Column

As we find ourselves in the middle of yet another market downturn I thought it would be a good idea to review the incredibly resilient history of the stock market. You might be surprised at how fast the stock market can change … for the better. Let’s look at how the market has recovered remarkably – and quickly – from some notable downturns.

2008-2009. The collapse of the subprime mortgage markets triggered a recession and made 2008 the poorest year for stocks since 1931. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10% in June 2008 and fell 10% again in October 2008, losing 19.12% for the year. On March 9, 2009, the major U.S. indices closed at 12-year lows with the S&P 500 at 676.53.1,2,3

Then the market took off. Investors who swore off stocks in early 2009 lost out on one of the great rallies. From the March 9 lows to the end of 2009, the S&P 500 soared 64.83% while the NASDAQ gained 78.87% and the Dow gained 59.28%.4

2001-2002. After the four-day closure of the stock market following 9/11, the Dow fell 685 points to 8,920 on September 17. It kept falling, losing 14.26% in a week to close at 8,235 on September 21. But what happened next? A huge gain. The Dow closed 2001 at 10,021 – a 21% rebound in less than three months.5

There were more challenges ahead. On October 9, 2002, the Dow had fallen to 7,286. But on Halloween, the Dow sat at 8,397 – a 10.6% gain in 22 days.5 As for the people who panicked and bailed out of the stock market, they ended up kicking themselves: in 2003, the DJIA gained 25.3%, the S&P 500 26.4%, and the NASDAQ 50%.6

1987. October 19 was Black Monday: in a contagion of selling exacerbated by unchecked computer technology, the Dow lost 22.6% in one day, falling to 1,738, a 508-point loss.7 (That would be akin to a 2,400-point one-day drop today.) The S&P 500 lost 20.4%.8 By comparison, the initial “Black Monday”, the stock market crash of 1929, represented a 12.8% market loss.9

Then the recovery kicked in. During the next two trading days, the Dow gained nearly 300 points – and it closed 1987 at 1,939, gaining back all of the loss and ending up 2% for the year.10 By January 1990, the DJIA was at 2,800.11
1974. With investors fretting over rising inflation and the energy crisis, the Dow loses 30% of its value during the first three quarters of the year. Suddenly, the Dow gains 16% in October.12 In early December 1974, the Dow is at 577; in July 1976, it hits 1,011.5

1982-2000. On August 12, 1982, the Dow was at 777. On January 14, 2000, it was at 11,722.98. That’s a 1,500% gain in 17½ years.13

The “two steps forward, 1 ½ backward” environment we find ourselves in has been extremely frustrating, particularly for short-term investors. Long-term investors, however, are in a position to take advantage of the drop in stock prices. Take comfort in the fact that, while there are always periodic descents, history is definitely on a patient investor’s side.

1. cnbc.com,12-31-08 2. allheadlinenews.com, 1-3-09 3. money.cnn.com, 3-9-09 4. cnbc.com, 12-31-09 5. the-privateer.com, 6-30-08 6. upi.com/Business News, 12-31-2003 7. sfgate.com, 10-18-07 8. foreignpolicy.com, 10-2007 9. money.cnn.com, 10-26-0
10. articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/BlackMonday20YearsAfter,10-19-07 11. answers.com/topic/closing-milestones-of-the-dow-jones-industrial-average, 7-3-08 12. money.cnn.com/2008/06/27/markets/bear_market.moneymag, 6-27-08
13. answers.com/topic/closing-milestones-of-the-dow-jones-industrial-average, 7-3-08ww.montoyaregistry.com, www.marketinglibrary.net

Damien helps individuals invest and manage risk. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a principal of Walnut Creek Wealth Management. These are the views of Damien Couture, CFP® and should not be construed as investment advice. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Not all recommendations are suitable for all investors. Each investor must consider their own goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Your comments are welcome. amien can be reached at 925-280-1800 x101 or Damien@WalnutCreekWealth.com.

Research, lurk, hunt and strike. Whether you are an archbishop about to say mass, a taxi driver or a deadbeat attorney, if you have legal papers coming to you I will ensure you get them.

I take pride in finding people and serving them with legal process. My pulse races when I see the “Oh crud!”-look on someone’s face the second before I tell them they are served. After more good serves than Roger Federer, I still feel the adrenaline of the work.

Process servers are officers of the court, whether private investigators or sheriff’s marshals. The legal system would fall apart were it not for the court’s power to compel witnesses and defendants to appear to testify or to produce documents. It doesn’t matter if you live in Blackhawk or in East Oakland, no one is above the law.

Private investigators are exempt from having to register as process servers. Private investigators who are not registered process servers may serve all documents except bank levies and similar documents. (My rule of thumb is to use a registered process server if the document is to take money or property.) Private investigators cost more than process servers but usually are more dogged, resourceful and effective. Use a private eye when it absolutely, positively, has to get served.

If people were honorable I wouldn’t have a job. I try to be direct with those I need to serve but if they are being evasive it’s “game on.”

Several years ago I served former Archbishop of San Francisco, William Levada, just before he said his final mass before leaving permanently for Rome as the Vatican’s top-ranking American. The papers were in connection with sexual abuse lawsuits in Portland, where Levada had also been archbishop. He was a witness in that he knew about the priests involved and the diocese’s finances.

I had called his office for about three weeks prior to the mass, trying to do business discretely. There was no response. When I found him preparing for his final mass I told him that I would prefer to serve him now rather than interrupt mass. He grumbled. I told him that he was served and left the papers next to him. (For a legal serve, the person does not have to take possession of the papers. The factors are “awareness” and “proximity.”)

A Nigerian taxi driver once jumped me at his San Bruno apartment. He did not grasp the finer points of jurisprudence but he sure did grab me. Fearing he was armed with a knife, I countered with a bear-hug to pin his arms. A few seconds later I unclenched and ran for it. It taught me to never let my guard down.

A couple weeks ago I couldn’t find a witness in a wrongful death case. He had been served prior with deposition subpoenas but ignored them all. I had to serve contempt papers on the 6-foot, 280-pound bar bouncer and Raiders fan. I checked his name in family law court and saw that he was due for a court appearance. I zapped him in the court hallway. He looked like a wounded elk.

Everyone comes home. Holidays and Sunday evenings are good times to hunt. I looked for one guy for two months once before finding him Easter dinner at his parents’ house in Union City. A couple weeks ago I served a summons and complaint on a deadbeat attorney in Walnut Creek. He was using a mail drop but I learned his parents were locals and served him at their house.

I’ve never had to resort to disguises or do too many other pretexts. But as an old friend in the business warns those who might be dodging service, “Look out for little old ladies in track suits.”

The July farmers’ market is a paradise of seasonal produce. Between peak-of-perfection corn; crispy cucumbers; colorful summer squash; plump eggplants; fragrant peaches and nectarines; juicy plums and pluots; an extensive variety of flavorful melons; sweet-tart raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries, and strawberries—not to mention those much sought-after vine-ripened tomatoes—a girl can go a little overboard shopping. And I do. Every week. And I never regret it.

After loading up on farm-fresh produce on Saturday mornings, lunches and dinners practically plan themselves for the rest of the week. It’s easy—and fun—to eat these delectable, healthy foods without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. But whenever you’re in the mood to play in the kitchen, there’s probably no better time of year to do it.

I was recently asked to judge a number of culinary entries at my local county fair; the first competition I attended was in the preserved foods category. Six judges were divided into teams of two, so we could taste our way through the almost-200 entries in one day. I paired up with a chef I know professionally, and we immediately high-tailed it over to the jams and jellies division, where the risk of botulism seemed less likely. (Just kidding, folks!)

As we systematically made our way down the long tables laden with glistening jars—holding each one up to the light to check appearance, popping lids, and madly scribbling tasting notes—I began to have serious doubts about my sense of taste. The overwhelming sensation I was getting was from sugary-sweetness—no fruit, and no acid. While gnawing on my tenth cracker in an effort to cleanse my palate, I mentioned this to my partner, who seemed almost relieved that I had spoken up. He not only agreed wholeheartedly, he added that if we were tasting these items blind, he’d be hard-pressed to identify the type of fruit that was used to make many of these jams. All we could assume is that the majority of the entrants began their preserving process with unripe or otherwise inferior fruit.

It was such an incredible waste, when you consider the time and the money spent preparing these products. So I think the message here is pretty obvious: canners and preservers beware. Your finished product is only as good as the ingredients you put into it. If you really want to capture the flavors of summer in a jar, start by using organic or other high-quality produce at its peak of ripeness. Chances are, you’re not going to find it at the warehouse store.

And when it comes to eating fresh summer fruit, simpler is usually better. I mean, is there anything better than a juicy, tree-ripened peach eaten out of hand? But granted, there are certain special occasions when you may want to glam things up a bit for your friends and family. For those times I’ve provided an easy recipe that looks appropriately showy, yet comes together without breaking a sweat. And in deference to the pastry-phobic, it relies on frozen puff pastry for its delicate, flaky crust. Use your favorite berry, or a mixed jumble of whatever fresh fruits you have on hand. If you’re interested in saving calories, substitute plain Greek-style yogurt for the mascarpone.

Jumbleberry Tart

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of a 17.25 ounce package), thawed as package directs
• 1 tub mascarpone cheese (about 8 ounces), at room temperature
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, well chilled
• 2 tablespoons honey, or more, to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• About 6 cups ripe berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, or blackberries
• Confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Unfold the cold puff pastry sheet onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. With the tip of a sharp knife, score a 3/4-inch border all around the pastry. Use the tines of a fork to prick the pastry all over within the border. (If the pastry has become soft, refrigerate or freeze it on the baking sheet for a few minutes until firm.) Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden and baked through, about 15 minutes. Lift the parchment to transfer the pastry onto a wire rack. Let cool completely, at least 15 minutes. (Pastry can be baked several hours in advance and left to stand at room temperature.)
2. Combine the mascarpone, cream, honey, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Taste, beating in more honey if you like.
3. Just before serving, spoon the cheese mixture into the crust, spreading evenly. Pile the berries on top and dust generously with powdered sugar. Cut into squares with a serrated knife. Serves 6. This tart is best eaten the same day it is made.

For more entertaining recipes, check out Peggy Fallon’s upcoming class at Draeger’s Blackhawk cooking school on Wednesday, August 8, at 6:30 p.m. For more information go to www.draegerscookingschool.com, or call 1-800-642-9463 ext. 261.

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.

At Koko, we know fitness must fit into your life. Eighty percent of adults will never spend an hour and a half a day working out at the gym, no matter how great the health benefits. You have other priorities more demanding of your time, energy and intellect. The developers of Koko Smartraining realized that unless the roadblocks to fitness were removed– which, besides time, includes confusion (“what the heck should I do?”) boredom and the health club “scene” – the majority of adults will never make exercise a habit for the long haul.

But, our health, happiness and longevity depend on it. So, Koko FitClub exists to be fitness you can live with forever. Created to be roadblock-free so exercise finally becomes a great habit for the long haul.

HOW DOES KOKO FITCLUB REMOVE THE ROADBLOCKS TO REGULAR EXERCISE?

Time: It’s precious and it feels like we never have enough. So, Koko designed the Koko Smartrainer, an incredibly effective strength training workout that takes 30 minutes. And, Koko Cardio gives you the aerobic benefits of a typical 30 minute cardio work out in just 15, using high intensity interval training. If you have time for both, you can be in and out of Koko FitClub in under an hour having completed a serious workout.

Confusion: Even for those of us who are pretty adept at finding our way around a gym, confusion about the best use of our exercise time can stop us in our tracks. No one wants to wander around aimlessly wondering what to do next. (Didn’t we just determine we don’t have time for that?) A personal trainer can solve this problem, but the good ones are expensive. Each Koko Smartraining program is designed by Koko Chief Fitness Officer Michael Wood, CSCS, a world-class personal trainer and exercise physiologist. Koko Smartraining Technology customizes the programs to your specific needs and ability. Koko Cardio programs are guided by Wood, who ensures that you work out at an intensity level that will provide maximum aerobic benefit.

Boredom: No one wants to feel like a hamster on the treadmill. Nor can we stomach the same strength routine over and over. *YAWN* It’s boring, and worse, its ineffective. Koko programs are interactive and engaging and – go figure – different every time! You are also rewarded with positive feedback that updates you on your progress. It is hard to be bored when there is so much to keep you motivated!

The Gym Scene: It’s just overwhelming for most of us. The over-socializing. The sweat marks on the machines. Tons of exercise equipment you can’t decipher that, frankly, looks like medieval torture devices. The smell of … ok, let’s not go there! There is so much NOT to like about gyms, it’s a wonder people use them at all. In contrast, Koko FitClub has been described (by an especially eloquent member) as a “fitness oasis.” A welcoming, clean, spa-like space that smells good. Everyone is fully focused on their workouts, not each other, and you have your own (non-sweaty) machine to use for the entire workout.

The simple truth is the exercise regimen you can make a habit of for the long haul is the most effective exercise regimen for you. By figuring out the things that prevent you from making fitness a habit and removing them from the picture, Koko FitClub will help you be successful at getting fit and healthy.

Koko FitClub Danville is owned and operated by Val and Mike Rogers, local Danville residents. Koko FitClub is conveniently located in downtown Danville at the Iron Horse Trail Crossing.

By any measure, football is the most popular sport in the United States. It generates the highest television ratings, the most revenue, inspires breathtaking levels of legal and illegal gambling, and has by itself created quasi national holidays every Super Bowl Sunday and BCS Championship Game.

Unfortunately, none of that is making football-related news right now. Thanks to the recent suicide of Junior Seau, the career-ending concussions of several players including ESPN’s Merrill Hoge, and the dementia related deaths of well known players like John Mackey, football concussions are front and center in the media. Two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner even went so far as to say that he would resist the idea of his sons playing football because of the danger inherent in the game.

Of course very few people are ever faced with a go-no-go decision when it comes to NFL Football. In a typical season the league runs through about 2,000 players which is just a tiny fraction of those who start out in youth leagues. The real decision for most occurs around ninth grade when a young boy, with his parents, decides whether or not to play high school football.

As with most youth sports, high school football is in part a race to puberty. By age 15 a few boys have become young men physically. Players can often weigh well over 200 pounds and run the 40-yard dash in under five seconds. That is a combustible combination that can lead to injuries, including concussions. Still, there are few things as exciting for an adolescent male as running through the goal posts on a Friday night with thousands of people cheering as he and his teammates pursue a testosterone addled common goal.

What is a parent to do? Summer training camps are underway at local high schools and players began preparing before school let out last spring.

For Dave Sarver of Danville, the decision regarding whether or not to play football was thought of more in the context of an impediment to his son’s opportunities in baseball. Sam Sarver was a junior on Monte Vista’s varsity baseball team this past season. Dave Sarver held Oakland Raiders season tickets with his father before the team moved to Los Angeles and remembered the violence of those games.

“I wasn’t going to let Sam play in high school and affect his chance to play baseball. I was concerned about injury, but more about having a knee blown out, not a concussion,” explained Dave Sarver. “My decision not to allow Sam to play football was formulated decades before increased awareness of concussions. When I saw the “Jack Tatum” approach (dirty knockout vs. clean hard hit) start to permeate the game in the 70’s, I decided then I wasn’t going to risk it.”

Other parents are raising multi-sport stars and football is just part of the picture. Mason Melin is a junior at Monte Vista who has played football, soccer and baseball for the school; starting at tight end for the varsity football team and in the outfield for the varsity baseball team. His father, Barry, sees injury risks in all the sports but believes that participation has value despite the injury risk. The Melins have seen more severe head injuries in soccer than in football, but take the risks in all the sports seriously.

“For me it is weighing the positives and life lessons of sports, versus the potential for head trauma. I do not think the concern is overblown,” Barry Melin said. “I am glad that the coaches and doctors are looking at it. It is making them make small decision early like taking kids out for one or two games for a small concussion that I think is helping to raise awareness and prevent injuries. And I also think the heightened concern is helping parents make the call earlier to stop their child from participating in their sport when he/she has suffered head trauma.

“The days of sucking it up are gone.”

News relating to football concussions is not going away. More former pro and even college players will discuss how their post-playing lives have been affected by football injuries. Autopsies of those players often show significant brain damage. The ultimate showdown might not involve individual parents making decisions for their sons. More likely, youth and high school football might become uninsurable within a generation or two and fewer and fewer schools and youth organizations will be able to accept the risks inherent in the game.

Q. I have several lovely Fuchsias hanging on my back porch. Should I clip off the old flowers along with the little green bud above it or leave them? Also, how do I get them to flower more often?

A. Fuchsias are just gorgeous at this time of the year. I particularly enjoy the trailing varieties like you have. Fuchsias are not that difficult to keep compact and loaded with flowers right on through the fall. It starts in the spring around St Patrick’s Day with a severe pruning. The long and now leggy branches from the previous year should be cut back to the edge of the container while reducing the height by a third. In many cases, you’ll be removing fifty-percent or more of the previous year’s growth and this would be normal. The new growth should begin on short, stubby old growth; otherwise, the plants will have a shaggy growth habit the rest of the year and never truly be full like they are now. In addition, Fuchsias bloom only on the current year’s growth, never on the previous years or old wood. To increase the flush of flowers, you need to pinch back the new growth during the growing season and remove the old and faded flowers regularly. This is called “Deadheading.” If left alone, the old Fuchsia flowers do drop off but not before, they form a seedpod. The seedpod is the round, green structure that forms at the end or top of the flower just before the flower petals. Some folks refer to it as a berry as it remains after the old flowers drop off while others think of it is a new flower bud. Unless you’re a hybridizer, the formation of the seedpod(s) is a lot of wasted energy that the plant can then use to produce new flowers. The old flowers can be cut or pinched off. I’m not that particular what you use, it could be a pair of scissors, hand shears or just your fingers. The seedpods do pull off easily. By continually deadheading your Fuchsia plants during its growing season, you can maintain a high volume of blooming flowers and reducing the amount of the seedpods. The other advantage is you minimize the mess from the fallen flower parts under the plants that has to be cleaned up. Fuchsias should be fed regularly to encourage the new growth. A monthly feeding from March through October is recommended. Old school gardeners would use Fish Emulsion through July and then switch to 0-10-10 for the balance of the year. Today, you can use Miracle Gro, Dr Earth, Osmocote and others. The nitrogen in these fertilizers promotes the lush green foliage. By July, the plants should have enough size so you should lower the nitrogen and increase the phosphorus and potassium for flower production. Liquinox Bloom, O-10-10 or similar fertilizer is suggested for the balance of the year. In summary, feed often and remove the old flowers along with the seedpods is how you keep your Fuchsia blooming.

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, Calif. 94523 and on Facebook at Facebook/. com/Buzz-Bertolero

What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is similar to its counterpart, Tennis elbow. The primary differences between these conditions are the location of the pain and the activity that leads to injury. However, both conditions are caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, leading to inflammation and pain around the elbow joint, commonly called tendonitis. Golf is one common cause of tendonitis, but many other sports and work related activities can cause the same problem.

The cause of golfer’s elbow can vary from a single violent action (acute injury) to, more commonly, a repetitive stress injury where an action is performed repeatedly and pain gradually develops. In an acute injury of the elbow inflammation occurs without substantial tissue damage. However in a repetitive stress situation a person may experience damage to the tendon and surrounding soft tissue causing tissue degeneration over time. Inflammation from acute injury often responds quickly to rest and anti-inflammatory treatment. However, if the injury is due to tendon tissue degeneration, treatment will be longer and will be focused on improving the strength of the tendon as well as rebuilding tissues.
Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms

With golfer’s elbow pain is on the inside of the elbow, usually during or after intense use. Typically the pain increases during wrist flexion or pronation and often radiates to the forearm. Because this frequently occurs in golfers, it has become known as “golfer’s elbow”. However, it is also known as “pitcher’s elbow”.

Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow does not usually cause any long-term disability. However, the condition may become stubborn and proper rehabilitation will help alleviate the symptoms and get you back to life again.

Rest and Reduce Inflammation: The first step a person should take if tendinitis is suspected is to stop the activities that cause the pain and inflammation in this case, rest the arm. Use a topical cream containing Arnica to begin to reduce the inflammatory process quickly.

Laser Therapy to Heal the Damaged Tissue: Ending the pain caused by golfer’s elbow requires healing the damaged tissue. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only form of therapy that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 a Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, scar tissue and pain.

Correct the Mechanics of Motion: Assessing the forearm, elbow, shoulder and spine for proper postural feedback is done to diagnose and correct improper alignment. After proper alignment is restored specific muscular taping is applied to improve circulation and insure proper motion on a daily basis. Lastly, specific strengthening and stretching exercises are given. By strengthening the muscles and tendons involved with golfers’ elbow, you can prevent the problem from returning.

At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, carpal tunnel, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even long-term residual pain. Arthritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

Ahh… Summer is here: hot days, warm breezes, vivid sunsets and longer days. We spend a lot more time outdoors, so it is essential to add some summer time radiance to our everyday routine.

Sunscreens: Micronized zinc oxide is one of the best sunscreens out on the market to date. It deflects the suns harmful rays, (Like wearing a tee-shirt on the face). Chemical sunscreens work, but they absorb the sunrays, which penetrate the skin that could cause premature aging.

Self-tanners: Clear cream self-tanners are the most realistic. They work with your own melanin to give your skin the most natural looking bronzed tan appearance.

Summer Foundation Color: It is important to change and adjust your foundation color to match your tanned body. You don’t want to be walking around white faced with a bronzed body.

Body Exfoliants: During the summer our skin can get dry and parched. It is important to help scrub the top layer to allow moisture to penetrate deeper. It is also important to exfoliate when using self-tanners so it goes on smooth and evenly.

Blushers: Choose a color that brightens the complexion and ditch the darker blush shade for now. It’s summer time, so choose a bright warm tone to look fresh, healthy and brighter to give the skin a nice and natural glow. We recommend a pinky peach shade to add to your summer cosmetic wardrobe.

Surgi Cream: Instant Hair Removal: Instead of bikini waxing use this no-nonsense incredible hair removal system. Apply to your desired area for eight minutes, then rinse off. No painful waxing! No appointments needed!

Instant Bronzing Powders: Unlike self-tanners, instant bronzing powders are the best way to look like you have that nice summer glow. They are also so easy to apply, simply brush on the cheeks, forehead and chin for that beautiful sun kissed look.

Lip Color: When choosing a new lip color this season, think bright! You are seeing vivid corals, bright pinks and luscious reds. Try a couple of different shades to see what works the best for your skin tone color.

Summer Time Lip Glosses With Peptides: Discover the benefits of peptide moisturizing lip-glosses from Fleur Visage Cosmetics. We have over 20 tantalizing summer colors. Peptides moisturize, heal and stay on longer than regular lip-glosses. A wonderful addition to your summer time beauty fun!

Aloe Vera Gel: Known as the healing plant, Aloe Vera helps to reduce redness and irritation. Ideal for soothing skin after sun exposure.

At The Rouge we carry only the finest cosmetics and ingredients on the market. Please come in Tuesday through Saturday to sample some of our summer time essentials and our beauty experts can help you with all your cosmetic needs.

Punishment for finishing second in the annual Kings X Trivia Tournament fell on me last month, when I had to prepare the questions for our monthly get together. Having done the work, I should share the nonsense with you folks. Here we go:

1. What former distance runner is the chairman of the 2012 Summer Olympics to be held in London this year?
2. At what famous location would you find Traitor’s Gate?
3. What popular snack food was introduced at Disneyland in the 50s and 60s as a way to make use of certain leftovers?
4. Who was the youngest actor to receive an Oscar nomination for a starring role?
5. Who sang a controversial version of the “Star Spangled Banner” before a game in the 1968 World Series?
6. Parkyakarkas was a comedy performer on whose radio show of the 40’s?

June 2012 Answers

1. Indiana Pacers
2. “Sands of Iwo Jima”
3. Lake Titicaca
4. Bailey and Spencer
5. Ted Weems
6. Zihuateno

JUNE WINNER: NONE!

WIN LUNCH ON BEN!
The first person to email or mail, no calls please, the correct answers to all of the above questions will win a $25 gift certificate for The Uptown Cafe in downtown Danville, compliments of Ben Fernandez! Entries must be received by July 20,
2012. In the event of a tie, the winner will be drawn at random.

Please email your answers to info@aliveeastbay.com, or mail to ALIVE East Bay, 3200 A Danville Blvd., Ste. 204, Alamo, CA 94507. Employees and family members of employees of ALIVE East Bay are not eligible. Restaurant may be changed without
notice.

For the most part, golf movies are not at the top of my list. Maybe that’s because I’ve tried (even took lessons) and never really found the rhythm of the game. I loved the socializing. I even loved being out in a lush green environment on a beautiful sunny day but just never enjoyed spending four hours playing a game and then another two at the clubhouse, drink in hand rehashing every moment.

Seven Days in Utopia is a golf movie, but it’s not as much about the game of golf as it is about the game of life. Last year I reviewed the sleeper movie, Get Low. I wrote, “newcomer Lucas Black stands out by stepping back,” well, I am happy to say Lucas is stepping forward in Utopia and looking great as Luke Chisolm, budding pro golfer.

Luke’s father has been grooming him to be a pro golfer most of his life. A natural talent, he finally gets to the spot on the green where it looks like he’s going to bridge from amateur to pro and he has a complete meltdown right in front of millions of people on the golf channel. His father walks off, gets in his car and drives away. Luke wants to be anywhere but there.

After almost running into a bull on a lonely country road, Luke finds himself sitting by his wrecked car in a field of cow paddies. Up rides Johnny Crawford on his horse. Johnny, played by the amazing Robert Duvall (also cast in Get Low), welcomes Luke to Utopia, Texas, population 355. This is the start of Luke’s Seven Days in Utopia.

Johnny takes Luke to the Lost Maples Café where it seems everyone in town is gathered. He is introduced and his wounds are tended. Johnny seems to own most of the businesses in town including the local B & B. While snooping around, Luke wanders into Johnny’s den and realizes from all the memorabilia that Johnny used to be, in fact a pro golfer, so when he offers him lessons, Luke accepts. Herein begins the journey; Johnny was offering more than lessons on golf. By the way, did I tell you that Utopia has a golf course, yup … owned by Johnny? For the next seven days, Luke gets lessons in fly fishing, art, rodeo; you name it, different day, different lesson. The first step was to find his conviction about his foundation. The second was never let a casual comment erode your confidence. Luke learns to SFT; See, Feel, Trust. The lessons and the healing just kept coming.

Of course, most good movies have a little of everything so we do have Johnny’s strawberry blonde, wholesome as sunshine niece, Sarah (Deborah Ann Wohl) and her supposed boyfriend. There are sparks but this early budding relationship is definitely not the focal point of the movie, so you guys don’t have to fidget.

All in all, this is a wonderful movie about mentorship and learning why we do what we do. If we’re blessed enough we learn that “we don’t need a ball to validate us.” I highly recommend Seven Days in Utopia. I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.