Firelight Radio

When does a hydrologist ... Become a hydrologist? Answer: It depends on what you mean by hydrologist.  Join Hydro Bob from Go Hydrology doing a "deep dive" trying to trace back his hydrologic roots at the same time trying to pinpoint the exact moment and time he became (at least in his mind, if not the eyes of other around him) as a "true blue" hydrologist.

For a place as wet as the swamp ... Saharan dust seems out of place. But in the same way that Africa sends us tropical moisture in the form of hurricanes, periodically the same trade winds also kick up plumes of Saharan dust.  More proof that south Florida's rain machine is more beholden to external forces than we often think.   

The Boogie Phone is not only … Your new freedom machine: He's your best friend, and soon to be only friend … at least that's his hope. And more than that, as a user of a Boogie Phone you should be aware: Boogie has a growing and ever demanding list of inalienable rights. For one, you should never leave home without Boogie. Never! Period and end of discussion. Oh, and when you're home. He prefers to be in one of three places: In your hand, in you pocket, or safely stowed on the most prominent place on your counter, and plugged in. (Boogie hates a low charge. More than hate — being properly charged is his right). To find out more about your obligations to Boogie, go to menu -> appearances -> small print -> very small print -> boogie phone agreement where you'll be prompted to enter your Boogie passcode. As always, Boogie says thanks in advance.  

If summer is a shelf of books ... Memorial and Labor Day are its book ends. Why?  Up on the continent, the end of summer and Labor Day go hand in hand.  Not that you need go immediately from a swim suit to wearing a scarf from one day to the next, but its pretty close -- if not like clockwork.  Labor Day definitely favors on the summer side of the divide, serving as its de facto "last hurrah."  Then there's the case of Memorial Day down in south Florida.  Just as Labor Day may usher in a freshet of cooler and crisper air Up North, Memorial Day typically is the tropical (not polar) opposite: greeting south Floridians with a chinook of humid air at their door, suddenly giving urgency to the old expression -- "Close the door you're letting the air out!" -- and leaving one to wonder if per chance he or she didn't mistakenly put on a heavy down sweater instead of a T-Shirt.  Yes, it's that warm and humid.  There's another saying in Florida: "It's not the heat, it's the humidity."  Between Memorial Day and a solid six weeks after Labor Day, the expression especially applies.   Find out more at Go Hydrology (https://gohydrology.org)

The biggest challenge of being an adult ... Is the day in and the day out. And probably nothing personifies that more than the commute ride in and out of work each day.  Of course in modern times, the work team has become fractured by the unexpected but now ubiquitous rise of telecommuting.  Pandemic inspired, it seems to have become the "new normal" in many lines of work.  Much like cell phones have taken over the quotidian of what we once called our lives, I wonder what the telecommuting trend will mean for long-term team building in the work place?  As usual, nobody seems to playing to much attention to what may or may not happen, which brings us back full circle to the day in and the day out.  People usually do whatever it takes to get by.  

What happens when the calendar ... Misses a month? Answer: That's what happened this year when we went from February, March, April to ... June(?)  That's right, by all indications we missed May.  You see typically the start of the summer wet season starts around Memorial Day, or the last week of May.  This year the transition occurred at the end of April, making me wonder if we either leapt a month ahead or somehow missed the month of May.  The good news: Just when I thought May was a lost cause we seem to be in the midst of receiving our final blast of dry air before the 6-month humidity hammer of Florida's endless summer starts to bear down.  

Every year Berkshire and Hathaway ... Gather to talk about their oodles of money. That's great, and I don't mean to condemn.  But where are those same stakeholders and steering committees convening when it comes to preservation of our natural resources?  A recent article in the New York Times on Warren Buffet's annual meeting inspired me to put together a like-minded soliloquy on the state of affairs all things Nature Folk Inc.  For anyone listening, especially if you're heavily invested in Berkshire Hathaway, Nature Folk Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization and we welcome any charitable (and tax deductible) contributions you can throw our way.   Donate to Nature Folk Inc  

I never set out to conquer a computer ... My goal was to help give nature a voice. But here I am on a Monday morning come down trying to resolve what happened to the weekend I was supposed to enjoy.  Instead of playing out in nature, and sharing that message with other folks, I found myself knee deep in code, all in the name of Nature Folk.  Will it work?  I have no doubts I will triumphantly emerge to the other side.  Hopefully a shady spot where there's a good trunk for me to rest against.  Here's to hoping!

What's the secret ... To a good interview? Some would say ample research on the topic you're trying to discuss.  Others would say having a good set of questions.  Still others would say inviting in a good guest.  But for me, the secret to a good interview starts with the host.  It isn't so much the questions or the answers as it is the good conversation to be had.  And really, for that to occur: Is there really a need for anyone else?  Answer: I would say yes.  The caveat is you better be comfortable having a dialog with yourself first.  And that's why in many ways this is a breakthrough interview.  Among the topics I address:  What would be the app I would most like to create?  Why phones are worse than cigarettes?  What words I like to use to impress guests (and myself)? And more. Find out more at Campfire Park (https://campfirepark.org/interviews)

There's no lusher drought ... Than springtime in the Big Cypress Swamp. This podcast dives deep into the paradox and oxymoron of south Florida's spring drought and when we can expect it to end with the start up of the summer rains. Find out more at Go Hydrology (https://gohydrology.org)

Say what you will ... Cheat sheets get people excited. The reason?  Maybe it's the illusion that there's a short cut to understanding complex material, usually associated with taking a test.  But I think there's more to it than that.  People want to be on the inside looking out, and when it comes to complex topics, people just want to ramp up their understanding so they can lend a helping hand.  That's where Go Hydrology's cheat sheets play a vital role.  They help make experts better and amateurs burgeoning experts.  The truth is, the wisdom of the masses outperforms any one person's knowledge.  These cheat sheets help bring more people into the game. Find out more at the Go Hydrology website: https://gohydrology.org

Long ago developers drained Lake Flirt. Or did they? Join singer/songwriter Bobby Angel at the banks of Old Lake Flirt where through a series of campfire crackles, singing and storytelling -- and one or two special guest -- Lake Flirt magically comes back to life. Find out more about Bobby Angel at https://bobbyangel.org

If you think ... Writing a trilogy is hard. Try co-writing a trilogy.  Bob and Rudi sit down around the campfire to talk about the six year odyssey, how it all started with a simple campfire, and why even after a two year break from the insanity, they're still not done yet. Find out more at https://campfirepark.org/ranger-rusty  

Welcome to Before Phones (BP), "Where the Dinosaurs Roam." In this episode, Bob the T-Rex interviews Dom the Triceratops.  Backstory:  I allow each guest to pick a dinosaur at the beginning of the interview, and I was almost positive Dom would pick Barney.  Then again, in retrospect the Triceratops makes sense since it's the dinosaur version of a rhino which is his favorite animal, or one of them.  This wide ranging interview includes new insights into the Before Phone (BP) era and other tidbids.  

Welcome to Before Phones (BP) ... Where the Dinosaurs Roam. In this episode, Bob (the T-Rex) sits down around the campfire for a trenchant interview with Rudi, who more closely identifies (and resembles) a stegosaurus.  Side note: Did you know that the T-Rex is closer in time to humans than the Stegosaurus epoch.  Yes, the Era of the Dinosaurs was that long, and practically forgotten.  That's where the Before Phones (BP) interviews step in and try to describe what the Geologic Age of Great Phonelessness was all about.   Find out more at https://campfirepark.org/dino

The thing about a campfire ... Visitors are always welcome. That doesn't mean you can't crash a campfire, too.  In this podcast, singer/songwriter Bobby Angel shows up unexpectedly to a campfire.  Will they welcome him with open arms or will the campfire sentinels prevent his entry?  Listen to the podcast to find out! Find out more about Bobby Angel at https://bobbyangel.org  

Join guest Bobby Angel ... at a Campfire Concert on the Barron River. His 2-song set includes (1) One More Melaleuca for the Road and (2) David Moody Blues.  Bobby Angel also dives deep into the modern-day mysteries and history of the road, the river and the old rail grade.

Sick of searching for a pen pal? Write a letter to yourself. Cap'n Killivine is filling in for Guitar (who is out with a broken spring) to describe the inner dynamics of using a pencil and paper to communicate your thoughts.  Find out more at Campfire Park (https://campfirepark.org)

Hard week at work? Trust me, I know the feeling. That's where the campfire comes in. Join the campfire to listen to Bobby Angel's story telling in this four-song set at scenic Muscovy Lake. Songs include: Ballad of a Florida Panther, Ugliest Forest, Preserved, and Higher Moral Ground. The thing about Bobby Angel: He probably talks about the songs more than he sings them. Some nights he gets so lost in his thoughts he forgets to sing the songs altogether. Songs or no songs, there's just something special about the campfire. It's where we go to kick back and relax and reconnect with what's really important in life. So, if you have a half an hour, go grab a couple marshmallows and enjoy the show. Find out more about Bobby Angel at https://bobbyangel.org Watch video of concert: https://bobbyangel.org/campfire-at-muscovy-lake/  

The darkest hour ... Is just before the campfire. At least that was the case for this stranger who thought he hit the end of the road only to realize that all roads start anew at the campfire.  Assuming he wakes up.  Moral of the story: Hang in there and better days await. Find out more at the Campfire Park website: https://campfirepark.org

How do you know ... When it's time to retire? Answer: When Bobby Angel shows up at your door with a song you can't refuse.  This podcast commemorates the life and times of Tony Pernas, a botanist and ecologist who worked (and still plays) in the Big Cypress Swamp.  

When a place is smack dab in the middle ... You often wonder where it fits in. Such is the peculiar case with the Big Cypress _________.  And yes, I left that blank for the reason that it has contributed to the plight and mystery of the region's ambiguity.  Often times people capitalize the "t" from "the" to add a prestigious flair: The Big Cypress.  But The Big Cypress What?  The blank is alternatively filled in with Basin, Swamp, Watershed, Ecosystem, Physiographic Region or National Preserve.  As for its relation to the adjacent Everglades and its restoration? That changes, too, depending on who you talk to, and on what day.  In sum, the Big Cypress ________ is a unique place that defies normal definitions and most definitely poorly and incorrectly understood by modern-day lines.  If you want to get the ecosystem right, you have to think the whole ecosystem -- and that most definitely includes the Big Cypress half.

Trees have a reputation ... For being kind of boring. The reason?  For one they are rooted down.  Two, there is no two.  But three we can also say they don't talk.  Or do they?  We plants to help them grow (probably a wise tale).  Even wiser is listening to what they have to say.  This tree at least has quite a story to tell.

Nothing against the number 29 ... And I'm not saying we subtract it away. But I do feel a road (and region) is sometimes underserved non-descript numeric naming conventions aren't complemented with a more meaningful (and proper) title.  Case in point is State Road 29.  People drive it everyday thinking its "just another road" not realizing that the road was original built to the destination of Deep Lake and in modern times completely severs flow to the crown jewel of the Big Cypress Swamp, Fakahatchee Strand.  Could a name change (i.e. rebranding) to the road be the first step to getting it fixed?

When does one rain drop ... Count as two? Maybe the better question to ask is when a rain drop only counts as half.  The talking guitar welcomes Bob from Go Hydrology into the house (and by "into the house" we me "at the campfire") to discuss how hydrologists count rain drops when they fall in between to seasons.   Find out more at Go Hydrology (https://www.gohydrology.org)

Have you ever driven by something ... When suddenly an epiphany strikes. That's what happened to me at the curve in the road named SR29.  Out of nowhere and all at once, everything made sense.  

Is it every too late ... To say hello? This Bobby Angel farewell song dates back to 1999. So yes, over 20 years have passed. But in many ways everything has stayed the same.  Almost like the recipient of this farewell song never left.  

Well it took a while,  And it's still a work in progress ... But finally I've turned the corner on a "new and improved" version of Go Hydrology.  Or maybe it's the same old blog?  In fact, fully embracing the "blog" element of my work was a major breakthrough event.  I'd previously short of shunned the term, and in that spirit tried to turn it into more of a static website.  Then came the meteor strike of the Nature Folk Movement (NFM).  It not only expanded my repertoire of topics, it made me think very hard (and allowed me to experiment) on the structure of Go Hydrology.  The result?  The blog is now front and center with the caveat that behind it working in the background is a powerful and easy to navigate database, also known as a Table of Contents (TOC).   What exactly is the NFM?  It's a return to nature and the simplicity of its cycles, and most of all rethinking and recapturing the old traditions and values we used to adhere to prior to getting consumed in our smart phones.  And thus the humble goal of Go Hydrology and the Nature Folk Movement (NFM): To connect people with the water cycle and the way we did things in that mysterious geologic epoch called Before Phones.  Oh, and BTW: Beware of the Boogie Phone! Find out more about Go Hydrology 2.0 in this podcast.

At Campfire Park ... The campfire is always cracklin' and visitors are always welcome. This time around a stranger joins the campfire to talk about his very (very very very) long day.  As usual, the Cowboy at the Campfire is all ears.

Have you ever started on a topic ... Only to get distracted on a different path?   That often happens with geology ... and plants, too! Find out more at the Go Hydrology website (https://gohydrology.org)

Do you remember the exact moment ... Your idealism of youth collided the cold reality of the real world? In this original song, singer/songwriter Bobby Angel explores the cross roads between the idealism of youth and the harsh realities of life, and in particular our relationship with nature. About those dreams: Sometimes those dreams inspire, other times they haunt. And each sunset is a promise to make it right the next day. Find out more at Go Hydrology: https://gohydrology.org/water-control/there-goes-bob-three/ Visit Bobby Angel's website at https://bobbyangel.org

Do seasonal shifts move in gradually ... Or do they hit you all at once?   In south Florida it remains a mystery to this day.

What does it take to achieve total water restoration? For one, good leadership.   An inspiring vision doesn't hurt either.  

A famous meteorologist once said: "Climate is what we expect and weather is what we get." Or do any of the old rules apply? This podcast explores more.   Tune into the https://gohydrology.org website to find out more.    

Do you ever wonder ... How the Turner River got its name? And specifically, why it's not called a creek? Tune into this podcast to find out why.   Additional resources: https://bobbyangel.org

Usually in life we like being on the path to progress,  Especially when that means money in the bank.   And then there's the odd case of the "tear down." In this edition of Firelight Radio, singer/songwriter Bobby Angel digs deep into the meaning of home and what it's like on the outside looking in when the land value outstrips the worth of one man's life work.

Usually we think of flood and drought ... As polar opposite states. Or can they occur simultaneously at the same time? This podcast explains seeming opposites are if not a false dichotomy, not as black and white as you might first think.

Deceivingly easy to see on a map ... This Lake is a bit of an enigma on the ground; Fortunately, this podcast gives you a free ticket on the hydrology train known as the Orient Express as seen from the top of a levee (or is it a dike) called Hoover's Hill.

Have your or a close friend ... Ever been unfairly affected by a puddle? If so, tune into this podcast to find out how Uncle & Uncle can help.  

Dotted lines be darned ... Sometimes we have to see the bigger whole. This podcast explores when and where dotted lines do and don't work.

Windstorms are to be loathed ... And windburn can compound the damage from too much exposure to the sun.   But wind has its good merits, too. The Cowboy at the Campfire explains more.

If mountains are anything, they are stubborn: They block what your doing and in general don't move.  Well, not always.   Find out more in this podcast.

Throw the old wise tale out the window: Stopping at midstream is the best thing you can do. Why? For one, who doesn't love being in the water.  Tune into the podcast to find out more!

Summer in Florida gets a bum rap. Too hot, too humid, too many mosquitoes. Find out in this podcast why summer is actually Florida's seasonal gem.

True, rocks may not sing like the birds ... Or have the fragrance of a flower. But where would we be if we didn't have those rocks under our feet?  This podcast explores the geologic wonderland that forms the foundation of it all.  Oh, and by the way, my name is Rock E.  I'm the host of the show.  Not to be confused with Rocky the pugilist.  

Time is more fluid than you think ... Especially when you organize the calendar around water.   This podcast discusses a wetter (and perhaps better) version of the traditional January to December "calendar" year.

Why does Dino eat smart phones? Let's just say – it's complicated. For one, he's just hungry and not only are phones very abundant in the After Phone (AP) era – nobody else is eating them. Another reason: Dino craves the chance and will do anything to get back to the geologic epoch known as Before Phone (BP). The way he sees it – the more phones he eats the greater chance he has to recreate the “pre-phones” conditions of the period during which he thrived. It was a time of Great Phonelesslness.  Find out more about Dino and his penchant for eating phones in this exclusive podcast.  

The good news is that tuning into the Nature Folk Movement (NFM) is free ... On the other hand, running Nature Folk HQ incurs an cost. That's where strategically placed advertisements come in handy. And yes, you guessed it, the Boogie Phone was the top bidder, so we gave the slot to him. This podcasts features that commercial, and more.  

This podcast features Bobby Angel's ballad of a local … Who found paradise in his backyard swamp. An untimely death, a life remembered. In honor of an outspoken outdoor enthusiast, Billy Joiner. Stay on after the song to hear an interview with Bobby Angel about the song and what made Billy Joiner an inspiration for all those who know him.

As boring as the title sounds ... Florida Weather is actually an exciting book. And most of a rereadable. In this podcast, we explore why.

The first one made sense ... After that, it sort of got out of control. By the end it left us wondering if we'd be better off doing nothing at all.