In the Central Valley, January is generally not a memorable month. It's a month most valley residents simply try to get through.

Steven Soderbergh's "Haywire" is a simple, guilt-free, sexy action thriller. Far from the intellect of his Oscar- winning "Traffic" or the mainstream appeal of the "Ocean's 11" franchise, "Haywire" is a globe-trotting B-movie with a unique attraction: a female heroine who goes mano a mano versus her all-male cast.

I am saddened by the death of Frank Parreria and Tommy Hammond. Tommy was a dedicated Mason and a member of the Veterans Color Guard. Frank was the kind of solid, good man you wanted to as a friend. Frank was the brother of my friend Louis Parreria.

TThe budget crunch in California has many ripples. One of the small but significant ripples affects California community colleges.

Live In Harmony

A retard? I did not even know what the word meant. What I heard was that my father was going to take my friend away from me. What could I do? Then I heard the voice of my Grandpa Day, who was living with us at the time, "Now, Jack, Joycie playing with this young unfortunate woman can do her no harm, and it shows people what a kind and understanding man you are to encourage compassion in your daughter. And, Millie, (what he called my mother, his daughter), it just gets Joyce out of your hair doesn't it?"

I was talking to one of our farmers, and he began to stress the need for rain.

I have always been fascinated by the study of human nature.

I am moving to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the New Testament Jesus Christ speaks of when he was hungry, and of other needs: "When you do for others in need, you do for me."

This old dog of 66 years will try to master new technology this year. Yes, I have succumbed to family pressure and purchased a smart phone.

It's official -- the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, will change its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The name change takes effect in January.

2 Timothy 2:7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. NIV

Since I have written this column I have lost another dear friend, a treasure to us all, Hal Lagmay. I have been blessed to have Margie and Hal Lagmay as friends, and was graced to be a part of this last adventure of transcendence. Hal's illness struck quickly and tried to steal his strength. But Hal's great faith, his inner character, his very goodness could not be touched by a mere cancer.

Imagine what it would be like if the story of Christmas were to happen in 2011 -- in our town.