I think a sense of curiosity is a prerequisite for a journalist.
My husband said that Guam is getting hotter. (We were discussing the weather on our return from Europe.)
I have also learned to remember another famous quote, “Trust but verify.” That’s frequently attributed to U.S. Ronald Reagan, but originally from a Russian proverb.
So, I therefore reached out to one of Guam’s leading experts — Landon Aydlett — and asked if it is true that Guam is getting hotter. I planned a column item.
What came back was more than I could have wished for. Therefore, you can read the answer for yourself in our Commentary pages, complete with not only expert analysis, but charts.
Landon and his twin brother Brandon are possibly the most famous meteorologists in the U.S. Fox News called them “The Typhoon Twins” in its story on them last year. Here in Guam and our Micronesian region we certainly listen to whatever news they have about our weather.
The Aydletts are also becoming known in Guam for their construction skills and community service, not to mention event management and publicity, which I will.
The two brothers built a series of famous towers through their “Tower for Humanity,” program, which also benefits community non-profits. The latest was in the Micronesian Mall. You can read more about that in “Corporate Giving,” further into the paper.
The next endeavor will be at the Agana Shopping Center and will feature the Taipei 101 Tower, with support from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam.
I bumped into Landon a couple of days ago in our reception area, since he was coming from the morning show on the Wave. Landon went to Taipei to view the tower in all its glory, he told me.
He also said that numerous tourist visitors came specifically to the mall to view the towers. I think he said that some rolled up their sleeves and volunteered to help.
I asked Landon what happens to the towers that are built in Guam, and he said that they are dismantled so the wooden blocks can be recycled for the next project. The blocks are currently stored in his spare room. (Let’s not get into what’s stored in spare rooms. Or back rooms for that matter or freeing up their space.)
However, Landon said that if “a suitable venue” offered to host one of the towers, it would be considered. Over to suitable venues out there that are looking to boost their appeal to visitors. You can reach Landon at (671)777-5337 or at landonaydlett@gmail.com. His only condition is that there are benefits for community non-profits. Since the Aydlett brothers are also consistently aiming for Guiness Book of Records fame with the towers, there are also those benefits too.
Expert opinions are in no short supply around the region and beyond on all facets of life in the islands. I’m happy to say that that you can hear those aired on the Wave 105.1 FM daily on Patti Arroyo and Pauly Suba’s shows.
We have a full roster lined up already — not only in this paper, but the next one.
If you think there’s an issue you feel Glimpses Media is not paying sufficient attention to through our various mediums, feel free to contact Managing Editor Oyaol Ngirairikl or me. We’re happy to pass on requests to any of our personalities on the Wave or Power 98 and add you to our (growing) list of experts across the publications. mbj
— Maureen N. Maratita is the publisher at Glimpses Media. Glimpses Media includes the Marianas Business Journal, Guam Business Magazine, The Guam Guide, Wave 105.1 FM and Power98.