Archive By Section - Columnists
Red, white & green for Democrats in Denver
Media from all over the world descended upon Denver last weekend to kick off the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The media party was held at Elitch Gardens, an amusement park in the heart of Denver. The city may have been painted red, white and blue, but Denver was all about being green.
Helping the less fortunate
My sister, Cathy Horton Bagnall, recently passed away after a long, stoic battle with Machado-Joseph Disease. Cathy, once active and vibrant, had been reduced by this inherited illness to a life defined by paralysis, wheelchairs and hospital beds.
Bribery in politics unacceptable
An American tourist might be appalled by the way police take bribes throughout much of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Local customs in these parts of the world not only permit but condone payoffs to the police.
Idealism vs. realism in politics
It was November 1979. I was a major in the U.S. Air Force assigned to the office of the Secretary of Defense and had just been ordered by my boss to report to the Joint Operations Center in the bowels of the Pentagon to join a Crisis Action Team - or CAT, as we called it.
The things you learn when you tear apart our dropout numbers
Let us return to the topic of dropout rates in the Hart District. Over the past two weeks I further analyzed the public dropout data from the state Department of Education and spoke to representatives of the Hart district and of Opportunities for Learning, the district alternative high school charter school. I determined the Hart district accurately reported dropout data based upon the rules of the Education Department. I also concluded one could legitimately level ...
On Michael Phelps and the latest Breakfast of Champions
The Summer Olympics has always made for favorite family viewing at our house. Seeing the greatest athletes from around the world unite - along with the heartwarming reminder that grassy fields are far better unifiers than battlefields ever will be - definitely makes for spectator excitement and renewed hope for the Family of Man (and Woman). Speaking of hope, Michael Phelps' eight gold medals won in Beijing shines as a huge ray of optimism over ...
Old time fun at Silents
Is there a finer event in the Santa Clarita Valley than Silents Under the Stars? Where else can you have some of the tastiest barbecue (from Rattler's) and watch a silent Western starring Bill Hart set to an original score, while munching popcorn as the gentle breezes caress you as they move across La Loma de los Vientos (the Hill of the Winds)?
Life stranger than fiction
In one of the greatest cinematic accomplishments of the 20th century, "Men in Black" (1997), J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are chasing dangerous aliens around New York City. At one point, they lose the trail of their nemesis and are forced to consult the "hot sheets" - supermarket tabloids.
What’s found at the park stays
At the park the other day my 5-year-old son found a pine cone that he wanted to take home. I told him that what we find at the park stays at the park. Without even asking why, he dropped the pine cone, and we went home. Good boy.
Steelhead could return to local river
On July 25, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a document that could eventually return steelhead salmon to the Santa Clara River.
Bush may create new Cold War
The far right neoconservatives continue to get what they absolutely need to satisfy their basic needs: An enemy!
‘Assuming facts not in evidence’
Law school only teaches three things that one cannot learn elsewhere: The Rule Against Perpetuities, the Hearsay Rule, and my personal favorite: "Assuming Facts not in Evidence."
Buyoff or bunkum? Try buyoff
Well, folks, if you're not outraged by the buying of Councilwoman Laurie Ender's election seat, then we're all in trouble.
ISO: A magic wand for Santa Clarita’s seniors
Among the numerous reporter note pad destinations I've known through the years, one has always held a special place in my heart: The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center.
Our son’s in kindergarten
My 5-year-old son started kindergarten on Wednesday, and my wife and I were among the 2 million parents there to say goodbye forever to our precious little offspring.
Articles by Section - Columnists
Doug Patton: Red states should be careful what they wish for
Recently, Republican Governors Rick Perry of Texas and Terry Branstad of Iowa appealed to those wanting to flee liberal California.
Kevin Bayona: North Korea is a dangerous nuclear power
Many Americans may find it difficult to believe, but North Korea and its imperious leader, Kim Jong-un, have yet again hurled a threat to wipe South Korea and the United States off the face of the Earth with a nuclear strike.
Tom Purcell: Income Tax 101
Ah, the income tax preparation season is upon us.
David M. Shribman: On the lost art of letter-writing
He was getting older, he worried about losing his balance fishing on the end rocks, and his hearing was failing him. So was his short-term memory.
Gary Horton: More residents should find the Master Chorale
Think "inspiration." Think "spiritually beautiful." Think "melodically breathtaking."
Jim Mullen: Village Idiot
I know there are couples who enjoy cooking together and make it look like a well-rehearsed ballet. They savor the aroma of their secret recipe for wild salmon over lemon couscous, stir each other's soups and sample each other's sauces.
