Beach Road Magazine February 2011

F E B R U A R Y 2 011

Chinese New Year Way Off Broadway Oba: The Last Samurai

Talk of the Town Sample mochi treats at the Mochitsuki Festival

Sports Page SEDA Darts League awards winners

contents 4

february 2011

ON THE COVER Lucy Lu-Pangelinan

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WAY OFF BROADWAY Oba:The Last Samurai A profile of courage

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WAY OFF BROADWAY A sweet mochi treat

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TALK OF THE TOWN Celebrating the holidays — the Russian way

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VALENTINE FEATURE At the temple of love

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SPORTS PAGE

ABOUT THE COVER

SEDA Darts League Right on target!

the Chinese community in celebrating the

SPORTS PAGE The search is on!

For February Issue, Beach Road Magazine joins Year of the Rabbit on Feb. 3. On the cover is Lucy Lu Pangelinan who relocated to Saipan from Guangzhou, China more than 20 years ago.

Chinese traditional attire courtesy of the

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CRUISIN’ ON BEACH ROAD

Chinese Association of the CNMI through Mrs. Rose Chan Matsuda

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HEALTH WATCH Break a G-sweat with interactive fitness

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Hair and makeup by Venus Serenity Salon & Spa

OUR ENVIRONMENT Coral Reef Summer Internship

Photography by Hideo Honda

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HOROSCOPE

www.marianas-way.com

Publisher

Maureen N. Maratita BRM Manager

Alexie Villegas Zotomayor Graphic Artists

Rudy L. Armenta Monie B. Erasga Account Manager

Vol. X No. 03

Susan Marchitti Sales Manager

Annie San Nicolas Managing Director

Marcos Fong

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Beach Road Magazine, Vol. X, No. 03 February 2011.

Entire contents copyrighted 2011 by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. Beach Road Magazine is published monthly by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 96950 2/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan Tel: (670) 235-7645 | Fax: (670) 234-1801 E-mail: saipan@glimpsesofguam.com All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.

Printed by: Win Guide Color Printing Co., Ltd.

ON THE COVER

Meet Lucy

BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

P

EOPLE IN GUANGZHOU may be

Now married with two sons, Lucy admits

“Being an only-child, it was quite an

preparing to gather kumquats, peach

she whips up Chinese dishes in her kitchen

adjustment to my husband’s large family;

blossoms, mandarin oranges and

that remind her of her own mother’s

but I learned in the process that family

cooking.

doesn’t have to be people you only have

other plants and fruits to bring fortune to the house where they reside in the coming new year.

For Chinese-born Lucy Lu Pangelinan, 30, she hardly practices these anymore.

Born in Guangzhou, Lucy relocated to

In the Year of the Rabbit that begins on

blood relations to. Although my parents are

Feb. 3, Lucy looks forward to achieving some

far away, I still have the feeling of family

goals in life. She says, “I look forward to

I’ve gained from my in-laws and my close

obtaining my bachelor’s degree in nursing,

friends.”

reuniting with my parents this summer,

Come Feb. 3, she will be making a call

Saipan as an eight-year-old girl with her

visiting a new place, and growing closer to

again to China and reconnect with her roots

parents in 1988 and she has been living on

my own family (my husband and two boys).”

and wish them “Gǀng xӿ fƗ cái, hóng bƗo ná

Saipan has become her new home.

island since then.

Having been on Saipan for over two

She says, “Saipan is a great place to live

decades, Lu would only experience Chinese

because of

traditions within the confines of the Lu

its tolerance

home. Outside of it, Yun Yuan — Lucy’s

for diversity

Chinese name — is like the average girl her

and yet it

age, mingling with friends and speaking in

retains its rich

English most of the time.

culture.”

According to her, “I went to school in

For Lucy,

Saipan for 14 years and never visited China

this is the

the entire time.”

compelling

When she finally got the chance after 14

reason she

years, it didn’t take long for Lucy to realize

stayed on island

how much she missed Saipan and she was

even though she

not used to the city lifestyle. She came back,

had the chance

studied nursing and married her college

to leave in 2003.

Although she’s

sweetheart.

While on Saipan, Lucy admits she doesn’t

far from her

celebrate the Chinese New Year, aside from

roots, Lun knows

the phone call she makes to her parents in

the importance of

China to greet them.

ties that bind.

She tells Beach Road Magazine of her experience, though, when she visited her parents two years ago and celebrated the New Year with them. “I was lucky and ecstatic to experience the Chinese New Year in Guangzhou after missing it for the longest time. The flower market, the chilly weather, and the celebration of family and togetherness were something I will not forget.”

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FEBRUARY 2011

lái.”

“Saipan is a great place to live because of its tolerance for diversity and yet it retains its rich culture.�

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WAY OFF BROADWAY

Oba:The Last Samurai A profile of courage

BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

H

IS SWIFT, STEALTH GUERRILLA RAIDS to American positions earned him the nickname “Fox” from the Marines. His remarkable holdout for 512 days at the Mt. Tapochau camp caught the curiosity of US Marine Don Jones — whose group was once ambushed by Oba’s men — and who chronicled Oba’s experiences in a book “Oba, The Last Samurai: Saipan 1944-1945.”

Now that book inspired the making of a movie directed by Hideyuki Hirayama with its premiere at Hollywood Theaters on Jan. 31. The official release in Japanese theaters is set for Feb. 11.

Yutaka Takenouchi plays the role of Captain Oba and leads a cast that includes Daniel Baldwin, Sean McGowan, Mao Inouye, Takayuki Yamada, Yohinori Okada, Sadawo Abe, and Toshiaki Karasawa.

Captain Oba relies on his guerrilla warfare tactics and every ounce of courage to ward off the American forces determined to wrestle control of the island of Saipan from 1944 to 1945.

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While others see death as an honorable escape — gyokusai — Oba believes staying live and continuing the resistance until reinforcements come is the right option — he has to stay alive to redeem his honor.

Some riveting and poignant scenes of the movie include American soldiers surveying the beach littered with casualties of war; Captain Oba appearing torn between giving up and soldiering on; and American Marines using flame throwers to scorch Japanese hideouts.

Cinematography and production are worthy or praise. There’s a meticulous setup recreating WWII Saipan. The Quonset huts, unpaved roads travelled by WWII jeeps, and the entire American military camp seem like images leaping out of the pages of a World War II history book.

“Oba: The Last Samurai” puts the island of Saipan in the limelight. The cast and crew along with Japanese media visiting Saipan for the premiere showing are delighted to be on Saipan.

“Oba: The Last Samurai” is an interesting addition to a growing collection of WWII documentaries and classics.

Those who would like to delve into details about Captain Oba’s war exploits in the Saipan jungles are encouraged to find a copy of Don Jones’ book, “Oba: The Last Samurai” published by Presidio Press in 1986. There’s also a Japanese edition published in 1982.

A sweet, mochi treat

BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

T

HE PASEO DE MARIANAS morphs into a mov-

ing tapestry of Japanese culture as Saipan

celebrates the Mochitsuki Festival.

Booths that offer age-old Japanese arts

and craft draw members of the community in joining

the Japanese Society of the CNMI and PDM Promoters Inc. in staging one of Japan’s more celebrated festivals.

It’s truly a festival for the senses and an event to be reckoned with. The Mochitsuki Festival blurs all social and cultural lines as people from various groups come together in appreciation of one of the world’s longest continuing cultures.

Not even a heavy downpour can dissuade people from flocking to the festival site to witness the centuries-old method of pounding glutinous rice in an usu — concrete bowl — with two wooden mallets. The pounding of

THE FESTIVAL’S MAIN STAR. Mochi is made from glutinous rice that’s soaked overnight, then pounded, and made into dough.

sweet rice results in a paste called mochi that’s molded into various shapes before cooking. What comes out of the kitchen are the mochi treats that people through the ages have come to love and appreciate.

The sounds of the taika, the colorful costumes of the Awaodori group, the sweet mochi — all these combine to leave indelible memories and a satisfying treat. For those who have tried the samples given out at the festival site, there’s a longing to try again.

“Mochi o onegaishimasu!”

READY, POUND!

Central to the celebration of the Mochitsuki Festival is the pounding of glutinous rice and transforming it into a dough called mochi that will be shaped and cooked into the sweets that those who have tried it have come to love.

SMILE! Young performers of the Awaodori Group relax after a performance at the Paseo de Marianas.

TRY MOCHI. Members of the Japanese Society

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TALK OF THE TOWN

Celebrating the holidays — the Russian way

BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

S

ANTA AND HIS GRANDDAUGHTER Snegurochka join the revelry at Pacific Islands Club where the Magellan Restaurant transforms into a mini Russia at Christmas time.

And Christmas time — in the Orthodox Christian calendar — falls on Jan. 7.

It may sound and feel a little anachronistic for some, but the Russian Christmas celebration follows the Julian calendar which is 13 days later than its Gregorian counterpart.

Aware of the Russian tradition, PIC leaves no stone unturned as it hosts a big celebration with a modern touch.

Elly Stoilova, web marketing manager/Russian market manager, says, “The Russian guests planned to celebrate this holiday abroad and we are very thankful that they have chosen the CNMI as their select destination for their holiday.

We wanted to give them the opportunity to enjoy a different view of the local culture and bring positive word-of-mouth recommendations back to Russia.”

From food to drinks to entertainment, the celebration goes a notch higher as PIC endeavors to make the Russians feel at home.

And the celebration continues for another week with the Russian New Year celebration on Jan. 13.

In the same restaurant, “S Praznikom!” exchanges fill the air as Russians mingle with other guests and hotel employees to welcome the new year.

It is one new year celebration to remember as PIC brings popular Russian celebrities Konstantin Pospelov and DJ Vitaliy Rogozin who offer guests three hours of wholesome fun. With the two at the helm, the restaurant becomes a one-stop shop of entertainment consisting of jokes, trivia, dances, and jokes.

Chef Habib rolled out a sumptuous line of hors d’oeuvres and main course dishes, living up to the “Voyage Under the Sea” theme of the party.

At night’s end, nothing compares to the joy written in the guests’ faces who tout their stay at the hotel during the holidays “as the best ever” and vow to come back again to relive the experience.

A RUSSIAN CONNECTION. Konstantin Pospelov is seen entertaining the guests at the Magellan Restaurant during the Russian New Year celebration on Jan. 13.

HAPPY NEW YEAR. Visiting Russian celebrities DJ Vitaliy Rogozin, left, and Konstantin Pospelov join Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos for a photo opportunity.

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VALENTINE FEATURE

At the temple of love

BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

A

T THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, Komgish “Bond” Tannakan, an unemployed 20-year-old Thai goes to a temple in Bangkok, Thailand. As he offers his prayers to Buddha (Rama V), a 19-year-old graduating student — Orathai Suriwan —is praying across from him that she passes her examinations.

Komgish or Bond as he is known today among his friends and customers on Saipan is desperate to find a job and love. Kneeling at the steps of the temple, he casts a furtive glance and finds that the lady beside him is more than just likeable. He prays audibly within her earshot, “I pray that she gives me her cellphone number.”

It’s a joke half-meant. But he gets more than he bargained for. On their way out of the temple, Bond’s prayer was answered. Orathai’s sister, shouting from their car, told Bond Orathai’s number and asked him to keep it. This began a threemonth correspondence via text messaging.

Since that meeting at the temple on March 3, 2000, Bond, now 32, and Orathai, 31, have been together for nine years.

HOME SWEET HOME. Bond and Orathai enjoy the picturesque view at the beach in Phuket, Thailand during one of their visits.

Unemployed at the time he met her, Bond is aware that he needs to earn a living so he could invite Orathai out on a date. “I was really broke.” He says he tried his best to find a good job.

He tells Beach Road Magazine that he and his girl friend left Thailand in 2000 and flew to Saipan where she found a job at an insurance company owned by his father while he came under the employ of his stepmother in her Afetna store.

In time, Bond says, he was able to save enough money to start a business. He flew to China where he bought fashion accessories.

They have both come a long way.

“Whenever we have problems, we try to resolve them together,” says Bond.

Now Bond has his own store within Royal Crown Insurance in San Antonio while Orathai continues to work at the same company and sells clothes and accessories.

Bond tells Beach Road Magazine they intend to get married. “We already have plans – maybe in 2014.”

He says he would like to be successful in his business by the time he reaches 34 or 35 so he could provide well for his family’s needs.

He is upbeat that by the time he becomes successful with his business,

he will build his dream home in Thailand where he will raise his family.

He adds that since meeting in Thailand, they have always been helping each other.

Bond confesses, “I really want to be successful in my business first before I get married.” He says he would like to provide a good home to his family and good education to his children.

They have so much to be thankful for and they have accomplished a lot as a couple for nine years. Every time they go back to Thailand, Bond says, they do not forget to offer prayers of thanks at the temple where they first met.

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SPORTS PAGE

SEDA Darts League

Right on target!

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

T

HE WINNING STREAK CONTINUES.

Top Development Inc.’s Black Stallions’ Jun Olita remains one of Saipan Electronics Darts Association’s Dart League’s more consistent players.

In SEDA’s awards banquet held at Pacific Islands Club’s Charlie’s Cabaret on Jan. 17, Olita is declared most valuable player in the master’s division with a 100% winning percentage.

He tells Beach Road Magazine, “I’m happy that the Black Stallions won. I am also glad that I manage to win some awards today.”

Olita’s friend says it seems he has become accustomed to his winning ways, never failing to bring home a trophy every tournament.

His consistency of play is evident as well in the scores he turns in. In the top gun category, Olita posts a 74.03 point aggregate to clinch the master’s division top gun honors.

In the group play, the TDI Black Stallions consisting of Olita, Joy Silva, Robert Valdez, Jun Lapeciros, George Medina and with Noel Montalbo at the helm, beat the Oleai Erap Snipers and D’ Pirates M-Destroyers for the top group plum.

Meanwhile, Charlie’s Cabaret at PIC is flooded with trophies and medals as SEDA distributes approximately 350 trophies and medals to the winners of the dart league in various categories.

In the Budlight Lime 2nd Inter-government League, CUC Power Plant dart players are declared champions over teams from the Office of the Attorney General, Dept. of Public Works, and Div. of Youth Services.

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WE WON! Team Salbahe Brothers 1 is declared champion in the Thursday Fanihi B Division.

Jonny’s Yakau lady players take the Ladies Division with D’Pirates teams Mama’s Snipers and Strikers in third and second places respectively.

VFW One Shot, Jonny’s Hawks, and Buddies Kagman are the top three finishers in the Chichirika C-Division.

Buddies’ Bar dominates in the Kingfisher C-Division as Chagi Fan and Black Pearls take first and third places with Charlie’s Team Sabalu in second place.

In the Thursday Flame Tree B Division, Jonny’s Umi Shooters takes the lead with Buddies Wild Shooters and VFW Assashunz in second and third places.

Buddies’ Bar’s darts teams Salbahe Brothers and Boyz B thwart a surge by IT&E Kamote’s and take first and third honors in the Thursday Fanihi B Division.

The second Salbahe Brothers’ team rule Tuesday B League while its fellow Buddies-sponsored team — Flying Dartsmen — thwart the challenge of Charlie’s Primos and Naked Fish Boyz in the A Division.

TOGETHER, WE STAND. Team Salbahe Brothers II emerges as champion in Tuesday B League.

CONSISTENT PLAYER. MVP Jun Olita of Top Development Inc. team raises the trophies he won in the latest SEDA darts league.

Ernie Domingo, team member, Buddies’ Salbahe Brothers, who joined the league for the first time this year, says he’s proud and happy with the results. “We owe it all to teamwork and coordination with the other members. It really pays to be playing with friends whom you know for so long.”

Rick Brien, Domingo’s friend and fellow member, Team Salbahe Brothers 2, agrees with Domingo. “We are glad with the outcome of our participation this season. The camaraderie between the members is solid and that helped the team.“

For the sportsmanship awards, the recipients are NMC Proa, Inter-government league; Buddies Pink Panthers, Ladies Division; Gaia World V, Chichirika C-Division; D’ Pirates Sang & the Gang, Kingfisher CDivision; Gaia Gaiana B, Thursday B Flame Tree; VFW No Fear, Thursday B Fanihi; Buddies Fantastic, Tuesday B; Charlie’s Primos, A Division; Oleai D’ Compañeros, Masters Division.

In the Bud Light Cup, the winners are AG’s Piligro, Intergovernment League; Jonny’s Yakau, Ladies Division; VFW Oh! MG, Chichirika C Division; Buddies Black Pearls, Kingfisher C Division; Jonny’s Umi Shooters, Thursday B Flame Tree; Buddies Boyz B, Thursday B Fanihi; Tijuana Mixblood Shooters, Tuesday B; Naked Fish Boyz, A Division; and VFW Angry Dragons, Masters Division.

The High In awardees are as follows: Ed Diaz, 160, Intergovernment League; Polly Rebelkuul, 160 Ladies Division; Jun Manoloto, 158, Kingfisher C Division; Raymond David, 140, Chichirika, C Division; Peejay Naval, 160, Thursday Fanihi; Phil Fejeran, 160, Thursday Flame Tree; Angelo Hernaez, 160, Tuesday B; Jeff Barit, 160, A Division; Leo Lindo, 160, Masters Division.

The High Out winners are Jayson John, 120, Intergovernment league; Rufina Guevarra, 124, Ladies Division; Ray Anthony Aguon, 153, Kingfisher C Division; Ressie Takeda, 160, Chichirika C Division; Ray Cabrera, 145, Thursday Fanihi; Dean Borja, 112, Thursday Flame Tree; Ricky Cardinez, 158, Tuesday B; Julian Camacho, 155, A Division; and Junnie Guevarra, 161, Masters Division.

SEDA also recognizes the top guns.

They are Joy Silva, 60.65; Aida Laniyo, 48.19; David Terlaje, 45.49; Oscar Porras, 40.62; Mario Abo, 51.02; Jun Agbuya, 49.15; Angela Hernaez, 56.51; Julian Camacho, 56.96; and Jun Olita, 74.03.

The most valuable players in the various divisions are Jun Olita, Lionel Sanchez, Angelo Hernaez, Jun Agbuya, Christopher Jao Bernardo, Mario Abo, Felix Owen Travilla, Jesse Borja, Aida Laniyo, and Julian Camacho.

SEDA expresses its gratitude to its supporters and players who keep the darts league one of the more active sports activities on island.

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SPORTS PAGE

The search is on!

BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

T

HE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Volleyball Association or NMIVA is holding a series of qualifying tournaments, practices, and trainings between Jan. 23 and Feb. 28.

Laurie Peterka, president, NMIVA, says the men’s and women’s divisions are given priority consideration in the selection of CNMI’s national team. Each participating team will have an opportunity to score points towards qualifying for the CNMI Beach Volleyball National teams with the two highest scoring teams in both divisions will be made representatives to international events throughout 2011.

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“Following directions from FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) and AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation), NMIVA is moving ahead with plans to select CNMI Beach Volleyball National Teams,” Peterka says.

She further elaborates that the FIVB and AVC are guiding NMIVA on a long-term vision. She says they are willing to provide support for the NMI’s national beach volleyball teams and are helping to provide support in bringing FIVB and AVC beach volleyball events to the NMI. Pacific Islands Club hosts the qualifier series that kicked off on Jan. 23. According to NMIVA, there are men’s and women’s divisions for this series with a double elimination format.

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For those teams interested to participate, NMIVA is posting the specific Athlete Selection Criteria on the www.nmivolleyball.org to find out about qualifications to participate.

Gabriel White, vice president, NMIVA, says they have established the criteria based on guidance from the FIVB, AVC, and NMASA. “If interested players need assistance with determining their eligibility, we are here to help.”

According to NMIVA, the qualifier series is also a fundraiser with proceeds going toward sending teams to the South Pacific Games.

For qualifier entry fees, members pay $10 while non-members pay $15. Players who are eyeing a spot on the national team are required to pay an annual membership fee of $20 per player.

Moreover, NMIVA also announces forthcoming tournaments. The Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Festival will be held at the Fiesta Resort and Spa on Feb. 25-27.

The FIVB World Cup – AVC Subzonal Olympic qualifying event is slated for March 4-6 at the Pacific Islands Club. National teams from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Guam and the CNMI will compete for the best of five tournament.

Fore more information please visit National Beach Volleyball Qualifier Events & Training Schedule at http://sites.google.com/ site/nmivolleyball/national-qualifier-events or email nmivolleyball@gmail.com.

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CRUISIN’ ON BEACH ROAD BOOKS FOR SALE. Joeten Kiyu Library staff and friends smile for the camera during a recent book sale held at the library.

HELLO, BABY! Jerry and Irene

TAKE COVER. The Awaodori Group performers find shelter in the nearby store in Paseo de Marianas as rain interrupts their performance during the Mochitsuki Festival.

Facey’s granddaughter looks at the camera during one of their leisure visits to the Smiling Cove Marina.

LOCAL PERFORMERS. Local dancers entertain Russian guests of PIC at the Magellan Restaurant during the Russian Christmas celebration on Jan. 7.

FOURTH BIRTHDAY. Chealzka Navarro poses with her brother Myles during her fourth birthday celebration at their residence in Gualo Rai.

ON TARGET. Franco Mendoza and IT&E’s team show their

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS PARTY. Instead of the usual party, a group of neighbors held a beauty contest where Linda, center, emerged the winner at their Gualo Rai apartment parking space.

trophies during the award ceremony for SEDA darts league.

RELAXING AT THE MARINA. A group of friends take time to relax at the Smiling Cove Marina parking space recently.

Beach Road Magazine is accepting photo contributions from the community for FREE. Kindly e-mail the photos with captions identifying the people in the photo from left to right position, to reporter2@glimpsesofguam.com. For photos to appear in the coming issue, due to limited slots, we encourage submissions on or before the 15th of every month.

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GRAND WINNER. Shen Aquiningoc holds the $1,000 worth of gift certificates she won in the Coca-Cola Open Happiness Holiday Giveaway promo raffle.

RAFFLE WINNERS.Winners of Coca-Cola’s raffle promo pose with their prizes at the Transpac Business Center’s conference room during the award ceremony.

EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR. JHEMS Restaurant owner Elizabeth Miyata, left, recognizes Lourdes Dionisio and Pen Dionisio as outstanding employees of the restaurant during their annual appreciation party held at the Saipan Grand Hotel’s Aoi Restaurant.

THE EDITOR’S GIRL. Zaldy and Cheryl’s baby girl Nea Zoe Dandan.

CHEERS! Pacific Islands Club employees greet their Russian

guests “Merry Christmas” during the Russian Christmas party at the Magellan Restaurant on Jan. 7.

GOT MILK? A mother and her two children raise a quart of Foremost non-fat milk during the milk sampling held at Kagman Market.

‘IT’S MY FIRST.’ Marcus Lenard Felipe celebrates his first birthday with family and friends at the Grillin Restaurant, Ocean View Hotel on Jan. 13.

WELCOME TO SAN JOSE. Cashiers of San Jose Mart pose with Cristy Musngi during a milk sampling at the store.

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HEALTH WATCH

Break a G-sweat with interactive fitness Gaming Hafa Adai BRM gamers! It’s February and already the island has experienced its first power outage.

What does this have to do with gaming you ask? When the power went out I heard a faint sound coming from down the street. At first I was apprehensive… then I was interested and had to investigate the unfamiliar sounds. I got off the couch, put on my Scotts, and quickly ran outside. To my surprise there were children playing on the streets of my neighborhood.

They were running after each other playing freeze tag, street football, and street soccer. The children were also glistening with this thing called sweat. They were exercising!

This inspired resident fitness expert Carmen Rojas and me to look at another aspect of gaming: virtual fitness. Carmen played EA Sports Active for the Wii and found that it far exceeded her expectations. The game proved to be a challenge and even surprised our Queen of Fitness. In order to utilize the game to its fullest extent, you will need the Wii Fitness balance board and the resistance bands that come with the game. At the time of its release, it was an original concept and an exceptional game. Since May 2009 there have been many more games designed to get you off of that couch and moving.

The most talked about and most innovative motion control system of 2010 has to be the XBOX 360 Kinect. The Kinect hardware can be purchased as an add-on for $149.99. There are also packages available that include a 360 console with a 250 GB hard drive and Kinect for $399.99. The reason the Kinect has the most potential of all of the motion control systems available is the absence of a controller. With the Kinect, your body is used as the controller. This means no accidental head shots with a flying Nunchuck and no LCD screens that suffered “Death by Nunchuck.”

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In November, Kinect Sports was released to compete with the various Wii and PS3 Move fitness games. It was the first Kinect game dedicated to creating G-sweat (gamer sweat).

Although still in its infancy, the release of Kinect Sports proved the unmatched capability of the Kinect System. The Kinect’s quick response to a player’s movements, and untamed range of motion proved beneficial to elevate heart rate, thus creating G-sweat. Kinect Sports is comprised of mini volleyball, soccer, bowling, table tennis, and boxing party games. The coolest thing that demonstrated the sensitivity of the apparatus happened during my table tennis matches. In this mode, your hand is the paddle and with a swift motion downwards you can give the ball some backspin. It’s a small detail, but I was blown away that it could recognize this movement. For $54.99 you cannot go wrong with this game if one of your goals is to break a sweat.

Zumba Fitness, Dance Central, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, and Zumba Fitness: Join the Party are some other titles that have been released for the Kinect that are noteworthy and all run about the same price.

Even though these video games are designed to help you break a Gsweat, Carmen and I agree that nothing beats actual real life exercise. The

sun in your face while taking a brisk walk or run by the shore break is still the ultimate mode of virtual fitness.

And though I support video gaming, I feel I must express my personal opinion to all parents reading this article.

Please, get your children out of the house. Demand them to experience actual physical play outside like we once did as children. I do not find joy in YouTube-ing 200-pound fouryear-olds crying because they cannot play their video games. Encourage them to get up and get out, and then reward their actions with video game play. This should help to keep all of us undeniably ADDICTED, to video games and fitness!

Fitness In the last five years or so, the world of virtual fitness has become a reality. The futuristic stuff of dreams — computers that can “see” people and respond — is here. These physically engaging games are popular with adults and children, and even have some clinical uses as well.

But do they really live up to the hype?

I will jump into the virtual fitness world and give you my take on this gaming trend.

From the fitness standpoint there are more trends and fads than you can shake a controller at.

Everyone wants to lose weight and be healthier and not have to work hard at doing it. And if we do have

to work hard, at least let us have fun doing it! That’s the essence of the virtual fitness game — a workout that’s fun. These games are perfectly fine if you are realistic about the results. Do they help you lose weight? Do they lead to injury?

The first key to success with these games is to have reasonable expectations. Will you turn into Ocho-Cinco if you play the new NFL training game? Of course not. And you will not win “The Biggest Loser” if you buy that game either. These games are great for improving hand and eye coordination, and can burn some extra calories, but so does traditional exercise, which has other benefits that are not possible with virtual games. Games like EA Sports Active come with resistance bands and take a more strength-training approach to the game. So, if you look at it from the perspective of calories in vs. calories out, these games do raise the amount of calories you expend. But there is a catch. Many of us like to play video games with some handy finger food around. Of course, eating while jumping up and down on the Wii balance board can have obvious risks, but doing some of the less vigorous games while munching on Doritos defeats the purpose of raising calorie expenditure.

I like the EA Sports Active series for getting into shape. I have tried

it and found it to be challenging at multiple fitness levels. Even the fittest among us could find an exercise or move that is provides a greater challenge. The game offers a ton of exercises at different intensities and allows you to vary your workout with ease. And it is fun to do. The game is encouraging, and does a good job of counting for you and finding fun ways to keep the player engaged. Remember that this is exercise at its purest level. So just like any other exercise, do the warm up, tutorials, and cool down. Don’t jump into the peak of the game and then click it off and go to bed just because you are pressed for time. You will be asking for an injury if you do this.

Speaking of injuries‌ as in any activity, before you begin, seek an evaluation by a professional if you are planning to use these games as a fitness regimen. If you have old injuries to joints and/or spine, be

especially careful when using these games. Wear the correct footwear and clothing to avoid injuries. Make sure you have plenty of space and that you are playing on a level surface. Something as minor as stepping on the edge of a rug can cause a twisted ankle or sprained wrist.

From a fitness standpoint, these games can be beneficial to your overall health and are a great way to get otherwise sedentary people moving around. Be reasonable when setting expectations. And if you are planning on using these types of games as your preferred method of exercise, treat them as such. Talk to your doctor, read the instructions, get the right equipment, and pay attention to your body and what it’s telling you.

Work in some rest, make sure you warm up and cool down, but most of all, have fun!

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OUR ENVIRONMENT

Coral Reef

Summer Internships Past Internships Have Included: UÊ >À iÊ Ì À }\ÊThe goal of CNMI’s long-term coral reef monitoring program is to continuously monitor our reef resources.

We document how reef communities change over time in response to 1) natural fluctuations, 2) large disturbances (ex. typhoons), and 3) pollution.

UÊ Õ ÌÞÊ `ÕV>Ì Ê> `Ê"ÕÌÀi>V \ Are you interested in helping our agencies work with the public, communicating important information necessary to protect our natural resources? Are you ready to spend your internship working with the community, meeting new people, organizing events AND helping to protect the environment? If yes, then this may be the internship for you!

UÊ Ã iÀ iÃ\ Assist the CNMI’s hard working fisheries team at Division of Fish and Wildlife. Fisheries is tasked with the preservation of endangered, threatened, and scarce species, the conservation and restoration of marine habitat, and facilitating sustainable fisheries for commercial, recreational and subsistence purposes.

UÊ v ÀVi i Ì\ÊThe enforcement team is responsible for ensuring the fair treatment of our environment by enforcing the rules and regulations that protect it.

UÊ Ê* ÌÊ- ÕÀViÊ* ÕÌ \ DEQ’s NPS Branch protects public health and the environment by controlling polluted runoff from entering receiving waters through the use of best management practices. This branch is responsible for keeping CNMI waters clean and healthy for beneficial uses through demonstrations of best management practices, and engaging in public education awareness campaigns.

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FEBRUARY 2011

INTERESTED? We are looking for 10-12 college students, or college bound high school graduates with an interest in learning more about coral reef resource management.

SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: 1.) CNMI Employment Application 2.) Two (2) letters of recommendation (from professor, counselor or employer) 3.) Resumé 4.) Copy of Photo Identification (i.e., Passport, Driver’s License, etc.)

5.) Transcript 6.) Cover letter 7.) Police Clearance

DEADLINE: April 11, 2011 Materials can be emailed to: brooke.nevitt@crm.gov.mp and lisaeller@deq.gov.mp Or mailed or faxed to: Coastal Resources Management Office Attention: Brooke Nevitt Caller Box 10007 Saipan, MP 96950 Fax: (670) 664-8315 For more information call 664-8300

$8/hr

FEBRUARY 2011

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HOROSCOPE

ARIES: You’ve got that pioneering spirit as the year begins anew, and you can’t wait to get started on new adventures! You should expect to pick up on a clue early today that gets you moving.

TAURUS:

Your responsibilities to your friends and family will necessarily take precedence over any type of romantic tryst. The good news is that for the first time in a long time, they’ll be not just willing to get along -- it will come easily to them. This is one of those rare times when doing the impossible will come easily. Enjoy it.

GEMINI:

If ever there was a time of year that is inspirational to you, this is it. Make the most of this productive time. Redirect it toward things that matter the most to you, be it money, love or simply putting your thoughts together.

CANCER:

Oh, you’ve earned this if anyone has, and you’re going to enjoy it. It’s time for some serious fun, complete with a lavish, extravagant evening out. Now -- about the financial arrangements. Be sure you have someone to help you pay for it all -- but that shouldn’t be tough since there’s someone out there who really wants to make a good impression on you. Let them.

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FEBRUARY 2011 LEO: Regardless of which situation you’re shying away from, everyone who knows and loves you will continue to understand -- that’s if they want to continue knowing and loving you.

VIRGO: In your book, there’s nothing like having options, is there? It makes everything better, knowing that if Plan A doesn’t work out, Plan B looks good, and Plan C is ready to go. Well, you may not need quite that many plans tonight, but have them handy anyway. The universe has arranged a rather impromptu visit from a dear one who needs you.

LIBRA:

Your good idea has been sitting on the launching pad waiting for you to start the countdown. You finally have that important insight that makes it all happen. One tiny thought is all the spark you need to see it blast off.

SCORPIO:

From time to time, a reminder of where you’ve come from is a helpful way to stay on the right path. You will encounter some familiar conflicts, but this time, instead of sending you into a panic, they will be easy to ignore — they are vestigial remainders of a former you. When was the last time you truly recognized the growth you’ve accomplished? Take an hour or so to flip through a photo album, read an old diary entry or just think about past adventures.

FEBRUARY 2011

SAGITTARIUS: Nothing lasts forever, or so they say. Just when progress starts ebbing, you get a stroke of inspiration that starts the process all over again in a new direction. The sky’s the limit as long as you keep putting in the effort.

CAPRICORN:

Your domestic life is better than usual for some small reason — maybe sweet harmony with family, maybe an unexpected new configuration of furniture. Whatever it is, enjoy it to the fullest!

AQUARIUS:

Things are finally moving. You’ve been imagining how great it will feel to see things through to the end, but that very first baby step is like a glimpse of heaven. It’s a relief to finally be making progress.

PISCES:

You’ve been on an emotional roller coaster lately, and you’ve had all the fun you can stand with trying to figure out what’s going to happen next.

Enough. Just for the next couple of days, stop pushing. Instead, do some ‘surfing’ -- let the universe take the wheel, and see what happens.

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