The United States will soon commemorate its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a date more worthy of humble reflection than triumphant celebration. The 56 men who signed the Declaration were signing their own death warrants — if the war was lost, they would hang. A sobering reminder. Which leaders today would sign such a document? The opening sentence of … Continue reading Keeping Faith After 250 Years »

“The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself.” ~ E.L. Bulwer A Tribute to John Miller — 1939 – 2026  “He was known as a motivator on the field and in the classroom. Generations of student-athletes benefited from his discipline, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their potential. In recognition of his contributions, … Continue reading Goodbye, Mr. Miller »

On Grand Avenue, not far from where we live, there is a bluff from which you can see a wide swath of Puget Sound, from Admiralty Inlet across to Whidbey Island, then beyond to the Olympic Mountain range. You can stand on the very spot where in 1793 Captain Vancouver stood and examined his vessel, the HMS Discovery, in the harbor.   It was, is … Continue reading Farewell to a Seagull »