I was wondering where to drop this thought and tag you are it. The pictures of the devastation of Alamagan are pretty dramatic. I'm just wondering how the Emergency Management Office has no money in their budget to immediately charter a vessel to bring the residents back to Saipan for spell. I'll grant the point that these people live in the fast lane for typhoons, but we are talking about the CNMI EMO, not the Saipan Mayors EMO, and certainly not the (FEMA) FEeble Minded Ahole stateside department of idiots doing nothing while people suffer. Just maybe they deserve what they have received for living on the edge, but just maybe they would like some help. Anyone of the crew boats docked at the CPA could lay in a a couple crews, air mattresses, tie some fuel drums to the rails and be off. Don't blame them for staying on the dock as the Gov't is somewhat know for not paying for any sort of high ideal like rescuing distressed islanders/constituents although only six or eight, while they are busy shuffling money to East Coast (D.C. not necessarily Lau Lau bay) lawyers.
Maybe they aren't suffering but the pictures from the helo don't paint the picture of tropical bliss, if you know what I mean. So the residents of Alamagon aren't living in the emergency zone? What are they saving their money for at the EMO. Sorry, I forgot, before they cleaned up their webpage they were advertising Russian and Asian brides. Guess the nut didn't fall far from the tree there. I'm hoping the air heads who process the funding spend the day outside with no shelter, they may work a little harder and faster and the moron who set the EMO up without enough emergency funds to respond should spend the entire time outside picking up loose coconuts which should serve as his entire subsistence until the residents get a break.

Off to ole Virginiay

I bid farewell to hot, but dry, San Diego for a week in the hot and humid tidewater district of Virginia. Not a bad time of year to go, the Striped Bass are running and the Crabs are plentiful. Nothing at all in the world that I know of, equal in taste, texture, and style to a crabstuffed Rockfish. HMMM.. I don't have a picture of one, but I do have a snap of my spring favorite. A steak with Crab Imperial topped with a sauteed soft crab. Damn, don't a picture, I must of eaten it. I do have a portrait of a soft crab nestled between two lightly toasted slice of bread. Texas Toast, which will give the familiar reader an eye to the proportions of this magnificent treat.Otherwise, I'll be exploring the same old stuff. I found this building on my last pass and beyond beeing a bit spooky, I'm wondering what was stored in those little cubbies shown in my lead picture.
Fascinating little building, not co-incidently located near the Special Weapons storage area. I love these little puzzles.
Erdene and the lad are in transit from Erdenet to Ulan Baatar for a visit to the doctor. Nothing wrong, just better to have Pumpkin's shots down with the western doctors. No problems at Kindergarten is my rule and California is right up there with the third reich when it comes to having the ticket punched in the correct form. Oh. Did I just compare California with Nazi Germany, well I quess I did. and just for the record, I'm not lumping the Arnold under that blanket, he is at least sensible.

Saipan

I was taken with the desire to debate Pacific soveriegnity with my own experience on the middle road site, but cooler heads prevailed and I thought to scribe my points her where it is cool and I might learn something I don't know through the kindness of my two readers or be thrown into the pits of unreasoning hell. Here goes, Middle road and my response below.

$400K for Federal Suit

Finally, the documents have been provided to Rep. Tina Sablan and the numbers have been tallied--a whopping (close to) $400,000 have been reportedly paid to the law firm that assisted the local government to sue the Federal Government with regard to "Federalization."

But wait, the other newspaper reported it was close to $1M? By the way, MV's report is too short or perhaps just being concise? We want to know more why it's close to $1M.

What's the significance of this data to the public again? According to Rep. Sablan, the documents might raise more questions than answers.

On the brighter side, the local government got a discount. In this recession, we'll take it, right?

For more info visit Saipan Tribune and Marianas Variety today....

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Post by On Saipan at 2:41 AM 30 comment(s)

Response by me.
Politics aside, yeah right. The issue which comes to the front of line is: did the CNMI government use public funds to pursue the delay of the enactment of a federal law and where was the government outside their rights to spend such money. There are several elements to that statement under contention in the court of public opinion. Item one; does the mainland government have the power to make the change? Following from this point are the questions; Does the Covenant agreement allow the mainland government to take over control of CNMI border and immigration control. Further, can the CNMI control the border? One more; Is it the right of the elected CNMI government to spend funds as they choose, regardless of programming. never mind. As in many cases, US security issues trump local rights.
From another side; Well never mind. Case law has well established the right of the federal government to control and issue waivers on many, if not all waivers involving national security and the supremacy of the needs of the Federal Government. If you don't believe me, check out CFR section 42 and while you are at it, the sea mammals washed up on beaches around sonar testing areas.
At the end of the game; the forces opposing the local government are within their rights to oppose mindless spending by the party in power, but if they hope to achieve anything beyond controlling the government, through embarrassment today and winning in future years, they are pissing away political capital as inefficiently as the fitial group has passed what, if not public funds, could have been worthwhile seed money to Saipan’ future.
Immigration is another issue altogether and all sides would be wise to recognize the difference, as the issues on the mainland make any sort of agreement on Saipan to be binding and therefore unacceptable to the Federal government until a major immigration bill is passed.

An eye for the ladies

The pumpkin has been spending most of his days at his grandparent's ger up in the hills just outside of Erdenet. Mom pleads self-defense and pre-planning for the fall when he goes to day care and she takes computer classes. So far so good, eight hours away from the breasts from which all good things come has led to independance for both of them. And more to the point of my title, he has made friends with the granddaughter of one of his grandmother's friends. They have known each other since last fall, but limited themselves to the odd fist full of dirt in the face. However as the last couple of pictures show, they are buddies now.

His first attempts at friendship were rebuffed.

Gotta love the kids in the flower patch. Mongolia is lovely this time of year and I miss it and them so very much.

Thanks to Erdene for knowing me so well, that she sends me the pictures which really count for something.

I'm thinking of SPAM

Thats it. With all the weirdness in world, I take comfort in an inexhaustible supply of spam.

Shamanism

Not often that the New York Times is on the same page as my father in law, but today they hosted an article on traveling Shamans in Mongolia. For once the NYT got the story right, at least if my wife can be believed. Dad Mashbat paid for a shaman to visit the ger and do whatever it is shamans do. Erdene was not impressed that they paid twenty odd bucks for a somewhat disreputable woman to tell fortunes while drunk on the family's vodka. I'll have to admit, I am not without sin here. On a couple of occasions we visited a Bhuddist monastery in UB and had our fortunes told in efforts to control a volatile domestic situation which arose over differing opinions on the best health care for the lad. He had his fortune told and anti biotics prescribed at the monastery and the SOS medical clinic, respectively.
I didn't mind the bhuddist cermonies one bit, I'll never be a bhuddist, but extremely relaxing and soul cleansing. I've always been a believer in covering all the bases possible. If drunk women show up at the house burning incense and carrying on though, I'll show them the door.

When the zombie Apocalypse comes though I want the guy in the pink boxers on my team. It takes a big man to wear pink.

Comparisons

PmpKn in a tote hauled from Saipan during our first weeks in Mongolia

PmpKn last week. Look Dad, no room for your old clothes

Let's hope it grows back

The day of the big hair cut finally came. This is a Mongolian tradition which was never explained fully to me. As you can see, the little one has gone for the shaven look on his mighty dome. He took it well, once he realized he wasn't at the dentist. Good news for him is a continuance of the tradition means no more hair cuts until he goes to school,
in Mongolia anyway.
In other news, Erdene and my wedding anniversary is tomorrow and Monday, depending on which side of the International Dateline you reside on. Last year, we both forgot and didn't realize until the next day. As luck would have it, we had a fine day together and treasure the memory of not needing reminders to make every day together a special day. This year we are apart, but are happy knowing it will be the last. Pumpkin is well, but his mom is missing my support. Disobedient, willful, and headstrong seem to sum up his two and a half year attitude towards life. Happy and curious are also in the mix, so all is not lost, but I miss the chance to contribute. Erdene is hanging in there and hasn't lost her cheerfulness. As our friend, Captain Tom, is want to say; the only thing sweeter than her smile is her disposition. Sorry honey, but I have a few years to make up for my abscense in these trying times. Below is a picture from Erdene. She and the lad are managing well in Erdenet. Spring has sprung and Alan Amara participated in the running of the goats at Dad Mashbatt's countryside home last weekend. Much as I miss him, I envy him the chance to be two and free of the city.

Above is a picture of Erdene and I after our first real date. From the sunburns, you might quess we were at the beach all day. Inthe shopping bag is some aloe after sun lotion which was much appreciated. This is also the day, we realized that we might just be in love. And below, our wedding, five months later at Mayor Tudela's office. A happy day for all.
Without a doubt, these two pictures represent our happiest day together so far. The little one has always been a joy. A trial and tribulation at times, but at the end of the day. What joy.

I can only think of one more day which will join the above as big days in our memories. That will be the day of my dreams, when I meet them at LAX baggage claim.

Mongolian Elections

Good report HERE. Erdene tells me her brother is sound asleep after a solid 24 hrs of work for the "other" candidate. Lets hope the party in power didn't read the tales of LBJ's first major election. They went to bed with the election in the bag, only to find the election stolen. Not such a big deal, as they were fairly confident in their ability to steal, but maybe a lesson. Which ever party wins, we are hoping there won't be a repeat of last years rights.
UB is no doubt full of Australians, who won't be too fond of the idea of no rum for a month. I'd like to be hopeful and while I don't see any riots on the horizon, I also don't see change for the better. Read the article, it is more of the same. Oh well, a peaceful change of power, meaningless as it might be, is still breathing room for the populace to organize. Go Mongolia.
UPDATE The Mongolian election commission confirmed the election of Ts. Elbegdorj. The ruling party gracefully bowed out before the official announcement. I quess they didn't forget about last year. Results were close, but the differences between the candidates weren't so great, that a major victory was needed. ie. There won't be much change, just a different name on the label. If anyone besides my sister-in-law, Selenge, is interested, you can read about it HERE.
On a side note, for those curious about Mongolia, the blogger type news and web pages have greatly expanded and improved in realibility. The news link will take you to MongoliaOnlice. Filled with links (that work) and news, this is a good place to start.

Now if Google could clean up their act. They managed to "Lose" Terri and Kevan's excellent blog from Tinian. I'm sure it is to late, but I wish I had been a bit more anal about writing from a word document that I could save, but I still have my pictures, the tales of the PMPKN, and most of my Mongolian pieces. Hope everyone has or had a fufilling Memorial Day and didn't forget those who allow us to celebrate a day away from our work if not everyday cares and concerns. Most especially, those who have fallen in the defense or pursuit of freedom.

Travel

I nearly don't want to post this one, but I must. I'm traveling to Williamsburg, VA this month. I'll be near the roller coaster on which "Fabio" was struck by a bird. Sweet. Not that I feel for Fabio and I've ridden this particular coaster before (not bad. The "Appollo's Chariot" has a decent hang time and some great high and low g moments. Poor Fabio

And this is my contribution to unexploded ordenance on Saipan. Whoops, sorry Noli. I picked it up off the table at bills and left it at the apartments in china town.

Cooking for one

is fun (it gives me something to think about during the day), but eating alone leaves something to be desired. However, it was pretty good. In Saipan, it was common to see beef ribs in a tangy marinade for barbeques. I made my own version with local (San Diego) ingrediants. Equal amounts of Teriyaki sauce and lime juice, a largeish splash of oil,grated ginger, some chopped lemon grass and a thai pepper. I salted the riblets with DesJardins fajita seasoning, these were the flanken ribs with the bones snipped off to an inch' width, and dusted them with lemon pepper prior to marinading. Just to be different I put a half a can of coke in the marinade. I would have used a sugar syrup for the same amount of sweetness, but didn't ask my mom for advice, until it was too late. Anyone have any additions or another recipe? I was reasonably happy with the results. The lime juice tenderized the heck out of what otherwise might have been a chewy cut. No pictures, but I think we have all seen these ribs before.
I see the Japanese filmed a beer commercial at my favorite snorkeling spot at the meeting house in Tanapeg. Glad to see the MVA is on the job. If I like it, it must be a good place. Shame they didn't pay anyone off or so says Ruth T. Maybe, Saipan is better off paying it forward than cash on barrel for every little photo op.

I miss the cuteness

Erdene went to wall for these pictures. A seriously slow transmission rate caused her to spend three hours for seven pictures. And I thought, my mom's mule driven connection was slow. Thanks Honey.

All is well in Mongolia. The weather has been a little flukely; sandstorms intermixed with spring snow, but a general warming trend. Obviously, pumpkin is in love with the auto. No accident that he looks like he might be driving. At any given moment he is only a well practiced key turn away from motoring on his own. He seems to think his little push car is entitled to space on the streets of Erdenet. Look out world.

I dropped

a comment on Glen588 the other night. Seems like the Saipan blogs have dried up (all due respect to the Saipan Writer, Kelli, Deece, Boni, Wayne, Angelo, and "your name here") However, it seems right to me to fill Glen in on what is going on, my version of flowers, all things being right in the world he is floating amid clouds an heavenly nymphs strumming on harps or electric guitars (I never did learn Glen's preferances towards musical instruments, but I'm pretty certain scantily clad nymphs were among his favorites)
I'm sure he would have love to be amongst the chosen jurors in the fat timmy trial, while he would have most likely passed on a seat in the jurors bench, I'm equally certain he would be among the mob outside the office on Monday waving his little pitchfork and demanding the bastard being thrown out now. The law being the law, it will probably take some months for the Lt to be removed from office, but Glen would be the one, chanting NOW, Now, Now.. We need more Glens and Angelos and even Ed and Tina's. And the quiet but positive movers; the Boni's and the Waynes, and yes even the Harrys and the Bruce's. Sunday thoughts.

Coming soon, to a blog near you

A guest blog from my sister, Rebecca. World traveler, bead collector, and bon vivant. Plus, she was in an elevator with a Mongolian Sumo wrestler, which beats my previous claim to fame as someone who shook the hand of a man who had been hit in the head by a chair swung by George "the Animal" Steele. Not sure if he has an "e" at the end of his name, but I felt Randy S. could use a little sixth degree of connection claim to fame.
And this is for my culinary inspiration, Deece

This is an English derived Trifle. Jello layers on top of lady finger spnge cake. My grandmother (Nanny, in England) managed to teach us all to make this with varying degrees of success. This is Amy and Becky's rendition and pretty tasty. Fun to make, but a bit difficult getting the varying layers of Jello to rest without blending into the preceding layers. As you get more fancy (mixing canned fruits into the jello layers) the difficulty level increase exponentially. Sort of like Earthquake Richter scale levels, but the great part about the process is the entire dish is topped with whipped cream and even if you can't take a picture, it still tastes great. I'm a failure at the English version, so I'm taking a long look at your cake based. Especially, the red velvet.
All is well in Mongolia, except Erdene wonders how many pieces of sugar free gun the boy can swallow in a day before it becomes a health issue.