Author Archives: brucesmith49

The Hunt for DB Cooper – Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Case and the Mystery

Posted on December 9, 2012 by brucesmith49

by Bruce A. Smith Editor’s Note:  With all the interest in the DB Cooper case generated by the 41st anniversary a couple of weeks ago, I thought it worthwhile to reframe the opening chapter of my forthcoming book, “The Hunt for … Continue reading →

Posted in DB Cooper, Uncategorized | 15 Comments

Gratitude emerges as the Great Darkness descends

Posted on December 9, 2012 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith As we enter the middle days of December we are cloaked with the twenty shortest days of the year.  Coupled with the ever-present rain clouds, the darkness of our days begins about 3:30 pm or so … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Health | 4 Comments

Attitude or Gratitude????

Posted on December 8, 2012 by brucesmith49

by Milt Gordon  October 1991, I was a volunteer fireman in California when my fire pager went off summoning me to a call.  I was to be part of a strike team being dispatched to the Oakland Hills fire – … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Milt Gordon, Remarkable men and women | 3 Comments

Christmas Eve Trip to Mount Rainier – A Beautiful Gift

Posted on December 7, 2012 by brucesmith49

By Josh Magill  We had not been here long, just a month or so after transferring from New Mexico in 2009, but decided since we had nowhere else to go on Christmas Eve that a trip up to Mount Rainier was … Continue reading →

Posted in Josh Magill, Mount Rainier | Leave a comment

Getting ready for Christmas and thinking of family

Posted on December 7, 2012 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith  In a couple of days I will be heading to New York to spend the holidays with family.  Mom is on Long Island, Sis and her kids are up in Boston, and my ex and her … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Remarkable men and women | Leave a comment

Anatomy of a heart attack – nine months out and building a new life

Posted on November 29, 2012 by brucesmith49

by Bruce A. Smith Part 5 in a series.  I had a heart attack in February 2012 during which I had a 90% blockage in one coronary artery and received a stent to re-open the vessel.  In addition, I had … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Beloved BSD wrestling coach and teacher dies after suffering stroke last week

Posted on November 28, 2012 by brucesmith49

by Josh Magill After complications from a stroke, Paul Greeley died last Wednesday surrounded by his family, including his three daughters and his son.  The former wrestling coach at Bethel, Peninsula and Spanaway Lake high schools suffered the stroke on … Continue reading →

Posted in Bethel News, Josh Magill, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hunt for DB Cooper – Cooper Day Festival in Ariel – 2012

Posted on November 26, 2012 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith  Commemorating the 41st anniversary of DB Cooper’s skyjacking – and celebrating his cultural status of a “guy who beat the system” – hundreds of Cooper aficionados and party lovers gathered Saturday at the Ariel Store in … Continue reading →

Posted in DB Cooper | 12 Comments

First Burn Ban of winter heating season declared in Pierce County

Posted on November 25, 2012 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith  The season’s first prohibition of the use of fireplaces and un-certified wood stoves has been declared by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency due to chronic air pollution and stagnant weather conditions.

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Mount Rainier to close road to Paradise on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this winter

Posted on November 21, 2012 by brucesmith49

Editor’s Note: Mount Rainier National Park announced this week that it is making a major change in providing access for the public to the Paradise area, and will close the road from Longmire on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Posted in Ashford, Environment, Mount Rainier, Nature, Uncategorized | Leave a comment