Granting birthday wishes

There are few memories from childhood that stand the test of time like those from one's own birthday celebration. For many, these include being surrounded by friends and family, opening gifts and eating cake and ice cream.

Hallelujah for Handel’s ‘Messiah’

NEW YORK — Carl Drews still remembers the first time he heard the “Hallelujah” chorus. His parents had taken him to see “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” the movie about the life of Jesus with a soundtrack including the famous chorus from Handel’s “Messiah.” It made the little boy feel that heaven was a place “where you sing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus forever and ever.”

Local Soroptimists youth art competition

Soroptimist International of Hanford would like local youth -- boys and girls -- to express their inspiration drawn from women through art.

Hanford's top model

For nearly 10 years, Rudy Lopez has lived a double life of sorts. In his hometown of Hanford he's the friend, brother and son who's worked as a personal trainer and physical education teacher.

What goes around comes around

Fitness and exercise trends can be hard to keep up with. In the '80s it was all about aerobics until the so-called "low impact" step classes became all the rage. The '90s brought an onslaught of at-home exercise equipment and videos, before yoga and pilates took the spotlight.

'Star Trek' costumes go far beyond Halloween attire

If John Castillo were dressing up for Halloween, he could put together one heck of a costume.

Happenings

-- Free diabetes screening Nov. 9 at Walgreens

Remington Ramblers

Left Behind

A season fit for serving

Kathy Perryman of Hanford sees her life in seasons. The last season for she and her husband, Lawrence "Larry" Perryman, saw them barbecuing ribs, tri-tip and chicken for customers at the beloved Thursday Night Market Place in Downtown Hanford.

Remington Ramblers: Climbing Mt. Fuji, Part 5

Our group really didn't get acquainted until a bunch of us formed a circle while we ate. Everyone exchanged their goods, which varied from canned herring to peanut butter and crackers. One of the schoolteachers reached into her bag and emerged with a bottle of Italian brandy liqueur that topped off the rather fancy dinner. I enjoyed my hot dinner over the assortment of cold goods of my climbing partners. As we sat exchanging jokes of what had happened, the room became crowded with Japanese hikers -- some ordering rice while others removed chow from their packs. We were about 10,000 feet above sea level and the small amount of the brandy I had made me feel even more lightheaded.

Happenings

-- Taoist Temple Museum

Fired therapist: Stressed Marines get shoddy care

Marines treated at Camp Lejeune for post-traumatic stress had to undergo therapy for months in temporary trailers where they could hear bomb blasts, machine-gun fire and war cries through the thin walls, according to servicemen and their former psychiatrist.

Bishops' assert moral duty in health care debate

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops defended their involvement in the health care debate, saying Monday that church leaders have a duty to the nation and God to raise moral concerns on any issue, including on abortion rights and coverage for the poor.

Tamiflu-resistant swine flu cluster reported in NC

Four North Carolina patients at a single hospital tested positive for a type of swine flu that is resistant to Tamiflu, health officials said Friday.

SEC accuses 4 people in alleged Ponzi scheme

Federal regulators have accused four people and two companies of fraud in an alleged $30 million Ponzi scheme that lured 300 investors nationwide in purported eco-friendly investments.

AP IMPACT: Gripes about swine flu vaccine abound

When the nation's swine flu vaccination program began in early October, health officials predicted it was going to be "messy." They were right.