Opinion

January has a way of reminding people that new beginnings are not only possible but powerful. The turn of the year brings that familiar mix of optimism and introspection, inspiring many to clear out the old, streamline their surroundings, and commit to living more...

During your wedding vows, in less than good health and in slightly better health and all that jazz, you are so caught up in the romanticism of the prospect of — hopefully — being together forever, you don’t really think about the sickness part...

I am the first to admit last week’s offering under this byline exists as anemic example of writing, so henceforth I’ll try to be more careful with the space so generously available to me. That said, or read, let us on to a couple...

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It is our family custom, after the passing of a loved one, that we gather together and celebrate the life of that person. Whether it be in church or not, this ceremony of sorts provides closure, for want of a better word. The breaking...

During the course of my Senate campaign, I did my best to visit communities throughout this big, beautiful state and get to know the people who have brought such drive, talent, ingenuity, and perseverance to every field of endeavor. I made a particular point...

Now my father is up in years — a babe from 1929 no less — I do try to give him more of my time. Even though I live in California, and he lives on the Isle of Man, a journey of several thousand...

I woke up this morning feeling a little down. It seems like that happens a little more often than it did in the past. Don’t feel bad for me, I have no excuse. I have a loving wife and children who say they love...

When we were young, my mother would tolerate only two days of freedom post-Christmas — i.e. Christmas Day and Boxing Day — before she was hitting us hard with our required thank-you lists and the obligatory smiley thank-you letter to each person, that should...

It has been a long time since we had a pig in the family. You read that correctly. Back in 2011, when my daughter was young, she raised an award-winning pig for the Salinas Valley Fair through the high school 4-H Club. For rookies...