I have heard from some of my omore geographically challenged friends and family members asking about the big tsunami. Let all rest assured I am safe and well and nowhere near that tragedy. Like all of you I am shocked and saddened by those events.

Guam is, according to the newspaper, a pretty safe bet. There are only two tsunamis in recorded history. One hit in 1849 and killed a woman. Another hit Pago Bay in 1993 and swept a fisherman and his truck out into the bay. He survived and waded to safety. There is deep water all around the island with a solid reef out beyond the shore that acts like a wall and protects us. I don't know how much of that to believe but I live high up on the side of the mountain so it matters not. The wave that can reach me will not leave much here anyway.

It is 5:00 PM on 12/31/04 here in Guam. In 7 short hours this year, with all it's good points and it's many bad ones, will be over and we can start on a new slate. I hope all of you enjoy a safe and happy new year.