Columns

Masks and other academic adjustments in a COVID-19 world

Relax. This is not a column on the efficacy of wearing masks. Who has the energy anymore? I’m wearing one in case it prevents me or someone else from getting sick. That’s pretty much it. If it turns out that it didn’t do any good, so be it.

Change voting age to 16? Try 80!

San Francisco residents will vote on a measure in November to allow teenagers as young as 16 to vote in local elections. That’s according to The Hill, which also reports that in recent years, two women in Congress introduced measures to lower the voting age nationwide to 16.

The Captain and the Germans

A good part of Laura’s damage in Lake Charles was in a part of town still sometimes called Goosport. It was named for Captain Daniel Johannes Goos, who was one of the pioneers of the southwest Louisiana lumber industry.

Our lives were changed by 9/11

“I have watched through a window a world that has fallen.” — W. H. Auden . The date, 9/11, turned into the frantic dialing of 911 nineteen years ago. A surreal feeling of shock and helplessness enveloped all Americans as we watched that day’s events unfold.

Who can turn the world on with her anniversary?

What were you doing the night of Saturday, March 19, 1977? Like 21.2 million other Americans, I was watching the final episode of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Watching it and making a nerdy audio recording of it for posterity.

Splitting hairs with Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Before I decided to tackle this topic, I had a moment’s hesitation. Is the fact that Nancy Pelosi decided to get her hair done really an issue of national importance? And of course, I concluded that it is.

Coronavirus, politics have optimism in short supply

I made it through the summer of COVID-19 — though I’m thankful that neither I nor any of my family have contracted the novel coronavirus. I know that the summer doesn’t technically end until Sept. 22, but I got through June, July and August. It wasn’t easy for me or anyone.

The ‘gayest pageant ever’

In the late 1800s, volunteer fire companies were formed in practically every south Louisiana community of any size for the serious job of fighting fires, but they were also social organizations made up of young men who appeared to be just as serious about having fun.

All Louisiana kids have a right to internet access

Our illustrious state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in Louisiana has just released a startling report. Over 25% of students, some 179,000 throughout the state, have no internet access. Yet the vast majority of school districts teach a good part of the week virtually over the internet.

Inspirational quotes: Are you for them or against them?

One of the highlights of my 93-year-old mother’s week is when she receives an inspirational essay from a church lady (hi, Regina!) who maintains a mailing list for Special People. Yes, the world is flooded with anxieties, conflicts and doubts.