bryantp's blog

ABC Radio Australia reported "Guam's education authorities have given a mark of C to the US territory's public school system.A report on the state of education in the US territory by the public school superintendent shows only one-third of public high school students in Guam go on to tertiary education. The President of the University of Guam, Robert Underwood, says that's a worrying figure."

Some of us would suggest that's a social promotion...the real grade should be D-.

Why should you care?

Currently, Guam is seeking Visa wavers to import workers when there's a high unemployment rate locally. Has anyone figured this out? Businesses in Guam are often managed by and/or owned by folks from off island. This is a recipe for failure.

Our friends at PDN reported that Sen. Judith Guthertz recommended Guam Greyhound enter into a contract with Guam Animals in Need (GAIN) to be an agent for the park.

They reported that about 200 animals from the defunct dog park need homes.

This is why the smart folks didn't want gambling on the island. Any business that would even consider leaving 200 animals homeless should just go away and take their friends with them.

Hopefully, Sen. Guthertz will be successful in getting the funding. GAIN needs support to take this on.

But remember the these characters the next time someone proposes gambling.

On a trip from Guam to Japan, I decided to save myself some trouble and have a bag mailed back to the base in Japan from PostNet in Tamuning. It was a duffle bag with some snorkeling gear, books, and other items.

They told me that I didn't need them to package it - the Post Office would accept it as it was. I went with their advice and asked them to mail it Priority Mail with insurance.

Weeks went by but no package arrived. I tried to call PostNet, but no one answered. Finally, I got them.

They assured me it was sent. After numerous calls and emails, they went to the Post Office to check. The item was still there. They asked if I wanted it mailed.

Duh.

Folks at PDN broke a story about NEX charging the local, higher prices for liquor...even though they didn't buy locally. (See it at http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic...)

That's pretty sick. Somehow the thought that overcharging for liquor is a better way...dare I call it the high road...has become the excuse for outrageous treatment of folks serving.

Call me an old timer...I am...but I remember when drinking was still acceptable in the military. Morale was higher, esprit de corps was higher, and we still won wars.

The good news...federal money for schools. The bad news...we have someone to blame for all the problems in Guam's PS. For those of us watching, it would be funny if it wasn't so sad. Guam has a high unemployment rate but they're seeking approval for easier admission of foreigners to fill jobs. What does that say? Could some of the problem be those public schools that seem doomed to failure? Could more of it be the total lack of leadership? Could it be the voting public that re-elects Senators who voted to no longer require HS diplomas for government jobs?

See the story at: http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/09/25/washington-releases-40m-f...

Okay...so we have two posted now. But, they're good jobs with good companies. Check them out by clicking on the classified tab above. Beat the rush and apply today!

Our friends at Pacific News Center report that the Micronesian Kingfisher is returning to Guam. How important is the bird? Hard to quantify these things but, in an age of increasing concrete, it's nice to see something natural. Check out the story at http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic....

Today, we posted our first (I think) recruitment ad. Recruitment as in "Help Wanted". It's a great job too. Check out our classifieds! Tell your friends! And, post your jobs or jobs wanted ads here!

No one asked but that's why I'm here...to answer unasked questions.

Since I'm old and don't like typing, I'll keep this short.

Today, I wanted to eat lunch. That happens nearly every day. Today, I didn't have a car, bicycle, or the willingness to walk far. So, I tried going to lunch in my hotel.

I'm not saying which hotel - that's not the point.

As is common here, lunch is a buffet. I asked how much it would cost. The answer - $20 plus a 10% service charge. So the real answer - $22.

I have a news story for the hotel - I don't normally spend $22 for lunch. I think I'm normal in that respect - probably only in that respect.

Some folks then say "But these prices are for Japanese visitors". That's sad.

Okay, it's not Guam but it could happen here next.

Check out http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080906/ap_on_fe_st/odd_wheelchair_robbery;_....

Glad he's got that energy drink...he may need it.