Practice Time: Drudgery or Enjoyment? You no doubt have heard the expression “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” the answer is: Practice! Practice! Practice! But that in itself is not good enough. Music practice sessions should be well planned and thought out. Most people, especially students, need to know how to plan their practice …

I had a successful knee replacement operation in August of 2009. On one of my visits to my doctor, he mentioned reading this silly little column in ALIVE Magazine. His name is Aaron Salyapongse and he is quite a guy and a fine doctor. At least, I now know that someone reads this stuff other …

For the most part, the past eighteen months have been pretty cold—and I’m not referring to the weather. Most businesses throughout our region have had to struggle to survive, with more than a few failing in spite of their best efforts to keep the doors open. Looking back, I can name at least a half …

When we Americans visit foreign countries, it is our hope and desire to experience and be exposed to different and diverse situations. We seek out contrasting cultures, hunt for historic sites, and expose ourselves to an environment different from our own. It is these varied introductions to new surroundings and cultures that make an out-of-country …

Studies prove that the human mind has the power to transform our state. Just think, for a moment, of mankind’s accomplishments over the last century. In less than 100 years we have done things considered impossible, little more than a century ago. Today, our day-to-day reality includes; electricity, automobiles, medical miracles, super-sonic flight and the …

A trip to the tailor can be a like going to the plastic surgeon, or so I’ve heard. A nip here, a tuck there and…voila! You (or in this case, your wardrobe) will look years younger. Transform any garment—slacks, skirts, dresses, jackets and even t-shirts—into custom-fitting perfection. The results will be a taller, leaner and …

Earth Day was designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. It was founded as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is now celebrated in many countries. Now forty years later, the world is at greater risk than ever. That is why I am proud of our staffs’ efforts to ensure that the …

Just in time for Earth Day, April 22nd , I’d like to talk about a few things that Danville is doing to be more green. I am proud to report that the Town of Danville has made great strides in its effort to become more environmentally sustainable. In 2009, the Town Council approved a Climate …

A Plexiglass case filled with plants, soil and “rain on demand” is giving City Hall visitors a fun lesson on how landscaping can stop pollution from getting into creeks and the Bay. Visitors push a button to activate a sprinkler system simulating rain. The water soaks into the ground, seeps through plant roots and layers …

At last! Spring is just around the corner. The birds are chirping and the trees are budding. Also just around the corner are recreation programs for all members of the family. If you live in the R-7A Alamo MAC Parks and Recreation area, you need to be aware of some special recreation prices available to …