I now pronounce you husband and husband...

When I heard that Argentina had become the first South American country to legalize gay marriage, the song "Don't cry for me Argentina" ran through my head. Great song about a great country, which now joins seven other great countries that recognize same sex marriage: Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden.

There are parts of Mexico and the United States where same sex marriages are performed and considered legal. That shows some positive initiative, though I will never get over the shock of California repealing gay marriage the year President Obama was elected. It was as though the U.S. could only handle one civil step forward at a time and having a black President trumped gay marriage in Calli.

I think its hilarious that the state of Oregon doesn't allow gay marriage, unless you're on the Coquille reservation. The Coquille tribe is recognized as a sovereign nation and perform gay marriages, despite being located within a state that doesn't recognize them. Its confusing that within the borders of a single country, there are states where gay marriage is legal and recognized, other states that recognize gay marriage but won't perform them, and states that neither recognize or allow same sex unions at all.

That phrasing is ridiculous, too. Same sex union vs. gay marriage. They're basically the same thing, its just one doesn't use the word "marriage" so that tight@ss people don't shrink themselves in to non-existence at hearing it used in an acceptable manner next to the word "gay."

Yet, this simple distinction has allowed same sex unions to flourish in more places around the world. Civil unions are recognized and performed in Andorra, Austria, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Hungary, Luxembourg, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Slovenia, Switzerland, Wallis and Futuna, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, and parts of Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, and the United States. That's quite a chunk of the world allowing gay people to live like an old married couple, as long as they don't use that word.

Like gay marriage, civil unions are recognized in places that don't allow them to be performed, like... well, ironically, just the Isle of Man. And I think that's the crux of the matter. I suspect, though admit I don't know for sure, that the number of men who are against gay marriage far exceeds the number of women who are opposed. Its a hunch, but I bet I'm right.

Gay marriage has been around for centuries, there's evidence of it as far back as the Ming dynasty - more irony, since China now appears to be one of the least tolerant countries in the world with respect to homosexuality. Nowhere is as intolerant as the Middle East, where homosexuality is punishable by death... interesting, as Mesopotamia is purported to be where mankind first came from, meaning homosexuality would have originated there, too.

I have never understood what the uproar was all about. I've always viewed two people loving each other as a good thing... certainly not something I'd be offended by, let alone consider killing anyone for. If its two consenting adults, what's the problem? How does Adam and Steve affect you anymore than Adam and Eve would? It seems to boil down to the idea of sexual relations and then I have to wonder, why are people so obsessed with other people's sex lives? Perverts!

Perhaps the most hypocritical aspect of all is that most men are not bothered in the least by the thought of two women together. In fact, for many, the idea of Eve and Eva together is a well cherished fantasy. Talk about your double standard! What that says to me is that its the idea of two men having sex that's the real problem and all I can wonder is, again, why are men thinking so much about two guys making love?

Kinda begs a whole 'nother question, doesn't it?

Personally, I think our world could use a lot more love in it... and as long as its amongst adults, I don't care who's doing the lovin'!!! And if the idea of two people loving each other bothers you... it really make me wonder what's wrong with YOU.

"Why never to ask favours from the graphic designer"

A friend of mine posted this on his Facebook wall earlier today and I laughed so hard, I was crying. If you've ever worked at an ad agency or art production department, you know people just like this. I feel so bad for the poor secretary, but oh my, this is so funny! If you want to read it in its entirety, go to www.27bslash6.com/missy.html. C.


From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster

Hi I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. Missing on Harper street and my phone number.


Thanks Shan.



From:David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news.

Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.


From: Shannon Walkley
ate: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster

yeah OK thanks. I know you don't like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.



















From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah, that's not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.


From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

That's just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window.

I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.





















From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing Missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 20 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster






















From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah, can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww

Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter, I kept the cat in a closed cardboard box in the shed and forgot about it.

I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.

























From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww

That's not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww

I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
Regards, David.


From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Please just use the photo I gave you.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww























From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

I didn't say there was a reward. I don't have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww


























From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
























From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Fine. That will have to do.

Bye bye Miss American Pie...

At noon today, the Acting Governor is going to sign a law raising the drinking age on Guam to 21 years of age. This will be in keeping with the states and a few of the territories. It shouldn't matter to me since I am well above the legal drinking age, but it does.

I am one of those people who believe that if you're old enough to vote, serve your country, get married, and/or be punished as an adult for breaking the law, you should also be considered old enough to consume an alcoholic beverage. I also think that passing a bill like this sends a message to parents that we didn't do our jobs well enough and now the government has to step in, even though research shows the vast majority of alcohol related mishaps involve people age 25 - 35.

That bothers me, but what bothers me even more is the way this law was passed. The issue of raising the legal age for alcohol consumption has appeared on Guam ballots twice. And has been voted down by the majority, twice. Yet the bill to raise the age was introduced and voted on exclusively by our Senators this time and now, our Acting Governor will add his vote making it a law.

My understanding of politics has always been that we elect our officials to represent us. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of democracy is "a government by the people." That's what I was taught in school; a government by the people for the people. I guess I missed the part where it said, "unless your elected officials decide otherwise."

The ironic part of the passing of this law is that it has been called a political move designed to gain votes since this is an election year. If that's so, then this one of the dumbest things I have ever seen a collective group of politicians do! How does one endear themselves to the voting populous by doing the exact opposite of what they want?

The majority of the people have voted against this initiative, not once, but twice. Now our incumbent election hopefuls, and I have to admit, much as I hate it, that includes the Acting Governor (of whom I am a supporter, employee, and friend), have basically spit in the face of the majority. I'm no political analyst, but that seems like a really bad campaign strategy for all of them.

This sets a dire precedent on Guam. This says that no matter what the people want, our elected officials can and will do whatever they want. What's next? The people of Guam have voted against casino gambling twice, but perhaps our elected officials will decide that because of the money that could be generated from taxes, it is actually in our "best interest" (which was the argument used to go against the wishes of the people with regards to raising the drinking age). Who knows what issues are coming in the future?

The pending military buildup from US Marines and their families relocating from Okinawa to Guam has been a hot topic, especially now that the military has made it known that they intend to take more land than they'd originally said would happen. The people of Guam went nuts upon hearing the military intends to make the Pagat area off limits to civilians. I was greatly affronted by the amount of coral they intend to destroy in Apra Harbor.

We have implored our politicians to do something about this, but who knows what will happen if the military starts waving money in their faces? Rumor has it that the real reason our legislature passed this bill was because of the millions in money that could be had for roadway improvements. What's to stop that from happening again, with the military buildup or some other issue that is hotly debated in the community?

We have just been blindsided by our politicians and most of us don't get it yet, or begin to understand the ramifications. Its shocking and scary to those of us who do.

It will and has been argued that lives will be saved by the passage of this bill, except research doesn't support that. I don't expect much will change. If people between the age of 18 and 21 want to drink, they'll find a way to do it, and traffic accidents will continue to occur amongst drunk drivers over the age of 25, where research proves they mostly do.

All that this law will accomplish is to let us know that what we want means nothing and that our politicians will sell us out, literally.

On the bright side, this could end up being a great tourism attraction for Fiji, where the legal drinking age is still 18. Maybe we'll see more of our young people heading to Fiji for a holiday so they can have a beer. And maybe we'll see less of our young people registering to vote because the message today is that it doesn't matter what the voters want so why bother trying to make your voice heard.

Job Hunting via VH1

I saw this video the other day on VH1 that featured real unemployed Americans holding up placards that listed their credentials, skills, and commitments. One of them was an MIT graduate with a pretty lofty degree who couldn't find work, another was a man with five children he needed to take care of, and it just got more heartbreaking from there.

It struck a chord with me as I've been hitting the employment websites pretty hard myself of late, in anticipation of my current employer's end of term (which also means end of job for me and everyone else on staff). There's the hope that the Cruz/Espaldon team will win the election this year and that we'll be picked up for four more years, but even that means employment with an eventual expiration date.

Truth be told, I haven't had a "permanent" job since I graduated from college. Each job, and they've been great jobs, has been a temporary position, which is very stressful for a single mother, especially when you're on your own with no support system.

My brother, bless him, has been after me to relocate to the US mainland with assurances that everything will be fine. He thinks I'm such a talented radio announcer that stations will just fire their staff to make room for me. Its nice to have someone believe in you to that degree... misguided though it may be.

After watching that music video, I feel even less optimistic about finding employment anywhere else but in my own backyard. The video starts by stating that there are currently 14 million Americans unemployed... that's a heap of people, folks!

If you have a job, you really should treat it like its something special and protect it at all costs! I've always been a bit spontaneous but our current employment circumstance has shown me that this is not the time to be impulsive. These days, what's called for is perseverance and a lot of faith. It does pay off eventually and fingers crossed, I finally have a shot at an excellent payoff myself very soon.

I recently got a message from a media colleague alerting me to a job she'd seen advertised that she thought I would be perfect for. I read the advertisement and she's right! This is a dream job that would allow me to put all my talents and skills to their best use, plus sounds like it could be permanent. The last sentence in the ad said you could apply via email - I don't think I've ever applied for a job so fast in my life! Hahaha!

I did take the time to review my CV and rework my cover letter so I'm putting my best foot forward. Now I just have to wait for the call. What I'm wondering is if its inappropriate to say in an interview that there is no one in the world who wants this job more because there's no one who needs it more? Or is that too pushy?

Whaddya think? I really would like to get this job! I'd love any advice you'd like to share!!! And my advice to you if you're in the same predicament, job hunting and all that: stick to it, keep your chin up and your hopes higher! And pray!!! Prayer always helps! Like right now... I'm praying you have some great advice to give me to make sure I give a winning interview!

3-25-2010_Hank_Johnson_Guam_Tip_Over.wmv

Stop Screwing with the Skyline

My background in media began in radio, something I still do on Saturday mornings when I co-host a show called "Tourism & You," which airs on Newstalk K-57 at 10 am (except for the 3rd Saturday of the month, which is when The Food Guy does his thing). My co-host Norm and I like to joke about the number of soapboxes we each have from which we expound our theories on a variety of topics, most recently in my case, the changes to the Tumon skyline.

My recent rant was prompted by the clearing of a large section of land in Tumon, which if you're unfamiliar with Guam, is where the majority of our hotels and resorts are located. The land in question is between the PIC and the Marriott, though no one seems to know what is planned for the newly cleared area. My fear is that its for the four towers that were proposed a couple of years ago.

I have never been a fan of progress for the sake of progress and often feel we run willy-nilly after the chance to make a dollar, ignoring the hundreds that could have been made with a slower approach. It is a curse this island falls privy to far too often. Case in point, the four Verace towers that are currently being constructed at Oka Point.

The four towers are part of what is touted to be a gated community for the elite, complete with all the amenities one could possibly want, including a wall and security guard designed to keep the riff-raff out. When I first heard about these towers, I thought they sounded like a ridiculous idea. Like much of the world, our island is experiencing economic hard times, so I couldn't imagine who was going to be purchasing these condos (all of which run close to a million dollars a piece).

Sadly, the people of Guahan are rarely asked for their input when it comes to progress and even if we are, as in the recent invitation from the US military to comment on their proposed plans for the military buildup, it has little, if any, impact. So, needless to say, the four towers are well underway and as they've climbed higher and higher, I have been shocked by the change they have wrought upon the skyline of Tumon and Tamuning.

Where you could once see ocean, you now see only concrete. This would be bad enough if it was only affecting Tamuning... but I live in Asan, frequently referred to as the first village of the south (though most of us tend to think of that as being Agat), and you can see these four monoliths just fine from there! What was once a beautiful view now looks very sad.

The whole project has reminded me of that poor misguided Senator from Alabama who believes that if we bring too many Marines from Okinawa to Guam, our island will tip over. If he could see what Tumon looks like now, he might be able to make a much more convincing argument for Guahan's eventual capsize.

A real estate agent friend of mine told me that most of the Verace units have been pre-sold. I find that hard to believe, as it is apparent that many of the units in the Alupang Beach Tower still sit open a decade later. And now not just one, but two large scale areas in Tumon have been cleared and neither is for the additional four towers still on the proposal block... maybe buying life jackets isn't such a bad idea.

On the bright side, Asan will remain the same whether Guam tips over or not. We'll still be the first village of the south... but the southern most village will be Yigo instead of Malesso.

It's just another day

Well, Father's Day is coming up this weekend and its not exactly an anticipated event in my household. It is said that little girls grow up to be with men who are just like their own fathers... and that is definitely true in my case. Sadly, my son's father is just as neglectful and hurtful as my own. I kick myself for not making a better choice for my boy, though ironically, I do thank him for the "sperm donation" that resulted in my beautiful son.

A friend of mine put it beautifully, "Anyone can be a father but it takes a real man to be a Dad."

My son's father pays child support but only because he has to. It's court ordered and because they don't trust him either (they've had to toss him in jail a few times for non-payment), it is taken directly out of his check and sent to the three women who gave birth to his three children.

When I first filed for child support, I was awarded $320 per month, but after he had another child, it was lowered to $22o. I don't think I have ever received anything close to either amount. This month, my child support payment was a whopping $43. Whoo hoo!

I realize that there are women out there who get even less and many who don't get a dime. In that respect, I suppose I'm lucky, although it doesn't feel that way when I'm wheeling and dealing with the power company so they won't turn our electricity off.

My ex is a park ranger these days, making just over $8 an hour. When we were together he earned between $12 - 40 an hour fixing computers, at which he is quite gifted but that requires work. Not his favorite thing. His wife is a real mover and shaker, earning pretty close to $100K.

They live in a huge 6 bedroom house on a near acre of forested land. They have two big screen TVs and when I say big, I mean 70+ inches. They go out to eat whenever they like, drive nice cars, and take lots of trips. It makes me sick.

I would love to be angry at the wife for encouraging this loafer to be such a waste of space, but it isn't her fault. I might not be as angry if the man paid even the slightest attention to any of his children, but he doesn't. Despite his living the high life, he hasn't sent any of his children a card or a gift or even made a simple phone call for their birthdays or Christmas in over three years.

One day, all three kids will hate him and he will have earned every bit of that emotion. His daughter already has nothing nice to say about him, though his two sons (one of which is mine) still hold out hope that one day their father will care as much about them as they do about him.

I have not reminded my son that this weekend is Father's Day and I am hoping he doesn't remember. I would be heartbroken to have to witness a repeat of last year, when my son asked if we could call his dad to wish him a happy Father's Day and I had to remind him that we don't have his phone number.

Oh, the man has a phone... but he won't give anyone the number, not even his children. The only way to contact him is to send an email to his wife and hope that she will get back to you. She usually does, but she doesn't like to because she doesn't like any of the mothers of her hubby's children. You see, she thinks we're all horrible people for thinking so poorly of her wonderful man.

I will never cease to wonder at successful women who have relationships with men who are such glaringly obvious losers.

So, if you will be celebrating Father's Day this weekend because you have a deserving Dad, think of my son and his brother and sister. Then give your Dad an extra tight hug for being such a great man and a wonderful father. You are very lucky.

Then give your Dad another hug, this one from me and tell him I said "thank you." It is somewhat comforting to know that there are some very good Dads in this world... even if neither my son nor I were lucky enough to get one.