Opinion

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

 

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?!”

 

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

 

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

Organized thoughts about my second fight with cancer | Whale’s Tales

It is 12:35 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3. I am one of 21 people, young and old, men and women settled into tall chairs in… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at rwhale@soundpublishing.com.
(Photo courtesy of Plymouth Housing)

Approve Prop. 1: Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy | Guest column

Karen Lee, a U.S. Army veteran and CEO of Plymouth Housing, shares why King County voters should vote to approve Proposition 1.

  • Jul 28, 2023
(Photo courtesy of Plymouth Housing)
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.

Bumper cherry crop sweetens WA’s farm economy | Brunell

The good news is this state’s cherry crop looks good — a marked improvement over 2022. It is sweetening our farm economy, especially for cherry… Continue reading

  • Jul 16, 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.