Author: Tom
February 9, 1964
Sixty-one years ago today, the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. For those of us around then, we had been hearing and singing their music from our AM radios – but to see them perform (in…
Good Riddance
I did not vote for either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. I wish our political system could produce real leaders, whatever their personal failings, as opposed to demagogues and political hacks. But unfortunately, we have presidents like Bill Clinton, George…
Compassion in the Time of Fire
I’ve never been to Los Angeles. The closet I came was on a coast-to-coast trip many decades ago – when I was driving from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Vallejo, California, where I was to attend Navy Nuclear Power School. The…
Jimmy Carter RIP
Jimmy Carter died Sunday (December 29th, 2024) at 100 years old. With his death, there have been many commentaries on his life, his presidency, and his post-presidential life. By all accounts, his personal life and his post-presidential life were exemplary…
King Tides and Bomb Cyclones
Many people – well, at least those living near a coast – have heard of king tides. King tides, which actually isn’t an official NOAA term, are the bigger siblings of spring tides. To clear this up a bit. …
Happy Thanksgiving 2024
Perhaps more than any recent year, this is a day to give thanks for those you love and those who love you. And between football games; parades; too much turkey and dressing; and (hopefully) brief political arguments – say a…
Happy 15th Birthday Oliver!
Oliver turned 15 today – the oldest of any dog we’ve had. He’s slowed a bit and his hearing (particularly low frequencies) has diminished – but he still charges out the door with his brother Henry; still likes his walks;…
Thoughts on the Election
The 2024 election is over, more or less – with a number of seats in the House of Representatives still to be decided. But it’s clear Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States – only being…
Fly Shop Rant: The Challenge of Small Retail
Spawn Fly Fish is a small retail fly shop in Ilwaco, Washington (Ilwaco is in far southwest Washington near Cape Disappointment and the Columbia River). Josh, the founder of Spawn Fly Fish, talks about the challenges of wholesale pricing and…
Grizzly 399 RIP
Perhaps the most famous bear in the Rockies was killed Tuesday night (October 22, 2024). Grizzly 399, a female, was beloved and admired by many over the many years of her life. She was 28 years old – a long…