Who knew that exercise has a payoff?

First lady Michelle Obama’s personal trainer has revealed the secret behind her toned arms. And what a shocker: It involves sweaty tedium in a gym. Knock us over with a feather.

This is just another example of the Obamas being out of step with mainstream Americans. While the first lady sculpts her Michelle Arms, the rest of us concentrate on our Newt Gingrich Bellies.

Return to Frass Canyon: Wineries in central California’s Santa Ynez Valley report the 2004 movie “Sideways” still attracts tourists to their area. Folks visit the restaurants and tasting rooms featured in the film.

Wonder if anyone has the nerve to order a glass of merlot.

Next stop: the doghouse: Every homeowner needs a basic set of tools, and we’ve got a list of five must-haves.

One essential is a cordless drill, and the article’s author, one Stacy Finz of the San Francisco Chronicle, recommends a $329 Makita driver-drill.

A husband who buys a $329 tool for installing light-switch cover plates and stirring cans of paint will need a sixth essential: a comfortable couch to sleep on at night.

— Mark Carlson, Herald staff

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, May 19

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

Wildfire smoke builds over Darrington on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 in Darrington, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Loss of research funds threat to climate resilience

The Trump administration’s end of a grant for climate research threatens solutions communities need.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, May 18

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

Comment: Cuts to Medicaid will make fentanyl fight harder

Medicaid’s expansion is helping many get the addiction treatment they need, reversing the crisis.

Comment: PBS, NPR need funding, and a good shake-up

PBS’s best dramas come from British TV. It needs to produce its own money-makers like ‘Downton Abbey.’

Saunders: Why did Tapper wait until now to admit Biden’s decline?

It was clear to voters long before Biden dropped out. Yet, now the CNN host has a book to sell.

Goldberg: How did so many Democrats miss Biden’s infirmity?

Democrats need to own up to the cover-up now while there’s time to earn back voters’ confidence.

In the summer of 2021, members of the Skagit River System Cooperative counted fish in the restored estuary of Leque Island near Stanwood. What they found was encouraging. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210817
Comment: Ignoring the climate choice to adapt or die

The loss of funding for climate adaptation science will leave regions to weather impacts on their own.

Reverse Congress librarian’s unjust firing

I am beyond heartbroken by the unceremonious firing of Dr. Carla Hayden,… Continue reading

Should states handle issue of immigration?

OK, here we go again. The southern states have been screaming ‘states’… Continue reading

Candidates without opponents should decline donations

No candidates registered to run against Jared Mead or Nate Nehring for… Continue reading

Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Air Force One touches ground Friday morning at Boeing in Everett.
PHOTO SHOT 02172012
Editorial: There’s no free lunch and no free Air Force One

Qatar’s offer of a 747 to President Trump solves nothing and leaves the nation beholden.

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.