World News

The economist Dilma Rousseff, 63, became the first woman president of Brazil on Jan 1, replacing the popular Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who paid tribute with a call to deepen the social reforms of his government.

The paradox of the Internet is that it increases one’s appreciation for holding and reading a well-written book printed on fine paper. Such is the case with “Extinct Humans,” by Ian Tattersall and Jeffrey Schwartz.The soft cover does not...

To listen and watch Carlos Kleiber conduct Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, even on YouTube, is to know in one’s heart that there is an intelligence beyond the mind of man.His performance (a word at once too small and too big...

It is better to reflect on the historical Jesus at Christmas than at Easter. At Easter, his tragic death overshadows his life, not to mention his teachings.To gain an insight into anyone or anything, one first has to clear...

One of the saddest and most misguided trends of late is the stated preference of a growing number of people for animals over humans.I’ve had people write to me and say things such as: “I value animals over humans...

With the mountain of mandatory paperwork properly authenticated and safely in the hands of our attorney by late June, as outlined in a previous report, my husband Layne and I were able to relax and enjoy the rest of...

Shirtsleeve weather of the previous few days suddenly shifted last night. Rain fell in the valley and snow fell in the foothills, just a few hundred meters above the city.Black filigrees of twigs, and the fractals of branches of...

The land has gone months without a good rain, and the rich, sweet smell of soil and vegetation fills the air. It didn't pour last night, but it rained steadily for some hours, and was still raining at dawn.Three...

Although the plan is to grant cell phone frequencies to three private firms, only two companies - America Movil and Telefónica - presented their bids for participation in the auction today.The technical bids submitted this morning by Claro (of...

Beginning at around 3 in the afternoon on Saturday, December 11th, flocks of family and friends crowded into the streets of San Jose for the city’s annual Festival de La Luz, or Festival of Lights! Every year the event...