beach road magazine february 2011

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Way Off BroadwayOba: The Last Samurai

Talk of the TownSample mochi treats at the Mochitsuki Festival

Sports PageSEDA Darts League awards winners

Chinese New Year

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Vol. X No. 03

Beach Road Magazine, Vol. X, No. 03 February 2011.Entire contents copyrighted 2011 by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc.

Beach Road Magazine is published monthly byGlimpses of Saipan, Inc.

P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 969502/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan

Tel: (670) 235-7645 | Fax: (670) 234-1801E-mail: [email protected]

All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part orin whole without written permission from the publisher.

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

Publisher Maureen N. Maratita

BRM ManagerAlexie Villegas Zotomayor

Graphic ArtistsRudy L. ArmentaMonie B. Erasga

Account ManagerSusan Marchitti

Sales Manager Annie San Nicolas

Managing DirectorMarcos Fong

4 ON THE COVER Lucy Lu-Pangelinan

8 WAY OFF BROADWAY Oba:The Last Samurai

A profile of courage

9 WAY OFF BROADWAY A sweet mochi treat

10 TALK OF THE TOWN Celebrating the holidays —

the Russian way

12 VALENTINE FEATURE At the temple of love

14 SPORTS PAGE SEDA Darts League

Right on target!

16 SPORTS PAGE The search is on!

18 CRUISIN’ ON BEACH ROAD

20 HEALTH WATCH Break a G-sweat with interactive fitness

22 OUR ENVIRONMENT Coral Reef Summer Internship

24 HOROSCOPE

contents february 2011

ABOUT THE COVERFor February Issue, Beach Road Magazine joins

the Chinese community in celebrating the

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

Chinese Association of the CNMI through

Mrs. Rose Chan Matsuda

Hair and makeup by Venus Serenity Salon & Spa

Photography by Hideo Honda www.marianas-way.com

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ON THE COVER

PEOPLE IN GUANGZHOU may be

preparing to gather kumquats, peach

blossoms, mandarin oranges and

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

Saipan as an eight-year-old girl with her

parents in 1988 and she has been living on

island since then.

Having been on Saipan for over two

decades, Lu would only experience Chinese

traditions within the confines of the Lu

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

Chinese name — is like the average girl her

age, mingling with friends and speaking in

English most of the time.

According to her, “I went to school in

Saipan for 14 years and never visited China

the entire time.”

When she finally got the chance after 14

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

how much she missed Saipan and she was

not used to the city lifestyle. She came back,

studied nursing and married her college

sweetheart.

While on Saipan, Lucy admits she doesn’t

celebrate the Chinese New Year, aside from

the phone call she makes to her parents in

China to greet them.

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 ec-

static 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 together-

ness were something I will not forget.”

Now married with two sons, Lucy admits

she whips up Chinese dishes in her kitchen

that remind her of her own mother’s

cooking.

In the Year of the Rabbit that begins on

Feb. 3, Lucy looks forward to achieving some

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

obtaining my bachelor’s degree in nursing,

reuniting with my parents this summer,

visiting a new place, and growing closer to

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

Saipan has become her new home.

She says, “Saipan is a great place to live

because of

its tolerance

for diversity

and yet it

retains its rich

culture.”

For Lucy,

this is the

compelling

reason she

stayed on island

even though she

had the chance

to leave in 2003.

Although she’s

far from her

roots, Lun knows

the importance of

ties that bind.

Meet Lucy“Being an only-child, it was quite an

adjustment to my husband’s large family;

but I learned in the process that family

doesn’t have to be people you only have

blood relations to. Although my parents are

far away, I still have the feeling of family

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

friends.”

Come Feb. 3, she will be making a call

again to China and reconnect with her roots

and wish them “G ng x f cái, hóng b o ná

lái.”

BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

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“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 SamuraiA profile of courage

HIS 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.

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.

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A sweet, mochi treat

THE 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 — con-

crete bowl — with two wooden mallets. The pounding of

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.

TRY MOCHI. Members of the Japanese Society

SMILE!Young performers of the Awaodori Group relax

after a performance at the Paseo de Marianas.

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

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TALK OF THE TOWN

SANTA 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 oppor-tunity to enjoy a different view of the local culture and bring positive word-of-mouth recommendations back to Russia.”

From food to drinks to entertain-ment, 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.

Celebrating the holidays —the Russian wayBY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

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

It is one new year celebra-tion to remember as PIC brings popular Russian celebrities Kon-stantin Pospelov and DJ Vitaliy Rogozin who offer guests three hours of wholesome fun. With the two at the helm, the restau-rant 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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR. Visiting Russian celebrities

DJ Vitaliy Rogozin, left, and

Konstantin Pospelov join Lt.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos for a photo

opportunity.

A RUSSIAN CONNECTION. Konstantin

Pospelov is seen entertaining the guests at the

Magellan Restaurant during the

Russian New Year celebration on

Jan. 13.

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VALENTINE FEATURE

AT THE STROKE OF MID-

NIGHT, 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 cus-tomers 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 three-month correspondence via text messaging.

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

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 al-ready have plans – maybe in 2014.” He says he would like to be success-ful 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,

At the temple of love

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.


WIN GUIDE AD

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.

HOME SWEET HOME. Bond and Orathai enjoy the picturesque view at the beach in

Phuket, Thailand during one of their visits.

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SEDA Darts League

Right on target!TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

THE 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.

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 Shoot-ers 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 Char-lie’s Primos and Naked Fish Boyz in the A Division.

SPORTS PAGE

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

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Ernie Domingo, team member, Buddies’ Sal-bahe 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 coordina-tion 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 Do-mingo. “We are glad with the outcome of our par-ticipation 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 C-Division; 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 Divi-sion; 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 Divi-sion; 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 Divi-sion; Leo Lindo, 160, Masters Division.

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

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

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 vari-ous 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 support-ers and players who keep the darts league one of the more active sports activities on island.

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The search is on!BY ALEXIE VILLEGAS ZOTOMAYOR

THE 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.

“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.

SPORTS PAGE

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 Nation-al Beach Volleyball Qualifier Events & Train-ing Schedule at http://sites.google.com/site/nmivolleyball/national-qualifier-events or email [email protected].

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CRUISIN’ ON BEACH ROAD

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 [email protected]. For photos to appear in the coming issue, due to limited slots, we encourage submissions on or before the 15th of every month.

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

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

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

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

ON TARGET. Franco Mendoza and IT&E’s team show their trophies during the award ceremony for SEDA darts league.

HELLO, BABY! Jerry and Irene Facey’s granddaughter looks at the camera during one of their leisure visits to the Smiling Cove Marina.

BOOKS FOR SALE. Joeten Kiyu Library sta� and friends smile for the camera during a recent book sale held at the library.

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

GRAND WINNER. Shen Aquiningoc holds the $1,000 worth of gift certi�cates she won in the Coca-Cola Open Happiness Holiday Giveaway promo ra�e.

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

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

CHEERS! Paci�c Islands Club employees greet their Russian guests “Merry Christmas” during the Russian Christmas party at the Magellan Restaurant on Jan. 7.

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

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.

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

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HEALTH WATCH

Gaming

Hafa Adai BRM gamers! It’s Feb-

ruary 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 investi-

gate the unfamiliar sounds. I got

off the couch, put on my Scotts,

and quickly ran outside. To my sur-

prise 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 ex-

pert 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 Fit-

ness. 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 con-

sole 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 sys-

tems 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.”

Break a G-sweat with interactive fitness

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 re-

lease 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 note-

worthy and all run about the same

price.

Even though these video games

are designed to help you break a G-

sweat, Carmen and I agree that noth-

ing 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 opin-

ion 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 four-

year-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!

FitnessIn 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

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it and found it to be challenging at

multiple fitness levels. Even the fit-

test 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. Remem-

ber 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 in-

juries. 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 equip-

ment, 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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Coral ReefSummer Internships

OUR ENVIRONMENT

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.

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.) Transcript6.) Cover letter7.) Police Clearance

SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

DEADLINE: April 11, 2011

Materials can be emailed to: [email protected] and [email protected]

Or mailed or faxed to:Coastal Resources Management OfficeAttention: Brooke NevittCaller Box 10007Saipan, MP 96950Fax: (670) 664-8315

For more information call 664-8300

Past Internships Have Included:The 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.

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!

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.

The enforcement team is responsible for ensuring the

fair treatment of our environment by enforcing the rules and regulations

that protect it.

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.

$8/hr

22 FEBRUARY 2011

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OUR ENVIRONMENT














pollution.














that protect it.







$8/hr

FEBRUARY 2011 23

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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.

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.

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.

HOROSCOPE FEBRUARY 2011

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OUR ENVIRONMENT














pollution.














that protect it.







$8/hr

FEBRUARY 2011 23

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BRM11_Feb_03.indd 2 1/26/11 9:31 AM

beach road magazine february 2011

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