July 2009 Magazine PDF

‘PLACE OF BLISS’
Spa Treatment’s, Massage & Energy Therapies at an affordable
price! “A Private Practice with
a Spa Feel!” Sufani Garza MT/
RP/RMT San Jose, (408) 3142139, [email protected],
www.sufani.webs.com.’Place of
Bliss’
16TH ANNUAL
SANTA CRUZ
AIKIDO SUMMER RETREAT
Mary Heiny
Linda Holiday
with Special Guest
Instructors
Kayla Feder
Michael Friedl
July 9-12 2009
Aikido of Santa Cruz,
California
ARTS & PERFORMANCE
CELTIC MUSIC CONCERTS
Four Shillings Short perform an
THIS IS THE HOME BASED
ON WWW.KSCO.COM
exotic blend of traditional music
INCOME OPPORTUNITY OF Perspectives Radio airs every on over 20 instruments. They will
Saturday at 12 noon until 1pm perform in Soquel at The Ugly
A LIFETIME!
CLASSES /WORKSHOPS
MYSTIC GARDEN PARTY
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HEALTH & HEALING
LIVING FROM THE HEART
W/BARRY & JOYCE
VISSELL
SHARED HEART
FOUNDATION
JUL 19-24
BREITENBUSH HOT
SPRINGS, OR
Summer Renewal Retreat with
music by Charley Thweatt. For
individuals, couples, and families. Each summer at Breitenbush Hot Springs Conference
Center, we witness individuals
and couples moving through
the barriers which prevent them
from fully loving. We rejoice as
families are united and children
opened to their natural selves.
The children’s program is alive
with art and movement, nature
experiences and fun groups!
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Addiction & Recovery Counseling, Hypnotherapy, Individual &
Couples Therapy. Marriage &
Family Therapist (MFT) Intern #
46345. Supervised by Louanne
Ellison-Cole Psy., sliding scale
$45 to $80. Call Robert Camillo,
MA (831) 458-6415.
MARTIAL ARTS
AIKIDO: THE ART OF
PEACE
Learn to get centered and blend
dynamically with others! Noncompetitive, supportive practice.
Adult/Teen Intro Class: July 13
- Aug 29. (Enrolling through
July 25). M/W 8-9 pm, and
Sat. 9:15-10:15. Youth classes.
Aikido of Santa Cruz- nonprofit
organization- 306 Mission St,
SC. Call for info, 423-TEAM.
www.aikidosantacruz.org.
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
SACRED WOMEN’S
GATHERING
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ShuLei Healing Arts is available to rent share after 5pm
weekdays and all day weekends
starting now on a monthly basis.
A beautiful office space for
a Body/Mind/Spirit centered
Therapist It is located at 528
Chestnut Street, Santa Cruz.
Please call ShuLei at (831)
425-1819 or 239-7994 to discuss
your needs.
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Front office & treatment room.
Perfect for massage, counseling, acupuncture, etc. $475/mo.
BONUS: Take over all furnishings for $2,500. Call Myra at
(831) 334-2585.
DOWNSIZING YOUR
BUSINESS EXPENSES?
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VM (831) 479-3424
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Learn how earth-based cultures
live and think. Minmia is a
teacher and spiritual carrier for
the Koori people of Australia.
Two days of immersion into
teachings and ceremony in the
Santa Cruz Mountains, July 1112. Call Lisa at (831) 295-0101,
research at www.minmia.co.au
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Mug on Friday, July 17th @6pm
FORTUNES CAN BE MADE (PST).
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BY THOSE WHO ACT NOW
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JOIN the NUMBER ONE Fastest Anxiety Triage/Post-Addiction, Call (831) 477-1341 for info or
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Michael Knowles 831-531-2896. 7:30pm to 8:30pm. For more
FREE NATURE HIKES
Two hikes every Sat & Sun thru Free newsletter, book chapter. info, prices and addresses, go to:
Sept led by City of SC Naturalist, www.MaximumYouToday.com
www.fourshillingsshort.com
Kevin Browning. First hike meets
10am at Friendship Park (corner
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TELL THE WORLD!! • Listings: are $5 a line with a 4-line minimum, prepaid • Headlines: 20 char. & Regular lines 30 char. Photo/Graphic: $10 • Next deadline date is
Thurs., July 23rd for the Aug. ‘09 Issue • Go to our Website: www.theConnect.com •
Mail to: The Connection Magazine, 7960 B Soquel Dr. #355, Aptos, CA 95003 • Phone:
831/459-0522 or Fax: 831/480-5902 •Visa / MC / Discover / American Express/Diner
Card SPECIAL: Prepay 4 months =10% off. Serving: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa
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The Billboard
The age groups are 4-5, 68, 9-12, 13-15 & 16-19. The
overall theme is “The Quest,”
a series of adventures leading
toward self-discovery. This is the
highlight of the year for our whole
family. Cost: adults $660-935
depending upon lodging option.
Children: FREE-$555 depending
Sculpture by the late Holt Mur- upon age. Registration: Mira at
The Shared Heart Foundation
ray
office toll-free 800-766-0629.
PAJARO VALLEY ARTS
Partial work exchanges are
COUNCIL, PRESENTS . . . available in the children’s proTwo great sculpture exhib- gram.
its are opening in Watsonville
sponsored by Pajaro Valley Arts Please visit www.sharedheart.
Council. Sierra Azul Nursery org for more details or call (831)
Gardens, across from the fair- 684-2299.
grounds on Hwy 152 features
EMOTIONAL FREEDOM
over 100 sculptures by 68 artists. Open now thru October 31, TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP
daily from 9 to 5:30. The gallery Eliminate negative emotions
on 37 Sudden St., Watsonville, & behaviors! Easy to learn
features 60 sculptures by 40 technique. Sat., July 25, 9am
artists, including a special exhibit to 12pm. $30, workbook inof the work of the late Holt Mur- cluded. Vets Memorial Buildray. The show will be open Now ing, Santa Cruz. Registration
to August 2. Gallery hours are begins at 8:30am. For more info:
Wed. through Fri., 11 to 4pm, [email protected]
Sat. and Sun, 12 to 4pm. RecepOUNSELING
tion is June 14, from 1 to 4. For
info call (831) 722-3062 or on the
web at www, pvarts.org
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Page 2 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
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Lively Letters
Look for Our August Issue — July 30th
The Connection Magazine is for educational purposes only. We do not necessarily recommend the specific
remedies, exercises, treatments or activities, etc. summarized. Please consult with your personal health
care provider to find out what is appropriate for you.
Healthy Appearance .......................................15
Healthy Planet ...........................................20- 21
Lively Letters ....................................................3
Arts & Entertainment ................................24-25
Martial Arts......................................................14
Astrology .........................................................31
Movies .............................................................24
Awareness ..................................................10-13
Music ..............................................................24
The Billboard.....................................................2
Parenting, Kids & Education .........................22
Call to Awaken ................................................19
Pet / Animal Health .........................................23
Dining Delights .................................................8
Rave Reviews ....................................................3
Directories .................................................26-30
Theme .........................................................16-17
Fitness & Sports ..............................Will Return
Travel & Fun ......................................................9
Green Business Directory ........................18-19
Wonderful Women ...........................Will Return
Health Notes...................................................5-7
Entire Contents © The Connection Magazine
Feature Index
How to Reach Us:
(831) 459-0522 • Fax: (831) 480-5902 (Please
Call to Confirm Fax Receipt)
Connection Magazine
7960 B Soquel Dr. #355 • Aptos, CA 95003
[email protected]
www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com
Check Out Our New Website at
www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com
Free Magazine Download from Anywhere in the World
TEA HOUSE SPA
My wife and I thoroughly enjoy hot tubbing at the Tea
House Spa in downtown Santa Cruz. The setting
is relaxing and beautiful. The staff is so nice. It is
wonderful to get a massage there too!
Jessie & Alison S., Capitola
OM GALLERY
I love your clothing and many colorful lamps. Thanks
for being a Fair Trade store.
Marta Villaseñor, Ben Lomond
SANTA CRUZ VIBE MACHINE
If you haven’t tried the Vibe Machine yet, I encourage
you to do it. It is so easy, only takes a few minutes.
You just sit, relaxed and ‘get vibed’. The benefits
are so many, including helping your immune system
and working at a cellular level. And, the price is so
amazing; so inexpensive.
PJ Mills, Watsonville
THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Thanks to this fine magazine for all of the work you
do for the community and the effort you put forth to
educate us all about what is going on in the world. It is
so refreshing to have a source with ‘the truth’. Thanks
for addressing the Swine Flu, etc. Keep up the great
work! The Stanford Family, Pacific Grove
SANDABS RESTAURANT in Scotts Valley
This is a fantastic dining establishment. The food is
all yummy and made with the highest integrity. The
wild Salmon dishes are ‘to live for’.
Winnie & Marty Jergonson, Aptos
VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
This is the most awesome festival we have ever
attended. It has 7 stages, a huge variety of music, at
Jericho Beach, good food, booths with interesting art
and crafts—just a FUN, fun time! Hope you get to go
there sometime. Barkley Family, San Jose, Calif.
JUMPING MONKEY CAFÉ
Delicious, wholesome, organic, vegan Indian food.
Thanks for being in Santa Cruz!
Bryan Wilkinson, Los Gatos
FACIALS & FACIAL TONING w/Donna WmsSmith
I have had many facials in my life, however, none
compare with Donna Williams-Smith’s. She uses only
the best products on your skin. You leave refreshed
and relaxed. I also love the Facial Toning as it is like
a facelift without any surgery. And, my husband and
I have both done it and look so much younger from
them. Thanks Donna.
Patricia & TL Lee, Santa Cruz
VITAL NUTRIENTS NUTRITION STORE
This is my favorite nutrition store. The owner knows
so much and is able to help you with your questions.
He is so kind and such an expert! He has the latest
and best products.
Jan Bothwick, Soquel
BALANCE STUDIO SPA with Melissa Stone
I practiced my yoga with Melissa Stone’s Groovy
Goddess DVD. It’s one of my favorites as it combines
both Yoga and Pilates. I love the Chakra meditation.
Thank you!
Stephani Sarciau, Santa Cruz
KRXA 540AM RADIO
This progressive news & talk radio station is very
refreshing. It is great to hear the truth. Thank you!
Timothy O’Dell, Moss Landing
MONTEREY MATTRESS
Need a new bed/mattress? You’ll find no finer
mattresses than those from Monterey Mattress. This
company has the highest integrity using only the best
products. They make each mattress to order; custom
made. You can buy a mattress that is organic, too. I
never had slept so well as with Monterey Mattress.
Thanks so much.
Bette M. Mills, Watsonville
TRIBUTE to
MICHAEL JACKSON
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center ’s Atlanta
Project
The Sickle Cell Research
Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund
(UNCF)
United Negro College Fund
Ladder’s of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw
We honor Michael Jackson as the
GREAT dancer and music master that
he was. His music and videos will live
on and on. We send our condolences
to his children, his sisters, brothers
and his mother as well as his beloved
fans.
We choose to honor him by citing
the 36 institutions/organizations in
which he donated $50 million over
the years—all of these organizations
are for children.
AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los
Angeles
BMI Foundation, Inc.
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children’s Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship
Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts
Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus
(CBC)
Sincerely,
Pattie Mills & Thom Coby
President’s Letter
Dear Friends,
Last week, I announced United We
Serve—a nationwide call to service
challenging you and all Americans
to volunteer this summer and be part
of building a new foundation for
America.
And when I say “all,” I mean
everyone—young and old, from every
background, all across the country.
We need individuals, community
organizations, corporations,
foundations and our government to
be part of this effort.
Today, for the official kick off of
United We Serve, members of my
administration have fanned out across
America to participate in service
events and encourage all Americans
to join them.
The First Lady is rolling up her
sleeves and getting to work too. But,
before she headed out today, she asked
me to share this message with you.
Our nation faces some of the greatest
challenges it has had in generations
and we know it’s going to take a lot of
hard work to get us back on track.
While Michelle and I are calling
on every American to participate in
United We Serve, the call to service
doesn’t end this fall. We need to stay
involved in our towns and communities
for a long time to come. After all,
America’s new foundation will be
built one neighborhood at a time—and
that starts with you.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
yoga teacher
training
200 and 500 hour certificate programs
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training
June 19 - July 16
200 hourYoga
certificate
Ashtanga
Liberation Retreat
July
1-5 24-July 20
June
Beth Riley
Deeper Waters - Exploring Continuum Movement - July 24-26 & July 24-29
Spring
Intensive
Debra
Chamberlin-Taylor
and George Taylor
Passionate Midlife - A Couples Retreat - July 24-26
Bhagavad
Gita
– Support
for Daily Life
Derik
Eselius
and
David Rubine
Merging
the Masculine - A Men’s Yoga Retreat - July 31 - Aug 2
MayWith
19-26
Judith Cornell
The
Sacred Art ofYoga
Awakening
- July 31 - Aug 2
Upasana
Retreat
Mukti
May
26-30
Discovering Your True Self - A Weekend Silent Retreat -Sept 11-13
may be taken
as part
of the 500Training
hour certificate program or
Ashtanga
Yoga
Teacher
for personal
growth Series - Sept 13-20
Modular
Monthly Weekend
Angeles Arrien
The Second Half of Life - Sept 18-20
445 Summit Rd. Watsonville CA, 95076
408-847-0406 www.mountmadonna.org
Page 3 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
Greening Your Night Life
by John Dotson
affect not only your bedtime experiences but also your waking hours.
THER THAN A
The story of that trusty (or rusty) old
car, your bed
mattress in your life may be more
might be the
complicated than you think.
largest object you own.
First off, there’s the solid geomWhile it is likely you
etry. A queen size mattress with
spend significantly more
foundation might occupy 45 cubic
money on your car, you
feet or more (compared with 23
probably spend a lot less
cubic feet for a refrigerator and 20
time in it than you spend
cubic feet for a large stove, applion your mattress. Even so,
ances that are mostly hollow).
a mattress can greatly
Second, consider how the complex
production of a mattress and foundation involves the resources required
for all components used to manufacture bedding: fabric, fire barrier,
padding, liners, springs, wood.
Labor and energy are required to
process, assemble, and transport
your mattress from the factory to
your home. And, when you’ve worn
it out, the mattress set must be
replaced and disposed of.
Almost every person on Earth
who can afford to, sleeps on a mattress. A lot of beds are shared, but,
that’s still a whole lot of mattresses
and box springs, a lot of material
mass and a lot of energy consumption, on a global scale. Then, remember that some experts recommend
replacing your mattress after five to
seven years. If that rule were to be
followed, the
manufacturing
and transporting
1126 Soquel Ave.
of mattresses
Santa Cruz, near the Crepe
Place and Rio Theatre
quickly
produces
exponenAt Your Service Everyday
tial numbers.
From 10-9 since 1978
The good news
is that some
Thu, Jul 16 at 7 pm
Thu, Jul 23 at 7 pm
materials used
to make matLogan Payne, Artist Lee Holden
O
Free Public
Parking at
Cayuga & Soquel
(831)429-9600
Be the Hero of your own Sacred Quest
Wed, Jul 1 at 7 pm
Thu, Jul 9 at 7 pm
Derrick Clark
Marc Allen
How To Live
A Handbook On How
To Care For The Self
Visionary
Business
Tips to assure
success while
doing what you love.
Mon, Jul 13 at 7 pm
Thur, Jul 2 at 7 pm
Minmia
Under the
Quandong Tree
Aboriginal teachings
for women walking
their journey.
Mon, Jul 6 at 7 pm
Laura Davis
Journey Through
Writing
July’s Theme: Tapping
our Inner Wisdom
Tue, Jul 7 at 7 pm
Frederick ‘Rico’
Baker, M.A.
Vaastu, the Sacred
Architecture of India in
the contex of Vedic
Wisdom — Yoga,
Ayurveda and Astrology
Wed, Jul 8 at 7 pm
Dr. Janine Talty, DO
Indigo Awakening
A doctor’s memoir of
forging an authentic life
in a turbulent world
Leigh Wunce
NC Medical Intuitive
Astro Night
Independence &
Freedom
Tue, Jul 14
6:30 pm -8:30
Sarita BennTowles
Calm Ease
Smile Breathe
Experience
Thich Nhat
Hanh’s mindfulness meditation,
using artwork as a
visual guide.
Mon, Jul 20 at 7 pm
Monthly
Kirtan Night
Special Guest
... Sumati
She brings
decades of
experience with her
unique kirtan style.
Vision
Boarding
Create, attract
and manifest personal
goals. $25, Materials
Provided
Pre-registration Required
Wed, Jul 22 at 7 pm
Wed, Jul 15 at 7 pm
More in Store …
What to expect in
2009 and beyond
Monique
McDonnell
Discover the Healing
Power Within You
Local psychic/healer
discusses advanced
techniques for healing.
Gail
Minogue
tresses are made from
renewable and recycled
materials—and can, in
turn, be recycled.
At
Monterey
Mattress Company, we
strive to maximize the
greening of our products.
We use natural fire barriers
(no chemical retardants). In our
latex mattresses, we use premium
foam from the sap of rubber trees.
After being tapped, rubber trees
recuperate quickly, providing a livable income for farmers and preventing forests from being logged for
other purposes. Our other models are
made with high quality poly foam
that can be recycled by mixing it
with binders for other cushioning
applications. We use a number of
renewable plant and animal
fibers–including organic cotton and
natural bamboo fabrics, and organic
wool from sheep maintained in
humane conditions. Most poly fiber
used in mattresses is made from
recycled beverage containers and
other products. Liner pads inside our
mattresses consist of scraps generated in the clothing and upholstery
industries.
Scrap steel is recycled to make
much of the wire in inner-springs and
box-springs. Most wood used to make
foundations is from non-endangered
trees grown in renewable forests.
Bedding manufacturers help make
more efficient use of trees cut for other
purposes. The wood used for foundations is made from parts of a tree that
cannot be used for construction lumber. After the consumer discards the
box-spring, the used wood can be
chipped
up and used as mulch, a biomass fuel
source, and other purposes.
With years of design development, our Organic & Natural products utilize organic cotton, organic
wool fire barrier, and natural latex
to achieve 99+% green standards.
Our Natural Touch sleep systems are
also produced to very high green
standards, and we work to achieve
and maintain exceptional green standards in our other high-quality and
affordable mattress lines.
While there are no quick and
easy answers to the large-scale challenges in the bedding industry, the
trend in design, manufacture, and
recycling of products for your night
life is becoming more green.
John Dotson is management
coordinator for Monterey Mattress
Company. Contact [email protected].
Website:
www.montereymattress.com. Call
(831) 899-5464, or visit the showroom at 1714 Contra Costa Street,
Sand City. Monterey Mattress
Company products may also be seen
at April Ash Designer Outlet, 2800
South Rodeo Gulch Road, Soquel.
Call them at (831) 462-1522.
Your Body
of Light CD
Introducing his New 8
CD Spoken Word Release
by Sounds True
Mon, Jul 27 at 7 pm
Allison Dey
Tibetan Book of
Meditation
Student of Lama Christie
presents her teacher’s
newly released work.
Wed, Jul 29 at 7 pm
Vijaya John
Stallings
Ph.D., M.A., D. Ayur
Instilling Hope
Healing Fear
Sleeping
is no
mean art:
for its
sake one
must stay
awake all
day.
Thu, Jul 30 at 7 pm
Kenneth Johnson
Jaguar Wisdom
Introduction to the
Mayan Calendar
Consult a Gateways
Intuitive Reader
On site 7 days a week.
By appointment
or drop-in.
Visit our new and expanding online retail store! www.gatewaysbooks.com
Page 4 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
— Friedrich
Nietzsche
by Dr. Josh Donaldson
n my last article, I discussed the intricate details behind the primary cause
of chronic musculoskeletal pain:
ligament and tendon weakness. Ligaments and tendons are connective tissue
(primarily from Type I Collagen) that
connect bone to bone and our muscle to
bone respectively. Both must be taut and
strong in order for our musculoskeletal
system to function appropriately.
Connective tissue can become
weakened though due to incomplete
repair from trauma or degenerative
changes associated with aging. Weak
connective tissue leads to dysfunctional
joints and poor structural alignment
which puts significant stress on our
musculoskeletal system. This, along
with compensatory muscle tension,
results in subsequent nerve stimulation
that translates into pain. However, there
is a fairly new and somewhat unknown
procedure called Prolotherapy that
helps heal this invaluable tissue and alleviate pain without the need for drugs
or surgery.
Developed in the 1940’s, Prolotherapy involves a non-steroidal
injection of a solution (usually a local
anesthetic and dextrose) to the tender
areas around joints where ligaments
and tendons have been weakened or
damaged. The injection causes a positive local inflammatory response, thus
I
Bio-identical Hormones
Not a Holistic Remedy
by Dr. Ruth Bar-Shalom, N.D.
s we age, our body chemistry undergoes changes. One
of the major changes is a
reduction in the amount chemicals called
hormones produced in our bodies.As they
decrease, we experience, among other
things, grey hair, wrinkles and less pliable
joints.
Hormone is a term derived from the
Greek word for “impetus” and refers to the
chemicals’ ability to transport messages
from one cell to another. In people, these
messenger chemicals move
through the blood stream, triggering other cells to switch
on or off.
In women, hormone loss can lead to
postmenopausal osteoporosis, hot flashes,
depression, dental complaints, and sleep
problems. To offset some of these changes,
medical science developed synthetic hormones to help maintain adequate levels in
the body. The treatment is called hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Premarin, originally developed in
the early 1940s, was the first hormone
replacement drug to enter the market. The
name from its source: Pregnant mare’s
urine.
T h e i d e a b e h i n d H RT i s
to recreate the same hormonal environment that the ovary
used to produce prior to the onset of menopause. Patients do not need HRT unless
their symptoms are significant enough
to affect their quality of life.
For those who need it, however, experience has shown that the changes are short
lived. The positive benefits don’t last over
the long term, and in a small number of
women, HRT is known to increase
A
triggering the body’s
immune system and
natural healing mechanisms, while
also stimulating new collagen formation. The new collagen formed shrinks
as it heals strengthening the integrity of
connective tissue in and around joints,
allowing bones to re-align and localized
pain to be alleviated.
Until recently, Prolotherapy had
not been fully accepted in the conventional medicine paradigm as a
standard mode of pain management.
Its 80-90% effectiveness rate though
on connective tissue dysfunction has
been widely reported and shown time
and again through clinical research, and
in my own clinical practice, to improve
everything from sprain/strains, arthritis,
low back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia,
sciatica and herniated discs, to name a
few. These are results that cannot be
matched with most standard medical
procedures.
Harold Wilkinson, M.D., from the
University of Massachusetts Medical
Center, performed a 16 year Prolotherapy study culminating in 1995.
He reported that “a sizeable portion of
people with unresolved chronic pain
had years of pain relieved with just one
prolotherapy treatment” though most
protocols involve multiple treatment
sessions.
Most treatments are generally
the risk of breast cancer,
ovarian cancer, blood
clots, or dementia. For
women who are 10 or more years
past menopause, HRT slightly
raises the risk of heart disease.
In recent years, science
introduced us to bio-identical hormone replacement therapy
( B H RT ) . B i o - i d e n t i c a l h o r mones are derived from components in soy and yams, and were
developed as a way to eliminate synthetic
hormone’s unwanted and dangerous side
effects. BHRT’s prominence was boosted
when Oprah featured the treatment on her
television show.
Afterwards, my clinic was inundated with calls seeking access to this new version
of hormone replacement. However, since
the data on bio-identical hormones is still
incomplete, their safety remains an open
question. While the theories supporting
safety make sense, it is still too early to
claim they are the best approach.
It’s clear, however, that safety margins are expanded when health issues are
explored in a comprehensive and systematic approach.
When dealing with aging and
hormone levels, I direct patients to look
more deeply at their general health.
This recommendation includes vitamin status, inflammation levels, personal and work
stress, detoxification and elimination
capabilities.
Just adding hormones to an inflamed, toxic or undernourished system
will not help on the long term, and it may
create more problems than it solves.
While I do use bio-identical hormones in my practice, they are not seen as a
one-size-fits-all solution to hormone
given about every four weeks to allow
time for the repair and growth of the
new connective tissue. Patients usually
require four to six treatment sessions
for complete recovery, though some
experience more immediate results depending on the extent of tissue damage.
Treatments range from $150-400, where
as a typical surgical procedure may cost
over 10-15 times that amount.
Drugs may provide limited relief,
but do not address the cause of pain
and have numerous side effects, while
surgery is not guaranteed to alleviate the
pain and can often cause more problems.
Meanwhile, Prolotherapy has proven
to be a very effective treatment with
my patients, and those of other doctors,
with very limited side effects. As its
presence gains gradual prominence in
medicine, it just may be the long-term
solution to chronic pain that people have
been looking for.
Dr. Josh Donaldson received a B.S.
in Sports Medicine and then worked
several years in the physical therapy
field before obtaining his doctorate
degree (N.D.) from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. He
has recently joined Randy Baker, MD
at the Pacific Center of Integral Health
where his focus is on the prevention and
treatment of disease and chronic pain
through optimizing nutrition, exercise,
structural re-alignment, sleep and
mental health. He is also an Adjunct
Professor at Cabrillo College and Five
Branches Institute. Call (831) 476-1886
for appointments.
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replacement, and we should not assume them to be a holistic answer
to all aging complaints. There are
few magic keys to good health.
Everyone is different, and it behooves us
to learn about available options and how
they fit or don’t fit our particular chemistry and circumstance.
Dr Ruth Bar-Shalom has been
in practice for 22 years. She is a
graduate of the National College of
Naturopathic Medicine, has been an
associate Professor of Rheumatology
and Geriatrics for the South West
College of Naturopathic Medicine and
has presented multiple workshops at
Bastyr University and her Alma Mater.
She is past President of the Alaska
Naturopathic Physicians Association.
Her practice is in the Live Oak area in
Santa Cruz. For information, please
call (831) 475-6666, or visit our web
site www.naturalmedicineUS.com.
Page 5 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
PGX Daily
120sg $31.95
by David L. Biles, D.D.S., M.A.
he title says it all, but what does it really
mean? Gold… the ideal dental restorative
material. First off, what is a dental restorative material? Quite simply, it is the substance
that a dentist chooses to rebuild a tooth after the
damage to the structure of a tooth is remedied,
whether it was through decay, trauma, or some
other process that created physical damage. In
generic terms, the choices a dentist has today to
rebuild teeth reduce down to plastic, glass, metal
or some combination of the three.
One of the more popular forms of restorative
materials used today is known commonly by the
public as composite or composite resin. It is essentially a plastic material that has characteristics
similar to epoxy and plastic. It is a wonderful
material, in that it is reasonably priced, tooth
colored, highly esthetic, is reasonably durable,
and takes one visit to complete. However, there
are limitations to where it can be placed and how
large it can be and still retain its physical properties. One of the disadvantages of composite’s use
is that once it is placed by the dentist and activated
(hardened) by the appropriate wavelength from a
light source, it can no longer be manipulated and
shaped. This becomes a challenge, particularly
when the dentist is rebuilding the wall of a tooth,
or walls —in the case of two adjacent teeth, that
have suffered decay in between the two teeth. The
resulting contour can be less than ideal, creating
areas where food is trapped, contributing to gum
and more decay issues. They are not indicated,
as we dentists say, in certain situations because
of this limitation.
Long term durability with composites is a
problem, with little doubt, necessitating more frequent replacement as the material just wears out,
behaving and appearing like any other plastic that
ages— it discolors and weakens through time and
repetitive stress in the oral environment. Count on
replacing composites over time more frequently
than the other options.
Porcelain is a better choice than composite
in that it is very esthetic, but it has its limitations
in that it is more costly, generally takes two visits,
and because it is essentially glass, it can and does
break occasionally. The more
traditional porcelain fused to
metal restorations appear to
T
A truly Integrative Health Center
Conditions
we treat
■ Hormone Imbalances
■ Menopause
■ Anxiety
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■ Thyroid Imbalance
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Santa Cruz
B. Wieselman, L Ac., Drs. Germann, Fleck & Moss
Modalities:
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Nutritional IVs
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Lifestyle Counseling
Our Center is also
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be more durable than the newer, very popular all
porcelain (all glass) restorations, and rank similar
to gold in durability. The all porcelain restorations
are incredibly esthetic, and are very durable,
but still do show signs of breakage more than I
would like to see, creating issues for the patient
and dentist. One visit all porcelain restorations
often display contour issues, though that may be
improving with newer technology available.
So… why do I say that gold is the ideal dental restorative material? Simply because it lasts,
and lasts, and lasts, and lasts longer than any other
material dentists have to choose from. The only
limitations are the initial cost, color, and that gold
draws mercury vapor out of silver colored mercury dental amalgams due to the physical nature
of gold and mercury. (This is well understood by
gold miners who employ mercury in the mining
process.) Gold also generally requires two visits
to place. Other than those issues, gold behaves
perfectly for the dentist and the patient when the
shape and contour are suited for the particular
dental environment.
So why do I choose gold as the ideal restorative dental material? Question: how many times
do you want your head operated on by a dentist?
How many times do you want anesthetic injected
near your brain? How many times do you want to
undergo dental treatment for rotting teeth? That
is my ultimate criteria for ideal. When I think of
my children, that is what I consider… longevity.
When I look at my patients who have had their
teeth restored, it is the gold restorations that are
lasting 20, 30, 40, 50 or more years— and the gold
crowns, inlays, and onlays still look great because
gold wears so very well, unlike the other materials available. So, even when cost is considered,
I believe gold to be very economical in that it
lasts and rarely needs replacement, if maintained
properly by the patient. So, there you have it:
gold is the ideal dental restorative material— at
least in my book.
Dr. David Biles is a 1975 Phi Beta Kappa
UC Davis grad with undergraduate degrees in
physical education and psychology, a 1981 UC
Davis masters degree in exercise physiology,
and a 1982 UCLA School of Dentistry graduate
with Fellowships from the Academy of General
Dentistry and the Institute of Natural Dentistry.
His practice of dentistry continues to evolve as
he pursues his journey to unravel the discovery of
the oral systemic connections that impact human
health, (831) 423-0121, www.drbiles.com.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE & YOUR THYROID:
WHY YOUR THYROID MAY NOT BE DOING ENOUGH
O
thyroid include weight loss, sweating,
a sense of anxiety, heart palpitations,
high blood pressure and a bulging of
the eyes.
A third condition, in which the
Thyroid gland becomes inflamed, is
called Hashimoto’s disease, and it
is as an auto-immune disorder. The
symptoms are those of an under-active thyroid, and the cause seems to be
genetic in nature.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose Thyroid
gland imbalances by taking a history of
your symptoms as well as a blood test.
Typically we measure TSH (Thyroid
Stimulating Hormone), a hormone
produced by the pituitary gland in the
brain which stimulates the thyroid to
produce T4 and T3. It is important
also to test the levels of free T3 and T4
and not just TSH, which is sometimes
regarded as sufficient. Lab markers
indicate that a TSH between .4 - 4.0
is normal. However, I’ve found most
people whose TSH is below 2.0 often
present with low thyroid symptoms and
feel better on thyroid support.
If Hashimoto’s is suspected, then
antibodies levels are measured in the
blood.
Page 7
Page 6 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
▲
by Dr. Tonya Fleck
ur thyroid gland is one of our
most important endocrine organs. The functioning of the
thyroid directly affects more bodily
functions than all the other endocrine
glands because it controls cellular metabolism by secreting hormones which
govern the metabolic rate of most of our
body’s vital functions. Imbalances of
the thyroid can have serious effects on
your health, so you should always seek
advice from your doctor when dealing
with any hormone problem.
What thyroid problems can arise?
The thyroid gland can become
either under-active (Hypothyroid) or
over-active (Hyperthyroid). The causes
can be multi-factorial. In cases of Hypothyroid, the gland doesn’t produce
enough (T3) triiodothyronine and (T4)
thyroxine, the hormones necessary for
healthy metabolism. Symptoms of low
thyroid functioning can include constipation, dry skin, loss or thinning
of hair, weight gain, fatigue, poor
memory and low body temperature.
Because there may be other imbalances
creating these symptoms, the thyroid
can often be overlooked.
Hyperthyroid is much less common. Symptoms of an overactive
Supplements for Bugs
by Sylvia Skefich D.C.
t’s good to know that there are ways to kill
off abnormal bacteria, virus, fungi, yeast and
parasites that do not involve medications.
Many of us may have had, or have known somebody who has had a non-emergency pathogen
that has been resistant to medical treatment, or
that other less toxic methods of treatment were
desired. I must emphasize prior to launching into
the subject… If you suspect an infection, go get
it diagnosed by an MD. Do not put your health
at risk by guess work in diagnosing yourself.
That said, here is some interesting information
on killing bugs:
Enveloped Viruses “Enveloped” refers to a
fatty encasement that protects this class of viruses.
They include herpes, mono, measles, mumps and
rubella. Herbs that can be effective in cutting
down their replication and helping aid the body to
effectively heal include St. John’s Wort (3ml/day),
coconut oil (2 TBS/day), (especially Lauricidin,
a specially processed coconut oil product that is
dramatically more potent than regular coconut
oil), and Primal Defense (a probiotic formulation
that has earth enzymes and soil organisms).
Non Enveloped Viruses include the human
papilloma virus, implicated in cervical cancer.
For this virus, 2 proteolytic enzymes capsules
taken on an empty stomach three times per day
can be effective in turning around positive pap
tests. One may need to be on the program for
3-6 months. These proteolytic enzymes (such
I
as Rejuvenzyme, Vitalzyme, Multizyme, and Serramend) can also
be effective with the enveloped
viruses because many viruses spew
a protein called “park-like protein” that helps trick the immune
system; the virus hides behind it.
The enzymes wipe the protein shield away to
let the other remedies and the immune system
do their work.
All Viruses will respond to Arginex (69/day) and Cataplex E (6-9/day) because these
substances (without going into an explanation of
biochemistry) slow viral replication.
Yeast, although sometimes a sign of a
weakened immune system, may also just be lingering in an environment that hosts them. Many
people know how important diet and eliminating
sugars and alcohol is for yeast issues. Yeast can
be knocked down with Candex enzyme (6/day),
(recommend it above other brands), also taken on
an empty stomach and dosed evenly throughout
the day so the enzyme goes systemic rather than
digesting plant material in the stomach. It is best
combined with Primal Defense probiotic with
meals for effectiveness.
Toenail Fungus is almost 100% responsive
to the combination of topically applied tea tree oil
and tamanu oil twice per day. Neither oil alone
will work. Toenail fungus can also be a sign of
decreased overall immune function, but can still
be cleared up.
Intestinal Parasites can be cleared with
Zymex ll (9/day between meals) which has
natural proteolytic enzymes and certain herbs
known to purge and kill parasites. Oregano oil
capsules (from Gaia Herb— do not use dropper
bottle versions) is great at eradicating protazoa
N ATUROPATHIC M EDICINE & Y OUR T HYROID :
▲
W HY Y OUR T HYROID M AY N OT B E D OING E NOUGH
Page 6
Can Naturopathic
Medicine effectively treat thyroid
disorders?
You bet, and with a high degree
of success as well. The nature of our
approach is in individualization of
the diagnosis. In addition to directly
treating the thyroid using non-toxic
methods, a Naturopathic Doctor will
also work to discover the underlying
cause of the imbalance— acknowledging that the thyroid is impacted by
the health of the body’s entire system.
Another way of saying ‘treating the
whole person.’
Another key element is ensuring
that the body has all the minerals it
needs for proper functioning. A Naturopathic approach will likely include
dietary recommendations, specific
nutritional supplements, glandulars,
homeopathics and/or herbal medicines.
And if needed, Naturopathic Doctors
may occasionally write prescriptions
for thyroid medications when appropriate. The outcome will be not
only a balance Thyroid gland, but
a higher level of overall health and
well-being.
Dr. Fleck is the Founder and
Medical Director of the Santa Cruz
Naturopathic Medical Center. She
received her doctorate in Naturopathic
Medicine from the Southwest College
of Naturopathic Medicine, her BS in
Psychology and completed graduate
work in Marriage and Family Therapy
at the Univ. of MD. Dr. Fleck specializes in Family Medicine, Women’s
Health & Holistic Pediatrics as well as
medical nutrition, fatigue, depression
& anxiety, detoxification, homeopathy
and botanical medicine. She is an
adjunct professor at Five Branches
Acupuncture Institute. Call for
a free 15 minute
consultation,
(831) 477-1377,
www.DrTonyaFleck.com.
and smaller pathogens that can linger low-grade,
but create much distress. I have found an interesting correlation to gut microbes to a persistent
knot and misalignment in the right upper neck
at the C2 vertebra.
Sylvia Skefich is a Doctor of Chiropractic
who is certified in nutrition. She practices at 920
41st Ave., Ste. G, Santa Cruz, 95062. She carries
all the supplements mentioned in her shop, (831)
475-1995, www.Vital-You.com.
GREEN
HEALTHCARE
Dr. Sylvia Skefich,Chiropractor
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Page 7 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
How Good Can A Goody Be?
by Sophi Liang
H
ow good can a goody be?
This is the question I asked
myself at the moment I had
tasted the cool lavender mix that was
made with all fresh ingredients.
Tender purple of the lavender,
silky creamy white of the rose petal,
lavish green of the fresh mint, plus a
thick slice of baby yellow lemon
formed a picture of a cool day, away
from the heat of the summer. All colors and flavors of that image mingle
into the crystal bubbles of a mineral
water, like Perrier.
What a zest for life! The cool
lavender mix is an ideal all day drink
for hot summer. It is
fresh and refreshing,
tasty and caffeine free.
Recipe for Making
2 Liters of the Drink
Ingredients:
1). 5 tsp of lavender
flower
2). 4 tsp of dried mint leaves
3). 8 peels of white rose petal (or a
stem of white rose)
4). A bunch of fresh mint
5). 2 baby yellow lemons (sliced)
6). 1000ml Perrier mineral water (or
7 up)
7). Honey to the taste
To mix:
1). Mix the lavender and dry mint,
then put 1000ml hot water into
thepot to make a big pot of
flower water
2). Chill the flower water in a cooler
4). Pour the chilled flower water into
4 large cocktails glasses ---just
half way, then squeeze a few
drops of fresh lemon juice into
each glass and stir well
5). Add Perrier or 7 up
6). Garnish the drink with fresh mint
leaves, lemon and rose petals
Enjoy!!
Sophi Liang is a tea expert and
owner of Moonstruck Chinese Tea
House in Vancouver, BC. She can be
reached at (604) 602-6669 or
[email protected] .
When in Vancouver, BC, come to
Moonstruck to indulge in their magnificent teas, dim sum and other
foods. Check out their quality art
and vintage pieces as well. Also, you
may want to participate in a formal
Chinese Tea Ceremony. Just make
reservations for that in advance. Visit
www.moonstruckteahouse.com
Please let them know that you
learned about them from The
Connection Magazine. Thank you.
“Live in
the
sunshine,
swim the
sea, drink
the wild
air…”
— Ralph Waldo
Emerson
“What
hunger is
in relation
to food,
zest is in
relation to
life”
— Bertrand
Russell
Page 8 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
by Pattie Mills
have been on many
cruises, and I must
say that my favorite
cruise line is Celebrity.
Celebrity is top-of-theline in every respect.
I was fortunate to
take a cruise on Celebrity’s Millennium. We left
the port in Vancouver,
British Columbia and
traveled north through
the Alaskan Inside
Passage and back to
Vancouver. Of course,
Alaska was spectacular.
The cruise docks in various cities, including the
capital of Juneau. When
the ship stops, you can
go into town, take one of
many interesting, exciting or adventuresome excursions, or
stay on board and enjoy the multitude
of activities, the spa with its ‘in-port’
discounted prices, or just relax and
maybe read that book you haven’t had
time to read.
The moment you cross the
gangway, you will notice the relaxing and elegant atmosphere onboard
the Millennium. As your cruise progresses, gentle reminders that you’re
aboard one of the most sophisticated
ships in the “premium” range of cruise
lines will appear (however, the prices
are very reasonable).
The tone is set early in the
cruise. Representatives from each of
the ship’s activity options set up pool
side tables to answer questions from
arriving guests on embarkation day.
Whether it’s spa appointments, questions about Internet rates or casino
gaming, it’s a nice touch to begin the
cruise. There is enough variety in onboard activities, enrichment lectures,
and quality entertainment to keep
almost any type of cruiser happy—all
led by a friendly and energetic Cruise
Director and his staff.
The fabulous décor is an ingenious fusion of contemporary,
Old World, Art Deco and chic resort
influences. The highlight is the central
atrium with glorious amounts of natural light on the edges and a stunning
white onyx stairway down the center.
The translucent staircase glows with
internal yellow neon light and is
lined with three-story-high mahogany
pillars surrounded by long golden
flowing curtains. Altogether, the
combination is a visual delight. There
are vast expanses of glass and beech
wood bisect mahogany-paneled walls,
most adorned with provocative works
of art. Design accents include golden
velveteen and suede brocades, burled
woods, and ornate topiaries. Elegant
striped, floral, or patterned fabrics in
pastel distinguish the stateroom decor,
I
along with Deco lighting fixtures, and
marble desktops.
I loved the busiest public rooms
onboard Millennium which are the
Champagne and Martini Bars on Deck
5 and the Rendezvous Lounge on Deck
4. These large lounges, located just
forward of the two-level Metropolitan
Dining Room, span port to starboard.
The décor is elegant; the atmosphere
is relaxing and comfortable.
The dance floor is located in
the Rendezvous Lounge, and there
is a circular hole in the middle of the
Champagne/Martini Bar above which
opens to the Rendezvous Lounge
below. This allows both lounges to
share the live music emanating from
the Rendezvous. One can opt for the
Champagne/Martini Bar Lounge and
it’s more upscale art deco design, or
the more casual Rendezvous Lounge
below. Every afternoon and evening
there is a live band with excellent
music— different music on different
days.
Michael’s Club, forward of the
casino on deck four, is now used as the
sing-along Piano Bar. It offers a very
sophisticated, intimate, yet clubby
atmosphere with high backed leather
chairs and cocktail tables used to create small groupings.
The Cova Café, on deck five
atop the three-deck tall Centrum (atrium), is an excellent people watching
spot with free fancy pastries as well as
specialty coffees available at an extra
cost. A talented a capella singing group
entertains patrons in the evenings.
Fortunes Casino, deck four
mid-ship, is roomy and features the
normal variety of table games; including craps and a recently added Texas
Hold’em poker table. Numerous slot
machines include one-cent slots. TV
screens behind the small service bar
show sports events. I love that they
have a craps table (no other ship line
has this!–only Celebrity Cruises!).
As with many Celebrity ship
lounges, the forward observation
lounge on deck 11, which becomes
a disco at night, is breathtaking. The
three-deck Celebrity Theater seats
901 for Broadway-style floor shows,
and around 890 enjoy unobstructed
sight lines.
The exterior glass elevators
lead to the 15-store shopping emporium featuring such notable designers
as Donna Karan, H. Stern, Escada
Sport and Tommy Hilfiger. You can
choose from Swarovski crystal to
Fendi purses. The elegant alternative
dining room, Ocean Liners, will steal
your breath away.
“Words” is the name of the
library on Sky Deck. It is open around
the clock, and books are borrowed on
the honor system rather than having
a staff member with limited hours
checking the books in and out.
The cyber café, off the Centrum
on deck four, has 18 computers in
comfortable surroundings offering Internet access. Wi-fi service is available
in public areas at the same rates; you
can bring your laptop, though Internet
service in the staterooms is not available, except in the top suites.
Millennium still offers superior,
and certainly more adventurous, dining room cuisine than competing premium and contemporary cruise lines.
The food everywhere is delicious.
In the stunning Olympic, which
has the original Edwardian woodcarved wall paneling from the Olympic, sister of the Titanic, your dinner is
likely to last nearly three hours. You’ll
enjoy every minute.
The very elegant Metropolitan Restaurant main dining room,
with two-deck-high glass windows
welcoming warm, natural light and
offering remarkable views of the sea,
is located in the stern. Its tables are
widely spaced enough to permit conversation at sub-shouting levels.
The setting for casual dining
from 6:30 a.m. to half past midnight
is deck ten’s Seaside Cafe & Grill
offering breakfast and lunch buffet,
pizza, afternoon tea, and the ice cream
and frozen yogurt counter. There is
a separate sandwich counter aft, as
well as pizza, Asian food and pasta
stations.
The rear section of the café,
called The Grill, is also the place
for casual dinner, served a la carte.
There’s a sushi service too here in the
evenings. Outdoors at pool side, hot
dogs, hamburgers, chicken breasts
and fries are available during the day.
On some nights, Millennium lays out
themed midnight buffets. 24-hour
room service is also available
For healthy fare, the Aqua Spa
Café by the Thalassotherapy pool
serves breakfast, lunch and extremely
light dinners; all cold items, nothing
cooked. Menu offerings include highnutrition, low-fat cereals, yogurt, bagels and the like for breakfast. Later in
the day, cold plates like apple/walnut
salad, citrus marinated salmon, tortilla
wraps, and cold soups are on tap.
The service on my sailing was
exceptional. Celebrity production
shows include terrific special effects,
and the quality of performances by
the Celebrity Singers and Dancers
displays excellent talent. Various
headline performances throughout the
cruise include typical cruise ship fare:
comedians, ventriloquists, pianists,
etc., depending on when you cruise.
During-the-day activities include dance lessons, trivia contests,
Pictionary, brain-teasers, charades,
napkin-folding and arts and crafts
classes, bingo, slot-machine tournaments, as well as enrichment lectures
on various topics, which change on
different sailings. Millennium offers
a movie theater for near current-run
feature films. Nightclubs abound with
loads of fun.
The Millennium has some of
the best designed and most comfortable staterooms afloat, with such amenities as television with closed-circuit
movies, CNN and pay-per-view first
run movies; direct dial phones, bathrobes, a stocked mini-refrigerator; and
bathrooms with a shower and built-in
shampoo and soap dispensers, vanity
and hair dryer.
From the least expensive insides to outside balcony cabins, the
staterooms are beautifully decorated
in soft hues with comfortable beds and
seating options.
Butlers attend the residents of
suites, of which there are several types.
The Sky Suite (254 to 362 sq. ft) has
walk-in closets, whirlpool tubs and the
large balcony. Not quite big enough?
Then consider Celebrity Suites (498
sq. ft.), Royal Suites (562 sq. ft.), or
even the two enormous (1,690 sq. ft.)
Penthouse Suites, with 180-degree
views from the balconies.
Fitness buffs will be pleased
with the glass-enclosed fitness center
offering 14 treadmills, 12 exercise
bikes, six stair-steppers, two rowers
and free weights. Aerobics classes
are scheduled throughout the day.
Personal training, a body composition test, an Alpha massage capsule,
and de-stress and detox packages are
offered at various fees.
At 25,000 square feet, the
adults-only AquaSpa is one of the
most spacious afloat. The jewel of the
fitness area is the highly atmospheric,
relaxing Thalassotherapy pool, a sort
of saltwater Jacuzzi, in which you’ll
feel as though you’ve retreated into a
different world altogether (a small fee
for use all day). The Persian Garden
aromatherapy oasis is a nice place to
meditate for an additional charge.
Treatments administered by
Steiner’s of London are by no means
inexpensive but usually booked solid
anyway. Get 20 percent off if you
book on sailing day, and watch for
specials on treatments while the ship
is in port.
There are two formal nights on
a seven-night cruise, three on longer
ones. On two informal nights gentlemen need only jackets and no ties. On
formal nights most men turn up in dark
suits rather than tuxedos, while ladies
choose dressy pantsuits or dresses.
By day, don’t even consider wearing
anything other than shorts, sneakers,
polo shirt and a baseball cap.
This 1,950 passenger, 999 crew,
964 feet long Millenium Celebrity
cruise ship is magnificent and boasts a
5 star rating. I had one of the best times
of my life aboard this cruise. If you’d
like a true vacation, go on a Celebrity
cruise. And, tell them that The Connection Magazine recommends it.
If you’d like to go on a Celebrity cruise, contact Raymond Anderson
at: [email protected]
Please tell him you read this in The
Connection Magazine. Thank you!
Page 9 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
“The Birthday Gift That Gets Better Every Year”
by Joyce and Barry Vissell
love birthdays. I love to give cards
and simple thoughtful presents,
and call people on their birthday. I
also love it when people remember me
on my birthday. When people send me
cards or emails I save them for a long
time, reading them over and over again.
When people call and wish me a happy
birthday, I am apt to save the messages
for many months. As nice as it is to
receive love on my birthday, it gives me
greater joy to give my love to people on
their birthdays.
Thirty three years ago, I was a new
mother with a seven week old baby girl,
totally unprepared for how busy I would
be. Sleepless nights had left me dragging
around our little home, yearning for
even a little bit of relaxation. It was the
day before Barry’s birthday. Typically
I would be able to shop for his present,
make a very special dinner, or have
exciting plans in order. I had nothing!
What could I give him? I didn’t have the
strength to take our baby out shopping,
or make a nice dinner for him. We had
been living on a simple diet of salads,
brown rice and vegetables.
While I nursed my daughter Rami,
I contemplated my dilemma. I loved
doing arts and crafts and had plenty
of supplies, but I knew Rami would
not enjoy being put down long enough
for me to even start something. What
was I to do to honor
the man I loved so
much? After Rami
finished nursing, I
walked her around
the house just looking around hoping
to get ideas. My
eyes happened to
fall on an old brown
journal book my
dad had given me,
something that had
been given to him
long ago which he
realized he would
never use. The pages were blank, and
I
he thought I might like to write in it. I
had stuck it in the bookshelf and forgot
about it. I took it out. It was a little musty,
but ideas began to form in my mind.
On Barry’s birthday, there was no
special dinner and no exciting plans,
but I did have a present all wrapped up.
As Barry was unwrapping it, he looked
at me quizzically and said, “When did
you have time to buy me a present?”
He looked even more confused when
he saw the old brown book. He opened
it to the first page which read, “To my
beloved Barry on your birthday. Your
gift today is the gift of my words of love
for you. Each and every year that I am
able, I shall write in this book on your
birthday to tell you how much I love
you. I feel so deeply honored to be your
wife and closest friend. I am so grateful
to be sharing this life with you, and now
sharing the gift of parenting together…”
I then went on to tell him all the things I
appreciated about him. Barry loved this
present so much that he asked if he could
also write in it on my birthdays.
And that’s how an unusual tradition has started. Each year on our
birthdays, we receive the gift of the
old brown book. It now has 33 years of
birthday entries and 33 years of appreciations and adoring messages. Barry is
more of a poet than me. He writes, “To
see the petals of a rose unfold is to hint
at the glory of your opening heart. Yet
unlike the fully blossomed rose whose
petals then begin to fall away, the petals
of your heart keep opening wider and
wider.” My birthday messages are simpler, listing all the ways I appreciate him.
The style really doesn’t matter. What
matters is that the book has become a
treasured item. It truly gets richer and
more meaningful year by year.
Last June, our family was ordered
by the county sheriff to evacuate our
home due to an approaching wildfire.
We had just a half hour to sort through
all of our belongings and decide what we
wanted to bring with us. Surprisingly,
our pile of stuff was very little: photos
and art work by and of our children, a
few clothes, a laptop computer, and of
course one very important item – a shabby old brown book.
Two years ago, my mother passed
from this world to join my father. It was
then up to me to sort through all of their
stuff. My mother loved books, and as
I was going through them all, I came
across a little book with a smiley face
on it. As I opened it, I was drawn to the
first page and a note from my mother,
“Dear Joyce, I am starting to write in
this little book shortly after you were
born. I am going to write all things I
love about being your mother. Each
page will be filled with my gratitude. I
will try to always express this gratitude
to you in words. However, someday you
will not be able to hear my voice, and
I want you to know how much I love
you and love being your mother.” The
book was filled with writings from my
mother about her journey of parenting
me. There were many physical things I
inherited from my mother, but this little
book with the smiley face upon it is by
far the greatest.
Someday, after Barry and I have
left this world, our three children will
be sorting through our possessions. They
will come to a little brown book that is
not very attractive. Hopefully, they will
open it up and be able to read about two
parents who deeply loved each other.
I hope this book will be as much of a
treasure to them as it has been to the
two of us.
Here are a few opportunities
to bring more love and growth into
your life, at the following longer
events led by Barry and Joyce Vissell: Jul 19-24, 2009—Breitenbush
Hot Springs Summer Renewal in
Oregon; Nov-Apr—Personal Mentorship/Coaching Program; Jan 31-Feb
7, 2010—Hawaii “Couples in Paradise” Retreat.
Joyce and Barry Vissell, a nurse
and medical doctor couple since 1964
whose medicine is now love, are the
authors of The Shared Heart, Models of Love, Risk To Be Healed, The
Heart’s Wisdom and Meant To Be.
Call TOLL-FREE 1 (800) 7660629, locally (831)
684-2299, or write
to the Shared Heart
Foundation, P.O.
Box 2140, Aptos,
CA 95001, for free
newsletter from
Barry and Joyce,
further information on counseling
sessions by phone
or in person, their
books, recordings
or their schedule
of talks and workshops. Visit their
web site at www.
sharedheart.org/ for
their free monthly
e-heartletter, their
updated schedule,
and inspiring past
articles on many
topics about relationship and living
from the heart.
Choose Love and Be Joyful!
INTUITIVE COUNSELING
TRANSFORMATIVE
INFORMATIVE
TAROT READINGS
MELANIE GENDRON
CREATOR OF THE GENDRON TAROT
WITH
(LATEST RELEASES: CHINA, ITALY)
AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES
831•335•9064
www.melaniegendron.com
Page 10 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
From Self-doubt to Self-esteem
by Karin Leonard
ealthy self-esteem is the
fuel for creating results in
our lives. When we feel
good about who we are, it is much
easier to take action on dreams and
goals. However, when we’re filled
with self-doubt, even the simple
tasks may incite self-criticism.
What is Self-esteem?
Who you are and what you
do both contribute to how you feel
about yourself. Self-esteem can
vary for different aspects of life.
For example, it is possible to feel
confident at work while feeling
self-doubt in personal relationships.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you
rate your self-esteem in the different areas of your life (i.e. career,
relationships, physical appearance,
money matters...)?
In addition, how do you measure self-esteem — according to
skill in a given area, past accomplishments, other people’s opinions
— or do you base self-confidence
on the critical voices within the
mind? What would need to change
for you to experience a higher level
of self-esteem?
In other words were looking
for what rules might be in place for
what determines self-esteem. Once
you understand those beliefs, we can
make a rational decision whether to
keep them.
Let’s take Sandra, for example, who is experiencing selfdoubt professionally. Sales in her
company have dropped over the
last months, and much of her selfesteem is based on the number of
accounts she closes. Even though
the decline in sales may be caused by
any number of factors, developing
high self-esteem gives her a greater
chance of experiencing success.
Sarah may want to expand the ways
in which she can feel good about
herself besides the number of sales:
past successes, her skill level, her
persistence and motivation, just to
mention a few. In listing these other
options, Sandra has some objective
ways to build her confidence.
Transforming the Inner Critic
Low self-esteem is often
caused by excessive self-criticism.
Born from the negative talk of
mostly well-meaning parents, these
critical ramblings can be quite debilitating. No matter what we do or
how much we accomplish, it’s never
good enough for our own critical
voices.
Let’s assume that the origins
of the inner critic are self-protective.
When we were a vulnerable child,
the critic modeled itself after our
parents to make sure that we would
be O.K. in a big, maybe even hostile
world. It is a survival mechanism
that keeps nagging us so others
won’t get a chance to. At times the
inner critic may be so prevalent that
we don’t notice it anymore — what
H
may show up instead is a low level
depression.
Noticing your self-talk is an
important first step — keeping a
journal about what goes through
your mind on a regular basis provides great insight. Look for the
positive intention in the critical
voice — “you really messed up”
may translate into “I really want you
to succeed”. Be patient with yourself
— the inner critic was a long time
in the making...
The Jewel in the Lotus
The most profound and lasting experience of self-esteem originates in full acceptance of who we
are at core — including flaws and
short comings. To “esteem” yourself
means to hold the essence of who
you are— the “jewel in the lotus”
as the Buddhists say — in respect
and awe. This isn’t selfishness or
arrogance, but bowing to the very
mystery of life itself. Each one of
us is unique, and it is our privilege
to respect (self-respect) and share
the essential quality of our nature.
This goes beyond doing — and even
being. All the other
layers of self-esteem
are built on that foundation. Meditation and
reflection are ways
to connect with your
core, being present
without judging or evaluating. Presence can be very healing to even
the earliest wounds in self-esteem.
Like the surface of a still pond
somewhere deep in the forest, you
can begin to sense your innermost
being — which is unharmed and
waiting for you to discover, cherish
and express.
Creating positive self-esteem
also rests on having realistic goals
and expectations — and acknowledging your results. Let yourself feel
the wonderful wave of success on a
daily basis— discover many ways to
feel good about yourself.
Karin H. Leonard is known
for her compassionate, leading-edge
and highly effective brand called
InnerEvolution™, leading to quick
results in life and career, while creating greater life-balance. She has
been in private practice in Santa
Cruz for 19 years, integrating life
coaching with hypnotherapy, NLP
and a good dose of intuition.
Office located in Santa Cruz,
(831) 724-5400. Visit Karin’s website
at www.InnerEvolution.com.
Bargetto Winery
3535 N. Main Street
Soquel, CA 95073
WINE (831) 475-2258
Established in 1933, Bargetto Winery
produces award-winning wines from
the Santa Cruz Mountains. Tasting courtyard, gift shop and tasting
room/art gallery open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm; Sunday
12:00pm-5:00 pm.
Ventana Vineyards
2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy 68, Ste 2
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 372-7415
Located east of the Monterey Peninsula Airport on Highway 68 in the
Old Stone House, we are about five
minutes from downtown Monterey. Our
tasting room hours are from 12 noon
until 5 pm seven days a week.
Page 11 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
by Hugh Prather
f partners would simply keep
their mouths closed, they would
prevent two thirds of all relationship problems. (To be exact, 72.4% to
78.1%, depending on whether there’s
an eye roll.)
For the first year or so of life, we
communicate without words. “Crying
is the first sonic message of the infant,”
states one authority (although I can
think of one or two other unequivocal
baby sounds).
Empathetic parents learn to
distinguish between a “sleepy cry,” a
“hungry cry,” an “angry cry,” and so
forth. Later, parents teach toddlers
nouns through repetition. Each new
name the child mimics is an occasion
for celebration that delights both parent and child.
So far so good.
We come into the world valuing oneness over separation, and
that makes us happy. Happiness is
irrepressible in most little kids. It just
bubbles up for no good reason, and
those who are happy will at least indirectly extend an invitation to people
and pets to join in.
As they do with most activities—getting ready for bed, eating
with utensils, and so on—toddlers use
speaking as an opportunity to have fun.
Yet during the toddler stage, we also
begin to see the first signs of conflicting perspectives between adult and
child over the function of language.
For example, most
little kids discover
that the word “no”
isn’t any fun at
all.
This being a
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W
hen we connect with our spirit, all things become possible. As a
psychic I have helped others unlock their potential to create greater
prosperity through new found opportunities. I also connect people to loved
ones who have passed away. I have worked with individuals, business, corporations and even law
enforcement around the world to help them to resolve their deepest issues. I can help you, too...
During a session decision making becomes clear, choosing relationships more rewarding
& fulfilling, work becomes more satisfying. Or perhaps a needed change in direction will
become clear. This is real living, fully grounded, fully authentic... fully yours!
:DWFKDV\RXHQJDJH
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EHFRPHVFOHDUHUFKRRV
LQJUHODWLRQVKLSVPRUH
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● Bring clarity to relationship issues.
● Open the door to your abundance.
● Contact relatives, friends and loved ones
who have passed away.
● Heal grief and solve other unresolved
issues or questions.
● Uncover your passions and create clarity
in how to move toward your path.
● Bring greater understanding to dreams
and visions.
Sessions by phone, e-mail or in person
CA’s Environmental
Health Office — on
the Budget Block
Several substantive
comments were submitted to
OEHHA on fluoride such as:
OEHHA Carcinogen
Identification Committee
May 5, 2009 Comments from
Kathleen Thiessen, PhD,
at http://fluoridealert.org/
ca/thiessen-2009.pdf (One
of the most knowledgeable
scientists on the toxicology
T
he Fluoride Action Network sent out a
special California Bulletin stating that
action was needed June 1st to save funding for CA OEHHA.
Pesticide Action Network asked Californians to sign on to their petition to the State to
save OEHHA.
We agreed.
June 1st was the last day to help save California’s most vigilant and vital environmental
health agency.
According to PAN:
CA’s small and science-driven Office of
Environmental Health Hazards Assessment
(OEHHA) is a unique breed: this state office has
an international reputation for following the science in evaluating the health effects of chemicals
in our air, water, food and soil — whatever the
political fallout.
Act Now! Tell state legislators that OEHHA
is/was too small, and too vital to cut...
If you agree please sign the petition at
http://action.panna.org/t/5185/p/dia/action/
public/?action_KEY=1031
On May 29, OEHHA held a meeting to
prioritize 38 chemicals for review by the Prop
65 Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC).
Included in this list of chemicals were “Fluoride
and its salts.”
of fluoride.)
The Environmental Working Group at
http://fluoridealert.org/ca/ewg-may2009.pdf:
Re: Prioritization of Chemicals for Carcinogen
Identification Committee Review
And several from Fluoride Action Network,
— see http://fluoridealert.org/ca.prop65.html.
We urge all those opposed to fluoridation of
drinking water to sign the petition by Pesticide
Action Network.
Thanks so very much. —Paul Connett
About the Fluoride Action Network (F.A.N.)
The Fluoride Action Network is an international coalition seeking to broaden public
awareness about the toxicity of fluoride compounds and the health impacts of current fluoride
exposures.
Along with providing comprehensive and
up-to-date information on fluoride issues to citizens, scientists, and policy makers alike, FAN remains vigilant in monitoring government agency
actions that may impact the public’s exposure to
fluoride. FAN’s work has been cited by national
media outlets including
Page 13
Page 12 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
▲
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.iandixonmedium.com
world in which all
things tend toward
separation, adults
eventually win this battle with their
kids over the true function of language.
As children grow up, their instinct to
use words inclusively gives way to
fear of the consequences for not using
words to defend their self interest.
“Let’s have fun” eventually
becomes “What’s in it for me?” even
though our mind dresses it up in loftier
thoughts about honoring our individuality, our pride, and our rights.
“The point I want to make” is a
concept foreign to most kids, yet it’s
the hallmark of arguments between
partners. If the intention is to understand and identify with our partner,
the words that come out of our mouth
can be trusted. However, if the intention is to prove a point and be right,
almost anything we say—no matter
how many keys to communication we
have memorized—consistently yields
disappointing results.
This is one reason why, for adults,
words often cause more relationship
problems than they solve. Even though
words can facilitate closeness, more
often than not, they increase separation. The psychology of our time encourages a preoccupation with words
by over-emphasizing “processing” and
“being honest.”
Words alone don’t heal rifts, but
love-imbued intention often can.
In practical terms, this means that
we must be acutely aware of the impulse to open our mouths the moment
we sense discord. The ego—the seat
of separation—dwells in the sentence
layer of the mind, and so to just start
spewing words when we find that we
are at odds with our partner makes
matters worse.
We may think we have talked
sense or proven our point, and our
partner may appear to have come to
his or her senses, but we soon discover
there was no increase in love.
The better approach is first, shut
up, and second, become clear. We
must take the time to see that we want
our actions and our words to promote
closeness.
If what we truly desire is for our
partner to feel safe around us, to trust
us, to feel close, to feel comfortable,
this intention will bypass the sentence
layer of the mind and plug us into the
part of our mind we came into the
world with. That being accomplished,
we automatically communicate this in
an appropriate way, which may or may
not be with words.
Thirty years of relationship counseling has taught Gayle and me that
you can do it the right way, and they
can take it the wrong way. Just as
little children’s attempts to get adults
to lighten up are sometimes met with
stiff resistance, so too our attempts to
be kind can go unappreciated, even
unnoticed. But what more can we do
than our part? Doing our part—and
continuing to do it regardless of
outward results—heals us and makes
us whole. It makes us “become as a
little child.”
Hugh Prather is a minister and
writer. His new book is Morning
Notes: 365 Meditations To Wake You
Up (Conari Press). Other books (written with Gayle, his wife and co-author)
include Notes to Myself, Spiritual
Notes to Myself, The Little Book of
Letting Go, How to Live in the World
and Still Be Happy, Shining Through,
Spiritual Parenting, and I Will Never
Leave You. All of Hugh’s books are
available through amazon.com.
by Rev. Adriana
arrack Obama was recently
asked in an interview what
would be the first thing he’d
like to ask God. Without hesitation,
he replied, “I’d like to know what the
reason is for all the suffering in the
world.” I found it interesting that he
didn’t say “Why does suffering occur?” but rather, from a perspective of
realizing that everything occurs with a
divine purpose — even suffering.
Those who have been my readers for a while, know I spend an
inordinate amount of time pondering
the meaning of our earthly life. If we
“had it all” in the non-physical, why
then make the choice to come here?
Like some of my clients, I admit to
occasionally longing for the glorious
nirvana of heaven — having all my
wishes and desires attended to before
they even become apparent. Why put
ourselves through the incredible, if
not painful, contrasting experiences
in this world?
“Birds don’t sing here.” was
my Soul’s surprising response to my
pondering Barrack’s question. As my
eyebrows went up in “Say what?”
fashion, clarification was quickly offered… “They don’t sing of their own
volition, anyway. We all basically do
what is necessary for the good and
desires of the whole.”
As they realized they had my
full attention, my guides offered further explanation, “In the non-physical,
we are all very much aware of our
Oneness. We are still individual expressions, yet all working for the common good of the Whole. We see things
from a more “wholistic” perspective,
if you will. We know and live the fact
that there is only One of us. So, yes,
we are kinder to each other as a result.
However, frankly, our “choices” are
limited.”
“In the nonphysical, we are all
in love. It is the
‘order of each day.’
Ironically, many
here feel “Nirvana” is what occurs in your physical
life. Why else would we have created
such an intricate game of completely
forgetting who we are for a while? It
was done as a gift of love to ourselves
in order to experience the “Nirvana”
of physical life…. Your physical life
is a huge gift of opportunity to experience complete choice, choice of the
thoughts and, subsequent feelings you
wish to entertain on any subject.”
“In your environment, your
sense of separation offers a multitude
of choices we do not have. And, that is
precisely the reason life in the physical
is so attractive to us… as it will be to
you once again, upon your return to
this place you humans call Heaven.”
“The reason you chose, excitedly anticipated actually, coming into
the physical is not just to be able to
learn to express unconditional love,
although, it is definitely a wonderful
skill to practice. It is obvious you were
able to love, even more readily, in the
non-physical. And, yes, on earth you
have the opportunity to practice other
spiritual qualities such as forgiveness,
compassion, joy, etc. But, I know you
realize you can also experience those
things in the non-physical. However,
there are many more opportunities to
experience forgiveness and compassion on earth, aren’t there? And, trust
me, the opportunities for joy in all
that compassion are well beyond our
heavenly experience.”
“We do not have the choices
that you have on earth. On glorious
earth, birds sing because they want
Been Thinking
How do you think you will find
true romance ?
B
Been thinking of all of the love
that you’ve lost —
Of all of the pain and all of the cost
To you, your heart and all of your
soul
What it means for you to be all
alone.
Been Thinking
Been Thinking
Been thinking of maybe how things
might change
Of how you might find life’s
immeasurable gains
Of how you might feel if you
KNEW love is
true
And how you’ve responded since
my love found you.
Been Thinking
So why be afraid to take such
a chance?
Why be so worried at my
bold advance?
So now there remains so few
places to go
No other but to say :
Goodbye or Hello
Hello to a magic so seldom found
Hello to a love that could be
so profound
A New Beginning may be
offering a chance
A chance for happiness in
lifes’ complex dance.
Learn love for the first time —
all over again
And be with a lover — if only a man
Be true to yourself and know
that untold
Beauty and love will surely unfold
Been Thinking!
—Author Unknown
Been Thinking
So let go of your past and all
of its’ lies
Remember to soar — one must
first learn to fly
Be true to yourself and all
that is dear
Be open to hearing what you
so fear to hear
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF, ©2002 Melanie Gendron
Page 12 CA’s Environmental Health Office —
Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, an official project of the American
National Public Radio, Chicago Environmental Health Studies Project
Tribune, Prevention Magazine, and (AEHSP) — a registered non-profit
(501c3) organization. If you would
Scientific American, among others.
In May of 2004, FAN became like to support the educational and
▲
to! They do not sing because it’s their
divine providence to do so. They sing
because it feels good to sing — and,
most importantly, because they are
making their own music… in other
words, it is by their own choice that
they sing. Choice is the full gamut of
infinite possibility. It is the freedom
you came forth to fully experience.
Choice is not available anywhere else
in the universe to such a degree, as
it is in your physical experience on
earth.”
“Do you not see the incredible gift you have been given? Do
you see how you are more blessed
here on earth than in heaven? There
has always been a part of you which
wanted to “Do it yourself!” What more
wonderful opportunity for freedom?
What grander gift of love than to be
given the opportunity to run the full
range of thought and emotion in order
to experience the complete power of
choice?”
“The “problem” is that so many
are not yet aware of their incredible
gift of choice… much less how to
use it. Consider this an opportunity
to strengthen the faculty of your discretionary focus— like an 18 year old
child entering a new world of freedom!
It is exhilarating, scary, exciting, and
perhaps a bit daunting, but nevertheless thrilling.”
“You are much more powerful than you think. Using the power
of your mind to guide your thoughts
together with the connection you
have to your heart, you will discover
the answer to Mr. Obama’s question.
While pain is a natural part of the vast
array of experiences you have on this
plane… suffering is optional. You
are blessed. You are incredibly loved.
And, in case you ever doubted it, you
are extremely worthy.” Rev. Adriana
is a certified spiritual practitioner
available for personal life-coaching
sessions by calling (831) 332-6918 or
visiting www.revadriana.com.
on the Budget Block
watchdog work that FAN is currently
engaged in, please consider giving a
tax-deductible donation today via the
secure online payment system at www.
FluorideAlert.Org.
Page 13 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
The Martial Arts
Directory
Which Martial Art is the Best?
by Richard Grode
W
Judo in Santa Cruz and Aptos
Benefits include: Participate in an Olympic Sport; Improved Strength, Stamina, Agility and
Balance; Self-Defense Techniques; Competitive Edge in MMA. Judo is Fun! Free Trial Class.
Ask about Summer Day Camp. Classes Taught by 13-year Indian National Champion and
International Competitor Sidharth Seth. [email protected]
Francis Farley Academy - (831) 688-4100 / Aptos Martial Arts Academy - (831) 688-1118
KUNG FU SANTA CRUZ
Instructor: Matt Cavender
Ages: 18 and above
Self Defense, Weapons, Tai Chi Qigong, Chi Gung Breathing Practice
1255 41st Avenue, Capitola • 3 ways to pay: monthly, weekly or per class (you decide)
(831) 476-7575 (Santa Cruz) • (408) 353-3001 (Los Gatos)
www.kungfusantacruz.com • [email protected]
Personal Protection Pro
Instructor: Richard Grode
Reality Based Personal Protection
916A Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-706-5928 [email protected]
PersonalProtectionPro.com
Ages: 18 and up
Santa Cruz Budokan
Instructor: Mark Roemke
All ages
Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Aikido, Iaido, Yoga.
Two weeks free instruction tryout. Private instruction available.
(831) 465-8236 or www.santacruzbudokan.com for training times & info.
Valley Tae Kwon Do
Instructors: Cathy & Paul Rotes
Ages 5 - 16 & Adult Kickboxing
Tae Kwon Do, Fitness Kickboxing & After School Program
(831) 336-2043
10090 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005
Daniel Feldman
Free Tai Chi Classes at Oceanview Park
Monday and Wednesday 6-7pm
(831) 325-3233 • [email protected]
HICH MARTIAL ART is
the best? This question doesn’t have a right or wrong
answer, but is based on what you are
hoping to achieve by practicing a certain art form. Having trained and
worked in martial field for over thirty
years and having trained in numerous
styles with instructors from many
walks of life, I’ve developed a fairly
good idea of what’s out there. Some
people are looking for a conditioning
or gymnastic practice; others want a
competitive sport; others prefer a more
energy-based, meditative art. But it
can get confusing when you are looking for a self-defense system that really works.
I’ve been a street fighter, protection specialist, and high-risk adventure
guide who brought people to some of
the most dangerous places on the planet. I have been shot at, defended
myself against knife attacks, and
fought more people than I can remember. My experience has left me with a
pretty good idea of what it takes to survive in an attack or fight. Having
trained thousands of people in realitybased, close-quarter fighting and selfdefense/personal protection techniques
through private instruction, seminars,
and my four-part video training series
“The Science of Street Fighting,” I’ve
learned some valuable lessons in reality-based self-defense training.
Self-defense has become quite a
catch phrase for selling martial art sys-
tems. Most systems claim to be the best
in self-defense techniques. It really
comes down to the instructor’s understanding and experience of what it
takes to survive an attack. I am not
going to tell you what I think is the best
martial art for self-defense; it would
ruffle too many feathers. Instead, I will
tell you the things that I find to be most
important in reality-based self-defense
training.
When you are attacked or in a
stressful situation, fearing for your life
or bodily harm, at best you are 50%
effective as when you are training. This
phenomenon is called “The Adrenaline
Dump.” So it is important to practice
your techniques in stressful and fatiguing situations. Given that you are operating at 50% of your best while under
stress, it’s important to use what I call
“Gross Motor Skill Movement” techniques that do not require a lot of timing or fine motor movement. “Gross
Motor Skill Movement” is easier to
imprint and call up and use instantly.
It’s best to use elbows, knees, and palm
strikes while moving at angles. In
close quartered fighting situations, high
kicks and punches are hard to deliver
effectively.
It’s important to train in different
places and on different surfaces. I also
feel that’s important not to go to the
ground with a high percentage of street
fights ending in multiple people jumping in it leaves you an easy target for
kicks, punches, etc. Use your ground
fighting skills to get back up and stay
mobile. But the most important thing
to remember in your training is to keep
an open mind and learn to adapt to the
situations that come up.
Obviously, this is a bigger subject
than I have space to cover here. Feel
free to contact me if you’re interested
in learning about reality-based selfdefense that really works.
Richard Grode has been a student
and instructor in the martial arts field
for over thirty years. He has had to use
what he’s learned and taught many
times all over the planet. Along with
providing instruction in his personal
protection system, he has a bodywork
practice specializing in sport injuries.
He lives in Santa Cruz with his wife
Ploy. You can reach Richard at
www.unifiedbodytherapy.com
or
www.personalprotection.com.
MINORSAN Self Defense & Fitness
Serving the community’s martial arts, self-defense & fitness needs since 1985.
Build your confidence & empower yourself with programs that work.
Dio P. Santiago & Clara E. Minor @ 831.458.0900
www.minorsan.com [email protected], 1320 Mission Street, Suite 1, SC 95060
Santa Cruz Academy of WingChun
Instructor: Jericho Broek
Ages:14 to adult
WingChun Kung Fu and Escrima
(831) 588-8432 • [email protected] • www.santacruzwingchun.com
Louden Nelson Center • 301 Center St. • Santa Cruz • CA 95060
Aikido of Santa Cruz a.k.a. North Bay Aikido
Chief Instructor: Linda Holiday
Ages: 6-Adult
Aikido
(non-competitive Japanese martial art - “The Way of Harmony”)
(831) 423-8326 • [email protected] • 306 Mission St., Santa Cruz 95060
GuiGen Medical QIGONG with ShuLei
New Series starting June 30 - August 6 2009
Level 1 Tues.& Thurs 9:30am-10:15am • Level 2 Tues & Thurs 10:15am-10:45am
At the Chi Center, East Cliff Village Shopping Center, 2-1511 East Cliff Dr.
Drop-Ins $12/10 Seniors, 6-class package for $60, 12-class package for $105
www.GuiGen.cn• www.ShuLeiHealingArts.com • (831) 425-1819
Rod Sanford’s Traditional Martial Arts
Instructors (by order of seniority): Rod Sanford, Lou Jemison, Dan
Wakefield, Sean Sanford, Jennifer Farley, Diego Simkin.
Shorinji-Ryu Karate-Do, Okinawan Weaponry, T’ai Chi Chuan & Aikijujutsu
(831) 475-9676 • [email protected]
4626 Soquel Drive, Soquel CA 95073
Green Forest Temple
Instructor: Scott Ripke
Ages 12 and older
Tai Chi, Long Fist, Praying Mantis, Weapons
(831) 688-6934 • www.greenforesttemple.org
5901 Freedom Blvd., Aptos
Contact Connection Magazine at (831) 459-0522 or
[email protected] to get your school listed in the Martial Arts
Directory for only $20 a month.
Page 14 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
Natural Beauty Practices from Around the World
by Donna Williams-Smith
omen of every country have their own
beauty secrets and practices that are
often deeply rooted in history. These
tried and true tips incorporate native ingredients
that have been used for generations for beauty.
GREECE: Many Greek women love to
spend hours basking in the sun. To soothe sunburned skin and neutralize red splotches, they
apply unflavored yogurt to the face and body.
Yogurt contains lactic acid, proteins and enzymes
that increase the water content of the skin, relieving skin induced redness and burning.
NEW ZEALAND: A local beauty secret
for New Zealanders is Manuka Honey. It is a
natural antiseptic with the ability to diminish
blemishes by supplying white blood cells with
glucose, which destroys acne causing bacteria.
It is commonly used at New Zealand spas to
reduce pimples and spots without over-drying
the skin.
ISRAEL: To alleviate skin problems, like
eczema and psoriasis, Israeli women soak their
bodies in dead sea waters which contain twentyone different nourishing minerals. Fortunately,
Dead Sea Salts are available in this country.
INDIA: Indian women coat their hair
weekly, from tip to root with warm coconut oil,
which seals moisture into the cuticle and promotes hair growth, resulting in thicker, healthier
strands.
POLAND: a Polish mother of a client
by Brie Wieselman, L.Ac, MTCM
n the past year, Cosmetic Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture has been popping up everywhere from TV to full service spas. This
intriguing treatment offers a relaxing, holistic
option that may be for you if you are looking to
delay or reverse signs of aging, but the thought
of using chemical injections and surgical procedures to slow the natural signs of aging makes
you squirm. This approach is anything but new;
Acupuncturists in China have been using these
beauty techniques since the ancient Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Facial Rejuvenation is a
painless, non-surgical method that uses herbs and
acupuncture to take 5-15 years off of your face
while simultaneously correcting constitutional
imbalances and supporting overall vitality.
Unlike Botox or Collagen injections,
Acupuncture increases local circulation of
blood and lymph to the face, eliminating toxins
in the skin, tightening pores, improving muscle
and skin tone, and increasing your body’s own
collagen and elastin production to help fill out
hollow areas. This, in turn, helps to eliminate
fine lines and softens and diminishes larger
wrinkles. Stimulating movement of lymph and
increasing muscle tone reduces puffiness, sagging tendencies, bags, and lifts drooping eyelids.
After several sessions, clients notice that their
skin color and texture evens out, and hormonal
acne or dryness clears.
But the best benefit of all is that while
bringing out natural beauty, an acupuncturist
accesses meridians that connect to and rebalance
your internal organs. Truly, Facial Acupuncture
is a revitalization treatment to help the whole
body regain youthfulness and vitality. Treatments can simultaneously address internal imbalances like menopause symptoms, PMS, sinus
congestion, headaches, digestive issues, eye site
decline, insomnia, and depression.
Doctors of Chinese Medicine believe that
your face reflects your internal health and emotional wellbeing. Your acupuncturist can observe
the colors and lines on your face and report what
these signs reflect about your internal health. For
example, the energy of the Heart, is said to blossom in the face and eyes and healthy expression
of this is seen in a soft rosy glow with luster;
a complexion without luster is said to reflect
emotional taxation. Yellowing or dulling of skin
tone may relate to Spleen/Earth imbalances, with
problems such as poor digestion and assimilation.
Even wrinkles tell stories: I have commonly seen
fine lines appear in specific locations for example, after a woman has a hysterectomy, if she
has fibroids, or an IUD. Others simply come from
laughing a lot, and still other locations reflect
unexpressed anger, frustration, or just intensity
of emotion that may affect various organ systems
within. Lines traversing the forehead are signs
of a “busy street”, one who has an active mind
or may be prone to worrisome thoughts.
In general, the natural process of aging
coincides with the gradual depletion of our reservoirs of Kidney Essence, Qi , Yin, and Liver
Blood. When we are young and these resources
are at their fullest, plentiful Blood and Yin fill
in areas that otherwise sink and wrinkle. The
best way to nurture and replenish these vital
substances is the addition of internal and topical
Herbal Formulas and dietary recommendations
tailored to your unique constitution and skin type
by a well-trained Herbalist.
While Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
does not yield the same results as surgical face
lifts, it can dramatically enhance skin appearance
and overall health and stress relief. A Course
of Treatment is generally 8-12 treatments over
the course of 4-8 weeks, followed by treatments
every other week for 1-3 months. Results may
start to be seen as early as after the 4th or 5th
treatment. At this point, seasonal maintenance
is recommended. Bring out your Beauty by
boosting your Inner Vitality!
Brie Wieselman, L.Ac, MTCM is a Licensed Acupuncturist who specializes in Women’s
Health/Fertility and Anxiety/Depression. In
order to treat the whole person, she combines
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine with Holistic
Functional Medicine Diagnosis and Nutritional
Supplements. Brie practices at the Santa Cruz
Naturopathic Medical Center at 736 Chestnut St.
in downtown Santa Cruz. For appointments call
(831) 477-1377, www.santacruznaturalhealth.
com, www.scnmc.com.
W
I
who had beautiful skin, used
to bath her girls, as children,
in chamomile tea once or
twice a week, to encourage
a superior complexion.
FRANCE: I have observed French women exfoliating their skin on the beach
by vigorously rubbing arms and legs with wet
sand. Considering all the minerals in the sea, an
excellent and effective way to remove dead skin
cells and achieve a healthy glow.
Grapes in skin care treatments date back
to the court of Louis XIV, it was stylish at the
time to apply aged wine to the face to create a
radiant complexion. Modern research indicates
you can use just
about every part
of the vine for
skin care. More
on resveratrol and
vinotherapy will
be covered in a future article. Crushed grape
seeds paired with other beneficial ingredients are
used for exfoliation. An example follows.
ARGENTINA: The spa therapies at a
Spanish colonial hotel in Salta, were inspired by
old Argentinean treatments that blend grape seeds
with local ingredients like Quinoa.
The above are not necessarily exclusive to
one country, and of course there are variations.
May this sampling serve as inspiration and/or
reminders of the wealth of natural applications
available.
Donna Williams-Smith is a wholistically
oriented Licensed Aesthetician. Her skin care
services and Facial Toning are available at
Angles in Scotts Valley, (831) 429-9733.
Page 15 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
Page 16 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
200 Persons with
Disabilities to
Participate in
Nonprofit Ocean
Sports Event
S
Shared Adventures 16th Annual
Day On The Beach
Sat, July 18th at Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz, CA
hared Adventures of Santa
Cruz, CA is pleased to
announce the 17th annual
“Day On The Beach” on Cowell’s
Beach, Santa Cruz, California,
Saturday July 18th, 2009, 12:005:00pm.
This event creates an opportunity for those who, due to their disabilities, might never have dreamed
of participating in ocean sports such
as kayaking, outrigger canoeing,
SCUBA diving, water floatation,
and using beach wheelchairs.
Generous volunteers lay down
over 160 pieces of plywood frames
to enable those with mobility issues
to travel over the sand to activities,
and create a unique 7600 square foot
little city on the beach, with live
music, delicious free food and entertainment.
Registration for participants is
now available online at
www.dayonthebeach.org, but
may soon be full.
with disabilities, plus their caregivers, friends, and families, bringing together approx. 1,000 people
(including volunteers) for this spectacular beach party . We expect participants to take 60 kayak trips, 100
outrigger canoe trips, and 40 SCUBA
and floatation excursions. All activities are free; Day on the Beach is
fully funded by grants and sponsors.
LASTING IMPACT
Events
include
kayaking,
outrigger
canoeing,
SCUBA diving,
water
floatation, and
using beach
wheelchairs.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
Community involvement is the
key to this event’s success; hundreds of volunteers are needed
and are requested to pre-register
online at dayonthebeach.org.
Volunteers are needed for all tasks
in various time slots between
6:30am - 8pm, including setup,
meeting and greeting participants,
lunch service, water sports helpers,
registration assistants, and breakdown.
A volunteer from a previous
year commented:
“I had an awesome time. I
helped out with the scuba diving and
floating. It was so fulfilling to be
able to help others and share an
activity that I am passionate about.
Everyone involved were so helpful
and friendly. The participants were
great and very patient with the volunteers.”
Three local bands will join us
this year to rock the beach. Bands
include Universal Language (world
groove/Latin fusion), Mudfrog
(rock), and The China Cats (Grateful
Dead cover).
This event serves 200+ persons
The effects of this event are
immense, and its reputation and
popularity have grown to enormous
proportions. When sitting in the
front seat of a tandem kayak, floating in SCUBA equipment, or riding
a specially adapted surf board, what
many able bodied persons would
consider a routine day on the water
enables challenged participants to
experience unique sight and sound
sensations that they would otherwise
never know.
The following quote is an
excerpt from a letter written by a
participant:
“I just want to say thank you
for the wonderful time I had at the
Day on the Beach in July. It was a
very important day for me because
of so many “firsts” occurring. It
was the first time I had ever been
in the ocean, the first time SCUBA
diving, the first time surfing. From
the faces around me, I guessed many
others were having as remarkable a
day. Thank you again, to you and to
the outstanding volunteers for such
an instructive, self-assuring and
most importantly, joyful event.”
Contact: Foster Andersen,
Founder and President
Shared Adventures
(831) 459-7210
[email protected]
www.sharedadventures.org
Established in 1994 on the
belief that recreation, fun, challenge
and access to the outdoors are an
essential part of a fulfilling life,
Shared Adventures is a Santa Cruzbased non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life
of people living with disabilities.
Our goal is to offer opportunities for
social and recreational interaction
for disabled people, and thereby
encourage:
■ Fun, personal growth, development, and self-confidence
■ Cooperation and decisionmaking skills
■ Outdoor skills and environmental awareness
Last year Shared Adventures
offered 50+ activities and accommodated over 1000 people with special
needs.
Page 17 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
The Green Directory
Support the Businesses that are Green and tell them you saw them in Connection Magazine!
Page 18 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
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The Green Directory
Support the Businesses that are Green and tell them you
saw them in Connection Magazine!
Page 19 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
TM
Creek Song
J
My creek sings of beauty and health.
Of balance and harmony with living things.
by Robert LaRosa, Ph.D.
ULY IMBUES STREAMSIDE
environs with sun-drenched
splendor. Sunny days turn filigreed ferns and deciduous tree
leaves into luminescent panes.
Liquid shadows darting under logs
and chirping from on high herald
mid summer and a resurgence of
wild things. Gossamer wings of
insects glow against a backdrop of
multi-hued greens. Sun-warmed
thermals spar with air made cool
beneath shady tree canopy. The
panoply of sound that emanates
from within the streambed is
delightful: Creek Song.
TM
TM
Warm, dry wind takes me back
to childhood in the Mojave, made
arid by rain shadow from the Sierra
Nevada Mountains. Desert panoramas inspired a budding naturalist,
who 45 years later explored the
Santa Cruz Mountains. In a forested
canyon I discovered the joy of constructing creek habitat by hand. I
became a volunteer creek keeper.
The spring-fed creek opened my
ears to intricate melodies of moving
water. Subtle, stirring and crystalline. Ever-changing and repeating.
Summer song is cheery as the
creek wends beneath overhanging
ferns, emerging to shimmer dazzlingly in sunlight. Warmth from
the blazing orb turns winter’s yellow
landscape dark green. All food producing plants owe their very existence to the star’s fire. Warmed air
stirs a confluence of scent; its sensorial fecundity revitalizes my connection to the Planet.
I dread hot spells. Prolonged
high temperature will silence creek
song. Scarce water forces thirsty
roots of majestic redwoods, big
leaf maples and red alder to drink
deeply. In time the singing may
be silenced. Creatures large and
small suffer when the creek is
quiet.
There was a time, a score past,
when the creek was nearly inaudible. It was a time of stagnation
and sedimentation. The land’s former owners and streamside neighbors were distracted by urbane pursuits. Soil erosion was someone
else’s worry. I adopted this tributary of Soquel Creek nearly 20
years ago, when it was called a
muddy ditch.
My creek sings of beauty and
health. Of balance and harmony
with living things. Its songs arise
from rushing, splashing, falling
water. Melodies and rhythms are
orchestrated by constructs comprising boulders and logs strategically
anchored
in the streambed.
All designed to meet nature’s strict
criteria for an ecologically healthy
waterway and home to wild steelhead salmon. Rebuilding the creek
has been my bliss. A peak life experience. The symphony of my creek
is a joy to hear and thrill to behold.
Working on behalf of the
Natural World is a calling. A stirring of primordial instincts inexorably entwined within the soul.
Serving Nature is not something
learned, but perfected from an
irrefutable yearning to partner with
the Earth’s untamed landscape and
its creatures.
Listening to the creek’s music
is a promised fulfilled: a life of
learning to be one with the land.
LaRosa is founder of The
Nature School, California’s first
environmental education and
ecological restoration academy.
Contact: (831) 479-4915 or
(619) 224-2003.
Natural Healing
with 6 Seasonal Summer Fruits
by Rachel Venokur-Clark
Green Options
E
Jul 4-11: Nature Awareness Marble Mountains
July 12-19: Wilderness Skills
July 25-Aug. 1: Earth Philosophy
July 19-20: Bow and Arrow Making
ATING FRESH, LOCALLY
grown fruit as opposed to
imported fruits shipped from
far-off places keeps you eating in
season and more in harmony with
your environment and climate. We
all know a healthy lifestyle is key to
optimum weight, longevity and
abundant energy. Fruit, used as part
of your healthy lifestyle, has many
nutritional qualities for your body.
As the temperature rises, eating
raw fruit in the summer months is
cooling for the body and is great for
those who are overstressed or overheated from hot climates or excessive mental strain. Using fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth can help you
begin to leave behind chemically
processed and refined sugars.
Although fruit juice is very cleansing, the fiber content is lower then
that in the whole fruit. Since fruit
contains lots of natural sugar without the extra fiber, you should be
cautious of energy or moods swings.
In its whole form, fruit offers you
more fiber which helps to balance
the natural sugars that can cause
dips in your blood sugar levels for
some people.
Whether you have fresh fruit
for a light breakfast, a midday snack
or evening treat, enjoy nature’s
sweetness instead of refined sugars
and buy seasonal organic whenever
possible.
Here are a few summer fruits
and their health benefits.
Apricots: Great for lung conditions and asthma, used to help treat
anemia due to their high copper and
cobalt content.
Bananas: Help to lubricate the
intestines, treat ulcers, detoxify the
body, and manage sugar cravings;
are rich in potassium (which helps
hypertension).
Cherries: Slightly warming in
nature; increase overall body
energy, remedy arthritis and
rheumatism, and are rich in iron,
which improves the blood.
Grapefruits: Treat poor digestion, increase appetite during pregnancy, alleviate intestinal gas and
reduce mucus conditions of the
lungs.
Papayas: Tone the stomach,
act as digestive aid, moisten the
lungs and alleviate coughing; contain carpaine, an anti-tumor compound.
Raspberries: Benefit the liver
and kidneys, cleanse blood of toxins, regulate menstrual cycles, treat
anemia and can promote labor at
childbirth.
Green Options Media is a network of environmentally-focused
blogs providing users with the information needed to make sustainable
choices. Written by experienced professionals, Green Options Media’s
blogs engage visitors with authoritative content, compelling discussions, and actionable advice. We
invite anyone with questions, or simply curiosity, to add their voices to
the community, and share their
approaches to achieving abundance.
Page 20 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
Red Frames
on the
Green Revolution
by Cynthia Boaz
I
F THE INTERNATIONAL consensus about last week’s election
results in Iran is that they were a)
indeed fraudulent, or b) a coup
attempt, and the pro-democracy elements in that country emerge victorious, it will mostly be in spite - not
because - of mainstream media coverage of the events. Since 2002, there
have emerged a series of democracy
movements in Iran, spearheaded primarily - though not exclusively - by
university students and women.
These people are for the most part
technologically and strategically
savvy, especially when compared to
the hardliners and mullahs that make
up the ancient regime in Iran. They
have studied the nonviolent struggles
in Chile, South Africa and Serbia.
They understand the dynamics of
civil resistance and the power of simply withdrawing individual complicity in oppression. These are the people whose “tweets” and Facebook
“status updates” the world is getting
live via digital media from inside the
country (despite the regime’s
attempts to shut down all electronic
communications). They are citizen
journalists in the most genuine sense
of the term. And yet, for most
reporters and producers in American
mainstream media, they might as
well not exist.
The gap between the mainstream media’s frames on the story
emerging from Iran and the news
being instantaneously communicated
in bits and pieces from inside the
country is surreal. And here’s why
we should care. A media “frame”
helps form the cognitive structure
around our perceptions of reality. It
determines what parts of a news story
we find most significant, and it helps
us draw subconscious - but often
deeply embedded - conclusions
about the meaning behind the events
in a story. Because media tend to be
so obsessed with violence, the context and significance underlying the
series of events like the ones unfolding in Iran often are misinterpreted.
Because the wrong (or less interesting) but often more sensational elements of the story are emphasized
while others are downplayed, erroneous or incomplete conclusions
emerge. And often these conclusions
have the consequence of creating a
self-fulfilling prophecy. When
Iranian pro-democracy activists, say,
catch a glimpse of a CNN streaming
headline that says something to the
effect of “Ahmadinejad Victorious in
Iranian Elections” or that refer to
Mousavi as “the defeated challenger,” they may conclude that the
regime’s attempt at (what is appearing more and more obviously to be) a
coup has succeeded. This will in turn
dampen their enthusiasm and morale,
which may cause some in the movement to give up their resistance, and
worse, may cause others to turn to
violent means - a last, desperate
resort - to fight back.
Although occasionally media
regardless of regime type or ideology (W. Lance Bennett calls this the
“authority-disorder” bias). This can
be extraordinarily frustrating for
members of a nonviolent prodemocracy struggle, who, in addition to everything else, find themselves in the midst of an uprising
having to try to unspin erroneous
media coverage coming from all
directions.
Other types of media bias that
help shape public perceptions of civil
resistance - and all of which are
regime struggling to “normalize” the situation.
When taken together (and
especially with the corresponding photographs), these smaller stories paint a picture of a country in
chaos, prone to violent theocratic
extremism and awash in repression.
While each of these taken out of context may have some veracity, the
reality is much richer and more
potentially encouraging. The Green
Revolution is not just a series of ad
hoc protests against a political theft,
it is a story of widespread resistance
to ongoing oppression. It is not the
repression and violence that is most
interesting about the news coming
from Iran, it is that people continue
to resist despite the repression.
Stories coming from Iran in the
Iran Through a Lethal Media Scope
As they are being reported now by most mainstream media,
stories from Iran are fragmented.
They suggest pandemonium, isolated acts of extremist political violence
and a regime struggling to “normalize” the situation.
frames are consciously manufactured (witness virtually anything on
the Fox News channel), conventional wisdom suggests that the major
culprit is the inability or unwillingness of reporters to engage in serious
investigative or assiduous on-theground reporting. For example,
when in doubt - where information is
sparse or of questionable veracity,
and official (government) forces are
being challenged by nongovernmental forces, media tend to default to
the perspective of the officials,
being used to report the story from
Iran - are fragmentation, dramatization and euphemism.
The fragmentation bias involves
covering the story in isolated, seemingly unrelated pieces. At its worst, a
story is completely removed of its
larger historical or political context.
As they are being reported now by
most mainstream media, stories from
Iran are fragmented. They suggest
pandemonium, isolated acts of
extremist political violence and a
last few days are also characterized
by what Bennett calls the dramatization bias. Dramatization of a story
occurs when the news is encapsulated in short, sensationalistic bits
intended to provoke an emotional
response on the part of the news consumer, but in the absence of serious
analysis of the policy issues, institutional interplay or larger social setting. Dramatization, which thrives on
confusion and skepticism, tends to
produce conclusions that bend
toward the cynical. For example, a
dramatization bias might cover a massive
protest against rigged votes as a
“spontaneous mass uprising,” suggesting that it is not part of a larger,
systematic strategy and leading the
media audience to conclude it’s a
one-off - just a temporary and reflexive response to immediate political
events. This kind of conclusion could
create the global perception that there
is nothing - no movement or struggle
- with which to demonstrate solidarity.
Finally, the use of euphemism
plays a dangerous role in the way
civil resistance is covered, especially when the resistance takes
place in a non-Western country.
The terminology used to describe
the images of thousands of people
on the streets often (erroneously)
connotes improvised and anarchic
action, when in fact, most of the
movement itself (though not necessarily the regime opponent) may be
strategic, organized and disciplined. For example, a headline
next to a photo of a massive
demonstration in Tehran on the
MSNBC web site as of this writing
simply says “Huge crowds in Iran,”
a statement which, while technically correct, is incomplete. A
“crowd” connotes any large group
of people congregated together for
no specific reason. What is happening on the streets of Iran is much
more sophisticated than a convergence of “crowds.” It is a massive,
nonviolent, civilian uprising that
everyone (including Ahmadinejad
and his supporters in the Guardian
Council) - save most of the
American mainstream media seems to take seriously as a potential force for real change in Iran.
The Iran news story is not yet a
story about successful repression,
much less the apparent clear-cut preference of Iranians for theocratic
autocracy. It’s about courageous,
massive resistance to an attempted
coup, and responsible democratic
media would do well to recognize and report - it that way, both on
behalf of those who are resisting and
those who are observing.
Cynthia Boaz, Ph.D., is assistant professor of political science at
Sonoma State University, where she
specializes in nonviolent movements
and quality of democracy. She is an
academic
advisor
to
the
International Center on Nonviolent
Conflict and is on the board of directors of Project Censored/Media
Freedom Foundation. Printed with
permission.
Page 21 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
SAVE OUR STATE PARKS!!!
Now in Santa Cru
e
n
i
h
c
a
M
e
b
i
V
z
Intro Session $8
Ionic Footbaths
Offered Too!
Call for
Session Packages
Available
Pets Welcome
This machine is an electromagnetic device that brings the
vibrational level of your body back to its natural state of being.
Call Christina at (831) 427-1822
SAVE OUR S TATE PARKS THIS SUMMER!
GO TO WWW.SANTACRUZKIDS.COM TO SEE WHAT
YOU CAN DO TO HELP CALIFORNIANS KEEP
OUR PARKS OPEN. COMMUNITY SERVICE IS A
GREAT SUMMER ACTIVITY FOR OUR CHILDREN!
S UMMER A CTIVITIES C ALENDAR
HIKES AND OTHER STATE PARK
ACTIVITIES
(Note: always confirm by phone
before planning these activities)
STATE PARKS IN SANTA CRUZ
COUNTY: bicycling, kayaking, fishing, hiking, horse-back riding, surfing,
swimming, wind-surfing, wildlife
viewing, http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/.
• RANCHO DEL OSO NATURE
& HISTORY CENTER: Located 16
miles north of Santa Cruz along Highway One, at Waddell Creek, (831)
427-2288, Nature Walks.
• NATURAL BRIDGES STATE
BEACH: Located at the end of West
Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, (831) 4234609.
• HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK: Main entrance located two miles South of Felton on Highway 9, (831) 335-7077.
• WILDER RANCH STATE
PARK: Located two miles north of
Santa Cruz, on Highway One, (831)
426-0505.
• PESCADERO MARSH STATE
NATURE RESERVE: Located north
of Pescadero Rd. along Highway One,
(650) 879-2170, Pescadero Marsh
Nature Walks.
• BIG BASIN REDWOODS
STATE PARK: Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236,
(831) 338-8883.
OTHER LOCAL PARKS
• Elkhorn Slough Guided
Tours, Guided Tours Sat and Sun
10am and 1pm. Binoculars provided,
http://elkhornslough.org/.
• Elkhorn Slough Self Tours,
Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Wednesday - Sunday 9am - 5pm The 1400acre Reserve is a hub of activity and
hosts programs that promote education, research, and conservation in
Elkhorn Slough. The Visitor Center
has award-winning exhibits that invite everyone to explore the Unseen
Slough. There are five miles of trails
that meander through beautiful oak
woodlands, calm tidal creeks, and
freshwater marshes. We offer tours
on the weekends and special events
throughout the year.1700 Elkhorn
Rd., Watsonville, (831) 728-2822,
http://elkhornslough.org/.
COUNTY PARKS: http://www.
scparks.com/county_parks_list.html
• Quail Hollow Ranch County
Park has weekend activities, mostly
FREE and drop-in at 800 Quail Hollow Rd, Ben Lomond, 831) 335-9348,
www.scparks.com/quail_hollow.
html.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
(Note: always confirm by phone
before planning these activities)
SATURDAYS: Scotts Valley
Public Skating Sessions 2-4 pm.
Scotts Valley Sports Center, 251 Kings
Village Rd, Scotts Valley, scottsvalleysportscenter.com.
Santa Cruz Public Skating Sessions 2-4 pm and 7:30-10pm. Roller
Palladium, 1606 Seabright Ave, SC.,
(831) 423-0844.
WEDNESDAYS: Families in
Motion 9:30am. An outdoor fitness
class for parents with children ages 017. Class focuses on strength training
and jogging intervals, $8-10, Seacliff
Beach, Aptos, (831) 818-8423.
Tiny Tots Skating Session
11:15am-12:30pm. Ages 8 and under.
Includes skates, warm up, instruction
and games. $3-skater. SC Roller Palladium, (831) 423-0844.
Family Skating: 7:30 til 10:00,
SC Roller Palladium, 1606 Seabright
Ave, SC, (831) 423-0844.
Tumbling Tykes 12-1pm. Ages
2-5yrs. Activities include circle time,
parachute activities, obstacle courses
and more. Parents stay with children
under 4yrs. RSVP. Drop-in OK, if
space allows. $8-members; $10-nonmembers. Santa Cruz Gymnastics
Center, 2750-B Soquel Ave, SC, (831)
462-0655.
Aikido Santa Cruz Free Visitor Days, Mon and Tues 6-18yrs,
check ages for class date and time,
306 Mission St., SC, (831) 423-8326,
http://www.aikidosantacruz.org.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
(Note: always confirm by phone
before planning these activities)
In the CITY OF SANTA CRUZ
Sundays: Historic Santa Cruz
Mission Tour, 1 pm at the Santa Cruz
Mission, School Street in Santa Cruz,
(831) 425-5849.
First Tuesday: Seymour Free
Day 100 Shaffer Rd, SC, (831) 4593800, www2.ucsc.edu/seymourcenter/
visitor_information.html.
Marine Mammal Research
Tour: Behind the scenes at Long
Marine Lab, 2nd Thursday and 4th
Sunday of every month 2:15 - 3:30
pm. Seymour Marine Discovery
Center, end of Delaware Ave. Santa
Cruz, (831) 459-3800. Learn about
the work of scientists and their studies
of dolphins, sea lions, elephant seals
and harbor seals. seymourcenter.ucsc.
edu Marine Mammal Research Tour:
Behind the scenes at Long Marine
Lab, 2nd Thursday & 4th Sunday of
every month, 2:15 - 3:30 pm. Seymour
Marine Discovery Center, end of
Delaware Ave.
FRIDAYS: Game Day at Louden Nelson Community Center, 301
Center St, SC, (831) 420-6177, play
board games and eat popcorn from
1-2:30 pm.
Museum of Art and History, Free First Friday 11am 9pm, Free noon-time tour of MAH.
Join MAH docents for a museumwide tour highlighting the current
exhibitions.12noon, cost: free, The
McPherson Center in downtown Santa
Cruz, 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA
95060 (corner of Front and Cooper
Streets), (831) 429-1964.
SC Teen Center, 125 Laurel,
SC, (831) 420-6235, call for hours,
pool, ping pong, air hockey, X-Box
360, Wii, movies, internet, music, chill
space, dances, band nights, overnight
trips, sports, ongoing drop-in classes,
computer lab with high-speed internet
connection, homework help.
WATSONVILLE LIBRARY, lots
of events for kids, (831) 768-3400,
Freedom Branch, (831) 768-3420,
www.watsonville.lib.ca.us/services/
programs.shtml.
SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES http://www.santacruzpl.
org/kids/, www.santacruzpl.org/
events/list/programskids/2009/5/.
First Saturday
of Each Month: 10
am til 2 pm, for ages
8-17 yrs, KIDS FLY
FREE with a parent
or guardian by a pilot from the Experimental Pilots Ass’n,
(831) 688-2809 thru
November.
Second Thursday
of the Month: Capitola Kids Club at the
Capitola Mall, 3:30
pm for ages 12 and
under, (831) 465-0773
at the food court.
Page 22 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
The Litterbox Blues
by Anne Singer
ome pet owners have problems
getting their cats to use the litter
box consistently. Others have
problems with their cats that suddenly
break training.
Following are 10 tips to help
you solve this all-too-common problem.
1. Rule out medical problems.
Certain health conditions and some
medications can cause incontinence in
cats. Eliminate that possibility first.
2. Put litter pans on every floor
of your house. Be sure that your cat’s
litter pan is very accessible and that
your cat can get to it quickly. Also,
make sure the sides of the pan are low
enough so that small and older cats can
get in and out of the box easily.
3. Put litter pans in good areas.
Look for a well-lighted place that will
give your cat some privacy. Do not put
the pan near doors or windows. Avoid
areas near washers, dryers or furnaces.
The noise of these machines can scare
S
D
efenders of Wildlife needs
your input! Please take our
survey so we can work more
effectively on your behalf.
Which statement best explains why
you would support Defenders of
Wildlife?
• To save imperiled animals from
cruelty and death.
• To save endangered species from
extinction.
• To save threatened habitat and
wild lands from destruction.
• Other
If you answered “Other” to
the question above, please let us
know specifically why you would
support Defenders of Wildlife...
Which of the following Defenders
program areas are most important
to you? (Please check as many as
you like)
• Stopping the aerial gunning of
wolves in Alaska and preventing
this practice from spreading to the
Greater Yellowstone region.
• Helping wildlife such as polar
bears and penguins
survive the impact
of global warming through action
on the ground, in
Congress and in the
courts
Protecting sea
turtles, sea otters
and dolphins from
pollution and deadly fishing practices
Educating children and the broader public about how
to be good stewards
for our wildlife and
your cat so that he/she will avoid
using the litter box. The number of
litter pans should exceed the number
of cats by one.
4. Keep the litter pans clean.
Cats are much more likely to use a
clean pan.
5. Use large litter pans. Cats,
especially large cats, like to be able to
turn around and dig in the box.
6. Open pans are better than
covered pans. Covered pans contain
the smell of litter and cat poop, which
can be repugnant to some cats! Owners
wild lands so that they will still be
here for future generations.
• Organizing and leading Wildlife
Volunteer Corps projects across the
country to protect endangered species and wild lands.
• Working with ranchers and farmers to keep wolves in the Greater
Yellowstone region away from livestock... and away from harm.
• Taking urgent action to prevent
the extinction of Florida panthers
and other big cats
• Should Defenders continue to
lead the fight to pass a national
ban on the barbaric aerial killing of
wolves in Alaska which is championed by Governor Sarah Palin?
• Should Defenders make it a
priority to pass legislation to help
wildlife such as polar bears and
penguins survive the threat of global
warming?
• Do you support Defenders’
efforts to prevent Safari Club International and Alaska Governor Sarah
are more apt to notice when an open
pan is soiled and are more likely to
keep it clean.
7. Use a type of litter that your
cat likes. Some cats have definite preferences. Go with what your cat likes.
8. Try an unscented litter. Most
cats prefer unscented litters because
their sense of smell is much stronger
than ours.
9. No eating in the bathroom.
Keep the litter pan area separate from
the food and water area.
10. Give positive feedback. Reward your cat for using the pan. Praise,
pet or give your pet a treat. All three
rewards are even better.
Anne Singer, owner of Shampoo-chez at 1380 Soquel Avenue, Santa
Cruz and editor of the “Shampoo-chez
Newz,” has been an advocate of quality, natural, nontoxic pet products for
the 25 years that Shampoo-chez has
been in business. For questions call
(831) 427-2284. Visit Shampoo-chez
on the Web at www.shampoochez.com
for location and store hours, information on their Self-Service Dog Wash,
professional grooming for dogs and
cats, vaccination clinic, useful facts
and recipes, testimonials, and natural
pet products which can be ordered and
shipped to you or delivered locally.
Palin from allowing wealthy U.S.
trophy hunters to kill polar bears
in Canada and bring them back to
America as wall trophies and area
rugs?
• Should Defenders continue
our fight in federal court and onthe-ground to maintain protections
for Greater Yellowstone wolves to
prevent state politicians in Idaho,
Wyoming and Montana from killing
two-thirds of the wolves that make
their home in this region?
Do you have any suggestions, comments or other words of
wisdom to help us do better? If so,
please fill out the survey and share
them online at http://action.defenders.org/site/Survey?SURVEY_
ID=12621&ACTION_
REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_
USER_REQUESTS&autologin=tr
ue&s_einterest=C3C4.
To donate, and for more info,
please visit www.defenders.org/.
$25 OFF ON
FIRST VISIT
efenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership
organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild
animals and plants in their natural communities.
Defenders of Wildlife can be contacted at: 1130 17th
Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, www.defenders.org/. To
save wolves: www.savewolves.org/, for the Arctic Refuge: www.
savearcticrefuge.org/.
D
PET & PEOPLE PORTRAITS
by artist Melanie Gendron
creator of The Gendron Tarot
Expressing the Inner Spirit
(831) 335-9064
www.MelanieGendron.com
Commemorative Portrait: Walker & Evie, ©2001 Melanie Gendron
Page 23 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
More Summer Fun &
Dancing on the Beach
Hello Folks,
W
e publish this magazine to support our community and enjoy
featuring leading theater, performances, and events. It is very important
that you, our readers, tell all of the Arts &
Entertainment Venues, businesses and
events, that you read about them in The
Connection Magazine. We appreciate your
much needed support in return. Thank you very
much! Pattie & Thom
Restaurant
Nightclub
1011 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz
831-423-1336
www.catalystclub.com
Friday, July 3 • AGES 16+
Sun. July 5 • 6pm
FIRECRACKER RAG JUGBAND JAMBOREE
EEK A
MOUSE
Aivar
Presented w/ Calif. Jugband Assoc. • $10
Mon. July 13 • 7:30pm
SARA WATKINS (OF NICKEL CREEK)
Singer/Songwriter/Fiddler • $12
plus
$14 Ad./$19 Door
Doors 8 p.m.
Show 9 p.m.
Tue. July 14 • 7:30pm
ABALONE DOTS
All Women Bluegrass/Country/
Roots Band from Sweden • $10
Friday, July 10 • AGES 16+ • In the Atrium
BLVD
plus
Fri. July 17 • 8pm
Mimosa
$10 Adv./ $12 Dr. • Drs. 8:30 p.m., Show 9 p.m.
WILL DURST, JOHNNY STEELE,
DEB&MIKE
Comedy Blowout • $15
Saturday, July 11 • AGES 21+
ROBIN
TROWER
plus
Sat. July 18 • 7:30pm
OLD BLIND DOGS
Scottish • $20
Corby Yates
Sun. July 19 • 7pm
$33 Adv./$39 Door
Drs. 6:30 p.m.
Show 7:30 p.m.
plus Saturday Night in the Atrium
FREE SHOW SERIES No Cover • 9 p.m. • 21+
ALIEN COWBOYS
BOOM BOOM STEREO
ALIEN MONSTER
ALEX DEGRASSI, MICHAEL MANRING,
JEFF TITUS
Virtuoso Guitar, Bass, & Harp Sympitar
• $15
Sat. July 24 • 8pm
SAN FRANCISCO SUMMER OF LOVE
REVUE
60’s Rock Tribute • Dance • $10
Wednesday, July 15 • AGES 16+
Mystic Roots
In the Atrium
plus Top Shelf also Natural Incense
Sun. July 26 • 7pm
LOS CENZONTLES (THE MOCKINGBIRDS)
Alt. Mexican-American Roots • $10
$8 Adv./ $10 Dr. • Drs. 7:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
Thu., July 16 • AGES 16+ • In the Atrium
Eric Hutchinson plus Anya Marina
$10 Adv./ $12 Dr. • Drs. 7:30 p.m., Show 8:30 p.m.
Thu., July 23 • AGES 16+ • In the Atrium
Music for Animals
Wendy Darling
$10 Adv./ $12 Dr. • Drs. 8:30 p.m., Show 9 p.m.
Friday, July 24
AGES 21+
AN EVENING WITH
Gillian
Welch
$25 Adv./$28 Dr. • Drs. 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
by Janet Leonard
hursday Night “Beach Parties” at the
Crow’s Nest are free. Enjoy an all ages
show from 5:30-8:30pm.
Cut out & save!
•Jul. 2, The Refugees, Tom Petty tribute
•Jul. 9, Extra Large, fun and funky rockers
•Jul. 16, Ribsys Nickel, contemporary rock
•Jul. 23, Danjuma and Onola, World
rhythms
•Jul. 30, Extra Large, fun and funky
rockers
•Aug. 6, Joint Chiefs, funk to soul
•Aug. 13, Sambada, Brazilian excitement
•Aug. 20, Extra Large, fun and funky rockers
after-party upstairs @ 8:30 pm (all are $5
cover, 21+ only)
•Jul. 2, Third Stone From The Sun,
Hendrix tribute
•Jul. 9, The Blues Benders, danceable
blues
•Jul. 16, Coastal Sage, reggae-rock
•Jul. 23, Diego’s Umbrella, gypsy, pirate,
polka, alternative
•Jul. 30, The Pleasure Point, soul music
with Pam Hawkins
•Aug. 6, El Cuarto Verde, surfmic rock
•Aug. 13, Wooster, hip hop
•Aug. 20, Corby Yates, fungus blues phenomenon (this show only is $10 cover) Parking is very limited. Please walk, carpool, ride
a bike, take the bus, or ride the free water
taxi from the upper harbor instead.
T
THUMBNAIL
MOVIE REVIEWS
by Karin Leonard & Daniel Robin
ach month, we select our favorite
or otherwise important films to be
featured on this page. We rate them,
subjectively, on a scale from 1 (worthless) to
5 (awesome) in terms of their entertainment
and message. We leave the plot details and
storytelling to the filmmakers and instead
attempt to characterize, highlight strengths
and flaws, and hint at purpose. Reach us at
[email protected]. Enjoy!
E
Land of the Lost
With Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny R.
McBride
Entertainment: 3 Message: 2.5 (huh?)
pace-time vortexes have their perks. For
example, you can intermix dinosaurs
and creatures that never actually existed
together, and nobody will care! This silly
spoof on adventure “terrestrial Sci-fi” from
Jurassic Day-in-the-Park to Indiana Jones
has scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Ferrell, being his charmingly goofy self), getting into
battles with no weapons, few skills and truly
poor decision making. Along for the ride are
his crack-smart research assistant Holly
(Friel) and a redneck survivalist named Will
(McBride). But a primate named Chaka has
some of the funniest and certainly most offensive contributions. Wonderfully weird and
wildly entertaining (1 hr 41 min).
S
The Proposal
With Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Denis
O’Hare, Mary Steenburgen, Betty White
Entertainment: 3.5
Message: 4
Sat., July 25 • AGES 16+ • In the Atrium
HOTTUB
$10 Adv./ $12 Dr. • Drs. 8:30 p.m., Show 9 p.m.
Jul 30 Chris Pureka (AGES 16+)
Jul 31 Stellar Corpses (AGES 16+)
Aug 7 Johnny Winter (AGES 21+)
Aug 7 James Intveld (AGES 16+)
Aug 8 The Pack/ The Cataracs/ Dizzy Balloon
Pep Love/ The Holdup/ The Skaflaws (AGES 16+)
Aug 8 Lukas Nelson (AGES 16+)
Aug 16 Hatebreed (AGES 16+)
Aug 17 Xavier Rudd (AGES 16+)
Aug 19 Trevor Hall (AGES 16+)
Aug 20 The Pyrx Band (AGES 16+)
Aug 21 Slacktone (AGES 16+)
Sep 16 Sugar Ray (AGES 21+)
Sep 17 Steel Pulse (AGES 16+)
Oct 21 UFO (AGES 21+)
Sunday thru Tuesday FREE POOL
for Bar Patrons Noon to Closing
ROCKER’S PIZZA KITCHEN 831-426-PIZZA
$1 Pizza Slice ALL DAY TUESDAYS
Wed. - Mon. $2 CHEESE OR PEPPERONI until 6 p.m.
Unless otherwise noted, all shows are dance shows
with limited seating. Tickets to all Catalyst shows, subject to city tax and service charge, are available by
phone at 1-866-384-3060, and online at our web site.
Advance tickets are also available at the Catalyst
every day with a minimal service charge.
www.catalystclub.com
Page 24
NATIONAL TOUR: FOUR SHILLINGS SHORT — Concert info
Here are some of July’s club scene
highlights:
The Catalyst: Sat. Jul. 11th, the rescheduled, Robin Trower show, tickets for
the May 19th show will be honored. Fri. Jul.
24th, Gillian Welch, uncompromising musical renegade and Grammy Award Winner.
Fri. Jul. 31st, Stellar Corpses, hometown
CD release party. Fri. Aug. 7th, legendary,
Johnny Winter.
Don Quixote’s: Fri. Jul. 10th, It’s A
Beautiful Day, emerged from the San Francisco bay area and debuted their first national
record in 1968. Sat. Jul. 11th, The British Are
Coming features The Newcastles, a tribute
to The Animals, Wild Night, a tribute to Van
Morrison and The Who’s Next, a tribute to
The Who. Wed. Jul. 22nd, Ramblin’ Jack
Elliott, King of the Folksingers with over
40 albums. Fri. Jul. 24th, San Francisco’s
Summer of Love Revue, ensemble tributes
to Hendrix, Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Steppenwolf, Mamas & Papas, and more. Go
back in time to the late 60’s at The Fillmore
with a multi-media collage featuring the
infamous liquid light shows and historical
footage and images.
Kuumbwa Jazz Center: Thu. Jul. 16th,
Johnny Almond’s Big Bash, extremely rare
live appearance of this woodwind devotee.
Mon. Jul. 20th, An Evening with Ottmar
A
lthough Sandra
Bullock is far too
sweet to pass as
the feared monsterdragon-boss that her
role requires (she’s no
devilish Meryl Streep
“wearing Prada”), we
still thoroughly enjoyed
this romantic comedy, and so will you. Star
power and a tight script carry the movie
despite the fact that the plot seems … well
worn. It is a fine recycling job. Don’t be so
sure you know exactly where it’s going. There
will be some surprises. Ryan Reynolds holds
his own as dragon-lady’s overworked assistant/fiancée of convenience. Betty White
as his granny adds comic spice, and will
knock your support socks off. Everything
softens and melts into a delightful soup and
makes for light if not zany entertainment. (1
hr 48 min).
Earth
Narrated by James Earl Jones
Entertainment: 4.5
Message: 4
he true story of three animal families and
their amazing journeys— as moving as
it is beautiful, nature lovers must not miss
the chance to see this on a big screen. This
documentary weaves together mostly BBC
footage of places you probably never knew
existed, powerfully intimate moments with
elusive creatures, and a message about
our precarious balance that we can all bring
home. Just go (1 hr 30 min).
T
Up
Voices: Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher
Plummer, Delroy Lindo, John Ratzenberger
“They are not the Clancy Brothers or Jean
Richie or Ravi Shankar but a combination
of all three, laced with Irish humor. Their
collection of instruments is museum-like and
I’ve never seen the place so packed.”— San
Gregorio General Store, CA
elebrating their 13th year together, the
Celtic/Folk/World music duo Four Shillings Short will perform in San Jose
this June at the Mission City Coffee
Roasting Company. Four Shillings
Short perform on a fantastic array of instruments from around
the world. This list of instruments
includes North Indian Sitar, Hammered Dulcimer, Mandolins, Banjo,
Whistles, Recorders, Medieval
and Renaissance Woodwinds,
Charango, Bowed Psaltery, Guitar,
and even a Krumhorn.
“The bardic tradition is alive
and well in a Dodge Caravan carrying Four Shillings Short around
the country to play their proudly
eccentric blend of Celtic, Folk and
World music.” —Palo Alto Weekly,
Palo Alto, CA
“Sunday nights concert featured a husband and wife duo
called Four Shillings Short. They
are astounding. They both have
wonderful singing voices. They
play an incredible variety of music
C
Liebert, & Luna Negra, guitarist/composer,
come be amazed by this deeply inspired
improvisation and dazzling technical facility.
Mon. Jul. 27th, Spencer Day, vocalist/pianist
and a top shelf songwriter. Thu. Jul. 30th,
Mads Tolling Quartet, two-time Grammywinning violinist, international renowned as a
member of the Turtle Island String Quartet.
Concerts in Retro:
My reviews of some of the shows I
saw last month. Remember this is only my
opinion.
Crow’s Nest: Extra Large started up
the Thursday Night Free Beach Parties with
grand success. The beach was packed with
everyone moving to the beat and having a
fantastic time listening to their danceable
grooves. This is a great opportunity to dance
in the sun, hear great musicians, and catch
up with friends you rarely see. Everyone
was there!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Although
I missed a bit of the 8:30pm show, The Fixx
was massively entertaining the masses. Yet
another band, when finally seeing them live,
that made me really wish I paid more attention to them when they first became popular.
Outstanding showmanship!
Are you a local band that would like
your CD reviewed in this publication? Send
your CD to Music Connection, c/o Janet
Leonard, PO Box 1151, Aptos CA 95001. Call
(831)325-4605, or email janet@janetleonard.
com to tell me about gigs for live reviews.
Make sure to put “Music Connection” and
your band’s name in the subject line.
Entertainment: 4.5
Message: 4
ne of the finest animated films in quite
some time (Pixar does it again), the
same caliber as Wall-E. Here we have the
unfulfilled dream of a man who suddenly, at
age 78, and up against a bureaucratic wall,
decides to find his own levity in the situation (picture Danny Deckchair or Lawnchair
Larry, but with a greater payload and sense
of mission). The lofty message may be: do
not give up on your dreams so long as you
still have a pulse. Secondly, if you’re going
to follow that dream anyway, why not give it
all your all? The uplifting plot certainly has
enough twists and turns; but the mission
evolves into a higher, more selfless calling
(1 hr 36 min).
O
Star Trek
With Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, John Cho,
Ben Cross
Entertainment: 4 Message: 3
eenergizing the classic genre with a
spark of new life, intelligence, great
characters, and a good dose of humor has
been boldly accomplished. Young Kirk and
Spock, as well as the other iconic crew
members, are a refreshing treat. However,
the action sequences are way over-the-top
and overshadow the story line, dialogue, and
trademark quaint philosophy— built for what
sells rather than respect for “authentic Star
Trek.” For longtime fans of the series, these
factors, plus changing around the “facts” of
the story (going where no Star Trek has gone
before), may prove to be too much. As one of
our most serious Trekkie consultants (Karin’s
brother Stefan) put it: “You know, that isn’t
how it really happened.” (2 hrs 7 min).
R
from Indian Ragas to Celtic, Traditional folk and
about anything
else you can
think of. They
are very charismatic with great
stage presence.”
—Columbus Folk
Music Society,
Columbus OH
Please
contact them for
an interview, live music performance or
to request their recordings: www.fourshillingsshort.com, Contact: [email protected], (650)
274-1100.
SCHEDULE:
• Friday: July 17, 7:00 – 9:00PM
THE UGLY MUG, 4640 Soquel Dr., Soquel,
CA 95073, (831) 477-1341, www.cafeugly.
com, Donation: $5-10.
• Saturday: July 18, 7:30PM
THE WORKS, 667 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific
Grove, CA 93950, (831) 372-2242, www.
theworkspg.com, Cover: $10.00.
• Sunday: July 19, 10AM – 11:30AM service,
UU FELLOWSHIP OF Santa Cruz County,
6401 Freedom Blvd., Aptos, CA 95003, (831)
684-0506.
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eal
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Astrology for July 2009
W
ith the Sun now in the sensitive sign of Cancer, we look for
belonging, seeking out our tribe,
group or family. Those born under the
lunar sign Cancer, including USA, are
emotionally responsive, empathetic and
protective, but they can also be defensive, quick to judgment and misperceive
reality because they take things so personally. This month, Cancers have an
opportunity to transform their tendency
to live through the wounds of the past,
creating new beginnings.
A pair of eclipses grace the
heavens this month. Eclipses mark
powerful alignments of Earth, Sun and
Moon, which flood our biosphere with
energy, as if a beam of light exposes
a hidden problem. Many people feel
stressed during eclipses. It is our chance
to wholeheartedly embrace healing and
change, overcoming denial. The lunar
eclipse takes place on July 7th at 2:21
AM, and will be visible. The total solar
eclipse, on July 21st, will be the longest
(6 1/2 minutes) until 2132. This eclipse,
on the last degree of Cancer, speaks of
the need to complete and transform situations, along with sudden reforms. Old
methods will fail and new systems are
needed to deal with what’s unfolding. We
must think of, and align ourselves with,
new ways of doing things. Blocks to new
ways will be removed. The USA will be
challenged to transform its global communications for the good of the whole,
rather than following the old dominator
philosophy.
Iran is especially affected. The
planet of revolution and liberation, Uranus, impacts Mars, planet of action (once
in 84 years). Now is the time for breaking
away and defining a new sense of self.
They are being asked to persevere,
carefully defining who they are and their
potential as a people, beyond religious
devotionalism. The eclipse falls on Iran’s
Jupiter, affecting their belief systems
and ideals.
Twelve opportunities for July:
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Through June,
you felt a strength and endurance, even a
calmness, among a multitude of events.
At the beginning of July, there is a tendency to over commit. It can be difficult
“Where Swami answers your
questions, and you will question his
answers.”
Dear Swami:
I am in so much distress about
the current economic situation that I
can’t sleep at night, and frankly I seem
to be experiencing depression, interspersed with episodes of anger. For
the first time in my life, I am considering
seeing a therapist. Yes, I know. There are
certain aspects of the economic crisis
that are out of my control. However, I
do very much respect your wise perspective. Do I need to see a shrink? Is
there something else I can do to reduce
the stress? And do you have any other
financial advice?
Bill Zardue, Xenia, Ohio
Dear Bill:
I can understand how stressed
you must feel, and let’s face it — stress
can be stressful. I cannot stress enough
how stressful stress can be. And since
there is a strong relationship between
society at large and society at small, it is
understandable that during an economic
depression one might get depressed
over the economy. But just because
there is toxic news out there doesn’t
mean you have to take it poisonally.
You just need to shift your perspective,
ever so slightly. Next time you hear your
inner voice saying, “I feel depressed,”
just change the emPHAsis to a different
sylLABle. Say, “I feel deep rest.” Say
that enough, and before long you will feel
deeply rested.
As for seeking help for economic
depression (or as it is known clinically,
CFD — Cash Flow Deficiency), instead
of paying big bucks to shrink your head,
try saving money by shrinking your over-
to tell what is true and what is not. On the
11th, you feel a change as things lighten
up and it is easier to move forward.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Give yourself
space this month to move into reverie,
to reflect, to write. You get to the bottom
of some deep issues. There is a part of
your life that lightens up and you enjoy
yourself socially, experiencing a break
through.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): This month,
relationship and love are highlighted.
Allow yourself to feel the lightness and
beauty of life, and doors will open to opportunity and connections. By the 11th,
your energy picks up. You feel enthusiasm to take action, and situations will
appear clear. Create financial strategies
for future benefit.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): This month
illuminates your patterns in relationship.
You see where you project judgment
and seek to unconsciously maintain
control. Take responsibility for calmly and
clearly asking for what would make you
feel more secure since that is a driving
force in your personality. You are in a
time of new beginnings and endings.
Give yourself a gift, and do something
radically different for your enjoyment
and enrichment.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): July can be a very
practical month for you. There is a part of
you that needs quiet and space to relax
and do nothing. This is to be balanced
with certain mundane tasks you must
complete. Take time to reassess your
health and diet. Do a cleanse.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): At the beginning of the month, carefully watch communications with children or friends. Old
topics arise. It is your chance to articulate
yourself in a clearer and calmer fashion.
You will be helpful in your matter of
fact wisdom. In the 3rd week of July, be
thoughtful about relationship as situations may stall, seeming blocked. But this
is not the case. It is time to observe.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): July is a travel
month for you. At first, you deal with
unresolved issues and clear things up.
What a wonderful time to enjoy new
landscapes, new people, and reflect on
head ins t e a d .
One of the
leading
causes of
Cash Flow
Deficiency
is a related
a ff l i c t i o n ,
Deficit Inattention
D i s o r d e r,
characterized by the belief, “I must
have money in my account, because look
— I still have some blank checks in my
checkbook.” Deficit Inattention Disorder
sufferers cannot resist a good buy. A
good buy here, and a good buy there ...
and pretty soon, it’s good-bye money.
Regarding your episodes of anger, it is perfectly natural for those with
Deficit Inattention Disorder and Cash
Flow Deficiency to see red. So, you
have asked for my advice — a sure sign
of someone in trouble — and I will give
it. Sell or give away anything you don’t
want, don’t love, or don’t need. Stay
liquid. For the one undeniable truth in
these paradoxical economic times is,
the more liquid you are, the more solid
you will feel.
Dear Swami:
I’m a bit confused. Sometimes
I think you are being wise, other times
it seems like you’re being a wise guy.
Are you a real swami? And what is a
“swami,” anyway?
Alice Klarr, Greeley, Colorado
Dear Alice:
First of all, let’s handle the
question of my being a real swami.
This morning, I pinched myself and
sure enough — I am real! As for your
the bigger picture of life. If the opportunity to travel doesn’t manifest, look into
something that inspires you. Publishing
is highlighted. During the later part of
July, be aware of an arising challenge
and communicate clearly.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): It is an excellent time to review how you communicate
and what belief systems stimulate your
responses to others. How much compassionate consciousness do you bring
to your interactions? These interactions
are a doorway into healing and wholeness for you. There is the potential for
transformation in both past and present
relationships.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): This
month, take time to examine your finances. Reflect on how balanced your
life is with what you put out and what
you receive. Relationships are changing, with endings and new beginnings.
Create new avenues for togetherness.
Someone wants something from you that
is unclear and now is the time to gently
clarify what that is.
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): In July,
you have an opportunity to see yourself in
a totally new way. Your sense of yourself
will change in relation to others, and a relationship may suddenly manifest or end.
You have an opportunity to understand
what part of your emotions and personality support relatedness and what doesn’t.
Make adjustments; let go of images of
yourself that are no longer useful.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): This month
is an excellent time to take care of unresolved issues that you have not wanted
to deal with. Time to get them out of the
closet and take the practical steps to put
things in order. You, now, finish some
piece of work, or deal with a habit that is
no longer useful. It feels liberating.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Family and
children are highlighted this month. Take
time to be certain that there are clear
lines of communication with friends and
family. Something is completing in a love
relationship, or with your son or daughter.
Focus on a vision you hold for your future.
Now is the time to set intention.
Susan Heinz, a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 27 years,
brings together traditional and esoteric
astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info
on her Friday monthly astrology groups,
her Qabalah and astrology classes, and
for personal consultations, call (831) 4765787, or e-mail susanheinz@comcast.
net.
other questions, what you really want to
know is, am I a wise guy disguised as
a wiseguy— or a wiseguy in a wise guy
guise? The answer is an unequivocal
yes to both questions. Next question,
what is a swami? A swami is one who
has mastered him or herself. Naturally,
that means I am highly-qualified as a
swami. After all, who could possibly be
a better me than I could? I was literally
made for the job! And when it comes
to being YOUR self, so were you. After
all, each of us is totally unique, just
like everybody else. As far as I’m concerned, Oscar Wilde said it best: “Be
yourself. Everyone else is taken.”
Dear Swami:
I’ve been hearing a lot about
magnetic healing lately. Have you ever
tried it, and do you think it works?
Candace B.
Wright, Huntsville,
Alabama
Tarot Readings
• Life Purpose • Career
• Relationship
• Body • Mind • Spirit
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Melanie Gendron,
creator of The Gendron Tarot
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Products & Services
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IX The Hermit, ©1997, US Games Systems, Inc.
Dear Candace:
Does it
work? Are you kidding? It sure does!
I had a magnetic
healing session
about a month ago,
and I was stuck to
my refrigerator for
three days.
© Copyright 2009 by
Steve Bhaerman.
All rights reserved.
Swami Beyondananda — and his
hilarious books
and CDs — can
be found online at
http://www.wakeuplaughing.com/ or
call toll free (800)
SWAMI-BE for a
free catalogue.
Page 31 ▲ The Connection Magazine ▲ www.ConnectionMagazineOnline.com ▲ July 2009
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every detail, creating the world’s finest custom
and handcrafted mattresses.
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