Random

~ Captain America has been laid to rest.

~ Bisita Guam! I came across a new blog that highlights some of the great things about living on Guam. Visit Guam!

~ One of the Manila papers has a fine introduction to Guam -- the island from yet another vantage point.

A few choice lines: A trip to Guam is like visiting the four exotic corners of the globe. It is considered the hub of the Western Pacific and undeniably Micronesia’s most cosmopolitan destination -- a true example of the great American melting pot.

In addition to the indigenous Chamorros and the Americans, Guam has large populations of Micronesian islanders, Indians, Europeans. Filipinos comprise 40 percent of the island’s total population. It has also been invaded by millions of Japanese tourists. There were times I even felt I was in Japan!... Although it is an American territory, you won’t find many Americans here.

~ The Chinese are trying to become more influential in Africa. Apparently, the Africans are liking the Chinese approach because they are less condescending and have fewer strings attached to the aid they bring than a certain other super power. However, the Chinese have less experience than others and may after a few years of frustration become more condescending and controlling. That's kind of how it happens.

~ People are having compatibility issues with the iPhone ear-plug jacks. Of course, this shouldn't be a problem on our island since the iPhone is completely incompatible with Guam at this point. No great stress to me. This is one of those gizmos of which I wouldn't be an early adopter even if I lived in Cupertino, California. Someday -- maybe (never say never). But I went the other way with my PDA. When the dead battery permanently rendered the unit inoperable I switched to a little notebook. So far no compatibility issues whatsoever.

~ Islam is on the rise in Melanesia -- some of the reasons why and what it could mean for those of us in the Western Pacific and the rest of the world.