The gum-chewing dictator General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna called himself "The Napoleon of the West." Actually, he was a military failure. He was also a corrupt politician, a satyr, and a heartless tyrant. Yet the people of Mexico made him their President four times between 1833 and 1855. They also removed him from office four times and sent him into exile. Santa Anna was a despicable personality but a fascinating subject to read about. He also indirectly gave Texas one of its most popular folk songs, "The Yellow Rose of Texas," and introduced chewing gum to the United States.
Aug. 1: Malnutrition in America: the quest A news wire service reports the story of a New Jersey man who has put himself on a self-imposed starvation diet. His mission? To live to be a 120.
June 20: Crusty curmudgeon and his old boots I had to make certain there was no age requirement to attain curmudgeondom. What a relief it was to find out all I had to be was obnoxious and devoid of good manners. And, being boorish, uncouth, unpopular and dour didn't eliminate me either.
Cathy Shaw - State Street
Feb. 15: Oregon Legislature as a visual aide I would love to come back to my State Street column and tell you that things are alive and well in Salem and legislators, irrespective of background, geographic location, age, or political party affiliation are working side by side to overcome Oregon's economic crisis. But that would be a lie.
