http://disqus.com/by/ntmonin/enWed, 11 Aug 2010 15:27:58 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/100371369.html#comment-67970060<p>yeah...but that bumper poses a hazard too. Remember, we approach all engine compartment fires at a 45....</p>wakeupWed, 11 Aug 2010 15:27:58 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/lifestyle/59249897.html#comment-16597027<p>Congrats Mr. Crosby!</p><p></p>wakeupMon, 14 Sep 2009 18:01:38 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/opinion/52667352.html#comment-14607342<p>Thank you Billy, for keeping it real. Meanwhile the fingerpointing and power-tripping continue all-around. Incredible, isn't it?</p><p>-Noel Monin</p>wakeupMon, 10 Aug 2009 20:43:38 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/opinion/52466797.html#comment-14011553<p>Sir, in response to your reply;</p><p>Clearly the orca have no choice but to continue living in your presence my friend, and nowhere am I implying that I plan to stop ships, yours or military. Education is truly critical in all aspects of learning to coexist with the natural world, but it must be done in such a manner that captures the reality of our influences, else we are truly not educating. You are obviously very concerned for the orca, and I applaud you for that. I challenge you to find a way to continue your mission, in such a twist that includes what the orca might actually say about you given a chance. My statement was purely out of concern for the creature that has no voice. That same creature that you speak for. And I kindly disagree that these creatures would choose to thrive in the presence of pernicious human activity, if given a choice. That is all.</p><p>Respectfully,</p><p>Noel Monin</p><p></p>wakeupWed, 05 Aug 2009 20:53:11 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/opinion/52466797.html#comment-13989942<p>Just another human perspective;</p><p>Imagine a stranger following you everywhere you go. Imagine that stranger weilding a running chainsaw. Imagine more strangers behind that stranger, with running chainsaws. Imagine this, every day. Every meal. Every intimate moment. Every bowel movement. Everywhere you go. Now these strangers name you and "adopt" you. Imagine this occuring in the name of education for your survival. Now imagine if you had a voice and spoke these strangers' language. What would you say? It's apparent some would say "Hi friends! You are all so great! You are such wonderful neighbors! Thank you, thank you, thank you for making my life better!"</p><p>I once observed, under moonlit sky and still night, three orca pods merge. They were abundant, and seemingly undisturbed, silhouetted by bright moon over lapping water. I heard them singing into the air. I heard them breathing and splashing. I heard this for several hours, sitting under a lighthouse, perched at the waters edge on a sharp outrcropping. This was an experience of a lifetime that I reluctantly share. With the whales in "their" environment, and just me on the rocks, quite possibly unobserved by even them.</p><p>You see, once the motored and unmotored vessels race in, the planes zip to and fro overhead and the audiences speckle themselves along the shoreline, these whales are not experiencing their environment anymore. It is inarguably a human environment once we arrive. That's what makes us humans so "special". Everywhere we go, we have this unique ability to call it our own and make it comfortable for us. God help anything that gets in the way. It's not personal, it's "our" nature. Get it?</p><p>Keeping it real,</p><p>Noel Monin</p>wakeupWed, 05 Aug 2009 14:03:33 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/opinion/letters/44070352.html#comment-9143488<p>People in our culture love their dogs more than they love their neighbors. It's one of the many cascade effects of a society of obsessive selfishness-wants being met before needs. I love dogs, but choose not to own one because my yard is unfenced and too small and I live in town where the excessive dog ownership pollutes the yards and still days too much already. Hopefully, one of the outcomes of a redefined America will be that dog ownership becomes a luxury once again and not an entitlement.</p><p>Start calling the Sheriff-378-5334, and formally complain about people who are ignorant and rude in the way they allow their pets to disturb others. Eventually, the ordinances will be more aggressively enforced if there's a strong enough message to our local tax-payed and elected law official. </p>wakeupFri, 08 May 2009 19:40:40 -0000http://www.islandssounder.com/news/44496612.html#comment-9108524<p>the fire depts are junior taxing jurisdictions not funded by county government.<br>the county has deemed it a non-priority to fund a state mandated fire marshal position.<br>the fire depts decided to create a fire marshal position jointly, passing the costs onto those requiring services.<br>because the fire depts worked together this county now has a fire marshal.<br>the fire marshal provides many services in the form of fire safety and education and is partly responsible for ensuring businesses do the right thing as well as we all have opportunities to learn about fire safety.</p>wakeupThu, 07 May 2009 17:44:09 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/opinion/letters/42446812.html#comment-7811064<p><br>Hopefully, someday, all Americans can live life to the fullest like the rest of us, enjoying the same freedoms and liberties as we do, without the fear-driven hypocrits dictating what they can and cannot have or do. <br>There are minister's and churches willing to accomodate the joining of two adults who are ready for a marriage... that should be sanctity enough, should it not? The cornerstone of a strong society is liberty and justice for all...not religious dogma, rhetoric and doublespeak. Enough with the "Holier Than Thou" exclusivity. Freedom of ALL religion is a civil right, not just freedom of YOUR religion.<br>My vote is for the rights of my fellow Americans, regardless of race, gender, RELIGION, or sexual preferance. That way everyone is free to contribute equally to a better and stronger America.</p><p>I fear the fearful the most, for once stricken with fear, one behaves irratically, irrationally and illogically.</p>wakeupFri, 03 Apr 2009 21:32:47 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/opinion/letters/42025232.html#comment-7644005<p>Generally, pets get injured because of owner neglect.</p><p>Everyone should take responsibility when dealing with hazardous and toxic materials. These materials are highly destructive to the health of our environment and should be handled accordingly. Irresponsible handling of toxic substances can harm everyone and everything, including pets.</p><p>Pet owners should take accountability for being neglectful of the nature of their animals. Too often domestic animals are allowed freedom to get themselves into trouble, whether in a tangle with a vehicle or ingestion of toxins or injury to other pets or humans. The only ones to blame, ultimately are the owners responsible for these pets who allow them to roam in the first place.</p><p>Keep your animals, not only to prevent unnecessary harm, but out of respect to your neighbors. That's the responsibility you take when you take on pet ownership. Storing and disposing of toxic and harmful chemicals is paramount in keeping a healthy and vibrant planet for all walks of life.</p>wakeupMon, 30 Mar 2009 16:43:05 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/opinion/41598137.html#comment-7499843<p>Friday Harbor residents are already crammed into sharing one square mile with an airport, a ferry landing and extended "highway", transfer station access, sewage treatment site, constant construction and a school district. Filling the few moments of silence with jet noise may or may not go un-noticed, however I prefer we preserve as much "peaceful ambience" as possible, and I agree that simulators should be able to at least curtail the number of flights over populated or protected land (and water)....and the ever-important returning tourists$$.</p>wakeupWed, 25 Mar 2009 14:37:52 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/41326399.html#comment-7498645<p>I have to agree with "rainyday". I am insulted when owners allow their pets inside public and retail venues. It's not at all that I am allergic, just some of my family and friends are, and I feel it is a matter of courtesy that people keep their pets from being a nuisance to others...<br>And what's with all the dogs on laps in moving vehicles...I thought this was a traffic violation??? I find this to be a dangerous and negligent petowner behavior that is completely intolerable. <br>We have become so tolerant of inappropriate and rude pet owners that they now believe it is their freedom to act so rudely. I'm tired of chasing dogs out of my yard, hearing of attacks and seeing the blatant negligence so freely displayed by pet owners...Maybe its time to enforce Friday Harbors' pet ordinance that is currently un-enforced...Yearly registration and fines for non-compliance might change some attitudes....I figure this could pay for a part-time animal enforcement position as well...a position that is clearly needed to make people be good neighbors.</p><p></p>wakeupWed, 25 Mar 2009 13:54:15 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/41607922.html#comment-7454905<p>Town Council--WAKE UP! Densification is the only sustainable solution. Through densification we can consolidate funding and create a more thriving and efficient community and economy.</p><p>Sprawl has long been out-dated and is counter to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The more we sprawl the more it will cost the town rate-payers...and the more detrimental we are to our surrounding environment. San Juan Island sprawl is counter to long-term affordability!</p><p>I'm very disappointed with the Council's decision...Long-term affordability lies in keeping rates (and taxes) affordable and wages competitive, so low-income earners (which most of us are out here) can save their money for a large down-payment on a home. Sprawl is backward and costly. Density is the solution to curtailing rates. <br>Additionally, the Council was advised by both Town Staff and the Planning Commission that this annexation is not currently needed for Friday Harbor's urban growth obligations...therefore the Council voted not for the fiscal, long-term planning of Friday Harbor's residence, but rather, for a well-intended agenda set forth by The San Juan Community Home Trust.</p><p>Our infrastructure is falling apart and landing squarely on the backs of hard-working or fixed income rate-payers. Adding more un-needed infrastructure to maintain in the name of affordability is short-sighted...no matter how progressive and contemporary the project is.</p><p>Respectfully,</p><p>Noel Monin<br>Planning Commissioner, Friday Harbor<br> </p>wakeupMon, 23 Mar 2009 18:47:01 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/opinion/letters/41399119.html#comment-7351649<p>It appears that pitbulls have become alarmingly popular in recent years. The psychology behind why people choose pets of a notorious breed is equally alarming. I have friends and acquaintances who "own" pitbulls and swear they are the best pets. While I don't deny them of their experiences, I agree with Susan that it leaves me with a little suspicion in character...friend or not. <br>Pitbulls aside. I also believe that our society is unhealthily obsessed with pet ownership. Pet ownership seems to be just one more American entitlement to stack on our unsustainable culture. While I adore dogs and cats and their furry, and often friendly nature...I am reminded (nearly daily) of their owners disrespect and negligence and abusive pet-owner behaviors...<br>American pets are a multi-billion dollar industry that is way out of scope when considering the lack of funding for so many "needed" social, infrastructure and economic problems.</p><p>We reap what we sow....Right?</p>wakeupThu, 19 Mar 2009 13:37:33 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/38914529.html#comment-6207508<p>It does start at home, but it shouldn't end there. It doesn't really add up to much that nearly 50% of my family food budget is spent on locally (island) grown/raised products and the remainder is nearly 100% organic. Or that we choose not to travel, instead supporting our local agricultural economy and business corridor and enjoying the environment we live in. Or that we put very few miles on our vehicles. Or that we recycle and compost almost all our waste. Or that we grow as much food as we can manage (being working class and all). Or that we care. We are one family like many others who are choosing a more realistic and centralized existence. Choosing to travel less, consume less and really behave appropriately. The problem is the majority of our nations population is, in my opinion, fearful of slowing down, and instead, choosing to run away from their problems. <br>Like you, my daughter is getting all the information I can teach her. My hope is that she can learn from my mistakes and be as informed as I am now as she enters her adolescence. Continually relying on our various systems of governed education styles to do this for me would be an act of insanity. And however resentful I am about our resources continually being squandered and misused, I have to perservere in what I know is right. Our society and the world population must slow down. We have no choice but to invest in our local resources (people too). Progress should be a measurement of intellect and peace not environmental destruction and competitive greed. We need the youth to speak up and change the course. Our schools can continue down a path that is not sustainable. Or they can change their vision. And communities can get involved in their schools and utilize local advantages to help educate the youth for a future that gives us a bit more hope for humanity.<br>How screwed are we? Well, it's a matter of personal perspective. As for public education. The bottom line is it is costing too much and the young adults we are turning out are not very different than their predesessors, generation after generation. To me, this is a broken business with no real vision, rather just a process. We are paying for a service that is not really serving our youth (future), rather it is serving itself. Ultimately, our primary public educational system will not work as long as corporate greed has a hand in the pockets of politicians and a chair on the boards of higher learning. We need to relieve our schools of this smothering bureaucracy. <br>I'll end this rant with a quote--"You will never understand bureaucracies until you understand that for bureaucrats procedure is everything and outcomes are nothing.”~Thomas Sowell.</p><p>-N.</p>wakeupThu, 12 Feb 2009 10:36:34 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/38914529.html#comment-6196753<p>Well said...Logic is the one missing puzzle piece as we continue our blissfully ignorant/arrogant existence. It's completely illogical to believe that we can continue status quo, yet the bliss of ignoring our problems is too powerful. Are we so conditioned to the comforts of luxury and entertainment that we cannot willfully change? I liken it to an HBO documentary I watched several years ago about methamphetamine addicts. They want to stop, they know they have to stop, but the drug damages their chemistry to the point of no return. Just as they are destroying themselves in their addictions, most Americans are doing the same, just by different means. Addiction comes in so many forms, but its easy to label one type of addict as being better or worse than another, as minorities are treated by majorities. We have much work ahead. Logic is not an American dream...therefore it lies with the minority...frowned upon, chastised and touted as one partisanship or another.</p><p>-N.</p>wakeupWed, 11 Feb 2009 21:00:45 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/38914529.html#comment-6128615<p>Do we have a choice whether or not we address our backward cultural digressions in an urgent manner? What's the result if we continue to sleep for another decade? I worry about this nations lethargy more for the children than for myself. You can call it harsh. But wait ten more years. I've just lain witness to a decade of greed consume what little we have left. All the while we drown ourselves with a dumbing down lifestyle and pointless entertainment. This nation needs a wakeup! And I believe it is a duty that change start within the public school system. For if the public schools don't change their culture, then parents are left with an unsurmountable battle, facing the lowest common denominator from every direction but home. After all, it all starts with the children...right?</p><p>Keep up the dialogue, question authority and never trust a man who says: "...it's water under the bridge...". I'm impressed that the only response to our local education funding woes is a middleschooler, and myself. Thanks for your thoughts Killery96, I appreciate your point of view. Too bad there is only two of us who feel responsible to speak up.<br>Oh, and I have so much more to say;o)</p>wakeupMon, 09 Feb 2009 21:08:04 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/38914529.html#comment-5842850<p>America has gotten caught up in its wasteful and ignorant lifestyle for too long. Our public schools should be and should have been educating students (and parents) about real fiscal responsibility and sustainable lifestyles. Instead our public schools have neglected the importance of helping America realize its unsustainable lifestyle and has fallen victim to the selfish and short-sighted ways of our destructive culture and trendy corporate agenda's. <br>Our current public school crisis is just a magnefied example of our societal behavioural issues: not changing your spending habits while watching your savings and checking accounts plummit year after year is ingnorant. If I behaved in the same fashion I would be making major cuts in my spending too. Fortunately I have a longer outlook and tend to manage cuts (or increases) as I go, so as not to have to make drastic changes or suffer financial collapse. Hopefully, shool leadership will learn a lesson that fiscal responsibility means acting on deficit trends, instead of ignoring the financial crisis until a reaction is the only course, thereby leaving huge disparity in quality of education from one season to the next. <br>There are ways we can manage our educational system and still meet the demands of creating top-notch students. But in order to realize the significance of our local educational resources and utilize them, we have to change our vision of what an education is. Until we can make this fundamental but necessary change, we will continue the destructive pattern this society has woven for yet another generation. <br>Parents; support your schools' by encouraging a more realistic and sustainable future. Put pressure on state and federal politicians that are draining the educational system through bureaucratic rubber-stamping. It is imperative that we focus on the academics now more than ever, else we lose a foothold in meeting the challenges that lay ahead. It's time for new ideas and new standards. Every community has unequivical resources that could be used to enhance a localized public education service--especially ours!</p><p></p>wakeupWed, 04 Feb 2009 14:54:34 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/38504644.html#comment-5659704<p>Consumer ignorance enables this kind of atrocity. I wonder if there will be a letter and attached photos sent to all those who bought their pets from the mill? </p>wakeupThu, 29 Jan 2009 16:50:37 -0000http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/news/35414939.html#comment-4280217<p>Malby4, that's a good start. However it goes deeper than that. Our tax-payer investment in our childrens future continues to be squandered in "special interests" throughout their education. This is a societal behaviour that worships interests over academics and has somehow managed to mix the two into one. It's time to face the facts. It's completely inappropriate to continue "nice-to-haves" at the cost of academics, nutrition and accessability. We are obligated to deliver our children to a school that offers healthy food and a top-notch education. Once we can fix this problem and show a consistent approach to the necessities, then we can evaluate what we can afford above and beyond. So it's up to us to inform the school leadership what our expectations are. Last year, the community chose to cut nothing but had to come up with the funding. Can we do this again this year? Next year too? I don't think so...So instead of ignoring the looming facts, it's time to face them and return our educational system on a path of education, wellness and inclusiveness, all while maintaining sustainable budgets. After all, our money woes are just a reflection of our habits of too many choices and activities for too long...are they not?</p><p>N. T. Monin</p><p></p>wakeupMon, 08 Dec 2008 22:19:29 -0000