|
Our love for trees has limits. We love maples, we love pines, we love willows ... but now we are called on to develop an affection for cell towers disguised …
more
|
|
In last week’s Thurston’s Birds column, I claimed that looking for rare waterfowl visitors was the primary winter choice for dedicated ...
more
|
|
Have you ever been to Monday Night Jazz at the Eagles Lounge? Next week will be my first time, and I cannot wait to see what my friend ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
1/14/26
|
|
Stepping into Soul Cafe at New Traditions last Friday night, I immediately observed how vibrant, crowded, and joyous the atmosphere was. I would say ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
1/13/26
|
|
When I was 19 and going by a different name, I answered "yes” to an unpaid student internship at Evergreen's radio station before knowing what ...
more
|
|
On a Saturday afternoon in mid-December, I was driving through downtown Olympia when I saw a gray-haired man sprawled on his back on ...
more
|
|
There are definite limits if you want to go bird watching in mid-winter. The days are short, cold and damp, and most birds are ...
more
|
|
Part one of this guide described the ways you can save money and budget well to make performances a more regular part of your ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
1/8/26
|
|
Whether I am meeting a JOLT reader for the first time, or I am chatting with various friends and family, I can without a doubt claim that the ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
1/7/26
|
|
Just as predicted, Olympia Symphony Orchestra’s (OSO) “Dance” Masquerade Ball Concert really did help the Thurston County audience ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
1/6/26
|
|
The winter edition of The New Atlantis includes an essay by Charles C. Mann entitled, “We Live Like Royalty and Don’t Know It.” It is an introduction ...
more
|
|
The new year feels bittersweet for unexpected reasons. Looking at my calendar, I am so excited for all the performances that are ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
1/1/26
|
|
For many years as I drove from Bremerton to Olympia, I took the non-toll bridge route, State Highway 3, through Belfair and ...
more
|
|
The world says to never meet your heroes or to separate actors from characters in order to avoid disappointment. What a shame it would have ...
more
|
|
"You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout, I’m telling you why" — Pink Martini is coming to ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
12/30/25
|
|
One night years ago, driving from Seattle to Olympia with Montana’s Rappin’ Cowboy Chris Sand, Chris told me his godfather was dying and asked ...
more
|
|
Although seldom seen, nocturnal barn owls are one of the prominent avian species at our Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife ...
more
|
|
Throughout the holiday season, we have seen many wonderful performances in our beloved Thurston County, and what a gift each ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
12/24/25
|
|
What made my spirit bright last weekend was attending the sold out “Festive Spirits” events held by Theater Artists Olympia (TAO). Seeing this ...
more
By Rachel Benton
|
12/23/25
|
|
Well, it’s that time of year again where everyone who wants a certain or special gift writes a letter to ...
more
|