Column

The Year of Living Biblically
One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible

I’ll admit this is a real stretch from the types of books I normally read and review. Usually I read fiction. To me, reading is a means of escape from the cares of real life. However, this summer when life got especially overwhelming for about a month, I read this book and it cracked me up! I actually laughed out loud which led to questions from my family.

The Year of Living Biblically doesn’t sound funny. Actually it might sound a little boring. The author, A.J. Jacobs, is an agnostic Jew and doesn’t know much about the bible at all. He decides to study the most famous book in the world and follow it as literally as possible for a year. He manages to do so while being brilliantly funny and reverent at the same time.

Meshing Old Testament biblical laws while living as a modern day husband, father and New Yorker is no small feat. He grows a beard, carries a portable stool called a Handy Seat to avoid touching impure things, and blows a ram’s horn at the start of every month. He also buys tassels for his Old Testament garments from “Tassels without Hassles.” Struggling to avoid gossip, covetousness and anger are a constant battle.

Most people think of the Ten Commandments when they think of Biblical Law, but A.J. identifies 800 laws to follow. Some are more well known such as “thou shalt not kill.” Others are more obscure, such as the law against wearing mixed fibers. To avoid breaking this one, he invites a Rabbi Berkowitz to come whose job is to inspect clothing with a magnifying glass
.
A.J. tries to follow all the laws, which is of course impossible. He gets various Rabbis and Christian leaders to mentor him and help interpret the laws such as a retired Lutheran minister who calls himself the Pastor out to Pasture. He approaches it all with an open mind. What results is not only funny, but also thought-provoking and enlightening. At the end of his year-long experiment he is a changed man.

I was both entertained and educated by this book which is a pretty unusual combination. I raved about it to everyone and was reading passages out loud to my husband who was laughing hysterically. If you want a book with substance that won’t make you nod off with boredom, this is the one. You’ll be a wiser and much happier person for it.

Playing a musical instrument adds a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to one’s life. Many learn to play for their own enjoyment and as an outlet for self-expression and relaxation. Studies have proven that playing music enhances the quality of life by improving one’s, intellect and self-worth.

Join a Group
Playing in a school ensemble as early as the fourth or fifth grade, or later in middle or high school, is one of the first steps to begin a lifetime of musical enjoyment. This not only brings self satisfaction but is also an opportunity to be part of a group whose members have similar motivation and are like-minded in many ways.
Music teachers encourage children to get involved in their school band or orchestra ensembles to nurture their interest and further their musical education.

What’s Out There
But how can you use your musical skills after you learn to play an instrument? Most high schools and colleges offer opportunities in marching and concert bands, string orchestras, jazz groups and small woodwind, brass, string and percussion ensembles. There are many types and styles of musical groups to explore.
Other opportunities to play music may be available at local churches and community organizations, like the Danville Community Band. Civic theatres often have show bands. There are also small groups, such as traditional jazz bands, swing groups and rock bands available to players.

The music profession is just as varied as the groups mentioned above. Many major cities have large Symphony orchestras, like the world- renowned San Francisco Symphony. To play in an organization like this, one has to reach a very high degree of musicianship (usually conservatory graduates). The competition is rigorous but the rewards are great and the pay commensurate with ability.

All of the military services have bands and other musical ensembles available to qualified enlistees. Some make a career out of being a military musician.

Restaurants, hotels, clubs and cruise ships often hire solo musicians or small groups to play for their patrons. Musicians often perform at events such as weddings, holiday dances, school proms, country clubs and civic halls. One may find these positions by checking the local classified ads in the newspaper, through private teachers, school music directors, musicians unions and by word of mouth.

Teaching Music
A teaching career in music is rewarding and exciting and gives one a lifetime of living with music, offering a great sense of fulfillment. Watching others learn and become passionate about their craft is a wonderful way to make a living! Being a lifetime music educator, it is very gratifying to see students rise to leadership positions, gain self confidence and become better students. To become a music educator one needs a college degree and a teaching credential and a passion for playing music and working with students.

Being a conductor of a band or orchestra is also a possibility if ones inclination is toward leadership. A director must have a working knowledge of the various instruments – how they sound and blend together – how to read musical scores and techniques to motivate and inspire people to produce the best musical result.

I have listed just a few of the many opportunities to continue the joy and satisfaction of playing music. Music participation does not have to end after high school or college graduation.

Playing music is a gift to ones self and gives great enjoyment to those who benefit from listening to music in its many forms. It is a legacy that will last a lifetime.

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.

The holidays are filled with parties, get-togethers, and special events. This holiday season try something gorgeous to make it extra special like face shimmers, sparkle eye paints, or jewel tone lip-glosses. These are just some beauty pick-me-ups to feel pretty and to look sensational this holiday season!

Face shimmers are in big demand this season. They look so fabulous and radiant on the skin it’s like a supermodel in a bottle! They make the skin glow and your complexion look oh-so-smooth. There are so many to choose from like golden shimmers, bronzy shimmers, champagne liquids, porcelain powders, bronzers and beautiful rosy golden stick highlighters. Depending on your skin tone, try a few before purchasing your favorite one. This can be tricky so ask a trained professional to help you with placement and color. You do not want to apply a face shimmer all over the face. It belongs only on the highest part of the cheekbone and on top of the apple of the cheek.

Holiday Lips
It’s funny the way a new shade of lipstick or gloss can put a spring in your step and a fresh fragrance can totally make your day. It’s the little simple things that make us smile this holiday season. With new jewel tone lip-gloss colors glowing everywhere this season, now’s the time to load up on shine. The shinier the better and with some fun runway-worthy sparkle! Glam it up with lips looking like juicy-jewels! If you want to slip into something a little more silky, you can try lipsticks that have peptides in them for a true moisture surge and a more fuller looking lip. Anything you decide make sure it’s glossy and lips look nice and hydrated. There is nothing worse than having dry chapped lips. Before applying your favorite gloss or lip color use a good Vitamin E with Vitamin C lip treatment. This will help heal and super hydrate the lips and protect the lips from harsh weather conditions.

One Hot Minute Eyes
Eyes are enchanting this holiday season there is so much texture, dimension, and intense colors in shadows you can look fabulous in minutes. Gold with sparkle is a big hit this season with your favorite browns and smoky grays. Deep rust purples hit center stage with their intense pop of color. Use this amazing color as an accent to achieve a glam-dramatic look and make heads turn when you walk in the room.

Eye Bright
Who needs sleep when you’ve got the latest tools and techniques to give your eyes that well rested look? With the help of Ongrien’s Ultra Firming Eye Cream and Fleur Visage Concealing Cover Stick you’ll be transformed in a blink. Simply apply the Ultra Firming Eye Cream under the eyes to help de-puff eyes and make them brighter. Add our cover stick with super concealing benefits to hide even the darkest circles.

Let The Rouge take you on a glamour journey with beautifully applied make-up to make your parties extra special. We are available to Glamorize you Tuesday through Saturday for all your special events.

Stop Waiting. Go Make it Happen! “Success is for Doers- Not for hearers. Seize the moment!”- Ron Kardashian

A business desire of mine began one afternoon when a business man asked me for some help. My reply to him was so on-the-spot that it came in 30 seconds. Since that time it has yielded six figures, pushing seven ever since. In that specific moment I had no time to wait, and formulated what is now a world wide coaching company servicing all walks of life.

However, it was in the crucible of my own struggles that I had to make a decision to either go up or give up. In every leader’s life there is a moment in time where they must step up and meet the challenges of life. They key is NOT just handling overwhelming elements of stress or pressure, but HOW you handle the stress. This is what shapes and molds your life, supplying the power to make critical decisions.

You see, while the decision to help this man was a 30 second decision, the previous three years I had been dealing, head on, with personal failures. So when that phone call came, I was not beat up over my past failures—I was not waiting around for someone to come and help me get my idea going. By faith, I said, “Sure, I can do this!” When I released those words, my integrity was on the line and I had to develop this company just for this one person.

You may have a wonderful idea, concept or business model that you have been waiting to execute, but the battles from the past may appear larger than your dream. This is where a 30 second decision must be made. You might say, “But Ron, you had someone ask you for help.” You’re right, and I’m asking you, right now, “Can you make the world a better place by doing what’s in your heart to do, right now?” You can respond to the call that I’ve made here, in writing, by deciding to “move forth.” You have a success coach telling you, “Stop waiting around and go make it happen!”

Don’t be afraid, but DARE to take a stand on issues and how you could make something better. Forget the money. Follow your passion and the money will come to you. I’m living proof. I believe in you. Go for it!

Assignment this month: Whatever is holding you back can be altered in 30 seconds if you DARE to step across the boundaries of limitations and pursue with gracious force the aspirations of your heart. Write down what you have always wanted to do and get on the internet gathering knowledge to pursue, overtake and make the world a better place!

Taken from the Book “The 30 Second Solution” by Ron Kardashian. Available in bookstores worldwide Fall of 2011!

Ron Kardashian is a life coach, fitness expert, educator, conference speaker, author, national television and radio personality, and NSCA-certified strength and conditioning coach. Kardashian was one of America’s first life coaches. In 1994, he founded Kardashian Life Coaching & Personal Training and has since inspired hundreds to reach their full physical, mental and spiritual potential.

Kardashian has been twice nominated as Personal Trainer of the Year. He has been an honored speaker for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Considered a “coach’s coach,” he has empowered executives to operate at peak performance; personally, professionally, and most important , spiritually.

Ron also heads a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation that is relentless in its efforts of bringing optimal health to people of all walks of life. This organization’s mission is to fight obesity and related diseases on a global scale. Across the globe, Kardashian’s unique approach has garnered amazing results, making him a powerful, voice of change for professional athletes, CEOs, political leaders, and clergymen of every age, religion, and creed. Ron lives in California with his beautiful wife, Tia, and two children.

For an appointment or bookings you can reach Ron at: info@kardashian.tv, or call 888.918.HEAL. Visit Ron’s website at www.kardashian.tv.

Dan Cottam, 33, grew up in the East Bay, mostly in a swimming pool. As a member of the Concord Terrapins starting in elementary school he developed his skills to the point of earning a swim scholarship to UC Santa Barbara, specializing in long distance freestyle events.