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Well, it could be merely a coincidence, but the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose has chosen Feb. 15 for its annual Wedding Anniversary Celebration. San Jose's St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica (880 S. Market St.) will host a special Mass for all couples observing their fifth (or less), 25th, 40th and 50th (or more) years of marriage. Couples will renew wedding vows, receive a blessing from Bishop Patrick McGrath, get a certificate marking the occasion and enjoy a reception afterward. All of this occurs on the day after Valentine's Day.

At the end of every year, certain federal tax breaks face a sunset. Some are renewed, some expire. As 2014 will soon start, here is a list of some of notable tax provisions that may go away next year - offering some opportunities that you may want to take advantage of this year.

There is no doubt that gun ownership is very controversial these days. The anniversary of the Newtown massacre and continued gun violence across the country have led to calls for tighter regulation of firearms, such as the recent legislation passed in Sunnyvale. Others counter that their Second Amendment Constitutional rights not be tampered with.

Previously, we talked about one of the most interesting actions in bridge - bidding for slam, which is definitely a whole level higher and even more exciting because the stakes are very high. In order to bid and make slam (six-level bid) you need a total of 33 points between your two hands - or a really fantastic distributional fit. Since it is unlikely one hand will hold 30-plus points, the key to slam bidding is communication between the two partners.

With just days left in 2013, I’ve been ruminating on the past year and wondering what the future may hold. Personally, it’s been a tumultuous year and a half and I’m hopeful the winds will begin to shift come 2014.

“End of the year” reviews are a wonderful tradition. As we look back on the passing year, it gives us perspective while we look forward to a new beginning and new year. To complete my first full year writing “The Flavor Chronicle,” I offer a few recipes for celebratory nonalcoholic beverages.

Every year when the discovery takes place, it takes me back to a happy childhood. We were free, unlike today it seems. Bikes were key. We could hop on and ride, ride, ride – to play basketball, or swim at Garm and Ang’s house or go to school.