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Almost everywhere you look, small formally littered lots as well as larger vacant parcels are being developed into new homes. As we drive around Morgan Hill there is everything from low income senior apartments to luxury homes and everything in between.

How do you know if you should stop at part-score or game or proceed to slam? Usually, one of the partners will hold a stronger hand, and that is the hand which usually starts exploring slam. If neither hand is strong, both of you will usually be satisfied with “just” game or even part-score.

“One Night With Janis Joplin” with another cast is previewing on Broadway as we speak. San Jose Rep's bombastic production recreates some of Joplin's best moments delivered by the amazing talent of Kacee Clanton, who channels Joplin with eerie accuracy. Her voice comes across so raw and powerful and is so similar to Joplin's that you are transported to the ’60s when she reigned as queen of rock ‘n’ roll and brought her spot-on interpretations of this type of music. She delivers with no holds barred with one earthshaking song after another.

When was the last time you had caramel corn? It has probably been many years, came packaged with a prize and was most likely stale and unappealing. If it were not for the prize, many youngsters would avoid it too. This week, I am ready to change your mind about caramel corn and how wonderful and endless the possibilities can be.

Sometimes an occasion comes along that is particularly fortuitous. Here is such an opportunity: a chance to enjoy a fun activity while contributing to children's education.

In May of 1915, after a 27,000-year nap, Lassen Peak blew ash, rock, and pumice 30,000 feet into the air. But Lassen Peak is only the largest lava dome that has formed around the base of the long gone and much larger Ancestral Brokeoff Volcano. At its largest, Brokeoff Volcano (aka Mount Tehama) was fifteen miles wide at its base and 11,000 feet high. Six hundred thousand years ago, it erupted in an explosion fifty times greater than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Based on Neil Simon's 1963 play that brings fun and comedy to a new area, “Barefoot In the Park” is an enjoyable comedy. It is easily digestible - especially with dinner the audience is encouraged to bring, along with wine and whatever else is desired. (But no lighted birthday candles or portable barbecues please, per city ordinances.)

Q: I have a guinea pig whose toenails are starting to curl. Should I bring him in to the vet or can I cut these nails myself?

The focus currently in the news seems to be on war and violence. A civil war in Syria during which the Syrian government used poison gas against its own citizens has brought the United States to the brink of entering that conflict.