Golden Bay Magazine by Golden Bay Magazine

General Features

Sports Calendar Theater Calendar

Specialty Articles

Oakland A's Fanfest 2013

13 Yoenis Cespedis: The A's True Star

California Mysteries 19 Remembering Earl Weaver "The Ballad of Bummer and Lazarus" Concerts Calendar

Pet Pages "Pet Insurance"

Travel Pages "Do you take the Bay Area for Granted?" Amsterdam: Winter Destination

Health & Fitness 32 "5 Excellent benefits of cardio Training" "The importance of green leafy Vegetables" Film Reviews

Foundation of the Month "Triple Step Toward The Cure"

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WELCOME / A Note From The Editor Finally, our first issue! This has been a 10 year journey that I have to say I am thrilled to finally achieve! Since we began Golden Bay Magazine in 2003, we've played with the idea of putting together a physical magazine. The main problem plauging us has been cost. Even with plenty of advertising, printing a magazine can run into tens of thousands of dollars each month, which would leave us little choice but to charge for each issue. And that's one thing I would never want to do. Golden Bay Magazine is, and will always remain a free publication. Luckily, within the last couple of years, websites like issuu.com have popped up, giving magazine's like ours a chance to finally be published. And now, with major publications like Newsweek going strictly digital, we have a legitimacy that will propell online magazines forward. So this is our first issue. But we want to rely on you and your feedback. If you have suggestions, or want to see certain things, feel free to let us know. Each month we will provide our recommendations of live theater and concerts, along with sports schedules, updates, and any articles we feel you might enjoy. Oh, and the cool thing about being digital...You can click on some links to purchase tickets or get more information about them. That's one thing you can't do with a physical magazine. Eventually, we will add more content like dining, fashion, events, celebrity interviews, and more. Our website will also have content not seen here, so we encourage you to visit it at www.goldenbaymagazine.com. At this time we are re-designing the entire website, and hope to have it up and running by the end of February. That's it for now. I hope you enjoy what we have provided here, and I promise we will only get better. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and support us. Let your friends now about us, and if you have not yet followed us on facebook, please click the link below to do so. Till next month, Cheers! - Mauricio Segura -

Click here and follow us on Facebook __________________________________________________

Contributing Writers Alan Patterson, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, Anthony Clemente, Candice MacGwire, Harvey Mcewan, Jim Hoffman, Lisa LaCount, Mauricio Segura, Peter Sogard, Scott Moser, Steve Beard, Stacey Jackson,

Contributing Photographers Dani Gi, Eva Serna, Diane Groves, Jessica Bowden, Mauricio Segura, Marcin Jochimczyk, Martyn E. Jones, Mike Anderson, Mitchell Powell, Sander Ten Brakel, Pawel Zawistowski, Ron Beekmeijer

Sports Pages Home Schedule Feb 6

Wranglers 7:15pm

Feb 9

Condors 7:15pm

Feb 10

Condors 2:15pm

Feb 17

Thunder 2:15pm For tickets & info 855-732-8557

We apologize to Sharks fans for the reason that we will not be covering them or the NHL in any way, shape, or form this season. Reason being, we feel that if they didn't care enough about the fans to give us a full season, they don't deserve coverage for a partial season. Instead, we give you the San Francisco Bulls schedule.

Home Schedule Feb 12

Houston 7:30pm

Feb 20

Phoenix 7:30pm

Feb 22

San Antonio 7:30pm For tickets & info 855-732-8557

Oakland A's Fanfest 2013 By Mauricio Segura

The 2013 Oakland A's Fanfest was held back on January 27, and from the looks of things, the A's are getting their fan base back. Not only that, but genuine excitement for the 2013 season was in the air. "We're taking it back this year" stated Jim Patrick, "We're the Oakland A's. I like the Giants, but we're the top baseball team in the Bay Area, and this year we'll prove it!" The event kicked off inside the Oracle Arena as players and coaches were announced one by one in front of a cheering crowd. A stirring and emotionally powerful film about the 2012 season was then played. Sherry Lartier of Cupertino had tears in her eyes. "I can't believe the season we had last year. Our guys rallied behind each other till the end. We came so close. But most of them are coming back, and they know what they need to do and how they need to do it. I love my Oakland A's with a passion. I became a die hard fan when I first saw the Bash Brothers, and now my son's idol is Cespedes. We can't wait for the season to begin. Go A's!" Throughout the day, the arena was the site for Q&A with staff, players, coaches, and even the broadcasting team. Those in attendance got the rare opportunity to have their questions answered by the likes of Coco Crisp, Josh Reddick, Billy Bean, Bob Melvin, Ray Fosse, Chili Davis, Mike Gallego, and a lot more. The beautiful Oakland A's in-game host Kara Tsuboi, did a wonderful job of emceeing. The outside plaza area between the arena and stadium was reminicent of a summer day at Disneyland. Everyone had a smile on their face despite having to stand in a line for 45 minutes or more. Three stations were set where players could sign autographs. By far, the biggest draw of the day was Yoenis Cespedes. The Cuban power hitter has brought back a nostaligic vibe not seen since the Canseco days. Kids and adults alike were in awe of him, and jerseys with the number 52 were in abundance. Coco Crisp sporting a beard and huge fro, was genuinely happy to be there. He was fun, talkative, and gave each autograph seeker his full attention. All the signers were greeted with enthusiasm, including new Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima. Though not too well known as of yet, the A's are trying to push their young prospect to the front of the line. He connected well it seemed, but Ray Carde単as took notice and spoke up by saying, "he (Nakajima) might be good, but Cespedes is the one the A's should be putting on a pedestal right now. He's the reason there are so many fans here today. Look at him over there (again Nakajima). He's signing, people are appreciative, but they're not as impressed as they were with Cespedes and Crisp. Heck, there are more Japanese photographers standing behind him snapping pictures it seems than people in line waiting for his autograph. I just hope he isn't as disappointing as Matsui." 8

Aside from the speaker and autographs, fans could take their pictures with players and coaches in front of the world series trophies, various vendors had cool giveaways throughout the arena concoarse, and those that wanted could also go down for a tour of the A's clubhouse. All in all, it was a fun day had by all. Smiling faces, much anticipation for the upcoming season, and plenty of love for the green and gold. If the 2013 fanfest was any indication of what the season will be like, it will be loud, exciting, and full of fight to the very end. Go A's!

The Star of the Athletics By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

This winter, the Oakland Athletics signed a new shortstop. His name is Hiroyouki Nakajima, he is 31 years old and he got a 2-year contract from the Athletics for $6.5 million dollars. He has never played in the big leagues, so this season he will be a 31-year old rookie. In the world of General Manager Billy Beane, that was a better deal than to keep shortstop Stephen Drew, who this winter signed for 2 years and $9.5 million with the Boston Red Sox; mind you, Drew is two years younger than Nakajima and has 7 years experience in the majors. This is nothing new in a typical money-saving move by Beane. While Nakajima is a good baseball player, charismatic, with his own interpreter, and probably an entourage of 25 or so Japanese media following him, the Star of the Athletics remains Yoenis Cespedes. He's the one born in Cuba, who last season was one of the best rookies in all of the major leagues. Many A’s fans have told me there is one player wearing the A’s uniform which they will not vacate their seats for when he comes to the plate, and that is Yoenis Cespedes. No, he will not have 25 media people following him, and he already has a very capable interpreter who was a big leaguer himself, in Ariel Prieto, also (like Cespedes) born in Cuba. 2013 will present a great opportunity for the star of the A’s to have the type of season that could catapult him to stardom. Cespedes is a five-tool player, and there are not many of those around. As a matter of fact, the first man to win the Triple Crown since 1969, Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers, is one of the best players in baseball, but he is not a five-tool player, since he lacks speed. Speed is the one thing you cannot get better, you can hit better, you can learn to field better, but if you are slow, you just cannot become Rickey Henderson from one day to the other.

Although Japan has sent excellent talent, there has never been a 5-tool Japanese phenom. The best ever that has come from Japan is one Ichiro Suzuki (a first ballot Hall of Fame player), but as good as he is, he doesn’t have the power and does not drive in enough runs to be considered a five-tool player. In this world we live in, where fame is fleeting, there is one thing that's always stuck in my head since the first time I spoke with my Cuban brother, Yoenis Cespedes almost one year ago in Spring Training. Among all he told me I remember him telling me” “Yo quiero que la gente sepa quien es Yoenis Cespedes”, translation: “I went people to know who is Yoenis Cespedes”. Well Yoenis, they already know you! And regardless of spin, or manufactured publicity, anybody that knows anything about this great game of baseball knows, YOU are the Star of the A’s.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez has been broadcasting Major League Baseball for 36 years and covering baseball for over 40. Last season he called games on the radio in Spanish for the Oakland A’S and traveled to Anaheim where he called games for Fox Sports West in Spanish of the LA Angels of Anaheim. Amaury is in the Cuban Sports Hall of Fame, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame and the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame.

Earl Weaver, A manager for all Seasons By Amaury Pi-González When I learned that Earl Weaver passed at age 82, I felt sad at first, and then happy because all the great moments he has given us in the game of baseball. For me, the Baltimore Orioles were the first Major League team that I ever saw. As a teenager in Miami in the 1960’s, I worked as a ball boy and bat boy for the Orioles at the old Miami Stadium, where they held their Spring Training from 1959 to 1990. Weaver was not the manager yet for the Orioles, but since then I reserved a special place in my heart for the Orioles, like your very first love as a kid. My first car in Miami, a little Fiat, I had decals of the Orioles logo all over the place, they were my favorite team. By the way, Miami Stadium is no more. At that same location they build the Miami Stadium apartments. When I began in the business of covering baseball, I had the pleasure of covering some of the games of the Orioles, under Weaver, when they visited the Oakland Coliseum. Including some big playoff games. Weaver all of 5’6” was as feisty of a manager as I have ever seen. Years later the A’S under the Walter Haas ownership would hire Billy Martin, who was just as feisty, maybe even more. But Weaver was one of a kind, as colorful as anybody. How can we forget Earl Weaver arguing a call with 6 foot 5 inches umpire Ken Kaiser? Earl would turn his cap around, so the bill of the hat, would not be facing Kaiser or hitting the umpire (which is an automatic fine). He did same with other umpires, like Marty Springstead. Earl was small in stature, but as big baseball persona as anybody on a ball field. Eva Werle, the widow of Bill Werle, a major league pitcher in the 1950’s tells me about Earl Weaver and her husband Bill, and how much Bill like Weaver. When Bill Werle was an Oriole scout and the Orioles would visit Oakland, Earl would invite Eva and Bill to their hotel suite, and there Weaver did a bunch of magic tricks, one that Eva remembers is one he did with matches. In the record books is his relationship with Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer, now a broadcaster for Orioles television. Once Palmer said about Weaver: “The only thing Weaver knows about a curveball, is that he could not hit it”. Palmer was a great pitcher for for the Orioles, in the Hall of Fame, just like 11

Weaver. There was a time when Palmer’s career was in decline, and Weaver took him out of the Orioles rotation. Weaver defended his actions by saying: I have given Palmer more chances than my ex-wife.” Earl Weaver was 100X100 a baseball guy. When he visited Oakland he was at the Coliseum real early, and usually the first before his team practice to come out and sit in the dugout. There he could give you a nice interview. I am talking abbot the time when there was not as much media as today, cable sports channels and so on. It was basically the beat writers, one or other columnist, some radio reporters, and the team’s broadcasters. So managers where much easier to talk to, you didn’t have to “take a number “or talk to the Traveling PR person of the team in order to arrange for a one-on-one interview. “Pitching, defense and the three-run homer” Earl Weaver once said, was the secret to my success. He finished his managing career, all the time as skipper of the Orioles with the seventh best winning percentage for a manager (1,480-1,060, .583). Won six division titles, four pennants and one World Series. His great 1969 team was victim of one of the great upsets in baseball history, when in the Miracle Mets took the Orioles in that World Series. He played second base for 12 years in the minor leagues. He was not good enough (in those days) to play in the majors. He became a manager in 1956 and then worked his way up to manage the Orioles triple a team, Rochester, next came the Baltimore Orioles. In 1971 the Orioles had the last rotation of four pitchers to each win 20 or more games: Miguel Cuellar (20) Pat Dobson (20) Jim Palmer (20) and Dave McNally (21). It is a good bet, the way pitching has changed since then, (starter, middle reliever, set up, closer) to say this might have been the last time we would see such spectacle. That 1971 Orioles team lost the World Series to the Roberto Clemente Pirates. Roberto was the Most Valuable Player. I remember Orioles great third baseman Brooks Robinson saying something to the effect: “Roberto, we could have bought you a car if you needed one”. This was because Clemente was awarded a brand new automobile after finishing the series hitting over .400 and doing everything a player could do to beat an opponent. Clemente killed the Birds. Sam Spear, who has been in baseball for a lifetime, knew Earl Weaver for 40 years. Spear was at Cooperstown, when Weaver was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and also was in Baltimore when the Orioles unveiled Weaver’s statue. I remember Sam would seat with Weaver at the visiting dugout at Oakland Coliseum, hours prior to a game, chatting with the manager. They had a great friendship. I’ve got lucky a few times and spoke with Weaver prior to some games. After the game, all reporters usually go down to the dressing room to do the usually postgame question and answers session. When we look at characters of the game, Earl Weaver is right there, with the best of them. I can just see him today in Heaven’s Diamond squabbling with umpires and waiting for that three-run homer that would give him the win with that great pitching staff.

Live Theatre Listings San Francisco In this poignant comic drama, 21-year-old Leo unexpectedly arrives on the doorstep of his feisty 91-yearold grandmother Vera's New York apartment, dazed after a cross-country bike trip. Sparks fly as Vera's surprising political views collide with Leo's carefree hippie lifestyle. When Leo's old girlfriend shows up and he begins to reveal the mysterious events of his journey, Leo and Vera discover the fragile line between growing up and growing old. The winner of two 2012 OBIE Awards (including Best New American Play),4000 Miles is "a funny, moving, altogether wonderful drama" (The New York Times) from one of today's most celebrated new playwrights.

4000 Miles

PlayingThrough February 10 / American Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco / $30 - $160 Audium

Audium is the only theatre of its kind in the world, pioneering the exploration of space in music. The theatre's 176 speakers bathe listeners in sounds that move past, over, and under them. "Sound sculptures" are performed in darkness in the 49-seat theatre.

Ongoing every Friday & Saturday at 8:30pm / 1616 Bush Street, San Francisco / $20 Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon is the longest running musical revue in theatre history. Hailed as "a constant cascade of showstoppers" by the San Francisco Chronicle, Beach Blanket Babylon follows Snow White as she takes a fast-paced journey around the world in search of her "Prince Charming." Along the way she encounters a starstudded, ever-changing line-up of hilarious pop-culture characters, including President Barack & Michelle Obama, Gangnam Style, Prince William, Kate Middleton and the Queen of England, Honey Boo Boo, Governor Jerry Brown, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Hilary & Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, Michael Jackson, Adele, General David Patraeus, "50 Shades of Grey," and The San Francisco 49ers.

Ongoing Wednesday - Sunday / Club Fugazi, San Francisco / $25 - $130 Dead Metaphor

When Dean returns home from the war in the Middle East and hits the job market, he discovers that his superior military skills don't get him very far in the business world. He readjusts to non-bunker life by moving in with his aging parents and pregnant ex- (and soon-to-be current) wife. When he is offered a job as poster boy for a crusading politician on her own mission for "truth and justice," his military ethics collide with the unscrupulous world of national political campaignsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and he discovers that his unique skill set may be his best asset after all. A hilarious dark comedy that satirizes the hypocrisies and politics of postwar living, Dead Metaphor showcases the imaginative, audacious work of one of Canada's most acclaimed playwrights.

February 28 - March 24 / American Conservatory Theatre , San Francisco / $30 - $110

Marking the 35th anniversary of his assassination and as told by the people who knew him best, this is the recounting of the life and the lasting impact of groundbreaking queer activist and politician Harvey Milk.

Playing through February 24 / New Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco / $18 - $40 13

Mendy a flamboyantly bitchy and viciously wicked opera queen is on a quest for a very special recording while his friend Stephen, a depressed literary editor and opera fanatic, is on the verge of losing his doctor lover to a considerably younger Columbia University student.

February 22 - March 10 / New Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco / $18 - $40

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete - and completely satisfying - new musical in a long time” .

Playing through February 17 / Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco / $50 - $275

MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH is a rare, personal look inside the life and mind of one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one-man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout.

February 28 - March 2 / Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco / $50 - $310

Two upper-middle-class Brooklyn couples meet to discuss an incident of playground violence between their sons. Though the evening begins with polite pleasantries, it quickly descends into primal madness as tempers flare, loyalties shift and the parents devolve into children. Like last season’s Art, Reza ferociously and hilariously strips her affluent, over-achieving characters down to their savage core.

February 15 - March 30 / Shelton Theatre, San Francisco / $38

East Bay Our Practical Heaven Three generations of family gather over three holidays in a home none of them expects to long

survive the rising sea. They do chores, text each other, and dance. They watch the birds and watch each other, while struggling for loyalty, legacy, and turf. By the end, everything has shifted and a new generation is in charge, but of what? Our Practical Heaven, the third Aurora mainstage production to develop from our annual Global Age Project, addresses the changing tides of communication, gender roles, and society in a place where even the notions of home and family remain fluid. GAP director Allen McKelvey, and original GAP cast members Julia Brothers* (The First Grade), Joy Carlin* ( Thérèse Raquin), and Anne Darragh* (A Delicate Balance), reprise their roles for Aurora’s main stage production.

Playing through February 28 / Aurora Theatre, Berkeley / $32 - $50 The Wild Bride is back! The smash hit that ran away with hearts last winter returns for a honeymoon engagement in 2013. Kneehigh Theatre comes back to America with a stunning show that asks…What happens when your father accidentally sells you to the devil? The San Francisco Chronicle raves, “Bride is a gift that keeps on giving. What starts in an enchanted, bluesy folktale world dips into creepy nightmare terrain and sails aloft on wings of grit, resolution and fantasy. It’s a fairy tale for adults.” Don’t miss this devilish mix of vivid music and sweet romance.

Playing through February 17 / Berkeley Rep Theatre / $30 - $90 14

The Grand Inquisitor We open our 2013 season with Dostoevsky’s The Grand Inquisitor, one of our most popular productions ever. This adaptation of the great story-within-the-story from The Brother’s Karamazov is “a soul-scouring, compelling drama that probes themes about faith, compassion and expediency in our time" (San Francisco Chronicle, 2005). Come see one of the most famous parables in modern literature brought to life on stage in a riveting “inquisition” about human nature and free will.

February 23 - March 30 / Central Works, Berkeley / $15 - $28 The Town of Danville is proud to present Trapped in a Rumor. A successful Improv group is as much about chemistry as it is raw talent - Trapped in a Rumor has both. Trapped in a Rumor (TiR) performs a Drew Carey’s “Whose Line” format that is fast-paced and high energy. TiR is an eight-person ensemble of extremely talented and very eclectic personalities. With their diversity, they take a blank page and create a vivid “Improv” playground that they bring their audience into. Their comedy is rich, quirky and good clean fun – definitely PG-13

February 7 / Village Theatre, Danville / $8 - $10 Neil Simon’s Broadway hit stars the partners of a retired Vaudeville comedy duo, coerced into reuniting after years of disagreement. Poignant & funny. "It's ham on wry...Simon's sure- footed craftsmanship and his one liners are as exquisitely apt as ever." - New York Post

February 15 - March 10 / Chanticleers Theatre, Castro Valley / $15 - $18 From the creators of Wicked, Godspell, and Les Miserables, comes a joyous, inspirational musical about parents, children, and faith. Freely based on the book of Genesis, Children of Eden is a celebration the whole family can enjoy and one to which they can perhaps relate. Through the stories of Adam & Eve and Noah & his Ark, this beautiful musical shows us how choices, consequences, and love shape the families of which we are a part.

February 15 - March 10 / Contra Costa Civic Theatre, El Cerrito / $15 & $27 Laundry & Bourbon/Lonestar Laundry & Bourbon centers on the discontent and very funny gossip of three small-town wives, Elizabeth, Hattie

and Amy Lee, whose marriages have turned out to be less than they hoped for. Lone Star takes place in the cluttered back yard of a small Texas bar with Elizabeth’s macho husband, Roy, who just returned from Viet Nam, drinking beer and regaling his brother, Ray (who worships him) with tales of war and amorous exploits. They are joined by Cletis, the fatuous husband of Amy Lee, who turns the brothers’ world upside-down.

Playing through February 16 / Broadway West Theatre, Fremont / $17 - $25 Combining two of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, "The Scandal in Bohemia" and "The Final Problem," award-winning playwright Steven Dietz's fast-paced thriller packs a punch. Hot on the trail with their latest case, the world's greatest detective and his able sidekick Doctor Watson tangle with a temptress only to find themselves in the clutches of Holmes' longtime adversary, Professor Moriarty. February 14 - March 10 / Douglas Morrisson Theatre, Hayward / $21 - $29

The Farnsworth Invention I don't think I stole television -- if I did, I did it fair and square. Joel Roster, Town Hall's Director of Education, takes on The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, The Social Network) which tells the story of Philo Farnsworth and his race to develop the most influential technological innovation of the 20th Century: Television. This show is rated PG-13 for adult language.

February 7 - March 2 / Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette / $29 - $32

Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Don't miss this hit musical running January 25-February 10, 2013. (Parental Advisory: Show contains scenes with strong language and adult situations.)

Playing through February 10 / Firehouse Theatre, Pleasanton / $19 - $35

Hoping to reconnect with his music and shatter the artistic block that's plagued his career, a young American piano prodigy ventures to Vienna in the spring of 1986. He is assigned to a vocal teacher who gives him the "Dichterliebe" song cycle by Robert Schumann. Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this is the inspirational journey of two very different men, with music as their one common bond, who must find a way to break through their pasts.

February 1 - March 2 / Center Rep Theatre, Walnut Creek / $30 - $50

Based on one of the most-loved and celebrated movies of all time,Singin’ in the Rain is the story of the first Hollywood movie musical, a time when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies and some of its stars behind. This charming, light-hearted romantic comedy features a glorious score including “Good Morning,” “Make ‘em Laugh,” “Moses Supposes” and the classic “Singin’ in the Rain.”

February 8 - March 2 / Diablo Theatre, Walnut Creek / $35 - $53

Peninsula / South Bay Set in the idyllic village of Merton-cum-Middlewick in 1940s England, the village inhabitants are preparing themselves for the imminent threat of Nazi invasion. Residents nosy parker and spinster, Miss Skillon, becomes convinced that her beloved vicar’s actress wife is having an affair and attempts to expose her. Add an escaped German prisoner of war, a handsome actor, the visiting Bishop of Lax, a rotund locum priest and some meddling neighbors and hilarious confusion and mayhem result.

Playing through February 10 / Hillbarn Theatre, Foster City / $23 - $38 This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who return every summer to their home on Golden Pond. As they face their twilight years, they peer into the cracks that have appeared in their well-worn, playful relationship. Daughter Chelsea makes a long-delayed appearance with a potential husband and step-son, renewing the couple's energy and giving them the courage to contemplate their waning time together. This warmly perceptive comedy is a touching testament to the endurance of the human heart.

Playing through February 17 / Bus Barn Theatre, Los Altos / $24 - $31

It’s January, 1964, and you can smell the fear as the Boston Strangler stalks his victims. While East Boston hides behind locked doors, Frankie Payne, the gin-soaked but not quite burned-out detective, has her own problems. A disturbing message from a family member, a friend’s son gone astray--it all adds up to unlikely alliances and unforeseen betrayals, as Frankie learns the hard way that the apple never falls far from the tree.

February 22 - March 10 / Pear Avenue Theatre, Mountain View / $15 - $30

Join a group of gossipy Southern ladies in a small town beauty parlor for a dose of southern comfort. Both humorous and poignant, this modern classic should not be missed.

Playing through February 10 / Spindrift Players, Pacifica / $20 - $25 Full-blooded and visceral, and winner of six 2010 Tony Awards including Best Play, Red by John Logan takes you into the mind of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. After landing the biggest commission in the history of modern art, Mark Rothko begins work on a series of large murals with the help of a new young assistant. Set amid the swiftly changing cultural tide of the early 1960s, celebrated bad boy of the art world for whom paintings are "pulsating" life forces and art is intended to stop the heart. The Stage's venue will serve as the ultimate environment for the up close and personal portrait of an artist's ambition and vulnerability. Red is a startling snapshot of a brilliant artist at the height of his fame, a play hailed as "intense and exciting" by The New York Times.

February 6 - March 3 / San Jose Stage Company, San Jose / $20 - $50 Based on the hit film The Apartment and featuring a script by Neil Simon and score by popular composer Burt Bacharach, Promises,

Promises is the tale of a nice guy in a world where niceness goes unnoticed and unrewarded… or does it? Set in New York City in the 1960s, the story centers on young Chuck Baxter, eager to succeed in the corporate workplace. The senior executives start to notice Chuck, but for the wrong reason: his nearby Manhattan apartment is the perfect spot for their trysts. As Chuck advances, his office romance with Fran Kubelik begins to blossom, and the two stories eventually collide. The lovely score includes songs that have become pop music hits like Promises, Promises, I’ll Never Fall in Love Again and Knowing When to Leave. Join us for this smart, funny and romantic delight!

Playing through February 16 / South Bay Musical Theatre, Saratoga / $20 - $33

The Ballad of Bummer and Lazarus This is a story of unprecedented friendship that although only lasted a very short time, it's legend has endured over a century. Not quite a mystery in itself, but more a look back at a pair of friends who seemed to have come together by fate, and may now, depending on your beliefs, be living together beyond our reality, in a story that began right here in San Francisco. Bummer was a vagrant. No one new where he came from, no one new exactly when he arrived, but sometime in the summer of 1860, he could often be found outside of old Frederick Martin's Saloon on Montgomery Street begging for scraps. Unlike the other "bums" who were just a nuisance to their patrons, Martin and surrounding store owners didn't mind Bummer living on their street. The reason was simple. As with most cities at that time, San Francisco was overrun with rats. And to assure his usefullnes and acceptance, Bummer, to the delight of the store owners, began catching the rodents. He was quick, efficient, and helped clean up the street considerably, to the point where he became very much appreciated. In 1861, Bummer rescued another homeless vagrant after he was attacked and severely beaten. He was refused hospital care, and his leg wound was so severe, that he was not expected to live more than a few days. Bummer, perhaps with an inner conviction, or quite simply, because he had a heart of gold, took it upon himself to become his caregiver. It wasn't easy, living on the streets while attempting to keep someone from dying is obviosly an unimaginable and practically impossible task. Yet, Bummer faced the challenge head on. Day after day, he would go around the neighborhood, picking up food scraps and handouts, before heading back to his sick friend, patiently standing by his side as he ate, looking out to defend against any other opportunistic vagrants who would try to steal their food. Bummer would often go hungry himself on his quest to keep his friend alive, but it was a small sacrifice. At night, he huddled close to his companion to keep him as warm as possible. It took weeks, but a miracle happened, and his once dying friend made a full recovery. News spread, and the scruffy vagrant who was knocking on death's door soon became known all around the neighborhood as Lazarus. Needless to say, their friendship blossomed, and the two became inseperable. Bummer eventually taught Lazarus the ropes of catching rodents, and the two set up quite a successful exterminator business. They perfected their art to the point where they could catch 80 rodents in just 20 minutes. They were loved all up and down Montgomery Street. So much so, that they were given privaledges no other vagrants had. On the evening of June 14, 1862, Lazarus was picked up by the area's new rookie cop for loitering. As citizens found out, an angry mob was assembled and marched to the station demanding his release. A signed petition was submitted by all, stating that both Bummer and Lazarus provided a great service and should therefore be allowed to wander the streets unmolested. City supervisors agreed, they released Lazarus, and declared that from that moment on, Bummer and Lazarus were exempt from any cities ordinance against vagrants. Needless to say, this act by the city government gave Bummer and Lazerus prestigious noteriety. Frederick Martin's Saloon, where the pair spent their leisure time, was a regular haunt by the local newspaper men and journalists. News stories and cartoons of the duo's exploits were soon published in papers like the Californian, and the Daily Evening Bulletin, among others. The two reached legendary status when they were reported to have collaborated in stopping a runaway horse before it caused serious damage and possible death. 19

Despite their reputations in the press however, neither were model citizens. Lazarus was caught sneaking into a ranch and killing some livestock for food. Bummer made it a habit of getting into street brawls. And on more than one occasion, they ransacked through some local shops. However, their good always outweighed the bad, and were never punished for their crimes. The two enjoyed their lives in the spotlight. They continued to keep the street clean, they were respected, well liked, and kept good company. In fact, they became friends with the eccentric San Franciscan Joshua A. Norton, better known as the self proclaimed, Emperor of the United States. For a time, it is said, that no theatrical performance opened in San Francisco without three complimentary first row balcony tickets being set aside for Bummer, Lazarus, and Norton I. No one knows for certain how it happened, but the sad ending of a great friendship came in October 1863, with the death of Lazarus. Conflicting reports state that he was accidently kicked in the head by a fireman's horse, while other's claim that he was poisoned in retalitaion to a previous incident. Either way, Bummer's best friend was gone. His death made headlines in major papers, and while his funeral procession passed in front of Martin's Saloon, Bummer sat quietly by the door with his head lowered in sadness. Bummer himself never fully recovered from Lazarus' death. He befriended a stray puppy for a time, perhaps to have something he could care for in his sadness, but no one really knows what happened, as one day the puppy disappeared and was never seen again. Death caught up to Bummer in November of 1865 as he was snoozing as usual outside the saloon. A foolish drunk named Henry Rippey, instead of simply walking over Bummer, decided to kick him in square the stomach. Poor Bummer lingered in pain for hours, before succuming to internal injuries. His printed eulogy was written by none other than Mark Twain. Rippey on the other hand, was arrested more for the fear that a mob would eventually come after him, than the crime itself. But at the end, not even a jail cell was protection enough for Bummer's killer. Upon learning what he was in for, Rippey's cell mate, David Popley, an admirer of both Bummer and Lazarus, took it upon himself to pass sentence the only way he knew how. Today, there is a brass plaque commemorating the two great friends placed at a small park on Montgomery Street, adjacent to the Transamerica Pyramid. Their physical lives together lasted a mere two years, but their friendship will live on forever. You would expect a man with a heart to go above and beyond for another as Bummer did for Lazarus. We live, we love, we think, and we do. That's human nature. But that's also what makes this particular story more endearing and unusual. For you see, though Bummer showed human compassion for another being, and the two shared a friendship as close as brothers, neither of them were human. Bummer was a black and white Newfoundland, and Lazarus a brown Labrador. "Two dogs with but a single bark, two tails that wagged as one". Bummer and Lazarus, an extraordinary friendship, that will forever be a part of San Francisco's great history. *A picture of the brass plaque can be found on the back cover of this magazine.

February 2013 Concert Pages Click on picture to link to ticket info

2 Clint Black Keiko Matsui Tommy Castro 8pm 7 & 9:30pm 9pm Napa SF SF

Tower of Power The Who 8 & 10pm 7:30pm Oakland Oakland

8 Tower of Power 7 & 9pm Oakland

9 Bill Cosby 8pm Santa Rosa

Mike Epps 7 & 10:30pm Oakland

14 Dr. John 8 & 10pm Oakland

Soundgarden 8pm Oakland

Keiko Matsui 7 & 9:30pm SF

Tower of Power 8 & 10pm Oakland

12 Bill Cosby 8pm Cupertino

Dr. John 8 & 10pm Oakland

Soundgarden 8pm Oakland

15 Dr. John 8 & 10pm Oakland

Eddie Money Manhattan Transfer 8pm 8 & 10pm San Ramon Oakland

17 Manhattan Transfer 8 & 10 pm Oakland

George Lopez 8pm SF

18 The Kingston Trio 7pm Livermore

Los Lobos 8pm Napa

Manhattan Transfer Los Lobos Itzhak Perlman 8 & 10 pm 8pm 7pm Oakland Mill Valley SF

19 Pink 7:30pm San Jose

23 Marylin Manson 8pm SF

25 Alan Parsons Project Morrissey 8pm 8pm Napa SF

Bal-A-Palooza 7 & 10pm San Leandro

Brandy 8pm Oakland

28 Carrie Underwood 8pm Oakland

B.B. King 8pm Oakland

Comedy Cobb's Comedy SF

Andy Richter Rob Schneider Feb 8 Feb 15 - 17 10:30pm 5 shows

Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Sunnyvale

Kabeezy Feb 13 1 show

Improv Comedy San Jose

Bobcat Goldthwait Feb 1 & 2 3 shows

Jim Belushi John Witherspoon Feb 8 & 9 Feb 14 - 17 4 Shows 7 shows

Dean Edwards Feb 7 - 10 5 shows

Tommy T's Comedy Pleasanton

Craig Shoemaker Feb 7 - 10 6 shows

Guy Torry Don Friesen Feb 14 - 17 Feb 21 - 24 6 shows 6 shows 23

Pet Insurance The Argument For And Against Written By: Jim Hofman

most important factor with pet insurance is that it eliminates the difficult decision of choosing between your finances or letting your pet go untreated. In a way, pet insurance companies are like health insurance companies. They may or may not cover certain health conditions, depending on the policy restrictions. Some pet insurance companies will not accept senior pets, similar to health and life insurance companies reluctance to cover senior citizens. The decision to consider pet insurance depends upon your viewpoint as a pet owner. Sadly, many pet owners consider their pets disposable and won't get their pet medical treatment if it becomes too ill. Conversely, you're a good candidate for pet insurance if you're willing to devote a specified amount of time and money to treat and heal your pet. Pet Insurance Specifics

Most pet insurance plans offer coverage for as low as $10 per month. Typically, there is a $50 deductible, and an annual cap of about $10,000. Pet insurance plans for senior pets (normally 8 years and older) will run a bit more, normally $29.95 per month, but be aware that only one company we know of accepts senior pets for Many pet owners will do everything they can to make coverage. Costs for cats and dogs generally run the same. sure their pets have long, happy, and healthy lives. Remember, pet insurance is designed to help you and Certainly, veterinary science has kept up with our your pet through significant illnesses and injuries. It's willingness to provide life long quality healthcare for our easy to budget for routine expenses like annual checkspecial friends. Treatments and diagnostic procedures ups, shots, flea preventative, etc. Some pet insurance once unheard of in the veterinary world are now plans offer discounts on routine care, but be prepared to commonplace - MRIs, radiation therapy, and specialized use a contracted (network) veterinarian, similar to a screenings, to name but a few. PPO/HMO set up for humans. Veterinary science has seen remarkable breakthroughs in the past two decades, but just as in the human health How It Works In Real Life sector, costs have risen. Many pet illnesses and diseases are being treated that often went undetected in the past. A business associate told us of his two beloved pets, 6 While veterinary medical advances extend our pet's year old cat andquot;Whiskersandquot; and his 12 year quality of life, the financial impact for pet owners cannot old border collie mix andquot;Diamondandquot;. be overlooked. Recently, our neighbor's German Whiskers was diagnosed with an ongoing respiratory Shephard andquot;Dukeandquot; suffered from hip ailment, and just a few months later, Diamond was found dysplacia. Duke is now happily on the mend, but not to have a malignant tumor and needed immediate before his owners paid over $2000 in vet bills. Another treatment. Luckily, he had taken out pet insurance on friend's cat developed a stubborn kidney infection, both pets just months before Whiskers' visit to the vet. requiring extensive diagnostic and follow up treatment. With coverage through Instant Pet Insurance, he was The $1400+ in costs left our friend juggling her finances paying $9.95/mo. for Whiskers and $29.95/mo. for to pay the vet bills. Diamond, less a small multi-pet discount. All told, Whiskers veterinary bills totaled $1330, and Diamond racked up an $1100 tab. The veterinarian who treated both Diamond and Whiskers submitted each bill directly to the pet insurance company. Although they were Pet insurance is relatively new in the United States, obviously seperate instancest, the total vet bills amounted but very common in Europe. Basically, pet insurance to roughly $3100. The pet insurance plan covered $2850, reduces the risk of caring for your dog or cat. Perhaps the the difference being a $50 deductible for Whiskers What is Pet Insurance, and Does it Make Sense For You?

(adult cat) and a $200 deductible for Diamond (senior dog). Total out-of-pocket costs to treat both pets was a very manageable $250. Researching Pet Insurance There are several pet insurers in the marketplace, so do your homework and make sure your policy is right for your pet. If you feel comfortable budgeting for routine annual costs like check-ups, immunizations, flea preventative, etc. there's no need to pay for routine coverage. As a pet owner, your experience tells you that most pets will incur some unexpected veterinary treatment in their lifetime, whether it's illness or accident. If you feel it's important to be prepared for these unexpected expenses, consider a pet insurance policy.

Consider these factors when choosing: The four most important factors to look for in a pet insurance policy are guaranteed acceptance, choice of veterinarian, fixed premiums, and unlimited accident coverage. You want your pet to be accepted into a pet insurance policy, no matter their age. If you have a comfort level with your veterinarian, you want to be able to use that vet and not be assigned an unfamiliar vet. Paying more in premium and deductibles as your pet ages isn't necessary, as there are pet insurance companies who will keep your premiums the same even as your pet ages. Finally, unlimited accident coverage is important, since accidents can happen at any time and with any frequency.

Our Bay Area Do you take it for granted? By: Mauricio Segura A few years ago, I was skyping with a new friend who lives in Paris, France. Interested in knowing all I could about the city (having never been there...yet), I was more or less grilling her for inside info on the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Louvre, and even the Moulin Rouge, which up until then, I (duh!) thought was just a movie. The simple conversation turned into a semi-heated discussion when I said, "Wow, you're so lucky to live in such a beautiful city! You must walk around in complete awe all the time" To which she responded, "You're the lucky one, you live in San Francisco"! "Wait, what?" I yelped as I almost choked on my Certs mint. "You can never compare the history and alluring love vibe of Paris, to San Francisco!" Her response, "You mean the history of a city built on the discovery of Gold?, The Barbary Coast of the west? A city destroyed in an earthquake and fire only to come out better, stronger, and more beautiful than any Phoenix ever could? Yes we have the Eiffel Tower, and it's beautiful, but nothing has made my jaw drop in amazement as the first time I saw the clearing fog reveal the Golden Gate Bridge in the mid-morning sun. And you wanna talk romance? Have you ever been in the middle of the bay, the breeze hitting your face, as the sun slowly sets beyond the bridge into the mighty Pacific? That's pure romance!" After our conversation, I have to say, she made me see the Bay Area in an entirely new light. If you think about it, we truly do live in paradise. No, it's not Tahiti with swaying palm trees and warm waters, but what we do have is our own version of unparalleled beauty. The only problem is most of us living here take it for granted. Photo - Marcin Jochimczyk True or false, when we plan vacations, we're in a hurry to get out of here, right? And what boggles my mind, (you may know folks like these, I sure do), are those people who have lived here for years, but are always hopping on a plane to France, Italy, England, or even other states like New York or Florida, and yet, have never stepped foot on Alcatraz Island! It's like world governments pushing to explore the Moon and Mars, but have left 95% of the Earth's oceans completely unexplored. An example, which by the way, is 100% fact. Take a look at the Bay Area as a whole. We have three amazing cities, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, all of which are world renowned for their cultural advancements in the arts. We are rich in history, from the native Ohlone tribes, through the Gold Rush, through the birth of the United Nations, through the Summer of Love and the rise of the Hippies, to the Silicon Valley and today. Our Bay Area has been a starting point for worldwide change and a melting pot of cultural influence. Geographically, we've got it all! Rolling hills full of parks, miles of trails, and beautiful lakes to spend a lazy afternoon, all no more than a 20 minute drive in any direction. A beautiful tranquil bay with amazing views, all leading one towards the wide expanses of the Pacific Ocean. Speaking of the Pacific, despite the water being a bit cold for most bathing tastes, our beaches are actually very visually alluring. Wine enthusiasts are never more than an hour away Photo - Martyn E. Jones from wineries that can be compared head to head 26

with those in France, Spain, or Italy. And for those winter sports daredevils, snow is just 3 hours away. Need I even write a paragraph about entertainment? If you live here, and find the area boring, you just need to get out of the house. "New York has Broadway", an uninformed gentleman told me at the premier of Jersey Boys a couple of years ago. He continued, "I love theater, but all we have in San Francisco is the Curran, Orpheum, and Golden Gate Theaters. In NY you can go see a show any night of the week. Not here, theater life if pretty dead". "Dead huh"? I asked. "Tell me, do you go to the theater just so you can say you went to a majestic theater and spent $150 a seat, or do you truly love theater and go for the sake of watching a good show?" "The latter of coarse", was the answer. As I explained to him and now here, there are literally close to 200 theaters in the Bay Area. Most may not be splendid 5000 seat venues with gold lace curtains and sparkling chandeliers the size of a garage, but I guarantee you that a small venue does not equal a low budget bad show. Quite the contrary, so support your local community theaters. Check our theater pages, for our recommendations of the best. In sports, we have 8 professional, and 2 minor league teams, representing 6 different sports. Not to mention periodic boxing, golf tournaments, men and women tennis tours, and more. We have world champions, exciting world class athletes, and two new stadiums being built in the south bay. Yes, we have truly reached the gold at the end of the rainbow when it comes to our sports.

Photo - Mike Anderson

What about the things that people fly in from all over the world to experience that a lot of us actually do take for granted? Have you actually walked across the Golden Gate Bridge? Have you stood in front of Al Capone's lonely cell? Have you visited the countless area museums? And I mean as adults, not 20 years ago on a school field trips? The Pez Museum, perhaps? Did you even know one existed? What about the tattoo museum, or the Sake museum that gives out free samples?

Aside from the obvious, there are hidden gems all over the bay. And each month we'll bring those to you, and show you that you don't really have to go 3000+ miles away on your next vacation, but instead maybe stay at a local hotel and visit what makes our Bay Area, a world-wide destination of choice. You wouldn't buy a house and check out what the neighbors back yard looks like before you discover your own, right? Well, the San Francisco Bay Area is your backyard. Get lost in it, check out every corner, only then will you see that your back yard is better than any one of your neighbors. Finally, just remember, you can love Paris in the summer, when it sizzles, you must fall in love when you're caught between the Moon and New York City, but there's only one place in the world where you can leave your heart.

Amsterdam: The Autumn And Winter Destination Of 2013 By: Harvey Mcewan Europe is one of the places in world that provides travellers unlimited choice. If you are seeking warm weather to snowy mountains there's plenty to choose from. But a specific location that is often overlooked during the autumn and winter months is Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is often associated with stag nights, which is only one of the many layers of the capital. Because of this many families or those not looking for a place that will expose themselves to this environment will most likely never consider this a an idea location. However, by looking in a little more detail its very easy to discover the true gem that this place is. With an identifiable and unique cultural heritage and history. Photo - Ron Beekmeijer There is a lot to discover, along its network of canals and amongst many of its world leading museums. gets cold enough, three of the mains squares open up for Yet why are the autumn and winter months such a ice skating. Which provide a great experience within a great time to visit the capital? Let's view just a handful of great setting. the main events and attractions worth visiting for. The hermitage Amsterdam museum is temporarily displaying the Van Gogh Museum. The works cover the 1853 to 1890 period. The museum will be displaying 75 paintings, selected letters, objects and works on paper. Because the display is only temporary, it will only be available until the 25th of April 2013.

When the weather becomes too much to handle, retail therapy can do wonders. Amsterdam caters for a large range of well known brands stores. With many different unique fashion ateliers. Something that not many other countries can offer.

Also, there are two main department stores worth checking during the visit. These are the De Bijenkorf and Another reason, is because of The Wereldkerstcircus, Maison de Bonneterie. Both have a long history and otherwise known as the Christmas Circus. Located within interesting stores within. The Royal Carre Theatre, which Don't forget visiting European countries during the was originally winter months provides a completely different feel to built for a circus. visiting during the summer months. Getting great This year is the pictures when the sun sets and rises can be not only 125th anniversary, spectacular but also romantic. Especially if it is snowing. featuring acrobats This is why Amsterdam is perfect, because of the coffee from Russia, North shop culture that exists. During the Autumn the parks Korea and China. completely change colour and provide a wonderful and With many romantic environment to spend time in. Photo - Eva Serna different acts from around the world and not forgetting an appearance from Remember to take considerable care when booking a star clown David Larible. hotel in Amsterdam. Check the activities planned during the visit and ensure everything is within walking Outdoor activities are also surprisingly well loved distance, and in a preferred location. Have fun! throughout the capital, not just the museums. When it 31

5 Excellent Benefits of Cardio Training by Scott Moser To keep yourself fit and in shape, there are two main types of training. They are resistance training which involves weights, lifting, weight machines, etc. The second type of training is cardio training like walking, jogging,running, aerobics, cycling, and any exercise that doesn't involve weights of any kind. This article will give you some benefits of cardio training. 1. I think one of the best benefits is the fact that you can do cardio training virtually anywhere. You aren't tied to a gym or home gym with your weights, etc. You can take a nice brisk walk or jog anywhere. You can actually do cardio training anywhere at any time. It involves using the larger muscle group of your body which are your legs. Cardio will raise your heart rate significantly which carries more oxygen to your body through your blood. 2. By increasing your heart rate and the oxygenated blood flow, you give yourself more energy. Strength training will break down your muscles and tire you out. Cardio training will not tear down muscles but stretch them out and help them to get definition. You burn away fat but leave muscle where the fat used to be. 3. The increased blood flow will also help to prevent sickness and disease. The increased oxygen can help ward off the flu as well as a cold. It can help prevent diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, being overweight, (which leads to many health problems), and the #1 in my book, it helps prevent high cholesterol. Just a brisk walk routine or a jogging routine is enough to help ward off these illnesses and diseases. 4. With the increased activity, elevated heart rate, and increased oxygenated blood flow, cardio training will also help control your weight and drop the fat. You will burn calories with cardio workouts like a barn on fire. because it involves the large muscle groups you will burn fat much faster and be able to keep it away. By burning the fat and calories, you naturally lose weight and can keep it off forever. 5. Last but not least, cardio is just a fun way to work out. You can be outside and enjoying the weather, it is easier to find workout partners or groups. A lot of people are not bodybuilders, but they do enjoy a walk, jog, bike ride, swimming, etc. Therefore it is easier to work out with friends and have fun rather than looking forward to hard lifting in the gym with a bunch of strangers. It is always good to, first, decide what you want to accomplish. Cardio will not build muscle but will make them more defined. It will help you lose weight and keep it off. Decide how much you want to lose. You might want to consult your doctor before starting a cardio training regimen. It is best to do this for a half an hour to an hour or more a day. 3 days minimum per week but 5 is better to lose the weight faster. The more you do the faster you get your desired results. Also, it is a good idea to have something to eat before working out. Do not stuff yourself but a light snack or meal will keep you from possibly feeling faint. Good luck with your cardio training workouts, and stick to it. If you do lift and want to add cardio, do so after the lifting session and not before. 32

The Importance of Green Leafy Veggies for a Healthy Life by Lisa LaCount Most of us tend to underestimate the importance of green leafy vegetables. As children, we battled with parents to skip the greens and as youth, we chucked the salads and moved over to fried foods. However, when you reach your mid life, there is no way to turn away from greens in your plate! Most of us tend to forget that a healthy diet is a must, if we wish to stay fit and healthy. Although supplements are useful in ensuring that our bodies receive some of the nutrients, we must never forget the key role a healthy diet with loads of green leafy vegetables plays in being healthy. Most Americans do not eat green leafy vegetables often. However, it is a must and should be done on a daily basis. When we sit down at a dining table, we hardly see the important veggies on the table. Broccoli, turnip greens, cabbage, and spinach, are rare appearances at the modern American dining table. The greenest leafy veggie at the table today would be lettuce leaves and that too is not at all times. But did you know that green leafy veggies provide a host of nutrients and are packed with anti aging properties? Top 5 Green Leafy Veggies and their Health Benefits Sometimes, it’s hard to decide which green leafy veggies provide the most nutrients. To make your job easier, we have provided you a list of the 5 best green leaves. We hope this helps. Try to incorporate these in to your meals on a regular basis and the results of radiant skins, healthy hair and good vibes and health will be yours to enjoy. 1. Broccoli – This is a nutritional wonder that some people love and others hate. Broccoli should be an essential part of your diet because it fights aging, potassium in broccoli is essential for a healthy nervous system and also the high amounts of magnesium and calcium helps regulate blood pressure. In addition, broccoli also contains high amounts of calcium, Vitamin C and betacarotene. 2. Kale – This is an excellent source of Vitamin A, C and K. As veggies go, kale provides you with a healthy source of calcium, which is quite useful, especially if you are going through menopause to avoid osteoporosis. Kale also contains folate and potassium, also vital minerals. 3. Turnip Greens – These green leafy veggies are extremely high in Vitamin A and K. They also contain healthy amounts of folate, magnesium, calcium, Vitamin C, potassium and a host of other nutrients. So, you should not throw away the top, leafy part of your turnips the next time you prepare a meal. 4. Spinach – Although we know that spinach is healthy, you Photo - Paweł Zawistowski really have no idea how healthy! If you have trouble with bowel movements, as it is packed with fiber, spinach is the green, leafy veggie you should consider. Other benefits of this wonder veggie are that it can fight cancer, especially in the prostate, contain anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in fighting age-related macular degeneration and provides bone health. So, go ahead, include a healthy serving of spinach into your plate. 5. Cabbage – This veggie too, as with other green, leafy veggies is high in Vitamin C and K and contain antiinflammatory properties. Cabbage is also high in antioxidants. Therefore, you should eat plenty of cabbage if you are worried about diabetes, heart disease and cancer. As we age, we tend to be more prone to all sorts of illnesses. Most of these illnesses can be avoided if our meals are healthy and we live a healthy life. This includes eating your greens and taking your vitamins and supplements. Make sure that your meals, for the day, contain at least, one green, leafy vegetable item. This way, you are on the right road to a healthy life. 34

January Movie Release Reviews The Last Stand

Movie 43

by stevendbeard

Aims to be disgusting...and succeeds by Peter Sogard

This is Arnold's first big leading role since he was the Govenator of California [he had only cameo parts in the Expendables] . It's directed by Jee-woon Kim and this is his first American film [you might have seen his 'A Tale of Two Sisters' or 'The Good, The Bad, The Weird'] . Here , Arnold plays a small town sheriff that left the big city life of the LAPD for a more quite lifestyle . Forest plays an FBI agent that is transporting a Mexican drug lord [and , of course , looses him] . The drug lord plans his escape to go right through Arnold's small town [for some reason , it's the only route to Mexico] and that's when the fireworks begin . Jaimie is one of Arnold's deputies , Johnny gets deputized [he has some firepower that comes in handy] and Peter is a henchman that works for the bad guys . Let's see , there is action , comedy , fast cars and explosions and even some future one-liners ["I'm the Sheriff!"] . What's not to like ? I would buy it on Blu-Ray.

The framework is essentially a pitch for a movie by an absolute sociopath played by Dennis Quaid. He holds a movie executive at gun-point and forces him to listen to his idea for a movie that can only be described as nonsensical. Most of the movie is spent producing the scenes from this nonsense and it's truly terrible material. For example, Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman play characters who go on a blind date and all appears too good to be true until Jackman takes off his scarf and reveals that he has a ******* hanging from his neck. The rest of the scene focuses around the awkward moments in a restaurant where Winslet's character is the only one shocked by this freakish deformity. It only gets worse from that point on, but I think that gives you a picture of the tone of the film and the ridiculous nature of the plot. The chance of you waling out are very high. I did.

Gangster Squad Just turn off your brain and enjoy Doesn't Disappoint...Good Plot, Well Executed...Lots Of by Stacey Jackson Action. by Alan Patterson

Parker

Jason Statham's movies are always action packed and this one is no exception. A better story here than most of his past attempts, coupled with Lopez, makes for a fine film. Although a bit formulaic as crime dramas go, it's easy to forget that when immersed in the action. All-inall this one is definitely worth the price of a ticket. See it. You won't be disappointed.

Take a bunch of square-jawed cops, add one scenerychewing Sean Penn, give them Tommy guns and film noir lingo, disengage your higher brain functions and have fun. And when you've had your fill of blood, explosions, fistfights and power drills to the head, there's always Emma Stone to look at, wearing dresses so slinky that a Slinky will slink back up the stairs in shame. 35

Broken City

A Haunted House

Intelligent Plot, Well Executed, More Editing Was Required. by Alan Patterson

by Candice MacGwire

Overall, this is a fine film populated with A-list talent. They all live up to their reps and deliver fine performances here. Still, they can only do what's on the page and it's obvious this play, and the consequential film, both required more editing. In a striking attempt to avoid all plot holes, the play becomes misdirected and convoluted. To make matters worse, the dialog is muddled and confused in places. Beyond these things, all-in-all, it's worth the price of a ticket. Take along your patience though, you'll need it for the payoff.

I wanted to see a stupid, senseless movie that would make me laugh, and this fit the bill. There were lots of laugh out loud scenes. Having said that, this movie had more to do with Marlon's obsession with all things sex than a haunted anything. Ridiculous amount of sexually explicit scenes and innuendos. But seriously, the 10 year old kid sitting a couple of seats away with her mom (quality parenting), has got to be scarred for life by the acts Marlon committed with innocent stuffed animals.

February's Featured Foundation Triple Step Towards A Cure

Team Triple Step with some of its Board of Directors While October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness month, patients, caregivers, survivors, and their families are reminded every single day of the impact this disease has had on their lives and the fact that the fight for a cure is far from over. And for three Bay Area women personally affected by triple negative breast cancer or TNBC, (a rare subtype of breast cancer that disproportionately affects young pre-menopausal women and women of color), reaching out to inform communities about this type of breast cancer while supporting women diagnosed with it is a year-round labor of love. After losing her sister and only sibling, Sheryl, to TNBC at the age of 42, Lori Flowers and her mother, Carole, felt compelled to do something that both honor Sheryl's memory and help educate other young women about this disease and support those fighting it. In August of 2009, Lori participated in a local breast cancer event where she met Dr. Melinda Telli, an oncologist from Stanford University who was passing out information about an ongoing clinical trial for TNBC patients. Dr. Telli and Lori discussed the need for an organization that would educate the public and assist patients, especially those in underserved communities in their fight against this still relatively unknown sub-type of breast cancer. 39

When Louisa Gloger learned she had breast cancer in September of 2009, she felt as if her world was coming to an end. In addition to becoming a breast cancer patient at the age of thirty-one, the diagnosis was triple negative breast cancer. Prior to her own diagnosis she had never heard of this type of breast cancer. Throughout her treatment, Louisa felt incredibly blessed to have the support of her community and access to an amazing medical team. As a result, she knew that as soon as she was able, she wanted to utilize her energy, education, and connections to fight the disease on a larger scale and to help other young women and women of color suffering from the disease. She also discussed her ideas for a non-profit with her doctors at both UCSF and Stanford, including Dr. Telli, who suggested she meet Lori and her mother, Carole, as they had similar aspirations. Three months later in December, Louisa, Lori and Carole finally met in person. All three believed that despite the circumstances, there was a positive reason for their paths crossing and in February 2010, they created Triple Step Toward the Cure®. Triple negative breast cancer lacks the three important receptors -- known as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) or Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER-2/neu)- shown to fuel most breast cancers and are used as targets for treatment. It does not respond to hormone treatments, making chemotherapy, radiation and surgery the current main options for survival. Although it only represents a small percentage of breast cancers overall, this particular sub-type is responsible for a large proportion of breast cancer deaths. Based in California, Triple Step Toward the Cure® provides general and financial support to women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer nationwide through its Community Resource Program. This support ranges from help with monthly rent or mortgage expenses, transportation costs, utility bills, groceries, and childcare to assistance locating clinical trials and quality medical care. Triple Step maintains its Community Resource Program primarily through donations and funds raised from activities such as its Annual “Stepping Towards the Cure®” 5K Fun Run & Walk, which takes place the second weekend in September in Northern California and the first weekend in October in Southern California. The organization also periodically holds other fundraising and awareness activities such as Shop Toward a Cure and Wellness Workshops. Now entering its third year, Triple Step’s founders are excited about their progress and the future goals. Lori notes, “We are thrilled at the support we have received thus far from many different communities across the country. This is important because many still believe that breast cancer is no longer an issue due to tremendous progress in breast cancer research that has led to an increase in survival rates. Unfortunately, we know this is not always the case with certain subtypes like triple negative, especially since current TNBC treatment options are so limited. Our goal is to raise awareness about this breast cancer subtype that is still taking our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in the prime of their lives and to support families bravely battling it each day.” Louisa adds, “We want to put more focus on this subtype so that increased efforts will be made to develop better treatment options and ultimately a cure. In the meantime, we will continue those diagnosed. I was extremely blessed to have the support of my community along with access to incredible doctors during my fight. Every TNBC patient deserves the same experience and we at Triple Step Toward the Cure are working to help ensure that.”

We encourage you to please "like" Triple Step's facebook page by clicking on the picture above. Once that's done, please share with everyone you know, and someday we'll find a cure! 40

L-R: Louisa Gloger, Carole Flowers-Clement, actor Kimberly Elise (one of the 2012 Stepping Towards the Cure 5K Ambassadors), and Lori Flowers.