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Breast Cancer Month October – A Month Where ‘The New Black Is Pink’

October – A Month Where ‘The New Black Is Pink’

These days there is a lot of talk about “going green,” but the truth is that green isn’t the only color getting attention. It seems safe to say that for the month of October “the new black is pink.”

For more than 20 years, the month of October has been dedicated to building awareness and sharing information on the most common type of cancer that affects women across the world. There are over 2 million women in the United States alone that have been treated for cancer. Last year over 40,000 women and 300 plus men had their lives taken by this horrible disease.

Thanks to combined efforts of several government agencies, professional medical associations, and national public service organizations, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization has been able to reach out and touch thousands of individuals. Home entertainment companies, cosmetic lines, and clothing designers are all making a stand to help not only raise money but awareness for the cause. The everyday consumer now has an opportunity to support breast cancer research just shopping for life’s little necessities.

This month “DVDs for a Cure” will be available once again. Last year, MGM and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment partnered to produce a collection of “pink packaged” films during the month of October. The campaign sold over 400,000 DVDs in 2007, and fifty cents from each sale was contributed to Susan G Komen for the Cure. Titles such as, Thelma and Louise, Legally Blonde , and In Her Shoes are just a few that will be available this year.

“Pink Ribbon” house ware is another way to support research. Manufacturers like Dyson, KitchenAid, and Dirt Devil are just a few that have provided your everyday cooking and cleaning appliances in a shade of pink that will not only add a fashionable flare to your home, but also serve as a daily reminder that we need to be making strides to find a cure. Vacuum cleaners, utensils, and irons are all essentials for a household and can now be purchased with a portion of the money going towards a greater good than just helping you mix your cake batter or clean your floor.

Hallmark launched a “Cards for the Cure” campaign in 1999. Since then $2.7 million in donations has gone to the Susan G Komen for the Cure foundation.

The beauty industry is just another of many that have jumped on board to give people a chance to benefit others while benefiting themselves. Pantene allows women to keep their hair silky smooth while at the same time helping to support a campaign which provides real wigs for women battling cancer. Smashbox Cosmetics donates 10% of all ‘O Gloss’ sales during the month of October to the “Look Good Feel Better Campaign,” a program solely supported by corporate donors that helps women to deal with appearance-related changes from cancer treatments. There is the “Pink Collection” by Estee Lauder, which includes the Elizabeth Hurley Lip Color Collection and Beautiful Eau de Parfum Spray. All donate a fraction of profits to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Plucking your eyebrows has never been so stylish with the “Breast Cancer Ribbon” tweezer by Tweezerman. A dollar from each purchase goes to “Rethink Breast Cancer.” The world of beauty is now very intertwined with breast cancer awareness. With that said, for many gals beauty has become more than skin deep.

Breast cancer is such a powerful disease that it is one of the few topics that can even bring our politicians together. Both presidential candidates, Senator Obama and Senator McCain, have stated that they intend to increase research funding.

Politics, beauty, fashion, entertainment . . . different worlds and businesses all coming together for a common good; each reaching out and doing what they can in their own way to raise awareness in our community. October is only one out of the twelve months we should devote to finding a cure for a disease that has touched the lives of so many. Breast cancer does not just hurt its victims. Make no mistake, family and friends all suffer when just one suffers. But if we stand together to raise awareness and funds to support those who have experienced the disease firsthand and those whose hands are trying to find a cure, we can and will be successful.

Written by Shannon Haggard

YogaFit for Cyclists – DVD Review

We will be taking a look at YogaFit’s “Yoga for Cyclist” program tailored to improve health and performance while preventing injury for all cycling enthusiasts. This is a great idea for cyclists of all levels in order to achieve better oxygen efficiency, faster recovery, enhanced performance, improved range of motion, and over all better health while reducing any stress and tension you might be harboring as told by YogaFit:

“While bicycling and indoor stationary cycling are among the best forms of cardio vascular conditioning, they often leave the participant with tightness, aches and even pain. Using this DVD as a consistent sport related yoga program alleviates many of these symptoms including lower back pain, trapezious stress, and tight hamstrings and quadriceps. Repetitive cycling forces the body in long periods of forward flexion, similar to sitting at a desk for long hours or driving a car. However due to the work involved there becomes the additional problem of tightening in the muscle groups of the lower body, quads, hamstrings and gluteus. This is your perfect tool for balance and stress reduction.”

The premise for fusing Yoga into a cyclist regimen is oxygen, stability and mobility. Your muscles operate in either an aerobic mode or anaerobic mode, which basically means with oxygen (aerobic) or without oxygen (anaerobic)–and when the best of the two is aerobic. Its like a burning fire. The more oxygen a fire has, the hotter and stronger it gets. When a fire has no oxygen it simply goes out or in the case of your body, goes into anaerobic mode. When you are performing an exercise for long periods of time, there are periods when you run low on oxygen and your body switches gears to be able to compensate. The problem is the byproduct of that switch. When you are in anaerobic mode your body will lose over 9/10ths of its power and produces lactic acid. This is basically a natural waste substance that your muscles produce when they have to work without oxygen. This byproduct is a big cause of that deep soreness afterward, along with all the damage from the workout of course. The idea is that if you become better at breathing and utilizing oxygen then you can go longer on your bike with out that sore feeling, resulting in a more enjoyable ride. The tightness comes from the lactic acid and from small scar tissue that naturally forms around your muscles from the workout, but this is easily remedied with good stretching and breathing, hence our DVD. The yoga helps stretch all those key cycling muscles so that scar tissue will not shorten the muscle by holding it tight. This means you will sleep better, have less pain, better range of movement, increased oxygen utilization, less injuries, better circulation, and overall enhanced health.

The DVD includes a warm up to be done before your ride in order to keep you safe and ready. We also find the core program which tends to the lengthening, stretching, strengthening and stabilization of the body to thoroughly enhance your rides. When wrapping up your workout you will also find a cool down segment designed to help clear out that fun lactic acid that prolongs your recovery and stretches to help increase range of motion so you can get right back up and ride again the next day even stronger. Good circulation and hydration are best for clearing up lactic acid. If you take care of yourself, your oxygen rich blood will clean it up in a jiffy. The breathing exercises in the video are excellent for helping your body nurture itself. The more efficient your body is at utilizing oxygen the faster you will recover and the better you will feel on a day to day basis, this is one of Yoga’s many powerful elements. The DVD is a great idea and very useful tool for all cyclists, yoga conscious or not. The DVD runs at a good pace and Beth Shaw gives great directions and keeps you very aware of your body so that you don’t injure yourself. So beginners feel free to grab a copy. This DVD can be used by all levels, but please do go at your own pace and know your limits, this is critical in yoga. Leave your ego at the door and your body will thank you.

Reviewed by Anthony Heredia

Read the interview with Beth Shaw

Through The Looking Glass – The Vision Behind YogaFit

YogaFit has come to reign as the largest yoga entity in all of North America and currently trains a staggering 11,000 motivated yoga enthusiasts each year with no end in sight. As powerful as yoga is to our overall health, Agenda Magazine felt compelled to unveil the inspirational personality that is quickly becoming fitness royalty in a growing health conscious world. We took the opportunity to discover what has distinguished YogaFit as such an influential presence in the US with some one on one time Beth Shaw herself.

What would you say distinguishes YogaFit from all other Yoga entities out there today?

YogaFit is more than just a yoga company, we are a way of life for millions of people. By that I mean that as a company we stand for philanthropy, helping others, making a positive difference in the world, and helping the group consciousness of the planet evolve. In terms of yoga, we are ‘Real Yoga for Real People .’ This means we take a common sense and safe approach to yoga and try to attract as many people as we can to the practice via a user-friendly fitness based formant.”

It’s fantastic how conscious YogaFit is of its clients needs and very admirable that YogaFit is giving of itself as it prospers. Who would you say you created YogaFit for and why?

I created YogaFit because I saw a need in the marketplace for accessible user-friendly and safe yoga.

What would you say is one of the most common beginner mistakes you encounter in the world of Yoga and what advice would you give to correct it?

Ego plays a huge part in creating expectations and injuries. Trying to master each pose too quickly is unnecessary and injurious to the body/mind.

There are so many potential yoga enthusiast out there today. What words of wisdom do you have for an individual who is deciding whether to begin a journey into yoga?

Try many different styles and teachers. Find out who and what resonates with you -it’s like dating (playful smile).

Your passion for your clients is wonderful. Where do you hope to see YogaFit’s passion take you in a few years?

I hope to see YogaFit rapidly becoming a worldwide global force for positive change and advocacy.

What would you say most inspires you as positive health authority?

The power that fitness yoga and health has over me, and the positive changes they consistently produce in others. Our health is our foundation for everything and our most valuable asset always!”

You must reflect constantly to have such a great out look on life, what is the last significant positive life lesson you have learned?

A small group of concerned citizens can make a difference–everyone can make a difference on this planet, and we all need to.

Why don’t you give our readers a better understanding of Beth Shaw, who do you most admire in this big beautiful world of ours and why?

[I admire] People who walk their talk. I have come in contact with many people who speak ‘ Spiritual-ese’ but fail to live it. I admire Judy Mancuso of Social Compassion who authorized the mandatory spay/neuter bill for California. I admire my animal activist friends like Ellen Levinthal from Animal Alliance who works tirelessly for animals. I admire Gretchen Wilde who founded the humane society genesis awards. I admire Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA–she is the real deal!

It is very refreshing and wonderful to know that you are keeping an eye out for the four-legged inhabitants of this world too along with us two legged creatures. Tell us, what are you most proud of in the long-lived successful life of YogaFit?

The vast amount of community service we have been able to do for humans and animals.

Why don’t you give Agenda readers a sneak peek of your future plans. What exciting projects are you working on currently?

My new book, YogaFit gets released from Human Kinetics Publishing in January. Also, we have some very exciting new class formats like ‘Full Body Blast’ and some great eco-friendly bamboo clothing.

Any last words?

We would love to have more like minded-people join our network – also – Spay & Neuter your pets PLEASE!

Visit YogaFit online at www.yogafit.com and learn about the 9 mind body fitness conferences nationwide annually.

Interviewed by Anthony Heredia

The Super Berry Sweeping the U.S – Acai Revealed – Brazilian Berry Destroys Cancer

The Super Berry Sweeping the U.S – Acai Revealed
Brazilian Berry Destroys Cancer

The power-packed Acai berry (ah-SAH’-ee) is making headlines as reports of its healing properties sweep the nation. The power-packed super berry is relatively new to the U. S. market but has been consumed by millions in South America for thousands of years. The origin of our bullet berry lies deep in the jungles of the Amazon, Brazil, and various areas surrounding Peru. The acai berry is found in bunches of 700-900, high above in palm trees and is harvested only twice a year, making it a precious commodity. This precious gem has been touted as a treasure because of its extremely high antioxidant levels and unique healing properties. Oxidation is a highly destructive process that occurs in our bodies and causes a wide variety of consequences, ranging from the wrinkles women avoid fervently to the very serious cancer. Experts are constantly in pursuit of an upper hand on cancer, and the acai berry has thus far proven itself a cancer weapon to be reckoned with. Published in the 2006 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a study showed extracts from the acai berry triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested, according to Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Talcott further expressed, “This was only a cell-culture model and we don’t want to give anyone false hope. We are encouraged by the findings, however. Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies.” The study consisted of six different chemical extracts prepared in seven concentrations. Four of the extracts were shown to kill significant numbers of leukemia cells when applied for 24 hours. Depending on the extract and concentration, anywhere from about 35 percent to 86 percent of the cells died. Nothing is for certain, though, since factors such as nutrient absorption, metabolism, and the influence of other biochemical processes may influence the antioxidants’ chemical activity in the human body.

In order to understand this little wonder’s potency in an example closer to home we will compare it to the highly acclaimed blueberry in order to convey its famously high antioxidant levels which keep your skin youthful and vibrant and your body healthy. We will take a look at the levels of flavanoids and anthocyanin in these fruits, as these are the elements that give them their fame and glory. These elements are significant because modern science has yet to fully understand and bottle these powerful elements. These are components of the fruits that you cannot go out and buy off shelves. In order to fully reap the benefits of these elements, you must come as close as possible to the natural source, hence “the fresher, the better.” For every fresh 3⁄4 cup of blueberry we find a respectable 113mg of 8 Flavanoids. In comparison, the acai berry pulls in an unprecedented 1289mg of over 15 rare Flavanoids for the same amount.

So far, only fundamental research has been done on acai berries, which contain at least 50 to 75 as yet unidentified compounds, but nonetheless this berry ranks highest in its class. Vital to maintaining this juggernaut’s potency, though, is in the preservation and handling of the fruit. Not all Acai is created equal, so buyers beware. All these tests were taken with flash frozen (freeze-dried) samples. This is relevant as freeze drying the berries and fast handling is significantly more expensive for companies, so many will use consumers’ lack of knowledge to their advantage. Many companies opt to take the more lucrative route of standard handling and drying of the berries, significantly compromising the levels of potency. Make no mistake, though, even with the more standard handling, the acai berry still maintains its title in the world of fruits and vegetables. When freeze dried the acai is 12 times more potent, compared to when it is simply dried and reduces to 3 times stronger than our blueberry by the time it reaches consumers. The means of testing antioxidant levels of food are with a test referred to as the ORAC or “oxygen radical absorbance capacity” analysis. Our acai rated at 1027 micromol TE/g. There is no need to understand those measuring units; but now that you understand how potent the acai is, you can appreciate the ORAC rating of other power health foods. Other powders with ORAC values this high include cinnamon (2675 micromol TE/g), cloves (3144 micromol TE/g), turmeric (2001 micromol TE/g), and dried oregano (1593 micromol TE/g) (Wu, 2004).

100 g (4/5 cup) of pure acai pulp contains 52.2 g carbohydrates, 8.1 g protein and 32.5 g total fat. The carbohydrate portion, though, includes 44.2 g of fiber. Having nearly one-third of its mass as dietary fiber, Acai is an exceptional source of this valuable macronutrient, providing all the recommended fiber needs for adults (30 g per day). Acai is particularly rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and the polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, a rare combination. The combination of elements in our Acai berry allows it to demolish an immense amount of threats to our bodies, bringing new levels of health to our lives. All in all, the Acai comes highly recommended. Feel free to enjoy it in any and all products you find, but do make sure that if you are seeking to bask in the cornucopia of benefits we discussed, that you find those on which was spent the extra money to freeze dry the product. Here is a benefit recap our Brazilian juggernaut ushers into our lives. Enjoy the anti-aging, cancer fighting wonder, Agenda readers.

* Boosts energy levels
* Improves digestive function
* Improves mental clarity/focus
* Promotes sound sleep
* Provides all vital vitamins
* Contains several important minerals
* Is an extremely powerful free radical fighter
* Acai has very high levels of fibers
* Cleanses and Detoxifies the body of infectious toxins
* Strengthens your immune system
* Enhances sexual desire and performance
* Fights cancerous cells
* Slows down the aging process
* Promotes healthier and younger-looking skin
* Alleviates diabetes
* Normalizes and regulates cholesterol levels
* Helps maintain healthy heart function
* Minimizes inflammation
* Improves circulation
* Prevents artherosclerosis
* Enhances visual acuity

References

1. Cancer Study References – Tom Nordlie tnordlie@ifas.ufl.edu, Stephen Talcott, sttalcott@ifas.ufl.edu and Joshua Bomser, jbomser@hec.ohio-state.edu http://news.ufl.edu/2006/01/12/berries/
2. Cordova-Fraga T, de Araujo DB, Sanchez TA, Elias J Jr, Carneiro AA, Brandt-Oliveira R, Sosa M, & Baffa, O. (2004). Euterpe oleracea (Acai) as an alternative oral contrast agent in MRI of the gastrointestinal system: preliminary results. Magn. Reson. Imaging. 22 (3): 389-93.
3. Lichtenthaler, R., Rodrigues, R. B., Maia, J. G., Papagiannopoulos, M., Fabricius, H., & Marx, F. (2005). Total oxidant scavenging capacities of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai) fruits. Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 56: 53-64.
4. Lubrano, C., Robin, J. R., and Khaiat, A. (1994). Fatty-acid, sterol and tocopherol composition of oil from the fruit mesocarp of 6 palm species in French-Guiana. Oleagineux 49: 59-65.
5. Del Pozo-Insfran, D., Brenes, C. H. and Talcott, S. T. 2004. Phytochemical composition and pigment stability of Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 52: 1539-1545.
6. Del Pozo-Insfran, D., Percival, S. S., & Talcott, S. T. (2006). Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells. J. Agric. Food Chem. 54 (4): 1222-1229.
7. Dyer, A. P. 1996. Latent energy in Enterpe oleracea. Biomass Energy Environ., Proc. Bioenergy Conf. 9th.
8. Murrieta, R. S. S., Dufour, D. L. and Siqueira, A. D. 1999. Food consumption and subsistence in three Caboclo populations on Marajo Island, Amazonia, Brazil. Human ecology 27: 455-475.
9. Plotkin, M. J. and Balick, M. J. 1984. Medicinal uses of South American palms. J Ethnopharmacol 10: 157-79.
10. Riffle, R. L. and Craft, P. (2003). An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Portland, Timber Press.
11. Rodrigues, R. B., Lichtenthaler, R., Zimmermann, B. F., Papagiannopoulos, M., Fabricius, H., Marx, F., Maia, J. G. and Almeida, O. (2006). Total oxidant scavenging capacity of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (acai) seeds and identification of their polyphenolic compounds. J. Agric. Food Chem. 54: 4162-4167.
12. Schauss, A. G., Wu, X., Prior, R. L., Ou, B., Patel, D., Huang, D., & Kababick, J. P. (2006a). Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried amazonian palmberry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (acai). J. Agric. Food Chem. 54 (22): 8598-8603.
13. Schauss, A. G., Wu, X., Prior, R. L., Ou, B., Huang, D., Owens, J., Agarwal, A., Jensen, G. S., Hart, A. N., & Shanbrom, E. (2006b). Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (acai). J. Agric. Food Chem. 54 (22): 8604-8610.
14. Schauss, A. G., (2006c). Acai (Euterpe oleracea): An Extraordinary Antioxidant-Rich Palm Fruit. Biosocial Publications.
15. Silva, S. & Tassara, H. (2005). Fruit Brazil Fruit. Sao Paulo, Brazil, Empresa das Artes.
16. Wu, X., Beecher, G.R., Holden, J.M., Haytowitz,D.B., Gebhardt, S.E., & Prior, R.L. (2004). Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Antioxidant Capacities of Common Foods in the United States. J. Agric. Food Chem. 52 (12): 4026-4037.

Getting Your Other Half off the Couch

The average American reaching age 77 will have viewed over 150,000 hours of TV in his/her lifetime. (Are you kidding me!?) That equates to spending roughly 17 years of one’s precious life in front of a glowing box. Absolutely horrendous! According to the surgeon general, more than 60 percent of American adults don’t exercise regularly and 25 percent aren’t active at all. The Center for Disease Control says that 34 percent of Americans are overweight, and more than 72 million people were obese from 2005 to 2006. Inertia has become a national emergency. Had I not excavated the research myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. This issue of Fitness Couture will be dedicated to tackling the daunting task of prying our significant other off that couch in a manner that won’t result in law enforcement showing up at your door. Let us avoid that whole sirens-blaring scenario, shall we? Exercise is absolutely omnipotent in the way it enhances every single aspect of your life. Being fit enhances self esteem and energy levels; it promotes better sleep patterns, clearer thinking, promotions at work─yes, you read that right─relieves depression, and improves complexion. Living fit slows aging, regulates sex drive, regulates hormone levels, increases work productivity, and enhances the immune system, along with so much else. There are a myriad reasons as to why someone should get fit, but today we are going to highlight the fact that couples who live a fit life together stick to their programs longer, as well as stay together longer and happier. Once you are inspired to help your loved one at the end of this article, head over to Health 101 for help with a battle plan for actually getting him/her moving.

For some, exercise is an outlet. I know that I consider my workout time “me” time. I don’t take my cell phone with me or let anyone know I’m out running so I can disappear if even for a moment, but there are always those times when I would love some company. It’s about balance. You might love exercise as “you” time, which is fine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share a workout or two, getting your potato of a spouse motivated. Here are just 6 benefits to exercising with your partner that you might not have thought of.

1. Balance – With many couples, one partner tends to favor cardio (typically women), while the other tends to favor strength training (typically men). By working out together, you can balance your workout program to include more of both while educating each other. Let your partner teach you about the areas of fitness you’re unsure of, and be open to new fitness experiences.

2. Quality Time – Couples spend most of their time apart due to careers and regular responsibilities. Instead of working out alone every time, why not plan a little workout time that fits both of your schedules. The couple that sweats together stays together after all. You’ll reach your fitness goals without sacrificing that one-on-one time every partnership needs.

3. Respect and Pride – These topics are immense deal breakers. Getting in shape for someone who doesn’t appreciate the work has ended many a relationship. By working out together at least once a week, you both can respect each other more by seeing what it takes each other to be healthy. Taking care of your body and your health also shows your other half that you care about him/her by wanting to be around for years to come.

4. Inspiration and Support – Getting encouragement and praise from your partner is one of the best motivators. When he/she sees you sweating bullets, it creates admiration. The absolute best compliment anyone can give someone is, “You make me want to be a better person.” You become inspiration. It helps both of you to remain consistent, take care of one another, and inspires you to continue your workout program.

5. Teamwork and Safety – Working out together gives you a chance to work on your communication skills and teamwork. With someone else watching your form and being there to spot you when you need it, you’ll exercise more safely than if you were alone. This creates fantastic bonding and trust.

6. Sexual Desire – Exercise produces chemicals in the brain that evoke feelings of happiness, reduce stress, and also increase arousal and libido. Several studies show that men and women who exercise regularly report better (and more frequent) sex with their partners. Watching your partner grunt, sweat and combat a hard workout regimen can be a powerful aphrodisiac, but don’t take my word for it. Let me know how this all turns out Agenda readers, don’t forget to check out Health 101 for a battle plan. Until we meet again I bid thee all adieu.

With these workout ideas for couples, you and your partner can spend quality time together while you stay on track to reaching your goals.

A.C. Nielsen Co Study – 2007http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html

Written by Anthony Heredia

Twilight – Stephanie Meyer

Twilight

Stephanie Meyer

Twilight is the first of a book series by author Stephanie Meyer. The novel is centered around a teenage romance between a vampire named Edward Cullen and the shy Bella Swan. Bella leaves her hometown to live with her father in a small, misty and rainy town named Fork, where Bella is forced to make a whole new set of friends. Bella sees Edward Cullen, a stunning, good-looking teenage boy sitting with his friends in the cafeteria and is immediately intrigued. Even though he lived with his family in Fork for over two years, he was still somewhat of an outsider. Bella attempts to become his friend, but Edward at first seems put off by her. However the two soon become good friends, and eventually Bella falls hopelessly in love. But there’s a problem. She can’t seem to figure out what is it that makes Edward so different.

One day Bella learns of a legend about the “cold ones,” a group of vampires that only feed off the bare minimal animal blood, not human blood. Even though they do not hunt human blood, these vampires are not welcome. Bella realizes Edward is one of those ‘vegetarian’ vampires, but this knowledge of his not being human changes nothing for her. She is still irrevocably in love with him.

Twilight is told in first person from Bella’s perspective with a very sarcastic inner voice. Since we only read what’s going on in Bella’s head, Edward and his family remain a mystery for most of the novel. But slowly his back story is revealed.

Twilight starts out slow, but once you get into it, you will not be able to put it down. There are plenty of scary moments in this book to keep you on the edge of your seat, especially the scene where Bella is running away from threatening vampires that want to kill her; and even though she has Edward and his coven protecting her, there is a time in the story where she is defenseless and has to fight off her adversaries on her own. There is no shortage of bone-chilling, hair-raising moments. Twilight is a special book that’s easily relatable and surprisingly universal, crossing all age barriers. Bella herself is a well developed, realistic character. Twilight is beautifully written, full of descriptive details. There are touching moments when you feel the urgency of the two main characters refusing to give up on their impossible love but desperately trying to make it work. You are taken to extreme moments of passion to the frantic will to survival. Even if you don’t care for vampire stories, I guarantee you’ll really like Twilight .

ISBN: 978-0316160179, Little, Brown, October, 2005

Check out the other books in the series: The Host , Eclipse , and newly released Breaking Dawn .

Reviewed by Nicole Mouser and Kaylene Peoples

TIPS FOR TEENS – Been There, Survived That Joe Pinsker, Hannah Shr, Carolyn Hou, Maxfield Peterson

TIPS FOR TEENS – Been There, Survived That

Joe Pinsker, Hannah Shr, Carolyn Hou, Maxfield Peterson

Subtitled Getting Through Freshman Year of High School, Been There, Survived That is a how-to manual for the student just entering high school. Written by four teenagers who were once freshmen themselves, the ninety-six page pamphlet is divided into three sections: Social Advice, Academic Advice, and Practical Advice. Quoted from page 5, “It includes tips on everything from how to deal with failure and survive group projects to how to make up good excuses for teachers and fake sick days.” Humorous and captivating, the manual is very easy to read. The new high school student will find it very helpful, as it will contribute to his/her ease of adjustment.

ISBN-13:978-097901737-7

ISBN-10:097901737-8

Fashion 101, A Crash Course in Clothing, written by Erika Stalder with illustrations by Ariel Krietzman, is a catalog of 300+ illustrated wardrobe items: dresses and skirts, tops and coats, pants and shorts, shoes, and underthings. With the exception of underthings,accessories are also included. This catalog will appeal to the young fashionista in that for each of the wardrobe items, four topics are covered:

What They Look Like and How to Wear Them

The Eras That Inspired Them

The Designers Who Made Them

The Celebs Who Made Them Hot

ISBN-13:978-097901734-6

ISBN-10:097901734-3

For more information on both of these books, visitwww.zestbooks.net.

2008 Presidential Campaign One Day We’ll Laugh About All This

One Day We’ll Laugh About All This

By Natalie Martin

this is what it comes down to, I suppose. After eight years of leadership (although that term decidedly assumed a loose definition sometime around 2004), the election polls are close enough to suggest not too many people learned their lessons throughout George W. Bush’s administration. If the presidential and vice-presidential debates prove anything, it’s that we so severely have devolved into a marketing-campaign atmosphere that treats truths and inconveniences when they threaten the appeal of our preferred candidates. It’s almost funny.

I should begin this as would any philosopher poised to argue a point. First, unless you’re incredibly rich—or a masochist—you probably agree with nearly 70 percent of Americans who believe Bush Jr. is among the worst presidents this country ever had. The policies he endorsed and opposed during his reign indicate his motives for running for the Oval Office and a lack of empathy for the people he was supposed to represent. And with an anorexic economy, buoyed by an unpopular and costly war and hungry for an empowered workforce, staining our reputation as a world leader with a formidable but sensible military, Bush’s legacy forever stained not just itself, but the country’s history, its citizens, and even the Republican Party.

However, the rub is that at least 40 percent of the U. S. population isn’t paying attention. Despite Democratic Sen. Barack Obama’s increasing lead over Republican Sen. John McCain, a significant number of voters continue to wear political “blinders” because they’ve hardened their positions; and to confront them with the undesirable qualities of their presidential choice is tantamount to telling hard core Christians that the Bible isn’t the word of God, but just a bunch of “really cool stories.” They’ll self-indoctrinate even more. While on its face, that type of faith isn’t a bad thing, unlike a religion, which involves a personal and spiritual relationship,intentionally keeping oneself politically under-informed jeopardizes not just one person, but an entire country when a vote is on the line. Granted, as of this writing, more people plan to send Obama to clean up Bush’s mess rather than have McCain take a gander at it; but supporters of both candidates must not deprive themselves of every aspect of Obama’s and McCain’s platforms. Each of these men has, at one time or another, been a proponent of something unpalatable to his base; and being an informed voter means having to stomach the not-so-pleasant policies your candidate promotes.

Obama by no means comes close to the Texan atrocity who oversaw the mismanaged responses to September 11, Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the stock-market failure in the fall of 2008; nevertheless, he’s no progressive superman. In fact, while many right-wing critics lambaste the Illinois senator for what they call “extremely liberal” views, Obama is much more a pragmatist (and occasional political opportunist) than even his left-of-left supporters acknowledge. For middle-of-the-road voters, this should offer reassurance that the United States under his leadership won’t become some post-1960s, radical, tree-hugging utopia; for right-right-of-center voters, this should make them take another look at Obama’s candidacy. But for all the influence of mainstream media and “playing of the refs” this election year has witnessed, any blasé voter likely would enter the booth with the notion that Obama is the second coming of Gandhi (or Karl Marx incarnate). The senator continuously has stated his personal, non-liberal positions on abortion, gay marriage, business (to a degree), and warfare. And for those of his supporters who recognize and tolerate these views, well, kudos to you for knowing that fundamental principle: “You can’t please all the people all the time.”

On the contrary, however, McCain placed himself in an interesting and possibly beneficial quandary: He’s changed platforms so much during this campaign that he can’t really be pegged for any solid stance,it may be deliberate or just lucky. During the 2000 presidential election, McCain actually was the person I thought should lead. Back then, he really was a maverick within his party, and it was refreshing to see a Republican who still believed in traditionally Republican values of “bootstraps,” limited government, limited spending, and an aversion to nation-building. However, the John McCain of 2000 has gone the way of the dodo and has been replaced with what appears to be someone so set on earning a title that he’s forgone the very principles that made him one of the more suitable politicians. Let’s face it, they all suck,yes, even Rep. Dennis Kucinich, but to a lesser degree. He’s embraced the Bush administration’s tax policy; he’s championed a war that has caused possibly irreparable devastation to our military and our economy; and he’s dedicated himself to a campaign rife with lies and misrepresentations of his opponent. He’s even turned his back on legislation he himself has sponsored to boost his appeal among other Republicans, and yet ardent supporters of McCain somehow dismiss these things as not quite that important. And, you know, it’s kind of funny.

Maybe what we need is to start from rock bottom. Not just an “out with the old” endeavor, but cleansing the House and the Senate and restocking it with a group of people who haven’t been stained by ambition and streamlined their positions when they pose a risk to being elected. Perhaps this would be the best way to ensure we’re not deluding ourselves as voters. Perhaps this would prove that we’re willing to eat the worm. Perhaps we’d actually acquire politicians who give a damn because they know what it’s like to suffer under a malleable administration with ulterior motives. Perhaps, after it’s all said and done, we can sit back and smile for a job well done.

The Wolf Speaks

Insights

The Wolf Speaks

The wolf speaks.

I can hear the wolf whispering to me when I walk in the mountains. I must remember not to be afraid, for the wolf appears to me as the wind making its voice present by the sound it makes as it moves the leaves, the branches, and as it dances on my skin.

I’ve been taking a break from my worries and supporting my mental strength by hiking five miles at a stretch in the beautiful Claremont Mountains. I often see deer and their young feeding on the wild grasses that grow on the sides of the path I walk on.

When I first decided to hike alone, I was afraid ? too afraid to make the trek. I remember wandering up the mountain about half a mile before I turned around terrified. I read the warnings about the mountain lions and the bears and couldn’t bring myself to keep going on alone.

What would I do if I encountered a bear or a mountain lion? How would I survive a snake bite? Richard Pryor had a comedy skit about snakes in the woods. I take comfort in knowing that like him, “I’ve got rhythm.” When I see a snake I say, “Oh, snake,” and hop over him as I keep on struttin’ in the woods, or in my case, the mountains.

I’ve seen snakes, rattlers. They do not scare me, for I know that I am the intruder to their mountain home. But I also know that they won’t threaten me.

One day I got the idea to buy pepper spray to protect myself from animals. I purchased my pepper spray from a hardware store for $8.95 plus tax. The package read, “Works on wild animals, humans, and dogs. 30 minutes of painful stinging while you get away.”

“This,” I thought, “is what I need.”

I made it up to my mountain. A ranger was at the entrance to the path, and I asked him if he’d seen any mountain lions or bears lately. He said that a mountain lion hadn’t approached a human in about 12 years or so. And as for bears, they’re rarely seen on the path. I wondered if my pepper spray would work. He assured me I probably wouldn’t need it.

Since my encounter with the ranger, I’ve been hiking my mountain several days a week for about a month now. I’ve seen no mountain lion or bear, but I have seen tarantulas, deer, several species of birds, and rattlesnakes. I’ve heard the wind speak to me through the trees and felt the heat of the sun as I walked on the red earth during the day. I’ve heard the owl at night, seen bats fly at me and barely miss me as they fly off, and felt the cool night air. Once I’ve even seen a shooting star.

There is no wolf where I walk, but I’ve seen him in spirit, and he speaks to me. I feel the mountains are my church and my god. God’s the whisper I hear as I’ve passed the three-mile mark that tells me there is no worry that can survive this trek.

I’m even now starting to take my mountain with me in my dreams, and I could swear my dad walks with me when I pass certain landmarks. He passed on over ten years ago. He always shows up between the 3.5 and 4 mile mark where the mountain is pure rock, where I’ve seen a few tarantulas, and where the mountain sage grows.

I’ve gotten in touch with a few of my native spirits, including the black wolf, the white eagle and the bear. I’ve become strong, patient, and silent. I have found my path, and I have discovered God. I’ve even made a few friends along the way.

If you follow me up that mountain around dusk, I’ll let you listen to the sound of the wolf wind and feel the breath of God as its cool presence brushes your neck.

By Lisa Trimarchi

Should My Wardrobe Change with a New Living Space?

Should My Wardrobe Change with a New Living Space?

I don’t believe in jumping into new trends and styles based simply on the latest fashion featured on E! News, what your colleagues are wearing, or simply because you want to fit in with others at an event. However, I DO believe in the power of these factors. I am always influenced and inspired by what I see in magazines, on television, on fashion blogs, around town, at malls, and while visiting other cities. But I make it a point to acknowledge this very fact: What works for some people will not always work for me.

But this time, my biggest influence in re-wiring my wardrobe is moving from one home to another.

As my boyfriend Steve and I moved from a two-story condo in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to an Upland apartment-although only about 20 minutes away-I felt the need for a wardrobe update. Moving from an affluent area among senior citizens and lots of space to a complex where our friends live and music blares from people’s balconies while baby-daddy drama sometimes fills the air, I knew that it was time for “out with the old, and in with the new.” I enjoy walking up to my place with a little one asking me to pop his water balloon vs. pulling into my garage and having a next-door neighbor barely look at me. We were a bit desperate to move for various reasons, but for the most part, we were seeking a fun environment and a new peace of mind.

And that is exactly what I gain when I incorporate new accessories, shoes, and blouses into my existing wardrobe-a new peace of mind. Since we moved, I have been on a shopping (but affordable!) craze. Now, with a big backyard/back porch and a renovated apartment, including clean walls, beautiful carpet, and wooden kitchen floors, I am in love with the newness. I also feel this same warm fuzzy feeling inside when I tie my new scarves around my neck or strap on my black Betsey Johnson wedged heels. Fresh! Fun! Fabulous!

So what did I do with a lot of old clothes that have just been sitting in bags in my closet? Well, both Steve and I packed my car full of old, and still fashionable, clothes; we headed to the Goodwill, and dropped them all off without a second thought. Yes, my white college graduation skirt was in that bag, and the cute fur shrug I used to wear during my days at Nordstrom was in that bag. But I was OK with that. Not having touched either of those pieces for at least four years, I was more than happy to make them available for those less fortunate who are seeking some cute finds. Doing a good deed (or a “mitzvah” as my mother enjoys saying) matched my newfound peace of mind perfectly.

This time around, cleaning out my closet took less thought and debate, as I am more aware of what my needs are and how quantity doesn’t mean anything. It’s HOW you wear something and what you wear it with. That said, I am perfectly fine keeping my AG jeans, Nomad Tribe jeans, and pointed-flat Michelle K boots, because with new, flattering pieces to wear with each, I have been able to transform a bunch of old pieces into new personalities.

Reinvigorating my wardrobe has also aroused clarity regarding my shopping senses. Cut up are the credit cards, and out comes the checkbook. It’s the new Elana. Nice to meet you.

Visit http://www.diaryofapersonalshopper.blogspot.com andwww.myspace.com/talkingchic.