Guam- The 6th Annual Chamorro Language Competition was part of the activities for the University of Guam’s Charter Day event. While PNC was on the college campus, we caught up with two different schools of dolphins who were showcasing their talents and winning some awards.
 

 It was a full day affair for students from Guam and the CNMI, especially the Southern High School and the Marianas High School dolphins. These students were at the UOG fieldhouse competing to present the Chamorro language through different forms of entertainment.
 
Southern high student Jaymee Cruz says her group won the “Kantan yan Baila” segment. While it took 5 months to practice their routine, she believes their dancing performance promotes, perpetuates and preserves the Chamorro culture.
 
Southern High advisor Jerry Nauta also says they won the song and dance portion last year.
 
Song and dance were just elements of the competition though. Students also came up with original plays that were spoken or partially sung in Chamorro.
 
Marianas High School advisor Patty Aguon Cruz says her group has been working hard on their performances since December of last year. While they come to Guam annually to compete, she feels the event is not really a competition. Cruz adds that the students are all winners because the event gives them a chance to fully immerse themselves in Chamorro language and culture.
 
Marianas High student Josephine Ada also agrees. She says the more important side to competing is speaking and teaching Chamorro to the younger generations. By doing this, she believes it ensures that the language can be passed on.
 
For the video version of this story, visit http://www.youtube.com/pacificnewscenter .

Hafi adai

Anna

Pink eye… the name perfectly describes it. You wake up with crusty eyelids, maybe an uncomfortable itch in your eye, tearing and possibly some light sensitivity. When you look in the mirror, you see that the white of your eye is now bright pink. You assume it’s “pink eye” and you are probably right. However, you are likely wrong if you assume that the cause is bacterial and antibiotic eye drops are in order. There are many non-bacterial causes for pink eye, including viruses, says David Shu-Chih Chu, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at New Jersey Medical School, at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. Hence the name “viral conjunctivitis” since conjunctivitis is an umbrella term for any condition that causes inflammation of the eye-lid lining membrane. In non-bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge is typically watery or ropy, while with bacterial pink eye it tends to be thicker, of a yellow or greenish hue, and crusty.
TREATMENT FOR PINK EYE
I called Dr. Chu to discuss the best ways to treat pink eye. Since viruses have to run their course, treatment for viral conjunctivitis — most commonly caused by adenovirus, similar to the virus that causes the common cold — is primarily focused on relieving symptoms, he says. Dr. Chu advises lubricating the eye with artificial tear drops as often as needed for relief of the discomfort. He also recommends putting cold compresses on the eye to reduce swelling and inflammation, cautioning that it is important to use a fresh face cloth or towel for each compress. Some people find that antihistamine eye drops can relieve the uncomfortable itchiness but most versions, including olopatadine ophthalmic drops (Patanol) and epinastine (Elestat), require a prescription. There is one kind, ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic (Zaditor), that is available over the counter.
Viral pink eye generally takes from one to three weeks to completely clear up, but Dr. Chu recommends visiting the doctor if symptoms don’t start to abate after the first few days. That’s because, in rare cases, there could be other causes, such as herpes simplex (the cause of cold sores) or varicella (the cause of chicken pox) or uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea (the middle of the eye) that left untreated can lead to blindness. For wearers of contact lens, another possible cause is a corneal infection from bacteria or fungi, such as the recent ones associated with cleansing solutions. These infections are vision-threatening, so if contact lens users develop a “pink eye” it is important to seek help from an eye doctor immediately.
Also, says Dr. Chu, pink eye can occasionally become severe and even affect the corneas. If your symptoms grow worse or you notice vision changes, such as blurring, get medical care immediately. Though steroid drops treat severe cases, there are potentially risky side effects including glaucoma or cataracts, so doctors prescribe them judiciously.
Because pink eye can remain contagious for more than a week, it is crucial to practice careful hygiene. No sharing of towels, pillows or blankets, says Dr. Chu. Frequent hand washing is a must, as is keeping your hands away from your eyes. Also avoid antibiotics unless the doctor confirms a bacterial basis — by taking a culture.
Allergic conjunctivitis, which is usually seasonal, will cause both eyes to be watery and itchy. This condition is not contagious. An evaluation by an allergist in addition to an ophthalmologist may be beneficial.

Source(s): ??David Shu-Chih Chu, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at New Jersey Medical School, at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark. He also is in practice at Cornea and Laser Eye Institute in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Cathy, people who are into sex stay into it regardless of age. And I am Zen Lill i am not a Zen monk ; ) nuff said.

M, Lisa says hello!

Catch up with later, Luv, Zen Lill