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Abraham Lincoln never visited Silicon Valley, but he would no doubt appreciate the spirit of innovation and ingenuity that exists in our global high-tech epicenter. Lincoln, whose birth date is Sunday, happens to be the only U.S. president who ever received an invention patent. That fact leads me to believe he would have a word or two to say to many of today's politicians who are now thwarting efforts to upgrade America's patenting system .

Getting Out: John Muir Laws

December 2, 2013

I began writing this column nearly five years ago. Since then, when I meet someone new, while we are shaking hands, they sometimes say, "Oh, you're the guy who likes to hike." I smile and nod in agreement, but in the back of my mind, I realize that's not quite true.

Getting out: Clouds Rest Challenge is coming

July 2, 2013

Last December in this column, I laid down the Clouds Rest Challenge. I invited readers to join me on a tough 13.2-mile hike from Tenaya Lake (8,150 feet) to the top of Clouds Rest (9,926 feet), an iconic Yosemite peak. Back then, the July 13, 2013 date of the Challenge was a long way off. Not anymore.

Imagine this mom with a Tesla

April 3, 2015

Last week, Elon Musk announced that the Tesla would soon be able to drive itself. This is so exciting. I mean, for people who own Teslas…which obviously doesn’t include me.

‘Tosca’ features searing drama and music

September 18, 2015

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.

Our Town: Wake up to new downtown options

Strive to live up to ideals in Pledge

Residents prepare to respond in time of emergency

‘Billy Elliot’: A musical with the wow factor

Gilroy Methodists welcome new pastor

Should you pay off your home before retiring?

Local church gathers quilts for world’s needy

Women and retirement perceptions

Local teens value good luck over superstitions

Lincoln reminds us of American inventiveness

Getting Out: John Muir Laws

Getting out: Clouds Rest Challenge is coming

Imagine this mom with a Tesla

‘Tosca’ features searing drama and music

New school year brings changes

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