Columns

Helpful and harmful insects

Butterflies and other helpful insects, such as bees, pollinate flowers and can keep dangerous pests at bay in the garden. Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Nine hundred thousand different kinds of insects are known to exist.

Staying in touch

State representative District 41 Rep. Phillip DeVillier (R), P.O. Box 986 Eunice, LA 70535; voice — 337-457-0194 fax — 337-457-5649; e-mail: devillierp@legis.la.gov. State senators District 28 Sen. Heather Cloud (R), P.O Box 269, 13988 Veterans Memorial Highway, Turkey Creek, LA 70585.

Biden’s Supreme Court Commission is about one thing

Disregard the policy, the law school lecture language, the obfuscation and don’t be misled by the bureaucratic psychobabble.

Can we possibly laugh about seasonal allergies?

Tree huggers, are you contemplating a Zoom meeting with Mr. Elm instead? Yes, this is dedicated to the millions of you who share my susceptibility to seasonal allergies. (Seasonal allergies? Yes, “When is allergy season?” is a popular Google question.

Journalistic objectivity does matter

This is almost too easy but I can’t resist. I was actually going to write a column about President Biden’s dog, Major, biting people; also among the lowest of the hanging fruits. “President’s dog a Major pain.” It writes itself.

Georgia voting law is no return to Jim Crow

I am so glad the whole white supremacy and gun nut narrative is over, so we can get back to the one about voter suppression.

How to identify poison ivy

The poison ivy rash can be very uncomfortable. Learning to identify poison ivy plants can help people avoid the rash. I can remember as a young girl watching my father suffer with a terrible rash from poison ivy.

Don’t give in to the pot decriminalization culture

Tom Wolf, lame-duck governor of Pennsylvania, announced on Twitter that he wanted the commonwealth to legalize pot. His comment was hailed as timely, necessary and courageous by many of his lame-duck followers on social media.

In D.C., politics springs eternal

Springtime has arrived in Washington, D.C. The National Cherry Blossom festival is underway. Some 3,700 cherry trees, given to America by the Japanese in 1912, will soon be in full bloom. I lived in the D.C. area nearly eight years and always looked forward to this time of year.

Some things in the Catholic Church will never change

The Vatican came out last week and confirmed that it would not be “blessing” same sex unions, a move that should have surprised no one. The church changes certain things all the time, adapting and updating as it sees fit.