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It seems that every automotive manufacturer is unveiling a new Crossover in their lineup, with Jaguar recently joining them. While it used to be the goal to have one crossover in your stable, now to be in the show you must have one in every size category. Even the junior mint sizes need to be fully equipped with all of the latest gadgets. One of the new entries in the subcompact field is the stunning, all-new, 2017 Kia Niro.

The Kia Niro began hitting dealerships in early 2017 and is available in five trim levels – FE, LX, EX, Touring, and a limited production Launch Edition.

The Niro FE, has a starting MSRP of $22,890 and 50-MPG (combined), and is equipped with an extensive list of standard features, including: 16-inch wheels, 6-way front seats, power windows, keyless entry, cruise control, 7-inch touchscreen display with rearview camera, UVO3 with Apple CarPlayTM3, Android AutoTM4 and a six-speaker audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Next up is the $23,200 LX trim, which adds Smart Key with push button start, roof rails and LED rear combination lamps. Among the extras added to EX, priced at $25,700, are: heated combination cloth and leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, heated power folding mirrors, front fog lamps, and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Change Assist (LCA) and driver assistance features.

The Launch Edition is available in Snow White Pearl or Aurora Black Pearl exterior colors. Drivers are offered an exclusive look via the unique Hyper Gray 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires, unique metallic color grille, 10-way driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, 8-speaker Harman Kardon® 6 premium audio—all for $28,000.

Touring trim, at $29,650, is equipped with an amazing array of additional features, including: power tilt/slide sunroof, front and rear park assist, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and 8-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio.

The Niro is a front-wheel drive crossover that provides 6.3 inches of ground clearance. Its SUV styling cues are in full force including simulated front and rear skid plates and gray plastic lower body and wheel arch trim. Thanks to the increased ground clearance, the driver and passenger do experience an elevated seating height–one of the trademarks of an SUV/Crossover.

The 2017 Niro is dressed with the sporty Kia grille and headlights that look like raised eyebrows. The outline of the body projects a shadow of a boxed figure with smoothed sporty edges.

One of the best features of the Niro in this time of rising gas prices and threats of a new 50-cent gas tax, is the combined 50 miles per gallon. The Niro was engineered from the ground up as a hybrid as it delivers the mpgs, and creates that green statement buzz.

The Niro combines an Atkinson-cycle, direct-injected 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and lithium-polymer battery pack that generates 139 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. It might not sound like much, however, that’s what it takes to get 50+ mpg. Honestly, it still had good get-up-and-go. The Niro bypasses the usual CVT in favor of a 6-speed dual clutch transmission with a Sport-Drive mode.

The interior was comfortable in its two-tone trim. Like most Kias, it was loaded with high-tech features including: push button start, front heated and cooled seats, navigation with an 8-inch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smart phone integration, SiriusXM satellite radio and more. The stitching and trim around the air vents are colored in blue indicating a hybrid. The cargo space ranges from 19.4 cu-ft. to 54.5 cu-ft. with the second seats down.

 

Cool Features:

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Push-button start
• Front heated and cooled seats

The 2017 Kia Niro is well-equipped with safety features including: dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, rollover sensor, ABS brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, rear camera, blind spot detection and lane change assist available on EX-and-up trims, and more. Optional safety features are Forward Collision Warning system, Lane Departure Warning system, Smart Cruise Control, and Front and Rear Park Assist system.

In Summary – The 2017 Kia Niro is a fun little crossover that is only missing an AWD version. It is equipped with plenty of room, a fair amount of power, and solid steering and handling. The style is young, and cute with a touch of sophistication. Standard features and optional features mimic those on more upscale vehicles. Kia has introduced a test-worthy little crossover offering that’s worthy of your time.

Specifications

2017 Kia Niro Touring

 

Base price:                  $29,650as driven: $30,545 (including destination & optional
                                    features)

Engine:                       1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor

Horsepower:             104hp @ 5,700 RPM and 43hp

Torque:                       109 @ 2,200 RPM

Transmission:            6-Speedautomatic

Drive:                          Front-wheel Drive

Seating:                       5-passenger

Turning circle:           17.4 feet

Cargo space:              19.4 cubic feet

Curb weight:              3,106 pounds

Fuel capacity:             11.9 gallons     

EPA mileage:              City 51/Hwy 46

Wheel Base:                 106.3 inches

Warranty:                    10 years/100,000-miles powertrain limited

Also consider:              Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke, Toyota   

                                       C-HR

 

I am so happy to report that our first annual poetry contest was a terrific success. Even though the window for submissions was relatively brief, we received a good number of them—so many in fact, it was a challenge to rate them in the few days available to do so.  

Before I get to the punch line in announcing our winner, I would like to express my thanks to all of the poets that took the time to submit their work. I hope you all know that when it comes to artistic expression in any form—be it poetry, painting, photography, prose, music, or something else—ratings of any kind are always, purely subjective. It was obvious to everyone here at ALIVE that sincere, creative effort went into every poem we received, and we enjoyed reading each and every one, without exception.    

I must confess that our contest was the brainchild of the award-winning poet / writer / editor, Nadine Lockhart of Poetry Flash. Although we’ve received numerous, unsolicited submissions from poets over the years, it was Nadine’s enthusiastic, creative approach that motivated us to embrace the idea for this annual contest. We leaned heavily upon Nadine’s enormous knowledge and talent in judging the poems we received, and cannot thank her enough for all of the work she invested to help make this month’s ALIVE special.

Ironically, of the dozens of submissions that we received, it just so happens that one of the very first ones submitted was unanimously chosen as the winner of our contest. It is “Zephyr” by Ricardo Tavarez of Oakland. Congratulations, Ricardo!

In addition to Ricardo’s poem, we felt that two others deserved honorable mention: “Cesar Chavez,” by Juan R. Sequiera of Pleasant Hill, and “With Every Step I Take,” by Avotcja of Emeryville.

Thanks again to all of you who participated in our first poetry contest. We look forward to seeing more of your creative work next year!

Did you know that the distillery representing the world’s largest portfolio of organic, handcrafted spirits is located in Los Angeles? If not, then you probably don’t know about Greenbar Distillery.

Greenbar Distillery is a revelation. Using only organic produce to create their spirits, Greenbar strives to not only produce top shelf spirits, but also to affect the earth and the environment in a most positive manner. Their mission is to make the best possible spirits and to leave the world in “better shape than they found it.”

This dedication to the Earth is not something typically found in the spirits industry. But then Greenbar Distillery isn’t your typical company. When owners Melkon Khosrovian and Litty Mathew, a husband and wife team, started the Greenbar Distillery in 2004, they made conventional spirits with conventional ingredients. But because of their passion for organic, sustainable produce, Melkon and Litty began to experiment with using organic produce to create their spirits and found that the flavors and quality vastly improved.

As with fine cuisine, the product is the sum of all parts and if those parts are organic, fresh, and delicious, that will be reflected in the end result. The spirits produced by Greenbar have nothing in common with mass-produced spirits with which you may be familiar.

Greenbar chooses organic for the fine quality and flavors it creates in the spirits, but also to keep America’s farmland free of synthetic and artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Greenbar’s lightweight bottles and recycled labels help reduce packaging waste and pollution. In addition, Greenbar plants one tree in the rainforests of Central America for every bottle they sell. Now there’s active participation in replenishing our natural resources!

While their work in sustainability is commendable, you may be wondering how Greenbar’s spirits stand up to a taste test. The answer is they stand up straight and tall. If you have the patience and stamina to taste through their entire line of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey, liqueurs, and bitters, you’ll learn for yourself how absolutely wonderful these spirits are. Be warned, you may never go back to the big brands. Why would you? Greenbar’s spirits are affordably priced and offer a purity of flavor rarely encountered.

A trend in spirits’ marketing these days is boasting about how many times a particular spirit has been distilled. Companies brag that their spirit is better and “more pure” than the rest by virtue of being double, triple or even quadruple distilled. The irony is that with each distillation, flavors and natural characteristics are lost. The product is stripped of its unique and defining features with each process. In the end, a vodka, whiskey, or rum could taste like absolutely nothing on the palate.  Why would that be a desired effect unless the base materials were of poor quality?

Greenbar distills its spirits only once: Just enough to produce the desired alcohol levels and just enough to retain all of the wonderful, natural characteristics of the high quality base ingredients. The added flavors in the products are created by macerating natural fruits and spices to capture their beautiful flavor, scent, and color.

The zest of two whole lemons is used in every bottle of tangy lemon vodka. The spiced rum uses five whole spices, citrus, and flowers to make a rum that is rich, flavorful, and balanced. The liqueurs and bitters are intense experiences of roots, herbs, flowers, and citrus. You have to try them for yourself. Indeed, these spirits are memorable and will keep you coming back for more.

Greenbar Distillery is located at 2459 East 8^th Street, Los Angeles, 90021. Look for them at Greenbar.biz and (213) 375-3668. Greenbar Distillery offers tastings, tours, and group events. Their unique products can be purchased all over California at most fine wine and spirits shops.

Chances are you’ve already filed your income tax returns…or, at least, handed over everything to your accountant. This is as good a reason as any to pamper yourself.

If you’re in a funk or simply feeling the financial pinch of tax time, a night on the town may not be in the cards. But here in California good food is always an affordable luxury, especially when you shop at the farmers’ market.

Spring is here, and the market is abloom.After months of little more than juicy citrus to satisfy our cravings for fresh fruit we revel in early strawberries, with armloads of bright flowers to lift our spirits. Also look for locally-grown asparagus, squeaky-fresh artichokes, crunchy peas, fava beans, crisp celery, and young beets.Spring is short but sweet, so shake off the seasonal doldrums and make the most of it.

Often without ever having tasted them, beets are scorned by kids and grown-ups alike. You’ll always find canned beets in lackluster salad bars, a jolt of color radiating from beneath the clear plastic sneeze-guard. A walk past the bussing station of any less-than-glamorous restaurant—where stacks of abandoned salad plates are dotted with slimy purple remnants; their shocking-pink juices bleeding into rivers of ersatz dressing—certainly does nothing to improve their image. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The first thing to remember is that canned beets are about as sexy as canned peas.

Available year-round, the best tender young beets—no larger than a golf ball—are now piled high at the farmers’ market. Earthy, sweet, and delicious, with vitamin-packed greens that are not only edible, but downright tasty. For a change, try white or golden beets, or the candy-cane striped Chioggia variety. (But don’t expect miracles. The Chioggia variety cook to a uniform color.)

A salad made from “real” beets is a thing of beauty, whether served as a side dish or—accompanied by a loaf of crusty artisan bread–a light meal on a warm day.

 AND THE BEET GOES ON….

–Large beets tend to have a woody texture. Look for small, firm beets with crisp green tops attached. Perky leaves indicate they have been freshly harvested.

–To store: Cut off the beet greens, leaving an inch or so of the stems attached, as the leaves tend to draw moisture from the roots. Refrigerate the greens for up to 2 days in an open plastic bag. The bulb-shaped beet roots, when stored unwashed in their own plastic bag, will last a week in the refrigerator.(Any longer, and their natural sugars convert to starch.) Scrub beets well just before cooking.

–Don’t get caught red-handed: Red beets bleed. Wimps like me wear thin latex gloves when working with them. For those who yearn for the more tactile approach, avoid unsightly stains by washing your hands, cutting board, and knife immediately after peeling and slicing. (If needed, scrub stubborn stains with coarse salt.)And wear an apron to avoid The Jackson Pollock Syndrome.

–Beets can be eaten raw: just peel and grate before adding to salads. (I once worked with an editor whose beet-loving husband regularly consumed them in their natural state, merrily eating them out-of-hand like an apple. But that’s a whole other story.)

–Cooked beets can be peeled and refrigerated in an airtight container for several days, so it’s smart to cook more than you’ll need for a single meal.

–For the best flavor and least mess, roast beets with their skins and “tails” (root ends) intact. See recipe for details.

–Beets are done when the tip of a sharp knife can be easily inserted and withdrawn from the center. When properly cooked, their skins will slip off easily, using a paper towel or your fingertips.

ROASTED BEET SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE & WALNUTS

1/3 cup California walnut halves and pieces

2 bunches (8 to 10 beets total) small-to-medium beets—any variety—with greens attached

1/3 cup California walnut oil or olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon California red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves (optional)*

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

About 2 ounces soft California goat cheese, coarsely crumbled

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the walnuts in a baking dish and bake until lightly browned and fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Let the walnuts cool. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees.

2. Cut off leafy greens from the beets, leaving about 1 inch of the stems attached to the roots, and set aside. Scrub the beets under cold running water. Put the damp beets in a small baking dish, add a few tablespoons of water, and cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Roast until the beets are tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, 35 to 50 minutes, depending upon size.Set aside to cool.

3. In a small jar, combine the oil, orange juice, vinegar, tarragon, a scant 1/2 teaspoon salt, about 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and the mustard. Seal tightly and shake the jar until the vinaigrette is well blended. Taste, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

4. When the beets are cool enough to handle, rub off the skin and cut the beets into 1/4-inch thick slices. Combine the beets and about half the vinaigrette in a bowl, tossing gently to coat. Cover and set aside to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or longer if refrigerated.

5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Rinse the beet greens well and tear into large pieces. Add greens to the pot and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer the leaves to a colander and rinse under cold running water. Drain well and squeeze dry.

6. To serve, toss beet greens with the remaining vinaigrette. Spread the greens on a small serving platter and top with the marinated beets. Scatter the walnuts and goat cheese over the top and serve at once. Serves 4 to 6.

*If you don’t have—or don’t like—fresh tarragon, just omit it, or substitute fresh parsley or chives. Don’t bother using dried tarragon. It can be nasty stuff.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad & Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.org. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well!

 

Motivation (the “M” word) comes in many different forms and is, oftentimes, disguised as a deep-seeded fear, insecurity or desire that we may or may not be aware of. Conversely, it may be nothing more than an innate drive to be the best you can be at a given sport, skill or discipline.

Over the years, I’ve learned that when people are not clear about their motivations to carry out a specific task the risk of mediocracy runs high. Especially if the task is daunting or seems somewhat out of reach, as can be the case with many endurance or ultra-endurance related goals. Further, when the dog days of training/work come around, some will be more likely to bow out of tough or long sessions because the motivation just isn’t there.

This is also where the idea of success comes into play. Too often in racing, success is correlated with a top spot on the podium or winning. While I would be remiss to say “winning” a race, event, or prize, is not success, I fear most athletes don’t take other successes into account when engaged in self-assessment. Therefore, I train each athlete as an individual. Learning what techniques and strategies best suit an individual will solicit much better results that are sustainable over time.

While many want to “just train,” the mechanism by which they do so will be different for most athletes. Training an individual athlete to meet their own goals within their own mentality, skill, and ability supersedes training an individual to a group. Sure, my squad does a lot of group work, but within that are the individual objectives that are the motivators for each, not a group norm. Working with athletes to stay inside themselves, stay married to the process and recognizing what their successes are and what they entail is not always easy for them or me. But, it gets the best results.

When an athlete becomes driven by a group mentality they begin to work outside themselves and will undoubtedly end up reaching too far toward an unattainable goal, or underachieving. Either way, they won’t get the best result and maximize their time and effort.

Triathlon/endurance sport is hard. Sprint distance, Ironman distance, 5k or 26.2 miles. Whatever the distance, it doesn’t matter. If you do it correctly, it hurts and takes work. However, if it were easy, the payoff would not be as impactful as it is. Triathlon is not three different sports. It is one sport consisting of many disciplines and should be treated and trained for as such.

As a coach, it’s my job to understand that each athlete has a different set of variables with which to work; whether physical gifts or limitations, life circumstances, job and family obligations, etc. The point is, there is no level playing field. Some are at a disadvantage; therefore, training must take these things into consideration to be effective and successful.

As you measure yourself, think objectively in terms of what qualifies as successful (or not). Consider some of the following: Does training/racing help alleviate stress in other areas of your life? Is the goal to become physically fit? Has the sport helped do this? Are you helping to set a positive example for your kids? Are you better today than you were yesterday?

I would argue that if you can answer yes to any of these, you are becoming quite successful. Perhaps, it is also worth noting just how successful you can become may depend upon the source of your motivation.

 

 

 

In case you think I’m getting prematurely dotty, I willingly admit that I reviewed One Night with the King in early 2008.  For Judaism it is time for the Festival of Purim and for Christians, it is Easter.  It’s time to dust off my review, add to it and bring it to you again.

I am not Jewish but as a Christian, I have an admiration of the ancient religion and culture. It is simply, yet magnificently beautiful.

There is always turmoil in the Middle East and Israel seems to be a lightning rod.  To even begin to understand that turmoil you have to look back thousands of years; be a student of history.  Megilah of Esther, is an ancient scroll that recounts the heroics of Queen Esther in ancient Persia. If you don’t know who Esther was or about her pivotal role in history, you need to watch this movie.

You take one young orphan girl and one hunky king and you have the making of a luscious tale. This one is a true tale, chronicled by history. The life of Esther is one of the most inspiring Biblical accounts found in the Old Testament.  Much beloved by Jews, Christians and Persians alike, Esther is the story of deliverance for the Jewish people. 

One Night with the King has lavish costumes, giggling harems, a vast, ancient city, huge armies, black riders, and blood feuds. Yet, it is truly the story of a young woman, a Jew, living in exile in Susa, Persia, with her cousin in about 485 BC.

There is a back-story of a 400 year old feud between the Jews and the Agagites that intertwines throughout the movie. This is a part of the story I had never heard that helped me have a better understanding of this period in history. This is an intricately-woven story with intrigues, treachery and comeuppance a plenty, but you need to pay attention to the first few minutes because it sets the stage for the story.   

Esther, played by, Tiffany Dupont is fresh and beautiful and offsets King Xerxes (did I mention that he is hunky?) played by Luke Goss. There are stunning performances by screen legends, Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif and John Rhys-Davies that rounds out the cast nicely. 

Based on the best-selling novel “Hadassah: One Night with the King” by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen, this dramatic big-screen adaptation chronicles Esther’s (Hadassah) rise from peasant to queen, her courageous role in the redemption of her people from destruction and death, and her winning of the love of the most powerful man in the kingdom—by seeking his heart rather than the riches of his kingdom.

One Night with the King was shot entirely on location in Rajasthan—India’s very own land of kings. Digital vistas were added to this Indian castle to recreate the ancient capital, Persepolis. One Night with the King exudes exotic splendor.  I have yet to figure out what catches the attention of the “Academy” but in my humble opinion this movie should have at least been nominated for an Oscar for costume and set design.  The costumes alone are worth your time and money to rent this movie. Hope you have a big screen—this movie is majestic!  As always, I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.

ELUSIVE MAGNESIUM: VERY FEW OF US ARE NOT DEFICIENT

At UC Berkeley my major was in Physiology—a field I have followed ever since.  If you have read much of my previous articles, you know that in both my sleep apnea and TMJ practices I take a very holistic approach to health maintenance. The pharmaceutical approach is like giving a pain killer for a thorn in your foot; you help the symptom, but the damage progresses.

Over seventy years ago, US Health authorities warned our country that, due to not replenishing the minerals in the soil, there would likely become mineral deficiency health problems.  It has happened.  One of the most serious mineral deficiencies is Magnesium (Mg).  Due to the fact that only 1% of Mg is found in the blood, most doctors are not trained to test for it, and in most cases normal supplements don’t make up for this deficiency.

I belong to several physiology research organizations and try to stay up on what’s new.  According to Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, a holistic pain and depression specialist, “Magnesium deficiency contributes to every known disease – from anxiety to depression, cancer, atherosclerosis, fatigue, hypertension, etc.”

Magnesium is responsible in a large part for the support of:

• Blood sugar balance
• Optimal circulation and blood pressure
• Cellular energy production
• Calming nerves and relieving headaches
• Pain relief and muscle relaxation
• Bone density and calcium balance
• Joints and ligament flexibility
• Promoting deep sleep
• Supporting optimal cognition and strengthening memory
• Regulating mood and stress and anxiety
• Assisting in detoxification
• Relieving cramping of muscles, leg cramps in your sleep and menstrual cramps

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

I have been recommending that my patients supplement with chelated or colloidal Mg with mixed results, sometimes great.  There are some foods that contain higher concentrations of Mg which include; sprouted nuts and seeds, avocados, sprouted legumes, pink salt, sea vegetables, wild fish, raw cacao, pumpkin seeds and raw green and leafy veggies and pastured eggs.  Of course all these foods need soil that contains Mg, in the first place.

For arthritis relief, chronic muscle and ligament pain, and menstrual cramps, a transdermal application using a Mg oil spray works best.  For increasing Mg absorption, the most recent research revealed Mg L-Threonate was the best. Amazon carries it. Only buy the best because some of the dishonest companies use contaminated sources.  It is possible to overdose with Mg causing some nasty symptoms, so check with your heath care professional to find the appropriate dosage for your body.

 

 

 

Q. Could you explain the different between Determinate and Indeterminate tomatoes? Each year, I get so confused when I go to buy my tomato plants. In addition when is the ideal time to plant? 

A. Tomatoes are classified by their growth habit and are called determinate and indeterminate varieties. Determinate varieties do better in smaller spaces making them ideal for containers such as an Earth Box, while the Indeterminate tomatoes are rigorous growers; hence they require staking and/or a tomato cage as they get quite large. Determinate plants are short, bushy and grow to only a height of about four feet. They are often called bush tomatoes. The tomatoes form on the terminals ends of the plants: hence, they are self topping and seldom require support. They stop growing when the fruit sets on the terminal or top bud ripen their entire crop, usually over a two week period, and then die. Indeterminate varieties continue to grow indefinitely until killed by a frost. I like to refer to them as the Energizer Bunny of tomatoes. The plant is always producing stems and leaves as the lead or terminal buds does not set fruit. The fruit set on the laterals instead. In addition, the fruit ripens progressively as the vine grows, so there are tomatoes in all stages of development at any one time. Cherry tomatoes varieties along with Early Girl, Brandywine and Big Boy are examples of Indeterminate tomatoes. Gardeners often make the mistake of planting tomatoes too early. The key in growing tomatoes and setting fruit is not the daytime temperatures. Tomatoes are a warm season crop that struggles and/or fails to set fruit with nighttime temperatures below 55 degrees. Once the plants are slowed down, they never recover and fail to meet expectations. Personally, I’d plant tomatoes between April 15 and May 15 after the rainy season has concluded.

Q. This year, I’d like to plant my peppers in containers. How many can I plant and can I mix both hot and sweet peppers together in the same pot?

A. Peppers grow very nicely in containers and yes, you can mix the hot and sweet varieties in the same pot. With chili or hot pepper varieties, you are better off waiting until the end of the month to plant or whenever the rainy season has concluded. The number of plants is determined by the size of the pot. I’d allow each plant about eight to twelve inches of space. If your pot is large enough, you could mix in Alyssum and Marigolds as companion plants to deter insect problems. Because of the nutrient depletion with every watering, I’d fertilize them with a vegetable food every other month or with Osmocote at the time of planting and again in July. Osmocote is a time release fertilizer that releases a little bit of nutrients with every watering. Peppers have shallow roots so you need to be careful when you cultivate and mulching is recommended to conserve moisture.  Water conservation is enhanced by adding the plant polymer, Soil Moist, to the soil mix at planting. Soil Moist is a crystal that hydrates into a gel with water. The roots of plants use the gel as a back up réservoir extending the days between watering.  All the pepper varieties are compatible with each other so there isn’t a problem with whatever varieties you choose.

Q. Is there a way to sterilize soil other than baking it in an oven? When I recycle the old soil from containers, I first sift the soil and then store it in trash cans.  I find that the weed seeds are not killed when stored for a year or so.

A. Storing soil in a dark location isn’t an effective method of killing weed seeds. They can remain dormant for a long period and germinate when exposed to light and moisture. To effectively kill the weed seeds, soil insects and soil pathogens, the soil needs to be heated. For the home gardener, soil solarization is a simple non chemical technique that captures heat from the sun to sterilize soil. Commercial equipment is not cost effective while a household oven isn’t very practical. Soil sterilization is a sensible solution for large or small quantities of soil. You can tarp areas off an area or place small amounts of soil in plastic bags. It should be pre-moistened and then sealed or covered. The weeds seeds are killed as the temperature rises converting the moisture into steam. Depending on the quantity, it needs to bake in the sun for six to ten weeks. June through September is the primary period to sterilize soil using the sun. Once it’s been sterilized and aired out, you can store it in trash cans indefinitely. A back up plan is to control the weed seeds with pre-emergent herbicides. There are organic liquid as well as granular products available. 

Are You

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

If you are suffering from a herniated disc or pinched nerve, you know how debilitating it is and how the pain slowly leaks the vitality from your life. Since1999 when Align Healing Center opened its doors, we have been specialists in treating pain naturally; whether it’s back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or any other pain, we have been there to awaken the healing potential in the body and relieve the pain. That being said, we are always in search of miraculous new ways to relieve pain without the use of drugs, invasive procedures and certainly without inducing more pain. If you or someone you care about suffers from a pinched nerve or disc related pain, it is worthwhile to explore the exceptional, non-invasive, natural therapies that are available today.

Can I heal my pain without drugs or surgery? Yes, here’s how:

1. 1. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a state of the art treatment that has been helping thousands of patients with chronic neck or low back pain, sciatica, and herniated, bulging or degenerated discs. This is an entirely different treatment from traditional chiropractic adjustments. Many of the patients who are candidates for this procedure have already tried chiropractic, physical therapy, injections, and/or were told they would need surgery.

This breakthrough treatment works by gently separating the vertebra, which decompresses the disc, thus causing the bulging material to be drawn back into the disc. It does this by reversing the internal disc pressure, thus creating a vacuum effect. According to the Journal of Neurosurgery (vol. 81, 1994), decompression was found to substantially reduce the pressure inside disc, therefore allowing water and nutrients to be absorbed and initiate the healing process within the disc itself. Non-surgical spinal decompression is very effective, has a high success rate, and can be utilized for both neck and low-back disc injuries.

2. Class IV Laser Therapy

Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser Cube Class IV Laser.  Class IV Laser therapy gets to the root of the injury and treats it at the cellular level, providing energy to the cells so they can heal. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

There is hope!

We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offers outstanding results in healing stubborn pain due to a pinched nerve, bulging disc or spinal degeneration.

This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure for back or neck pain. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic back pain treatments, such as drugs, injections or surgery. With proper care and rehabilitation of your spine you can be back to your healthy self quickly!

For more information about Dr. Niele Maimone, DC or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com

Refresh Your Skin For Spring

• Play It Cool

Use a toner after cleansing to dramatically balance and refresh the skin and to restore protective pH mantle. Using toners are one of the best-kept beauty secrets to smooth and protect the top layer of the skin. Your complexion will enjoy the results of renewed brilliance and the skin will look smoother and more youthful than ever. Sensitive toners are recommended for best results.

• Easy on the Eyes

The eye area is extra delicate, so be sure to use eye cream products specifically formulated for this fragile area. Lighter eye creams with nutrients and anti-puff ingredients are best. Our Premier Firming Eye Cream by Ongrien is one of the finest in anti-aging. It reduces puffiness and dark circles, while preventing premature signs of aging and corrects existing photo damage.

• A Light Idea

With the warmer months comes increased dryness in the air. Switch to a more hydrated version of your favorite moisturizer so skin doesn’t get dry and parched, causing wrinkles and fine lines. We highly recommend our Formula 20 for optimum protective for hydration, repair and anti-aging benefits.

• Screen Test

All skin types are sensitive to sunscreens. We recommend using sunscreens that are light-weight, contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to prevent breakouts and clogged pores. These ingredients will block the harmful UV rays and protect the skin and reduce collagen breakdown.

• Dare To Detox

Apply a good organic clay mask to the skin once or twice a week to draw impurities out of the skin and to deeply cleanse and detox pores. It minimizes large pores and congested skin. Ideal for all skin types. We recommend our Organic Clay Masque for optimum benefits.

         

• Get The Glow

Get into the habit of exfoliating the skin every day, this will promote healthy cell renewal and maximize anti-aging benefits without damaging the surface of the skin. A mild exfoliant will provide the skin with exceptional smoothness and tone, while promoting a youthful, smoother complexion. We recommend our Organic Honey and Almond Scrub for maximum benefits for all skin types.

   

• Here’s The Scoop

Antioxidants help protect skin against free radicals. Free radicals cause fine lines and wrinkles to form along with age spots, and skin cancer. Protect yourself with a topical cream that includes Esther-C, Lipoic Acid, Q-10, and DMAE. Powerful antioxidants will prevent collagen breakdown, your skin will look healthier, younger and smooth. Our Regeneration Serum contains a synergistic antioxidant combination of all four ingredients. Ideal for all skin types.  

    

• Skin Deep and a Youthful Complexion

 Glycolic Acid is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids in skin care. It is a valuable addition to many of the super-antioxidants products (such as alpha lipoic acid and DMAE), because it works with other antioxidants, enhancing their antioxidant activity giving you a more youthful appearance. In short, Glycolic Acid aids in smoothing the surface of the skin, reducing wrinkles and decreasing sun-damaged skin.

• Beauty Secrets

The secret to beautiful skin is all in the cleansing. If you use harsh products and do not cleanse the skin properly everyday your skin will suffer. Use cleansers and toners that are gentle yet powerful enough to clean deep within the pores and the surface of the skin. Do not use anything that includes alcohol or chemicals.

• The Bottom Line

At The Rouge our advanced skin care line “Ongrien” starts with science. Our research team helped pioneer the advent of cosmeceuticals and has continued to lead the industry as one of the first companies to provide scientific evidence to support product benefits. Aroma therapy, organic products, and all natural plant based lines cannot provide the skin with anti-aging benefits, because they do not have the nutrients to support anti-aging cellular renewal or repair.