Guest Column | Food Security is Critical to Economic and National Security on Californiaās Central Coast
The agricultural stretch of Californiaās Central Coast along the Salinas Valley is often called the āSalad Bowl of the World,ā and for good reason. It supplies over 60% of the nationās lettuce and substantial portions of strawberries, spinach and broccoli. But beyond the fertile...
Window on the World Column | Opening Up the World
Two canceled flights and two Covid tests later, and it looked like the U.S. to U.K, flight might finally be happening. It would have to be via L.A. with a layover, but it beat the boat any day and I would take it. As...
Window on the World Column | Mapping to Cowboy Country
You cannot be in Idaho without thinking potato. For most of the uninformed world, that is its claim to fame. We noted on the map that husbandās tribe, The Blackfoot or Blackfeet tribe, had their own town of Blackfoot on our route and, not...
Funny Papers Again Column | A Long Look Back: A Seniorās Prerogative
For those of us with multiple decades behind us as we continue our personal journeys toward some inevitable end, it seems the compulsion increases to reminisce about the time known as the Holiday Season. Or maybe it is just me.
How the marked days at...
Worthy to Print Column | How Was Your Christmas?
I donāt know if I will see you or speak to you before Good Old Santa comes sliding down the chimney. I like to tell folks āMerry Christmasā during this holiday. I sometimes forget to say it if the conversation is short. But most of...
Funny Papers Again Column | Fear and Loathing in America: The Grift Goes On
Because yesterday, Tuesday, March 19, was the Equinox, that happily makes this morning the first day of Spring and a long-established ritual assigned to this time of year is Spring Cleaning. In keeping with this What-Stays-What-Goes protocol, I have scrapped all my scraps. There...
Guest Column | Monterey County Free Librariesā 5 Things to Celebrate in October
Happy October! We have officially entered fall in October, the best time of the year, and here are things we are celebrating this month.
1. The Inktober Challenge! During the month of October, we challenge anyone and everyone to pick up a pen or pencil...
Guest Column | Movement is Medicine: The Lifelong Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is one of the best activities you can engage in for long-term health. It is a powerful and natural tool that enhances vitality and well-being throughout life. It builds strong foundations in childhood, supports stress management and physical health in adulthood, and impacts...
Guest Column | Letās Not Neglect Our Real Hearts This February
We all live in a brainiac world, to be sure, but the heart remains the emotional, spiritual center of our being. Itās still such a symbol of love and emotion, with our language sprinkled with metaphors invoking the heart as the source of empathy,...
Worthy to Print Column | Music, the Great Unifier
You know, it is tough to find good music. When was the last time you were serenaded by a professional artist? Yesterday, my beautiful bride surprised me with a serenade at the Golden State Theater over in Monterey. The star of the show was...





















