The National Women’s Soccer League, the third try at an American women’s professional league, opened its first season last weekend with nearly 20 former Bay Area college standouts on league rosters… but no California team.

As Twitter’s prominence has grown, some pro athletes have gotten into trouble for the words they send into cyberspace. But the San Jose Earthquakes encourage their players to use social media, and so far, it’s been a big success.

Stanford’s fifth annual Cool Product Expo showcased a robotic machine that automatically mixes drink, a skateboard that simulates snowboarding on pavement, a collapsible kayak that folds into a tote bag and much more.

Ten years ago, Ellen Brook took a professional leap of faith. After taking a silk painting class, she left a Silicon Valley career in investor relations to follow her dream. Her pieces now hang throughout the Bay Area.

Esther’s German Bakery serves traditional German foods beloved by the cafe’s owner, Esther Nio. Now, it’s also beloved by members of the German-American Business Association.