It's not broken, but let's fix it anyway

Perhaps the most insidious and diabolical changes ever made to governments in history began with the dubious or even patently false claim that something is broken and needs to be fixed. Before that claim is made, t…

Window to Islam is opening

Rarely in North Idaho does an opportunity arise to learn about religions and cultures other than our own. Even after a glimpse from travel, a literary enrichment, or chance meeting of someone "different," the pictu…

What is an 'applied climatologist?'

By popular request, I'm updating a 'GEMS' article that I wrote in March of 2009 on the science of climatology. Here goes, folks. Now you'll know just what AGONY I go through in making my long-range forecasts someti…

Vendetta against boaters continues

It has been apparent for some time now that the four prevailing Coeur d'Alene City Council members have had it in for boaters who launch at Third Street.

Staking claims on land use

Concerned citizens of Kootenai County have actually started reading the new proposed Unified Land Use Code (ULUC). What they are finding is shocking. Contrary to the commissioners' claim that they seek public input…

Returning from war

September marks the start of the school year for our children, and the Labor Day weekend was the unofficial end of summer. Where did it go?

Superfund Straight Talk

Your Mrs. Language laments

Well (I'll get to the debatable use of "well" in a future Mrs. Language), let's (contracted form "let us") review. We've covered "it's" (contraction for "it is") and "its" (possessive), as well as the plural "s" (I…

Nation's jury about to decide on Obama

Editor's note: A letter to the editor by Mr. Hamelrath, published Wednesday, referred to his political analysis. Here is that analysis.

The truth? Politically, we can't handle the truth

What's with all the uproar about Paul Ryan being a liar? He's just doing the duplicitous work of his profession, using the language of modern politics to mislead rather than to lead. They all do it.

In appreciation of seniors

National Assisted Living Week, Sept. 9-15, is a way of focusing our attention - and our gratitude - on some of our community's lesser-seen and heard individuals.

Invisible drinkers: Seniors

September is Healthy Aging Month. Aging well means more than steady exercise, better eating habits with less fat and more veggies, and adequate sleep. Healthy aging also requires keeping the mind active with some f…

The driest August on record in Seattle, and food prices soar on a global scale

For the first time since at least 1891, the city of Seattle was bone-dry during the entire month of August. The previous record least ever rainfall in Seattle during August was a three-way tie of .01 inches in the …

A summer of memorable achievements

As the glorious days and pleasant nights of summer begin to wane I thought I'd reflect on a season of uncommon events, even in an area where the uncommon is becoming routine.

NIBCA seeks One Day House crew

Unions needed more, not less