We interrupt this column to bring you an important announcement. Scientists recently announced that there might be life on Mars. "Surface conditions at Meridiani Planum may have been habitable for some period of time in Martian history," says Cornell University astronomer Steven Squyres, who heads a team of scientists examining data from a NASA rover bopping around the … [Read more...] about Jan. 10, 2005: Life On Mars Means Big Changes On Earth
Columns
January 3, 2005: To My Grandsons: Life Is Too Short To Waste
To Brian and Thomas Yarbrough, Zachary and Nicholas Wansley: Don’t look now, guys, but we are halfway through the first decade of the 21st century. That may not seem like a big deal to four active teenagers with the best years of their lives ahead of them, but from one who first saw the light of day before World War II, it is a little frightening. The older I get, the faster … [Read more...] about January 3, 2005: To My Grandsons: Life Is Too Short To Waste
Dec. 27, 2004: I Can See That It’s Going To Be An Interesting Year
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for 2004 to slip-slide right on out the door. Any year in which Ray Charles and Ronald Reagan die, but Osama bin Laden doesn’t, has outlived its usefulness as far as I am concerned. It is time to move on. As grumpy as 2004 was, is there any chance that 2005 will be any better? Good news. Your intrepid correspondent has spent many days and … [Read more...] about Dec. 27, 2004: I Can See That It’s Going To Be An Interesting Year
Dec. 20, 2004: Zell’s TV Gig May Take A Little Interpretation
As you may have heard, Zell Miller has signed on as a Fox News Network commentator. After approving the agreement, Fox executives realized that there are still a few people — mostly in Vermont and Southern California — who don’t speak Southern. Suffice it to say that they wouldn’t have the foggiest idea what our former U.S. senator was saying. To solve the problem, Fox has … [Read more...] about Dec. 20, 2004: Zell’s TV Gig May Take A Little Interpretation
Dec. 13, 2004: How To Write A Column Without Exhaling
The Woman Who Shares My Name told me she does not want to see one of my usual bomb-throwing columns this week. “It is the Christmas season. I don’t want you criticizing anybody or anything,” she ordered. Having been blessed with exceptional negotiating skills, I immediately went for the middle ground. “Good suggestion,” I said, “but I have to mention President Peanut. If I … [Read more...] about Dec. 13, 2004: How To Write A Column Without Exhaling