Category Archives: Weekly News Columns

Straight Talk

I have never been happier.  The only problem I have is that I’ve been neglecting my business- A letter from R.S.

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi N.D.

Q: I met a beautiful woman two months ago.  She’s been widowed seven months.  I had a break up three months ago so we are both healing.  We get along so well that I already feel the urge to ask her to marry me.  I can’t believe how happy I am with her and she feels the same way. I don’t want to make a mistake and mess things up between us. I have been married three times and she has been married four times. At our ages we want to enjoy every day.  I have never been happier.  The only problem I have is that I’ve been neglecting my business. I know that will eventually catch up with me, but I’m just so happy that I can’t help it.  Do you think I’m crazy?

A: You and your recently widowed friend are moving mighty fast for people in your age group.  Of course being older doesn’t necessarily equate with being smarter.  I can see by the seven marriages between the two of you that you are both impulsive and perhaps emotionally immature.  Or you could both be needy individuals who hate being alone.   These personality traits might be part of the reason that you both have so many unsuccessful marriages in your past.  I am a fan of happiness, but that newfound happiness will come to a crashing halt when you can’t pay your bills due to neglecting your business.  Do yourselves a favor, dial back a bit while still enjoying yourselves and be sensible.  Something is mentally unsound with this situation if you feel you have to rush into things because of neediness or the inability to manage your emotions in a sensible way.  I hope things turn out well for you both.  Remember that your chances of that happening are better if you think things through in a mature way.  I encourage you to slow down.

 

Smoky Beef and Poblano Chili

With Kidney Beans, Cheddar Cheese, and Sour Cream

By Hello Fresh  recipe-cropped-bw

Take a quick trip to New Mexico by simmering smoky poblanos with ground beef, tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin. With a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese to cool things off, this dish is as creamy as it is hearty.

Cooking Time: 30 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 637 cal, Fat: 26g, Sat. Fat: 11 g, Protein: 46g, Carbs: 50 g, Sugar: 8 g, Sodium: 1243 mg, Fiber: 17 g

Ingredients:

  • Scallions- 2
  • Garlic- 1 clove
  • Poblano Pepper- 1
  • Kidney Beans-1 box
  • Ground Beef- 8 oz.
  • Chili Powder- 1t
  • Cumin- 1t
  • Beef Stock Concentrate- 1
  • Crushed Tomatoes- 1 Box
  • Cheddar Cheese- ½ Cup
  • Sour Cream- 2T
  • Olive Oil- 1t

Preparation:

  1. Prep: Wash and dry all produce. Thinly slice scallions. Mince garlic. Drain and rinse beans. Core, seed, and dice poblano pepper into ½-inch cubes.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium–high heat. Add ground beef. Break up into pieces, and cook until browned, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the veggies: Add poblano peppers, scallions, and garlic to the same pan. Toss until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add chili powder and cumin. Toss until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Simmer the chili: Add stock concentrate, beans, tomatoes, ground beef, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. TIP: If you have time, simmer longer. The flavor gets better with time!
  5. Serve: Divide the smoky beef and poblano chili between bowls. Top with cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

History 101

First barrel ride down Niagara Falls

By History.com  annie5-bw

On this day in 1901, a 63-year-old schoolteacher named Annie Edson Taylor becomes the first person to take the plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

After her husband died in the Civil War, the New York-born Taylor moved all over the U. S. before settling in Bay City, Michigan, around 1898. In July 1901, while reading an article about the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, she learned of the growing popularity of two enormous waterfalls located on the border of upstate New York and Canada. Strapped for cash and seeking fame, Taylor came up with the perfect attention-getting stunt: She would go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

Taylor was not the first person to attempt the plunge over the famous falls. In October 1829, Sam Patch, known as the Yankee Leaper, survived jumping down the 175-foot Horseshoe Falls of the Niagara River, on the Canadian side of the border. More than 70 years later, Taylor chose to take the ride on her birthday, October 24. (She claimed she was in her 40s, but genealogical records later showed she was 63.) With the help of two assistants, Taylor strapped herself into a leather harness inside an old wooden pickle barrel five feet high and three feet in diameter. With cushions lining the barrel to break her fall, Taylor was towed by a small boat into the middle of the fast-flowing Niagara River and cut loose.

Knocked violently from side to side by the rapids and then propelled over the edge of Horseshoe Falls, Taylor reached the shore alive, if a bit battered, around 20 minutes after her journey began. After a brief flurry of photo-ops and speaking engagements, Taylor’s fame cooled, and she was unable to make the fortune for which she had hoped. She did, however, inspire a number of copy-cat daredevils. Between 1901 and 1995, 15 people went over the falls; 10 of them survived. Among those who died were Jesse Sharp, who took the plunge in a kayak in 1990, and Robert Overcracker, who used a jet ski in 1995. No matter the method, going over Niagara Falls is illegal, and survivors face charges and stiff fines on either side of the border.

 

Artist Corner

Rosemary Tuthill

By Racine Guajardo  artist-corner-rosemary-web

“Try and see all the great art that you can, find your voice, and be sure that this is really what you want to do.” Barbara Ernst Prey, Visual Artist.

As a favorite quote of Rosemary Tuthill, she was born in Orange and now a current resident of Eastvale, California. She has been drawing since she was in kindergarten. Over time, she has explored a range of media from clay, watercolors and acrylics to airbrush as well as oils when she was in high school. In college, she studied art, interior design, and finally electrical engineering. After working in Research and Development for 24 years, she was able to follow her true passion of painting full time. Her work has been shown in galleries; she paints art for print sales, and paints commissioned portraits and landscapes.

Tuthill realized that photos are wonderful way for capturing a moment in time, but oils can memorialize a person or memory and create an heirloom one brushstroke at a time. She is proud to be able to be share her love of art with her oil paintings and being a part of peoples’ lives by sharing her skill with Paint and Sip parties where she leads participants through an acrylic painting step-by-step. Here, she emphasizes art as fun in relaxed social environments including museums, galleries, wineries, and homes.

So many people have influenced Tuthill’s life, but her biggest role model and most proud of is being the daughter of renowned painter and muralist Emigdio Vasquez. He created over 400 oil paintings, works, and more than 32 murals in North Orange County, California. Through her art, she feels a bond with her father. Rosemary grew up in the presence of artists, art shows, exhibits, and events. From the time Rosemary was old enough to help, she served as Emigdio’s model for murals and portraits, and later assisted him in his art career as a liaison to galleries and as his exhibits coordinator. From her father, she gained an appreciation for oil painting and a study of the works of the Old Masters with an eye for lighting effects, layers with degrees of translucence, and layout with expression. She is very meticulous in all of her works including portraits that range from photo-realistic to gritty rendition, to landscapes with amazing detail, still-life works that capture realism, and even pet portraits with amazing detail.

Many artists are able to create paintings in hours. However, Rosemary says, “My portraits take up to a few months because of the multiple layers and I tend to paint three works at a time to enable both drying and planning times.” In the painting community, there is more male Hispanic artist than female, “I have the talent to create art, I need to represent my background and gender,” says Tuthill.

Tuthill has displayed her art in galleries alongside her father’s paintings and as a standalone artist. She currently have three paintings in the Riverside County Administration Center hosted by the Riverside Arts Council where you can see Packinghouse Orange, California Circa 1948, Night of the Altars, and a portrait of Charles Darwin. The exhibition runs until February 2017.

“Look for beauty in all that you see. You cannot appreciate humanity without trying to understand the context of everyday struggles and triumphs,” is Tuthill’s advice if she could give any.

Rosemary Tuthill can be found on two websites, vasquezart.com and paintpartyexperience.com. As well as on two Facebook pages: Amazing Portrait Paintings by Rosemary and Amazing Pet Portraits by Rosemary.

 

What Rain?

mark-hopper-color-2x2By Mark Hopper

Recently my wife and I drove to Arizona to visit some of her family and connect with old some friends.  The skies were clear and the weather was not as hot as we expected.

The day after we arrived, the weather forecaster predicted a 10% chance of rain.  Apparently there was a small hurricane south of Cabo San Lucas that was spinning moisture north toward Arizona.

The weather man predicated heavy rain along the Colorado River with possible flooding near Las Vegas.  But it looked unlikely that we would see any rain in the Phoenix area.

However, as we got into our car to drive across town, we noticed some serious looking clouds in the west.  But, we did not worry since we were going south not west.

Suddenly, the storm reached us and a heavy rain came pouring down.  We actually waited in the parking lot until the heavy rain subsided.   It rained cats and dogs for fifteen minutes.  Crazy!

When the rain finally began to let up, we ventured out toward our destination.  Major intersections were flooded and the traffic on the freeway crept along at a snail’s pace due to the accumulation of water on the roads.

However, as we drove south toward Tempe and Chandler, we noticed that the rain began to let up and patches of blue sky peeked through the clouds.

By the time we got to our destination 20 minutes later,  there wasn’t a drop of water anywhere.  The roads were completely dry.

We had called our hosts to warn them that we expected to be late, but they did not have one drop of rain at their house.

Our hosts were glad to see us, but they asked us one question, “What rain”?  They didn’t see a drop on their side of town.

There is a story in the Bible about a man named Elijah in First Kings chapter 18.  There had been a severe drought in Israel and no rain for three years.  But, in this passage, Elijah warns the King that heavy rains are coming.

This prediction seemed impossible.  The skies were clear.  The drought had crippled their economy and exhausted the people.

I’m sure the King and his people thought to themselves, “What rain”?

The passage records that only hours later, there was a major rain storm that swept across the land of Israel.  The prophet’s prediction had come true.

Let me encourage you to keep you eyes open when you are traveling through Arizona.  As you drive across the desert, rain seems pretty unlikely.  Maybe only 10%.  But, don’t get caught by surprise.  Desert thunderstorms can come quickly and unexpectedly.

I hope we’ll soon see some of that wet stuff in California, too!

 

Why Remember?

By Michael Armijo

I once read a story about a 9-year old boy named Travis, whose mother died at home one day. Without telling a soul, little Travis covered her body with a coat and he placed sheets of notebook paper over her face. He learned to fix his own meals – mostly frozen pizza, cereal, and soup – cut his own hair, and attended school without fail. He did this for over a month because he was afraid he’d be placed into foster care if anyone found out his mother passed away. The mother’s body was eventually discovered by family friends. Travis begged them not to call the police.

When I read this story I was moved to write about it from my perspective. A friend asked me why I sought out areas in life that are so traumatic, so emotional, and so powerful. He asked me why I seemed to focus on elements of life that are painful, emotional and disturbing. He asked me “why remember?”

It amazes me what life brings you. It’s like an old, enormous tree that sits in your neighborhood. One day it catches your eye and you tell yourself, “I’ve never noticed that huge obstacle in front of me before.”

Although that tree has been there and developed throughout your life, you never realized that you’ve had to go around it every day. You’re so busy trying to survive that the small detour has become a part of your daily routine.

I kind of feel that my emotions are like that tree. I’ve driven past them for so many years without really paying attention. I kept wondering why it took so long to get anywhere productive; why life was such a hassle for me. And then one day, for a reason only God may know, I noticed this tremendous obstruction in my life that I was going around and avoiding over and over again. I finally became fed up and decided I wasn’t going to go around it anymore – I was going to drive right through that humongous tree.

It was never my plan to have to go and examine the landscaping of my life. I thought I was supposed to follow the path that was laid out before me. But somewhere along the way, I developed a source of confidence that somehow convinced me that the path laid out before me was vulnerable to manipulation. I realized that I could change where I was going and how I was getting there.

I believe there are experiences in life that give you freedom and confidence, but sometimes you end up in a stagnant period where you have to take a moment to sit back and reflect. And during this reflection, you sometimes feel resentful of the circumstances that are before you. You realize that someone in your life planted seeds that grew into this enormous tree that distanced you from the success you feel you deserve. Somehow along the way, you’ve subconsciously watered those seeds and allowed them to grow into this enormous tree.

When you realize this, you get angry and resentful of your own carelessness and then you remember the selfish acts of irresponsible adults. You can’t change what has happened in your life, you can’t change these obstacles, those that have prevented you from going on with your life. It’s puzzling why we remember those horrid demons that have scarred our lives with darkness and pain. But, I have to ask myself: Why do I remember?

After asking myself that question I realized I had no answer. I then felt compelled to just let the darkness go and try to remember how great life really is. And although that huge and longstanding tree has strong roots that grow deep below the surface, the momentum I carry can uproot these life altering emotions and I can grow and love like many others.

And just like Travis, who used a few pieces of notebook paper to cover a painful sight, hoping that no one would discover it, we can ignore those chapters of our lives. This is why we must ask ourselves: “Why Remember?”

 

Ask Clark’s

Danny from Lake Arrowhead asks Clark’s: "ask clarks" header

What is the difference between organic and conventional produce? And how do I know if my fruits and vegetables are organic, conventional (non-organic) or genetically modified (GMO)?

 

Organic produce is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the 2002 National Organics Program (NOP). This program defines the term ‘organic’ and provides the certification, labeling and growing standards for organic foods. Organic foods are produced without using conventional pesticides and fertilizers. These standards also state that organic foods shall not be processed using synthetic ingredients, sewage, sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Before labeling with the USDA organic seal a government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules and guidelines set by the USDA-Organics Program. When this is completed the use of the USDA ORGANIC seal is allowed for use on packaging.

A big concern for non-organic foods is the use of pesticides. The connection for pesticides and the long term health concerns for diseases like cancer have brought much attention to the use and overuse of pesticides. The USDA Pesticide Data Program (PDP) and Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) test foods for pesticide residues. The EPA suggests that 99% of all foods tested meet’s their criteria for safety. Foods are also tested on a random basis as well.

GMO foods are foods that have been genetically modified. Simply put this means an apple’s genes or DNA have been manipulated with another plant or animal DNA, by piecing together strands to make a product with certain outcomes. A great illustration of this is found in Monsanto’s (now owned by Bayer Aspirin Co.) golden rice which has been manipulated to include vitamin A content, this being an advantage for vegetarian individuals. The biggest argument for GMO’s is less pesticide use and greater yield of foods for a growing world population. This argument has been greatly subdued since the New York Academy of Sciences (2016) reported that GMO foods offer no greater yield. Additionally lower pesticide use was prevalent in the beginning but now is comparable to before GMO use according to the New York Academy of Sciences.  GMO grown foods, seeds, or farming practices are not allowed in the NOP.

GMO foods are foods that have been genetically modified. Simply put this means an apple’s genes or DNA have been manipulated with another plant or animals DNA, by piecing together strands to make a product with certain outcomes. A great illustration of this is found in Monsanto’s (now owned by Bayer Aspirin co.) golden rice which has been manipulated to include vitamin A content, this being and advantage for vegetarian individuals. The biggest argument for GMO’s is less pesticide use and greater yield of foods for a growing world. This argument has been greatly subdued since the New York Academy of Sciences (2016) reported that GMO foods offer no greater yield. Additionally lower pesticide use was prevalent in the beginning but now is comparable to before GMO use according to the New York Academy of Sciences.  GMO grown foods, seeds, or farming practices are not allowed in the NOP (National Organic Program)

Finally how will you know if you are getting organic, conventional, or GMO fruits and vegetables when shopping?  For fruits and vegetables a there is a standard coding system in the grocery industry. This standard is based on what is called a Program Look Up (PLU) code (which has been in place since 1990). Although this is a voluntary program, almost all grocery and produce companies use this system. This is denoted on the little sticker that is on individual pieces of fruits or vegetables. Of note, there are a few cool things about this system: These codes can be 4 or 5 digits. Four digits are for conventional and often start with the number 4. Organic codes are 5 digits and start with the number 9, while GMO foods have an 8 prefix number and a 5 digit system as well. There is also one other system that is in place to help in identifying where your produce came from. This system is called Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) which was enacted in the United States around 2004. You will notice that there are stickers or signs on either your produce itself, (this also includes meat, poultry, fish and some nuts etc.) or the price sticker on the grocery shelf. A product that comes from outside of the United States can be organically grown but obviously the USDA NOP would not be able to completely certify farms outside of United States. So when shopping for your fruits and vegetables, please keep in mind all of these factors when making your decisions.

By Starkie Sowers

Edited By Sean Obannon

 

 

 

Have a health related question?

Send us your question, your first and last name, and the city you live in to: askclarks@clarksnutrition.com

Due to the number of responses, we will only be able to answer published questions.

 

Reference

  1. http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/06p0094/06p-0094-cp00001-05-Tab-04-Food-Marketing-Institute-vol1.pdf
  2. https://www.ams.usda.gov/publications/content/can-gmos-be-used-organic-products
  3. https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/PDP%20factsheet.pdf
  4. http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2012/11/know-your-gmo-bar-codes-2500740.html

 

  1. https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Pesticide%20Residue%20Testing_Org%20Produce_2010-11PilotStudy.pdf
  2. Murray, Healing Foods, Atria Books New York, NY. 2005, PG 40-61
  1. UL.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Sep 13;16:358. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1343-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27577177
  2. Pomegranate juice causes a partial improvement through lowering oxidative stress for erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-diabetic rat.Onal E, Yilmaz D, Kaya E, Bastaskın T, Bayatlı N, Gur S.Int J Impot Res. 2016 Sep 1. doi: 10.1038/ijir.2016.34. [Epub ahead of print] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27581707
  3. Memory boosting effect of Citrus limon, Pomegranate and their combinations.Riaz A, Khan RA, Algahtani HA. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2014 Nov;27(6):1837-40 PMID:25362607http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25362607

 

 

Did You Know?

Tips to Overcome Personal Struggles and Achieve Goals

By StatePoint

When faced with tough challenges, it can be tempting to throw in the towel. But experts say the power of goal-setting is fierce and the discipline behind it can help anyone overcome obstacles.

“Failure has the power to break you or it has the power to push you forward,” says Scout Bassett, a U.S. Paralympian in track and field. “Use your experiences as an opportunity to reevaluate your goals and move forward from there.”

Having lost a leg early in her life in China, Bassett spent her early childhood in an orphanage before being adopted by an American family. She came to the United States at the age of seven just wanting to fit in. As a child she discovered a love of running and set off on a path to qualify for the Paralympic Games. In her first attempt in 2012, she came in dead last and did not qualify for the team. She briefly considered giving up her dream.

This year, she is relishing the progress she has made. As a member of Team USA who competed in Rio, she’s showing off her skills on a global stage and participating in Citi’s “#StandForProgress” program to inspire all Americans to think about the progress they want to achieve in their lives.

Bassett offers the following insights into goal-setting.

  • “Progress” doesn’t always come in the form of a medal or an award. Sometimes progress means you have to take a few steps back, go back to the drawing board, see what worked and what didn’t, and find a way forward from there. Most of us experience setbacks, disappointments and even failures sometimes, but ultimately those moments can be the greatest motivators.
  • The biggest struggles you face may not be the ones handed to you by fate or outside forces. They may be the battles you fight within. Look past your own inner voice discouraging you from your hopes and dreams. Developing mental fortitude is a continuous process.
  • You can’t change the past but you can help write the future. Embrace and focus on what you have gained, not what you have lost.
  • Don’t let naysayers hinder your progress or cause you to lose faith in yourself. The beauty of being underestimated is you have an opportunity to defy the odds. Use pessimism to motivate you.
  • No one can do it alone, so don’t be afraid to rely on the help of others. Even at times when you don’t believe in yourself, there may be others who do.

Citi’s Stand for Progress program explores how all of us define progress, set goals, overcome obstacles and support and inspire others to do the same. Americans can share how they stand for progress by using #StandForProgress and posting their own goals on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Whether it’s eating healthier, saving money for a house, or spending more time with loved ones, it helps to clarify your goals by writing them down.

Straight Talk

I just found out that my wife hates camping! –A letter from S.P.

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi N.D.

Q: I knew it wasn’t her favorite thing to do, but the kids and I love it so I bought a toy hauler that can sleep 6 people. It has a full kitchen with a sink, range and microwave so she would be more comfortable than she was in a tent with regular camping and cooking gear.  I bought it to surprise her so we could go camping more often.  This is a good way for the kids to see different places without paying high prices for a hotel.  I thought she’d be happy and surprised, but she was mad and hasn’t been very nice to me in many days. I’m at a loss.  Since when do women hate surprise gifts?

A: Sorry, but you’ll have to sell your story to someone who hasn’t been working with married couples for over 20 years.  Let’s take inventory here.  First of all, I doubt you bought this toy hauler with a full kitchen and lodging to please your wife.  It sounds more like it’s something you really wanted.  The “surprise gift for your wife” idea is just the story you tell yourself so you don’t have to feel guilty or selfish for buying something to mainly just please yourself.  Sounds like you’ve got her signed up to be pretty busy doing chores like cooking on these fabulous getaways that you have in mind. Pitching it as a surprise for her probably feels insulting to her intelligence and caused her to react negatively toward you. Not all people feel camping is a fun experience or a relaxing way to spend their time off from work.  My question to you is this…  If you were considering such a large purchase that was supposedly for the happiness and enjoyment for the whole family, why in the world would you not discuss this with your wife beforehand?  Sounds like a passive aggressive, inconsiderate move in my book.  I’ll bet she’s feeling insignificant and has no interest in being your favorite gal pal at the moment.  An honest sincere apology is in order.  You did not treat her as your partner in this decision.  This is a mistake.  Here’s a helpful hint…  When you want to surprise a woman with a gift, give her something that you know for an absolute fact that she will love.  In other words, please listen to her when she talks.  I totally understand why she’s unhappy with you.  If you have no clue how to deliver a proper apology that will restore harmony, (and I believe that might be a huge possibility) feel free to contact me again.  There are very distinct steps in making a sincere apology. I will be happy to teach you.  Good Luck.

Depression

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops

Do you seem to be always sleeping or not able to sleep at all?  Are you eating everything in sight or suffer from no appetite at all.  Have you lost pleasure in doing the things that once made you so happy?  Are you unable to focus and concentrate?  If you are able to answer yes to the questions above, you may be suffering from some form of depression.

Depression comes in many forms. Dysthymic Disorder is a very mild form of depression.  People suffering from this are very functional but just don’t feel happy.  People suffering from severe depression aren’t very functional and need to be treated.  Severe depression can lead to suicide and must be taken seriously.  Bipolar Disorder involves a cycle of a very manic mood and then a fall into a very severe depression.  Many times the mania is accompanied by severe spending or some other risk taking behavior.  People suffering from Bipolar Disorder need to be on medication.  There are subtypes within these main categories that I won’t be expanding upon.

Depression comes from a lack of serotonins, a chemical produced in the brain.  Many people chose to take a pill that will put the serotonins you are lacking back into your body.  Exercise is also a great way to increase your body’s serotonins and to do it in a natural way.  Many of my clients are asked to keep a daily feelings journal as a way to help combat their depression as well.

Don’t let your depression or the depression of a loved one become a way of life.  Everybody should be able to feel the joy and depression stops us from doing that.  Take the time to journal, exercise and possible get some professional help you need to feel the joy in your life.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at stoopsshecter@earthlinknet.  You may purchase Nancy’s books, Live, Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

History 101

Capone goes to prison

By History.com  capone-mug-shot-e-web

On this day in 1931, gangster Al Capone is sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion and fined $80,000, signaling the downfall of one of the most notorious criminals of the 1920s and 1930s.

Alphonse Gabriel Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1899 to Italian immigrants. He was expelled from school at 14, joined a gang and earned his nickname “Scarface” after being sliced across the cheek during a fight. By 1920, Capone had moved to Chicago, where he was soon helping to run crime boss Johnny Torrio’s illegal enterprises, which included alcohol-smuggling, gambling and prostitution. Torrio retired in 1925 after an attempt on his life and Capone, known for his cunning and brutality, was put in charge of the organization.

Prohibition, which outlawed the brewing and distribution of alcohol and lasted from 1920 to 1933, proved extremely lucrative for bootleggers and gangsters like Capone, who raked in millions from his underworld activities. Capone was at the top of the F.B.I.’s “Most Wanted” list by 1930, but he avoided long stints in jail until 1931 by bribing city officials, intimidating witnesses and maintaining various hideouts. He became Chicago’s crime kingpin by wiping out his competitors through a series of gangland battles and slayings, including the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929, when Capone’s men gunned down seven rivals. This event helped raise Capone’s notoriety to a national level.

Among Capone’s enemies was federal agent Elliot Ness, who led a team of officers known as “The Untouchables” because they couldn’t be corrupted. Ness and his men routinely broke up Capone’s bootlegging businesses, but it was tax-evasion charges that finally stuck and landed Capone in prison in 1931. Capone began serving his time at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, but amid accusations that he was manipulating the system and receiving cushy treatment, he was transferred to the maximum-security lockup at Alcatraz Island, in California’s San Francisco Bay. He got out early in 1939 for good behavior, after spending his final year in prison in a hospital, suffering from syphilis.

Plagued by health problems for the rest of his life, Capone died in 1947 at age 48 at his home in Palm Island, Florida.

The Worms Are Back

mark-hopper-color-2x2Mark Hopper

This has been a long, hot summer.  Recently, we have enjoyed cooler weather in Southern California, but the hot summer weather took a toll on my vegetable garden.

The tomato plants produced very few tomatoes during the hot summer months.  But, now the plants look better and there are more blossoms again.  I hope we are in for a second harvest in the weeks ahead.

But, there is a new adversary in the garden.  Along with new green leaves and tiny new blossoms are some big, ugly green worms.

These green tomato worms have a large horn on their head.  They blend in with the green leaves and are very hard to see.

I am not sure where they come from or how they get into my garden, but I suspect that some butterfly’s may be responsible.

Two ways I can tell that the worms are back are the black droppings that they leave behind and the twigs that they have consumed.

These ugly, green worms can devastate a healthy plant very quickly.  They must eat night and day.

I don’t like to use bug spray in my garden.  My best way to get rid of the worms is to pull off the branch they are eating and toss it and the worm in the trash.

I have been vigilant, keeping an eye out for these determined adversaries.  It is man against nature.  It seems like nature and the worms are winning.

If you have had any success against these green tomato worms, please let me know.  If you have a homemade or secret remedy, I would like to hear from you.

Raising healthy tomatoes is more difficult than you think.  The little seeds that I planted last spring have grown into big, healthy plants.  They have survived the heat of summer and seem to be ready to produce a new crop.  But, the worms are back – they seemed determined to prevail.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit Efreedb.org.

Ask Clark’s

By Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Market"ask clarks" header

A Letter from Janice from Palm Desert

“I want to use essential fatty acids, but where do I start?”

First, I think it is important to understand what essential fatty acids are.

Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from the diet. Essential fats are used by the body to make other substances that control or regulate growth, maintenance and proper function of many physiological processes. Some of the processes essential fatty acids (or EFA’s) help include modulating inflammation, fever, regulating immune responses, and overall cardiovascular health. These manufactured substances are called eicosanoids. These substances are better known as prostaglandins, leukotineines, cytokines and others that regulate inflammatory or anti-inflammatory actions in the body. Eicosanoids are local-acting hormones.  The body makes eicosanoids from fats which include essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acids are called linolenic acid and linoleic acid. Linolenic acids are omega 3 fatty acids while linoleic fatty acids are called omega 6 fatty acids. These are polyunsaturated fats (meaning they are not fully saturated with hydrogen’s, which is one of the chemicals that make up fats). Omega 3 fatty acids and some omega 6 fats seem to have the most prolific effect on reducing the manufacturing of inflammatory substances. Omega 3 fatty acids are also involved in cardiovascular benefits such as reduction in blood triglycerides and blood pressure thus, making omega 3 fats often sought out. The American diet is typically abundant in omega 6 fatty acids, about 10 grams of fats a day, while the diet is typically low and often devoid of omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid food sources have become popular ‘super’ foods today. Omega 6 oils are found in nuts, soy, corn, sunflower, walnuts, peanuts, canola and safflower. Most salad dressings are rich in these omega 6 oils. Foods that are abundant in omega 3 fats include (in ascending order), olive oil, walnut oil, pumpkin, soy oil, canola oil, hemp and flaxseed oil (the highest). Certain fish are abundant in omega 3 fats and are converted into a more active form called EPA and DHA. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish a week including salmon, cod and mackerel bringing in the higher amounts of omega 3’s. The intake for omega 3 fats is considered to be adequate at about 2 grams a day for men and 1 gram a day for women. Many authorities suggest approximately 5 grams a day of omega 3 for health benefits. The use of foods is the primary recommendation while supplementation is helpful to achieve our needs. Supplementation should include rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids, GLA a specific omega 6 fats from borage, evening primrose oil or black current oil would be beneficial as well. A combination of fish and flax are good supplements in my opinion.

Have a health related question?

Send us your question along with your first and last name, and city you live in to: askclarks@clarksnutrition.com

Due to the number of responses, we will only be able to answer published questions.

Vietnamese-Marinated Steak

recipe-pic-1-webWith Herb Salad, Quick Pickled Veggies, and Jasmine Rice

By Hello Fresh

Do you know what the secret is to perfectly caramelized marinades? A pinch of sugar! It adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the spiciness of the jalapeños and tanginess of the lime juice. The other star of this meal is the pickled cucumber and radish salad. It’s quick, crunchy, and one of our go-to side dishes.

Cooking Time: 30 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 499 cal, Fat: 11g, Sat. Fat: 2 g, Protein: 46g, Carbs: 54 g, Sugar: 7 g, Sodium: 787 mg, Fiber: 3 g

Ingredients:

  • Sirloin Steak- 12 oz.
  • Jasmine Rice- ½ Cup
  • Soy Sauce- 1T
  • Radishes- 3
  • Cucumber- 1
  • Garlic- 2 Clove
  • Jalapeno Pepper- 1
  • White Wine Vinegar- 2T
  • Lime- 1
  • Mint- ¼ oz.
  • Sugar- 2t
  • Oil- 4t

Preparation:

  1. Cook the rice: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small pot. Once boiling, add the rice. Cover and cook 20 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat and keep covered.
  2. Prep the marinade and steak: Wash and dry all produce. Mince or grate the garlic. Mince half the jalapeño. Thinly slice the other half into rounds, removing the ribs and seeds if you prefer less heat. Zest and halve the lime. Slice the steak in half, making two ½-inch fillets.
  3. Marinate the steak: Place the steak fillets in a medium bowl with the garlic, soy sauce, lime zest, 1½ teaspoons sugar, minced jalapeño (to taste), and a drizzle of oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Turn the steak to evenly coat in the marinade.
  4. Make the quick pickled veggies: Thinly slice the radishes. Peel and halve the cucumber lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then thinly slice into half-moons. Toss both in a medium bowl with the white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon sugar, and a large pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Sear the steak: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan (or grill pan) over high heat. Add the steak. Sear about 2 minutes per side, until browned and slightly charred. HINT: The sugar on the glaze may burn a bit, but that’s ok! Char + caramelization = flavor!
  6. Make the herb salad and serve: Pick the mint leaves off the stems. Tear any larger leaves in half. Discard the stems. Toss the leaves in a small bowl with a squeeze of lime, a large drizzle of oil, and as much sliced jalapeño as you like (careful, it’s spicy!). Season with salt and pepper. Thinly slice the Vietnamese-marinated steak, and serve on a bed of jasmine rice. Scatter the herb salad over the steak, and serve the quick pickled veggies on the side. Enjoy!

History 101

Achille Lauro hijacking ends

By History.com achillelauro08ct

The hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro reaches a dramatic climax when U.S. Navy F-14 fighters intercept an Egyptian airliner attempting to fly the Palestinian hijackers to freedom and force the jet to land at a NATO base in Sigonella, Sicily. American and Italian troops surrounded the plane, and the terrorists were taken into Italian custody.

On October 7, four heavily armed Palestinian terrorists hijacked the Achille Lauroin the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. Some 320 crewmembers and 80 passengers,were taken hostage. Hundreds of other passengers had disembarked the cruise ship earlier that day to visit Cairo and tour the Egyptian pyramids. Identifying themselves as members of the Palestine Liberation Front–a Palestinian splinter group–the gunmen demanded the release of 50 Palestinian militants imprisoned in Israel. If their demands were not met, they threatened to blow up the ship and kill the 11 Americans on board. The next morning, they also threatened to kill the British passengers.

The Achille Lauro traveled to the Syrian port of Tartus, where the terrorists demanded negotiations on October 8. Syria refused to permit the ship to anchor in its waters, which prompted more threats from the hijackers. That afternoon, they shot and killed Leon Klinghoffer, a 69-year-old Jewish-American who was confined to a wheelchair as the result of a stroke. His body was then pushed overboard in the wheelchair.

Yasir Arafat’s Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) condemned the hijacking, and PLO officials joined with Egyptian authorities in attempting to resolve the crisis. On the recommendation of the negotiators, the cruise ship traveled to Port Said. On October 9, the hijackers surrendered to Egyptian authorities and freed the hostages in exchange for a pledge of safe passage to an undisclosed destination.

The next day–October 10–the four hijackers boarded an EgyptAir Boeing 737 airliner, along with Mohammed Abbas, a member of the Palestine Liberation Front who had participated in the negotiations; a PLO official; and several Egyptians. The 737 took off from Cairo at 4:15 p.m. EST and headed for Tunisia. President Ronald Reagan gave his final order approving the plan to intercept the aircraft, and at 5:30 p.m. EST, F-14 Tomcat fighters located the airliner 80 miles south of Crete. Without announcing themselves, the F-14s trailed the airliner as it sought and was denied permission to land at Tunis. After a request to land at the Athens airport was likewise refused, the F-14s turned on their lights and flew wing-to-wing with the airliner. The aircraft was ordered to land at a NATO air base in Sicily, and the pilot complied, touching down at 6:45 p.m. The hijackers were arrested soon after. Abbas and the other Palestinian were released, prompting criticism from the United States, which wanted to investigate their possible involvement in the hijacking.

On July 10, 1986, an Italian court later convicted three of the terrorists and sentenced them to prison terms ranging from 15 to 30 years. Three others, including Mohammed Abbas, were convicted in absentia for masterminding the hijacking and sentenced to life in prison. They received harsher penalties because, unlike the hijackers, who the court found were acting for “patriotic motives,” Abbas and the others conceived the hijacking as a “selfish political act” designed “to weaken the leadership of Yasir Arafat.” The fourth hijacker was a minor who was tried and convicted separately.

 

Artist Corner

Andrea Cruz

By Racine Guajardo andrea-cruz-1-web

Andrea Cruz was born in Lake Tahoe, California but later moved to Southern California at an early age.  A sketchbook and pencil played a huge role in her upbringing. Her first influence was her Grandfather, saying, “He was the one that opened my eyes to the arts.” He was the one to put her first pencil in her hand and helped guide her through her passion as he was a self-taught colorblind artist.

At the age of 10, Cruz learned the meaning of life and death as her mother had lost her battle with cancer. The more she tried to comprehend what happened, the more she dove into her sketch book. After high school she moved to Hollywood, but due to unforeseen circumstances, she became homeless and lived her life on the streets of Los Angeles for the next 4 years.

No matter what extremes Cruz was faced with on a daily basis, one thing that she could count on was her sketch book and pencil that she carried around with her everywhere she went. It became her release and comforted her with the overwhelming amount of emotions she was experiencing. Through all her life experiences, she became more in tune with herself and the world around her. In 2004, she started experimenting with paint. The longer she worked with art, the more she realized how much it has helped throughout her life.

Cruz realized that creativity helps build self-esteem with young kids and adults across the board. She wanted to create a platform for people to express their creative side.

“I have been able to be part of some wonderful organizations with my art like donating my creative expertise, for example, building a dollhouse that won third place in a contest for Habitat for Humanity, to help them to raise money for the organization. Partnership with Orangewood Foundation, helping our foster youth and soon to be aged out fostered teens express their creative sides by introducing them to painting on canvas,” Cruz said.

When Cruz was asked what she would like people to know about her she said, “I am passionate about my art and it is important to live my life through my passion. I believe that we are all born with talents, it is up to us to recognize them, find ways to develop them, and as we are inspired, it will inspire others.”

She is a self-taught artist; her own style allows her to be able to break down any paint for anyone to understand.

Today she has found a way to be able to share her talent as an artist by creating a business with her close friend, Oscar Torre. In 2015, they formed a paint and sip company called, The Painter’s Loft.

“From day one, I knew we had something wonderful that we were offering to our customers. Oscar, with his witty sense of humor and zest for life, connects wonderfully with each of our customers. He creates a wonderful synergy while I step by step instruct the painting of the evening,” Cruz said.

Cruz has since been featured in numerous publications including: The Chocolate Voice and Inland Empire Magazine. Her work has been featured in Dallas, Southern, and Central California. She also sells her work to a collector in the Philippines. She currently has art pieces hanging in The Robbins Nest Wine Bar in Orange County. You can also visit The Painter’s Loft several times a week at Mimi’s Café in Corona and Chino Hills, The Robbins Nest in the Artist Village district in Santa Ana, Renata’s Café Italiano in Orange County, and Rodrigo’s Mexican Restaurant in Corona. Throughout the week, Andrea and Oscar instruct private parties in four-counties (Riverside, San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles County).

Andrea and Oscar can be found on multiple social media sites including, Facebook: The Painters Loft, their website: www.thepainters-loft.com, Instagram: the_painters_loft, and Twitter: @thepaintersloft.

Full Moon

mark-hopper-color-2x2By Pastor Mark Hopper

I love the beautiful summer and fall evenings when the sky is clear and the full moon comes up over horizon.

Recently, the TV weather forecasters were alerting viewers to watch for the harvest moon.  In earlier times, farmers were able to work longer hours to harvest their crops with the aid of a bright, clear full moon illuminating the night sky.

In ancient times, people were apparently fearful of being “moon struck” by the light of a full moon.  In Psalm 121:5-6, the author writes, “The Lord watches over you, he is a shade on your right hand.  The sun will not hurt you by day and the moon will not harm you at night.”

I learned that the expression “Blue Moon” is when there are two full moons in the same month.  Apparently this does not happen very often.

When we hear the expression “once in a Blue Moon” it means that something is unlikely to happen or refers to something that does not happen very often.

I remember when the first men landed on the moon in July. 1969, there was a full moon filling the night sky.  It was amazing to look up at the moon and realize two men from our country were walking on the surface.

The moon influences our planet in a variety of ways.  The moon affects the changes of the ocean tides.

The orbit of the moon around the earth helps keep our planet’s rotation steady and prevents the earth from wobbling and becoming unstable.

In Psalm 19, King David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands”.  The beauty of the full moon and the vastness of the star filled sky provide evidence of God’s existence.

Let me encourage you to take time to stop and gaze at the next full moon or look up at a clear evening sky filled with stars.  Take a moment to consider the majesty and wonder of the God who created it!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit Efreedb.org.

The Great Pretender

By Michael Armijo

I remember dressing up like batman, the little Kmart suit with the plastic mask. I remember watching SWAT and grabbing a stick like it was my machine gun. I remember trying to lift the car because I wanted to be Steve Austin, the 6 million dollar man.

You would think it was healthy to give your imagination a chance to flourish, to enhance your creativity. However, without proper guidance, explanation, and influence, you never realize the difference between reality and fantasy. Without that, the lines of reality are blurred, so you embed in your mind that when life seems difficult you can act like a child and become someone you’re not.

I remember being stressed to a point that I felt I could no longer take it. So I went out, drank, and became someone I wasn’t. I pretended to be someone that didn’t exist, someone I never was and never could be. I reverted to my child like instincts and put on that Kmart batman mask, and I picked up that SWAT stick while trying to lift that car. I became the great pretender.

While acting like I was a college scholar, a big shot in my company or a racing car driver, I really felt alive. I felt like a complete human being because my mind was hungry to be complete, like a child wants to become a super hero. My lies were my super power and my reality was my kryptonite.

So as I pretended throughout my life, I liked the escape of not being who I was. Abused and neglected. Deceived and tormented. Tortured and ridiculed. Worse off, verbally accosted and left to play violent and damaging tapes of lies and pain. Pretending was an escape, which helped me not only overcome the pain I had been suffering but allowed me to feel like I was normal for a while. It made me feel as though I was a human being. Something I’ve been looking for so many years.

These incidents happened so quickly and many years have passed. However, today the memories are still haunting.

Today I will embrace my desire, to be something I’m not, to be someone who makes me feel complete. Someone who helped me wear a mask for so many years. Today I am still, deep inside,

The Great Pretender.

Did You Know?

Can Healthy Habits Contribute to Financial Security?

By StatePoint did-you-know-pic-web

When it comes to feelings about finances, working Americans are practically split down the middle, according to a recent study.

Fifty-five percent of employed Americans feel they are on the right track to achieving financial well-being, while the other 45 percent feel they are not headed in the right direction, according to the 2016 Lincoln Financial Group Measuring Optimism, Outlook and Direction (M.O.O.D.) of America study.

So what are those individuals on the right track doing so well? The study found five key factors — behaviors and influencers — in their lives that correlate to positive feelings about money.

“Right trackers” differ from their counterparts who are not on the right track because:

  • They are more likely to have created formal financial plans — more than 70 percent of them, in fact.
  • They are forward-looking in general, with nearly 100 percent saying they are focused on the future. Also, 90 percent of those in the “right track” camp say they feel in control of their lives.
  • They exercise more. Those with positive feelings about money tend to be active. About 80 percent of this group exercises at least once a week, and typically more often. Compare that with those who are not on the right track — just 60 percent of that segment works out on a consistent basis. Physical health can correlate to financial health.
  • They’re more likely to feel good about themselves. Financial health and emotional health go hand-in-hand, too. Those on the right track are more likely than their counterparts to say they are optimistic because they feel good about themselves and their relationships with family and friends. They’re also positive about their careers and their relationships with coworkers.
  • They take advantage of workplace benefits. Indeed, the more benefits you enroll in through the workplace, the better you will feel financially, suggests the study.

Beyond health insurance and retirement savings, “right-trackers” are enrolling in insurance plans to cover dental and vision care, as well as life insurance and disability insurance (which can help replace a portion of your paycheck while you recover from an injury or illness). They’re also taking advantage of other nonmedical benefits that can help boost financial security, such as accident insurance and critical illness insurance, which can help cover expenses that medical insurance does not, like high deductibles, or day-to-day expenses such as food or mortgage payments.

The future is unknown, but certain insurance coverages offered at work can help safeguard you against a broad scope of unexpected expenses, and can help you feel and be more financially secure. This is something to think about during annual open enrollment for medical insurance and beyond.

For more insights and tips to help you take control of your financial future, follow Lincoln Financial Group on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Feeling good about your finances is about the big picture, not just your bank account. From a healthy lifestyle to a positive attitude, taking a cue from those who are on the “right track” may help you get your footing on the path to financial well-being.

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports

  1. McCain Foods USA, Inc. today announced it is voluntarily recalling retail, frozen onion ring products due to the use of incorrect packaging that does not declare milk as one of the ingredients. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
  2. Sager Creek Foods, Inc. of Walnut Creek, CA a subsidiary of Del Monte Foods, Inc., announced a recall of approximately 15,000 shipped cases of FIELD PEAS WITH SNAPS and GREEN BEAN PRODUCTS, primarily non-retail, which may have the potential for trace amounts of shellfish contamination. A customer alerted Sager Creek to the incident.
  3. Infant Carriers Manufactured by Lenny Lamb- The internal stitching on the infant carrier is missing.
  4. Tyson Foods Inc., a Sedalia, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 132,520 pounds of fully cooked chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with hard plastic.
  5. Kiwi Care Package Company, a South Tahoe, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 90 pounds of canned spaghetti with sausage that was not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection and was received from a New Zealand establishment that was not eligible to export product to the U.S.
  6. Evenflo Company, Inc. is recalling certain Evolve 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seats, model number 34411700 manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 9, 2016 and model number 34411741 manufactured May 27, 2015, to February 9, 2016. The affected seats have a button for adjusting the harness tightness. The child in the seat can access this button and loosen the harness without the caregiver’s knowledge.