Today Bloggers United asks us to focus our attention on human rights. In recent times the Internet has become an essential tool in the fight for human rights. Through the Internet information manages to seep out in spite of the harshest regime crackdowns. A case in point and in the news today is the military dictatorship of Myanmar (Burma). Even as the dictatorship tries to control information about the recent cyclone by restricting the freedom of journalists, citizens and relief workers are posting messages and photos by email, text messaging and on the popular social website facebook . As circumspect as these communications may be they are not without risk. "If the junta finds someone who is corresponding information with any foreign entities, those individuals face 10 to 15 years in prison, torture, with their families' lives at risk," says Sophie Lwin, director of Burma Global Action Network and a Burmese native who lives in the United States. According to Lwin, any foreigners caught sending photos abroad would be "blacklisted, deported immediately and will never be allowed back in the country, fined and have their media related items confiscated."* Link to: Amnesty International ~ Learn About Human Rights Wake up ~ Lo-Star The Burma Campaign UK The song Wake-Up by Lo Star is available to purchase on itunes. Proceeds support the UK Campaign for Burma. *Quotes from Sophie Lwin were gleaned from an article by Kristina Wong , ABC news: Risky Business Sneaking Cyclone News to Facebook

Back to Eurovision 2008, this week contestants are rehearsing on the stage in Belgrade where they will be performing for the live telecast. Ruslan Alehno from Belarus rehearsed “Remarkably, Ruslan's busy choreography did not affect his vocal efforts at all!” says Marco Brey on the official Eurovision website . The Belarus delegation told a story about the recording of the official video clip: “which took place in Kyiv, Ukraine. A part of the video had to be recorded at night, when it was raining - which was not exactly a pleasure for Ruslan, as this was done in February, at six o'clock in the morning. Ruslan illustrated his feelings back at that time by chattering his teeth during the press conference.” Belarus Eurovision 2008 Ruslan Alehno ~ Hasta la Vista

If Eurovision tends to have a lightweight pop song reputation the Finnish rock band Lordi broke that mold. Lordi also broke a long losing streak. After 45 years of entering without winning Lordi brought Finland a landslide victory in 2006 with the song Hard Rock Hallelujah. The end of this video, which was made to open last year's contest in Helsinki, shows Lordi in their winning televised stage performance in Athens. Finland 2006 Eurovision Winners Lordi ~ Hard Rock Hallelujah

In case you are wondering, “What’s with all this Eurovision stuff on a blog about San Juan Island?” I’ll tell you, it is just for fun. As the date approaches for the semi-finals and finals I will be posting a few more Eurovision videos. Most songs from participating countries can be found on YouTube. Here is a little history of the contest: The Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956 as a technological experiment in live television. It was a success and ever since then countries belonging to the European Broadcasting Union compete by bringing new songs from their respective countries to the host country, the previous years winner, for a live television broadcast. Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most watched non-sport events with audiences of up to 600 million. The pop band Abba won for Sweden with the song Waterloo. Here they on Dutch Television during the Eurovision Song Contest of 1974. Sweden 1974 Eurovision Winners Abba ~ Waterloo

Happy Mothers Day! photo: Margaret Bell God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers. ~ Jewish Proverb That's All Right Mama ~ Elvis Presley

Rural Architecture in Friday Harbor Wednesday, May 14, 7:00pm-9:00pm The Mullis House The Town of Friday Harbor and the San Juan Historical Museum present a history talk by local historian and preservation architect, Boyd Pratt, entitled Paying Attention to the Ordinary: Friday Harbor’s Rural Architecture. This event takes place in the research center of the San Juan Historical Museum, 405 Price Street. For more information go to: Historic Friday Harbor email: sstrehlou@fridayharbor.org. or call: 360.378.2810

Spring Street ~ Friday Harbor I took my car in this morning for a tune up and ended up having time on my hands in town. Even without my list of 100 things to do in Friday Harbor I remained confident that I could figure out what to do. I had enough time to get a haircut, go bowling or even go up to the fitness club and go for a swim but I wasn't feeling quite that ambitious. It was a beautiful morning so first I went to the new bakery, Demeter's, on Nichols Street. If you have not been there yet I highly recommend it. I got a coffee and a cheesy pastry and sat outside on the porch. The baked goods are great, service friendly and with paintings by Joe Miller and ceramics by Paula West the artwork is the best. Demeter's Cafe on Nichol's Street Next, I decided to check out the new public restroom in Sunshine Alley. It is nice. It's roomy and clean. My only complaint, and it isn't much of a complaint, is that it would be really hard to wash your hair in those sinks. I notice things like that because when I lived on Lopez without running water and took the early boat to Friday Harbor to work I often washed my hair in the restroom on the ferry boat. The ferry handicap sink has a nice high spout which is perfect to stick your head under. The Sunshine alley restrooms have those heated blow driers. If you were homeless and it was cold out this would be the place to go. Plus, these restrooms are historic. The building was originally made out of Boede Cement blocks from the old Boede Pipe and Cement Company an early Island industry. Sunshine Alley Public Restrooms Next I bought an Elizabeth Gaskell novel and some cards at Griffin Bay Bookstore , some Amber Essence oil and a small hand mirror at Softwear and then I dropped into the Whale Museum . At the Whale Museum the big news is that J Pod is back. J pod appeared briefly after their winter migration but then they disappeared again. They are back and apparently they have a lot to say too. We have speakers at the Museum tuned into the underwater microphones on the west side. You can hear them too by linking to: Salish Sea hydrophone network . Also, the Center for Whale Research now has an Orcacam set up, link here: Orcacam . By the time I picked up my car J-Pod had moved on but it is good to know that they are back in the neighborhood. J-14 Samish "my" whale ~ Whale Museum Photo

Today is my Dad’s birthday. James Cameron McRae was born in Wolf Springs, Montana and moved with his family to San Juan Island in 1927. My Dad loved the Scottish poet Robert Burns, because of that, and because the poem fits him so well, I like to remember him with this Epitath by Burns. Jim McRae at the Barnacle On My Ever Honoured Father O ye whose cheek the tear of pity stains, Draw near with pious rev'rence, and attend! Here lie the loving husband's dear remains, The tender father, and the gen'rous friend; The pitying heart that felt for human woe, The dauntless heart that fear'd no human pride; The friend of man-to vice alone a foe; For 'ev'n his failings lean'd to virtue's side. Robert Burns ~ 1784

And what a perfect segue to go from Marine Naturalist Training to this years Eurovision entry from Portugal? No one sings more passionately of love and tragedy and the sea than the Portuguese. So lets go back out to sea with Vania Fernades and Senhora do Mar/Lady of the Sea. Portugal 2008 Eurovision Vania Fernandes ~ Senhora do Mar Lyrics English/Lady of the sea Lady of the sea Before you, I’m fallen Who comes and takes half of life and peace From this table, from this house, now lost? Love, what’s happened with you? Before you, my soul is empty Who comes and takes what is mine? Oh high sea, bring me My endless love Ah, black waters, waves of sorrow They froze the fire in my eyes (Lady of the sea) He’s not sailing anymore (He’s not sailing anymore) And nobody sees you crying Lady of the sea Who comes and takes half of life and peace From this table, from this house, now lost? Love, what’s happened with you? Ah, black waters, waves of sorrow They froze the fire in my eyes (Lady of the sea) Salty wounds, prayers in vane (Prayers in vane) Let his heart (Let his heart) Beat next to me (Beat next to me) Ah, black waters, waves of sorrow They froze the fire in my eyes (Lady of the sea) He’s not sailing anymore (He’s not sailing anymore) And nobody sees you crying (And nobody sees you crying) Lady of the sea (Lady of the sea)

Congratulations Everybody! Marine Naturalists Aboard the Western Prince The Marine Naturalist Training Program took its celebratory cruise on the Western Prince this morning. It was glorious on the water as we cruised North out of Friday Harbor passed Spieden and Stuart Islands. We saw Harbor and Dalls Porpoise, Harbor Seals, a Stellar Sea Lion, Bald Eagles and Purple Starfish. No whales were spotted, they have not been around lately, still I know I hardly minded. It was enough to be out on the water. After the cruise we met at the Whale Museum for our graduation ceremony and I only regret that I neglected to get a photo of another one of Jenny's fabulous cakes. This one had blue frosting with the Orca Ruffles, aka J1, Spyhopping out of it. Congratulations everybody! Purple Starfish on Stuart Island Appendix: Here is the cake! Jenny's Spyhop Cake

California Sea Lions Today we completed our last Marine Naturalist Training day for the season. Starting off at the high school Amy Traxler gave an overview on Pinnipeds and how to tell the difference between sea lions and seals. I’m usually doing pretty good if I can tell a sea lion or a seal from a hunk of wood but I managed to identify my friend at South Beach as a California Sea Lion from the color and head shape something like a very big Chocolate Lab. Tibetan Ancestors of Salish Woolly Dogs Russel Barsh talked about pre-European agriculture in the Islands including Camas growing and processing and the development of reef net fishing . He touched on a favorite subject of mine, the Salish Woolly dogs. Last I knew they were thought to be extinct. According to genetic testing on Salish wool it turns out the Salish Woolly dogs are direct descendants of Tibetan Terriers and genetic cousins to Japanese Shiba Inu dogs and Alaskan Eskimo dogs. Val Viers and Marine Naturalists in Training at the Lighthouse After lunch we trekked out to the lighthouse at Lime Kiln Park where Val Viers played us samples of Orca Acoustics and Jeanne Hyde talked about Southern Resident Orca family groups. In the lighthouse we could hear the sounds of boat traffic through underwater microphones. It was like hearing a chainsaw every time a boat went by. At least with our opposable thumbs and a volume knob we could turn it down. Jeanne showed us family photos of our local Orca pods. We hope we might see them tomorrow when we go out on the boat to celebrate the completion of this Spring's Marine Naturalist Training for 2008.

Denmark 2008 Eurovision Simon Mathew ~ All Night Long

Bulgaria 2008 Eurovision Deep Zone & Balthazar ~ DJ Take Me Away

The Relentless Clock in the Heart of Friday Harbor The other day at work Barbara mentioned a list of 100 things to do in Friday Harbor . I said, “Oh, will you please send that to me. I don’t have enough to do.” Of course, as one of my employers, she knew I was kidding. Like most people who live here I have the required 3 jobs and more than plenty to do. I looked up the list anyway. #1. Take a deep breath and feel the change in pace... you are now on "Island Time”. Island time? What the heck ever happened to "Island Time"? I have observed that when volunteers are being sought, people who say “I have to go to the mainland that day” can get out of anything, no questions asked. As I mentioned in previous posts I rarely leave the Island but I will confess I have used the “I have to go to the mainland” or because I'm not a very good liar, "I think I might have to go to the mainland" (which works just as well) excuse just to stay home, unplug everything and dig into some quality “Island Time”.

National Preservation Month—May 2008 Friday Harbor's Oldest Residence the DeStaffany House ~ Drawing by Tina Rose In Friday Harbor and elsewhere on San Juan Island during Preservation Month, we open doors, view the streetscape and shoreline, and otherwise bring interesting, hard-scrabble historic characters and events to life. Partnering in this year’s activities are the Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan Historical Museum, San Juan Island National Historical Park, Hacket Larson Post 163 of the American Legion, and the maritime research vessel, the Pacific Catalyst II. For such a small island, a whole lot of history happened here! Historic District Walking Tours : Every Saturday in May, 9:00am-10:00am, the Town of Friday Harbor’s Historic Preservation Review Board is giving free, guided walking tours of the downtown historic district. Rain or shine. Space is limited and reservations are required. To register and receive more information, go to www.historicfridayharbor.org or call 360.378.2810 during regular business hours. Silver Tea at the James King House Museum : Saturday, May 3rd, 2-4pm the good china comes out, cookies are baked and tea served by Museum volunteers dressed in period clothing at the San Juan Historical Museum’s James King House. The Museum is located in Friday Harbor at 405 Price Street. For more information go to www.sjmuseum.org or call 360.378.3949. Heritage Vessel Open House : Sunday, May 4th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Come aboard the historic Pacific Catalyst, a restored 1932 wooden vessel. Her maiden voyage was up the Inside Passage and across the Gulf of Alaska, beginning her oceanographic research for the University of Washington’s, Friday Harbor Labs, and the marine sciences community. The Catalyst has been thoroughly and richly restored, and now takes visitors on marine adventures in the Salish Sea and north into Alaska and Canada. Friday Harbor is her home base, and on this day you will find her moored in the Friday Harbor Marina. For more information call 360.378.7123 or visit http://www.pacificcatalyst.com/index.htm. Rural Architecture in Friday Harbor : On Wednesday, May 14, 7:00pm-9:00pm, the Town of Friday Harbor and the San Juan Historical Museum present a history talk by local historian and preservation architect, Boyd Pratt, entitled Paying Attention to the Ordinary: Friday Harbor’s Rural Architecture. This event takes place in the research center of the San Juan Historical Museum, 405 Price Street. For more information go to www.historicfridayharbor.org, call or email to 360.378.2810 or sstrehlou@fridayharbor.org. From Sandy Strehlou HPRB co-ordinator

Modern Druids Celebrate May Day Whether you celebrate May Day by dancing around a May Pole or marching your new rocket through the town square, May Day is a celebration of fertility in the form of masculine virility originating in the Pre-Christian European rituals of Beltane. Bathing in May Day dew is said to prolong youth.

Turkey may have issues with the European Union but Turkey has participated in Eurovision since 1975. Turkey Eurovision 2008 Mor Ve Otesi ~ Deli English Lyrics: Crazy/insane my soul's owner is being searched did I fall in the right place? perpetrator of the passion is resisting it got angry and became smaller it is resisting Bring me up, don't make me cry where is your love which you are proud of Bring me up, don't make me cry don't detain me with fake dreams it's (my soul's owner) being searched one part of me is sane the other one is insane my four directions are sane; one part is is insane everybody is sane, only me insane only me insane

Its true I don't get off the Island much. How's that for an excuse to indulge in my once secret passion for Eurovision? Hop on the Eurovision bus for a virtual tour of Europe. I hope you enjoyed visiting Iceland. Next stop, Croatia. Croatia Eurovision 2008 Romanca ~ Kraljevi Ulice & 75 Cent Lyrics in English: Romance Music and Lyrics Miran Hadži Veljković Score Tomislav Modrić SEE MY FRIEND, I REMEMBER EVERYTHING AND I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT BETWEEN THIS SONG AND A MILLION OTHERS THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE Life erases our tracks It lets weird devils into that good night Every day is bathed in cold sun And memories are almost faded out If you asked me I would only know one thing Colours exist only in this rhyme Night and day are the remains of some line They will disappear when our songs fade Play tonight that romance Quietly to make me fall ill The sadness when a nightingale dies When the soul with the body divorces Play tonight that romance Slowly so that everyone hears Let the guitars play again 'Cos I haven't heard them for a long time THEY TELL ME TODAY THAT I'M IN THE DUMPS I'M TECHNOLOGY WASTE LIKE THE MONKEY UP ON A BRANCH BUT I WAS THE FIRST THE INTERNET IN THE WORLD SAILING ON SHIPS WITH MY MUSIC I CONNECTED THE PLANET

Feeling a bit provincial? Can’t get off the Island? Globalize your consciousness with Eurovision. Europe’s Pop Music contest has been bringing fame to groups like Sweden’s Abba since 1956. Every year countries across Europe select a song and in May the contest is judged by call-in votes. This year’s final competition will be held in Belgrade. Iceland Eurovision 2008 Euroband ~ This is My Life Link to: Eurovision

Matthew Gray Palmer - abstracted sculpture Caroline James ~ mixed media paintings May 3 - 25, 2008 Wood Sketch III ~ Matthew Gray Palmer Hours: Wednesday ~ Saturday, 10.00 to 5.30 and Sunday 11.00 to 4.00 Waterworks Gallery - 315 spring st

Margaret Longley Margaret Longley of San Juan Island has been awarded the Kathryn W Davis Projects for Peace Award . Margaret, a filmmaker who worked in the Iraqi war zone on the academy award-nominated film, "Iraq in Fragments," will be creating a film on the disenfranchisement of the homeless with her project, "Homelessness and Voting in a Democracy." Link to article: sanjuanislander.com

New 2008 Washington State Vessel Regulations For Southern Resident Killer Whales Effective June 12th 2008 DO NOT APPROACH by any means w/in 100 yards of a Southern Resident Killer Whale DO NOT cause a vessel or other object to approach w/in 100 yards of a Southern Resident Killer Whale DO NOT INTERCEPT a Southern Resident Killer Whale DISENGAGE a vessel that is w/in 100 yards of a Southern Resident Killer Whale DO NOT feed a Southern Resident Killer Whale

Cindy giving instruction on the assemblage of Stinky Bill At the Whale Museum again for the 4th week of Marine Naturalist Training Cindy went over the differences between toothed whales like Orcas and baleen whales like Stinky Bill the Museum's resident Gray Whale. Nope, we don't keep Stinky Bill in a big tub upstairs in the Museum. Unfortunately Stinky Bill met with an untimely death in his youth. What we have are his bones, which were spread out on the floor for us to put together. After a lunch break we met again over at the High School where Kari Koski told us about Soundwatch, the Museum program that actively protects whales and other Marine life by educating boaters. Mary Knackstedt gave an overview of the San Juan Marine Resources Committee and Marine protected Areas in San Juan County. Black Oystercatchers ~ Tony Angell from Marine Birds and Mammels of Puget Sound Then a bird who had mystically transformed himself into a man named David Drummond flew into the room. He flitted about feeding our astonished little beaks bits of philosophical wisdom. He showed us pictures of birds and he talked about how adaptable we are recommending that we go outside and just be. I took this to heart as I spend altogether too much time indoors at my computer and the adaptations that result may in fact not be how I truly wish to evolve. He recommended books including: Sacred Balance by David Suzuki, Practice of the Wild by Gary Snyder and The Future of Life by E.O. Wilson.

Home on the Grange Concert Series at Lopez Island Grange presents Danny Schmidt ~Sunday May 11th 7:30 PM Danny Schmidt - Stained Glass Lopez Island Grange Hall Link To: Danny Schmidt Website Link To: Radio Free Lopez

Recycle, Reuse, Reconsider Reproductive Choices and make a Rain Garden Link to: Planned Parenthood Link to: Friday Harbor Health Center Link to: Rain Gardens