Okinawa Editor's blog

By CPL. JONATHAN G. WRIGHT, 31ST MEU

Okinawa Marines departed Jan. 25 for the multi-lateral training exercise Cobra Gold 2012.

Elements of the 31st MEU, including Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marines and portions of Combat Logistics Battalion 31, boarded ships and set sail toward the Kingdom of Thailand, the host nation of the exercise.

by Reggie Cantù

On a rare cloudless night members of the Ryukyu Astronomy Club might be seen trudging up the unlit trail leading to the ancient Zakimi Castle ruins in Yomitan to set up their high-tech gear and gaze up at the skies.

The club of amateur astronomers also meets monthly for presentations, videos and discussions. Their interest is shared for a variety of reasons, not least of which is a chance to get out on clear subtropical nights and search the skies for heavenly bodies.

(but Uncle Sam still gets his)

Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program can’t do anything to prevent your demise, it can stop your annual filing of income taxes from becoming a near-death experience.

By kyle mandapat

Adrenaline junkies and causal thrill seekers alike add one more adventure to the excitement of a trip to the list of things to do on Guam with the opening of Zorb in Ordot – an adventure ride that lets partakers barrel down a track inside a giant soft globe.

    The uniqueness of the ride is part of what makes it so fun, according to Leslie Moreno, Zorb general manager.

By Reggie Cantù

There is a place where you can relax and let your artistic impulses run wild – all while enjoying a fantastic view of Half Moon Beach. It’s called Doka Doka.

Doka Doka is an ideal environment that master potter Akira Tamada created in a beautiful structure, housing a pottery studio, gallery and informal café.

The building is not in the “traditional” style. The pitched roof and concrete walls are definitely modern. But the soaring ceiling and carefully crafted wood finishes reflect Tamada’s esthetic sensibilities.

by David hurwitz

For 45 years, Super Bowl Sunday has been a date that American football fans have circled on their calendars, regardless of whether their teams have made it to the championship game.