Local author Helen Collier spreads positivity at Lake Dolloff

Local author Helen Collier spoke to Lake Dolloff Elementary students on May 15 in the school
Andy Hobbs/Federal Way Mirror
Local author Helen Collier spoke to Lake Dolloff Elementary students on May 15 in the school's library. Students wrote their names on paper plates with the sentence 'I am important.'
Local author Helen Collier shared her storytelling wisdom and reminded dozens of kids to say to themselves “I am important” on May 15 at Lake Dolloff Elementary School.

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updated 1:51 PM May 17, 2013

The Lessons of the Moore Oklahoma Tornado

On Monday, an EF-5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma resulting in substantial loss of life, hundreds of injuries, and economic losses that will run into the billions of dollars.  The storm had winds reaching 200-210 mph, was on the ground for 17 miles, and was observed from 2:45-3:35 PM CDT (19:45-20:35 UTC).How did the National Weather...

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Blogs 10:31 PM May 21, 2013 Cliff Mass Weather Blog, a Community Blog

Weather Impacts of the Mount Saint Helens Eruption

Yesterday was the 33rd anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, an event that devastated the mountain and surroundings and caused terrible problems on nearby rivers.But there is another story of the eruption and one far less known:  its impact on local weather. The eruption produced a huge volcanic dust cloud that was mainly...

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Blogs 8:54 AM May 19, 2013 Cliff Mass Weather Blog, a Community Blog

Biking Dry

Today is bike to work day and thus there is no better time to discuss how you can bike on most days without fear of getting wet....or at least very wet.Yes, even here in the Pacific Northwest a little meteorological knowledge and technology can help you avoid those raindrops and enjoy a very pleasant ride...

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Blogs 10:28 PM May 17, 2013 Cliff Mass Weather Blog, a Community Blog

Show Biz Kids tap performance potential in Federal Way

Located in the Campus Business Center in Federal Way, Show Biz Kids is a family operated, non-auditioned show experience for kids ages 3 to 18.

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1:31 PM May 17, 2013

A New Chapter for U.S. Numerical Weather Prediction

Major news to report.The National Weather Service will be acquiring a radically more powerful computer system during the next year, one that could allow the U.S. to regain leadership in numerical weather prediction.  Used wisely, this new resource could result in substantial improvements in both global and regional weather predictions.Using 24 millions dollars from the...

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Blogs 11:35 AM May 15, 2013 Cliff Mass Weather Blog, a Community Blog

Mid-May Blow

A front associated with a line of thunderstorms and followed by very strong winds raked western Washington this afternoon, resulting in the loss of power to tens of thousands of homes and a major blockage of I5.WSDOT photo of a big tree blocking parts of I5First, what were the wind speeds like?  Here is a...

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Blogs 9:14 PM May 13, 2013 Cliff Mass Weather Blog, a Community Blog

Mother’s Day Special Forecast

I have gotten a number of inquiries about the weather on Mother's Day, particularly since the general forecasts have been on the wet side.I believe I can offer some good news for those of you with a little patience, tomorrow has real potential for a nice walk or barbecue (even if your mother is not...

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Blogs 12:21 PM May 11, 2013 Cliff Mass Weather Blog, a Community Blog

PHOTOS: Spring Into Action with Light of Christ garden

On May 4, The Light of Christ Community Garden held its first Spring into Action Walk/Run.

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updated 10:57 AM May 10, 2013

Brigadoon students impress Goodwill

Brigadoon Elementary School children got a firsthand lesson in living a “green” lifestyle as they collected and recycled gently used clothes and shoes.

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10:31 AM May 10, 2013

University Research Reveals the Secrets of Cold Drinks

As the weather warms and the outdoor picnic/barbecue season commences, there are few more important questions than how can I keep my drinks chilled?  And for the scientifically minded:  what processes control the temperatures of my cold beverages?   How many times have you taken a cold beer out of the cooler and found it lukewarm and...

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Blogs 10:09 PM May 9, 2013 Cliff Mass Weather Blog, a Community Blog

Community Blogroll

  • Cliff Mass Weather Blog
    Cliff Mass is a UW professor of Atmospheric Sciences. He blogs about the local in the Pacific Northwest.