Oakland’s animal shelter adopts new rules as dogs, cats arrive in droves
OAKLAND — Beyond a sign out front urging the public to “adopt today,” there is little that distinguishes the city’s…
Yosemite hiker killed by falling branch was ‘a really careful person,’ her father says – The Mercury News
Angela Lin avoided risky sports. Surfing? Too dangerous. Swimming too far from the beach? Scared of sharks. Rock climbing? No…
EU trade deal reveals the peerless power of America’s economy
The European Union trade deal with the United States amounts to a capitulation to President Donald Trump. Yes, Trump had…
Trump’s opposition to California high-speed rail is a blessing in disguise
Donald Trump just gave Californians a chance to save high-speed rail. Will we take it? Of course, Trump offered this…
Word Game: Aug. 2, 2025
TODAY’S WORD — ATHLETIC (ATHLETIC: ath-LET-ik: Of or relating to persons skilled or trained in sports or exercises.) Average mark…
‘South Park’ skewers a new kind of sanctimony – The Mercury News
In 2003, Andrew Sullivan wrote about a breed of conservatives that he called “South Park Republicans,” who shared the irreverent,…
Kevin Smith, motivate yourself to finish what you start
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Hallie Eisenberg, 33; Sam Worthington, 49; Kevin Smith, 55; Mary-Louise Parker, 61. Happy Birthday: You’ll…
We know how to coexist with bears and wolves. Will we kill them instead?
Humans have always had an emotional relationship with predators. We both revere and demonize them. We buy more than 100…
Miss Manners: How can I keep my outings a secret from the neighbors?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I live in a high-rise in a large retirement community. Related Articles Miss Manners: I can’t be…
I’m always in the other grandparents’ shadow
DEAR ABBY: I made a terrible mistake moving 2,000 miles across the country to be closer to my grandchildren. In…