for decades. The last Democrat to carry the Notch was Hubert Humphrey in 1968. It is probably not a good start for McCain to have early election day news dominated by a story about a solidly Republican rural village voting overwhelmingly for Obama.

Obama Flips Off McCain

YAS

Yet Another Sunset

Civilian Security Force

Who wants this? Last time it was implemented in the Western World was from Hitler!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHmecy94z-M

America Beware!!!

e-mail from Alan Amor

Palin Gets Punked

Palin takes prank call from fake French president

TORONTO – Sarah Palin unwittingly took a prank call Saturday from a Canadian comedian posing as French President Nicolas Sarkozy and telling her she would make a good president someday. full story here

Old Friends..where art thou?

Gosh darn it guys and gals. Sure miss hearing from a bunch of you all, such as...Amy, DRL, Dan, Juls, Pete, Chris, Island Jewell, Rod'man, jjones (fellow member the the 'mile high club'), and many others not mentioned. And from those hiding or sleeping, lets wake up! :-)!

Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

SARAH PALIN: Before it got to the other side, I shot the chicken, cleaned and dressed it, and had chicken burgers for lunch.

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change!

JOHN MC CAIN: My friends that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn’t about me.

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don’t really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

DICK CHENEY: Where’s my gun?

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

AL GORE: I invented the chicken.

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken’s intentions. I am not for it now and will remain against it.

AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken doesn’t realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he’s acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I’m going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed access to the other side of the road.

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he’s guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer’s Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I’ve not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn’t ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn’t that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart-warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken 2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken 2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never crash or need to be rebooted.

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?

SHOW US YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!!!

My grandaughter Katie as an "island girl" with my daughter Valerie. Me, in the white go-go boots as a 60's chick and my daughter Chelsea in the red white and blue, Raggedy Ann doll costume (she won 1st prize costume at the party).

Now that's funny

In the Spam folder of my Yahoo email account there was the following message:

"Share New Sweet and Spooky Halloween Ecards on Yahoo! Greetings".

Seems Yahoo doesn't like it much when it spams itself. Haha!

Thank God for Elections

How is it the price of a barrel of oil has gone from a high of $150 to $60 in only a couple of short months. Have any of us cut our consumption by 2/3's? I know I haven't. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that oil companies are about to lose their partners in crime in Cheney and Bush. Hmmm?

Good ole Utah

I just received the following email from a friend in Utah after local movie theaters banned the new R-rated comedy "Zack and Miri Make a Porno". Keep in mind, this is the same place where the only shopping mall bookstores allowed are the ones owned by the Mormon church.

"I'm sure you've seen this on Yahoo News. Once again, Larry Miller has managed to make Utah the laughing stock of the cognizant world. Because Larry Miller should decide what I can and cannot view. He apparently is THE moral authority. Fuck everything you've heard in school about freedom of speech and privacy and the Bill of Rights and all that crap about making your own decisions as an adult. No, fuck all that. It's Larry Miller. Defer to him on everything.

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/zackandmiri_blog.html

God, I hate this place".

America Beware...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyspCRmJv7w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BnLozS-TnM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4cMB8ktCT8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMUgNg7aD8M&feature=related

Sarah is checking in

Sorry so long away from the blog...Lots of "stuff" going on in my life. The three Eldredge sisters had an enjoyable time visiting in Alaska this summer. This picture was taken in Denali National Park. From left to right: Sarah, Nani, Debi. We saw lots of animals: moose, bears, ptarmigan, red tail fox, eagles, caribou, and the most dangerous one of all: tourists!

Plus, we got to see the mountain (Mt McKinley or better known here in Alaska--Denali) on the drive home the next day. It's covered with clouds about 3/4 of the time. Come visit some time...

ISABEL CARDS

Hafa Gang -

My daughter Isabel has started a CARD company (that
has included the rest of us in the family) called ISABEL CARDS!
We're getting geared up for the holidays and want to start
early & first with all of our family and friends.
Go here to see a 'small' start of a selection;
I'll be glad to send an awesome COMPLETE
(what we have so far...more to come!) PDF 'catalog'
if you request it - e-mail us at ISABEL CARDS;
OR CLICK on the PICTURES below!

Si Yuus Maase
Mark Jaquette

Must be a recent college grad, eh Becky?

WASHINGTON (AP) - Two white supremacists allegedly plotted to go on a national killing spree, shooting and decapitating black people and ultimately targeting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, federal authorities said Monday. continue...

Stand By Me

I watched a PBS storyline by Bill Moyers and was in tears as I listened to this version of "Stand By Me". It took Mark Johnson 10 years to put together a video recording as he traveled the world over to produce "Playing For Change--Peace Through Music".

Here's a link to the portion which was broadcast:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/10242008/watch3.html

After getting on the site, click on the orange tab marked "Play For Change" under the picture of Mark Johnson. Moyers has another storyline going on for 3 to 4 minutes before introducing Mark Johnson. The next four minutes is a pure joy to watch. I especially liked Grandpa Elliot in New Orleans.

Can you really trust a man who wears zories?

PTOW - Jaws

We were visiting the family today and I thought I'd share.

"B" as in Crazy Bitch

In case you missed it

I Can Only Imagine

Are you smarter than a 3rd grader?

Today's civics question:

What, if any are the constitutionally mandated responsibilities of the Vice President of the United States?

No cheating now.  Just go ahead and give it your best shot.  More later.

I read a new psychological study today

I read a psychological study today stated kids growing up, base their or groom their personalities on two factors, 1). their peers, 2). Celeberties (idols) of their time.

As for peers, I owe it to all you guys and gals for my failures in life..........just kidding! ;) Actually I molded myself around all of you all, and I thank you!

As for celeberties, good thing that I did not follow my 'celeberty heros' (like Cheech and Chong).

A study is just a study and take it for what it is worth!

More Chuckles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotn1a59uKg

If any of you get a chance take a few minutes to watch John McCain & Barack Obama roast each other at the Alfred Smith fundraiser.  This is a very prestigious event with a long and rich history. It is tradition for every four years to have the presidential candidates from the two major parties roast each other and roast they did.  I was impressed with both McCain and Obama. McCain with his deadpan humor and Obama was hilarious as well.  Both of them were awesome.  I think if you read between the lines here you can see the respect these two have for each other.  If nothing else it illustrates how both of these guys are just human, extraordinary humans probably, but humans nonetheless.

Personally I don't know why anyone would want the job. Given the clusterfuck that is the current socio-economic and foreign affairs situation we find ourselves mired in whoever does win the job will likely visibly age before our eyes.  

Pray that God grants the "winner" wisdom and guidance and that they never lose their sense of humor.

    

Check your change ($$$$)

At the end of every day, I throw my change into a cylinder. And at the end of each month I go through and inspect every coin. (I took up coin collecting as a hobby a few years ago). I have been noticing a very large amount of 'silver dimes, quarter', and even 1800's coins being circulated. Don't know why? Probably because of economic panic and folks are spending and putting coins into circulation that they have had under safe keeping?

The last thing left.

I found this key chain going through the old key drawer. It is the only thing I have left (other then fading memories) from Deans Circle. I found this in a mud puddle on the strip of grass we used to skim board on right across the street from the entry to Deans Circle.

neel KASHkari!

You gotta love the Treasury Dept's 'Bail-Out' Czars name...
Neel KASHKARI...
...as in CASH & CARRY!


- - no jive - -

Little Johnny Gets Culture

Little Johnny was at the mall with his mother when a man came walking toward them. Little Johnny hopped up and down, laughed, pointed, and screamed, "Mommy! Look at that bowlegged man!"

His mother was so embarrassed. "John, your manners are atrocious! You need some culture, young man!"

For the next month Little Johnny was forced to read Shakespeare every night. When his detention was finally over, his mother again took him to the same mall.

Sure enough, the same bowlegged man came walking toward them.
Had Little Johnny learned anything from the great bard?

Yes.

This time, as the man approached, Little Johnny cried out, "Hark! What manner of man is this me sees, who wears his balls in parentheses?"

POTW

Free the Carabao

'Man Cave'

Most of my life (especially married life), I have always designated a place that is 'all mine'. It is my hide out, my only solitute place, my 'dont F%$#k with me place', ie.....my cave! (It should have a TV, small fridge full of drinkable suds, and a hotrod calander of the hottest you know whats)!

I was never sure if I was alone here on this 'cave' thing? But a news story (another million buck study) came out today and confirmed that most men like to have their own cave (room) in the house that is just for them.

White trash music? Stereo types? Think not!~

I have always been told that AC/DC is white trash rock n' roll music? Hmmm? Never could figure it out, but as I walked the streets and malls and have seen all those young AC/DC fans/kids wearing white tennis show, sporting mullets, tight-ass jeans, and smokes hanging from their mouths, I was beginning to understand that logic.

But......then, my distiquished 'Doctor' of a brother in-law, a native of England...sent me "AC/DC Late at Donington", a DVD for my B-day! I put it in the DVD player, and began to rock on, then I rocked out! (Plus, I drank just a little bitty amount of beer).

I think these guys will go down in history as true 'Rock Gods'! How in the world does that pint size Mr. Angus Young frick'n' marc-time' and play the quitar for 18 songs straight? And his brother Malcolm, whom plays lead, just stands there, yet jamms like I've never seen a lead guitarist lead?!?!?

Long live Rock and Roll!

Zeitgeist: Addendum

Politics (thumbs down)

Thanks RAC for posting those videos of Palin! I watch them with the audio off. She is so smoke'n hot, I just love to watch her! ;)

As for politics, I think that all of us on the bolg have already decided on whom we are going to vote for. More political propaganda will not help, but could only further devide friendships on this blog.

Can't we talk about other subjects such as football, UFO's, the 'rock' at Pago bay, or chicks that us dudes had crushes on, or dudes that chicks had the hots for? You know, fun stuff?

Cheers...Ric (AKA...brain fog)

As promised

Further evidence towards my previous post

Out of the loop

I've been out of the loop the last few days waiting for cable and Internet to be installed. What I've discovered during this period is this; when one is not bombarded by all the hoopla of political noise one does not concern ones self with it. Or in other words, the political machine works. It is intended to incite emotion. And with emotion comes the ability to control... to control how we vote.

A prime example is the numerous copies of a DVD mailed to my in-laws' house (in a prime battleground state). The title of the DVD is "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West." Of course there are no political overtones in the DVD, or its accompanying literature, but the point is well taken (by me anyway). Given previous attempts to label Obama as Islamic, it's obvious this is a move to change the focus from the economy (or other such issues) and move it back to the neocon calling card of TERROR. It will be interesting to see how that works for them.

A Message for Juliet... as the blog lives on

Hafa,
my name is kevin gast. I was stationed at NAS Agana from 1975-1980. I knew a girl named Juliet Bast. It has been 28 years since I last talked to her. I doubt that you would give me her e-mail, but do you think you could give her mine?

Thank you. kevin (a friend of Ralph Steinheimer)

kgast@aacps.org

BRING GUAM STORIES BACK TO THE DEAN'S CIRCLE BLOG

Bring Guam Zories Back to the Dean's Circle Blog!

JUST WORDS... JUST SPEECHES...

Doesn't anyone have any more pictures? I like to read but c'mon... someone please post something interesting to look at. I get enough politics on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, MSNBC, CSPAN, CNBC.... Obama-Schmama-Yo Mama! McCainless-Brainless! Yikes! Where are all the surfer dudes and their quivers? Where are all those long haired hippys of yester-year. And where in the world is Benny Bast? Paul, you have taken some great photos so far, but you have failed my friend, to shoot and post a picture of the king of the circle rats. Baaaaassst!!! Other than that, its great to see you all again on the one and only, first ever, Dean's Cirgle Blog.

Florida

Just want to get off the political thing for a moment. But you all are welcome to continue after this!

There was a story about a dude that built a castle out of coral in florida that was in the news today. Rather he was a pint size man (90 pounds and only 5 feet tall) that did wonders that people today don't know how he accomplished it? All you living on the sand bank they call Florida ought to check out 'The Secrets of Coral Castle'!

And going down memory lane, I remember visiting a place called the 'Old Jail' when I was about 5 or 6 years old. They place does exist! I found it on line! It too is in Florida! I was there 40 years ago!

Roll out the PORT barrel

What do any of these things have to do with our mortgage financial crisis?

Page 115 TITLE I - ENERGY PRODUCTION INCENTIVES
Page 181 TITLE II - TRANSPORTATION AND DOMESTIC FUEL SECURITY PROVISIONS
Page 207 TITLE III - ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY PROVISIONS
PAGE 261 DIV C - TAX EXTENDERS AND ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RELIEF
PAGE 297 INCOME THRESHOLD USED TO CALCULATE REFUNDABLE PORTION OF CHILD TAX CREDIT
PAGE 298 PRIVISIONS RELATED TO FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS
PAGE 300 EXEMPTION FROM EXCIDE TAX FOR CERTAIN WOODEN ARROWS DESIGNED FOR USE BY CHILDREN
PAGE 301 INCOME AVERAGING FOR AMOUNTS RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXXON VALDEX LITIGATION
PAGE 307 CERTAIN FARMING BUSINESS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TREATED AS 5-YEAR PROPERTY
PAGE 308 MODIFICATION OF PENALTY ON UNDERSTATEMENT OF TAXPAYERS LIABILITY BY TAX RETURN PREPARER
PAGE 310 - SUBTITLE B - Paul Wellstoneand Pete Domenici Mental HEalth Parity and Addition Equity Act
PAGE 344 - SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY SELF DETERMINATION PROGRAM
PAGE 252 SECURE PAYMENTS FOR STATES AND COUNTIES CONTAINING FEDERAL LAND
PAGE 264 SPECIAL PROJECTS ON FEDERAL LAND
PAGE 387 COUNTY FUNDS
PAGE 393 TRANSFER TO ADANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND
PAGE 394 TITLE VII - DISASTER RELIEF
page 442 TITLE VIII - SPENDING REDUCTIONS AND APPROPRIATE REVENUE RAISERS FOR NEW TAX RELIEF POLICY

The debate debate

Despite all the hoopla leading up to last night, I found the moderator to be fair and balanced with both candidates. The only 'tell' was at the very end when bidding farewell - Biden was praised with "you did a great job" while Palin was not.

Joe Biden was obviously more experienced in this arena and this showed. He didn't make any major gaffs (his REAL achilles heel) except for when he referred the "the Bosniacs".

Sarah Palin held her own. While perhaps not as polished, she was prepared and up to the task.

One thing that really irks me is how our legislative branch functions these days. Some of these monstrous bills end up with so many (conflicting) positions that it is always easy to say "McCain voted to not fund the troops" or "Obama voted to raise taxes". We don't see many focused legislation that addresses one particular thing. Rather, they always include compromises that have no relation to the purpose of the bill in the first place. Look at all the pork in the bailout bill. (wooden arrows? industry in American Samoa? mental health care?). It makes it much more difficult to gauge candidates based on their voting records (perhaps this is the point).

Evolution and liberalism

How did we survive as a species (let alone become the unquestionably dominant species on this planet) without liberalism? How did we evolve without lawyers, class action suites, entitlements, redistribution of wealth, government mandated healthcare and the ACLU? And, while we're at it, do you think these philosophies will enhance our evolutionary growth or stunt it?

Pakistani Religious Leader Issues Fatwa on President for Complimenting Palin

Folks, you just can't make this stuff up...

A radical Muslim prayer leader in Pakistan condemns Asif Ali Zardari's "indecent gestures" toward Sarah Palin, calling it a disgrace to all of Pakistan to say the Western woman is "gorgeous."

Read the rest: http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/02/pakistani-religious-leader-issues-fatwa-president-complimenting-palin/

Tonights The Night

Tonight is the VP debate and I will watch. I admit to not getting as involved as I should.Both candidates have serious communication issues so this should be really entertaining. I can't wait to see all the reviews tomorrow. Let the politikin begin!

A Visitor From Guam

Last week Chris Franquez came to my house for a visit (before my gang descended on my quest room). I felt like I was a bad hostess because I had to work most of the time he was here and I didn't get to take him to see any of the sights around here. He was a great guest though.. cooking for us all week and he even mowed my grass twice...I know cussing my earth-friendly cordless electric mower the whole time. We had lumpia, fried rice and Spam. I had a retirement party for one of my coworkers and Chris made chicken, ribs, red rice and keleguen for the pot-luck dinner. I had about 30 friends over..it was a mini United Nations..including people from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Italy...and Guam...They all enjoyed meeting Chris and are still talking about the food.

My kids really enjoyed meeting Chris too..especially my youngest Chelsea. She's always been very fascinated about Guam and my time there. Chris had her helping alot in the kitchen including cutting open coconuts and peeling out the meat for grating which she loved...she was really bummed when he had to go.

He DID get to spend some time relaxing, swimming in the pool and drinking a few Coronas. I hope he enjoyed his visit as much as we enjoyed having him here.

BLOG GONE TO TRASH!

When I was asked to join this 'blog', I was so very excited! I was reunited with folks that I have not seen or spoke with nearly 3 decades! Old friends I got to speak with via the Internet, and some I got to see in 'Vegas Baby'! And those memories of Guam and Vegas will always be precious to me!

But things have turned very political, dark and nasty? This is so sad and so bad! This was about 'us'... back in the day on the island, ...so I thought, and so it was intended?

So many are not coming back on to this blog because of such 'negativity'.

What ever?

I still have the emails of the ones that I keep in touch with!

Cheers! Ric

Another Funny SNL Skit

A Sign Of The Times..The Return of The Extended Family

Because of some circumstances beyond their control, my middle daughter and her family have had to move in with me. My future son-in-law had a great job in construction but his company closed 2 months ago and he has not been able to find another job. He has custody of his eight year old daughter, and they have 2 dogs. It's been a very stressful time for them. Thank goodness I have room in my new house to accommodate us all, even if we are a bit cramped...we've been able to store all their furniture and stuff in the garage, Katie has the guest room for her bedroom and Valerie and Alan have the craft/office room for a bedroom. I had reluctanly just gotten a dog for my daughter last month...now there are 3 in the house!!! (ugh)...Not exactly how we had all planned our lives to be at this time, but with some patience, hope, love and faith, (and humor)...this too shall pass and we'll get through this difficult time. My daughter promises that they'll be taking care of me when I'm an old, frail lady (should I get that in writing?..lol)

At least three of my coworkers have had a similar situation happen to them. One woman I work with has had her mother-in-law along with the grown children and grand kids move in with her. Her husband took a job with a company building a power plant in Afghanistan ( smart man...lol). I think in these economic times, families like mine are going to be much more common.

And now, for something completely different. . .

We've given a lot of words to the people who are running and will surely continue to do so. Some Americans are political junkies who listen, read, watch all the election coverage and really get into it. Others, not so much. I think some of us tend to join one team or the other and then start to see issues (and defend them) from the perspective of that party, rather than what we each think.

Could we have discussions on issues without ever mentioning a party or candidate or side of the aisle? I think that might be interesting.

I, for one, do not find a perfect match with the platform of the Rebublicans. I have "joined that team" because I think it has the most in common with my positions, but I am still sorely disappointed quite often.

Let's throw out some topics and see where we end up - but no parties, candidates, leaders, left/right chatter. Just our positions. It might be fun.

The Found Palin Interview

Watch CBS Videos Online

The Lost Palin Interview

Jeez - I missed all the fun.

Let this be a lesson - you have to log, er blog every day!

The Presidents talk tonight?

Doug, RAC, Sean, or whom ever has greater knowledge than I, what did you think about his economic speech tonight regarding the bail-out? Educate me!

Memory Lane

The Keating Five were five United States Senators accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The five senators, Alan Cranston (D-CA), Dennis DeConcini (D-AZ), John Glenn (D-OH), John McCain (R-AZ), and Donald W. Riegle (D-MI), were accused of improperly aiding Charles H. Keating, Jr., chairman of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, which was the target of an investigation by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLBB).

After a lengthy investigation, the Senate Ethics Committee determined in 1991 that Alan Cranston, Dennis DeConcini, and Donald Riegle had substantially and improperly interfered with the FHLBB in its investigation of Lincoln Savings. Senators John Glenn and John McCain were cleared of having acted improperly but were criticized for having exercised "poor judgment".

All five of the senators involved served out their terms. Only Glenn and McCain ran for re-election, and they were both re-elected.

Upon Further Review

So okay you know how a few weeks back right after the Republican Convention I had said that I could actually envision Sarah Palin being President of the United States?  I hereby retract that sentiment. With extreme prejudice.  A Pentacostal end timer that fires librarians that refuse to ban books she doesn't like (but never even bothered to read herself) living across the street from the White House?  So suppose McCain is elected and God forbid he checks out during the term and so this Palin  lady assumes the office and then what's next? Snake handling & speaking in tongues in the Oval Office?  Don't take my word for it, read up on her. Read what people that know her, that worked with her, that MANAGED her campaigns have to say about her.  This chick is certifiable.     

i-pods

Teresa just got an i-pod for a birthday gift. (I was just informed walkmans are out dated...hmmm..where have I been for the past 15 years?). With our combined computer knowledge we were able to down load songs to it. Most of the songs we down loaded were songs of the '70's. One song was "Seasons in the Sun" . I asked her to down load it. It reminded me of Guam, plus it was the song that was playing in my car cassette player when my truck almost went off an embankment in Canada as I was driving Teresa from Alaska to New York back in 1993. We also down loaded "thunder island" by Jay Furguson. The memories! Some good and some bad. But still memories!

Unknown Starry sky light ?

Astronomers are baffled by a very mysterious light in the night sky (no, not a UFO)! They noticed a point light that is in a very large void of our visible Universe (or bubble) that was not there months prior to this discovery. It is no closer than 130 light years away, and no further than 11 billion light years away ( a little more further than 1/2 way through the known visible Universe). Its dimness and brightness was unlike any know object ever observed in the visible known Universe. A crystal spectrum was also used to evaluated the light waves after the glass photos were taken, and no known chemical identities were identified or recognized through the spectrum lights! That is the baffling part of the discovery (yet exciting part of the story to science freaks)! Did astronomers just wittiness a new Big Bang in the making, with totally different and unknown chemical components or our Universe or knowledge?

(Just me thinking out loud, "matter or energy can and does materialize out of what, nothing? It did here)?

I would post the article, but just can not figure how to do that yet? I do have the science article saved in my favorites if any one would like to read it (if you are a science freak-a-zoid like me) I could fwd it to you.

SNL

POTW - Lunch at the Nikko

We were entertaining visiters from Japan this weekend and ended up at the Nikko Hotel for lunch.

It was raining cats and dogs when we got there, sunny while we were eating and raining again when we left.

For those that have been away too long to know, the Nikko is right next to Gun Beach on the North side of Tumon Bay.

I take my son to Gun to body surf sometimes but he's still kind of freaked out about it. Some times I'm afraid he thinks I'm carzy.

Off to Vegas again

I'm leaving for Las Vegas this morning for the VMWorld event. Seems like I just left there yesterday...

the famous and rare GUAM 'DAGAN' BUTTERFLY....

I always laugh when i hear this song...Because
Nancy and Ann Wilson are singing about the Guam
'DAGAN' BUTTERFLY .. .. .

The Guam Dagan Butterfly is as rare as the Guam Rail!
One was last seen near B.A. Beach.

MAGNUM P.I.

OK..ok...we're over missing HAWAII 5-O on RTN
and it seems like it's not coming back for awhile.
(RTN hasn't replied anyway from our numerous
e-mails...i guess they're too uppity for us peons).

NOW MAGNUM P.I. is on the RTN Channel (53)
here in Eugene and we're happy again!

If you want to read Higgin's rambling, click on the photo.
If you want another DESKTOP PICTURE,
i made, of Higgins with 'Zeus & Apollo',
contact me HERE




BAMmGRAPHICS

Today we beat Guam

Thanks to Hurricane Ick gas prices today are at $5.40 a gallon.  I know that's got the island price beat don't it?

Daves still here...

I'm still alive and well, 20 lbs lighter since retirement and working harder than I ever did at work. Just got back from Utah, was helping my mom get ready for winter. Mat came out to get his prize, my Dad's Monte Carlo. He made some killer food while there, a fair trade. Good to see the blog still moving along nicely, and will try to visit more often. I only wish I could have spent more time with more of you at the reunion, it seemed to fly by so fast. Good times and good fun.

Man in wheelchair robs 7-Eleven of condoms

DALLAS - A robber rolled into a Dallas convenience store came armed with a bat and a knife. He left with a lot of condoms and an energy drink.

Dallas police Cpl. Kevin Janse said Friday that a man in a wheelchair entered a Dallas 7-Eleven Wednesday afternoon, rolled straight toward the cash register and beat it with a baseball bat until it opened.

But he didn't grab any cash. Instead, police say he stole 10 boxes of condoms and an energy drink before making his getaway Wednesday afternoon.

Janse says the suspect may have been homeless and was likely intoxicated at the time of the robbery. (ya think?)

Jon Stewart on Hypocrisy

Cool Toys!!!

Driving back from lunch today I passed this cool puppy on the side of the road. While tightening the straps the driver said it operates down to 20,000ft, costs more then a mil and will be used to pickup engine parts from the B-52 that crashed on 7/21.


I want one :-)