Columnists

Like a majestic lumbering herd of wooly Ice Age beasts, the leadership of the Republican Party has in recent years been engaged in a great migration toward the rightmost edge of the political spectrum, and by this point they are sending out scouting parties to see how much more territory remains to squeeze into before they run up against the edge of the known ideological universe and are crushed like overzealous fans rushing the stage at a rock concert. These intrepid forerunners are called "candidates" and their enthusiasm for the task now borders on comical.

It's that time of year, preparing for your annual tax filing and

Let's talk about teacher evaluation. This is one of the most complex topics in education, and I cannot say that I have the answer. What I do have, however, is the perspective of a teacher who cares deeply about the success of the public schools, the reputation of the profession and of my own school, and the experiences that students have every day.

Coming on the tail of another spy movie that was released recently, “Safe House” falls quite short of what might be expected after seeing “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” For an action film, however, it is just about right.

Man's battle with nature has never been more dramatically told than through the true story of building a canal across the Isthmus of Panama.

Public schools all over California are being pressured by the state's hard economic times. Budgets continue to be cut, impacting students: larger classes, fewer enrichment programs, less individual attention. Also, increased gang activity has resulted from cutbacks in after-school activities.

"It is now a fact that as a result of birth control, the survival rate among mothers and children is higher. There is less suffering for all groups." - Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger

In honor of Presidents' Day Monday let's take a quick look at our presidents' favorite wine.

Q: Last week, our old dog, Margie, had two seizures. Each lasted a few minutes, and afterward, she seemed a little weak in her legs. She staggered around the room and it seemed like she didn't know who we were. Since then, she's been perfectly normal, except she isn't eating as well as she used to. We have an appointment to see her vet this week, but should we worry?