Crisis in California: Brown lawns burden estates of rich

Sure, here in the Northwest this is considered a “heat wave.” For most people everywhere else, it’s considered pretty much close to paradise. Let’s slather on more sunscreen and toast the headlines.

Rich Californians balk at limits: ‘We’re not all equal when it comes to water’?”: That’s true. According to water.org, 750 million people throughout the world — about 1 in 9 — lack access to safe water. But the headline refers to some rich Californians who are worried about brown lawns, and say that if they can afford it, they should be able to use as much water as they want. You just can’t argue with that kind of logic. Not to mention sense of entitlement.

World’s aquifers losing replenishment race, researchers say”: “Nonsense,” say the rich Californians. “Where can I buy one?”

14 brands of bottled water recalled over E. coli concerns”: There might be a market for rich Californians, so they can fertilize their green lawns.

More people are taking potty breaks at I-5 rest areas”: Yes, as anyone caught in an hour-plus traffic jam during the hours-plus commute home after an afternoon of drinking coffee at work, or healthfully hydrating on water all day, can attest that this is sometimes necessary.

““Google forfeits its eavesdropping powers, but that doesn’t mean Siri, Cortana aren’t listening”: Well, naturally. Sheesh.

Robber or flasher? Police say this guy decided to be both”: No one ever said multitasking was reserved for hard-driving go-getters, or those who choose to text and drive.

Is this the most annoying restaurant trend today?”: This refers to the practice of servers removing plates from those who have finished their meal, while others at the table are still eating. It is almost always accompanied by the ungracious inquiry: “Are you still working on that?”

Another annoying trend is everybody doing the same thing: For example, in the past couple of years, “charcuterie” — pork products such as salami, sausages and prosciutto — was suddenly on everyone’s appetizer list. Oh, excuse me, it was suddenly on everyone’s “first plate” list. Pretentiousness is really the most annoying, ongoing trend.

Winnipeg residents hear sex talk coming from police chopper”: Ooh, rotary wing shades of grey. To clarify the headline, the helicopter occupants were talking about sex, not engaging in the talk that sometimes accompanies sex, which at least, you know, makes it safer. For flying in a helicopter.

Report: Google wearable would let your doctor track you”: So remember to take it off when you go to KFC for lunch, or engage in helicopter sex talk.

CDC confirms red eyes at the pool are caused by urine, not chlorine”: Ah, the tell-tale sign of the “European” vacation.

Embrace the Neanderthal within you”: And interbreed with a human? Yikes. Or demand that your dinner plate be removed while members of your dinner party are still eating?

Hot weather is the perfect time for “cold cuts,” the country mouse cousins to “charcuterie.”

Carol MacPherson: 425-339-3472; cmacpherson@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

Patricia Robles from Cazares Farms hands a bag to a patron at the Everett Farmers Market across from the Everett Station in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Editorial: EBT program a boon for kids’ nutrition this summer

SUN Bucks will make sure kids eat better when they’re not in school for a free or reduced-price meal.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, April 23

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Students make their way through a portion of a secure gate a fence at the front of Lakewood Elementary School on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. Fencing the entire campus is something that would hopefully be upgraded with fund from the levy. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Levies in two north county districts deserve support

Lakewood School District is seeking approval of two levies. Fire District 21 seeks a levy increase.

Don’t penalize those without shelter

Of the approximately 650,000 people that meet Housing and Urban Development’s definition… Continue reading

Fossil fuels burdening us with climate change, plastic waste

I believe that we in the U.S. have little idea of what… Continue reading

Comment: We have bigger worries than TikTok alone

Our media illiteracy is a threat because we don’t understand how social media apps use their users.

toon
Editorial: A policy wonk’s fight for a climate we can live with

An Earth Day conversation with Paul Roberts on climate change, hope and commitment.

Snow dusts the treeline near Heather Lake Trailhead in the area of a disputed logging project on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, outside Verlot, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Move ahead with state forests’ carbon credit sales

A judge clears a state program to set aside forestland and sell carbon credits for climate efforts.

Eco-nomics: What to do for Earth Day? Be a climate hero

Add the good you do as an individual to what others are doing and you will make a difference.

Comment: Setting record strraight on 3 climate activism myths

It’s not about kids throwing soup at artworks. It’s effective messaging on the need for climate action.

People gather in the shade during a community gathering to distribute food and resources in protest of Everett’s expanded “no sit, no lie” ordinance Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Clark Park in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Comment: The crime of homelessness

The Supreme Court hears a case that could allow cities to bar the homeless from sleeping in public.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.