**Lucius Lincoln Niesen was born to Bonnie Joanne (Bowman) and Travis Jeffrey Niesen of Scotts Valley at 10:25 a.m. Nov. 9, 2010. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.

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In my most recent column, I discussed the topic of rabies, especially what one should do if bitten by a possibly rabid animal. Now, I would like to describe animal bites in general.

Realistically, shopping has mostly replaced the spiritual, religious and ideological roots of the holiday season. The U.S. and western world’s economic well-being hinges on it. Until somebody invents a functional, consumerism-less system that still guarantees prosperity, we must shop. Preferably in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, to avoid gargantuan traffic jams at the malls.

Packing and sending gifts is an essential part of the holiday season. But for gifts to arrive safely at their destination, on time and in one piece, it’s imperative that they be shipped in the correct manner.

For a lot of folks, a good share of their off hours in the next 10 days or so will be spent on travel plans, preparations for entertaining, and the logistics of cooking and serving the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Cross country