Susan Love

Doctors in California will soon have to tell a patient if a mammogram reveals she has dense breasts. They will have to explain that breast density is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, that it makes mammograms harder to read and that “a range of screening options are available.” The new law, which will go into effect April 1, 2013, follows similar ones that have passed in Connecticut, Texas, Virginia and New York. It is endorsed by a variety of groups, including the California Radiological Society, the California Nurses Assn., California affiliates for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

This weekend, discussions on more U.S troops going to Somalia will highlight the public affairs shows, while baseball's playoffs continue today and Sunday on CBS. Breast cancer survivors talk to Jane Pauley, Erma Bombeck and Dr. Susan Love about self-examinations and mammograms on "The Breast Care Test," Sunday at 10 p.m. on KCET-TV Channel 28. For a complete list of sports events on TV, see Section C.

You know, folks once came to this country on small wooden sailing ships. Think the Mayflower, the Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock.  Those souls were, I venture, a tad bit more, uh, hardy than most of us today. As evidence, I give you the epic tale of the crippled Carnival cruise ship Triumph, whose passengers -- like Gilligan, the Skipper, the professor and, oh, you know the rest -- went out for a four-day tour and barely got back. First, let's start with a little history of the Mayflower, courtesy of that font of lazy wisdom, Wikipedia: There were about 150 passengers and crew on the 110-foot-long ship.

Eleanor Farrow, volunteer reading tutor: "Under a Wing" by Reeve Lindbergh (Simon and Schuster). "This is a compelling, readable adventure into the experiences of growing up in the unique family of Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh. It is delightfully frank, real and poignant." **** Sachi Oyama, librarian: "Dr. Susan Love's Hormone Book" by Susan Love with Karen Lindsey (Random House). "With complete clarity, Dr.