Twins Marian (left) and Vivian Brown

This Sept. 22, 2008, photo shows identical twins Marian, left, and Vivian Brown at a restaurant in San Francisco sporting their trademark matching high-end outfits, identical hairdos and cheerful smiles. The 85-year-old Vivian died in her sleep on Jan. 9 at an assisted care facility.

NFC championship: 2 teams, different perspectives

ATLANTA | The Falcons are well aware of just how desperate this city is for its first Super Bowl championship.

Rangers add C Pierzynski, say he will be starter

ARLINGTON, Texas | A.J. Pierzynski can joke with Texas manager Ron Washington about last season's All-Star snub now that he's the starting catcher for the Rangers.

Right at Home: Party favors with flair

A New Year's bash is one of the easier parties to throw. Everyone's already in the merry-making mood, so it's a simple matter of setting the stage.

NFL INSIDER: Bears in do-or-die territory

It's the time of year when the men are separated from the boys in the NFL.

Home observatories make star-gazing easier

Regardless of their interest in astronomy, visitors to Chris Krstanovic's home want to look through his telescope.

Christmas in Napa Valley

My son was in love with a beautiful young woman whose family lives in Northern California. I was gripped with fear and I hadn't even met them yet. My (and my son's) future in-laws invited us to meet them at a resort in Yountville, a town in Napa Valley, where Thomas Keller's world-renowned F…

Tips for de-stressing holiday entertaining

NEW YORK (AP) — With a little planning, a little help and a lot of resolve, holiday entertaining doesn't have to mean you're too stressed out to enjoy your own party.

Right at Home: chic gifts that give back

Gift giving feels good, and can feel even better if you know your purchase is helping those less fortunate. Luckily, a number of home décor retailers partner with charitable organizations; many do so year round, with additional initiatives during the holiday season.

American Michael Ellis leads French Michelin guide

Something new is in the stars for the Michelin Guide — the French restaurant reviewing institution is getting an American accent.

Marshall delivers in Bears debut

LAKE FOREST | Brandon Marshall insisted it's a new day. The way he connected with Jay Cutler, it sure seemed like old times.

Colts new cornerback eager to get fresh start

INDIANAPOLIS | Vontae Davis spent the last three years hearing all about what he did wrong in Miami.

Simpson outlasts McDowell, Thompson to win US Open

SAN FRANCISCO | Webb Simpson has won the U.S. Open for his first major title.

49ers look like serious player in Manning pursuit

SAN FRANCISCO | Jim Harbaugh coaching Peyton Manning. In the Bay Area, they're beginning to think about the possibility and believe it truly might happen.

OFFBEAT: You're invited to Teibel's tribute luncheon to Ann Landers

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

49ers' Vernon Davis leading the way in many ways

SANTA CLARA, Calif. | With a record-setting day and the winning touchdown in his playoff debut, Vernon Davis left no doubt he is indeed a winner.

Connection between Valpo High grads born of peace

VALPARAISO | As she prepared to begin her Peace Corps stint in Cambodia, the last thing Christin Spoolstra expected to encounter was someone from her hometown waiting to greet her.

Bonds' friend: I saw trainer holding syringe

SAN FRANCISCO | Barry Bonds looked at the witness stand with a blank expression as a childhood friend and former business partner described how baseball's biggest star walked into the master bedroom at his spring training home along with trainer Greg Anderson, who had a syringe with a needle.

OFFBEAT: Can you help with 'American Idol' Crown Point contestant mystery?

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

A frightening Force

Actress Patty Duke is shown in costume as the bewitching and scheming teacher Madame Morrible in the San Francisco production of "Wicked," a role she played from March 2009 to Feb. 2010.