Column

Before we gaze into the crystal ball of films-recently-past and honor the best of 2014, I want to admit that one of the best times I had at the movies all year was watching It’s a Wonderful Life on television the other night. It had been at least 20 years since I last saw it, and I spent the entire three hours (including commercials) blubbering away, completely immersed in the plight of George Bailey, as I was once again reminded just how precious and important and, well, deeply moving our simple lives—and the films about them—can be.

To say they don’t make ‘em like that anymore is a worn cliché, but it’s true—and that is just how it should be. The art of film, like life itself, is a constant-flux proposition, an always-evolving, wither-if-not-watered kinda deal. The classic films of the golden age were in the business of defining genres—they created the grand structures of cinematic narrative. The auteurs of today understand this language implicitly, and see genre as yet another element to be stretched, manipulated, mashed, and often left behind completely in their quest to create unique and timely art. The best films of this past year really moved the dial forward, most by fundamentally redefining their approach to genre.

Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, my number one film of 2014, took the coming-of-age genre to its perhaps ultimate—but nearly impossible to manifest—conclusion: showing the actual aging process, for real, over years and years, of a cast of characters in a fictional story. Linklater’s achievement, and that of his stellar cast (Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and newcomer Ellar Coltrane), is nothing short of a cinematic miracle. The fact that the film itself is so sublime, intuitive, honest, and truthful transformed the already successful genre experiment into high art of the first order.

Likewise, Birdman, Under the Skin, Whiplash, Nightcrawler, and Foxcatcher all bent their core genres to the point where they were nearly unrecognizable forms. Birdman is a collision of black comedy and stark magical realism sucked into the existential abyss; the end result a film that is as indescribable as it is exhilarating. Under the Skin brought a terrifying realism to its science fiction underpinnings, creating an otherworldly dimension that hasn’t felt this new, or inexplicable, since Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Whiplash whipped the “teacher/student,” “cat & mouse,” and “music as metaphor” sub-genres into a frenzied wail of percussive pain, while Nightcrawler infused the media satire with true crime thriller tensions, exploring ethical dilemmas we are still discovering in the digital age. And, perhaps the slyest of the bunch, Foxcatcher (being true to its title) presented a frightening gothic horror story that looked nothing of the sort; with a monster we’ve never seen before—the massive inequality of wealth and privilege in modern day America—that drives men to insanity and murder.

This year also gave us a healthy dose of blue-chip historical drama: Selma, The Imitation Game, and The Theory of Everything (which just barely missed my list) told impeccable and heartrending stories of massively influential figures whose bravery and brains truly changed the world for the better.

There were many stellar documentaries in 2014, and three are on my list: The Battered Bastards of Baseball, I’ll Be Me, and Life Itself explore the transcendent qualities of baseball, music, and film, respectively, against a backdrop of struggle, tragedy, and, ultimately, the life-affirming personal philosophies of their subjects.

And then there is Wild Tales, which you just have to see for yourself. Prepare for a very bumpy ride!

In short, there will always be ever-emergent celluloid waves to surf, and 2014 was a maverick. Let’s hang ten:

1) Boyhood

2) Birdman

3) The Imitation Game

4) Under the Skin

5) Selma

6) The Battered Bastards of Baseball

7) Whiplash

8) Nightcrawler

9) Wild Tales

10) Foxcatcher

Honorable Mention: Tie between “I’ll Be Me” and “Life Itself.”

And, as we look forward to the cinematic adventures of 2015, I want to begin with a recommendation that is pretty close to home for all of us in the Bay Area, and for me in particular. My long-time Flick Nation colleague Dennis Willis is co-writer and editor (excellent work, my man!) of Changing Boundaries: The History of San Jose, an expansive documentary that tells the stories of the working people, political leaders, and dreamers who built the city of San Jose. The film is narrated by well known actor/storyteller Peter Coyote and features interviews with key historical figures, revealing the dramatic—and often absurd—journey from San Jose’s humble, and often rowdy, beginnings to its current status as the multi-cultural heart of Silicon Valley.

Changing Boundaries premieres at the California Theater in San Jose on January 22nd. This film is a must for all Northern Californians—I hope to see you at the premier!

Smooth and Youthful Skin Starts With Good Skin Care

The New Year brings us a new beginning and a fresh start. When the New Year approaches, people promise themselves that this is the year they’re going to take charge and replace bad habits with good routines. This year you may want to think about starting a new skin care program; or if you’ve never had one, now is a good time to start. A good routine will improve your skin, giving you years of youthful complexion in the future. Discover new scientific methods that can make a difference to your skin, treating your complexion with new technologies in skin care, such as antioxidant serums and scrubs.

The first step to future skin health is finding a licensed Aesthetician. An Aesthetician is highly trained in the care of the skin and is state board certified in analyzing all different types of skin to advise you on what to use for your specific needs. Many Aestheticians work with Dermatologists, offering facials and specialized skin treatments in their offices. Most Dermatologists do not provide skin care programs; they supply skin treatments and medications. Below are some skin care options for you to consider adding to your daily routine.

Facial Cleansers
You want to avoid the “one-size-fits-all” skin cleansers. If you have dry skin, use a cleanser that will help nourish, protect, and re-moisturize the skin. If you have an oily complexion, use a cleanser that will help balance the oil production and reduce acne. For sensitive skin, use a cleanser that does not have herbs or a scent, as this can prove to be an irritant, causing breakouts and dryness. Instead, use a cleanser that deep cleans the surface and eliminates skin irritations.

Facial Toners
Face toners are essential for beautiful skin. They help to moisturize, while bringing the skin back to its natural PH balance. It also removes hard-to-cleanse residue left over from make-up. A good toner will also help exfoliate the skin and retexture the surface of the skin so the complexion will be firm and smooth.

Eye Creams
Eye creams are essential to avoid pre-mature aging and wrinkles. It is important to get one that is specifically made for the eye area. The skin around the eye is very thin and delicate and must be treated differently than the rest of the face. You cannot use face moisturizers around the eye area because they are too thick and will not moisturize or hydrate. A good eye cream will instantly firm and tighten eye contour, minimizing the appearance of puffy eyes and dark circles.

Face Creams
While everyone is different, a face cream should be used every day to avoid dehydration. Using a face cream for your specific skin needs is not only beneficial, but essential. Look for creams that have been scientifically improved with enriched vitamins, antioxidants and peptides. It will keep the skin supple and hydrated. Research has shown that applying peptides with anti-oxidants and vitamins reduces fine lines, healing the skin from the inside out, thus reducing the formation of wrinkles.

Protect your skin’s future
We invite you to come in this year and sample our skin care products and treatments by Ongrien Technologies. We would like to educate you on a proper skin care program and help you achieve your skin health goals. Let this year be the year you love your skin. It’s Easy, simple, and a snap to get the skin you want.

Q. Please tell me the best time to control Crabgrass. I treat it every year and it always comes back. Is there anything I can do without replacing my lawn?

A. Now is the time of the year to control the dormant seeds of Crabgrass. It is also the time of the year to make your first application of a lawn food. There are several combination turf products available. They include a fertilizer along with a pre-emergent herbicide for Crabgrass and other weeds such as Scott’s Super Turf Builder plus Halts. It’s the pre-emergent herbicide that prevents the dormant seeds on the ground from germinating. For the actively growing Crabgrass, you would apply a different herbicide later in the year. I’m going to assume that you are applying the right product at the right time. Your lack of success can only be from one other thing. You have some other weed other than Crabgrass. Today,

“Crabgrass” is used as the universal label for all the unwanted vegetation that shows up in a grass lawn. My primary suspect that isn’t controlled by a Crabgrass herbicide is a perennial weed called Bermuda Grass. Bermuda Grass is a mass of wiry stems that goes dormant or turns brown in mid-November through mid-March. It spreads rapidly with warm temperatures. The brown stems are very visible today. On the other hand, Crabgrass is an annual that dies out in cool temperatures. It disappears during the winter leaving behind bare ground or spots where it was. This is a distinguishing characteristic that separates it from all the other suspects. Your first step is to determine what the problem is. The nursery professional at your favorite garden center is an excellent resource in sorting through possible solutions. There is more than one right answer.

Q. My roses are still blooming should I prune them now or wait? Also, after pruning which of the following dormant sprays should I use; Volck Oil Spray, Sun Spray Ultra Fine Oil, or the Lime Sulfur fungicide? Is there anything else, I should be doing?

A. I wouldn’t delay pruning my roses just because they’re in bloom. However, it is early enough in the pruning season not to be in any great rush, so you can wait if you so choose. You could apply any one of the three products but my preference of dormant spray would be the Lime Sulfur fungicide. I’d save the Volck and Sun Spray Oil for use during the spring and summer months. They are excellent organic controls for the pests and diseases of roses. Before spraying, clean up all the debris around and under the bushes and be sure to strip off any of the foliage on the canes that remain from the previous year. Finally, loosen or relocate the metal name tag. All too often the wire griddles the stem causing it to die. I’d attach it to a nail at the top of a wooden stake placed in front of the plant(s).

Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, California 94523.

If you are suffering from a pinched nerve or herniated disc, you know how debilitating it is and how the pain slowly leaks the vitality from your life. Since 1999, 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. 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 cervical and lumbar disc injuries.

2. Class IV Laser Therapy
Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 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.
As a general rule, most patients experience significant changes in symptoms within one to three sessions. Occasionally, a more advanced degenerative condition or multiple level herniated discs may take 8-10 sessions before realizing a major decline in symptoms. Relief response varies according to age, body morphology and the degree of severity.

This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure for neck or back pain. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic low-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.

Many of us are unaware that we might suffer from OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). Many know they have OSA and have sought help only to be given a CPAP that they can’t tolerate. Until recent years, physicians believed that the only standard of care for OSA was the CPAP. Extensive research has concluded that an oral appliance can be just as effective. Just think, no more mask and forced air and you don’t have to take an extra bag for the CPAP when you travel, just something the size of a can of tuna.

To emphasize how absolutely vital the situation is, here are just a few of the dangers untreated OSA can cause: Almost a 500% increase in developing cancer, a 600% increase in heart disease, a 300% increase in auto accidents as well as a 500% increase in the accident being very serious. In my practice I am beginning to see the loss of one’s driver’s license as a result of non-treatment. Although these are scary facts, we should not lose sight of how much better the quality of our life can be—from a healthier body and brain, to the elimination of a major source of chronic inflammation—when OSA is properly treated. The body must have deep sleep in order to restore the immune system and to prevent inflammation.

Unfortunately there are many dentists that offer oral appliances for OSA as a small part of a complex dental practice. Many do not have the training and experience necessary to supply the patient the most comprehensive service. Proper design and adjustment of the appliance can be quite time consuming which can be difficult to fit into a busy schedule, not to mention the extensive training necessary to be a qualified provider, providing adequate care.

At Advanced Oral Diagnoses and Treatment Center, located in Danville, we specialize in Dental Sleep Medicine and TMJ dysfunction only. These two conditions are many times associated with each other and it can benefit the patient greatly to be treated by an expert in both fields.

A properly designed and adjusted oral appliance has made a huge difference for me and for hundreds of my patients. Our office uses a very specialized computer called an acoustic pharyngometer. With this device, both the patient and I can see the location of the obstruction and watch it altered as the lower jaw is repositioned both forward and vertically. The increased air flow is right there for the patient to see. The appliance is then made to these exact specifications.

Once delivered, the oral device may require some adjustment to insure ultimate comfort and function. Once the patient is happy with the results, I highly recommend a follow up sleep study, which can be done at home, to verify that the OSA is being effectively treated and the user is getting proper sleep.

Your initial appointment is complimentary, allowing you to get all the answers you need to choose the best treatment option for your condition. Advanced Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Center is located in Danville. Dental Sleep Medicine and TMJ treatment are our specialties. Please feel free to contact us at 925-837-8408 and visit our website at www.aodtc.com for more information.

I don’t know how you feel about it, but from what I can tell, sitting is getting way too popular. We sit to work, sit to eat, sit to think, and sit when we get home to relax from all of that….sitting. Clearly, sitting has crept into our daily lives, disguised as a work requirement, or a relaxing moment or as an actual goal – “sitting in the lap of luxury.” In fact I’m sitting as I write this, but a treadmill desk is in my very near future!

Although sitting can be relaxing, there is strong evidence showing that sitting is an aggressive, unhealthy activity. Our bodies were designed to move, but sitting has been making inroads into our lives for generations, first as a show of wealth (kings, queens and my Uncle Ned), and then with the invention of the chair, the Barco Lounger, the corner office and the dreaded cubicle. But in the last 10 years, sitting has really grabbed us by the rear. In America today, 60% of people spend six or more hours of the day sitting. This can’t be too surprising–after all, television, computers and commuting require people to spend hours sitting down. But how bad is that? Well, it’s a big deal—bigger than the derrière you’ll get from all that inactivity.

Before you think that this doesn’t apply to you, take an honest look at your average day. Most people wake up and sit at the table or the computer with a cup of coffee for 30 minutes, then commute for 30-40 minutes, then sit for most of the workday, another six hours. When the work is done, it’s time to sit to eat, and finally, a chance to relax in front of the TV or read or knit or play the guitar—another four hours. That adds up to almost 12 hours of sitting!

Recent research from Australia’s Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute shows that prolonged sitting is responsible for increased colon, breast, lung and prostate cancers. It also doubles your chance of getting Type II diabetes. But the news gets worse. Exercise doesn’t compensate for this. That’s right, sitting is its own risk factor that can’t be tamed by a run in the afternoon. In fact, the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center has developed a formula showing that if you do one hour of moderate exercise, the health gained, will be totally reversed if you sit for six hours. That would make you an “active couch potato.”

SITTING HAS BECOME THE SMOKING OF OUR GENERATION.

Adding even more evidence that sitting is bad news is the discovery that it suppresses a key gene (lipid phosphate phospatase-1) that helps prevent inflammation and blood clotting. This puts sitting squarely in the “scary” category. Sounds a lot like smoking, and that is exactly what many scientists are implying.

THE FACTS ABOUT SITTING

1. Your metabolism shuts down when sitting and the enzymes that breakdown fat decrease 90%.
2. Sitting over 5 hours a day will shave 3.5 years off your life even if you exercise regularly.
4. A sedentary job results in twice the chance of getting colon and rectal cancer.
5. Obese people sit 2.5 hours more per day then normal weight people.
6. Within 5 days of shifting to a sedentary lifestyle triglycerides,cholesterol and insulin levels increase This increases weight and inflammation.
7. Heavy exercisers tend to sit more than average people on their exercise days.
8. Prolonged sitting decreases the “feel good” hormones and increases depression.
9. Increased pressure from sitting generates increased fat in the buttocks.

There are things you can do to decrease sitting time and I’m sure you don’t need me tell you to stand more at work or home, but even so, try standing during phone calls, practice your balance when watching TV or just fidget at your desk. Standing breaks as short as one minute can be a game changer.

If you sit a lot and are beginning to feel effects like back pain, headaches, fatigue and difficulty sleeping, take the first step at regaining your health and schedule a consultation at our office.

Dr. Davis is a BOARD CERTIFIED CHIROPRACTIC NEUROLOGIST in Walnut Creek. He has been serving individuals with chronic pain for 30 years. For information about how you can get a free consultation with Dr. Davis, call (925) 279-4324 (HEAL). Visit us at WalnutCreekHealth.com

Dear SSHS,
I did a lot of online shopping this last holiday season, and while most transactions went well, I had a real problem with a small online company who refused to send me my full order. Apparently some pricing information on their site was wrong, and they didn’t intend to sell all three parts for the price listed, but their excellent price was the reason I bought from them in the first place! Their Customer Service Department told me I could either return the part I did receive, for a full refund, or pay a huge amount for the additional two parts I still need. Unfortunately, I’d already assembled the first part, and I can’t afford the other two now, which makes my purchase a huge waste. Do I have any recourse?
Kathlene, Pleasanton, CA

She Said: Ah, the famous Bait and Switch…perhaps unintentional but still wrong. They advertised one price, albeit accidentally, and then didn’t honor it. Not okay. So first, I’m going to preach a little and say, this kind of thing doesn’t generally happen when you shop locally, so here’s a little shout out to the mom and pop stores out there who want your business and will bend over backwards to get it. Anonymous online companies can come and go without regard for reputation, so “buyer beware.” That said, you were ripped off, so I did a little research and noticed you bought from a third party through Amazon. You’re in luck. Amazon has great customer service and the desire and incentive to maintain a good reputation with the public. Even though you weren’t really buying from them and they would prefer you reach a solution with your seller, their A to Z Guarantee (a tab at the top of their site) does exist as a final resort for buyers who haven’t been able to reach a satisfactory resolution. They’ll take care of you.

He Said: This sounds like the company made an honest mistake, but I have to echo Robin’s caution of Buyer Beware. I do a lot of online shopping and what I’ve found is if I compare the same product at several sites and its way cheaper on one, then it’s probably too good to be true. I really don’t see any recourse other than posting honest reviews about your bad experience on Yelp, Facebook, or Twitter. But next time around, if you see an unbelievable price online, give the company a call before you place your order just to verify what’s included in the price. No phone number? No deal! A listed phone number always makes the site and company more legit and customer friendly. Also check to see that their return policy and privacy policy are posted for everyone to see. And if you use a credit card or PayPal, you can always contest the charge to your account if something goes wrong with your order as long as you refute the charge on your account before you pay for it on the next billing cycle.

Robin Fahr is a public relations specialist and co-host with Shawn Shizzo on Conversations and He Said/She Said seen daily on Tri-Valley TV, Channel 30.                  Send your questions to AskHeSaidSheSaid.com.

It seems that during the cold winter months, it’s universally acknowledged that our skin gets dry. I typically carry hand lotion with me wherever I may be, but during the winter months I’m wishing I had a Costco-sized bottle around at all times! We get a lot of people asking what types of treatments are going to soothe their dry, itchy skin during these cold (well, cold to us) months and we’ve got a pretty sweet solution.

Sugar or salt scrubs. Wait, what? Sugar or salt scrubs! A nice, gentle exfoliating sugar scrub will help you get soft and smooth again in roughly 60 to 90 minutes. I say 60 to 90 because those are the treatment length options we have, and I always push for the 90 minutes. Oh, before I get into that, maybe I should provide a bit more detail on exactly what a sugar or salt scrub is, here at Healing Hands.

We offer various scents, including mango, coconut, brown sugar and fig, peppermint, and more. The treatment itself is full body and won’t leave you sticky. If you so desire, you can choose to have just your legs, arms or back done, but I’m telling you, a full body scrub is where it’s at!

The treatment itself typically starts with your back and with the texture of the sweet sugar (or salty… salt) scrubbing along, it’s like the best back scratch you’ve ever had. You are basically getting an incredible scratch on all the spots you didn’t realize were itchy until that scrub hit ya! Removing the sugar or salt is also quite heavenly, a hot towel is gently placed on the area and the granules are wiped away, removing all the dry, dead skin the scrub helped you get rid of. After the removal of the scrub, you’ll get a nice, light massage with hydrating cream to bring your skin back to life. I swear, you won’t be let down once you feel how incredibly silky your skin is after the treatment is done.

We offer these all year, but the winter months seem to bring out the necessity of the treatment to men and women everywhere. Whether you are looking for a quick fix to winter skin or something you can do regularly to keep your skin super smooth and soft, sugar and salt scrubs are the way to go. As I said before, I always recommend going for a 90 minute treatment because not only do you get the scrub on all the parts you need, you also get some extra time to relax and really soak in how sweet the treatment really is. Get it? Soak in how SWEET it is?

Just to throw the idea out there, we also offer a coffee scrub which helps with stubborn cellulite – call for more information!

Give us a call or book online to try one of our scrubs today. 925-362-9892 or www.healinghandssalon.net

Following summer’s wild kaleidoscope of seasonal produce, the farmers’ market may seem a bit tame this month. Stroll through at a leisurely pace, however, and you’ll see there are still plenty of delicious bargains to be had. Look for an array of delicate Asian vegetables; plenty of crisp celery; cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts; numerous varieties of lettuce; tender spinach; sweet potatoes; russet potatoes;the often-overlooked parsnip; winter squash; crisp apples; juicy citrus; and fuzzy little kiwi. Shopping at the farmers’ market is the ideal way to begin the New Year—when both healthy eating and thrift are top priorities.

Carrots are available year ‘round, so it’s easy to take them for granted. That is, until you bite into a slightly bitter supermarket carrot with a tasteless, woody core. One taste of a sweet, farm-fresh carrot will remind you what all the fuss is about. As an added bonus, dark orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, winter squash, and carrots provide immune-nourishing beta carotene.

While I’ve got you thinking orange, let’s talk “baby carrots” here. Americans seem to have a soft-spot for anything labeled “baby,” and those ubiquitous little cellophane bags of carrots have captured the heart of our nation. Adults appreciate this effortless addition to any crudité platter; and kids love to nibble on them—with or without a dip for dunking. These “babies” naturally make a better food choice than a lot of other snack foods, providing you understand there is really nothing youthful about them. Some ingenious entrepreneur decided to whittle away the coarse outer layer from oversized carrots to create these finger-friendly snacks with the adorable name. For the best flavor, look for genuine baby carrots at the farmers market: they’re definitely young and tender— with their green tops still attached as proof of freshness.

Snacking is all well and good, but winter calls for comfort food….and nothing beats a soup supper on a blustery evening. Roasting the carrots in the oven deepens their flavor, and fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. All that’s needed to complete the meal is a green salad and a loaf of artisan whole grain bread from the farmers’ market. Leftover soup will keep several days in the refrigerator, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

Carrot Tips
–Carrots, with their feathery green leaves and long, tapered roots, are members of the parsley family.
–At the farmers’ market we’ll often see “boutique” carrots in unexpected hues of deep red and other earth tones. The difference in flavor is negligible, but their color adds interest to stews and crudité platters.
–Other farmers like to experiment growing less common varieties of orange carrots that may be round or appear otherwise misshapen. Be sure to ask the grower about them, as they are often surprisingly sweet and flavorful.
–Healthy green tops are a sign of freshness—which is why most supermarkets sell only “clip top” carrots. Without the tops to give away their age, carrots can be weeks or even months old.
–It is best remove carrot tops immediately after purchase, as they eventually draw vitamins and moisture from the carrots.
–Yes, carrot tops are indeed edible, though sometimes slightly bitter. Use them as you would parsley.
–Carrots should be stored in a plastic bag in the crisper-drawer of the refrigerator.
–Should carrots become limp, re-crisp them in a bowl of ice water.
–Young carrots and (real) baby carrots are thin-skinned and therefor require only a light rinsing. Older carrots develop a tough outer skin, and should be peeled before using.
–1 cup of chopped raw carrots weighs in at a mere 52 calories. They are high in Vitamin A, and a good source of Vitamin C.

Roasted Carrot Soup with Warm Spices
2 pounds medium-to-large farm-fresh carrots, cut into 2- to 3-inch chunks
2 tablespoons California olive oil
1 teaspoon Madras curry powder
Fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
4 cups (32 ounces) homemade or reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 1/2 cups water
Plain yogurt and/or coarsely chopped fresh cilantro or carrot tops for garnish                                   Optional: Lime wedges for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. On a baking sheet, drizzle the carrots with olive oil and sprinkle with curry powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, the cumin, and cayenne. Toss gently to coat. Spread the carrots into an even layer and cook, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned at the edges, about 45 minutes.

2. In a soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ginger and cook 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to brown.

3. Carefully scrape the roasted carrots and their juices into the pot. Stir in the chicken stock and water. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered, until the carrots are very tender, about 45 minutes.

4. Using a hand-held immersion blender, puree until smooth. (Alternatively, let cool. Then, working in batches, purée in a food processor or blender.) Taste, adding more salt or spices if needed. To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of cilantro. Pass lime wedges at the table, for guests to squeeze into soup. Makes about 7 1/2 cups, to serve 4 to 6.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad and 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.com. 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.

Wow. Another year; new hope, new renewal.

We live in a wonderful, exciting time. At what point in our history has so much information been available to us at the stroke of a key or click of a mouse? Most of it good, some of it distorted beyond normal proportions.

We have major societal and political decisions to make this year. In the arena of the latter, we will be looking at a new Congress controlled by one party, and the President of a different party. Will bitterness and finger pointing continue, or will they finally realize that we, the people, are getting tired of all the nonsense? It has been hard not to be bored with all the foolishness on the part of some members of Congress who seem mainly interested in wanting to destroy the President, and then him striking back with his own agenda. Can’t they understand that we pay them, and they need to at least start a dialogue?

They will need to sort out sending our military people back to places where we thought our war was over. They will need to sort out how to deal with Cuba. They will need to sort out foreign policy toward Asia and Europe. They will need to sort out immigration. They will need to sort out how to keep the economy strong and keep job strength growth. They will need to sort out how we protect ourselves from cyber warfare.

And what do we need to take care of? We will need to sort out what we want to do about our personal cyber security. We will need to sort out how we approach social media. Are we going to stop using Facebook and Twitter as much? Are we going to spend as much time working, and more time with family? Are we going to be able to sort out how our communities interact within our society? We will need to sort out where one person’s freedom of speech ends and another begins. Will we understand that racism lives in many segments of our communities and that police and community need to work with one another and respect one another?

When I was young, I had all the answers. As a teen, a right wing conservative, I had all the answers. In college in the Vietnam era, I became a liberal and had all the answers.

Now, as a “mature baby boomer” (whatever mature means) I realize having the true answer may be impossible in many cases. I find myself more and more wanting to look at both sides of issues and try to take the bright spots in both. Is that wussy, or is that smart? See I don’t even have the answer to that!

So I warned you coming into this column, it would be random and it is. I just hope and wish for the new year, 2015 that we all can spend more time trying to figure out how to live together and solve our problems rather than “hating on” people who may approach things differently than we do.

Can we try to make 2015, truly, a year of renewal; can we try to truly understand each other? If we can endeavor to do that, this could be the best year yet.

Does that make sense?