As we dance through life, often an opportunity, or responsibility, to follow comes to us. How we respond is our choice. We need to ask ourselves do we have the courage, the patience, strength and, yes, faith to follow? Difficult as following may be, it is much harder to lead. It can take much more hope and determination. Civil rights icon Rosa Parks drew upon amazing powers to lead. Parks dared to make a difference. Saturday, the Caesar Chavez group will host a celebration in honor of Parks' birthday. The public is encouraged to attend the event at Miller & Lux from 2 to 5 p.m. Feel free to bring a poem, song or statement in honor of this courageous woman. | Full Story

Heidi Michael took the do-it-yourself approach to becoming an artist. | Full Story

"What is Love?" asked Haddaway in his '90s world hit. | Full Story

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. | Full Story

Charter school info | Full Story

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?" | Full Story

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

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." | Full Story

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. | Full Story

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. | Full Story

Jonah Hill plays his regular chumpy self in David Gordon Green's "The Sitter," a crazy romp in the same vein as the 1980s baby sitter comedy "Adventures in Babysitting." | Full Story

In the musical "Fiddler on the Roof," there is a haunting song called "Sunrise, Sunset." | Full Story

To some, this is a time to eat hardy, drink extra and party. To others, it is a time to stay indoors and write Christmas cards. Still, others find it a depressing and stressful time. Some eat for comfort, others scrape by. No matter what, we eat and drink differently now than any other time of the year. | Full Story

I'd like to write a letter to Adam Sandler. It would read, "Dear Mr. Sandler, you suck. I want 91 minutes and 10 dollars back." Updated: Dec. 9, 2011 10:34 AM | Full Story

Announcement Updated: Dec. 9, 2011 10:34 AM | Full Story

The Salvation Army's red kettles, which date to 1891, are ringing at seven locations in Los Banos. Updated: Dec. 9, 2011 11:36 AM | Full Story

The Los Banos Arts Council hosts the sounds of Yosemite on Dec. 4 with Tom Bopp. Tickets are available at the door for $20. Updated: Nov. 25, 2011 3:26 PM | Full Story

Downtown's answer to Black Friday will feature 18 businesses along Sixth Street. Updated: Nov. 25, 2011 2:25 PM | Full Story

The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce is taking entries for the 26th Downtown Christmas Parade through Monday. Updated: Nov. 25, 2011 2:25 PM | Full Story

Those of you who have read this column for years are used to my close-off line of "May all your news be good news," I am happy to say that a book compiling 19 years of this column is being published with that name. I do not have an exact premiere day, but keep watching. | Full Story

Piano, singing, images, video and some prerecorded soundtracks will all play into the Los Banos Arts Council's concert early next month. | Full Story

One day a year is set aside to pay war veterans special homage, and I hope that you do so. If you know a veteran, please call and thank him. If you are a veteran, I thank you and salute you for your service and love of country. | Full Story

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Every Friday • Family Night at the Los Banos Elks Lodge No. 2510, 545 Sixth St., at 7 p.m. • UTX Ministries youth group meets at the Crossroads Church at 2160 Pacheco Blvd., Suite K, from 7 to 9 p.m. Come listen to a message, play games and enjoy snacks with new friends. | Full Story

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Yellow; a bright cheerful color that makes you think of sunshine and daffodils; a happy color. Is it any wonder than that it is Josephine Leos' favorite color? | Full Story

The fund raiser to make an Outdoor Movie Night an annual tradition on the Henry Miller Plaza is coming along! To date, we have received at least $2,200.00!! Generous donations have been received from Ann McCauley, K-Mart, Tacos El Grullense, Coldwell Banker Kaljian & Associates, Kagome Inc., Rick's Auto Body, Steve and Janet Rath, O. Ray Sheets, Dwayne K. Chisam, Los Banos Little League, and as of early this week, Food-4-Less. Food-4-Less gave well in excess of $500.00 and please note we also have our first non-profit organization on the donor list!! Some citizens have indicated their plans to contribute. We need your check or money order to reach the goal! YOU can be the next one publicly thanked!! | Full Story

De Castro will perform at 7 p.m., today at the United Methodist Church. This evening of solo classical guitar will feature music from De Castro's album, "A Journey through 10 Strings." Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 1:03 AM | Full Story

New Life Community Church will be in revival today through Sunday. Evangelist Johnny Matthews will be guest speaker each night, beginning at 7 p.m. The location of the church is 1250 Overland Ave. Los Baños. Host pastor is Delford Moore Sr. For more information call 826-6110. Come and be blessed. | Full Story

Ephesians 4:3: Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. NIV Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 1:03 AM | Full Story