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December 4, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Get in the Holiday Spirit
Ryukyu Glass for the Holidays
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hristmas is just around the corner and whether or not the stockings have been hung with care, MCCS is ready to spread some holiday cheer. The 2014 Courtney Christmas & Holiday Festival is a free event geared to all ages and will provide plenty of merriment on December 6 and 7 from 2 to 10 p.m. at the Commissary/Exchange Complex on Camp Courtney. In addition to all the usual festival favorites like food, games and rides, the highlight of this year’s festival will be special performances by country
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music artist John Michael Montgomery and pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat. Montgomery will perform at 5 p.m. followed by Caillat at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 7. In the spirit of holiday giving, MCCS will also be giving away roundtrip tickets from Tokyo to any American Airlines gateway city, courtesy of American Airlines. This festival is open to all DoD ID card holders and Japanese citizens. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/entertainment or call 645-5821.
Living at Large: Ham Scramble | 3 Ryan vs. Courtney: BÔnenkai | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events | 7
lass blowing is an intricate art seen all over the world, but Ryukyu glass has its own distinctive look. Originally made from CocaCola bottles discarded by U.S. troops after WWII, the craft has since been refined and is now one of the most popular Okinawan keepsakes. The glass pieces come in many forms, from commonly used items like drinking glasses and plates to decorative pieces like vases and figurines. Some pieces are so ornate that they are comparable to priceless pieces of art housed in museums. Ryukyu Glass Craft in Itoman is the largest glass producer on island and has put a festive spin on some of their pieces. Not only can you find traditional designs at their store, but also a selection of holiday-inspired glass, including ornaments, trees and wreaths. These handmade crafts can add a taste of Okinawa to your holiday decorations. Itoman's Ryukyu Glass Craft is located 25 minutes south of Naha Airport on Route 331 near Peace Prayer Park. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: House of Laughs | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Health Tip of the Week | 11
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livingatlarge Ham Scramble
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t’s that time of year, when the weather cools, holidays creep closer and golf lovers unite for a comfortable, less-sweaty tee time at Taiyo Golf Club’s annual Ham Scramble on December 13. Although the title sounds boisterous, the tournament itself is a great way to leisurely spend your cool Okinawan winter day and win some enviable prizes while doing so. The Ham Scramble is a four-person scramble. For those without team members, Taiyo Golf Club will select a team for you. The top teams with net or gross scores will win Christmas hams and money with additional chances to win other special prizes like an overnight stay for two with
breakfast at Moon Ocean Ginowan. Sign up by December 10 for $30 at Taiyo Golf Club. This event is
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTORS | Hector Nieves, Karie Morton GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Corrinne McKenna EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITOR | Courtney Rick PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Aya Chilcote, Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Jessica Wagner, Lola Cardenas DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amy Schultz, Nicole Taylor, Allison McCarley, Kelly Longo, Phylicia Callahan, Lindsay Roegge CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu, Rie Shinjo
open to all DoD ID card holders island-wide. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/golf.
mccsevents&happenings Hearts Apart December 5, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Bldg. 5677, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
Basic Japanese Language Class December 8–11, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Schwab 645-2104 FREE
Career Assessment Workshop December 10, 1–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Schwab 645-3151 FREE
Customer Appreciation Day December 5, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-2104 FREE
Home Buying Workshop December 8, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104 FREE
All About You December 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Bldg. 5677, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
Money Management Workshop December 8, 8–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104 FREE
Imagination Station December 10, 11 a.m. Library, Camp Foster 645-7178 FREE
Japanese Gift Wrapping Class December 12, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org To advertise in Okinawa Living Weekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
We Make Okinawa Home
Other FREE Media:
Channel 15 & 118
This publication printed with
Camps Hansen & Schwab
Camp Foster
December 12 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Stop by the Marine & Family Programs–Resources office for free snacks and let our personal financial manager and transition specialist answer your questions. mccsokinawa.com/mfp-r
Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Warehouse Bldg. 5601 Check out the excess property for sale each week, including computers, furniture, sporting equipment and more. MCCS Supply 645-3636
Customer Appreciation Day
Excess Property Sale
Various Camps
Camp Courtney
Sign up for any PADI certification course at any Tsunami SCUBA location during this time and be entered for a chance to win prizes through December 24. mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba
December 12 6 p.m.–midnight Enjoy free hors d’oeuvres from 6–8 p.m. and get to know your fellow spouses. Hashmarks 622-9583
Scuba Santa Educational Giveaway
All Hands Spouses Night
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ryan vs. courtney
japanese phrase of the week
Kyo wa ii tenki desu ne? The weather’s nice today, isn’t it? For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
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ourtney: I realized today that our office bônenkai is fast approaching. Can you give me a rundown of what to expect? Ryan: Bônenkai literally means “forget the year gathering,” and usually involves plenty of food and drink. Bônenkai are usually held separately depending on the group and a lot of people will have several bônenkai parties to go to throughout December—one with friends, one with co-workers, and more for any other groups they belong to. C: So it’s a way to conclude the year? Sounds kind of like a holiday party but without the tacky Christmas sweaters. Do you exchange gifts or anything at a bônenkai? R: No gifts, and they aren’t really like American holiday parties either. A bônenkai is not a family gathering. Like I mentioned before, the attendance is limited to a particular group of people. So co-workers, friends, your
BÔnenkai
baseball team, etc. The main goal is to forget the troubles of the past year so you can start fresh (usually with a similar party called shinnenkai). Remember that time I silently hated you because I had to do a column with you every other week? Maybe you’re just finding out about it now. Either way, we’ll forget that ever happened at a bônenkai.
C: I like this concept. So I guess I can continue to do horrible things to you up until the bônenkai since I now know the slate will be cleared. Good to know. By Ryan Anastoplus and Courtney Rick
Contact Ryan or Courtney with your questions, comments or cookies at ryan.anastoplus@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or courtney.rick@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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off-base events get out and explore.
Okinawa Kumiodori “Swimmy” December 6, 7 p.m., December 7, 2 p.m., December 8, 2 p.m., December 9, 2&7 p.m. National Theatre Okinawa Urasoe City Adults ¥2,000, Children (under 15) ¥1,000 Southeast Botanical Gardens Holiday Illumination December 5–11, 5–10 p.m. Southeast Botanical Gardens Okinawa City Adults ¥1,800, High School Students ¥1,000, Jr. High & Elementary ¥500, Children under 6 FREE
tours+
adventure begins here. Naha City Tour December 11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $20, Children (4–11) $13, (under 3) FREE See the “shrine on the waves”, Naminoue Shrine. Then explore enchanting Fukushûen Garden. Bring yen to feed the carp. Then it is on to the hustle and bustle of the fish market. Kanucha Stardust Fantasia December 13, 4–10 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $14, (under 3) FREE Enjoy a meal at The Palms on Camp Hansen and then head to a holiday display made up of over one million lights.
Farm & Fish Market December 13, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE The best food is what’s grown closest to home. Explore and shop the freshest foods on Okinawa at the JA Farmers’ Market and Vege Vege store. Next stop is the Mini Mini Doubutsuen, where the eggs are fresh out of the nest. Finally, visit Payao Fish Market where you can purchase a variety of fresh seafood and enjoy a delicious lunch.* The Battle of Okinawa Through Civilian Eyes December 14, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18, (under 3) FREE Visit the sites and learn the stories of the civilians during the Battle of Okinawa.*
Shuri Castle & Naha December 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Tour the only fully reconstructed castle on Okinawa, see Shureimon Gate and view the ponds where boat races were held to entertain the court. After lunch on Kokusai Street, spend the afternoon at Fukushûen Chinese Garden and Naminoue Shinto Shrine.* Sweet and Salty Tour December 15, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE See the processes behind two of Okinawa’s traditional trades. Visit a sugarcane factory to learn how Okinawa’s healthy brown sugar is made, then head to a sea salt refinery to find out how salt is produced.*
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser Temporarily Closed | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
photooftheweek Thomas Alan Smilie
Located in Onna Village on the west coast, Manzamo is one of the most popular scenic spots on the island. The name originates from the word man, which means 10,000 in Japanese. When the Ryukyu King Sho Kei visited the spot in the 18th century, he said that the field was large enough to hold 10,000 people, and hence the name was born.
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spotlight
House of Laughs
Cody d Woo
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f you feel like you haven’t been laughing enough lately, MCCS House of Laughs has come to town just in time. This month, funnymen Ellis Rodriguez and Cody Wood will come to spread their brand of comedy from December 16 to 20 to camps across Okinawa. The performances will take place Tuesday, December 16 at the Globe & Anchor inside Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster; Wednesday, December 17 at the BeachHead on Camp Schwab;
Ellis Rodrigu ez
Thursday, December 18 at Thirsty’s on MCAS Futenma; Friday, December 19 at Surfside on Camp Kinser; and Saturday, December 20 at The Palms on Camp Hansen. House of Laughs is a free event open to all DoD ID card holders and authorized guests ages 18 and older. The shows may contain explicit, adult-oriented language. All shows start at 9 p.m. For more information, call MCCS Entertainment at 645-5821 or visit mccsokinawa.com/ entertainment.
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upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule Open 6 vs. 6 Soccer Tournament
Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports Athletics/Adult Sports 645-3521/3522 Aquatics 645-3180
December 12–14 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center on December 8 for $80 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 625-2654.
Open Wrestling Tournament
Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
December 14 Camp Kinser Fitness Center Register by 1 p.m. at any MCCS fitness center on December 8 for $10 or onsite for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers in each weight class. An onsite participants’ brief will be held at 9:45 a.m.* Details: 637-1869. Open Basketball Tournament December 19–21 Camp Hansen House of Pain Register by 1 p.m. on December 15 at any MCCS fitness center for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 623-5569/5558. Open Power Lifting Competition December 20 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register by 1 p.m. on December 15 at any MCCS fitness center for $10 or onsite for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place winners in each weight class. Details: 625-2654. *Attendance is required for participation.
classoftheweek Water Warrior (AMP-IT) AMP-IT provides an aquatic workout of sufficient intensity (comparable to land) for individuals looking for an alternative workout or with musculoskeletal/orthopedic injuries. AMP-IT is an interval-based program that includes deep water running and shallow water muscle conditioning. For a full class schedule, visit schedule mccsokinawa.com/wellness.
weeklyhealthtip Does fasted cardio burn more fat than non-fasted cardio? It’s been debated for ages, but a study just published by the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition, has finally put the debate to rest. Two groups were tested over a period of four weeks. One trained fasted and the other not fasted, both with controlled caloric intakes. No significant changes in body composition were found.
CAMP KINSER | 637-2177
CAMP COURTNEY | 622-6101
Thursday, December 4 Night Crawler (R) 6:30 p.m. Friday, December 5 The Pyramid (R) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 4 CLOSED Friday December 5 The Pyramid (R) 6 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 The Best of Me (PG 13) 3 p.m. Gone Girl (R) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 7 The Penguins of Madagascar (PG) 3D 1 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 3:30 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 8 CLOSED Tuesday, December 9 CLOSED Wednesday, December 10 Fury (R) 6:30 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA | 636-3890 Thursday, December 4 CLOSED Friday, December 5 The Pyramid (R) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6 John Wick (R) 4 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 The Book of Life (PG) 3 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 6 p.m. Sunday, December 7 The Penguins of Madagascar (PG) 3 p.m. Addicted (R) 9 p.m. Monday, December 8 Dracula Untold (PG-13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9 CLOSED Wednesday, December 10 The Pyramid (R) 7 p.m.
CAMP HANSEN | 623-4564 Thursday, December 4 Horrible Bosses 2 (R) 7 p.m. Friday December 5 The Pyramid (R) 6:30 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 10 p.m. Saturday, December 6 The Pyramid (R) 6 p.m. John Wick (R) 9:30 p.m.
Monday, December 8 John Wick (R) 4 p.m.
Sunday, December 7 Nightcrawler (R) 3:30 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 7 p.m. Monday, December 8 Horrible Bosses 2 (R) 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9 CLOSED
Tuesday, December 9 Nightcrawler (R) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10 CLOSED
Wednesday December 10 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (PG 13) 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 7 John Wick (R) 4 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 7 p.m.
CAMP FOSTER | 645-3465 Thursday December 4 Gone Girl (R) 7 p.m. Friday December 5 The Pyramid (R) 6 p.m. Nightcrawler (R) 9 p.m. Saturday, December 6 The Penguins of Madagascar (PG) Noon The Penguins of Madagascar (PG) 3D 3 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 6 p.m. John Wick (R) 9 p.m. Sunday, December 7 The Penguins of Madagascar (PG) 3D 1 p.m. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (PG 13) 4 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 7 p.m. Monday, December 8 Nightcrawler (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9 The Pyramid (R) 7 p.m . Wednesday, December 10 The Best of Me (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP SCHWAB | 625-2338 Thursday, December 4 CLOSED Friday December 5 The Pyramid (R) 6 p.m. The Pyramid (R) 9 p.m. Saturday, December 6 The Pyramid (R) 6 p.m. John Wick (R) 9 p.m. Sunday, December 7 The Pyramid (R) 4 p.m. Nightcrawler (R) 7 p.m. Monday, December 8 Horrible Bosses 2 (R) 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9 Fury (R) 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 10 CLOSED
Movie schedule is subject to change. For the latest updates visit shopmyexchange.com/reeltimetheatres/reeltime-landing.htm.