Every few years there seems to be a significant astronomical discovery. This then becomes a hot topic for research as people try to learn more about it.

Unlike for most people, COVID-19 is Ruby Cumberland’s second go-round with a pandemic — the first was 102 years ago.

Marijuana legalization — to reduce police and court costs? — to bow to the will of the people? — or perhaps just another tax grab on an industry to that point untaxed both for manufacture and sales?

Penticton author E.J. (Russ) McDevitt has “rolled all three autobiographies into one” for his latest release, “Savage Down Under, Books 1-3, Autobiography.”

OVERVIEW: Positions are secured and there is a feeling of relief. Plans move ahead at a steady pace.

A Christmas stamp is a postage stamp with a Christmas theme, intended for use on seasonal mail. There are philatelists who delight in collecting them, as they are colourful, cheery, and numerous.

OVERVIEW: A stable hand at the helm will have a calming effect. There is still those causing disruption but focus has shifted away from them. You might say a new sheriffs in town. The right words have far ranging influence on many; it is needed. Aggressive actions get taken care of quickly. …

Among the various space missions going on at the moment there are two of particular interest.

Trinity Care Centre residents got an early Christmas gift Wednesday courtesy of some caring students from Wiltse Elementary School.

OVERVIEW: Lay cards on the table as negotiations become more time sensitive. Hammer out the fine points and costs to the satisfaction of all involved before signing anything.

I am thrilled when I find a Canadian postage stamp that features a B.C. Southern Interior subject. It doesn’t happen often!

Richard Carlson, in his book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” has a chapter encouraging us to develop compassion in our lives.

Theo Theodosakis (foreground), the founder and original owner of Theo’s Restaurant in Penticton for more than 45 years, will celebrate his 85th birthday, Sunday, November 15, 2020.

OVERVIEW: Those trying to upset the natural order will find a strong pushback.

Helen Little, a long-time auxiliary member with the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Penticton received two major accolades.

The City of Penticton is working closely with community partners to create an Age-Friendly Action Plan and wants to know what age-friendly means to you.

How much money is a trillion dollars? Strangely, it depends. Currently it is the federal government debt, but what does that represent? Postage stamps will shed some fascinating light on the value of money.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is Harvie Barker’s 400th column for The Herald. 

OVERVIEW: Hold meetings in person or on zoom as everyone needs to be on the same page before the work week gets underway. Decide who will be in charge so each can move forward knowing their duties or other responsibilities. Adapt to any changes of protocol or venue.

Perhaps the most famous stamp in the world, at least amongst philatelists (the polite term for stamp collectors), is the “Penny Black.”

Occasionally one hears of someone proposing what looks at first sight like a really improbable project. The latest one is an experiment to detect signs of life on planets orbiting white dwarf stars.

Take a softer approach on the road to leadership

Erected in Kelowna’s Kerry Park in 1958 by the Central British Columbia branches of The Association of Professional Engineers of BC and The Engineering Institute of Canada, the sign has an important message:

As most stamp collectors do, I have thousands of stamps, and of course love them all. But, if asked if I have a favourite, I don’t have any difficulty choosing one.

Chef Darin Paterson of Bogner's Restaurant fame holds up some lobsters, featured on the menu of the Rotary Club of Penticton's annual Lobster Fest fundraiser, Saturday at Bogner's.

What began as a way to help seniors have good nutritious meals each week during the early stages of the COVID-19 lockdown, has now turned into close to 200 meals a week, a small army of volunteers and ear-to-ear smiles from drivers and seniors opening their doors to a delicious hot meal.

CLOSE SOLAR ENCOUNTERS

Manisha Willms says watching kids and families suffer as a result of the pandemic has been the most difficult challenge she has faced in her almost 30-year career in early childhood development.

Stamp collecting is a great activity that can offer safe, social distancing

Heroes abound in local scouting lore

At some point in the next decade or two one of us is going to plant a space-suited foot on the surface of Mars and make that first footprint.

The world’s first postage stamp, Britain’s “Penny Black,” went on sale in May 1840. Other countries soon followed, printing early “classic stamps” that usually featured monarchs, coat of arms, or numerals of value. Not very thrilling subjects, but that didn’t stop people from enthusiasticall…