From the category archives:

Potty Training

Mistrial in Brown Trial After Jury Can’t Reach Verdict

Jurors deliberated about 5 1/2 hours before deciding that they were deadlocked. Circuit Judge Donald Jacobsen declared a mistrial at 4:48 p.m. Marcus Brown, 31, remains charged with aggravated child abuse and first-degree murder in the death of his stepson, Deondray Ashe. Outside the courtroom, Deondray’s father, Marcus Smith, expressed frustration about the jury not [...]

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Jurors Hear Graphic Descriptions of Deondray Ashe’s Injuries in Trial of Stepfather Marcus Brown

Marcus Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated child abuse and first-degree murder in the death of his stepson, Deondray Ashe. The State Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty against Brown. The jury will begin deliberations after closing arguments finish. Prosecutors say Brown fatally beat his stepson on the evening of June 13, 2010, because [...]

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Discovering the joys of small dogs

Correction: the ending paragraphs were left off the original version of this story. I have long considered myself to be a “big dog” person. My Saint Bernard named Wembley weighs in at a trim 140 pounds, and when he decides to sprawl out on the cool tile floor in the kitchen on a hot summer [...]

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Tips for spotting child sexual abuse

Risk factors, and how to spot child sexual abuse, according to the experts. THE FAMILY —Has economic, housing or personal problems. —Is isolated from the community or the extended family. —A family member has difficulty controlling anger or is dealing with physical or mental health issues or drug or alcohol issues. —Family members appear uninterested [...]

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6 Kid-Friendly Tricks to Keep Bugs From Bugging You at Your Next BBQ

My summers always look like this: grill, relax, and whip up lots of mmm-worthy margaritas. NEVER do my grillin’ and chillin’ plans include getting eaten alive by mosquitoes and bees. Unfortunately, my blood-sucking and bothersome insect frenemies know just how to crash a good time, and I’m usually in the corner of every barbecue pissed [...]

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CALENDAR for the week of May 18, 2012

Milpitas Camera Club exhibition opens today The Milpitas Camera Club will celebrate its 10th year of photography at its Ninth Annual Photographic Exhibition May 18 through May 31 at the Milpitas Public Library. There will be an Artist Reception on Saturday, May 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit to see top photography, nosh on [...]

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Everything You Feared About Having a 2-Year-Old Is True

They call it the terrible twos for a reason, I suppose. I have two who are two — yes, twins. try not to wince, I promise it’s wonderful (most of the time). Still, I guess that means two terribles. but they are terrifically terrible and totally trouble in the best way. And I’ve discovered that [...]

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