Opinion

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.

A little political lesson from Wile E. Coyote | Whale’s Tales

In a series of rules that Wile E. Coyote’s creator, Chuck Jones, laid down in 1948 to guide Warner Brothers’ stable of animators and writers,… Continue reading

 

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.

Principles and ideas that are worth standing by | Whale’s Tales

In a recent Whale’s Tales, I criticized the present administration in Washington, D.C. — not for its goals, but for the methods it is using… Continue reading

 

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.

LA’s wildfires must spark change in our neck of the woods | Brunell

The hurricane-force winds fueling fast-moving Southern California wildfires have exasperated firefighters in western states for over a century. They quickly turn small wildfires into raging… Continue reading

  • Jan 30, 2025

 

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.

Is the Northwest ready for our ‘Big One?’ | Brunell

When President Biden warned FEMA does not have enough money to finish the hurricane season let alone the entire year, it was surprising. Suddenly, we… Continue reading

  • Oct 19, 2024
Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.

Combing through this current follicle challenge | Whale’s Tales

I feared the day when passersby on the streets would start in with, “Hey, get a look at Uncle Fester there!” or “What’s cookin’, Kojak?!”

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.

Thoughts on Memorial Day and the ultimate sacrifice | Brunell

On Memorial Day, we traditionally honor Americans in our military who gave their lives in battle for our country. It is called the “ultimate sacrifice,”… Continue reading

  • May 27, 2024
Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.

In search of fairness, morals and good sportsmanship | Whale’s Tales

Ah, the Golden Rule. We all know it: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And it’s been on my mind… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.

If you’re right, and you know it, then read this | Whale’s Tales

As the poet Theodore Roethke once wrote: “In a dark time the eye begins to see…”

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.

The key thing is what we do with our imperfections | Whale’s Tales

I have said and done many things of which I am not proud. That is, I am no golden bird cheeping about human frailties from some high branch of superhuman understanding.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.

Grappling with the finality of an oncologist’s statement | Whale’s Tales

Perhaps my brain injected a bit of humor to cover the shock. But I felt the gut punch.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.
Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Legislature back in session next week | Cartoon

State lawmakers return Jan. 8 to Olympia.

  • Jan 6, 2024
Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Santa doesn’t drive a Kia | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers.

  • Dec 24, 2023
Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Salute to veterans | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

On Veterans Day, honor those who served your country.

  • Nov 11, 2023
Cartoon by Frank Shiers
File photo

Why you should vote in the upcoming election | Guest column

When I ask my students when the next election is, frequently they will say “November 2024” or whichever presidential year is coming up next.

  • Oct 21, 2023
File photo
Jesus Edwardo Sanchez makes mezcal and tequila. Courtesy photo

Cultivating culture and spirits: The untold story of a mezcal-making Mexican farmer

By Jayendrina Singha Ray, Guest columnist

  • Oct 13, 2023
Jesus Edwardo Sanchez makes mezcal and tequila. Courtesy photo
Robert Whale can be reached at rwhale@soundpublishing.com.

Here’s a column for anyone who loves their dog | Whale’s Tales

It is plain to me in looking at dogs small and large that a decent share of them are exemplars of love on Earth, innocents who love unconditionally and love their chow.

Robert Whale can be reached at rwhale@soundpublishing.com.
Robert Whale can be reached at rwhale@soundpublishing.com.

Please protect your children from BS spreaders | Whale’s Tales

Among the most useful things I studied in college were debate, and deceptive messaging in advertising. Those two subjects taught me about fallacies, about valid… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at rwhale@soundpublishing.com.
Email editor@kentreporter.com.

It’s time to change Kent’s City Council elections to districts | Guest column

If you were asked who your city councilmembers are, would you have an answer?

  • Oct 3, 2023
Email editor@kentreporter.com.
Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.

Dear government: Hold your horses when regulating trucks | Brunell

Next to gasoline and diesel, natural gas also has the greatest number of refueling stations.

  • Sep 30, 2023
  • By Don C. Brunell
Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Mariners get red hot | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers

  • Sep 1, 2023
Cartoon by Frank Shiers