Church needs separation of dogma, science

Though it’s 2003, it seems the Vatican hasn’t quite gone through the scientific revolution. Church officials say condoms are ineffective in preventing the spread of HIV, and that AIDS “has grown so fast because of the availability of condoms.” These baseless claims, which were reported on the BBC program “Sex and the Holy City,” are […]

Attack on Syria not justified

Israel should not have attacked Syrian land because of the actions of a terrorist group, especially unilaterally and without warning. This past Saturday’s suicide bombing in northern Israel, killing 19, was abhorrent. The people and government of Israel are justifiably tired and angry. But Israel’s retaliatory strike on Syria was unjustified and will only serve […]

Return of bar-top dancing not worth armed guards in schools

SINGAPORE “”mdash; So here I am, your friendly neighborhood columnist, sick and stranded in the Far East as classes are beginning. Oh well, I figure I can use the opportunity to offer some cross-cultural commentary. After all, I’m a journalist. And a lot has changed in Singapore since I was a lowly high school student […]

Recall fiasco uncalled-for, won’t patch state’s problems

New rule: No do-overs. Once you elect an official, unless he runs off with public funds or gets caught with kiddie porn, you’re stuck with him,” said notorious comedian Bill Maher on a recent HBO airing of his show, “Real Time.” Considering what’s going on in California, it doesn’t seem like many would agree with […]

Terminator star a viable replacement for Davis

With the state’s mind-boggling deficit, not to mention substantial cuts to the UC budget, many Californians wonder if perhaps Gov. Gray Davis will soon face “Judgment Day” at the hands everyone’s favorite hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Is the killer robot properly equipped to “erase” our fiscal woes? Probably not, but there’s a good chance he’ll get […]