Archive By Section - Editorial
Blown away by handheld device
I parked my ample butt on the granite steps and waiting in the shade of a campus building. As good as his word, Dan Hanson of Olympus Innov-X came to meet me to show me a real-life device that reminded me of Spock's tricorder in "Star Trek."
Support is key when dealing with disabilities
My very first job was working at a home for physically and developmentally disabled children. I started out in the laundry room, then worked my way to the kitchen and, finally, became a certified nurse's aide.
High school reunion success story
There was a moment that stood out during my 10-year high school reunion last weekend. It happened after people had some food and a few drinks, and the banquet hall was overwhelmed with loud chatter and pop-fueled '90s music. I was standing next to a friend and said the first thing that came to mind.
A lot can happen in 10 years
Ten years ago, I was nervously sitting in the back row of my high school graduating class. I had to, since my last name put me there. Why was I nervous? Was it because I was scared about the life I was going to lead in the coming years? No. I was nervous because I didn't want to trip and fall after I was handed my fake diploma ...
America without optimism
Of the only man ever elected four times to the White House, the historian James MacGregor Burns wrote: "If other leaders bent under the burdens of power, Roosevelt shouldered his with zest and gaiety. He loved being president. ... The variegated facets of the presidential job called for a multitude of different roles, and Roosevelt moved from part to part with ease and confidence." FDR's optimism was contagious. <span style="line-height: ...
Burning our own fuels
The Gulf oil spill has shown us just one of the downsides of petroleum. That makes the mind of even a geologist like me turn to several questions about the future. Could we Americans grow more of our own fuel – enough to run a number of our cars, trucks and airplanes? And, quite importantly, could we do so without displacing food crops like corn?
The un-recession
Good news. The folks in charge of such things announced this week that the recession is over. Actually, it's been over for some time. It officially ended in June 2009, according to the Business-Cycle Dating Committee of the National Bureau of Economic Research, which is responsible for making such determinations. As of then, our national output stopped declining and started increasing, along with a number of other key ...
The pursuit of the perfect me
A decade ago I retreated to a mountain cabin with a group of professional women. One thing led to another and soon we were having a bonding experience that I'll never forget - absent the "Kumbaya" song and campfire.
The party is — finally — over
After three years, California State University, Stanislaus' 50th anniversary celebration is finally coming to an end.
Does the turnaround model really work?
In an effort to bring Cunningham Elementary's dismal tests scores up, the Turlock Unified School District administration decided to use the turnaround model at the school voluntarily - before test scores dropped so much it became state mandated.
Zen and art of political machine maintenance
Jerry Brown has a secret plan to balance the California state budget. When the state attorney general and Democratic gubernatorial nominee recently visited the San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board, he brought with him a large three-ring binder with his ideas on how to bring state spending back into the black. But he wouldn't tell us what was in the book.
Record-breaking generosity
On Thursday afternoon I let my fingers do the walking - but not through the Yellow Pages. Instead I spent some time reading the "Guinness World Book of Records."
Book burning
Here's a really bad idea: Burn the Koran to send a message.
All aboard!
As a Midwest transplant, one thing I have found to be true with most Californians is their love of travel. Many of my neighbors and co-workers spend their weekends sightseeing, attending festivals and enjoying the great outdoors all around the state.
A heart for my family
I'm going to let the cat out of the bag…my given name is Pina. Pennie is my nickname. I was named after Grandpa Pino and my maiden name is Skittone. Have you guessed that I'm Italian? I'm proud of my family heritage and yes, Skittone Road in Modesto was named after my Great Uncle Johnny.
Articles by Section - Editorial
Life without Facebook
Today marks my fifth day of being Facebook-less.
Our daily bread in 2050
These are the good times.
Let’s help lawmakers with their impossible task
Recently, the Pew Research Center released a poll gauging public sentiment on the nation's three big entitlement programs: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most Americans believe the programs are in trouble and need to be completely rebuilt or changed substantially. But an even stronger majority wants the programs' benefits to be left alone.
For the love of books
The news that Turlock's Borders bookstore will be closing its doors is not only a tragedy to the city's economic development, but also a hit to literacy.
Give in to fair nostalgia
The Ferris wheel - an icon of fair fun - is once again making its rounds above Turlock and the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.
My view on the 2011 budget negotiations
After being involved in this year's budget negotiations, a lot of people have been asking for my opinion of what went wrong. I haven't said much before now because I spent all of my time trying to work on the details of a solution, rather than attacking people in the press. Even after setbacks and frustrations, I remained quiet because I saw no value in fighting with the people I ...
Fighting the good fight
In a time when getting by with less money and fewer resources is the norm and every other week a government agency is cutting more employees and services, it's nice to know there are people still out there fighting the good fight.
A second chance at athletics
There's no doubt that the realm of sports continues to influence our society. Not only does remarkable athletic ability in itself appear to impress folks near and far, but we consistently put those individuals with great physical health and strength on a pedestal of nobility. Athletes seem to represent high artistry, striking character, and grand fortune – regularly setting standards and creating ideals to which we, the public, aim to ...
Helping Americans through natural disasters
These past months have brought tough times for folks across the nation. Unusual weather patterns – too much water in some places, not enough elsewhere – have driven thousands of Americans from their homes, and threatened their livelihoods.
Getting away with murder
Casey Anthony killed her daughter. She may not have meant to, and she may have been much more interested in her own social life than in her daughter's well-being, but I have absolutely no doubt that she was responsible for her daughter's death.
Sounding the alarm: New Melones could go dry
With recent rains filling the State reservoirs and the above average snowpack in the Sierra, Governor Jerry Brown declared California's three-year drought officially over on March 31 of this year. While the "state of emergency" may be over, the problem is not going away. Anyone who has lived in the Valley for the last decade knows that next year could see a return to below normal rainfalls and snow. ...
Tip o’ the cap to the TUSD Board of Trustees
I just wanted to extend a tip of the cap to the Turlock Unified Board of Trustees for their proactive approach to forming new trustee districts. I feel they did a fine job of doing it.
A First Amendment victory
I'm not sure why legislators in California think they need to take on the role of parents to the state's millions of children.
How to love your job: remember the good times
Noelia could always make a teacher's day, so I was glad to do the same for her. A 17-year-old who moved to the country just recently, she told me she felt badly about her command of English.
The sound of jackhammers does not count as notification
If the City of Turlock opted to develop an affordable housing complex fewer than 500 feet from your home, would you expect to be notified?
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