New Parks director sworn in
Maj. General Anthony Jackson was sworn in Nov. 16 by Gov. Jerry Brown as the 19th Director of California State Parks, according to a press release recently sent out by the department.
‘Tosca’ features searing drama and music
Opera San Jose begins its illustrious 32nd season with "Tosca," Puccini’s most melodramatic opera. “Tosca” is based on Victorian Sardou’s 1887 French language dramatic play La Tosca. The play starred Sarah Bernhardt, who played the lead in over 3,000 performances. Puccini became obsessed with turning the play into an opera. Librettist Luigi Illica advised Puccini against trying to turn the play into an opera because he felt it could not be adapted to a musical form and was too violent.
Most wines should be consumed within year or two
Have you ever saved a great bottle of wine thinking it would get better with age and then opened it a few years later - only to discover that it was past its prime? That’s because the vast majority of wine is meant to be consumed now or within one to two year’s time at the most. The wines that tend to age well are the more expensive Cabernet Sauvignons and other highly tannic, red wines. Through time, the tannins (which have a bitter flavor) will soften with the wine becoming smoother, richer and more balanced. Whenever in doubt, ask the winemaker or shop manager for advice on if and how long to age the wine.
The Flavor Chronicle: Bruschetta Style Strawberry Shortcake
Back in early March, I was invited to be one of the featured speakers of a local “farmer to you” direct sales marking group called Country Crossroads. The topic of my presentation was called “Creating Branded Recipes.” I presented a list of steps, ideas and inspiration to help guide the members of the group towards creating their own recipes with their name as part of the title. One of the presentation bullet points led to the inspiration of this week's column.
The Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’: A revival to behold
From the wistful, beautiful first notes of Gershwin's classic “Summertime” at the opening of the first act, to the last notes of Porgy's “I'm On My Way” as he sets out to find his love at the end of the last act, this production is a glorious conglomeration of beautiful Gershwin music with a heart-wrenching plot creatively redesigned by award-winning director Diane Paulus. She brings us a bigger and better “Porgy and Bess” and her casting - for the most part - is impeccable.
