Historically Speaking: The raucous Democratic convention of 1968

Tom Morrow • August 31, 2024

The election of 1968 was one of the closest ever in American history, with Nixon winning 31.7 million votes, Humphrey 31.2 million votes and Wallace a few more than 10 million votes. Compared to the 1968 convention, with its many similarities, the 2024 convention in Chicago was relatively calm. To be sure, no matter how it’s read, the year 1968 was a dark time in our American history.

Historically Speaking: Olympic gold and what ‘could have been’

Tom Morrow • July 31, 2024

The 2024 Olympics opened last week in Paris, but a lot of history has taken place during the last century that is worthy of note. Here are two stories I told you about in past columns.

Preserved Home: Sneak a squash onto your neighbor’s porch, but keep more for tasty recipes

Laura Macklem • July 31, 2024

This summer, when squash is overtaking your garden, don’t squash the idea of sharing, but also consider using kitchen magic to transform this garden champ into winning pantry offerings for all year long.

Historically Speaking: Betsy Ross, an original American patriot

Tom Morrow • June 30, 2024

In case you missed this particular class in third grade, let me tell you about a true American patriot: Elizabeth Griscom “Betsy” Ross, who was born Jan. 1, 1752.

Historically Speaking: The man who helped build baseball, and influenced San Diego

Tom Morrow • May 31, 2024

American baseball owes a great deal of its existence to Albert Goodwill Spalding. You may have seen the name Spalding on a number of sports equipment, namely baseballs, players’ gloves and a number of other related sports items, including rule and history books. Spalding played, managed and owned baseball teams and was the co-founder of today’s National League. He even has ties to San Diego.

Point of View: Recent railroad deaths need serious attention, not social media theories

Roman S. Koenig • April 10, 2024

The reasons for this year’s increase in deaths along North San Diego County’s train tracks might be tougher to ascertain in the short term, but what our communities don’t need are loose theories and crass comments about the victims.

Historically Speaking: The night one magic master met another

Tom Morrow • April 10, 2024

For those who don’t know it, the late KGTV Channel 10 news anchor Jack White not only was a class act as a news reporter, but he was a master magician as well.

Preserved Home: Roll recipes to serve you and your family well

Laura Macklem • March 19, 2024

Put aside gluey, expensive store-bought rolls and buns for homemade to make quick dinners extra special, it will serve you well.

Historically Speaking: Truckee and Des Moines, the history behind the names

Tom Morrow • March 19, 2024

There’s a good deal of obscure city names scattered across America that are derived from either native inhabitants or from early 17th and 18th century French explorers and trappers. Here are two more examples: Truckee and Des Moines.

Historically Speaking: Betsy Ross, an original American patriot

Tom Morrow • February 21, 2024

In case you missed this particular class in third grade, let me tell you about a true American patriot: Elizabeth Griscom “Betsy” Ross, who was born Jan. 1, 1752.

EarthTalk: Consider natural alternatives for pest control

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss • February 21, 2024

Natural pest control has become increasingly popular given the slew of health and effectiveness issues with conventional pesticides derived from synthetic chemicals.

Historically Speaking: Communities lose with end of daily newspapers

Tom Morrow • January 19, 2024

Today, there are far fewer journalistic eyes and ears monitoring all levels of our government since the demise of our local newspapers. We always end up deserving the kind of government we’ve allowed to take place.