Category Archives: Environment

Great TV comes to Netflix: “Occupied,” and “Nobel”

Posted on March 22, 2018 by

By Bruce A. Smith For those who like well-written dramatic TV series with excellent production values, I recommend two recent additions at Netflix: “Occupied,” and “Nobel.” Both are made by Norwegian TV outfits, and both are sub-titled. But English is … Continue reading →

Posted in Book reviews, Culture, Entertainment, Environment, Nature, Politics, Resistance and Justice, Weather | Leave a comment

WSDA to conduct Gypsy Moth spraying in parts of Graham

Posted on March 19, 2018 by

By Bruce A. Smith The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has announced that it will conduct a pesticide spraying program in selected neighborhoods in northern Graham to control a Gypsy Moth (GM) infestation. The spraying will commence in late … Continue reading →

Posted in Back East, Bethel News, Environment, Health, Nature, Self Reliance | 11 Comments

Disaster preparedness seminar to be hosted by Pierce County

Posted on September 25, 2017 by

By Bruce A. Smith, and Special to the Mountain News-WA Pierce County, in conjunction with other regional emergency management agencies, is hosting a free workshop on earthquake preparedness. The event will be held at the Evergreen State College campus in … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Nature, preparedness, Self Reliance | 5 Comments

Sixth inundation of smoke this summer – WAQA at 162, “unhealthy”

Posted on September 16, 2017 by

By Bruce A. Smith The sixth inundation of smoke since August 1 settled over Eatonville today, Saturday, September 16. This makes the 22nd day in the past 47 that we have had unhealthy air to breathe. Again, the culprits are … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Environment, Health, Smoke, Weather | 8 Comments

Sections of Mount Rainier National Park close due to approaching forest fire

Posted on September 8, 2017 by

Special to the Mountain News Mount Rainier National Park is closing public access to much of the eastern portions of the park due to extreme fire danger. The nearby Norse Peak Fire has exhibited erratic behaviors over the past few … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Mount Rainier, Nature, Smoke, Weather | Leave a comment

Smoke returns to the PNW as the nation copes with natural disasters

Posted on September 5, 2017 by

By Bruce A. Smith The smoke came silently at night, drifting over Eatonville from the east. Around midnight our nearly-full moon turned a deep red-orange, indicating that the grit and gases from the eastern forest fires had filled the upper … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Smoke, Weather | 3 Comments

An Open-Letter to Houston

Posted on August 31, 2017 by

By Bruce A. Smith I’ve had some burning questions about Hurricane Harvey, particularly the flooding in Houston that no one in the media is addressing. Yes, the storm and the rescue of thousands is important and is being told well. … Continue reading →

Posted in Back East, Culture, Environment, Health, Nature, Self Reliance, Weather | 9 Comments