Columns
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'Stand Up, Speak Up' against bullying
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." "Lead, follow, or get out of the way." "Don't complain unless you're willing to offer solutions." "If not you, then who?" These cliches are often of…
Black and white memories still vivid
On Nov. 22, 1963, I was an 11-year-old sixth-grader in LaHabra, Calif. I recall being in the cafeteria and getting ready for my duty as a lunch ticket taker. Before all of the kids came in for lunch the adults gath…
Why conservatives can support Common Core
For almost two decades now, the U.S. has been working to improve its schools by holding them accountable for results on standardized tests. And there's been some success, with America's lowest performing students s…
Liberals, see if this description fits you
I love writing responses to liberal rants like Chad Solsvik's recent letter to the editor because he used absolutely zero facts, which requires me to do absolutely no research just like he did(n't).
On a mission
We have just returned from three Third World countries. Our experiences were phenomenal. Seeing the beauty in God's creation was indescribable. Experiencing the culture, including new foods and trying to converse i…
Google with child in mind
Today's topic is neither pleasant nor, let's hope, necessary given most readers' online habits, but few issues are more important. That said, even with such lofty purpose this news won't come without controversy.
The coldest and mildest winters since 1895 in Coeur d'Alene
Last week in 'Gems,' we featured the all-time Coeur d'Alene snowfall records dating back nearly 119 years to 1895, the start of area weather statistics on a regular basis.
Ed deficit really a commitment deficit
When it comes to educating our children, the state of Idaho has had commitment issues.
Public school system nothing to celebrate
I am writing about the Idaho eighth-grade students article in Friday's newspaper on page A6. Why do they feel that 38 percent of the students being proficient or above the national average is good? If 38 percent wa…
Idaho employers should support 'Add the Words'
Our Idaho Legislature has considered amending the Idaho Human Rights Act to include "sexual orientation" and "sexual identity" as protected classes. This amendment would prohibit workplace and housing discriminatio…
Open letter to Idaho's legislators
Since we adjourned last spring much has been said about the Idaho Core Standards. As chairs of the Senate and House Education Committees, we are strong advocates for staying the course and continuing to fully imple…
U.S. gender gap gets even wider
Ladies, if we want the most gender equality, we'd best pack our bags. For Scandinavia.
Beards, mustaches abound for awareness
No Shave November or Movember, either way you grow it, it's for a great cause ... awareness of men's health issues, including prostate cancer. It seems a lot of the guys here go all-in and do the no-shave version, …
FAS and critical thinking
Recently, I assigned the students in my psychology class to think critically, not cynically. To question everything written or heard from friends, media and particularly from me. I asked the class to scientifically…
Choices on technology put privacy in the past
Society's love affair with technological convenience shows no sign of slowing. There's an app for everything; we want it all and we want it now. That's clear from the long lines for each new iPhone, Android, and OS.