Category Archives: Nature

A Covid Journal – Day 17, Friday, March 27, 2020: Dylan’s dirge strikes a chord in quarantine

Posted on March 27, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith Bob Dylan released a new song today titled, “Murder Most Foul.” It’s a studio production of Bob’s stream of consciousness review of all the dramas of the past fifty years, starting with JFK’s assassination. As such, … Continue reading →

Posted in Covid-19, Culture, Nature, Politics, Self Reliance | 4 Comments

A Covid Journal – The Great Calm: Day 13, Monday, March 23, 2020

Posted on March 23, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith As my second week in quarantine comes to a close, I feel a great calm emerging upon the land. Life is simpler, the world quieter. There is less traffic, less air pollution, less hustle and bustle. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bethel News, Covid-19, Culture, Graham News, Kapowsin, Mount Rainier, Nature, Politics, Self Reliance | 6 Comments

Philmont – the National Boy Scout Ranch cherished by millions of Americans – is put in hock to pay BSA debts

Posted on December 6, 2019 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith I was a camper at Philmont Scout Ranch when I was sixteen-years old, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my youth. As a kid growing up in suburban New York, I had … Continue reading →

Posted in Boy Scouts, Campfire Tales, Culture, Nature, Wauwepex | 4 Comments

Election Day, 2018 – One Man’s Predictions

Posted on November 5, 2018 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith I think tomorrow’s elections will reveal a growing Red Tide in our country as opposed to the hoped-for Blue Wave. As one Republican strategist declared on “The Circus,” a weekly Showtime political show, the Democrats will … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Culture, Environment, Health, Nature, Politics, Ramtha, Resistance and Justice, Smoke, Spirituality, The New Physics, Weather | 13 Comments

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

Posted on March 22, 2018 by brucesmith49

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 brucesmith49

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 brucesmith49

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

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

Posted on September 8, 2017 by brucesmith49

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

An Open-Letter to Houston

Posted on August 31, 2017 by brucesmith49

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

Smoke and Heat Return, Regional and Local Fires Contribute

Posted on August 29, 2017 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith The smoke, and concomitant temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s, returned to Eatonville again this week. Air quality began to deteriorate on Monday, August 28 and worsened today, Tuesday, with WAQA Index readings from … Continue reading →