We have just experienced a unique two years — a COVID-19 pandemic period full of firsts, sorrows and, if we reflect, lessons we can use to improve ourselves. COVID-19 exposed how ill-prepared the government was to respond to a pandemic. Two weeks to “flatten the curve” turned into two years of mask-on/mask-off and other rules…
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A 35-foot panga boat washed ashore in north San Clemente early on Saturday, March 19, with authorities investigating it as likely evidence of human smuggling. The empty boat was pushed into the shore break as passersby on the beach path and surfers on the sand stopped at the unusual sight. A 35-foot boat washed ashore…
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Do you remember your worst nightmare? Or have the details faded over time? The human brain is programmed to instinctively dissociate from trauma, a critical survival mechanism during and after horrific experiences. But we must fight this instinct to take mental flight if we want to do more than merely survive the nightmarish events of…
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By The Associated Press LONDON — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a “turning point for the world,” arguing that victory for President Vladimir Putin’s forces would herald “a new age of intimidation.” Speaking to a Conservative Party conference on Saturday, Johnson claimed Putin was “terrified” that the example of…
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Excuse me, if I type while toweling off, but I needed a shower after reading the terms of Deshaun Watson’s $230 million totally guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Browns. One nifty feature is a base salary of a reported $1 million next year. The Browns wanted to protect Watson in case he’s suspended next season…
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Take a look at the moves the Miami Dolphins have made during the first week of NFL free agency: Coming OG Connor Williams — Agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal, which guarantees him $7.5M. The player: Williams, who is 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, started 51 of 57 games during his four seasons with the Cowboys,…
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I asked for experiences growing figs in a recent column. The responses testify to the toughness of the Mediterranean tree (Ficus carica) that bears them. “Thirty years ago I purchased a fig tree, supposedly a Brown Turkey, at the CSU Fullerton Green Scene. Potted it, and that year had a few delicious, light-skinned, pink flesh…
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This was well after Chris Bosh was honored at midcourt Friday night at FTX Arena for his induction prior to the season into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The moment came as Erik Spoelstra was walking back to the coaching suite following his team’s 120-108 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. There, coach…
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At the beginning of the pandemic, Roberta Boyers, 69, was scared. A simple trip to the grocery store had become a daring venture as coronavirus spread through Orange County. Compounding the fear of becoming sick with COVID-19, was her loneliness as her active community went on strict lockdown. She waited out the pandemic alone in…
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While I expressed my affection for Davide Martello, aka The German Piano Man, in last week’s column, now, just a scant week later I find myself needing to share my thoughts of awe and respect for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. This time is about sheer admiration. He fulfills my need for heroes of hope…
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