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February 1, 2026

Drive through a light-filled fantasy land

LOS GATOS, CA -- Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos once again

Carrie Fisher tells it like it is in ‘Wishful Drinking’

Up front and pulling no punches, Carrie Fisher bombards us with

The lesson of Janus comes with the New Year

Janus is the Roman god of transitions, gates, doorways and new beginnings. The month of January is named after this ancient pagan deity. The word "janitor" also derives from Janus, suggesting that the New Year's celebration is a time for us all to "clean up" our lives a bit - both materially and mentally. As 2011 closes this weekend with the New Year's Eve festivities, it's an occasion to consider the lesson of Janus.

Breaking down the 35 college bowl games

SEATTLE – Some holiday traditions just don't seem to go away. You know, like fruitcake, atrocities in the shopping aisles on Black Friday, and an ESPN-generated manifest of postseason college football that runs almost to Presidents Day. This year, we have something called the Belk Bowl in Charlotte. That's not to be confused with the bilk bowls, in which schools are held to ticket allotments in a down economy, while some bowl executives pull down half-million-dollar salaries. A look at the bowl season that starts Saturday, in all its 35-game, overstuffed glory.

Celebrate with pumpkin cupcakes

Before I present my Halloween themed column, I am thrilled to share information about an exciting, unique and delicious event and dining experience. The inaugural “Farm to Table Harvest Celebration” is Saturday, Nov. 2, and encompasses the philosophy of “eating local.” I was fortunate to preview the menu, which showcases South Valley produce, beef breed and feed in Santa Clara County and local wines. The talents of seven chefs are featured with wine pairings for each course. If you have a passion for food, do not miss this event. It is anticipated to become a premiere food experience in the entire bay area. Details: Santa Clara County Farm Bureau at (408) 776-1684.

‘One Night With Janis Joplin’: The ultimate icon of the rock ‘n’ roll era

“One Night With Janis Joplin” with another cast is previewing on Broadway as we speak. San Jose Rep's bombastic production recreates some of Joplin's best moments delivered by the amazing talent of Kacee Clanton, who channels Joplin with eerie accuracy. Her voice comes across so raw and powerful and is so similar to Joplin's that you are transported to the ’60s when she reigned as queen of rock ‘n’ roll and brought her spot-on interpretations of this type of music. She delivers with no holds barred with one earthshaking song after another.

A walk in the park and other pursuits

Nothing pleases me more than to hear from a reader about a column I wrote that they particularly enjoyed or that struck a chord. It also makes me happy to hear from folks with column ideas, and recently I received such an email. It, in turn, sparked a corresponding chord with me. More about that in a bit.

We see a different Alex Smith these days with 49ers

Alex Smith was a terrible toddler, the type of child you wouldn't take to a restaurant, the type of kid you wouldn't dare bring on a plane.

Adults take journey of Catholic faith

Most people become Roman Catholic during their infancy. Parents and godparents participate in the sacrament of baptism during a Mass celebrated at their local parish church, and years later they remember this important entrance into their Christian faith only through photos taken at the time.

Return of the …

The grand themes of The Lord of the Rings are timeless and

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