Armadillos Are Like Your Gawky, Weird Little Sibling

THE BEACH TIMES — If armadillos were human, they might be likened to that stage of adolescence sometimes described as “awkward.” The small, cingulated creatures waddle around on tiny feet with oversized midsections and scales covering most of their body. They have mousy ears, pig-like snouts, and are not uncommonly the bearers of scraggily beards— females included. With squinty eyes and...

Frumpy Fowl Makes Bad Company

THE BEACH TIMES — As far as birds go, the robin might make a good dinner date. With her coquettish eyes and soft, auburn plumage, one imagines she would be pleasant company. The same could be said about the graceful swan, the peaceful dove, or the resonant nightingale—a creature whose seductive song has long inspired...

Poetry is an Eight-Legged Shuffle

THE BEACH TIMES — The migration of the land crab appears quite poetic. Each year thousands of magenta crustaceans descend to the streets, shiny backs glistening, where in tap-dance-like shuffles they cross towards the sea. THE BEACH TIMES — They often journey in early morning to avoid heat and cash in on the moisture, a trend that casts complimentary light on their backs. Adding to the enchantment, scientists confirm it is the moon that calls them seaward—a functional utility of...

Shark Tales: Keepers of the Deep Blue

THE BEACH TIMES — Behind a rocky marine crag a small fish hides—quiet, motionless and out of sight. There is no sound, movement, or light. Anywhere else on the planet the trembling creature would likely be safe, yet on the other side looms the shadow of...

Local Hospitals to Decide on Physician-Assisted Dying in Wake of Election

THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL — The Klickitat Valley Health (KVH) hospital is among local health care providers that will decide in the coming weeks how to respond to the passing of ballot measure I-1000, which allows doctors to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients. The practice, formerly called “doctor-assisted suicide,” is part of...