The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has been nothing but up front about its intention to build a casino on Martha’s Vineyard, but until earth moving equipment began clearing land last week, it always seemed a remote possibility.

One does not have to drive to Aquinnah before dawn to prove how quiet the Island is in late February. But it does make for a good excuse.

Atlantic striped bass are in trouble again.

Seven of the two dozen geese grazing on the oasis of open water have scuffled into the air and set sail for greener pastures on some pond or cove away up-Island.

A curious thing happened when this newspaper reported that Island Entertainment, the last video store on the Vineyard and one of the last anywhere, was going out of business.

If marine consultants hired to evaluate the Steamship Authority thought their urgent call for sweeping change at the boat line would be swiftly heeded, this week’s events surely crushed that notion.