Next year: Interesting Times

"The CNMI is hopelessly addicted to the intrinsic contradiction that it can have a huge, bloated, all-pervasive patronage government, while at the same time having a healthy and productive private sector."

Indeed, as the Commonwealth economy continues to crash, it's business as usual for CNMI policy. Something's got to give. And something will--a rude awakening is in the cards for both the community and the business sector. Yes, interesting times are in store for 2008.

Enlightenment

Wise man say: "It is better to light a flashlight than to curse the darkness."

While the CUC Grinch will keep delivering blackouts to the Commonwealth, aspiring Santas can use the opportunity to recognize a practical and affordable gift: The Mini Maglite. It's a must for Saipan, and the topic of today's column.

These nifty things are available locally. Joeten Ace Hardware in Susepe has them for $17.99.

And here's a link to the manufacturer's site, which includes a graphic for using the candle mode.

Also, here's some history behind the company and its founder, Anthony Maglica, who is a very inspiring entrepreneurial success story.

A kid's poster

It's time to take a break from Saipan's economic death watch. Let's contemplate something more inspiring, and what could be more inspiring than flying?

Although I played hooky today by hiding out from Saipan's economic issues, editor Jayvee Vallejera drove right to the heart of the matter with an excellent overview of the regional economic context, available here.

Oily Business

High gas prices got ya' down? Look on the bright side: The CNMI is now so heavily subsidized by the federal government that the usual worries about oil and productivity don't matter all that much anymore. Living on handouts...ain't life grand? Oily business indeed.

Dear Abi

If Microsoft Word doesn't float your boat, take a look at AbiWord, a freebie, available at AbiSource.com.

Here's my take on AbiWord in the November 2 Saipan Tribune.