In late December of last year — 2019, that is; so long ago — a columnist for The New York Times made a compelling case that 2019 was the “best year” in the history of the human race. Longer lifespans, fewer neonatal deaths, less starvation, more money trickling down to the poorest, more internet access, […]

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If ever the timing of an NFL injury could seem propitious, Jared Goff and his broken right thumb would be in the discussion. Until he sustained the injury, late in a 20-9 loss at Seattle on Sunday, the leading post-game topics were going to be about the Rams quarterback, who had another lousy performance, and […]

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Has Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay gotten over that 23-20 home defeat inflicted last week by the previously winless New York Jets? I haven’t. Last Sunday, kickoff was a bit after 1 p.m. The Rams, however, didn’t show up until about 2, when a field goal got them to 13-3. (That score again!) What […]

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One of my favorite writers is the late Patrick O’Brian, author of the 20-plus-volume Aubrey-Matarin series — set mostly on the high seas during the Napoleonic wars, circa 1790-1815. It is a great work of historical fiction, centered on the title characters — the English navy captain Jack Aubrey and his “particular friend”, Stephen Maturin, […]

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How good are these Los Angeles Rams? Check back at about 8:30 (PST) tonight. By then, we should have the results of the Rams versus the New England Patriots in the NFL’s Thursday night game. This is a big game for both teams. The Rams are 8-4, atop the NFC West, and are pursuing a […]

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One advantage for senior citizens and their notions of history, is having already lived through a fair-size chunk of it. I can tell you where I was when I heard President Kennedy had been shot. (Having lunch at the picnic tables at school. A kid named Curtis Taplin came outside, after a phone call with […]

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