Columnists

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the country's most respected institutions. While nearly everyone is familiar with its work, far fewer are aware of its long history.

There are few who remember, and the number dwindles every day,

Back in the summer of 1994, I hopped on a light rail train in

As the world marks the centennial of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, my own thoughts recall an ordinary object – a toothbrush salvaged from the debris field surrounding the rusting hull of the great oceanliner that found its final resting place two miles below the Atlantic’s surface.

Today, Barack Obama becomes the 44th president of the United

Another dog has claimed me as her human. It took three months after the death of my beloved Pumpkin for that inner voice to tell me, “I think you’re ready.” It’s sooner than I anticipated, but there was a void left behind - an emptiness that I knew could be filled by saving the life of another dog. I simply had to wait for my grief to ease and my heart to open enough to welcome a new companion home.

Do you know that you can attend a free movie this month? Sponsored by the City of Gilroy, Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission, the Gilroy Public Art Committee and the Gilroy Arts Alliance, the event will be held Thursday on the lawn at the Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St. The classic, G-rated comedy “The Love Bug” will be the feature film and special reserved parking is available for everyone who arrives in a Volkswagen Bug. Before the feature begins there will be a premier showing of “The Lazy Song,” a short movie filmed in Gilroy and performed by Gilroy youth. The movie begins at dusk but the grounds open at 8:30 p.m. for folks to secure a place on the lawn. Bring your blankets and chairs, maybe get your block, your church group, craft group, scout group, family and friends to come along and enjoy a free movie under the stars. Concessions available; alcoholic beverages are not allowed. The event will end by 10:30 p.m. I look forward to seeing you there.

I'm sure many of you in looking over the current state of things

Should you own your home free and clear before you retire? At