Opinion

Award-winning writer Lee Hall knows his way around words. He has given us the superb "Billy Elliott" and co-wrote the screenplay for the heart-wrenching "War Horse." His smooth dialogue for "The Pitman Painters" flows with his usual glib, natural depth for the subject at hand. This bittersweet, humorous piece tells the true story about a grungy group of coal miners who decide to enhance their drab lives. With great trepidation, they decide to participate in (government supplied) art appreciation classes, never thinking they would eventually become famous and in demand in the art world.

Gilroy's First Baptist Church (8455 Wren Ave.) has a long tradition of reaching out to meet the needs of the community. This month it invites South County residents to take advantage of two courses offering support in important areas of life.

Despite the fact that it has been unseasonably warm in 2012, February is still the time of year for comfort food, and we're making soup. Rugged, simple and full of flavor.

One of the wonderful opportunities in our community is the chance to enjoy art at no cost. Exhibits are on display at the Gilroy Center for the Arts on Monterey at Seventh Street every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon and Saturday. This month's feature is a quilt show by local fiber artists. Don't miss this opportunity to view unique, meticulous and creative stitchery. If you're looking for a reasonably priced one-of-a-kind handmade gift or something for your home, visit the Center's Artisans' Gift Gallery.

Whether you're rooting for the Patriots or the Giants, or just tuning in to watch the multi-million dollar commercials, you'll no doubt be thinking about which wines to serve with your salty, spicy, cheesy Super Bowl snacks.

Ah, Super Bowl weekend. Let the parties begin! More importantly, let those television commercials begin! Last year, a pug with a passion for Doritos made the top 10 list for commercial success, along with a group of dogs throwing a party and serving Bud Light. This year, we'll have rottweilers and Doritos, and a chorus of dogs with Volkswagens. All designed to make us laugh while we go out and buy their brand.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. No, no, not Christmas, silly! Super Bowl Sunday is coming for crying out loud.

The following editorial appeared in the Los Angeles Times on Friday, Jan. 27:

There is probably no more popular law in California today than term limits, the result of a 1990 ballot proposition limiting state legislators to six years in the Assembly and eight in the state Senate.