By Cody Ellerd

Around the Island

Conservative talk radio host, film critic and local resident Michael Medved isn’t the least bit shy about sharing his opinions. One of those — that people ought to watch less television and spend more time reading and drinking coffee — is now being introduced to masses of people who are — well, reading and drinking coffee.

A quote by Medved has been printed on Starbucks’ beverage cups as part of the coffee company’s “The Way I See It” promotion. The purpose of the campaign, which features quotations by various notable Americans, is to encourage discourse. Medved’s quotation was in response to Starbucks’ request that he “say something provocative in 60 words or less,” he said.

Provocative the campaign has certainly been, as Starbucks continues to draw fire from conservative groups angered by some of the allegedly left-leaning quotes by other notables in the campaign.

For his part, Medved has sparked his own “discourse” of late with his contention that the film “March of the Penguins” represents a human affirmation of “traditional norms of monogamy, sacrifice and child-rearing.” On behalf of penguins everywhere, Seattle Times columnist Danny Westneat took offense at Medved’s comments in the Sept. 16 issue of the paper.

Maybe they should just sit down and talk about it over a nice cup of coffee.

Eating her Wheaties

Islander Cathy Britell originally bought an autoharp for her husband because she thought it would be a “no-brainer” to play. Instead she took it up and 15 years later, she has finally been crowned the International Autoharp Champion, and her victory on the plucky little instrument has been more hard-fought than she might have expected.

In 2002, she placed second. The next year took her to the national championship, where she placed third. Come 2004, back at the international competition, she was back up to the runner-up position. This time around, with a field of 12 players who strummed their best for the judges at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kan., Britell finally won gold.

“You get a really good prize,” Britell said — a custom autoharp handmade by Pete Daigle of Des Moines, Wash.

A physician by profession, Britell said she has been spending less time as a doctor and more as a musician. Seeing the sweetness of her smile as she holds an autoharp, it doesn’t take too many brains to imagine which one is more fun.

Still easy to find

Finders, the Island boutique where you’re greeted by name, offered tea and cookies and usually leave with the perfect gift, isn’t where you’re used to finding it. But it hasn’t gone far.

Judy Olson has moved her shop just three doors down from the location on S.E. 27th Street where she first opened nearly 25 years ago. She relocated because the old space was being remodeled. “I’m just enjoying having a new space with lights that work and hot water in the bathrooms,” Olson said.

Olson said her customers have had a positive response to her bigger and brighter shop.

Whether it’s a bowl hand-painted with Island scenery you’re after or a book detailing 500 uses for baking soda, you still know where to look.