Columnists

The financial planning process is not merely a matter of numbers. When you meet with a financial advisor to map out a strategy for wealth accumulation or wealth preservation, you may find yourself intellectually and emotionally engaged on a level you hadn't anticipated. It may actually give you a better understanding of what you want from life.

Anyone familiar with teenagers knows they seem to follow a different clock than adults, preferring to sleep later in the morning and stay up later at night. In fact, some school systems have recognized this by delaying the start of the school day past the normal 8 a.m. Thus, I was surprised to find a classroom full of Gilroy teens voluntarily meeting at 5:55 a.m. on a Monday morning to study religion – and they do this on a daily basis throughout the school year.

OK, I admit it. I watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Not that I’m a parade junkie. Not at all. In fact, I could easily have passed on things like a helium-filled balloon that looked like a huge sponge with a silly face, and  short pants to further personify it.

Mitch L. Mariani II – a self-taught amateur chef – is back with his new food column, The Flavor Chronicle. See his first column, with a recipe for Roasted Chicken Amogio, in Friday's newspaper.

Historically, Christmas Day was preceded by a month-long season called “Advent.” This was a penitential time, a period of solemn preparation for remembering the birth of Christ and his promise to return to earth.

“The Book Of Mormon” is an explosion of fantastic talent and super entertainment. Here is one show you are guaranteed to get your money's worth. The performers put forth such amazing talent and energy. The original production received nine 2011 Tony awards. The cast in this production is spot-on with outstanding performances by every person who tirelessly steps on the Curran stage.

Q: Why are all the homes I find on the Internet already sold?

I love this time of year, when the weather begins to cool and I can haul out my coat from the deep recesses of the closet. Aside from it being the holiday season, the spattering of rain and blustery winds never fail to make me reflect on and remember moments that have blessed my life.

Depending on when you’re reading this, you’re either in the last throes of Thanksgiving dinner prep or in a coma from too many helpings of turkey. But if you’re still with me, I’m thinking a bit of reflection this time of year is good.