Columnists

Christmas sometimes seems to be the American national holiday. Even as the economy seems to be improving, stores are counting on “the Christmas spirit” to keep them solvent for another year.

The American Institute of Mathematics (AIM) engages Morgan Hill

Recently I was left in charge of my granddaughters – 5 1/2-year-old Gracie and 4-year-old Emily – for several hours  while my daughter and son-in-law ran a half marathon in Santa Cruz. (Yes, I know. The only explanation is that they gave me the wrong baby at the hospital; no way did I give birth to an actual marathon person).

Award-winning writer Lee Hall knows his way around words. He has given us the superb "Billy Elliott" and co-wrote the screenplay for the heart-wrenching "War Horse." His smooth dialogue for "The Pitman Painters" flows with his usual glib, natural depth for the subject at hand. This bittersweet, humorous piece tells the true story about a grungy group of coal miners who decide to enhance their drab lives. With great trepidation, they decide to participate in (government supplied) art appreciation classes, never thinking they would eventually become famous and in demand in the art world.

"Today we march tomorrow we vote," read many signs during the nationwide pro-immigration marches of 2006, and during the midterm elections in November, Democrats regained control of both the Senate and House of Representatives. But it is hard to quantify how big of an impact the Latino vote had on the elections given that most exit polls indicated that the war in Iraq was a higher priority than immigration.

When it comes to responsible money management, caring for the city's utilities is a lot like running a household. Many families might identify three main aspects to their household budgets. Primary are the daily costs like groceries, household supplies and gas for the car.

Every five or 10 years, like it or not, your past comes calling.

We are now in plain view of the “fiscal cliff.” After the election, Congress may or may not end up keeping income and estate tax rates at their recent levels. Next year may bring some notable financial developments, and it isn't too soon for households to think about them.

Morgan Hill Cellars is the oldest winery in our region and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The winery was founded in 1913 by an Italian immigrant named Camillo Colombano who planted Barbera root stock brought over from Italy. From 1945 to 2006, the Pedrizzetti family owned and operated the winery. Changing hands for the third time in 2006, it is now owned by Mike and Maryclaire Sampognaro.