I may have mentioned before that when it comes to the radio, we basically have three choices. There's the top hits station, the Samoan hits station, and the religious station. Despite the claim to be "the only station you'll ever need", we rarely like anything playing.
And then there's 90.1. A mystery.
Why is it bizarre?
1. It doesn't broadcast all the time. And we can't figure out its schedule.
2. It has no DJ and no commercials.
3. It plays RadioFree (talk radio guys ranting about stuff) and VOA news
4. And the music it plays? Like, B-side tracks of Steely Dan, Queen, and Frank Zappa! Whoever sets the playlist is obsessed with obscure classic rock.
My questions: What listener pool in American Samoa is being targeted? Who besides us likes this stuff? You never see a 90.1 bumper sticker around the island. In a society where many people haven't even heard of the BEATLES, I'm wondering who is playing Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix? What's the deal?
We DO have a curiously covert collection of skinny old white guys with graying ponytails and funky aloha shirts quietly going about their business on the island. I bet they're all in on it. A 90.1 Club, organized to help ex-pats keep hold their teetering sanity using the comforting chords of hard rock.
I'm gonna get some answers, and I'm not leaving here til I do...even if it takes another 4 years.
In the meantime, keep on rockin', Mystery Rock'n'Roll Radio Man.
A few months ago at school, our director Mr. Alaiasa challenged our 5th-7th Grade class to create Public Service Announcements addressing the huge litter problem we have on our island. He arranged a partnership with American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency to publicize the end products.
In March we got to work brainstorming, writing, and editing. We selected one script to make into a 15 min short film and a few other ideas became 1 min PSA's.
In April I wrote a proposal and borrowed equipment from the handsome UH Sea Grant Agent here. We spent many Language Arts and Recess periods trotting around in costumes, staging scenes, and yelling "Action!".
In May we edited the films, added cool effects, and laughed everytime we watched it.
In June Mr Alaiasa and EPA arranged our World Premiere Red Carpet Event. What? You didn't hear about it? Well, you should have, you were invited! But if you missed it, don't worry.
Flight Night Samoa featured our Red Carpet Event. Have a look, and tell me if it's impressive. My internet is too slow to watch it right now.
The Leone High School JROTC provided the flag ceremony. My kids loved their uniforms and "guns".
Hueina Hemaloto (a.k.a. H Squared) introduced her film "The Ghosts of Litter" and represented our student body wonderfully.
Hopefully soon we can have the videos on YouTube. (But at 23 KB/sec I don't know when that will happen.)
For those tuning in locally, look for our media on Channels 10 and 13, and listen for us on the radio.
The moral of the story?
#1 PLEASE Stop Littering! I mean, c'mon. It's not that hard.
#2 A humble class of 10 kids really CAN make a difference!
These are only some of the great students involved.
Grandpa Fillmore has been visiting us this week. It hasn't been a real vacation for him--more like a mission of mercy. As you can see he hasn't been relaxing much. I, on the other hand, have had a nap everyday and sometimes pretend to be napping just so I can observe how he'll handle my rowdy kids. I'm taking notes.
Grandpa's trip has been good for each one of us individually. "It's always fun for everyone when grandpa comes."
