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Let us explore the “the hold-up” play. Using this technique, you can effectively sever the communication link between your opponents and that minimizes the number of tricks they can take. And, if the opponents take fewer tricks, that means you take more tricks - clearly a good thing.

I am not a good traveler. I like to go places, of course, but I really hate getting on an airplane to get there.

It is really exciting when you are introduced to a new adventure, particularly one that involves great new people. Well, that’s what happened to Lady M and me a couple of weekends ago. You see, at a recent Community Solutions event, we along with four other couples, bid on and won a luncheon at the Martin Ranch Winery in Gilroy. I knew in advance we would have a good time since we would be with terrific friends. But, I had no idea that it would be as totally enjoyable as it turned out.

Have to love the creativity and energy from Renee Carillo, owner of Grinds, Vines and Automobiles coffee house downtown. Not only has she expanded – opening a chic music venue next door which I’ll refer to as “The Other Room” – but there’s a cool old car hoisted onto the loft area. It adds to a very vibrant vibe (2 points for alliteration) for what is quickly becoming a gathering place for local musicians and a place where the laptop crowd is going to enjoy hanging out. A unique creative comfortable coffee shop is an essential piece to the downtown success puzzle and Renee has put that piece into place – plus she likes to dance ...