Columnists

There is no doubt the terrorist attacks of 9/11 spread fear among the U.S. public, and the recent Boston Marathon bombing has raised the anxiety level once again. No doubt, some of the ongoing controversy concerning the proposed mosque in San Martin can be attributed to this phenomenon, but perhaps a new book can help alleviate this problem.

Many of my favorite adventures began on the sofa with a map. I see a vast blank region crossed by a single lonely road and wonder: “What the heck is out there?” One day, the lure is too great to resist and I go. The experience is always so much more than just another Sunday drive.

Voted best winery in Gilroy for three consecutive years, Fortino Winery is one of the most beloved wineries in Santa Clara Valley. Fortino Winery has been in business since 1970 when Ernest and Marie Fortino bought an existing vineyard on Hecker Pass in Gilroy. Bringing winemaking traditions from their hometown of Calabria, Italy, Ernest and Marie built a reputation for quality wines and, in 1978, established one of the very first wine clubs in California.

Some months ago I read an article about Ted Bundy, the serial killer convicted of murdering numerous women back in the 1970s and early 1980s. Bundy was a depraved individual, but he kept a very tidy and organized desk.

Late in the night, the cabbie summed it up on the ride back from the MGM Grand. “Mayweather, he just never gives a good fight, never …”

Q: I'm a regular reader of your column and usually like hearing about the problems other people have with their pets. But lately (no offense) your column has gone to the dogs. Literally, it's all dogs and cats. Why don't you ever talk about my favorite animals, cows?

Perhaps it was the perfect removal of crust on your sandwich, the cheerful way she had six dozen cookies ready for the bake sale or the sneaky way she was able to “encourage” you to eat another serving of vegetables. Many of us have such memories of mom. Some of mine are seeing my mom at my elementary school’s Thursday hot lunch, the secret sundae stops on the way to the grocery store and the sound of her “he, he, he” style laugh.

One of the important precepts of Christianity (indeed, of many major religions) is to “Love they neighbor as thyself.” Of course, this sentiment is easy to preach, but more difficult to practice.