Columnists

This November’s general election ballots aren’t even printed, and I’m already hearing ads about Proposition 32. It’s clear that Prop 32 will be a heated issue in the upcoming election.

Another dog has claimed me as her human. It took three months after the death of my beloved Pumpkin for that inner voice to tell me, “I think you’re ready.” It’s sooner than I anticipated, but there was a void left behind - an emptiness that I knew could be filled by saving the life of another dog. I simply had to wait for my grief to ease and my heart to open enough to welcome a new companion home.

South Valley Civic Theatre recently celebrated its 44th season at the annual People’s Choice Awards Show where Rob Barham and Kel Whisner, as Masters of Ceremony, brought down the house with audience participation and watermelons. Not surprisingly, “The Wizard of Oz,” with special effects, outstanding costumes and scenery, and a huge cast, took home the lion’s share of awards. There isn’t room here to mention names but you can get the low down at www.svct.org.

The Middle East, the birthplace of so many religions, seems always to be a place of discord. Recent revolutions in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia are still being played out, the consequences uncertain. A civil war in Syria is killing thousands of civilians. Iran’s suspected drive to build nuclear weapons may bring vast destruction to the region.

Monitors seem to be popping up faster than wildflowers after a spring rain. Many workstations now use two monitors, and some even more. To avoid neck pain and make the most of a two-monitor setup, try these tips:

Recently, you may have heard about the “looming fiscal cliff,” the “coming fiscal cliff” and so forth. What exactly is it?

The only way the planned California bullet train could possibly be exempted from the California Environmental Quality Act would be via legislative action followed by a signature from Gov. Jerry Brown.

Starting in Sitka, “The Historic America Bus Tour” visits all of the historical highlights of this former “Russian Capitol.”