It is now History...

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) received it's U.S. State Quarter under the United States; State, Territories and Commonwealths Quarter Program.

The series is now complete, making the NMI's quarter the rearrest and sought after state quarter to be issued.

So the question is are we Americans yet? Hmmm..

Small Island Politics

With all politics, it's a bit dirty. But when it comes to small island politics it's double the trouble. In this blog, I will attempt to describe politics on a small island.

First you have to take into consideration the population of the Islands. Are we looking a 100, 00 people or just 70,000 people. You might think it's easy to tell whose going to win, right? But that's not the case with small islands.

Second, how many political parties? There might be two or at most four different political parties. Such as, Republicans, Democrats, Covenant, Independent, Reform, etc. Also, with Small Island politics there might be no laws or standards with regard to how many parties. Commonly, in the U.S. system there's two, which are Republicans and Democrats.

Third, we have to consider the number of families, remember this is a small Island(s). So if half of the island is from one family, then there is bound to be one-sided voters. In these cases, it does not matter if you've been a U.S. Senator or a person who has been President. I your not a "Smith" you not going to get a single vote.

Therefore, in these types of elections, majority of time, your only hope is with family or the maturity of the voters. If voters are mature enough they can see past family connection and only see what's best for the Island(s), then you have chance. But in most cases that's not true.

Saipan Fisherman's Association

The Saipan Fisherman's Association is a non-profit organization located in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This organization is dedicated in sponsoring fishing tournaments as well as being the voice of fisher's within the Commonwealth.

The members are composed of men and women that are fisher's and non-fisher's. For the past 24 and half years these individuals have volunteered their time and money is making, each year, an exciting and most profitable event for sport fisher's.

Therefore, if you would like to learn more please visit http://www.go2cnmi.com/

Money Market vs. Gold & Silver

Here an interesting thing, did you know that for past the seven years, the Money Market has seen numerous downfalls. This we know, but did you know that gold and silver has been more stable and dependable through the years. The is true by looking at the raise of gold and silver prices from 1975 to present.

The thing about Gold and Silver is the composition, it does not change, only the value. So far, for the past 20 years Gold and Silver has been going, going, going up! As for the Money market, yes it does change, it changes with the needs of a society. The world market determines the price of stocks, it may go up and of course as we have seen it, it can go down. Same as for Gold and Silver.

Gold and Silver on the other hand, retains it's value, appeal and it's use every day life. From being used in electronics, jewelry, coinage to art. Remember, some of the oldest documents describing or talking about gold and silver goes as far back as 2600 B.C.

So in conclusion, you may not want to put all your eggs in one basket.

Note: As of April 18, 2009 Gold was at $869.00 and Silver was at $11.87 an once. By knowing this, what is an once?

The fall of the housing market

As the economy goes through a recession, more and more houses are foreclosed or put on the market for sale. This is apparent with the number of houses that are bank owned and the number of people moving.

Who's fault is it? Is it the banks or the buyer? One thing is for sure, banks should of never given home loans to people that can't afford them. In addition, interest rates should of been controlled.

The other factor is jobs, people are loosing their jobs, making it of course impossible to pay their loans. The other side of this downfall, is if you have the money it's a buying market.

Ebay, Yes and No or Yes?

In today's word, ebay to some people is a god sent in home base selling. For some, it's all about fee's to add photo's, additional descriptions, backgrounds, etc.

Then when you sell an item, if you make money or loose money, yes I said loose money. Seller beware, buyers are looking for the cheapest deal!

Therefore, if you want to sell item, go ahead, you might make some money or make noting at all or just loose money. So seller beware, make sure you know what your doing. The good news is ebay is not the only online action site on the web.

Are we not US Citizens? Part 2

Once again, are you aware, that even if you have a U.S. Passport, valid driver's license, and a U.S. made vehicle you will face double standards when it comes to getting insurance for your vehicle. Once again, the reason is, you are from a U.S. Commonwealth or U.S. Territory.

With that said, insurance companies have found a reason for you to pay more! Instead of paying under $60.00 a month, you will be paying $90 to $100 a month.

Don't get me wrong, I love America and I believe in our constitution and our laws, but this is to much? Are we not U.S. Citizens? "Equality and Justice for all"

Are we not United States Citizens?

Are you aware, that different states within the United States of America follow different rules with regard the "type of services" a U.S. Citizen can receive. You ask, a U.S. Citizen? Yes, it's not enough you have a U.S. Passport it's also important where your from!

Well in Las Vegas, Nevada if you are a U.S. Citizen from California or Florida you get your way at the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV.) But if your a U.S. Citizen, with U.S. Passport and valid driver's license from a U.S. Territory or U.S. Commonwealth your classified differently with regard to obtaining a driver's license. CAN YOU SAY DISCRIMINATION AND SECOND CLASS CITIZENS!!!

You have to take a written test and a driving test!!! Other's only have to take a written test.

Therefore, if your looking for a place with equality embedded with their way of life, you may want to rethink going to Las Vegas!

Where's Saipan?

Something for everyone, a young gentleman one day came up to me and said do you know where's Saipan? Well of course I said, yes, it's in the Pacific by Guam and Japan. The gentleman looked at me and said is it part of the U.S.? Once again, I said yes, it's a U.S. Commonwealth.

Therefore, for those you that don't know, please read below:

Saipan (pronounced /saɪˈpæn/, /saɪˈpɑn/, or /ˈsaɪpæn/ in English) is the largest island and capital of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a chain of 15 tropical islands belonging to the Marianas archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean (15°10’51”N, 145°45’21”E) with a total area of 115.39 km² (44.55 sq mi). The 2000 census population was 62,392.

Located at latitude of 15.25° north and longitude of 145.75° east, about 200 km (120 mi) north of Guam, Saipan is about 20 km (12.5 mi) long and 9 km (5.5 mi) wide. It is a popular tourist destination in the Pacific. Ref. Wikipedia

Gold and Silver vs. Up and Down

In today's market, gold and silver has gone a long way. I first started buying gold when it was $269.00 an once and silver was at $3.75 an once. Those were the days, especially if you were collecting coins.

This year alone gold has seen prices at almost $1,000.00 and silver at $20.00 an once. Who knows we may see gold and silver at those prices if the money markets don't improve. One thing is certain, people are more cautious now with regard to putting all their eggs in one basket.

As of today (03/30/09 - 8:49 p.m.) gold is at $918.00 an once and silver is at $13.03 an once.

www.go2cnmi.com

Money, what's it's value?

Money what's it's value? This is a question that I hear most often. Well let's try to answer this question with a few questions first:

1. How much is enough?

2. Is it more then gold or Silver?

3. What is the value of the green back (Paper currency)?

4. Who decides what's it's worth?

5. Is it paper, or is it money?

6. Do you have enough to survive?

Well first of all, it's made of paper, expensive paper and ink. Second, the stock markets have told you recently that you have lost the original value that they told you it was worth. Third, the government decides what's it's worth.

With that said, you should also ask yourself, what backs or supports the value of money? Is it gold? I'm sure by now you have an idea what's it's worth, and it's value, if you have answered the questions above.

Therefore, when your at the store buying something you need, remember it may be worth something today or it may be just paper tomorrow. Word of advice, do not keep your eggs in one basket.

www.go2cnmi.com