by Eva Deloach My Foundation, called Traditions, (est. 2003) is a 501(C)(3) that contributes to indigenous communities and individuals at the vanguard of the natural environment. Indigenous Elders and these communities protect the natural environment. Numbering more than 370 million individuals worldwide, these cultures have not lost their unique understanding of local environments and cosmic…
News
Cathlamet – Some Background
By Andy Valencia While we wait for Washington State Ferries to announce any initial findings in the Cathlamet accident, the Vashon Loop has been gathering background information to help interpret what we’ll eventually be told about this incident. An important piece of the Cathlamet’s history is its tendency to crash into docks; thus, it was…
Health Matters
It’s More About the Fascia
By Sandi Silagi If you have back pain and instability, the connective tissue in your body, the fascia, is the most likely reason. Most people with back pain are told to improve their core strength. Most people with balance issues are told to practice standing on one leg. The strength of the muscles in core…
Island Voices
The Strength of Pretend
By Deborah H. Anderson Finding the perfect cinnamon roll at the Edmonds Bakery was a moment of bliss. Huge, spirally, gently baked, lightly glazed, with hidden chunks of nut pieces in the inner fold’s perfection brought unparalleled mouth happiness. Saturday afternoon delight, for sure. Smithsonian Free Museum Day drew me to Edmonds. The drive to…
Commentary
Beyond the End of the Line
In this article I attempt to use terminology that depicts the reality that Japanese Americans suffered in the War Relocation Authority (WRA) camps during World War II, as opposed to the euphemisms employed at the time and often used to this day. For further information, please see the references at the end of this article….
Llaughing Llamas
Llaughing Llamas Chronicles
by Daniel Hooker Join in the hilarity of a new, seasonal joke, just in time for our October Issue of The Vashon Loop! A couple met at a Halloween Party.The man looks at the woman and says, “What are you supposed to be?” She says, “A harp.” The man looks her up and down and…
Commentary, Editorial Page
Both Sides Now
By Andy Valencia When I was the manager of all software development at a fairly large startup, I made the worst management decision of my career. Two of my top technical leads came to me with a design tradeoff which they just could not settle between themselves. They each told me their position, and I…
Literary
Beloved Characters – Then & Now
In the world of Hollywood or the theatre, a performer who can act, sing, and dance is called a “triple threat.” Anne McCaffrey’s “Crystal Singer Trilogy”is a literary triple threat, as it feeds your soul in youth, maturity, and retirement! Making it an exceptionally good use of wood pulp and ink. Bursting onto the page,…
Island Voices
Blackberry’s Bundle
By Caelan Angell Landing on Island and surveying the possibilities of restoration work, the first major and apparent challenge is handling the intimidating blackberry buttresses. Their thick ridged canes form seemingly impenetrable thorny defenses, any attempt to wrestle them resulting in a desert sky’s worth of red and purple constellations. Their ability to regenerate and…
Recipes
Tostones with Mayo-Ketchup Dipping Sauce
A family recipe, from Puerto Rico! Tostones is plural for Tostón, and is a crunchy plate-shaped fritter made of just green plantain. Tostones are usually enjoyed with mayonaise-Ketchup dipping sauce or seafood on top. Ingredients and Tools Green plantains (NOT bananas; YES, you read GREEN plantains) Frying oil (coconut or olive oil recommended)Garlic MayonnaiseKetchupCutting board, frying pan,…