Column

Utility meets High-Tech!

Sales of cars have been steadily been replaced by SUV’s as people want and need more space. Is that because our population is becoming more overweight? I don’t know. Maybe we just want as the late great George Carlin use to say, “when we go somewhere we take part of our stuff.” Maybe we are taking too much of our stuff and simply need a way to carry it, or maybe we are super-sizing too many things. These days SUV’s come in all sizes and levels of luxury and performance. One of Acura’s offering in the luxury packaging is the 2017 Acura MDX.

In 2014 Acura launched the third generation MDX and for 2017 it received a major refresh. Upgrades and improvements for 2017 include refreshed exterior styling and a bold new diamond pentagon grille. New features for 2017 begin with the high-tech AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and river-assistive technologies, electric parking break with automatic brake hold, auto high beam headlamps, Sirius XM Radio™ , USB charging ports and more. Plus, Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure and a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features to deliver intelligent safety and confident driving performance.

The 2017 Acura MDX comes in Front Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive with a base model and Technology package, Technology and Entertainment packages, Advance packages, and Advance and Entertainment packages. Prices start at $44,890.

The 2017 Acura MDX leads its class with its combination of power and fuel efficiency. Power comes from an advanced 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine rated at 290 peak horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque (both SAE net). It incorporates a range of advanced friction-reducing technologies that help boost fuel efficiency and power output, and features a crossflow magnesium intake manifold, special “tumble” type intake ports, special piston-crown shapes, and an 11.5:1 compression ratio.

The restyled 2017 MDX’s distinctive diamond pentagon grille represents the new face of Acura. Integrated with a more sculpted hood, front fascia, front fenders and revised Jewel Eye headlights, the result is a more “executive athletic” appearance for the Acura’s class-leading luxury SUV. Additional styling updates include new chrome rocker panel trim, a revised rear bumper and skid garnish, and new dual exhausts with bright finishers.

The 2017 MDX offers a high level of luxury, convenience and technology in a spacious cabin graced with high-end appointments including standard leather seating surfaces and available new genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood accent trim (Advance Package). The MDX comes with standard three-row, seven-passenger seating.  Advance grades accommodate six passengers with new second-row captain’s chairs and a center console. Smart interior packaging provides usable and versatile passenger and cargo space, including an Extended Slide feature for the second-row seats and convenient One-Touch Walk-In access to the third row. While up front, a large storage area in the center console can accommodate a purse and even tablet computers. New seat styling with contrasting piping and stitching and perforated Milano premium leather seating surfaces elevate the luxury look and feel of the Advance Package.

Cool Features:

• The MDX with Advance Package also features a new Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles.
• Millimeter wave radar and a monocular camera to detect other vehicles as well as lane markings
• AcuraLink™ includes media channels available through Pandora™ and Aha™ mobile, delivered via the owner’s internet-linked smartphone and data plan

From the safety side, for 2017, every MDX model and trim level includes the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technology, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

In Summary –The 2017 Acura MDX is loaded with useful and powerful high-tech features throughout. These technology benefits create a driving experience that inspires one to avoid the shortcuts and chose the open road. Acura’s modifications for 2017 keep the MDX looking fresh, confident and Silicon Valley competent.

Specifications

2017 Acura MDX AWD Advance

 

Base price:                  $56,400 as driven: $57,340 (including destination & optional
                                    features)

Engine:                       3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine

Horsepower:               290 @ 6,200 RPM

Torque:                       267 @ 4,700 RPM

Transmission:              9-Speedautomatic

Drive:                          AWD Drive

Seating:                       7-passenger

Turning circle:           38.7 feet

Cargo space:              15 – 68.4 cubic feet

Curb weight:              4001 pounds

Fuel capacity:            19.5 gallons      

EPA mileage:             City 19/Hwy 26

Wheel Base:                111 inches

Warranty:                   4 years/50,000-miles powertrain limited

Also consider:            Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer, Infiniti QX60, Lexus RX, and

                                      Lincoln  MKX

 

With Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day being in February, it seems appropriate to consider “love of country” and our flag, for just as a special ring on one’s finger symbolizes love and devotion to another, so too does the American flag symbolize the same toward our beloved nation. 

The Stars and Stripes represents something greater than a token banner displayed on holidays; it stands for a unique idea that is America—a nation founded upon the notion that life and liberty are precious and inseparable, and that the full value of the former is only  fully realized under the blessing of the latter.

The Americans with the fullest understanding and appreciation of what our flag represents are the patriots who have fought, are fighting, or who may one day fight under its banner. These are the men and women of our armed forces, first responders, and their families.

And while some suggest it ought to again be deemed a crime to deface the American flag—something that was once the case but later determined unconstitutional—I’d say that just like that ring on one’s    finger, the only way the symbolism of devotion is meaningful and relevant is when it is honored voluntarily. With all due respect to those who think otherwise, I’d bet those patriots just mentioned would likely be the first to defend any American who might choose to burn the flag. Indeed, burning or trampling upon Old Glory is protected “free speech”—but just because one has the freedom to do something   doesn’t mean one should do something.

It is by a full, clear, and deep understanding of what our flag truly  represents that those patriots defend the right of others to burn it, and it is what makes me and others repel at the very idea of ever disgracing it in any way.   

While it is true that being critical of the flag is a protected right, it is also true that, just as there are customs of respect for those “special rings,” so too are there specific customs and practices that apply to our flag. For example, a damaged or faded flag ought to be replaced. It should not be flown in inclement weather, nor should it be displayed after sunset, unless it is illuminated. 

Over the years, it has become a habit of mine to pay attention to American flags wherever I see them, and I am appalled at how poorly and carelessly they are often displayed, even over government buildings. Frequently, I see torn and ragged flags, un-illuminated flags at night, and flags flying during heavy rains.

In part, a ring symbolizes an eternal connection; a continuity of  mutual respect and support that has no end. It doesn’t imply perfection nor demand it; it merely encourages each in the relationship to strive in a common direction—one defined by love.

Seeing as how not all of us serve in the military or as first responders, we ought to think of the American flag as the ring that binds us as citizens. According it due respect is just one simple way to show that  same respect to those patriots who do serve.    

If one has a real passion and love of music and wants to make it their life’s endeavor, it’s important to know where to go to study music. A place of study should be chosen that will best provide the knowledge, skills and resources to help them succeed in the very challenging world of music.

One of the biggest decisions, both parents and high school students make, is selecting a good music school, college or conservatory. These schools are geared to certain types of music disciplines including classical, contemporary, and jazz.

Along with emphasis on the types of schools available; course offerings of specialization within the department is very important. Most schools offer classes in musical instruments; voice training; conducting; composition; musicology—the study of music history and literature; all aspects of music theory and music education i.e. training of future music teachers.

University Music Classes

Many university music departments place more emphasis on the study of music as an academic pursuit rather than on the more practical aspects of performance. Almost all university music departments have performing ensembles in orchestra, band, both concert and jazz, and choral ensembles, as well as chamber music and often opera.

Choosing a college or university music department over a conservatory school of music will generally lead to a more broad education, as in liberal arts. The student would include classes in other disciplines rather than concentrating just on music classes. There are numerous excellent college and universities with outstanding music programs.

The Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, has an excellent reputation and ranks among the top music schools in the nation. It was established in 1921 and is the largest accredited music school in America. Only 25 percent of applicants are admitted. There are 180 people on the faculty, many with national and international reputations. Admission to the school is by live or recorded audition. They offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

The University of California, Berkeley, (my alma mater) has an excellent department of music. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes composition, history and literature, arranging, conducting, and instrument instruction in strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

It also had a music education component that I chose, because I wanted to be a teacher and eventually a college professor. Unfortunately, they no longer have the music education program. Students who want to be a music teacher have to go elsewhere to get a teaching credential. The department is exceptional in musicology and composition. They offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. I was one of the last students to earn a Ph.D., in music education there.

Music Conservatories/Music Schools

If a student is extremely talented and wants to go into a solo career or play in a major symphony orchestra, he/she would most likely choose a conservatory experience and concentrate in depth on their instrument or voice.

The Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, in Rochester, New York, was founded in 1921 by George Eastman of Eastman Kodak fame. This institution has bragging rights of being ranked first in United States music schools by U.S, News and World Report. Locally, former Eastman graduate student, Robert Williams, said. “Having all students and all classes, lessons, and rehearsals within one building makes for a community of convenience, cooperation, and conviviality, where friendship and fellowship happens.” Williams is conductor of the Pleasanton Community Concert Band and plays French Horn with the Danville Community Band (DCB).

Eastman is a private school where almost all students receive scholarships. It is quite selective and emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum. The school has over 130 faculty. All first year students live on campus.

Principle Horn for the DCB, Christine-Ann Immesoete, said, “The Eastman School of Music, and the rest of the University of Rochester, continue to be the shining jewel in the crown of Rochester, and all of western New York.” Immesoete, like Williams, earned a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music.         

Juillard School of Music is located at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York City. Founded in 1905, it is considered one of the finest music schools in the United States. Admittance is based on several factors including GPA, talent ability, interviews and recommendations. It has a very favorable student to faculty ratio of 4:1. Most classes are less than ten students. The first year students live on campus. The world famous Lincoln Center is very close to the campus.

Internationally known, concert pianist, Daniel Glover of San Francisco, has performed in 42 states and 22 foreign countries. Glover holds a master’s degree from Juillard, along with many other famous artists in America and abroad. They offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Interestingly, 89 percent of their students are from out of state.

The New England School of Music in Boston, located near Boston Symphony Hall, was established in 1867, making it the oldest private independent school of music in America. They have a unique five-year program with Harvard and Tufts Universities, where students can get a double degree. Admission to the conservatory is by live audition. Popular majors include composition, strings and jazz and they offer a prestigious chamber music program. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are offered and it is also a training ground for the famous Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the oldest music school in the country, dating back to 1857 and was founded by George Peabody. The school emphasizes a comprehensive program in many aspects of music training. It is affiliated with the John’s Hopkins University Preparatory School for school age children. The tuition is high but they have a financial aid package.

The Curtis Institute of Music located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis Bok. It is one of the most selective schools in America, however, all students attend on full scholarship. They have only a 4.8 percent admission rate. It was formerly a training ground for orchestral musicians. Admission is by live audition. Curtis graduates are in many symphony orchestras throughout the country.

Oberlin College Conservatory of Music is located in rural Oberlin, Ohio, southwest of Cleveland. Enrollment is fewer than 600 students, 25 percent of applicants are accepted and 90 percent have tuition assistance. They also offer a five-year program with Oberlin College. The students earn a bachelor of arts from the college and a bachelor of music from the conservatory. They are well known for their programs in contemporary and baroque music.

Locally, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, founded in 1917, is one of the least competitive institutions with a 40 percent acceptance rate and 95 percent of students receive financial aid. It is a relative small school with about 450 students. Their graduate chamber music program is rated excellent.

The Berklee College of Music is located in Boston. It was founded in 1945 and is one of the largest music schools with over 4,000 students. Its emphasis is on contemporary music and their Jazz Program is one of its strong points.

These are only a few of the many excellent schools, conservatories and university departments of music one can choose. The most important thing to remember is what program will best meet the needs and desires of the student, who will hopefully reap the benefits of a good musical education. If you are going out-of-state, public state supported colleges will charge an out-of-state tuition that is substantially higher than in-state tuition. Private schools charge about the same whether one is a state resident or not. Good luck in selecting the right school for you.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net. Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band. 

 

 

 

                                                                       

 

 

February is upon us and it’s time to gear up for a romantic Valentine’s Day. What will you and your beloved drink on the big night? There are so many wonderful choices. You could go classic and opt for a sparkling wine. California sparkling wine, French champagne, Italian prosecco, and Spanish cava are always popular choices. But given the spirit of the occasion, why not try a red sparkler?

A red sparkling wine? Indeed, red sparkling wine is somewhat of an enigma. You don’t find it on menus very often in the United States, so when you do, be sure to sit up and take notice. The best red fizz is made in select corners of the world but you won’t need your passport to buy these gems. You should be able to find a good bottle at your favorite wine shop. If by chance your local store does not carry these wines, look for them online. They’re surely worth the effort.

Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna in central Italy. Made from the grape Vitis Labrusca, from which it takes its name, Lambrusco comes in different styles, some slightly sweet, some dry. The first Lambrusco imported to the USA in the 1970s was sugary sweet and truly no more than slightly alcoholic grape juice. But such Lambrusco was made expressly for export. The wise Italians kept the traditional version for themselves.

Today, Italian wine producers are crafting their own Lambrusco for the world. Appealing to the modern palate, unpretentious Lambrusco is a refreshing, sparkling red wine with low alcohol (about 8.5%) and crisp, high acidity. A good Lambrusco is fruity on the nose with aromas of red fruit, rose petals, and green geranium, and dry to off-dry on the palate with a soft, bubbly mousse. Lambrusco is the perfect wine to accompany charcuterie, cheeses, and light pastas.

Heading “Down Under” to Australia, you’ll find delicious red bubbles in the form of sparkling Shiraz. Take all of the qualities you love about good Australian Shiraz and add some bubbles. An Australian favorite, sparkling Shiraz is a richly flavored, robust wine with aromas of warm vanilla, dried flowers, and smoke, and a palate of intense forest berries with a whisper of cinnamon. 

Perfect for any celebration, sparkling Shiraz pairs beautifully with roasted meats, game, and stews, hearty foods that might tempt your Valentine’s palate. Be sure to keep a few bottles around for the warmer months too, as sparkling Shiraz pairs brilliantly with grilled meats and veggies on the barbecue. The unexpected fizz of the Shiraz only adds to the fun of the occasion. As the Aussies say, “Give it a go, Mate!”

Wine drinking doesn’t have to be studied and serious. Who has time for that? It should be fun and it should be an adventure. Finding a unique bottle to share with your loved one can be truly rewarding. A red sparkler might just do the trick. A little extra effort on Valentine’s Day will surely be rewarded as 2017 pushes on.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Cheers!

 

 

 

Most of us have undergone a detox of sorts since January 1. But between the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day and The Year of the Rooster and every other holiday-centric excuse we find for feasting, our dietary choices often expand right along with our waistlines.

Through thick and thin, however, the farmers’ market remains our portal to healthy living. More veggies; less meat. Processed foods are scarce. No elevator music = no stress. Plus, shopping in the open-air is downright invigorating.

This month’s market is brimming with juicy citrus fruits, crunchy apples, creamy pears, and other sweet starlets from the waning days of winter. February also signals the arrival of early crops like sugar snap peas and strawberries, offering a sneak-peak of coming attractions.

As we wait for spring to launch into full swing, now is the perfect opportunity to explore more common vegetables we sometimes take for granted, or view as not being “special” enough for company. Just give them a New Year’s makeover! Show everyone that plain-Janes like broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms can be as glamorous as their short-seasoned cousins.

The following has become my go-to winter recipe for both potlucks and entertaining large groups at home. Prep is limited; the recipe is easily multiplied; everything cooks together in a hot oven; and it can be served either warm or at room temperature. And, oh yeah, it also tastes great. There’s nothing ho-hum about these vegetables.

Roasted Broccolini with Herbed Mushrooms

1 1/2 pounds mushrooms (any variety), halved if large

1/2 cup California olive oil

2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 1/2 pounds broccolini, tough ends trimmed

1/2 teaspoon coarse (kosher) salt

1. Position one oven rack in the lower third of the oven, and another rack in the center. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. On a large rimmed baking sheet, combine the mushrooms, about 6 tablespoons of the oil, the thyme, soy sauce, and pepper Toss gently to coat.

Spread into an even layer and place the baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven. Roast, stirring once, until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the broccolini on another large rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt. Toss gently to coat. Spread into an even layer and place the baking sheet on the center rack in the oven. Roast the broccolini, turning once, until the stems are crisp-tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Arrange the vegetables decoratively on a large platter. Serve at once, or let cool to room temperature. Serves 4 to 6.

Recipe Afterthoughts

It’s all cruciferous. I happen to be partial to broccolini, a natural hybrid of broccoli and Japanese kai-lan. (Sometimes you will see it labeled as “baby broccoli.”) The smaller florets and long, thin stalks with tender skin make for speedy prep in the kitchen. If you are a fan of pleasantly bitter broccoli raab, it makes an easy substitute. And when substituting plain ol’ garden-variety broccoli, simply peel away the tough skin from the stems and cut lengthwise, from stem through the florets, into smaller spears.

Don’t be timid when roasting vegetables. A little char at the edges adds visual appeal as well as flavor. (After a childhood of eating water-logged veggies, it also makes for a pleasant surprise.)

If soy sauce seems out of place in this recipe, don’t worry. It will not make the mushrooms taste like Chinese takeout. It simply boosts the umami factor, helps with browning, and adds sodium to bring out the natural flavor of the mushrooms.

I like to use an assortment of cultivated and wild mushrooms for this dish—as grand or as meager as budget allows. The exotic ones taste wonderful, of course, and make the dish look like more of a Big Deal.

If you’re fresh outta thyme, finely chopped rosemary makes a tasty substitute. If you must use dried herbs instead of fresh, use a generous 1/2 teaspoon only.

If you are inclined to gild the lily, it never hurts to shave a bit of Parmesan over the top before serving.

Although the recipe makes 4 to 6 generous servings, it has been known to serve 8 or more as part of a buffet. If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, use the veggies to fill omelets. Or eat them cold, directly out of the refrigerator. Whatever.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

Most of you know that Chesley Burnett Sullenberger is a bonified hero. You probably also know that he’s a local (Danville) hero. Because of that, you may have ventured out to the big screen (not your new 70 incher that hardly fits in your living room) to check him out, bigger than life!

Well, no matter the size of the viewing screen, Sully is a hero. Like everyone else, I saw all the hoopla on the news when it happened back on January 15, 2009.  There is not much more to say about those few minutes but WOW…and then we go back to doing what we do every day waiting for the next big news story. 

I am so glad that Clint Eastwood and Malpaso Productions chose to bring this movie to the viewing audience, because it truly took far more than a few minutes on TV to tell the story of our hero, the passengers on US Airways Flight 1549 and the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

Let’s start with Sully the man. He seems like a quiet man who truly knows who he is, even before his fame. He received his Bachelor’s Degree at the United States Air Force Academy.  He also later earned two Masters Degrees. What you may not know is that by the time he was twelve years old he was in the 99^th percentile and qualified for Mensa (genius IQ) not in one subject but in all academic categories.

I don’t mention this to glorify, or embarrass him. I mention it so you can truly appreciate what brilliance it took to make the decisions he made that day in the time he had, mere seconds. What it took to evaluate, create a plan and execute that plan in time to save those 155 people on that flight was nothing short of amazing. That is what Sully, the movie revealed to us. 

Little did he know that he would later have to defend his evaluation, plan and perfect execution of that plan? I love the quote from the movie, “It’s been a long time since New York had news this good, especially with an airplane in it!” He managed to miss flying into the buildings and even missed the George Washington Bridge by a mere 900 feet as he wrestled the Airbus A320, whose engines failed when they ran into a flock of Canadian Geese shortly after take-off.

He and his First Officer, Jeff Skiles, successfully landed their plane in the Hudson River in the heart of New York City within three minutes of the incident.  I’m not a big city girl, but you just have to stand in awe of the residents of this city. While the plane was still on its short trajectory, ferry boat pilots saw and headed into the midst of the fray.  They surely didn’t know what the situation would be when they got there, but they were on their way. The evacuation was sheer beauty. There were people helping people, clearing the plane, caring for each other, standing strong on the wings of that plane or sliding down into rafts in freezing cold water. And then there was Sully going back twice into a water filled cabin to check that every passenger and crew member had been evacuated while stopping to grab blankets from the overhead bins for those waiting to be rescued.

Sully has a long history of advocacy for airline safety and continues this today. 

While the real star of the story is Sully, I would be remiss if I didn’t applaud the brilliance of Tom Hanks. I believe the casting choice was impeccable.

Don’t miss this slice of history. Watch it.  Buy it!  Let me know what you think at chastings@rockcliff.com

 

 

 

Q. My Potato Vine and Bougainvillea suffered from frost in the recent cold spells. Most of the leaves have fallen off, so they look terrible. Is there anything I can do now to help them grow back?                      

A. It’s not unusual for Potato Vines and Bougainvillea to be damaged from frost and freezing temperatures during the winter. The cold will burn the leaves and or kill the plants. Cold acts as a desiccant pulling moisture from the plant tissue while a freeze causes the cell walls to rupture. As a result of these damaged cell walls, the plant defrosts too quickly, killing leaves and stems. Cold injury is more likely to occur the longer the temperature stays below thirty-two degrees after the sun rises. Right now, the recommendation is to do nothing. There is the possibility of more cold temperatures going forward. Instead, I’d wait until the danger of frost is over which is around March 15. You could also scratch the bark to see if it’s green. This would indicate that the plant is still alive. Personally, I’d still wait longer until you see some new growth developing. At this time that I prune off all the dead growth and fertilizer with Dr Earth Organic all Purpose plant food to encourage the new growth.

Q. I have an Azalea that has been in the ground for twelve years and it’s not growing. When I planted it originally, I didn’t disturb the roots. I’ve since learned I should have. Can I now dig it up, spread the roots and replant it in the same spot? It has tremendous sentimental value.

A. Yes, I would replant. Your Azalea is slowly strangling itself, so you need to break the circular pattern of the roots for the plant to survive. March is an excellent month to dig up plants, trim their roots and then transplant. Even, if you’re going to replant it in the same location. This technique is called “Root Pruning.” Root Pruning is also recommended for container plants such as citrus, Japanese Maples, roses and many other plants that have been in the same container for over twenty-four to thirty-six months. In your case, I’d dig around the plant with a round nose shovel until you gently lift the root ball out of the ground. It should come out quite easily as there is should be little rooting into the native soil. With a sharp knife or pruning saw, trim away two to three inches off the sides and remove three to four inches off the bottom of the root ball. Before replanting, soak the root ball in a bucket of water with Liquinox Starter with B1 or similar product. Liquinox Starter with Vitamin B-1 helps promote feeder root growth and reduces transplant shock. The root ball should be held down under the water until the water stops bubbling. This forces all the air out of the root ball ensuring that it’s saturated. The new planting hole should be two and half times as wide as the original root ball and six inch deeper. This is to accommodate the many surface roots. The native soil is amended with organic matter or you could use one of the prepared planting mixes for shade loving plants at a 50/50 ratio. Next, center the Azalea in the hole with the top of the root ball one half inch above the soil surface. This allows for settling and prevents the plant from being planted too deep which is a critical planting mistake made by many. Two week after transplanting, I’d begin fertilizing with an Azalea, Camellia and Rhododendron Food and continue feeding it monthly until October.

Q. Last November, I planted garlic for the first time. It is now almost twelve inches tall. When does it mature?

A. Garlic should not mature for another three to four months. As harvest time approaches, the plants will turn yellow and brown. When forty percent of the foliage has discolored, you stop watering the plants and bend the foliage over, parallel to the ground. Once the foliage turns completely brown, the garlic is manually removed. I’d loosen the soil with a spading fork first and be careful as garlic bruise easily.

 

 

Slips and falls in the rain and snow are a major cause of painful traumas, especially in older people this time of year. The worse type of injury is the vertebral fracture. This occurs when a hard fall onto the back or buttock causes one or more of the bones of the spine to fracture and collapse. The fracture is extremely painful because unlike other fractures, it’s position deep in the body prevents it from being immobilized to allow healing and even everyday activities such as sitting up to eat a meal causes movement of the fractured bone.

If you experience a fall and have severe pain that doesn’t improve within one to two weeks and have severe back pain with any position or activity except lying down, more than likely, you have a spinal fracture. It is very important to have a physician evaluate you and order a diagnostic x-ray so that you can receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

The treatment for a spinal fracture depends on the severity of pain and on how much the pain limits your everyday activities. Younger adults may have a fracture, but because of good muscle tone and strength surrounding the spine, they might not have such severe pain that prevents their usual activites such as work, dressing, bathing, eating, etc. Older adults however, tend to have less muscle mass and support of the spine so that even sitting at the dinner table to eat a meal is a chore because of severe pain. In less painful fractures, wearing a tight, elastic, low back support belt can be very helpful, along with taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve. These fractures may take up to six months to a year to heal naturally.

For older adults who have severe pain that prevents them from participating in their usual activities of daily living, we recommend a curative procedure called a Percutaneous Balloon Kyphoplasty. The procedure fixes the fracture by injecting cement into the bone through a thin, hollow needle. The cement is the same that is used in knee and hip replacement surgeries. It hardens immediately and the severe pain is gone immediately as well. The procedure is safe, done in the office under conscious sedation and takes one to two hours. There are no physical restrictions after the procedure and since the fracture is then fixed, there is no need for any strong pain medications.

I recommend that the procedure be done as soon as the fracture is identified if there is severe pain. If the fracture is allowed to heal on its own, it will likely heal with a deformity of the bone that causes the spine to bend forward, called kyphosis. Kyphosis can lead to long term health problems including respiratory diseases and chronic back pain. An MRI of the spine is usually ordered by the doctor to ensure that the fracture is still new enough to be fixed. Usually the MRI will show inflammation of the bone due to the fracture even six months after the fall has occurred. Once the bone heals, usually six months to a year after the fall, nothing can be done to reverse the deformity.

The best option of course is to avoid falls and injuries. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” as our friend, Benjamin Franklin, says. Wear shoes with good treading and if you need a cane or a walker, use it! Do as much safe exercise as you can to keep your back and spine strong and healthy.

 

For years we called it TMJ (temporomandibular joint) but now we refer to it as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction which is certainly more descriptive of why treatment is necessary.

There is much confusion in the field of TMD, many times leading to incredibly expensive and unnecessary, sometimes invasive dental treatments. In previous articles I have reviewed many of these protocols from the use of electromyography, to pharmaceuticals, to full mouth reconstruction or even surgery.

In this article I want to share what you can do to help your TMD and what to avoid in order to prevent damage to this very complex joint. First, we can take a look at what makes up the TMJ. It is composed of the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, the condylar head of the mandible, an articular disc and articular capsule. The purpose of the disc is to prevent bone to bone contact and, when functioning correctly, the disc and capsule provide a smooth, well lubricated, rotation and translation of the joint. 

The elastic ligaments associated with the capsule are responsible for keeping the disc in place. Excessive stretching, like opening too wide to yawn, taking a big bite of a sandwich, or singing can stretch or even tear these structures. The disc then is allowed to become displaced, many times not returning back when the condyle reseats itself in the fossa. When the patient then opens their mouth, the condyle has to bounce over the back of the displaced disc, resulting in a popping sound, sometimes accompanied by pain and limited opening or a feeling that one’s bite is misaligned.

This pain is due to inflammation of the stretched or torn ligaments. When the disc continues to be displaced, or if clenching wears a hole in the disc, the condyle and fossa begin to touch, resulting in a sandy or gravely sound as the joint moves. At this point, arthritis and degeneration can develop.

What can you do to help? 

• Like any other joint, over use can be abuse, such as chewing gum.
• Regularly patients show me their pop by moving the jaw laterally. Never do anything on purpose to cause a pop! Lateral jaw movement is not what the jaw was designed to do.
• Learn to hide your yawns like you are in the front row of an important class.
• Eat smaller bites and avoid big sandwiches.
• Avoid hard, tough or crunchy foods, such as nuts, ice or beef jerky.
• Never check to see if the popping is still there. If the joint is quiet, it is getting better.
• Stress is a major factor causing us to keep our teeth together (clenching or grinding). Teeth are only supposed to meet when swallowing, as little as one minute per hour. Learning to control the stress in your life will help. My next article will address this subject.
• Learn to follow an anti inflammatory diet. Google it.
• If you are prescribed drugs, check out the side effects. You may possibly get professional help to correct what causes the need for that drug. Many of my patients are experiencing a greatly improved life by doing this.
• Schedule a free consultation with my office. I treat TMD differently than most dentists. If needed, I make a custom appliance, in office, fit specifically to your bite, not made by an outside lab.

Don’t let the dysfunction and pain get out of control before you seek help. Occasionally I find something quite simple that is causing the problem.

 

 

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