bryantp's blog

What's your choice?

No one would deny that Guahan is more poetic. It seems good and just to return to the original name. The problems, however, may be too much to overcome.

The first problem is that Guahan may not be the original name.

The second problem is cost. How much to replace all the stationery, envelopes, computer forms, etc, etc? As someone I know pointed out, how much to redo all the tattoos? What about the car stickers?

Finally, there's the small matter of public opinion. Our friends at PacificNewsCenter.com reported on a McNinch poll showing that 71% of the folks in Guam prefer the name Guam.

Santa Rita, Guam (March 11, 2010) – The Guam Boonie Stompers will hike to Alamagosa Falls and ancient latte sites on Ordnance Annex, Naval Base Guam (NBG), on Saturday, 13 March from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our friends at PDN reported that Guam is sending its first reps in a decade to the National Forensic League. This is THE debate tournament.

Why does this matter?

Competitive debate teaches critical thinking, something in short supply worldwide. Guam (as well as everywhere else) needs this, especially over the next decade as growth will either greatly improve or hurt the island. The tools and funding to make the island paradise are coming. Debate teaches the skills to dispassionately examine an issue for truth.

What could be more timely?

Our friends at PDN posted this story...it's pretty amazing.

We're really excited to add Backcountry.com as an advertiser. If you don't know backcountry.com, they are a large, Internet-based outdoor clothing and equipment supplier. Basically, if you do it outside, they offer something to make it more fun (or funner, as we once said).

They're offering our readers a special discount. Pick up the latest copy of Guam Stripes to get it or check it out here online. Just look on the left side of your screen and click the box called Weekly Print Edition.

It looks like this:

Folks at Walmart would deny this but it's pretty simple. APO/FPO boxes are how those of us stationed outside the U.S. get our packages. Walmart charges extra for shipping to us. Most do not or just charge a small about extra.

Walking down the aisles of Walmart, most of what you see is made in China. It's hard to see them as a supporter.

Target ships to APO addresses free.

Guess where I'm shopping.

If you want to send a letter to Walmart to tell them what you think, go here  (http://www.walmart.com/cservice/cu_comments_online.gsp?cu_heading=8) to send the email.

To learn more about this, check out this story on Stripes.com http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=66700.

Tell your friends. Folks need to know.