Columnists

It has been said that lightning does not strike twice in the same place. In the case of Cirque du Soleil's dazzling and glorious “Totem,” it may not have struck the same place, but moved its trademark blue and gold Grand Chapiteau from San Francisco to the Taylor Street Bridge in San Jose, along with its stunning production that defies the imagination.

I’m fascinated by other people’s talents and skills. Musicians, novelists, dancers ... anyone who has a specific ability that they’ve honed and perfected. And kudos to those who share their talent and touch the lives of others - from teaching classes or performing on stage, to simply going to work every day, in the case of a steady-handed surgeon.

There’s a few interesting news items worth mentioning this week. First comes word from China that Chinese pet owners have started importing pet food and treats made in the United States because of concerns about contamination in their own domestic products. Seems they won’t buy their own stuff ever since reports surfaced about salmonella contamination and other problems. Perhaps now they’ll see better quality control from these companies. I still say we should all avoid pet products imported from China.

Rapazzini Winery on U.S. 101 and Highway 25 is the embodiment of all that is sacred in Gilroy: wine, garlic and family ties.

Powerful conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh’s three-day verbal assault on Georgetown University student Sandra Fluke is outrageous for many reasons. Limbaugh’s choice of words – the subject of his narrow, half-hearted apology – is just the beginning.

 Like most people, you probably save and invest throughout your working years so that you’ll be able to afford a comfortable retirement.

The first step toward a California housing recovery has been taken, in the form of the mid-February legal settlement between 49 states and the five large banks that were the leading culprits in the years of mortgage fraud that created a price bubble and convinced many thousands of homeowners to take on high-value mortgages.

It is not uncommon to hear people say something like: “I don’t need to go to church. I can worship God in nature on a sandy seashore or even a golf course.” Well, a group of Bay Area Christians have formed an organization that combines worship of God and appreciation of nature.

If you want to laugh, if you want your senses to be drowned in spectacular color and sound, and most all, if you want to feel good, go see “Beauty and the Beast” with or without the kids. This production is more than the telling of the old fairy tale: It is an artistic conception that challenges the imagination and opens doors to ultimate creativity.

Cruciferous is a designation that comprises the Brassica members of the cabbage family, including cavolo nero, mustard and turnip greens, along with cauliflower and collards, plus radishes, horseradish and arugula. The name derives from the flower common to these plants, the four petals of which spread to form a cross. Hence, “crucifer”-ous.