Aren’t these Olympic Games exciting? They surely are, but can we talk about two unsettling aspects? The first is the constant “medal count” comparisons, one nation against another. Yes, the individual athletes, as well as the athletes in swimming relays or rowing “eights,” are proud... Continue
Editorials
Now, there’s a phrase with mixed emotions! It brings back warm memories for us. We remember the great anticipation, the new clothes, and the fresh school supplies .... Okay, we also remember the trepidation, about the new teachers, the new kids, and the new challenges.... Continue
A modern phrasing for the Christian creed? A New Age mantra, perhaps, or a Hannah Montana song title? We wouldn’t have guessed, but it’s the slogan on Coca-Cola cans! Yes, the world’s largest purveyor of sweetened, carbonated water is now promoting how we can all... Continue
The recent decision by the California Supreme Court to recognize marriage between two persons of the same sex has been much in the news, and readers know we aren’t afraid to tackle controversial topics. This is such a one. Let’s start with a definition upon... Continue
Actually, we’re GIVING the idea away – right now, right here. Read on ... We Americans tend to think that our meat comes from glass cases at the market. But it doesn’t, really. It comes from animals, who were alive for a while and then... Continue
What better sign of the end of the world than fire? We saw burning skies in Francis Ford Coppola’s famous movie, and we read about them in the Revelation of John in the Bible. We couldn’t help but think of those references these past few... Continue
Yep, that’s true. We know that, intellectually. So why does it bother us so much, each time it’s proven true? Some might say that’s the occasion of reaching adulthood, when a young person realizes that “life ain’t fair.” But even as adults, it seems we’re... Continue
Everyone enjoys something slightly different about July 4, and at times past we’ve been especially excited about the fireworks, or the parade, or the hot dogs. With the holiday tomorrow, we do hope that everyone can slow down and enjoy some reflective time. Ah, would... Continue
We who seek to serve the public via the free press admire those who also serve the public by holding government office without pay. An often thankless task, we understand, but an essential one. Here in Sonoma, several more such public servants will be needed... Continue
Joan Huguenard takes us out of our personal comfort zone. And that can be a good thing. That’s the case with the periodic topic for “just joan”: the Middle East. We take no active side in the battle over homeland in Palestine. We have shaken... Continue