They’re not called killer whales for nothing…here’s a note from Doug Bison with an amazing video: Hi, Ian, I thought your viewers might enjoy this fascinating video. Have a great weekend! Doug http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3xmqbNsRSk

“The Laws of Harmony” is set on San Miguel Island in the northwestern US ….that sounds like us. Here’s a review for the book…see what you think!

Ever since I went to the Commodore’s Ball (here are the pictures) & found out there are a LOT of boaters (and captains & crew) on the island, I figured you’d like to hear from other sailors…. Ken charts the way, with detail & video & insights – read his blog here.

Ruth at waterworks gallery has a book signing to open a show by Catherine Eaton Skinner which runs from May 2 – May 24..she’ll be signing her book, “Unleashed”…here’s more from Ruth: Published in conjunction with the University of Washington Press and Woodland Park Zoo, this book portrays the animals that dwell in the wildness  Continue Reading

I doubt that the imagination can be suppressed. If you truly eradicated it in a child, he would grow up to be an eggplant. Ursula K. Le Guin

Make the world a better place because you have lived in it. Edgar Cayce

It opens tomorrow – here’s more from Jan at the Communty Theatre: Directed by SJCT’s Merritt Olsen, Always…Patsy Cline (written by Ted Swindley), brings the music of the country/pop music icon to life on the Whittier stage.  Based on the true story of Patsy Cline (Kate Schuman)’s friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger (played by  Continue Reading

I asked FHHS’s Purple & Gold why folks should come to this weekend’s fundraiser (here’s more on the San Juan Calendar), which hopes to raise $45K to keep sports happening until the November 7th vote reinstates the programs…Elisa Howard says it’s going to be a good time: It is our goal to raise $45,000 at  Continue Reading

People often ask me what the Update is – blog? Online newspaper? Daily rant? What? Beats me… as I see it, it’s mostly a chance to share what’s cool about living here on the island. If you’re interested in the greater question, you might read this article from Web Pro News which explores the notion  Continue Reading

On Sunday, walking down on the docks, Josie & I saw some tourists watching Popeye the resident harbor seal, as she was splashing people & stuff… one of ’em said, “That’s Popeye, he’s a harp seal.” Oh. Josie shot this photo of Popeye keeping an eye on folks….

I dropped by San Juan Island Marine Center (located where the old dive shop was, under Downriggers), to see what Mike & Jan Close were up to, only to find them out on the water in the marina (with the dog and their kid) pedaling around in boats they rent. I asked Mike what else  Continue Reading

Jim Maya headed out towards Victoria to capture this photo of transient killer whales.

Hey, ya live on an island…ya gotta learn to swim! Here’s more from Amy Wynn, who is the main reason a lot of kids on this rock can keep themselves above water: San Juan Island Fitness is now taking registrations for May and June swim lesson sessions.  Classes are twice a week for three weeks  Continue Reading

“It takes 15 million barrels of oil per year to make all of the plastic water bottles in America, according to the Container Recycling Institute. Sending those bottles by air and truck uses even more fossil fuel. Meanwhile, it takes 1,000 years for plastic bottles to break down.” From “Bottle Backlash” by Asbury Park Press 

Nothing but good… FHHS principal Fred Woods told me late Saturday night that this year’s prom was a delightful, mellow affair with as many as 150 kids coming for a good time. You probably saw the kids out on the town (like Cody Price and Megan Cuomo, who had dinner at Vinny’s) all dressed up  Continue Reading

I checked in about how the Mr. San Juan contest at the Roche Harbor Pavillion went, and there are four things to report: John Sable (photo, at Rocky Bay Sunday, with the sceptre you get for being king) won the coveted title; the fundrasier made some $8600 for the Friday Harbor PTA (which means: for  Continue Reading