Vol. 1, No. 3
November 2008
An Educational Guide
to Sustainability and Spiritual Well-being
COVER STORY: There’s no place like home: Equine sanctuary provides safe haven
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What in the world is happening? Is a new age of agrarian lifestyles on the horizon?
Greening Arizona’s business schools ‘Students need to understand green practices to succeed’
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Inward Bound Peace is the way: World peace via inner peace
Calendar of events A comprehensive listing of sustainable and spiritual events
Home of Underwood Gardens and Grandma's Garden Catalog
Hard-to-Find, Open-Pollinated and Heirloom Seeds for Herbs, Flowers and Vegetables Gardening Supplies and More Underwood Gardens
Terroir Seeds LLC
P.O. Box 4995, Chino Valley, AZ 86323
(888) 878-5247 www.underwoodgardens.com info@underwoodgardens.com
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November 2008
Columns Vol. 1, No. 3
November 2008
Cover story: No place like home: Equine sanctuary provides safe haven for neglected, abused animals
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5 ADEQ director 5 What in the world is happening? 6 Air Car shakes things up 7 Arizona business schools showing green trend
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Greenhouse gas plan less costly than critics suggest
Is a new age of agrarian lifestyles on the horizon?
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‘Students need to understand green practices to succeed’
Universe lends a 8 The hand to earth-friendly paper project
11 Sustainable Living
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Home energy audit can lead to reduced costs
ction books explore 12 Nonfi dialogues between men and the wilds they love
14 Green Minute 21 Thrift Store Finds 21 Nutrition News 22 Puzzle pages 24 Calendar 28 Antique or Junque 32 Eco Living
9Horses are people, too
Paul Smith demonstrates that when it comes to relationships, universal principles apply
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by Maya Joy Angeles
Page 15 economy increases 22Worsening role of volunteers in the state parks system
Movie Reviews by Jason Allen
ON THE COVER: Wynne Zuagg, director of Hacienda de los Milagros—Home of Miracles, shares a special moment with Wynne Junior. “No, I did not name him,” Zuagg said. Story on page 16. Photo by Pia Wyer November 2008
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An educational guide to sustainability and spiritual well-being
Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
Maya Joy Angeles Leilah Breitler Cherlyn Fargo John Hall Shawn Dell Joyce Anne McCollam Will McGown Sarah McLean Patricia Melchi James Moench Jim Parks Dominique Shilling Pia Wyer Earth Odyssey is published monthly by Pinon Pine Press LLC and is available online at pinonpinepress.com. Send comments and suggestions to: editor@pinonpinepress.com OR via U.S. mail to: Editor 1042 Willow Creek Road Ste A101-PMB 486 Prescott, AZ 86301 Phone: (928) 778-1782 The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or advertisers. Copyright © 2008. Pinon Pine Press, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission. For photo reprints, contact Pia Wyer at pia@ animistarts.com. Printed by Valley Newspapers 23043 N. 16th Lane, Phoenix, AZ Printed using soy inks.
November 2008
ADEQ director:
Greenhouse gas plan less costly than critics suggest By Megan Thomas Cronkite News Service
Quick facts about the Western Climate Initiative
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rizona’s participation in a regional pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would be much less costly than critics argue, and the cost would be small compared to that of not responding aggressively to climate change, the head of the state Department of Environmental Quality said. “People talk about sacrifices, they talk about impact, they talk about people paying more,” Steve Owens said in an interview with Cronkite News Service. “You haven’t seen significant costs until you see what might happen 40 or 50 years from now if we don’t do something now to control greenhouse gas emissions.” Arizona, six other states and four Canadian provinces that are part of the Western Climate Initiative unveiled a plan in September to cut their greenhouse emissions by 2020 to 15 percent below 2005 levels. It includes a cap on emissions that decreases over time and a system that would allow utilities and other businesses to trade pollution rights or offset emissions through actions such as planting trees. Owens said it’s incorrect for the consumers to assume that the plan would cause their electric bills to spike, and he blamed utility companies for creating that impression. “Every time we start to do something that asks the utility companies to limit the amount of pollution, they run around and claim that it’s going to cause utility rates to go through the roof and they’re not going to be able to keep the lights on,” Owens said. “It’s kind of the same old same old when you talk to them.” Richard Hayslip, associate general manager
Photo by Greg Lindsay/Cronkite News Service Steve Owens, director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, answers a question during an interview with Cronkite News Service. Owens said the cost of participating in a regional pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should be much less than opponents suggest and would be tiny compared to the cost of not acting to combat climate change.
for the Salt River Project, said utility companies try to provide honest appraisals of the impact of such plans. He said the Western Climate Initiative plan definitely would cost ratepayers more. “Anyone who thinks a program that isn’t carefully crafted like the Western Climate Initiative isn’t going to impact consumers is naïve,” Hayslip said. Owens, who is co-chair of the Western Climate Initiative, said members of the group are optimistic that the impact on consumers would be minimal, in part because
By Cronkite News Service Here are some quick facts about the Western Climate Initiative: • Launched in February 2007 by Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Utah, Montana and four Canadian provinces—British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec—have since joined • Officially observing the WCI’s actions are U.S. states Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nevada and Wyoming; the Canadian province of Saskatchewan; and the Mexican states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Sonora and Tamaulipas. • The group announced a plan in September to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 to 15 percent below 2005 levels. • The plan’s centerpiece is a cap-and-trade system that includes a limit on emissions that decreases over time and a system that allows utility companies and other businesses to trade pollution rights or offset emissions through actions such as planting trees. • The plan would begin in 2011 with participants reporting emissions. The cap-andtrade program would begin in 2012 with a three-year compliance period. In 2015, the program would be expanded to include transportation and residential, commercial and industrial fuels.
businesses would look for ways to reduce emissions at lower costs and help consumers use less energy. “I really do believe that at the end of the day, once this program is implemented, you’re not going to see significant price increases,” Owens said. “You’re just not going to have that and the utility companies and consumers and others are going to find much more cost-effective and cheaper ways to comply with this program.” Owens said climate change, which most scientists say is caused in large part by greenhouse gases, already is affecting Arizona in the form of higher temperatures and prolonged drought. Those changes will force Arizonans to pay more for air conditioning and to pay to
import water from other areas, he said. Owens said states that fall behind on reducing greenhouse gas emissions are going to be at a disadvantage because they will have to make greater cuts much more quickly in the future. “I don’t think anybody can dispute the fact that in the United States there will at some point be regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and there will be reductions in greenhouse gases emissions mandated by the federal government,” Owens said. For more information, see the Western Climate Initiative Web site at www.westernclimateinitiative.org and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at www.azdeq.gov.
Is a new age of agrarian lifestyles on the horizon?
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e are all paying attention now! With all the economic concerns swirling around the country and indeed the entire planet, it is difficult to focus this article on anything other than the current financial “Earth Changes.”As I am writing this article (on Sept. 29, 2008) the U.S. House of Representatives just voted against passing the Executive Branch’s proposal to bailout the U.S. banking system with an initial $700 billion worth of assistance. And now the entire House has taken a recess in recognition of the Jewish New Year! I suspect they will mosey on back later this week and pass some sort of a revision to the bill. Such a bailout may give us all a bit of breathing room, but it is not designed to really solve the problem. I draw the metaphor of an AMA doctor prescribing questionable drugs for a life-threatening ailment with the intention of making the patient’s symptoms disappear, but offering nothing toward healing the root cause of the symptoms. The
November 2008
world needs more than a bailout band-aid. It needs a “Naturopathic Economist” to repair the underlying fundamentals of the global financial system. What in the world might happen? We all hope and pray that there isn’t too much pain involved in getting us out of this crisis. During the coming years, might we somehow develop an effective fix to our financial institutions and further evolve into a more solid system of global economics? Or, might the credit bubble be totally destroyed,
thereby forcing us into a new age of agrarian lifestyles of community cooperatives based on a direct system of bartering and different mediums of exchange? Which of these possibilities would you prefer? And what other possible outcomes might we expect? I think most of us would prefer to see the status quo maintained, even if for a short period. We all have grown to require certain comforts. North Americans especially have become very accustomed to what I will refer to as a FAT lifestyle. Dare I call it an OBESE style of living, where many of us would experience great difficulty surviving off the land, even if we were plunked down onto a lush tropical rainforest? Here we are in the arid southwestern part of North America, where the growing season is short and water is scarce. If our network of system-supplied utilities (water, electricity, gas, communications, sewerage) were to be interrupted by a total breakdown of our economic system, there surely would be chaos in the cities and confusion in the rural areas. Many would die simply of fear. So let’s hope we can maintain some sem-
Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
blance of our current ways of living. Let’s pray for all of the forthcoming economic conditions to prompt all of us into a smarter way of living in loving communities of cooperation and selflessness. Let’s manifest a new mindset of frugality and ingenuity that will spurn a new breed of leaders who will direct us into an era of Earth consciousness, environmental sustainability and local self-sufficiency. I do know that the current conditions are all in Perfect Divine Order. One by one, we are joining together into an already established grid of unity consciousness. Last month’s writing of this monthly column discussed certain other Earth changes having to do with the shifting of the magnetic field within and around our planet, and also the possibility of a drastic polar shift at some time in the near future. Are these Earth changes somehow connected to the possible demise of the current financial markets? Time will tell. Next month, I will report on “What else in the world is happening.” John Hall is a co-owner of the Crystal Lotus Gallery and Spiritual Life Center, located on Highway 87 in Pine, Arizona.
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Air Car shakes things up—introduces name change
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he air vehicles in development at MDI now have model names that will be stamped on the lightweight panels of the final production cars. MDI said the overall car brand will be the FlowAIR. The existing prototypes will retain their first names to now become the One FlowAIR, Mini FlowAIR, and City FlowAIR. The urban public transportation concept vehicles will be know as the Multi FlowAIR. The renaming of the original CAT (Compressed Air Technology) brand was prompted by a request from Caterpillar, which uses CAT in certain products. After considerable thought, FlowAIR was chosen as a marriage of Flow (flow in English) and AIR in French and English. And it is playful twist on Flower (in English), which refers to the both the ecological concept of the MDI product and the MDI logo’s visual characteristics.
New air car introduced A new compressed air vehicle has been welcomed into the MDI family. On Oct. 9, MDI unveiled its answer to the need for clean air and urban mobility—the AIRPod. With its low price, zero pollution, high range and playful, futuristic design, the AIRPod marks a turning point in the nexus of auto-
in each of the rear wheels. Very light—only 485 pounds for the passenger version—it is able to run up to 137 miles, with a top speed of 43 mph. AIRPod is the result of MDI studies on pollution and urban mobility. It will be the first vehicle to come off MDI production lines in spring 2009. The four-door, six-seat U.S. Courtesy photo model will be The AIRPod is the newest compressed air vehicle to join the MDI family. available in 2010. MDI had originally planned to take mobile and urban transportation. reservations for the vehicle in 2008, but now Besides the compressed air engine, the plan to do so in 2009, as they now anticipate AIRPod has another unusual feature: a joydemand to far exceed the early production stick instead of a steering wheel. All controls capability. are “by wire,” with no mechanical connection among components. New engine developments It is surprisingly roomy. While it is only 6.8 feet long, 5.2 feet wide and 5.7 feet tall, The new supplemental-energy compressed it has room for four people (three adults and air engine (CAE) will dramatically increase one child). both range and speed—to the tune of 800 Direction is provided by different speeds miles and up to 100 miles per hour—while
producing much lower emissions than a conventional car engine of the same power. Guy Negre and his MDI team have essentially taken the mono-energy engine used in the Air Car prototype and added a supplementary energy source of either fossil fuel (petrol, diesel or LPG) or biofuel (vegetable oil, alcohol, biodiesel or even gas) to heat the compressed air inside a “heating chamber” as it enters the engine. This process increases the volume of the compressed air. The result is more sustained power to the engine, increasing vehicle range and speed. The heating chamber kicks in when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 35 miles per hour or when the compressed-air tanks are empty. When in fuel mode, the car’s motoalternator refills the tank with compressed air as the vehicle moves. An eight-gallon tank of gas will have a fuel efficiency of 106 miles per gallon equivalent when in fuel-mode. When operating on supplementary fuel the dual-energy engine—unlike the mono-energy engine—does produce CO2 emissions, but very little: only 0.158lbs of CO2 per mile. This is up to four times less than the average vehicle and two times less than the cleanest vehicle available today. (Toyota Prius 07 Emissions: 0.34 lbs of CO2 per mile. Source: www.hybridcars.com) To see an engine animation, visit http://zeropollutionmotors.us/?page_id=64.
Don’t throw away computer, cell phones
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ant to get rid of that old computer, cell phones etc. Dumping is not an option! Did you know that the casings can contain (PBDEs) polybrominated biphenyls? These PBDEs are toxic fire retardants that can migrate out of plastics into the dust in your air. Materials also used in your computers may contain neurotoxic heavy metals such lead, mercury and cadmium. We all know that when these products are dumped in the soil they letch into ground water. So what do we do with those extra motherboards, screens, mouses and keyboards? Reuse parts of your computer when possible. You can remove the memory from your computer and store it in a plastic bag. If your computer is still running and you are upgrading, you might want to find out if the store you purchased it from has an upgrade or trade out program. Many companies will recycle your old computer for you. See if a computer repair shop may want to take the old one off your hands to recycle its parts. A local nonprofit organization may benefit from your unwanted computer. Also call your local schools. Don’t forget to back up all your files and keep it all on a disk. You don’t want to pass on any of your personal information when disposing your unwanted computer. In and around Phoenix, there are AZ Strut refurbishing centers and schools, which teach
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students about the importance of recycling and rebuilding electronics for our future. Here is a list of centers: Chandler High School, East Valley Institute of Technology, Gilbert High School, Mesa High School, Metro Tech High School, Red Mountain High School, Tempe High School, Arizona State Prison (all five sites), East Valley Volunteers. Don’t hesitate to network out. Every effort we make counts for cleaning up our environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list of resources as well. See http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm. Look in the yellow pages for recycling
Photo by Patricia Melchi Computer casings may contain polybrominated biphenyls, which are toxic fire retardants that can migrate out of plastics into the dust in your air. Old computers should be properly recycled.
Photo by Patricia Melchi Old computers and cell phones can be recycled. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of companies that recycle cell phones. Recycling cell phones is good for the environment and those in need.
resources in your town.
not know where to recycle them. Recycling cell phones results in significant environmental savings and can benefit those in need. Check out their Web site at epa.gov/cellphones. Here you will find resources galore for where to send your phones. As for your miscellaneous electronics, try reselling on craigslist.org, where you can post an ad for free. Check repair shops to see if they would like to take them and reuse components. Also call the company that makes your electronics and see if they provide a program. With each of us making a little effort we can reduce our personal carbon foot print one step at a time. Patricia Melchi is a writer, artist and avid recycler who lives in Tacoma, Wash. She can be reached via e-mail at patriciamelchi@yahoo.com.
Cell phones What about those darn cell phones? All electronics have components that can be reused or recycled. If your phone works or is just out dated, see about donating it to someone who can’t afford to purchase a new one. I have had success in reselling—at a reasonable price— phones I no longer use. Don’t forget to delete all your personal information out of your cell phone memory. The EPA has joined forces with cell phone companies to recycle those old phones. The EPA has targeted cell phone recycling because fewer than 20 percent of cell phones are recycled each year and most people do
Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
November 2008
Arizona business schools showing green trend ‘Students need to understand green practices to succeed’ By Andrew J. Shainker Cronkite News Service
Sustainability offerings in Arizona business schools
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ydney Mullins planned to concentrate in management when she entered Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. But the essence of business is recognizing opportunities, and she sees one in sustainability. “I learned in orientation that businesses throughout the Valley are constantly looking for college graduates who can promote and design an eco-friendly establishment,” Mullins said. In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Business offering specializations in traditional subjects such as finance, accounting and marketing, starting this school year students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Business that offers a specialization in sustainability. Mullins, a freshman who started at ASU in August, is switching to the new degree. “I love the environment and I love business, and now I can learn about both,” she said. ASU’s interdisciplinary degree reflects a green trend among business schools. The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management is preparing a curriculum to add green business principles to its MBA degree, and Northern Arizona University and the Thunderbird School of Global Management make sustainability part of business studies. The W.P. Carey School of Business developed its new degree after a team of professors and academic advisers saw a demand for individuals who could design and run ecofriendly companies or make existing companies greener, said Tim Desch, assistant dean for undergraduate admissions. “We believe individuals who choose a sustainability emphasis will be in great demand,” Desch said. “Many businesses are looking for experts in the field to come in and guide them through this process, from building green structures to converting a workforce that will accommodate the environment.” ASU’s new degree also offers concentrations in communication, tourism management and urban policy, which along with sustainability are areas that traditionally haven’t been combined with business education. About 1,000 students are pursuing the a business degree, and of those approximately 100 are pursuing the sustainability concentration. Luis Aguilera, a freshman, said the degree appealed to him because he enjoyed a high school class on the environment. “We are getting into an environmental age,” Aguilera said. “I think understanding issues such as fuel efficiency and conservation will lead to people making great decisions in the future.” Business students concentrating in sustainability will take classes at ASU’s School of Sustainability, which was established in 2007
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By Cronkite News Service Here are examples of how business schools in Arizona are incorporating green subjects: • W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University—New Bachelor of Arts in Business offers specialization in sustainability. • Eller College of Management, University of Arizona—Developing a curriculum on green business practices to add to MBA courses. • W.A. Franke College of Business, Northern Arizona University—Added six courses focusing on sustainability. • Thunderbird School of Global Management—Core programs this year added modules on global citizenship.
Photo by Andrew Shainker/Cronkite News Service Sydney Mullins, a freshman in Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, says she is changing her major to pursue a new Bachelor of Arts in Business that allows her to specialize in sustainability. The new interdisciplinary degree is part of a green trend among Arizona’s business schools.
with a goal of developing professionals and scholars who can address environmental, economic and social challenges related to sustainability. Sustainability plays a role in other programs at Carey School. For example, an MBA course on managing enterprise systems had added a module focusing on conservation and energy consumption. And business graduate students can participate in an eight-year research focusing on bettering the environment through business. The UA’s Eller College of Management plans to add green business principles to its MBA degree next year. Paul Portney, the school’s dean, said the curriculum could involve case studies on solar power, water conservation, clean vehicles and other environmentally friendly technologies. “Eller College students at all levels are interested in careers that will be both financially rewarding for them and also good for society,” Portney said in an e-mail interview.
Northern Arizona University’s W.A. Franke College of Business offers two courses dealing entirely with environmental subjects and five others with environmen-
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tal components. Eric Yordy, the college’s interim associate dean, said students need to understand green practices to succeed. “For example, an individual majoring in marketing who understands the green movement can look at products from a new angle and have a huge advantage over other students,” Yordy said. The Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale has changed its mission statement to say it educates leaders who create sustainable prosperity worldwide, and core programs this year added modules on global citizenship. “Sustainability is going to be forced upon business whether they like it or not,” said Gregory Unruh, director of Thunderbird’s Lincoln Center for Ethics in Global Management.
November 2008
Peace is the way: World peace via inner peace
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ost people admit that world peace is something they’d like to see in their lifetime. It’s not usually one of the reasons, however, people give for wanting to learn to meditate. Solutions to the conflict and the disasters facing the world today are on the minds of most of us. Along with hearing the news that we just might be on the brink of financial disaster, there are plenty of wars going on right now between and within nations. History has shown us that it’s not possible to legislate against conflict. Perhaps this is because wars are first fought in the minds of humans—and it is nearly impossible to change someone’s mind—never mind enacting legislation to change the way someone thinks. Thoughts such as, “things should be different than they are,” “this person should act a different way,” “they shouldn’t have done that,” “those people should believe what we believe,” or “their natural resources should be shared with us,” are the seeds of disagreement that can grow into, in extreme circumstances, war or some other calamity. I have spent many hours trying to change people’s minds. Not only have I worked within the mind/body health field to encourage complementary medicine, but also I’ve lobbied for legislation to protect National Forests, conserve water, encourage commercial recycling, educate people about
green building and alternative energy and to promote humane treatment of animals. And yes, sometimes I have found myself arguing with those who don’t agree with me. Unfortunately, disagreements do not usually create peace, and they usually don’t net the results I am looking for. Most people have heard Einstein’s assertion that goes something like this: You can’t solve a problem with the same thinking that created it. This is why I always come back to meditation. It is different thinking.... literally. Through meditation a shift naturally occurs—instead of being at war with what is, I more easily experience a sense of peace with the way things are. This doesn’t mean I roll over and give up my convictions, but it simply means I can be more peaceful while advocating change.
In addition to finding more peace within, meditation can create an effect in our environment (this might sound a bit far-fetched but I am writing to you from Sedona). As long ago as 1974 people have been experimenting with meditation to create change in their own minds and their environment. Studies have shown that where the proportion of people in any community practicing a silent meditation, reached a particular threshold (about 1 percent of the population), changes started to occur in social trends. Crime, road accidents and hospital admissions decreased. It may seem surprising that a few people meditating—simply meditating—not thinking of anything in particular—can, by the effect of their practice, influence the behavior of others in the environment, but it does make sense that our behavior is affected by the quality of our environment. This research gives great hope to those who have the vision of a better quality of life for humankind and all life. When two nearby loudspeakers emit the same sound, these sound waves create a synergistic effect. They produce a sound volume equivalent to four loudspeakers (the square of the number of speakers, which is two). This is a universal principle of wave behavior, and commonly held knowledge in physics. When individuals meditating together in a group generate a ripple in consciousness or awareness, the power of their combined waves grows as the square of the number of
individuals. So if four people were meditating, it could conceivably affect 16 people in their environment in a positive way. Research confirms even relatively small groups can have enormous impact on their environment, and therefore their society. Perhaps the reason that meditation as a means to peace hasn’t garnered much media attention is because with meditation there is no conflict, no drama, no winner or no loser, there is nothing to buy and little money to be made from it. It is simple, anyone can do it, and it just might work. Here is my simple formula to increase peace in your life and in your environment. 1. Learn to meditate. 2. Meditate every day for at least 20 minutes. 3. Meditate with a group whenever possible. 4. Ask yourself, Who am I? What is my heart’s desire? What is my purpose in life? And listen. 5. Speak your truth sweetly. 6. Walk your talk. 7. Don’t take anything personally. 8. Live in the present moment. (Of course I have a lot more advice, but this is a start.) Sarah McLean is the director of Sedona Meditation Training & Retreats and is certified and recommended by Dr. Deepak Chopra. She can be reached via e-mail at meditate@esedona.net, phone at (928) 204-0067 or fax at (866) 6541705. You can also visit online at http://www. SedonaMeditation.com.
The Universe lends a hand to earth-friendly paper project By Patricia Melchi
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fter spending a week out of town, I arrived home to find a mountain of mail, newspapers, magazines and advertisements neatly stacked two feet deep on the kitchen table. It took me a half-hour to sort through bills and shred the excessive amount of credit card offers and junk mail. I went to throw the newspapers into the recycle bin, which was already over flowing with three days left before the recycling pick up day. I looked around and realized I have been overwhelmed and inundated by paper products for as long as I can remember. I always tried to be a good steward on this planet by recycling and such, but I realized I was accumulating quite a bit of consumer waste all by myself. Paper is the number one throw-away waste material on our planet. For every 100 pounds of trash we throw away, 35 pounds is some form of paper product. Newspapers take up about 14 percent of landfill space, and paper in packaging accounts for another 20 percent. We can reduce these figures. I must admit I saved every paper receipt, every paper bill, articles from newspapers, greeting cards and letters that come my way. My filing system is simple, I throw my stuff in a box and put it out of sight and out of mind. Last year I began going through those boxes. The amount of paper I had acquired was
November 2008
staggering; and unfortunately only 2 percent of the contents got recycled and the other 98 percent ended up in another box that seemed to multiply itself in the abyss down in my basement. This year was different; the boxes had to go. I needed to downsize and get a better filing system in place. I needed to think out of the box. My mission was to end the cycle of clutter, organize my life and do something good for the planet. I was going to start my new mission by going to the local thrift store to buy a filing cabinet to reuse. So off I went. As I was driving down the street, there at the corner was a gift from the universe. To my surprise someone had put a two-drawer filing cabinet on the curb with a free sign attached. Now, if that wasn’t a sign! Talk about instant manifestation. I quickly pulled over to the side of the road and promptly loaded my new filing system and drove straight home. With my new filing cabinet in place, I began the arduous task of letting go of the things I thought I needed to keep. As boxes of memories turned into bags of shredded paper, a sense of accomplishment and freedom emerged. Yeah! I was regaining
order in my life again. Fifteen years of paperwork turned into five large garbage bags of shredded paper. Every important piece of paper was neatly filed into two drawers. I had space in my basement again. My mission was complete, except now what do I do with all this shredded paper? How can I reduce my paper use? To start with, I went paperless with my bills. I simply opened an account at my bank to do automatic bill pay. No more paper bills and I save money by not needing so many stamps. By the way, if you don’t own a computer, you can go to your local library and use theirs for free. I have always looked for creative ways for reusing, reducing and recycling over the years. Here are a few ideas for the savvy recyclers out there. Ways to reuse your shredded paper—voilà instant stuffing for pet beds. Free packing for moving, filler or stuffing for craft projects. If you save bags of shredding, you can give it away via free ads online. Use free sources like “craigslist.org” or “Kijiji.com.” Don’t forget your local freebies such as The Shopper, Penny Saver and your local newspaper. It is easy to give away packing and fillers.
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Call your local no kill shelters and see if you can donate to the cause. If you are into crafts such as papier-maché or paper making, your newspapers can be reused in art. There are many sites on the Web that give you free lessons online. A great online source of facts and links for kids can be found when you Google “EIA kids page” on the Internet. Another cool site is “Ecologue.” They offer free how-to videos for reusing, reducing and recycling paper products. Another way to recycle or reuse: Roll your newspapers into tight logs tied with string to use as starter logs that burn in your fire place for a good long time. You can purchase a newspaper log roller online, or better yet, check your local thrift shops. Don’t forget we leave a carbon paper trail when we burn papers. Insulation in your home? Opt for the recycled products to make a huge dent with your heating and cooling bills. Did you know that cellulose insulation is 75 percent to 85 percent recycled paper? Post consumer waste can be used wisely. Think outside the box and recycle that cardboard, let’s help ourselves by helping our planet. Pay it forward and plant one tree. Patricia Melchi is a writer, artist and avid recycler who lives in Tacoma, Wash. She can be reached via e-mail at patriciamelchi@yahoo.com.
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Horses are people, too
Paul Smith demonstrates that when it comes to relationships, universal principles apply By Mary Lin t’s an icy January day at the Chauncey Ranch just south of Prescott, Arizona, and the wind scours unrelentingly across the sparse grass of the high desert. But Paul Smith, cowboy hat pulled low and collar of his fleece-lined denim jacket turned high, and the dozen or so mounted students who’ve joined him for this Prescott College Relational Horsemanship class, aren’t thinking about the cold. Their eyes are intent on a cluster of horses at the other end of the enclosure. In a low voice, Paul directs their attention to a bay mare who has opened her stance, signaling that she’s accepted the group. One of the students sidles up, calmly slides a rope over her neck, halter over head. Gradually, one by one, the students find approaches to the other horses and move in, gathering in the last of the herd. A far cry from the stereotypical whoopin’ and hollerin’ roundups of the Westerns filmed in this area in past decades, Paul and his students are demonstrating a new awareness and approach to working with horses. In the bargain, they’re learning a whole lot about themselves. It’s an approach that works: More than half of the students in this group had never ridden a horse the week prior, but all appear relaxed and easy in the saddle. “Relationships with horses, just like people, need to be developed, and they take a lot of the same skills,” he explained. “It takes listening, observing and building trust. When you’re out on the trail for days on end, or even just taking in a ride around the pasture, you and your horse rely on one another to keep each other safe.” These relationships are the subject of Paul’s
journey across the entire Arizona Trail. Students will develop self-awareness and horsemanship skills—and more. The extended length of the trip allows for in-depth study of how the maintenance of healthy relationships and the completion of significant tasks affect individual and group abilities to make effective and sustainable choices. “The principles of relational horsemanship aren’t new; in fact, they’re fairly universal,” he said. “They lay the framework for relationships of many kinds, human and human-tohuman and the natural world.” Reprinted with permission from Prescott College Transitions. Longtime Yavapai County resident Mary Lin works as the Marketing and Public Relations Director at Prescott College. Prescott College offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Ph.D.s and noncredit educational adventure programs emphasizing student-directed, experience-based learning by doing, environmental and cultural awareness and social justice. www.prescott.edu.
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November 2008
Courtesy Photos Prescott College Professor Paul Smith leads a Relational Horsemanship class, which is also the subject of his doctoral studies in sustainability education at the college.
doctoral studies in the Sustainability Education Ph.D. program at Prescott College. Paul’s studies will culminate in a 24-credit expeditionary course in which he and a research partner will lead eight students on a historic
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Read your Sun, Ascending and Moon sign. An astrologer can help you find all of the planets places on the day that you were born.
Keep an open mind about a loved one who may need to make their own way. Spend time with someone you care about.
Scorpio—October 24–November 22 You may find that you need a change of pace or that you want to be by yourself. Scorpio, more than others, may need to have some space to regroup or just enjoy themselves. Do something special just for you. Take stock of your abilities and the things that you value in your life.
Aries—March 21–April 19 You may find that others tell you their secrets or confide in you. Now is a good time to pay attention to your night dreams and learn to remember and explore them. You could get positive gain or good news from a family member. It may not be tangible but could make you happier.
Sagittarius—November 23–December 22 Positive acknowledgment comes your way. Sagittarius tends to have a naturally positive outlook, which is a major asset to you and others. Keeping busy at something useful is a tonic for you. No matter if you are doing what needs to be done or helping someone else, make time for you to rest.
Taurus—April 20–May 20 Relationships with self, others and community are important at this time. Situations that involve others can be rewarding. Travel, even short distances, can be lucky and/or gainful at beginning of month. Sometimes you need to take the long way around someone or something.
Capricorn—December 23–January 20 Take time to relax and do something that you enjoy. The little things can really mean a lot. Travel at this time may not go as smooth as planned. You hear unusual news that could change your mind about something important to you. You find a new way of looking at something you already know. Aquarius—January 21–February 19 Your career, reputation or purpose is chang-
Dominique Shilling, MAFA, is a counselor and astrologer with a practice in the Valley. For an appointment, contact her at Way to the Light Within, (602) 279-2941 or check out her Web site at www.way2light.com.
ing. Recognize the value in your personality and abilities. Be careful about what you let go of now. Something you thought you were through with could seem to be more valuable in near future. Trust your judgment. Pisces—February 20–March 20 This could be a time for travel, education and/or gaining new skills. You may also find yourself looking at what you believe about spirituality. Going to extremes is not good.
Gemini—May 22–June 21 It is likely that you will be busier at this time. Changes around your work could improve your situation. It could be tasks, or something involving your coworkers. If you have pets, take time to pay special attention to them. A partner or child draws nearer now. Focus on improving health. Cancer—June 22–July 23 Do something fun and entertaining. Be like a
child and/or involve yourself with a child or children. Chances of romance are heightened if you practice letting go. You will find that others attracted to you even more now. Enjoy it. Desire, if not necessity to travel comes at unexpected time. Leo—July 24–August 23 Home, security and physical energy are issues that you could be dealing with now. What we focus on tends to grow. You may want to make a list of what is working well in your life. Also take time to do or at least put your mind to things that you enjoy. There is a secret about romance. Virgo—August 24–September 23 Self improvement favored. Unusual message could bring up something from the past. Avoid reading more into things than is already there. You may have a statement you need to make. You are strong enough now that if you make a promise to yourself you are very likely to prevail. Libra—September 24–October 23 An out-of-town visitor comes to your home or calls. Planets lend positive energy to your comfort and sense of security. Take advantage by making improvements around your home. This is a great time to plan ahead for future needs. Look to the past, celebrate the positive things you have done.
Dominique takes an in-depth look at the stars
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merica is currently experiencing the beginning of some interesting times to say the least. An astrological explanation of what is happening in our country and all over the world would have to involve the planet Pluto. At the beginning of this year, in late January, we had Pluto move from Sagittarius into Capricorn for the first time in 246 years. Later this month on Nov. 27, Pluto will be going back into the sign of Capricorn, where it will stay for a total of 16 years. Pluto is the farthest planet from our Sun in our solar system. It usually takes about 248 years to go around the Sun. The longest time that Pluto has ever spent in a sign is 31.5 years and its shortest amount is 11.5 years. When you think of 20 being average, 16 years is not too bad. Because its orbit is off center, there are times when Pluto is closer to the Sun than Neptune. Note that Astrologers have not banished Pluto as a planet as the astronomers have. It is still used and referred to as a planet. Astrologers consider Pluto as the most intense and powerful of the nine planets that orbit our Sun. Some describe Pluto as both the creator and the destroyer. Its energy is about tearing down and then rebuilding in a new improved way. This “Dark Planet” represents death and decay followed by rebirth and renewal. Pluto is like the mythical Phoenix bird that is destroyed by fire and then rises up from the ashes to live again. Each time Pluto passes through one of the Zodiac signs, it is there to change and reform. The last time that Pluto was in the sign of Capricorn was from 1762 to 1777. People re-
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belled against authority and political patterns were disrupted. The outcome was improvement in government administration and organization. Work ethic and social position were also areas of emphasis. Here are some possibilities where Pluto’s transformation process could apply to while it is traveling through the sign of Capricorn: governments, labor laws and unions, land, systems, services and organizations of all sorts. We have already noticed the effects of global warming, the oil crisis and the shrinking of other natural resources, wars and the slow economy. When putting together traits common in both Pluto and Capricorn we find that the change will be gradual. Pluto changes things in stages and Capricorn is known for having the patience to go slowly but surely. It is just like the goat climbing to the top of the hill. He takes his next step only when he is sure that he has strong footing. It is easier to be patient when you know where you are going. And the goat has already made himself a promise that he will get there. He sees it happening before he even takes the first step. This month’s Retrograde Planets: Uranus moves to 20 degrees of Pisces and it will start moving forward again Nov. 27. Neptune will go direct on Nov. 1. The following paragraphs are broken down by weeks. Monday the 3rd’s Venus Sagittarius square Saturn Virgo can seem limiting. It is like the feeling that personal freedom is stifled in some way. We may notice people wanting to break from traditional ways. With Venus Sagittarius square Uranus Pisces can seem to impede
progress. Keep an open mind and use your creativity to make the best of any unexpected changes. On this same day, we also have Mercury Libra sextile Pluto Sagittarius, which enhances ability to go deeper and reveal unseen information. On election day, the 4th, Mars Scorpio square Neptune Aquarius is akin to taking action before thinking. Get the facts before making any important decisions. People could seem hard to satisfy. With Saturn Virgo square Uranus Pisces ideas and sense of freedom could seem to be challenged. Also, on this day Mercury moves from Libra into the constellation of the Scorpion. Wednesday the 5th Venus Sagittarius sextile Neptune Aquarius is a great time to do something creative and/or anything that requires imagination. Many may want to escape from reality by watching a movie or reading a good book. Sun Scorpio sextile Jupiter Capricorn on the 10th, shines light on all the positive tangibles in our lives. Look around at all the good in your life, the people, places, and things. What we focus on expands. On the same day, Sun Scorpio trine Uranus Pisces can bring a new and interesting twist to usual routine. Tuesday, the 11th’s Sun Scorpio sextile Saturn Virgo makes it easier to think in a logical manner. This could be a perfect time to organize and put things in order. Venus Sagittarius conjunct Pluto lends energy to tasks that require discipline. On the 12th, Venus goes into Capricorn and we also have a Full Moon at 21 Taurus— which is exact at 11:19 p.m. MST. Jupiter Capricorn sextile to Uranus Pisces is good for taking risks. This can also a favorable time
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for taking a new approach to something that needs to be energized or infused with new life! Thursday the 13th has Sun Scorpio square Neptune Aquarius, the best thing to do would be to stick to routine. Saturday’s Mercury Scorpio trine Uranus Pisces makes it a great day to get together with friends for conversation and exploration. Ability to find solutions is also enhanced by this planetary combination. Mars moves into the constellation of Sagittarius on Sunday the16th. Mercury in Scorpio sextiles Jupiter Capricorn. This is a good time to make decisions. Mercury Scorpio sextile Saturn Virgo enhances mental ability. On Monday the 17th Mercury Scorpio squares Neptune Aquarius, save work that involves planning or problem solving for another day. Friday’s Jupiter Capricorn trine Saturn Virgo is good for dealing with things that need to be done. It is also a good day to start a new project related to your work. Energy put toward improving your career could pay off in the long run. The Sun goes into Sagittarius on the 21st. Mercury moves into Sagittarius on the 23rd. Mercury conjunct the Sun on Tuesday is good for conversation. This planetary combination activates mental ability, and makes it easier to generate ideas. Communication with authority figures is also favored. On the 27th, Uranus goes into Capricorn. We also have the New Moon, which will be exact at 5 Sagittarius at 9:55 a.m. MST. The 28th’s Venus Capricorn sextile Uranus Pisces could inspire people to do something unusual or different. Mercury Sagittarius conjunct Mars heightens mental and physical energy.
November 2008
Home energy audit can lead to reduced costs
W
ith stocks plummeting, home heating prices soaring and a recession in full swing, many people look toward winter with fear and trepidation. One of the best ways to alleviate this fear is to take a positive action like conducting a home energy audit. Almost half of our energy use goes into heating and cooling our homes. We already pay an average of 20 percent more in home heating costs, so any way you can reduce your costs will pay for itself. A professional home-energy audit costs $100 to $300, but if you take the auditor’s recommendations, you will quickly make that money back. Some states, like New York, will reimburse you for the cost of the audit, and make you eligible for a low-interest loan (2 percent) to pay for major renovations. If you take out the loan and make the improvements, the money you save on your electric bill could cover the loan payment, often with plenty left over. If you plan to go solar, or incorporate some form of renewable energy into your home, the same program will pay for half the installed cost. Having a trained eye look at your home is invaluable. My auditor spotted right away that my furnace was operating at 80 percent efficiency in spite of just being serviced. He also found some leaky and uninsulated ductwork we had never noticed. The blower door is a tool that auditors use to test your home’s envelope. They install a powerful fan that fits exactly into an open outer door. The air is sucked out of your house causing negative air pressure. The auditor walks around with a hand held smoke machine and points out the major gaps and leaks, usually around doors and window frames. If added together, these gaps and leaks can equal a huge hole in your wall. Here are a few ways my home energy audit helped me save money and reduce energy use: Just by caulking all the gaps and leaks, we could save almost $1,000 off our annual heating and cooling bills. Even if we hired a contractor to do this and had to pay $4,500 for caulking, we would make that investment back in less than five years. You could not get a rate of return that good on the stock market right now. One of the most obvious leaks in any
November 2008
By Shawn Dell Joyce
Photo by Shawn Dell Joyce. The findings from a home energy audit can help you find ways your home is using valuable resources inefficiently and to save on your energy costs.
home is an uninsulated attic and basement. We were losing much of our heat right though the roof of our house. An investment of about $1,500 added six more inches of insulation in our attic and made a considerable difference in how warm the house feels,
and how much energy we use to heat it. We reinsulated many of our outside walls at the same time, and were able to cut our home heating costs dramatically last year. If you have an uninsulated basement, insulating exposed crawlspace ceilings and walls
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could save you as much as $800 annually, depending on the size of your house. Again, if you paid someone to do it, you would make a return on your investment in less than five years. Switching out your incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED lights can save you 20 percent on your electric bill. The more bulbs you replace the greater your savings. About 14 percent of our home energy use is spent on keeping water hot at all times. Buying an on demand water heater will save you the cost of that new water heater in about two to three years. Appliances and cooking can account for 33 percent of home energy use. If you replace older appliances with Energy Star Rated appliances, you can save about $100 per year, per appliance on average. These savings help to offset the cost of the new appliance over the years. Replacing windows can be expensive, making the payback period much longer. In my case, we would save $30 to $50 annually with a payback period of 10 years. We opted instead to invest in window inserts to use during the winter. An immediate action you can take is to cover every window with clear plastic window sheeting from your local hardware store. It curbs heat transfer and will save energy. To find a qualified energy auditor near you, go to www.energystar.gov and click the “partners” tab. You can look up a home energy rater by state. If you can’t find an auditor, do-it-yourself by gathering last year’s utility bills and using the “Home Energy Yardstick” option on www.energystar.gov to get energy saving home improvement advice from Energy Star. Shawn Dell Joyce is an award-winning sustainable artist and activist living in a green home in the Mid-Hudson region of New York. Contact her by e-mail Shawn@ShawnDellJoyce.com.
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Nonfiction books explore dialogues between men and the wilds they love By Mary Lin
C
olorado river guide and boatsman Bert Loper, the subject of a new biography by Brad Dimock, succumbed to the river he loved in a fatal boating expedition a decade or so before naturalist and writer Craig Childs was born. Yet, had the two intrepid adventures ever met, it’s easy to imagine them hunched over a campfire at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, wearing only shreds of clothing, laughing as they review their latest escapade. One imagines them scaling a rock wall with the barest of equipment, or evading the jaws of a mountain lion, sharing the bond of adventurers who are most alive when up against the raw wildness of the land they love so fiercely. Craig’s latest book, The Animal Dialogues: Uncommon Encounters in the Wild, comprises a series of essays inspired by his encounters with one or more members of a species, revealing the loping, entwined thoughts of a naturalist whose mind is stocked with a lifetime of encounters with—and solitary meditations on—the dialogue between man and nature. They are terrifying and tender by turns. As much poet as naturalist (he admits that poet Sharon Olds tops his reading list of late), Childs paints miniatures that require lingering reflection, word pictures that can’t be rushed. It takes little effort to discern the poetry shimmering in his prose: “Quiet dreams are sunk into the pillows.... there is a breeze on my face...I....open my eyes like carefully peeling the shell of an Easter egg. A hummingbird is floating just above my nose....a male with a throat the color of fresh raspberries, its back iridescent green like a metallic scarab.” In The Very Hard Way, Dimock, on the other hand, recounts the details of Loper’s life, roughsawn Western character that he was, with a historian’s painstaking devotion to detail. He sifts through official documents, letters and the firsthand recountings of adventures
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Man vs. Nature
Courtesy Photo Craig Childs is writer who focuses on natural sciences, archaeology and mind-blowing journeys into the wilderness.
The Animal Dialogues: Uncommon Encounters in the Wild By Craig Childs Little, Brown and Company, 2007
Courtesy Photo Brad Dimock is a writer, river guide and aspiring hermit living in Flagstaff. He was a commercial boatman for more than 25 years in Grand Canyon and the rivers of Utah, Alaska, Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
and misadventures by Loper’s friends and foes, characters sprung fresh from the pages of a Clint Eastwood screenplay, and patchworks a tale of love, stubbornness and life at the raw limits of civilization. The protagonists of both works, Childs and Loper (and author Dimock, for that matter) are clearly lovers of words. Childs said he wrote for decades wherever he could—in laundromats, in bus stations or in the back of cars. Bert Loper, an inveterate letter writer and diarist, lugged an old typewriter with him on river guiding expeditions. Childs describes in The Animal Dialogues the kind of person he trusts to guide him in to wild uncharted territories—easily a
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The Very Hard Way By Brad Dimock Fretwater Press, 2007 Photo by David Edwards Photography
description of Loper. Brad Dimock and Craig Childs are master storytellers. Trust them to guide you into the wilds of the American West, even if it’s just through the pages of these deeply entertaining works of nonfiction. Reprinted with permission from Prescott College Transitions. Longtime Yavapai County resident Mary Lin works as the Marketing and Public Relations Director at Prescott College. Prescott College offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Ph.D.s, and noncredit educational adventure programs emphasizing student-directed, experience- based learning by doing, environmental and cultural awareness, and social justice. www.prescott.edu.
November 2008
Rosehips offer wealth of health benefits Rosehips: The Natural Vitamin C
About 24,000 Perfect Flame Double Lid Four Burner Gas Grills sold at Lowe’s Home Centers were voluntary recalled. The cooking chamber of the grill can melt and/or ignite, posing a risk of fires and burn injuries to consumers. There have been 175 reports of grill fires and 25 reports of grills melting, some of which resulted in minor property damage. This recall involves Perfect Flame brand grills, Model GAC3615 four burner LP gas grills. The grill has two lids. “Perfect Flame” is printed on the larger lid. The model number, serial number and date code are printed on a label on the right side cart frame panel. The grills were sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores nationwide from October 2007 through July 2008 for about $300. Consumers should stop using the recalled grills, disconnect the propane tanks and return them to any Lowe’s store for a full refund.
R
osehips are the fruit of the rose bush. When the blossoms are left on the plant, seedpods develop, turning a deep orange or red in the fall. Rosehips can be enjoyed fresh or can be dried for future use. Besides being delicious, they are incredibly rich in nutrients. Rosehips are reported to have up to 60 percent more vitamin C than lemons or oranges. In addition, they contain vitamins B, E, K, pectin, beta-carotene, bio-flavonoids and minerals. As a result, rosehips exert a strong antioxidant effect, protecting against colds and flus, shielding the immune system and various organs and tissues from oxidative stress. Rosehips’ high pectin content, a dietary fiber, is recognized to improve blood cholesterol, blood pressure, digestive efficiency, heart health and overall wellness. Clinically proven to promote fullness and suppress hunger cravings, rosehips may be helpful for healthy weight management. If you are prone to urinary tract infections, you might be interested to know that some people drink rosehip tea to prevent recurrences. Studies have also shown that rosehips can help prevent the development of kidney stones. Additional studies have proven rosehips to be helpful to the circulatory system, respiratory system, the thymus gland and as a blood cleanser. Other health benefits include lowering abnormal body heat, relieving thirst, healing internal hemorrhaging, an aid for dysentery, strengthening the stomach, preventing and helping relieve chest infections and coughs, cleansing the kidneys and bladder, preventing fluid retention, assisting with gout and rheumatic conditions, as well as nourishing the skin. As a gentle stimulant, they allow healthy bowel movements. Rosehips are extremely alkaline and can restore the natural acid/alkaline balance of the body. You may also want to know that recently rosehips have been recognized in easing headaches and dizziness. Having these amazing benefits, you may
November 2008
want to plant a rose bush this spring to harvest the rosehips in the fall. Please check with your local nursery for the right species. Rosehips are also available in dried form, either whole or seedless at the Herb Stop or other places. Do you want to add extra vitamin C to your daily diet? Here are some of my favorite ways to prepare these luscious fruits:
Light fixtures
Rosehip Jam Made Easy Place 2 ounces seedless rosehips into a bowl. Add enough apple cider to cover. Let stand overnight. Enjoy for breakfast or anytime. To make a superb dessert I add a little heavy cream to my rosehip jam. Y- u -m-m-y!
Rosehip Tea Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over 1 tbsp of seedless rosehips, steep for 15 min, then strain. Enjoy as is or sweeten with honey. You can drink this tea warm or cold.
Rosehip Wine For Circulation If you want to improve your digestion and increase blood flow, you may want to prepare a rosehip wine. In a glass jar with tight lid steep 4 ounces of rosehips in 1 quart of dry red wine for two weeks, shaking it once a day. Filter and store in a glass bottle with tight lid. Drink 2 ounces every day, preferably before dinner.
Thirst Quenching Tea Take a pinch of each of the following to make a delicious tea, either hot or cold: rosehips, mint and linden. Pour 8 ounces of hot water on this mix and let it steep for
Recalled products could cause injury
20 minutes. Sweeten lightly and add a little lemon juice, if desired. Tip: Put rosehips into soups and stews after using them for tea, since the steeping process doesn’t extract the full load of vitamins. Rosehips give an interesting flavor, similar to lemongrass in Thai cooking. The products discussed in this article can be purchased at the Herb Stop, 4004 N. Hwy. 87 in Pine. If you have questions, Leilah can be reached at (928) 476-4144 or by e-mail at Leilah.b@HerbStopOnline.com. The FDA has not approved these statements. The information given is not meant to act as a prescription, medical advice or therapeutic advice. Consult your healthcare professional prior to using botanicals discussed in this column.
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Progress Lighting recalled about 6,000 lighting fixtures because the ceilingmount assembly that supports the light fixture can fail, causing the fixture to unexpectedly fall. The recalled product is the PendantStyle Ceiling-Mounted Indoor Light Fixtures. The fixtures have frosted white glass and a brushed aluminum finish. Progress Lighting has received three reports of incidents, including one report of a fixture falling from the ceiling. The recall involves the following models of pendant-style ceiling-mounted light fixtures: P3601-09, P3602-09, P3603-09, P3603-09EXP, P3685-09, P365-09EXP, P4260-09, P4261-09, P4261-09EXP and P4262-09. The fixtures were sold by electrical/ lighting distributors and select Home Depot and Expo Design Centers nationwide from January 2005 through May 2008 for between $180 and $1,000. Consumers should carefully remove the glass from the fixture and contact Progress Lighting at toll-free at (877) 369-4548 to schedule a free inspection and replacement.
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Catch up on the lastest Green News a significant side effect is that ethanol from corn is a threat to the stability of the world’s food supply. So the Holy Grail for ethanol producers has been to find a way to substitute bio-waste products—the stems, stalks and chips—instead of food crops. A great use for grass clippings! Well, the Grail is now in sight, at least it’s in the lab. Dartmouth’s Lee Lynd co-authored a new study that describes how a genetically engineered bacteria called ALK2 can break down cellulose more efficiently and cheaper than conventional microbes. Lynd says that the engineered bug does its munching at higher temperatures than conventional bugs, which requires far less of the pricey enzyme cellulase to do the job. And while acids are byproducts of conventional fermentation, the hi-tech bacteria make ethanol—and only ethanol. Giant implications from tiny bugs.
Greener Practices We see everywhere how the American public has a hunger to live and work in green, healthy spaces—and now a statistic coming from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) indicates that level of desire. Here’s the stat: One thousand professionals in the building industry have taken the NAHB’s green training program. They’ve completed the classes, studied hard and passed the tests. Now, they’re certified to build structures as green professionals because they know their stuff. In response to demand, the building industry has been offering greener materials and greener manufacturing of those substances; however, with the release of this stat we see that the industry is increasing its response by training builders who are certified in best practices as well. Green materials plus green procedures equal healthier spaces to live and work. The NAHB president was expecting the certification program to be popular, but adds: “This is phenomenal growth.”
:LQQHU
Fuel Bug Ethanol fuel has been touted as our current best alternative to fossil fuels, and corn has been the primary source of ethanol. But
Free Ad Drawing from the 2008 Prescott Valley Creative Energy Fair
Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters
G-Power If you were riding a moneymaking machine and wanted to put your zillions into saving the world, where would you start? If you’re Google, you’re spending hundreds of millions of dollars to make electricity from renewable sources, which is cheaper than electricity from “dirty” sources. One of Google’s most interesting investments—for $10 million—is being made in “Enhanced Geothermal Systems” (EGS). While conventional geothermal looks for existing pockets of hot water, enhanced geothermal puts a pipe deep into the earth (where it’s very hot) and runs water down to get heated. Then the water is pumped back out. The resulting steam pushes turbines. While solar and wind power are intermittent in their production of electricity, EGS is 24/7. To compliment the investment, Google is putting $4 million into a drilling company as well as granting a university a half-million dollars to map North America for geothermal potential. To round out the picture, Google is also interested in companies that transmit and distribute power. One day our browsers may be running on “G-Power.”
Mysterious Kite It’s all shrouded in mystery, but the word is: the company was founded by a gifted inventor, the promise is to gather 10 times as much wind energy than traditional turbines, the financial backing is provided by the good folks at Google, and the product is a high-flying kite with membranes that harvest energy from the wind. Wow. Makani Power is the company, Saul Griffith is the inventor, and Google just forked over $5 million (in addition to a previous $10 million) in its program to find cleaner, cheaper energy sources.
November 2008
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But the company isn’t commenting on the engineering behind the kites and ... well, they’re not commenting on anything. Griffith has some serious clout, as in the past he’s invented load-sensing ropes, inexpensive eyeglass manufacture and bicycle lighting. Not to mention his national inventing awards and patents in textiles, optics, nanotechnology and energy production. Oh, and comics for kids. That must have been one heck of a pitch meeting.
Transmission Problems It may be that renewable energy sources will become cheap enough to someday be the Golden Goose, but it seems apparent that squeezing electricity out of wind, solar, biomass, etc. isn’t enough. There’s also the pesky problem of transmission—getting the juice from the place where it’s generated to the location where it’s used. The U.S. Department of Energy has a target: generating 20 percent of the nation’s electricity through wind power by 2030. But the head of the American Wind Energy Association, Don Furman, told a Senate Energy committee that the biggest obstacle to achieving this benchmark is our aging system of electricity transmission. And capacity is the key. When there’s not enough capacity—congestion in the grid—utilities lose the ability to buy energy from the source that’s the cheapest, causing the price to go up. Yes, the Golden Goose of truly sustainable energy will most certainly be coming online in the near future... Furman reminds us to get a better basket for the eggs.
Home Energy Bank People who use solar energy systems to power their houses can watch their electric meters slow, stop or even run backward when the sun shines. But when the sun goes down, the power decreases. Now an MIT professor, Daniel Nocera, has developed a fuel cell that “banks” solar energy and makes electricity 24/7. Fuel cells and batteries are alike in that they produce no greenhouse gases, but batteries store electrical energy in a closed system that eventually runs out. Fuel cells have the advantage of running indefinitely as long as certain materials (in this case, hydrogen and oxygen) are present. The hydrogen-oxygen reaction has always required hi-tech containment because it’s highly corrosive, but the Nocera’s new system was demonstrated using only a glass jar. He says the process is cheap, efficient and easy to manufacture. The system is made from abundant materials. And we love this part: Nocera was inspired by nature’s own strategy for storing energy from the sun. Questions can be sent to Jim Parks at jrparks@mac.com.
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Let’s all make the conscious choice to live more harmoniously
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he time has come for many of us to look at what may be happening in our inner or subconscious minds. Too much heavy–heady stuff? Well, the reality is that the consciousness of humanity is changing! And experts have expressed that the shift is happening more rapidly than we have ever observed in the course of history as we know it. Hmmm…? What does that mean for us on the individual or collective consciousness realm? Perhaps it is time to be accountable for our thoughts. Have you been allowing your mind to wander wherever it may feel so inclined? Maybe our consciousness has been influenced by the stimuli of our daily lives or the hidden/inner memories and subtleties of our subconscious mind. In the current vein of spiritual teaching, we are all being exposed to new ideas (or not so new) such as “thought is the catalyst for creation.” Or even more accurately, “thought is creation.” WOW….. How can we take responsibility for our thoughts and thus our creation and not have a “guilt trip” about what we have experienced in our life so far? The more we become aware of our individual spiritual power, which is inseparable from the Universal One-Mind, we will become less critical of self and more excited about the potential for creating our heart’s goals and desires. The key is to really take charge of our wandering minds. Let’s say for example that we are watching the news or a film or listening to music. Can we be detached enough to really have our own choice about how much the unconscious mind absorbs? Perhaps we would be better served to purposefully bring into our lives that which we truly resonate with, and minimize the amount of input that comes from sources that aren’t in alignment with our highest good. This might be a tall order for most of us, considering the amount of external input we all have in our daily lives. However it is becoming exceedingly crucial that we monitor what we expose our minds to and make choices about where our focus is directed if we really want to manifest our personal choice about how we experience the world. It is important for each individual to take responsibility for our many responses to what the world seems to bring our way. Are we merely rebounding our way through life, reacting to circumstances and believing that
we have no control over what is happening? Perhaps we could change our approach and become more interactive in the creative process by taking responsibility for our thoughts and intentions. If thought is the key to creating, then let’s all take a closer look at where our thoughts are centered and what we might be creating in our own life as well as what we contribute to the collective consciousness. Are we making choices based on fear and worry or are we confidently moving forward in our lives, trusting our inner higher knowingness to guide and comfort us along our way? Are we projecting anger and impatience, or tolerance and peace? Whatever we are creating in our mind’s dialogue or belief system will become the energetic blueprint for our reality. We can be at choice with our thoughts in every moment. All of us have a great opportunity here and now, to begin creating our lives in a more harmonious, flowing manner by simply applying the practice of conscious awareness on a daily basis. Let’s all pay attention and become mindful of our thoughts as we create our world individually and together. One thing we know for certain…the Universe will always show us that our version of reality is true! It is a powerful feeling when we can let go of our past programming and shift our intentions to the greatest good, thus creating healthier and more abundant lives now and in the future. Peace and Blessings! Maya Joy Angeles, co-owner of the Crystal Lotus Gallery in Pine, Arizona. Maya Joy currently teaches conscious living classes at the Crystal Lotus Gallery.
Photo by Ann Haver-Allen Patience is rewarded when this dragonfly sits down long enough to have his photograph taken.
Worth Remembering
“To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour” from Auguries of Innocence by William Blake (1757-1827)
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November 2008
By Ann Haver-Allen ynne Zaugg, director of Hacienda de los Milagros—Home of Miracles—talks to the resident burros like they are his children. He knows them all by name, scolds them when necessary and loves them unconditionally. “These are family,” he said as he introduced me to many burros who came over to check out the new visitor. “This is Miss Dolly, who was spoiled rotten as a youngster. She’s a very sweet girl, but she thinks that if you’re out here, you need to be petting her.” Other burros move in for some of the petting action. “Now, you’re usually such a little gentleman, aren’t you?” he asks Barbaro. “Miss Flower, you cannot get enough attention.” When the burros decide that the shirt I am wearing looks a lot like grass and is worthy of sampling, Zaugg scolds them. “This is RUDE guys,” he said. “Guys! What is going on? You can’t be biting!” The burros are not biting me; they are sampling my shirt. I pull my shirttail out of one mouth and then another. “Simmons, enough, OK? Listen to me very Photos by Pia Wyer Above, Sweet One and Milly check out the photographer. Bottom, Tuxedo and Rose consider taking a drink.
carefully; you don’t bite. What is up with you and biting today?” We decided that not only did my shirt look like tasty grazing, but also that the burros had accepted me. “They are treating us like they treat each other,” Zaugg said. “They are playing and they have to learn that we don’t play the same way. They like you. They are treating you like a burro.” Zaugg said he has been actually bitten with blood drawn only one time. “I was handing out ginger snaps,” he said. “I had powder all over my hands and one of the burros got my fingers in her mouth. As soon as she hit the bone, she stopped. But you shouldn’t walk into a beehive with honey on you. It’s just plain stupid.” Hacienda de los Milagros is a nonprofit animal sanctuary located on eight acres in Chino Valley. Permanent sanctuary is granted to abused, neglected and displaced animals with compassion and respect by providing them a nurturing environment in which to thrive and blossom as they live out their lives in peace. “I can’t believe the first burros have been
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here for 12 years,” Zuagg said. “It seems about three.”
acienda de los Milagros began with the rescue of a single horse. That event precipitated the idea of providing a safe retirement home for horses in need. In 1993, Zaugg, who was living in Phoenix, relocated to Chino Valley along with six horses. “We got this eight acres and wondered what would we ever do with all the room,” he said. Soon, two more horses joined the family. Then in 1995, the first two burros—Sire Sweet Wonderful William and Miss Cinnamon—moved in. The following year, Zaugg learned of the plight of burros in Death Valley that had been rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management and were destined for execution. “A group from Washington negotiated a contract that if they live-captured and removed the burros and met quota, then no-
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body would get shot,” Zaugg said. “It meant helicopter pilots and was a very expensive live capture.” And homes had to be found for the burros saved from execution. “We agreed to take two,” he said. “I borrowed a trailer and headed for Death Valley to bring home two burros. I came home with eight. Three of those were pregnant.” Zaugg said he realized he could no longer personally fund his efforts, so he filed for articles of incorporation as a nonprofit, public charity. “This is a lifetime shelter,” he said. “Wild burros can live for 20 something years.”
uagg said that the largest single group of burros came through the BLM’s adoption program and have gone through multiple homes before reaching Hacienda de los Milagros. “I don’t know if people get tired of them,” Zuagg said. “I don’t know if they fail to realize that they eat and they sing. I think there’s too much of an impulse when they get them and then they discover it’s more responsibility than they thought.” But the stories are far more dramatic than just unwanted animals. Many were starved, beaten and otherwise abused. “We got a group of burros in 2006 from Young,” Zuagg said. “The guy had bought them to rope them. When he finished with the roping—which is extreme cruelty to an animal like this—he just quit feeding them. They were just skeletons. We got them home and in four or five weeks, we had two stillborns.” Zuagg said one burro had all her facial bones broken. “She’s got a hole in her nose and we call her our heavy breather,” he said. “She has small caliber bullet wounds in her hip and a drain hole in her leg. She’s been here eight years, going on nine years. She’s a saint and she absolutely loves people—even after what was done to her.” Another burro broke her leg in two or
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three places and learned to walk, basically, on her ankle. Two other burros exhibited extreme fear of people when they arrived at Hacienda de los Milagros. “They were the most afraid I had ever seen,” Zuagg said. “You couldn’t get anywhere near them. It was probably four or five weeks before we could brush and groom one. The other one would stand next to her, but you couldn’t touch. If you put a hand over, it would take off.” It’s not just the burros that suffered from abuse and neglect. Hacienda de los Milagros is also home to 34 horses, including seven former racehorses. Zuagg said Mr. Dusty, a beautiful dark liver chestnut, was beaten in the head with a 2x4 by a guy who used the horse to pull logs. “If he didn’t like the way he pulled the logs, he would just hit him in the head with a 2x4,” Zuagg said. “So he came and he was very aggressive. I had to lock him up alone for two months, but he had a common fence with the others. He started watching them grooming and I took a chance and let him out. He learned.” A gaited Spanish Mustang has a piece of vertebrae that broke off and his body has formed a big cyst around it. A registered Quarter Horse was really run down. Another former racer fell at the track and broke his stifle. Still another fell in a race and banged up both knees. Two former brood mares stopped producing, so their worth evaporated. A Paint was so overfed by its owner trying to bulk him up for halter racing that he legs failed to develop properly to support the extra weight. “His legs are straighter now, but I don’t think they’re straight enough that it would be fair to ride him,” Zuagg said. “The additional weight of a rider would pound the snot out of him.” A granddaughter of the Quarter Horse Dash for Cash—who was the Racing World Champion in 1976 and 1977—now calls Hacienda de los Milagros home. “The race industry is just criminal,” Zuagg
Photos by Pia Wyer Above, Amoré wants to get her share of petting. Bottom left, Molly and Valerie wonder who is crashing their gossip session. Bottom, Legacy—a granddaughter of Dash for Cash—takes a cooling drink.
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Photos by Pia Wyer Above, Tuxedo shows he is one handsome guy. Below, Emily is not camera shy.
said. “There are good trainers and good owners, but not many. If horses really want to run, then let them run and give them a good home when they’re done.”
he family dynamics at Hacienda de los Milagros is just like any other family: Children can be unruly and must learn their manners. “When they play, one will look like he’s getting the best of it, then they’ll switch,” Zuagg said. “The one in front has his head up and is usually looking around. They don’t really want to outrun the one behind. When they get to the end of a long stretch, they’ll turnaround and switch positions.” The adults watch this play—until they have had enough. “One day, two of them were chasing each other and one of the mamas got between
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them and stood in the gateway so they couldn’t get back together and play again,” Zuagg said. “The mamas slowly reign them in and the most effective thing they do is grasp them by the fat of the neck and hold them. And they don’t go anywhere then.” Zuagg said that because burros are herd animals, the whole herd is involved in teaching the young. “Fair Weather ignores the youngsters until they are about 6-months-old and then he teaches them to play fairly,” Zuagg said. “They start out by climbing on him and chewing on him, but by the time they are 9-months-old, that doesn’t last.” Marcus is another character who minds the children when mom needs a break. “We had a baby born out here,” Zuagg said. “The mom wasn’t big, so I didn’t realize she was pregnant. I came out to feed one morning and Marcus, the mule, was grooming a little light-colored baby. Mom was out here eating and Marcus was in there
Photos by Pia Wyer Above, from left, is Cerra, Alice and Jackolyn. Below, some of the burros decide it’s time to take a break from their pursuit of the visiting photographer and writer.
guarding the baby and nobody was going to mess with it.” The socialization is essential. Zuagg tells of a baby that was taken away from his mother when he was only a day old. Someone had observed the mother not letting the baby suckle and assumed that she was not going to feed him. They panicked and took the baby away. “When he was a year old, he had no discipline,” Zuagg said. “He was dangerous. When we had visitors, we had to lock him up. He would try to bite and kick. It took the rest of the burros and a teacher three days a week over the summer to finally get him to where he’s civil.” But even the adults play. An old tire is in the corral and a burro starts to play with it. I asked if it is a custom-made burro toy. “Anything that goes in the mouth is a burro toy,” Zuagg responded. He recalled a day when some models visited the sanctuary. “Models with a Conscience did some
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photo shoots here,” he said. “One of them had been here several times, but this time she was wearing a silk scarf. I happened to look down and here’s a burro with half a silk scarf halfway down his throat. I grabbed it and pulled it out.”
escued animals cannot live on scarves—especially when they are withdrawn. What they do eat is lots of feed— about $15,000 a month worth of feed. Zuagg houses, feeds and loves 135 burros, 34 horses, two mini-horses, three mules, two hinnys, three ponies and two llamas. “I had built in about 10 percent in the budget for cost increases, but that’s not near enough,” Zuagg said. “The costs have REALLY gone up this year. I am now struggling with how to set up next year’s budget.”
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Zuagg said that feed costs are about half of what it costs to run the sanctuary. He said he naively thought that once he incorporated as a nonprofit, the money would flow in. He was told that the first five years would be the hardest financially. “It’s officially been 12 years now,” he said. “Going on 19 years unofficially. When does the easy part come?” Zuagg said the hardest part is having to say no, but he cannot take any new animals right now. “We really don’t have the room,” he said. “And money…this has been a horrible year for donations. The board has said I must learn to say no.” The nonprofit has two matching grants. One grant will match up to $20,000 from first-time donors, and the other will match up to $10,000. Donors can sponsor one or more of the residents at Hacienda de los Milagros. Here are the different levels of sponsorship: • Platinum Sponsorship: Covers the average cost to feed, farrier services four times per year, and minimal vet care, based on costs at the beginning of 2008. Includes a large photo, history of the resident and two HDLM T-shirts. Horse, $3,000 per year, $250 per month or $750 per quarter. Mules and hinnies, $2,400 per year, or $200 per month or $600 per quarter. Burros, mini-horses, and mini-burros, $600 per year, or $50 per month or $150 per quarter. • Gold Sponsorships: $500 per year, includes a framed 4 x 5 photo, history of the animal and two HDLM T-shirts. • Silver Sponsorships: $250 per year, includes framed photo and history of the animal. • Bronze Sponsorships: $150 per year, includes a 4 x 5 photo and history of the animal. The organization’s first fundraiser and charity auction was held in mid-October. The day featured gymkhana horse events, live music, tack sale and art auction. The day wrapped up with a buffet dinner. Hacienda de los Milagros also participated in a National Charity Ride Day for Horse Charities. Additionally, a number of businesses have stepped forward to support the sanctuary. • Artist Wayne W. Weberbaur (www. wayneart4u.com) donates a percentage of his proceeds to Hacienda de los Milagros when you mention that the sanctuary referred you to his site. • Team Harmony of ERA National Realty of Prescott donates $500 for each sale handled through their office. • iGive.com gives up to 26 percent of sales to designated charities. Sign up and designate Hacienda de los Milagros as your charity. • Artist and founder of United in Light Draft Horse Sanctuary created a line of merchandize to promote and benefit Hacienda de los Milagros, including T-shirts, tanks, cups, postage stamps, bumper stickers and hats. These items can be purchased at www.zazzle.com/4HDLMsanctuary. While Hacienda de los Milagros can always put cash to use, many other donations would make life easier. See box on page 20 for a list of items on the sanctuary’s wish list.
November 2008
Photos by Pia Wyer Above, Barbaro tries to get the best of Zach. Below, leading the group of curious burros are Charla, Flower and Leta.
Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
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• Good used tractor with bucket and PTO • Cutting torch and tank for metal work • Good quality Bermuda grass hay • Hot walker for six horses • Fly masks of all sizes • Good used/new quad • Dump trailer for manure • Round pen • Funds for operations and building projects • Funds for land purchase • Land donation • Volunteers: to groom, feed and water the animals
Photos by Pia Wyer Above, Amelia Barrett, a volunteer at Hacienda de los Milagros, hugs Barbaro. At right, Abigail keeps her distance after being scolded for chewing on the visitors.
ealing with immediate financial struggles has not dampened the dreams that Zuagg envisions for Hacienda de los Milagros. “We want a hospice for people with animals,” he said. “Hospice individuals would come with their companion animals, who would be provided a lifetime sanctuary. Hospice individuals have to give up everything. They shouldn’t have to give up their best friends.” Another plan for the future is the development of a residential day school for children—a school that teaches the basics, but also introduces students to other cultures and the world’s major spiritual beliefs. Additionally, the students would spend time daily learning about caring for animals. “Those students could go anywhere and live anywhere in the world and get along and respect other cultures,” Zuagg said. “This country’s going to change. It has to change.” Additionally, Zuagg would like to introduce personal growth programs, where visitors would interact with the equines, attend seminars in animal welfare and communication and alternative therapies. “We feel this is a huge step in the healing process of humankind, allowing reconnection with nature and all its inhabitants,” Zuagg said. “Always being respectful that this is the animals’ home, we allow the animals to decide if they would like human contact
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or not.” Zuagg said there’s no timetable for when they will start the riding programs or the hospice. So much depends on funding. “We have some young horses who have not even had ground training yet,” he said. “As soon as we get the money, we’ll take care of that. They will probably be participating in the first riding programs when we set them up—IF they want to. If they don’t want to, then it’s not going to happen.” To make these dreams come true, Zuagg believes he will need to move his operation to a location with more water—maybe Idaho or Montana. He said someone told him about a ranch for sale that was 17,000 acres. He said he thought the humans could use 2,000 acres in the center for the school, housing and training programs and the wildlife could have the other 15,000 acres. “We would be able to do everything we want to do on a place like that,” he said. “That’s my dream.”
he likelihood that the need for Hacienda de los Milagros will go away is slim to none. Although Zuagg said he cannot take in any more animals, the list of animals needing sanctuary continuously grows. “The BLM is always holding auctions,” he
said. “They continue to capture, even though they’ve got 20,000 wild horses in holding pens. If you or I did that, we would be fired.” In its factsheet about the management of wild horses and burros, the BLM said that because wild horses and burros have virtually no natural predators the herd size can double about every four years. “There are nearly 30,000 removed wild horses and burros that are fed and cared for at short-term (corral) and long-term (pasture) holding facilities,” the factsheet reported. “Currently, animals placed in long-term holding live out the rest of their lives there, which can be from 10 to 25 years depending on the age at which they enter long-term holding. The BLM attempts to place as many animals as possible each year into private care through public adoptions, but adoptions have been declining in recent years because of higher fuel and feed costs.” (To see the BLM’s complete fact sheet on this topic, see the Earth Odyssey Web site at www.pinonpinepress.com.) Zuagg said the continued captures lead to more and more wild equines in BLM custody, which they cannot afford to feed. “The solution is to quit capturing them,” he said. If they over populate, some of them will die. That’s the way nature works. They regulate themselves. “There aren’t many burros left in the wild,” Zuagg continued. “There are only about 3,000 in the wild. A few are in Arizona. Lake Alamo has some and there’s a fair number
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around Oatman. A few north of Paulden and Lake Pleasant has a herd. But it’s not nearly as many as we used to have.” He said the animals being held in pens, should be put on trailers, taken back out into the wilderness and set free. “There’s plenty of food out there,” he said. “It’s public land. It doesn’t belong to just the ranchers and the miners. It’s supposed to belong to all of us.” Amelia Barrett, a volunteer at Hacienda de los Milagros, agreed. “If we can bail out Wall Street from their games and greed, I think we should be able to take care of some wild horses,” she said. As long as there’s a need and he’s able to afford it, Zuagg will carry on. “Everything worthwhile that I have learned has come from these guys,” Zuagg said—and this from a guy who passed the bar and specialized in state and local tax law. “Pretty much everything we need to live healthy is here in nature and that’s what’s wonderful about these guys. If they are out on their own, they find what they need. They are wild animals. They are connected and they know what they need. “I have never worked this hard for anything in my life for nothing, but I wouldn’t do anything else with my life. I wish I had known younger what I was supposed to do.” For more information about Hacienda de los Milagros, including how you can help, see www.hdlmsanctuary.org.
November 2008
Planning ahead makes shopping excursion successful
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he hunt for treasures can become your glorious personal escape time, especially if you are a collector or in the process of creating something uniquely specific. There are different approaches and savvy market-going tips that can inspire your exploring and make it easier to find that special item at the right price. Plan ahead. Decide what it is that really inspires you and start homing in on your personal interests. Gather information on areas near you that are known to have an abundance of yard sales, thrift shops and/or flea markets that offer items of interest to you. If possible, team up with a friend or family member who enjoys the hunt and plan a trip to a nearby town. Take along a fold-up cart on wheels, some old newspaper and bags and wrap your items to ensure they don’t get broken or scratched. You may have a long walk back to your car
and you don’t want to be packing around items. Make sure that you have cash in small denominations. This will give you more bargaining power. Some dealers take credit cards
and checks, but most would prefer cash. The selection at a sale will be best early morning on the first day of the sale. You will get better prices if you go on the last day of the sale. Dealers will be happy not to have to pack the item home. If you find an item that you are serious about buying, ask the dealers if they are willing to accept a lower price. It lets them know you are interested without risking an offer that is insultingly low. If your favorite vendors get to know and like you, chances are you may have a new friend, as well as someone who will put you on their call list when a suitable bargain comes up in the future. You will see a lot of things that you want. Don’t make instant decisions. Walk away for a short while and decide where you will use it and if you have the space for it. If you can’t live without it, go back and purchase it. Old mining towns are known for rusted metal salvage as well as colorful old glass bottles.
Larger cities and areas that have been settled for generations will offer more nostalgia, small bric-a-brac and holiday antiques. Hispanic art, tinware and antiques would best be found in areas with close proximity to Mexico like Texas, Arizona and California. Get on the Internet and research thrift stores and flea markets around the country. There may be a huge market nearby that you are not aware of.
Fun Facts
Between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. population nearly doubled. However, in that same period, public demand for water more than tripled! Americans now use an average of 100 gallons of water each day — enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses! *** The air is so polluted in Cubato, Brazil, no birds or insects remain, most trees are blackened stumps, and its mayor reportedly refuses to live there.
New guidelines set record straight on exercise
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he new exercise guidelines released recently haven’t changed the basic message—you need to get moving to stay healthy. Adults gain substantial health benefits from 2 1/2 hours a week of moderate aerobic physical activity, and children benefit from one hour or more of physical activity a day, according to the new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The comprehensive set of recommendations for people of all ages and physical conditions was released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The new guidelines aim to end the confusion on how much exercise you need and add the point that there are lots of ways to achieve a healthy level of exercise. The new guidelines, considered an exercise version of MyFood Pyramid, set a minimum sweat allotment for good health—for most adults, that’s 2 1/2 hours a week. In reality, how much physical activity you need depends largely on age and level of fitness. Regular physical activity reduces the risk in adults of early death; coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer and depression, according to the HHS. Exercise can improve thinking ability in older adults and the ability to engage in activities needed for daily living. The recommended amount of physical activity in children and adolescents improves cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness as well as bone health, and contributes to favorable body composition. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are the most comprehensive of their kind and are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. A 13-member advisory committee appointed in April 2007 by HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt reviewed research and produced the extensive report.
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In general, moderate exercise adds up for sluggish adults. Rake leaves, take a quick walk around the block or suit up for the neighborhood softball game. More fit adults could pack in their week’s requirement in 75 minutes with vigorous exercise, such as jogging, hiking uphill, a bike race or speedy laps in the pool. Children and teens need more—brisk activities for at least an hour a day, the guidelines say. “It’s important for all Americans to be active, and the guidelines are a roadmap to include physical activity in their daily routine,” HHS Secretary Leavitt said. “The evidence is clear—regular physical activity over months and years produces long-term health benefits and reduces the risk of many diseases. The more physically active you are, the more health benefits you gain.” For the full report, go to www.hhs.gov/ news/press/2008pres/10/20081007a.html.
Winning Question Q: Do soy-based foods lower blood cholesterol? A: Although the Food and Drug Administration currently allows soy-based foods to feature health claims promoting their hearthealth benefits, new research suggests that the link between soy and cholesterol is not as solid as scientists once thought. A recent
study tested the impact of 24 grams of soy protein a day on blood cholesterol and found no significant effect. (As a reference, 1 cup fortified soymilk provides about 6 to 7 grams of soy protein, 1/2 cup tofu has roughly 10 grams and 1/4 cup roasted soy nuts about 11 grams.) Other recent studies have also suggested that we may not be able to count on the cholesterol-related benefits we had once expected soy to deliver. However, soy’s effects—specifically its role in lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol—could be greater in people with more severe cholesterol elevations. Effects may also depend on what type of soy foods are chosen, what previously eaten foods they replace and what foods continue to be eaten that may accentuate soy’s benefits. Unprocessed soy foods like tofu, edamame, soymilk and soy nuts certainly still have a place in a heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering diet. These choices are a great replacement for fatty meat, high-fat dairy products and snack foods high in trans fat—key protagonists in raising blood cholesterol. Just don’t expect to simply add soy foods to an unhealthy diet and benefit.—American Institute for Cancer Research.
Winning Weight Loss There’s no magic bullet for dropping pounds and keeping them off, but there are many practical ways to approach weight loss. Researchers presented studies in Phoenix at the annual meeting of the Obesity Society, an organization of weight-loss researchers and professionals. A few of the findings include: 100-calorie packs help snackers snack less; consuming a half-plate of veggies really does help cut calories.—USA Today.
Winning Recipe This recipe for Rustic Chicken Soup, from the American Heart Association’s Love Your Heart cookbook, adds brown rice to boost
Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
the fiber in a traditional soup. Rustic Chicken Soup 1 teaspoon olive oil 3/4 cup chopped onion 1 medium carrot, cut into matchstick-size pieces (about 3/4 cup) 1/2 medium rib of celery, thinly sliced 1 medium garlic clove, minced 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all visible fat discarded, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 1 (1.5-ounce) can fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons uncooked, quick-cooking brown rice 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup shredded fat-free or part-skim mozzarella cheese 2 teaspoons shredded or grated parmesan cheese Yields 4 (1-cup) servings. Heat large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat bottom. Cook onion, carrot, celery and garlic for 4 minutes, or until onion is soft, stirring frequently. Stir in chicken. Cook for 15 seconds, stirring constantly. Add broth, rice, and pepper flakes. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, or until celery is tender. Remove from heat. Stir in basil and salt. Ladle into soup bowls. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan. Nutritional analysis per serving: 123 calories; 17 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 1 g dietary fiber, 323 mg sodium. Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian in Springfield, Ill. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com.
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Sudoku!
Find 20 words associated with Thanksgiving
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains numbers 1 through 9. The puzzle has only one solution. The solution is on page 28.
Word Power
Blessings Carve Celebrate Cider
Cornbread Cranberries Fall Leftovers
Maize Mayflower Moccasins Pumpkin Pie
Puritans Recipe Sail Squash
Stuffing Thanks Thursday Treaty
Euphemism (noun) Pronunciation: [‘yu-fê-mi-zm] Definition: A less offensive word substituted for an offensive one. Suggested Usage: Today, euphemisms are widely used to replace any unpleasant or potentially offensive word. Not only are there a plethora of euphemisms for “drunk” (high, pickled, tipsy, snockered) and kill
(eliminate, rub out, off, remove), but also for words that refer to jobs and conditions with negative connotations, e.g. “janitor” (custodian), “crippled” (impaired), “to fire” (to lay off ), “insane” (mentally ill). In fact, “pork,” “beef,” and “mutton” are all euphemisms for “pig meat,” “cow meat,” and “sheep meat” borrowed from French porc “pig,” boeuf “ox” and mouton “sheep.”
Let us recycle the lumber from your old deck Don’t throw your used cedar and redwood lumber away. Give us a call and we will pick it up and give it new life as distribution stands for Earth Odyssey.
(928) 778-1782 Page 22
Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
November 2008
Dr. Scills has mixed up her medical files. She has one sheet with a list of her patients (William, Dylan and Tyler), another sheet has their height in inches (61, 59 and 54), another has their weight in pounds (102, 85 and 110), and a final sheet of paper has their systolic blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (137, 127 and 123). Can you help Dr. Scills organize her records so that she has a correct match among her patients and their records? She recalls the following facts: An optimal systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg, a normal systolic blood pressure is less than 130 mm Hg, a high normal systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 139 mmHg, and a person’s blood pressure is considered high if the systolic reading is 140 or higher. 1. Tyler has normal blood pressure. 2. The person who is 54 inches tall does not weigh either 102 or 85 pounds. 3. William has the lowest blood pressure.
4. The person that weighs the least does not have the lowest blood pressure. 5. The person who weighs 102 pounds has normal blood pressure. 6. The person that weighs 110 pounds is 61 inches tall. 7. William’s systolic blood pressure is neither 137 nor 127 mm Hg. 8. The person that weighs the most does not have the highest blood pressure.
Solution on page 28
Fun Fact
When a queen bee lays the fertilized eggs that will develop into new queens, only one of the newly laid queens actually survives.
The first new queen that emerges from her cell destroys all other queens in their cells and, thereafter, reigns alone.
at the Benson Family Nature Store!
Saturday, Nov. 22 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This year’s Holiday Season Open House will feature new and exciting earth-friendly Nature Store items, including educational and fun games, books, clothing and gift baskets for children through adults. Give a gift that encourages nature exploration and appreciation for that special child or grandchild. Some of the newest items include books about plants and animals of this region, natural fiber stationary products, naturally stuffed puppets and stuffed animals, special seasonal ornaments, jewelry and much more. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Solution on page 28 November 2008
The Benson Family Nature Store is located at the Highlands Center 1375 Walker Road, Prescott • (928) 776-9559 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
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Recurring Events Monday nights, 7 p.m.—Self Search/Channeled Readings, The Way To The Light Within, Phoenix. In the first part of the class, Dominique uses her psychic ability and StarWheel™ tiles to give each participant a mini reading. Bring your questions about anything you want to know, because in the second part of the class Dominique connects to her own as well as your guides, to get answers and guidance for you. Dominique is a medium and can connect with and give you information from departed loved ones or friends. $20, Call (602) 279-2941 to reserve your place. Mondays—Heart-Centered Transpersonal Healing with Marsha Rand, MS, CCT, at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928) 308-6400 or (928) 277-1230. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Spiritual, Intuitive and Empathic Readings with the Rev. Lana V. Ante at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928) 717-4499. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Intuitive Readings with Dona Elia at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928) 445-8545. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Spiritual, Intuitive and Empathic Readings with the Rev. Lana V. Ante at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928) 717-4499. Fridays—Intuitive Readings and Bodywork with Joseph Drew at Mountain Spirit CoOp, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928) 830-4030. Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Spiritual, Intuitive and Empathic Readings with the Rev. Lana V. Ante at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928) 717-4499. Saturdays, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.—Astrology with Linda Myers at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928) 445-8545. Sundays—Tea Leaf Readings with Sheryl Tilley at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928) 899-5064.
Nonrecurring Events Registration is now open for booth space at the annual Last-Minute Non-Profit Stocking-Stuffer Bazaar to be held Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Prescott Activity Center on Gurley. All nonprofit agencies, clubs, school or scout groups are invited to
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participate. For more information visit www. Stocking-Stuffer-Bazaar.com. Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.—Shiitake Mushroom Growing Basics, Summertown, Tenn. Learn mycoforestry with the mycorrhizal masters. How to grow gourmet mushrooms, reverse climate change, save the forests and make money doing it. Half-day course includes mushroom lunch, $50. For more info, see www.thefarm.org/etc/cources. html. Nov. 1, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.—Forum on Culture and the Global Water Crisis. Registration began Sept. 8, and closes at 2,500 registrants. Location: Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix (parking off 15th St.) For further details regarding fees, conference purpose and format, questions, comments, and/or suggestions, contact Joe Willy at fjosephwilly@yahoo.com or (602) 971-9536. Nov. 1-2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.— Kick off your Holiday Season at the 10th Annual Holiday Open House in Pine. Visit 11 unique and friendly shops offering refreshments and Holiday specials! Art, antiques, candles, collectibles, crystals, handcrafted gifts, home furnishings and more. Nov. 2, 2 p.m.—Beyond Guard Towers and Barbed Wire: Austrian Prisoners of War at Navajo Ordnance Depot, Red Rock State Park, Sedona. John Westerlund, a retired U.S. Army field artillery officer, will present this program. This program is sponsored by the Arizona Humanities Council and the benefactors of Red Rock State Park. Seating is limited. Program is free with paid admission to the park. Call (928) 282-6907 for further information. Reservations may be required. Nov. 2-9—Interdisciplinary Climate Research Symposium, Saguaro Lake Ranch, Ariz. For more info, see www.disccrs.org/ DISCCRSposter.pdf. Nov. 2, 1 p.m.—Arsenic in Drinking Water: Toxicity, Testing and Treatment, a presentation by John Zambrano, retired water quality specialist. Location: Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. For more info, call (928) 445-3122 or visit http://sharlot. org/index.shtml. Nov. 5, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.— Public Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to provide information on public trail priorities and gather public input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. FYI: Since this planning effort is for a statewide plan
that sets state policy, we won’t be soliciting input on individual trails or on the federal travel management changes. Location: Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. Nov. 5-6, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.— Certified Green: Credible Green Building and Remodeling Projects, Green Bay, Wisc. Attend this two-day training for an in-depth understanding of green building and remodeling principles. For more info, contact Sherry Benzmiller at (608) 238.8276, ext. 121 or sbenzmiller@ecw.org. Nov. 5-9—Solar Installation with Ed Eaton. Become a solar installer with this weeklong course. In the U.S. course, the $500 fee includes food and lodging or $350 if you just want the instruction without accommodations, and $50 discount for early registrants or bringing a friend. For more info, see www. thefarm.org/etc/cources.html. Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-Noon— Land-Manager Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to give state planners more detailed information on public trail priorities. This workshop will gather land managers’ input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Coconino National Forest Offices, 1824 S. Thompson, Flagstaff. Nov. 6, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.—National Parks in China: Prospects and Problems. Ed Grumbine, Prescott College Environmental Studies Faculty. Prescott College Fall 2008 Environmental Studies Colloquium Series. Free and open to the public. Prescott College San Juan “C” building. For information, contact Boyer at 350-2209 or e-mail eboyer@prescott.edu. Nov. 6, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.— Public Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to provide information on public trail priorities and gather public input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: AZ Game & Fish Department Office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop-Lakeside. Nov. 6-9— Assessing and Managing Cumulative Environmental Effects, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The program will take stock of key trends, issues and approaches to cumulative effects; identify areas of strength and weakness of current impact assessment and resource management approaches in addressing cumulative effects; document good practice and ways forward to improve and integrate the institutions, science and practice of cumulative effects assessment and management; and include plenary, theme, concurrent and poster sessions and invited speakers for plenary and theme forums. For more info, see www.iaia.org. Nov. 7, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.—Prescott Professional Women’s Conference, Prescott Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center on Hwy 69.
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This all-day event will bring together more than 200 women (and some enlightened men, who are invited for the final session and cocktail reception) to discover the power, purpose and prosperity in their personal, professional and spiritual lives. Five speakers will help attendees uncover their individual strengths and learn to apply them. Cost, $100, includes all speaker sessions, continental breakfast and lunch, and a networking reception, as well as exhibit hall and bookstore. Attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for Open Door, an outreach program of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice in Prescott. Info: www. PPWC2008.com or call 777-0770 x252. Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.— Intro to LEED & Commercial Green Building, Solar Living Institute - Bay Area, 401 1st St., Richmond, Calif. If you’re a builder or are looking to get into the green building industry, this unique course is for you. You will be introduced to the six key categories used by the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program for rating green buildings, including: sustainable site selection, water efficiency measures, energy efficiency, eco-friendly building materials, indoor/outdoor air quality and innovative design. Participants will examine several fascinating case studies of commercial green buildings to learn how these techniques have been employed. Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-Noon— Land-Manager Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to give state planners more detailed information on public trail priorities. This workshop will gather land managers’ input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Pinetop-Lakeside, City Council Chambers, 1360 N. Niels Hansen Lane, Pinetop-Lakeside. Nov. 7, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.—Opening Reception: Robert Colescott: Troubled Goods. Showing through Dec. 13. Free and open to all. Prescott College Art Gallery at Sam Hill Warehouse, 232 N. Granite St., Prescott. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment. For more info, call (928) 776-5358, or visit www. prescott.edu/gallery. This exhibit is made possible in part by funding from Arizona Commission on the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts and The Clowes Fund Inc. Nov. 8, 9 a.m.Noon—Insights into the Outdoors class “Digital Discoveries” at the Highlands Center for Natural
November 2008
History in Prescott. Walt Anderson, Prescott College instructor, artist, and photographer will introduce the joys of nature photography in this region. Digital cameras (all but the very simplest) now offer a wealth of creative options, but one still needs to have a basic understanding of focus, depth of field, exposure, white balance, and composition to be able to use this tool to the best advantage. This is a hands-on class, beginning with basic instruction and the opportunity to practice outdoors, and indoor manipulation of your photos on laptops. Pre-registration and payment required— $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Call (928) 776-9550. Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-Noon—John Nystedt, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, will talk about “Habitat
Conservation Plans and Endangered Species of the Verde River” when the Citizens Water Advocacy Group meets at the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 882 Sunset in Prescott (two blocks behind True Value). Nystedt will provide a basic overview of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and will answer questions. Guests are welcome! For more info, call 445-4218 or e-mail info@ cwagaz.org. Nov. 8—Radiance Retreat, Sedona, sponsored by Phoenix Women magazine. Led by yoga, meditation, and energy psychology experts, experience deep meditation practices, learn who you really are and what you really want, discover how your awareness can change your life, spend time in nature and deeply listen to your body and soul. Cost, $495 and limited to 25 participants. Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Live Music Festival, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Did you enjoy the summer series of Saturday nights with live music and extended evening hours? A few of the same performers will be showcased Nov. 8 during a Saturday of live music “both acoustic and eclectic” featuring different performances each hour in various gardens and collections around the Arboretum. For more details, call (520) 689-2811; or visit http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/events/ folkfestival.html. Nov. 8, 1:30 p.m.—Edible/Medicinal Desert Plants Walk, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Sonoran Desert plants have nourished, healed and clothed desert residents
November 2008
for thousands of years. Walk the Curandero Trail and learn more from Jean Groen, author of Foods of the Superstitions. David Morris, ethno-botanist and Choctaw Nation member, alternates as leader for this tour. For more info, see http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/ edibleplants.html.
Farland State Historic Park. Come join the fun and celebrate our veterans with military re-enactors from various American conflicts. We will feature static displays of military equipment, period firearms demonstrations, and cannons being fired with a big bang. For more info, (520) 868-5216.
amusing looks at the current state of the affairs as we head into the election season and beyond. Free. Discussion following each film. Sponsored by The Center for Peace and Justice, The Catalyst Info Shop and The Aztlan Center. For more info, e-mail peaceaz@ gmail.com.
Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.—Keynote Address, “Deadly Persuasion: Advertising & Addiction” by Jean Kilbourne. Free. Prescott College Crossroads Center, located behind the College’s main buildings at 220 Grove Ave. For more info, see prescott.edu/students/map/colloquium_current.html or contact Frank Cardamone at (928)-350-3218.
Nov. 8-9—Washington, D.C., Green Festival, brings together more than 175,000 attendees and is the world’s most authentic green living show, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability through extensive event-greening efforts. For more info, see www.greenfestivals.org.
Nov. 12-13— Co-op America’s Green Business Network’s seventh Green Business Conference, San Francisco’s beautiful Regency Center, offering a plethora of speakers, workshops, business-to-business networking, and numerous green marketing opportunities. For more info, contact Todd Larsen at toddlarsen@coopamerica.org, or see www. coopamerica.org
Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.—Benefit concert featuring: AZ Rhythm Connection with Frank Thompson, An Inner Journey: Byron Metcalf & Mark Seelig, guitarist Amie Heberlein and friends, Native Wisdom Slide Show with Carla Woody and silent auction with art from Bali, Mexico and Peru. In the Marina Ballroom at the Hassayampa Inn, 122 E. Gurley St. Donation of $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Bring your percussion instruments to jam with Frank. For more info, call 778-1058, or visit www. kenosisspiritkeepers.org. Nov. 8, 7 p.m.—Edward F. Beale, The Forgotten Giant, Riordan Mansion State Park. Richard and Sherry Mangum, Flagstaff historians, will present this program. Many residents know Edward Beale as the builder of the Beale Wagon Road, the path of which is followed by I-40 and the railroad. Beale was much bigger than that, one of the leading Americans of his time. He was a war hero, pathfinder, humanitarian and more. Beale was the man that U.S. officials called on to carry dispatches between California and Washington, in the 1840s-’50s, when the trip was a dangerous test of a man’s courage and resourcefulness, and he always delivered the goods. RSVP for this free program. For more info, (928) 779-4395. Nov. 8-9—Opportunity Green 2008, University of California, Los Angles. Opportunity Green is a convergence of the prime movers & shakers and the up & coming innovators driving today’s new green economy. Rub elbows with 500 of the best and brightest thought leaders: entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors and designers, all focused on building socially responsible and sustainable enterprises. For more info, see www.opportunitygreen.com/. Nov. 8-9—Veteran’s Day Celebration, Mc-
Nov. 9—Veteran’s Day Event, Fort Verde State Historic Park. Town of Camp Verde will host a parade in conjunction with local veteran’s groups; flag raising and flag retirement ceremony held at Fort Verde to follow. For more info, (928) 567-3275. Nov. 9, 2 p.m.—Geology Hike, Red Rock State Park, Sedona. Park volunteers escort visitors on a guided hike through the park, discussing the geology of the area. This hike includes the Eagles Nest trail for a great view of the park and the surrounding area. The hike lasts for two- to two- and one-half hours and has a 250-foot elevation climb. Bring water and wear suitable shoes or boots. Call the park at (928) 282-6907 for further information. Reservations may be required. Nov. 11— 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.—Ventilation Basics and Myth Debunking, Waukesha, Wisc. As construction techniques and weatherization practices improve, resulting in tighter and more efficient housing, it is imperative that ventilation best practices are employed to enhance indoor air quality and control moisture. This one-day training will provide builders, remodelers, contractors, allies and other building performance consultants with the skills they need to incorporate effective ventilation into new and existing high-performance homes. For more info, contact Sherry Benzmiller at (608) 238.8276, ext. 121 or sbenzmiller@ecw.org.
Nov. 1213—Arizona Facilities & Sustainable Building Expo and Conference, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale. This event targets facility managers, property managers and project and operations managers in charge of commercial, industrial and institutional buildings throughout Arizona. The conference sessions and exhibit floor are free to attend. For more info, see http://arizona.sustainableexpos. com/Home.aspx, or call (925) 701-0225, ext. 213. Nov. 13, 6 p.m.—Full Moon Gratitude Drumming Circle, Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 Hwy. 87, Pine. For more info, call (928) 476-3410. Nov. 14-16—San Francisco Green Festival, the largest green consumer event in the United States, is a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, is the largest and most diverse green living event in the country. For more info, see www.greenfestivals.org.
Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.—Loaves of Love Workshop, Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 Hwy. 87, Pine. An extraordinary cooking class for consciously intended food. Learn to improve the quality of any food you prepare by using the important ingredient of love. Vegetarian lunch included. Bring your apron and an open heart! Facilitated by Nathalie Poilpre’ of Love Bites Cakes & Catering. Cost: $55. For more info, call (928) 476-3410.
Nov. 15, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.—Energetic Tools for an Energetic Universe, New Visions Spiritual Growth Center, 9659 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. In this workshop you will learn: What is blocking you from peace, prosperity and enlightenment?; Why is it so difficult to experience the qualities of enlightenment in our lives?; How to remove the energetic obstacles that prevent the awareness of your oneness with Spirit; Techniques and tools to keep your energy fields clear; How energetic blockages prevent physical, emotional and spiritual well being. $110, includes Energetic Tools for an Energetic Universe, the latest book by John English. Pre-registration required at 480-473-8957 or e-mail workshop@dtpublications.com.
Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.—Crossing Arizona: Prescott College Fall Film Series: “The State of the State,” films with timely messages and
Nov. 15, 1:30 p.m.—Plants of the Bible Guided Tour, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. On this guided walking tour
Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
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Mesa resident and Bible scholar David Oberpriller points out palms, figs, olives, pomegranates and other plants of the bible and shares his knowledge about botany, history and scripture. For more info, visit http:// ag.arizona.edu/BTA/events/bibleplants.html. Nov. 16, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.—Trees of Arizona, guided tour at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Take our new autumn tour through the forested areas of the Arboretum where you’ll learn about the towering sycamore and cottonwood trees, native hackberry, mesquite and many more. For more info, call (520) 689-2811. Nov. 16-18— 2008 Great Lakes Building ReUse Conference. Buffalo, New York. The first regional conference on developing and implementing building deconstruction and other creative solutions to address problems and solutions surrounding vacant and abandoned structures. For more info, see www. greatlakesreuse.org/. Nov. 17, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.— Public Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to provide information on public trail priorities and gather public input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Lake Havasu City, Aquatic Center, 100 Park Ave. (Rooms 153/154), Lake Havasu City. Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-Noon— Land-Manager Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to give state planners more detailed information on public trail priorities. This workshop will gather land managers’ input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Lake Havasu City, Aquatic Center, 100 Park Ave. (Rooms 153/154), Lake Havasu City. Nov. 18, 5 p.m.—Deadline to register for Know Your Resources Workshop, Lower Salt River Pebble Beach Recreation Area. Know Your Resources is a series of overnight family friendly camping adventures designed to introduce participants to camping and recreation areas in Arizona. Your registration fee covers the campground costs, all food and activities. For more information, call L.V. Yates at (602) 952-2857, or e-mail Knowyourresources@yahoo.com. Nov. 18, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.—Public Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to provide information on public trail priorities and gather public input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: One City Plaza, Conference Room 190, Yuma.
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Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-Noon— Land-Manager Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to give state planners more detailed information on public trail priorities. This workshop will gather land managers’ input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Yuma, Old City Council Chamber, 180 W. 1st St., Yuma. Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.—The War on Democracy: Prescott College Fall Film Series “The State of the State,” films with timely messages and amusing looks at the current state of the affairs as we head into the election season and beyond. Free. Discussion following each film. Prescott College Crossroads Center Community Meeting Room. Sponsored by The Center for Peace and Justice, The Catalyst Info Shop and The Aztlan Center. For more info, e-mail peaceaz@gmail.com. Nov. 19-21—“Revolutionary Green: Innovations for Global Sustainability,” the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, Boston. Buildings play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. USGBC’s Greenbuild conference and expo is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties. For more info, see www. greenbuildexpo.org/. Nov. 20, 6 p.m.—the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict. Ripple Roundtable Discussion. DVD showing by a local authority in the subject. Sinagua B Building. Refreshments provided. Free. For more info, contact Lianne Rydell, Service-Learning Coordinator, at (928) 350-1002 or lrydell@prescott.edu.
and educators.
Gathering of today’s cutting-edge thinkers, researchers and teachers, joining forces at this seventh annual North American Conference devoted to some of the Greatest Mysteries of our Times. Learn what’s behind today’s great shift in human consciousness. How are we evolving in these times? Explore: Government Cover-ups—HAARP, UFO Secrets, Crop Circles, 2012, Today’s Health Crisis, Ancient and Modern Mysteries, Solar Cycles and Weather, DNA Secrets, and more. It’s a weekend guaranteed to change the way you look at life. For more info, see www.chetsnow.com/signs.html. Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.—Advanced Birding Class, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Arboretum bird walk leader Kathe Anderson concludes her advanced birding class series with this “second-oftwo-parts” session on Nov. 22. “The Es and Fs” of basic birding are the focus today, and Kathe will explain how to seek out different habitats and environments when looking for particular birds. Enrollment is $27.50; arrange pre-payment with a call to our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at (520) 689-2723. Nov. 22—Upper Verde River Stewardship Hike: Perkinsville Bridge to MC Canyon. Bushwhack up the Verde River seven miles through a very pretty part of the river. Be prepared to push through the brush, wade
Nov. 20, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.— Solar Lecture Series, Experiments and Futures, City of Scottsdale, Granite Reef Senior Center located at 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. Includes discussions of Hydrogen Power and Building with Waste. Presenters: AZ Solar Center. For more information, call 480-312-3111. Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.—Let Go, Live Now! Workshop, Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 Hwy. 87, Pine. Start living in the NOW! Are you willing to let go of living in the past playing small? YES YOU ARE! Uncover patterns, old thoughts and beliefs that keep you stuck in fear, doubt and worry, and awaken to your greater yet to be. Journals required. Instructed by Marianna Kitts—15 years Licensed Practitioner of Truth, TV Host of “Living Authentically,” Transformation Coach and Spiritual Counselor. Cost: $30. For more info, call (928) 476-3410. Nov. 21-24—Secrets! Conference 2008: “What the Mainstream Media Won’t Tell You!” Tempe Embassy Suites Hotel, 4400 S. Rural Road (at U.S. 60), Tempe. A Unique
the river, and climb around cliffs. This will be a long day, but there is outstanding scenery and photography, and fall color should be excellent. Learn about the conservation issues threatening this wonderful river. Sierra Club rating B, seven miles, 300’ elevation change. Prereservation required, contact Gary Beverly at (928) 636-2638 or gbeverly@cableone.net for more information or to ask for photos of the area. Nov. 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.—Second Annual Night Under the Stars, Alamo Lake State Park, begins with a Star Fair and Educator’s Workshop with astronomy presentations, educational booths and activities for families
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Nov. 22, 7 p.m.— Second Annual Night Under the Stars, Alamo Lake State Park, concludes with a star party to view stars, planets and constellations. The nearest town lights are nearly 40 miles away so it’s a great park for stargazing. Regular day use fee will be waived for this event. Camping is available. For more info, call (928) 669-2088. Nov. 22-23—Know Your Resources Workshop, Lower Salt River Pebble Beach Recreation Area. Know Your Resources is a series of overnight family friendly camping adventures designed to introduce participants to camping and recreation areas in Arizona. Your registration fee covers the campground costs, all food and activities. For more information, call L.V. Yates at (602) 952-2857, or e-mail Knowyourresources@yahoo.com. Registration is limited and must be received by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18. Nov. 23, 1 p.m.— “Water as a Way of Life—Cultural and Spiritual Connections to Water,” a presentation by Jerry Honowa, Hopi adviser to the Black Mesa Trust. Location: Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. For more info, all (928) 4453122 or see http://sharlot.org/index.shtml. Nov. 23, 1:30 p.m.—Edible/Medicinal Desert Plants Walk, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Sonoran Desert plants have nourished, healed and clothed desert residents for thousands of years. Walk the Curandero Trail and learn more from Jean Groen, author of Foods of the Superstitions. David Morris, ethno-botanist and Choctaw Nation member, alternates as leader for this tour. For more info, see http://ag.arizona. edu/BTA/edibleplants.html. Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.—Scottsdale Library Lecture “Choosing Green: The Home Buyers Guide to Good Green Homes, Palomino Library Multiuse Room. Do you want an energy efficient, nontoxic, healthy home but not sure what to look for or have questions to ask? Jerry Yudelson, nationally recognized green-building expert and consultant, LEEDS trainer, author of “Choosing Green” and six other books on green building will provide answers to these common areas of concern with easy to use tables, charts, score sheets, checklists and more. Registration recommended either online at http:// www.scottsdalelibrary.org, or by calling (480) 312-READ. Nov. 28, 6 p.m.—New Moon Manifest Drumming Circle, Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 Hwy. 87, Pine. For more info, call (928) 476-3410. Nov. 29, 9 a.m.-Noon—Plein Air Artist “Paint Out” at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Glorious autumn foliage is at peak around Thanksgiving weekend here
November 2008
at the Arboretum. This artists’ invitational arranged in collaboration with ASP coincides with our annual Fall Foliage Finale Festival. Bring your art supplies and capture garden scenes or desert panoramas on canvas alongside members of the Mesa Art League and Arizona Plein Air Painters. For more info, call (520) 689-2811. Nov, 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.—Psychic Awareness and Development Workshop, Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 Hwy. 87, Pine. Gain a clear understanding of the psychic senses, and learn to recognize your own psychic strengths. Develop your psychic senses through meditation techniques for awakening sensitivity to subtle energy. Facilitated by Carrie Konyha, world-renowned professional psychic and spiritual counselor. Cost: $35. For more info, call (928) 4763410. Nov. 29-30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.— Invite family and visiting guests for a picnic and to celebrate autumn color in our famous pistachio grove with spiced apple cider, live music and other activities at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. For more info, call (520) 689-2811. Nov. 29, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.—Tribal Bellydance Workshop, , Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 Hwy. 87, Pine. Learn the basics of Tribal bellydance technique including standard slow moves, fast moves, traveling steps and turns. All levels of ability welcome. Bring finger cymbals to class, along with your joy for movement and dance. Instructor Carrie Konyha is a renowned bellydancer, & choreographer who teaches & performs nationwide. Cost: $35. For more info, call (928) 476-3410. Dec. 1, 6 p.m-8 p.m.— Public Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to provide information on public trail priorities and gather public input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Tucson, Pima County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Offices, 3500 W. River Road, Tucson. Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-Noon— Land-Manager Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to give state planners more detailed information on public trail priorities. This workshop will gather land managers’ input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Tucson, Bureau of Land Management Offices, 12661 East Broadway, Tucson.
November 2008
Dec. 2, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.— Public Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to provide information on public trail priorities and gather public input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Sierra Vista, Buena High School Performing Arts Center – Lecture Pod, 5225 Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista. Dec. 3—Homeschool Day at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Each school year home-school families are invited to gather and experience Arboretum education programs. Participants are offered the “Plants of the Bible” tour starting at 10 am. Pre-payment is required, families are asked to reserve a spot no later than two weeks prior to the tour by calling (520) 689-2723. Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-Noon— Land-Manager Meeting, Trails 2010 Plan. Regional trail workshop to give state planners more detailed information on public trail priorities. This workshop will gather land managers’ input on both motorized and non-motorized trail issues. Location: Sierra Vista, Oscar Yrun Community Center, 3020 E. Tacoma St., Sierra Vista.
Dec. 3-4—Good and Green, the Green Marketing Conference, Chicago Cultural Center. Learn how to increase your brand’s emotional, cognitive and financial connection in today’s “greening” consumer markets. More and more consumers are embracing green initiatives. Thirty percent of American consumers are willing to pay up to a 20 percent premium on clean, green products over nonsustainable alternatives...and that number grows each year. For more info, visit www.goodandgreen.biz. Dec 4, 3:30-5 p.m.—Student Presentations. Prescott College Fall 2008 Environmental Studies Colloquium Series. Free. Prescott College San Juan “C” building. For information, contact Ed Boyer at 350-2209 or eboyer@prescott.edu. Dec. 5-6— 26th Annual Parade of Lights, Lake Havasu State Park. At Windsor 4 beach area, watch decorated vessels go through the London bridge channel, event free to the public. For more info, see www.golakehavasu.com or call (928) 855-2784. Dec. 7, 2 p.m.—Tracing the Ancient Landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, Red Rock State Park, Sedona. Geologists Wayne Ranney and Ron Blakey will present this program. The beautifully stratified rocks of the Colorado Plateau tell a fascinating story of our ever-evolving landscape. Although the plateau is uplifted today and is actively eroding, many former landscapes were near sea level and include tropical, shallow seas, sandy
windblown deserts and Amazon-scale river systems that flowed as far away as the Appalachian Mountains. Each of these former landscapes left behind sediment that allows geologists to know past environments. These long lost scenes come to life in a series of dynamic and newly created paleogeographic maps, developed by “reading the rocks.” They take us on an incredible journey as we travel through time on the Colorado Plateau. Seating is limited. Call the park at (928) 282-6907 for more info. Reservations may be required. Dec. 8-9— Hollywood Goes Green, Universal City Hilton, Los Angeles. Offering industry insiders a forum to collaborate and develop partnerships for a sustainable future. Be part of this historic gathering for an in-depth exchange of ideas and make deals with influencers who share your passion for protecting the environment. In recent years, Hollywood has significantly steppedup its efforts and introduced to introduce eco-friendly business practices to preserve the environment and eliminate global warming. Changes in the Music industry, broadcast and cable television, film, games, advertising and other allied businesses all have initiatives for saving Mother Earth while saving money. For more info, see www.hollywoodgoesgreen. com. Dec. 9, 12:15 p.m.— Viewing Our National Parks on the Eve of World War II: The Mysterious Color Stereo Images of Clyde A. McCoy at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff. Michael Amundson, Ph.D., Department of History, NAU examines the discovery and history of a private collection of 35 mm color stereo images of Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Crater Lake, Glacier, Bryce and Zion National Parks made in 1940 and the life and mysterious death of their maker, Clyde A. McCoy. Bag Lunch Lecture. For more info, call (928) 779-4395. Dec. 12, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.— Annual Lighting of the Luminarias—A Community Christmas at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Luminarias or firolitos are bags of sand with a lit candle set on the walls of the courthouse in honor of the Mexican tradition of the posada. Free festive Victorian era music, finger food and beverages at the courthouse. For more info, call (520) 457-3311. Dec. 13, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.—Holiday Wreathmaking Workshop at Oracle State Park. Hone your botanical knowledge and make a decorative wreath using natural plant material gathered at the park. Meet at the Kannally Ranch House. Cost of the workshop is
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$12 including the park entrance fee. Space is limited, reservation required. For more info, call (520) 896-2425. Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.—Boating Safety Class at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Learn about boat registration requirements, Arizona and Federal boating laws, equipment requirements, navigation rules, trailering your boat, aids to navigation (buoys) and other useful information. This is a State and Federally approved Boating Safety Class! Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate and an ID card. Sponsored by Arizona Game and Fish Department. Call (520) 287-2791 to register. Dec. 13, 9 a.m.11 a.m.— Christmas Party and Crafts at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park visitor center. Santa will be on hand to give out candy and Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories to the children. In addition, there will be crafts for the children to make and take home, as well as Christmas music and general good cheer. To help fend off the cold, hot cider and cake will be served. Free. For more info, call (928) 779-4395. Dec. 13, 1:30 p.m.—Edible/Medicinal Desert Plants Walk, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Sonoran Desert plants have nourished, healed and clothed desert residents for thousands of years. Walk the Curandero Trail and learn more from Jean Groen, author of Foods of the Superstitions. David Morris, ethno-botanist and Choctaw Nation member, alternates as leader for this tour. For more info, see http://ag.arizona. edu/BTA/edibleplants.html. Dec. 13–Jan. 3— Victorian Christmas at Fort Verde State Historic Park. Living history presentations, weapons demonstrations and portrayal of life on the frontier as it was in the late 1870s. For more info, call (928) 567-3275. Dec. 14, 2 p.m.—Geology Hike, Red Rock State Park, Sedona. Park volunteers escort visitors on a guided hike through the park, discussing the geology of the area. This hike includes the Eagles Nest trail for a great view of the park and the surrounding area. The hike lasts for two- to two- and one-half hours and has a 250-foot elevation climb. Bring water and wear suitable shoes or boots. Call the park at (928) 282-6907 for further information. Reservations may be required.
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Children’s tea sets still remain collectors’ favorites Q: I have enclosed a photo of a child’s porcelain tea set. Marked in green on the bottom of each dish is an “M” in a wreath and the words “Noritake—Made in Japan.” I believe the set was made before World War II; it has been in our china cabinet for as long as I can remember and remains in mint condition. Would you be able to tell me anything about my set and whether it has any value?
A porcelain tea set, made by the Noritake China Co. in 1904, would probably be worth $150 to $175.
A: The Morimura Bros. established Noritake China Co. in 1904 in Nagoya, Japan. They had offices in New York and Tokyo, which exported high quality china from Japan; it was decorated with designs that appealed to Western tastes. The letter “M” in the wreath represents the Morimura Bros. Children’s tea sets are perennial favorites with many collectors. Since you didn’t mention if your set is a service for four, six or eight, we will assume it is a service for four. Your service set for four was made around 1920 and would probably be worth $150 to $175. Q: This mark is on the back of my 8-inch diameter plate. The plate is decorated with a portrait of a blond woman in an old fashioned gown, with a pink rose in her hair, against a dark blue border with gold filigree. On the back of the plate are the words “1904 Pittsburgh Commandery—29th Triennial—San Francisco—Cal.” I am interested in the history
by Anne McCollam Creators Syndicate and value of my plate. Could it be a welcome addition to a museum? A: Your plate was made by Knowles, Taylor and Knowles to commemorate a Masonic event that Knowles, Taylor and occurred in San Knowles created Francisco in 1904. porcelain items like Fraternal organization commemorative memorabilia are very plates. The company collectible. Knowles, was located in East Taylor and Knowles Liverpool, Ohio, from made semi-vitreous 1890 to 1929. porcelain in East Liverpool, Ohio, from 1890 to 1929. Masonic organizations as well as some historical societies would most likely be happy to add your plate to their collections. The value of your 1904 commemorative plate would probably be $50 to $75. Q: Fifty-eight years ago, I was given a Cinderella doll made by Madame Alexander. The hard plastic doll stands approximately 14 inches tall; it is in very good condition. She is wearing the original gown, shoes and blond wig. Her eyes open and close, limbs are jointed and her lips are a coral red. Does my doll have any value today? A: Madame Beatrice Alexander Behram founded her doll company in 1923. Beautifully molded painted faces, sleep eyes with
Puzzle Solutions
Logic puzzle solution: Tyler’s height is 61 inches, weight is 110 pounds and systolic blood pressure is 127 mm Hg (normal). Dylan’s height is 54 inches, weight is 85 pounds and systolic blood pressure is 137 mm Hg (high normal). William’s height is 59 inches, weight is 102 pounds and systolic blood pressure is 123 mm Hg (normal).
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eyelashes, realistic wigs as well as expertly detailed costumes characterize her exceptional dolls. Over the years, she designed several versions of the Cinderella character. The circa 1950 Cinderella doll would probably be worth $175 to $275. Q: For at least 70 years, I can remember a cast iron dog doorstop that was placed against the sun-room door in my mother’s home. Before she had it, the doorstop was in my grandmother’s home—I know it has to be very old. It is a black and white Boston terrier, has no manufacturer’s mark, and stands around 9 inches tall. He is standing with his head turned to the right. Even though there are a few minor pieces of painting missing, it is otherwise in good condition. I would never part with it, but would like to know if it is a collectible with any value. A: Cast iron doorstops are extremely popular antiques. Several different manufacturers made them in multiple shapes from the middle 1800s to the 1940s. Your doorstop was created around 1920 and would probably be worth $275 to $375. Q: Enclosed you will find a photo of an Empire side chair, which I picked up in Buzzard’s Bay, Maine, a few months ago. The chair is very solid; it has mahogany veneer on the crest rail, the An Empire side chair, created horizontal around the period of the Indusback splat and trial Revolution and Victorian the curved Era, would probably be worth front seat rail. $400 to $600. The crest rail is outlined with cherry. I completely refinished the wood and secured the springs. It still had the original needlepoint cover on the seat, but it was so deteriorated that I had to replace it professionally. I think the chair was made about 1840. Am I right? Could you also please tell me what it is worth? A: The overall design lines of your chair, including the curved front legs, are typical of the Empire period of furniture. The style began in France when Napoleon was emperor, thus the name Empire. The style is also known as Classical, since it was inspired by ancient Roman and Egyptian furniture and
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architecture. By 1810, the design had spread to the United States. Most pieces were handcrafted by cabinetmakers, but the Victorian Era and the Industrial Revolution changed everything. Beginning in the 1840s, furniture was factory-made and styles changed quickly. Your estimate of your chair’s age is correct. Its value would probably be $400 to $600. Q: This mark is on the bottom of a bud vase, which was given to me by the daughter of one of my friends who passed away. The vase is approximately 5 inches tall De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles creates with a cobalt blue stoneware and pottery and white patpieces such as vases. The tern. In addition company has been located to the mark, there in Delft, Holland, since is a label with the words “Koninklijke 1653. Porceleyne Fles.” I am interested in learning more about my vase and its value. A: De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles has made stoneware and faience in Delft, Holland, since 1653. Of the original 32 earthenware factories, it is the only one surviving. The letter “J” superimposed over the “T” serve as the initials of Joost Thooft, who bought the pottery in 1876. The letters “LE” are the artist’s/decorator’s initials. Translated from Dutch, De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles means “The Royal Porcelain Jar.” The Delft blue and white designs, seen in antiques and gift shops today, were first used for the pottery in the late 1800s. Your vase is a 20th century piece and would probably be worth $50 to $100. Q: I have a gold metal “Evening in Paris” compact with its original cardboard box. The compact lid has a diamond-quilted design, and the overall measurements are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. Inside is a place for a tube of lipstick, rouge, face powder and a powder puff. It belonged to my sister-in-law, who passed away about 50 years ago. I would like to know if it has any value. A: Monsieur Alexandre Napoleon Bourjois founded his cosmetic company in Paris, France, in 1863. Bourjois introduced his “Evening of Paris” line of perfume in 1929. Bottled in cobalt blue containers, his perfume or toilet water became an icon. Gift boxes lined in satin filled with “Evening of Paris” perfume and powder were perennial favorites for special occasions. Bourjois’s legacy of creativity and innovation continues today. Your collectible compact was made around 1930; its value would probably be $50 to $60. Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
November 2008
All that’s not sweet could kill you
’T
is the season for sweet things. Many people think that to keep healthy, they must make the supposedly wise choice of consuming sugar substitutes; but doing so is literally poisoning yourself, which is the topic of this month’s movie “Sweet Misery, a Poisoned World.” The ever-so-popular sugar substitute aspartane is a mixture of three poisons that cause a myriad of diseases, including brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, lupis, Lou Gherigs disease, brain lymphoma, seizures, inability to think clearly and many more. Common products with this additive are Nutrasweet, Equal and Crystal Light. So, if this product is so poisonous, then how did it become such a widely used additive? Well, in 1965 it was discovered when a scientist in a Searle laboratory got some experimental ulcer medicine on his finger. And, of course, as any intelligent person would with a chemical, he licked it and found it tasted sweet, and so aspartane was born. (By the way, antifreeze is apparently sweet also; but don’t drink it, it’ll kill you). The chemical consists of two amino acids and methyl ester, which once ingested, breaks down into methanol—wood alcohol poison—which then metabolizes into formaldehyde—embalming fluid—which accumulates in the body.
November 2008
Movie Reviews by Jason Allen
Movies that won’t make you dumber In 1970 Searle did their first study on seven monkeys, who naturally have a much higher tolerance to methanol than humans. They were fed aspartane with milk, which slows the absorption of chemicals into the body. Despite these handicaps on the study, five of the monkeys had severe seizures and one died. Also in that year, a prominent scientist, James Olney, discovered that one of the amino acids, aspartic acid, causes brain tumors and holes in the brain. Olney reported his findings to Searle. In 1973 after they did their own study on mice—which, according to the movie—they falsified the results by cutting out tumors and throwing them away and not dissecting the dead mice until they started to decompose, Searle applied for
food additive petition to use aspartane as an artificial sweetener. In 1974 it was approved, but they were asked not to market it. In 1977 G.D. Searle was indicted for fraud in Chicago for deletion of records, manipulation of records and falsification of records. But the Attorney General and then the Assistant Attorney General let the statute of limitations for prosecution expire. They both then took very nice jobs at the Searle law firm.
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In 1980 the use of aspartane was prohibited. But never fear, Donald Rumsfeld came to the rescue. Searle hired Rumsfeld and a team of politicians to save them from the awful fate of not being able to profit from the misery of others, and in 1981 when Reagan took office, the first thing he did was to prohibit the administrator of the F.D.A. from taking any action, then replaced him. The day after Reagan took office, Searle applied for re-approval, and despite the F.D.A. scientists being against it, aspartane was approved in 1983. Within six months of its use, brain tumor rates rose 10 percent, diabetes increased 30 percent and brain lymphoma jumped 60 percent. It’s not all bad news though, it seems that even the most severely affected people improve by miraculous amounts just by discontinuing the use of aspartane. There also seems to be a perfectly safe artificial sweetener called Stevia, but the F.D.A. prohibits it being used or marketed as such. Even though I just summed it up, Sweet Misery is still a great movie to see. It has a pile of scientists and professionals who were in the loop when all this was happening, along with a pile of victims of the chemical. It’s a pretty straightforward film, no funny skits—other than executives lying on film—but sadly, that’s not strange. There’s also a list of informative Web sites at the end, if you feel inspired.
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Worsening economy increases role of By Andrew J. Shainker Cronkite News Service Jack Edwards gives visitors to Red Rock State Park a handshake and hello along with a pamphlet on the park’s history. Louise Appleton leads visitors on moonlight walks. Those who sneak onto the park grounds after hours will get a lecture from Don Swanson, who stays here overnight in his trailer. This nature preserve, set beneath the spectacular cliffs overlooking Sedona, has several employees, but these three aren’t among them. All retirees, they are part of a crew of about 80 volunteers who keep the park running. “I found myself being bored when there was no work to be done,” said Edwards, who has volunteered here every Thursday morn-
ing for nearly a year. “Volunteering has filled that gap.” Arizona’s 31 state parks cannot operate without volunteers, officials say. Hundreds of people, out of the goodness of their hearts and sometimes in exchange for free camping, lead tours and hikes, maintain facilities, staff welcome desks and perform other essential tasks. Like Edwards, Appleton and Swanson, most of the volunteers in the state parks are retirees. As temperatures cool and Arizona State Parks prepare for an increase in visitors, officials worry that the worsening economy and high gasoline prices will make it more challenging to find volunteers, some of whom drive long distances to parks. “The cost of gas is definitely starting to prohibit volunteers from driving 30 to 40
Photo by Andrew Shainker/Cronkite News Service Don Swanson (left) and Jack Edwards are volunteers at Red Rock State Park in Sedona. The hundreds of people who volunteer at Arizona State Parks’ 31 facilities are essential to keeping the parks in operation, officials say. The agency is working to make sure high gas prices and a worsening economy don’t cut into volunteer numbers.
Photo by Ann Haver-Allen Jerome State Historic Park is in need of volunteers, said ranger Nora Graf. Newspaper advertisements, fliers and events haven’t brought in the volunteers she needs.
Photo by Ann Haver-Allen Sunset on the Superstition Mountains at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction.
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Photo by Ann Haver-Allen The bridge at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park—located between Payson and Pine—is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point.
Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com
November 2008
volunteers in the state parks system minutes out of their way,” said Nicole Armstrong-Best, an Arizona State Parks resource planner who coordinates volunteer efforts. It’s already tough at Jerome State Historic Park, where ranger Nora Graf needs five more volunteers to join the six who work the front desk, collect entrance fees and run antique engines. Newspaper advertisements, fliers and events haven’t worked, but officials are working with Armstrong-Best on other options, she said. “I think part of it is the price of gas along with the long winding road that leads to our park,” Graf said. Sara Hensley, director of parks and recreation for the city of Phoenix and a faculty associate in Arizona State University’s School of Community Resources & Development, said the poor economy means parks have to be more creative to get volunteers. “Parks up until now have only targeted volunteers who live right around the area,” Hensley said. “To get more volunteers, parks must begin to target different age groups and different locations.” Arizona State Parks is working to keep current volunteers and lure new ones by organizing carpools and arranging schedules so volunteers can work the same number of hours each week over fewer days, said Ellen Bilbrey, the agency’s public information officer. Bilbrey said she and others are soliciting volunteers through news releases, fliers posted at parks and invitations from employ-
ees and volunteers. “We are letting the community know we need them,” Bilbrey said. Consolidating hours has helped Louise Appleton, who has volunteered at Red Rock State Park for a year, cope with a trip of 19 miles to and from the park. She used to work part-time two days a week, staffing the information booth and leading tours, but now works about same number of hours on one day a week. “The price of gas has impacted me in the sense that I try to consolidate some of my volunteer duties,” Appleton said. Brenda Robinson, volunteer coordinator for Red Rock State Park, said she’s always on the lookout for people willing to help. “We have spent a great deal of time reaching out to our community,” Robinson said. “Every individual has a gift to give to Red Rock State Park.” Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff is reaching out to young people to meet its need for 30 volunteers, said Nikki Lober, the park’s volunteer coordinator. “We attended this year the NAU volunteer fair to let students know we exist,” Lober said. Armstrong-Best, who recruits volunteers for the entire park system, said she is ready to adjust her marketing campaign if the economy cuts into volunteer numbers. “Parks cannot remain open without the help of volunteers,” she said.
Photo by Ann Haver-Allen Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, along with the Verde River Greenway, is 735 acres set aside for natural and cultural resource conservation.
November 2008
Photo by Ann Haver-Allen Fort Verde State Historic Fort features original buildings from the 1800s, including the officer’s home pictured above. Ft. Verde was a base for General Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers in the 1870s and 1880s.
Photo by Ann Haver-Allen Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon is a popular swimming spot.
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Find paradise in this off-the-grid green home
I
f living off the grid, high in the mountains surrounded by national forest has been your dream, now is the time to wake up and start living it. A “green” home in the foothills of the Mingus Mountains is available. This three bedroom, two and one-half bath home is one of three homes carved out of more than 20 acres of U.S. Forest Service land. The property is deed restricted with an easement for access. Wind turbines and solar panels provide power for the home, which is constructed of insulated concrete forms (ICFs). ICFs combine solid, reinforced concrete with high-density expanded polystyrene. Heating and cooling an ICF-constructed home is typically 30 percent to 80 percent cheaper than heating and cooling a conventional home of the same size. An added benefit of ICF construction is its resistance to mold, termites and fire. It is environmentally sound, safe and nontoxic. The house is designed to be passive solar heated. The west facing sunroom and south facing greenhouse provide the majority of solar gain. A system of operable clerestory windows creates a convection draft effect naturally cooling the home by bringing cooler air from the lower level up to the main level and evacuating the warmer air while creating natural ventilation. The home has two floors. The kitchen, great room, master suite and enclosed sunroom are on the main floor. Two bedrooms, a full bath, two multipurpose spaces and extra storage are on the lower level. Each of the two floors has its own furnace to allow independent operation. The ICF construction creates a well-insulated envelope and traps the nighttime coolness in the summer and the daytime solar gain in
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Eco Living
the winter. Ceiling fans and an evaporative cooler supplement the natural ventilation. A total of 30, 60-volt solar photovoltaic panels on a tracking system collect and store energy into batteries. A wind generator provides supplemental energy. A propane-fired generator backs up the entire power system. The house has a gray water system with a 500-gallon holding tank, a solar-powered well pump, solar-powered hot water system with a propane backup and a whole house filtration system. An oversized two-car garage provides plenty of room for a workshop. An enclosed sunroom features a hot tub and incredible views of the valley below. The kitchen features custom hickory cabinets, granite countertops and an oversized pantry. Energy Star appliances are installed throughout. A satellite dish provides highspeed Internet access. The modest master suite features tongueand-groove knotty pine walls, spacious closet, dual vanities, a walk-in shower and a garden tub. For more information, call Robert Israel at (928) 273-2420.
Photos by Ann Haver-Allen Above, 30, 60-volt solar photovoltaic panels on a tracking system collect and store energy. A wind generator provides supplemental energy. Below, left, floors in the great room are an oak grid with ceramic tile inlay. Below, the attached greenhouse provides an additional 576 square feet of floor space.
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November 2008