Columnists

Gilroy High School’s recent production of the beloved musical “Annie” deserves accolades. Director Ethan Stocks created a tight, fresh production enhanced with choreography by Hilary Little, an outstanding orchestra prepared by Greg Grant, and a cast of talented actors.

It was warm and sunny at San Jose's Alum Rock Park last Friday. At 11:45 a.m., a group of more than 50 people, varying in age from children in strollers to seniors with canes and including four clergymembers, gathered in the uppermost parking lot. They could have been there for a picnic.

The West Coast premiere of Anupama Chandrasekhar’s comic-drama “Disconnect” is a jarring reminder of how and why we reach people on the other side of the world when we have a problem that needs answers. It's called BPO – Business Processing Outsourcing. Mostly 20- to 25-year-olds work the phones to try and solve your problem or – in this case – collect overdue bills. The pressure is harsh and the psychological trials are tortuous.

We’ve all heard the magic words that seem to get our adrenalin flowing a bit faster. Some examples: “THEY’RE OFF”; or, how about “GENTLEMEN. START YOUR ENGINES” (my apologies to Ms. Patrick); or the famous call to action on the food cook-off,  “CONTESTANTS, GRAB YOUR POTS;” and who could forget the announcement that the curling competition is about to start with a resounding; “GET OFF THE ICE, STUPID” – or something to that effect. Anyway, the most famous and recognizable announcement of all would have to be, “PLAY BALL.”

One reason Gov. Jerry Brown’s Proposition 30 tax increases passed so handily last fall was that many voters became convinced that if they didn’t say yes to the new levies, the sky would fall.          

The Mojave Desert never makes a good first impression. The sprawling basins and naked brown mountains, sparsely dotted with ragged Creosote bushes, offer little reason to linger. We prefer to pass on through in search of a more verdant setting. 

Have you ever thought about adopting a kitty? Kittens come to mind when someone decides to add a cat to their family. And sure, kittens are fun and cute, but they can also be a challenge. Kittens have lots and lots of energy that sometimes leads to destructive behavior. Most kittens need to be trained to use the litter box. And that cute little face? Someday it'll be just another adult cat.