November 2012

From the moment we enter the world we breathe without giving it any thought. It’s one of those things that we know is important, but we can just do. However, poor breathing can lead to many problems. The good news is those problems can be addressed.

In my last column, on the importance of the pH of blood to your total health, I briefly mentioned that, in addition to diet, breathing properly is vital. One of my practices is in the field of “TMJ” which stands for Temporomandibular Joint, a rather poor term considering the multiple causes of the head, neck and jaw pain that must be diagnosed.  The better term would be TMD which refers to Temporomandibular Dysfunction. The temporo stands for the temporal bone of the skull and the mandiblular stands for the lower jaw. Even at that, the name does not even touch the complexity of the problem.

What brought up the TMD syndrome was that several years ago many of my most severe cases were not really improving, but just dealing with the dysfunction. I found that these patients suffered other diseases such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and obesity.

Few people, including doctors, understand that breathing directly regulates body chemistry, including blood flow, oxygen availability, electrolyte balance and kidney function. How we breathe is a behavior and is subject to the same principles of learning as most behaviors. This is where Capnometry and Capnotraining come in. Capnometry is part of the science which studies the effectiveness of how you breathe.

I became licensed to do Capnotraining years ago at a center in New Mexico. Ultimately, I discovered that the center with all its experts can do a better job than I, teaching you how to breathe properly in your own home over the computer. All the information you need can be found at www.betterphysiology.com.

One very serious problem is that many dysfunctions caused by low blood CO2 mimic diseases that fool doctors into calling for expensive tests and even to false findings, leading to an unnecessary treatment plan that could have serious side effects. A basic Capnometer test could have avoided that. One of my pediatric cases had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder when the underlying cause was simply oxygen deprivation.

Given the life changing drugs used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, one can see how important it is to prevent the use of these drugs to treat symptoms that should not have existed at all and can be addressed with simple breathing therapy.

Luckily many physicians are taking a more holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. From this refreshing approach has evolved the Society of Orthomolecular Medicine which has a rapidly growing worldwide membership.

It is well worth looking up orthomolecular medicine on the net. There is an incredible amount of information that could answer many of your questions. By no means is this a criticism of doctors. Our society has become dependant on instant gratification and most people feel someone else should solve their problems.

If patients can get a pill to take the symptoms away, even partially, that’s what they prefer. Among my patients probably only one in ten, or even fewer, will totally commit to doing their part to get well. Many are taking at least 15 prescriptions per day.

It is very difficult for a doctor to get excited about helping to find the total cure for what is causing symptoms when so many patients will not do their part to help. I will not treat a patient who won’t commit to getting off unnecessary drugs. My team includes a professor of pharmacology that helps with that step.

What I learned after many years of practice is if I listen long enough and encourage the patient to open up, ask the right questions, plus remain very observant to what their body is telling them; many times the patient will diagnose themselves.

I have even recruited some of my most enthusiastic, successful patients to talk to new patients when they desire to learn more. The reward I receive in giving them their enjoyment of life back is well worth the effort.

Robert Brown, DDS has a TMJ and sleep apnea practice in Danville and thoroughly enjoys discussing holistic medicine. You can contact him at 925-837-8048, at info@aodtc.com, or visit his web site at www.aodtc.com.

Christine was only 36 but she felt like she was at least 60.  “I wasn’t sleeping, I couldn’t exercise without increasing my symptoms and I didn’t have enough energy to take care of my two children.”  In short, life was miserable for Christine. She had suffered increasing pain, fatigue and insomnia for five years. Her doctors had given up and she just couldn’t take the pain anymore. Christine, and thousands like her, suffer from fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition that causes a cluster of symptoms that result in multiple vicious cycles that ultimately lead to a confusing constellation of problems. Mostly affecting females, it debilitates the patient physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

How many of these symptoms do you have?

• Chronic muscle pain, spasms, tightness or headaches
• Decreased energy
• Insomnia or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep
• Chronic stiffness
• Difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks (“fibro fog”)
• Reduced tolerance for exercise
• Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea
• Sensitivity to: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet

Many women are surprised at how many of these symptoms they check off the list. After all, they have been trying to “cope” with widespread chronic pain for years, and have eventually tried to repress their pain and suffering for the sake of trying to appear “normal.” They have tried getting help from their own doctor, an assortment of specialists and even some alternative approaches without success. The patient’s dream, the perfect drug or supplement or hormone that will take it all away, doesn’t exist.

Many doctors don’t know much about fibromyalgia, so a typical office visit (if you’re lucky) consists of some reassurance, a brochure and prescriptions that cover up the pain or other symptoms without a real attempt at finding the cause of the problem and fixing it. Even though Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is accepted as “real” condition by the Society of Rheumatology, many doctors find it hard to believe that a person could be suffering from all those complaints—especially when “all the lab tests are normal.”

Extensive research done in the last decade shows clear relationships of Fibro/CFS to brain dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, immune system abnormalities, and endocrine disorders (thyroid, adrenal gland, etc.). In fact, there is convincing evidence that certain areas of the brain (shown clearly on SPECT images) are abnormally active in the brains of fibro/CFS sufferers. Fibromyalgia patients also have higher levels of two substances; a nerve chemical called substance P, and nerve growth factor in the spinal fluid. There are also low levels of serotonin, the brain chemical that is low in people with depression and anxiety.

We have found that the best approach to help patients who suffer from Fibro/CFS get their lives back is to get as much information about the effected areas as possible by doing extensive testing (blood, saliva, urine, DNA)—almost never done by your regular doctor. We then formulate individualized treatment to normalize each area of concern, one at a time. My expertise in neurology, endocrinology and the musculoskeletal system is ideal for dealing with the brain, hormone and nerve issues inherent in fibro/CFS.

Back to Christine — after treatment at our office, she is now going back to work, dancing with her husband, and her kids feel like they’ve got their mom back. 

Dr. Don Davis, D.C., DACNB 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 or FibromyalgiaWalnutCreek.com

 

Each November the food magazines reinvent Thanksgiving. That’s their job. The problem is that your friends and family don’t want any part of it. They look forward to eating the exact same meal you’ve been serving every year for as long as anyone can remember.

Indeed, this is no time to mess with tradition. None of Norman Rockwell’s stylized grandmas ever pulled a turducken out of the oven. Thanksgiving should be the ultimate comfort-meal; a stroll down Memory Lane. But that doesn’t stop me from sneaking in at least one new dish each year, just to satisfy my own creative yearnings. And the farmers’ market is where I go to seek inspiration.

To begin with, shopping in the crisp morning air is far more appealing than swapping germs in a crowded supermarket. It is also a mutually beneficial way to show our gratitude to the people who grow the foods we eat all year ‘round. And the November farmers’ market is surprisingly colorful.

I have a passion for fiery orange persimmons — as beautiful sitting on the counter as they are unique in recipes. You’ll find two very distinct varieties at the market this month. The larger of the two, the Hachiya, has an elongated teardrop shape with a pointed tip. Because they are so fragile when ripe, they are sold while still firm and inedible. Hachiya persimmons also contain bitter tannins that make them unpleasantly astringent to eat when the flesh is even slightly firm to the touch. After a week or more at room temperature, however, the fruit is tangy-sweet and ripe when it becomes jelly-soft—like a water balloon—making it a favorite addition to moist cakes, quick breads, cookies, and steamed puddings.

No less beautiful, the squat, flat-bottomed Fuyu persimmon is shaped more like a tomato. There is no waiting period before enjoying this variety since they should be eaten crisp, like an apple. The only bad news here is that persimmon season is short, so it’s now or never.

Salad is usually a good way to introduce an unfamiliar fruit or vegetable to suspicious relatives. (Yes, salad. Not every dish at Thanksgiving needs to be drowning in dairy products or buried under a gooey cloud of marshmallows.) The following is light and colorful; and the pleasantly bitter greens provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich foods that are so much a part of a traditional meal. Play around with the ingredients if you like, by adding a scattering of jewel-like pomegranate seeds for extra seasonal glamour, or by substituting crumbled California goat cheese for the Parmesan.

This salad can stand alone as a first course, if that’s how you roll … though Thanksgiving at my house tends to be a raucous all-you-can-eat never-ending buffet. (In the most elegant possible way, of course.) I was born on Thanksgiving, so I figure that gives me a free pass for any breach of etiquette.

Winter Greens with Persimmons and Sweet-and-Spicy Walnuts

For the dressing:

• Freshly squeezed juice from 1 orange (about 1/3 cup)
• 2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon coarse (kosher) salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup California olive oil

For the salad:

• 4 Fuyu persimmons, caps cut out, peeled
• 10 cups baby arugula leaves or mixed baby lettuces (about 10 ounces)
• 8 cups mixed chicories, such as: coarsely chopped curly endive, shredded radicchio or Treviso, and coarsely torn frisée;
• 1/2 cup pitted and coarsely chopped Medjool dates
• 1 cup Sweet-and-Spicy Walnuts (recipe follows)
• 1 (3-ounce) chunk Parmesan cheese, at room temperature

To make the dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil until blended. (The dressing can be covered and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. Whisk well before using.)
2. Using a mandoline or other vegetable slicer, cut the persimmons into paper-thin slices, taking care to remove any seeds. (Alternatively, persimmons can be cut into 1/4-inch wedges.)
3. In a large bowl, combine the arugula, chicories, persimmons, and dates. Drizzle all but 1 or 2 tablespoons of dressing over the top. Add the walnuts and toss gently to coat. Taste, adding the remaining dressing if needed. Use a vegetable peeler to shave Parmesan over the top. Serves 12.

Sweet-and-Spicy Walnuts

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse (kosher) salt
• 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup California walnut halves and pieces

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a small baking sheet with foil and spray with no-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, chili powder, and cayenne. Stir to blend. Add the walnuts, tossing to coat.
3. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake, stirring once, until the walnuts are glazed and lightly browned and the sugary coating is bubbly-hot, 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside to cool to cool completely. Break the nuts into bite-size pieces. Use at once, or store in an airtight container. Makes 1 cup.

Does your holiday recipe repertoire need an extreme makeover? Check out Peggy Fallon’s upcoming class at Draeger’s Blackhawk cooking school on Wednesday, November 14, 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. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by supporting the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well.

This is one serious movie; serious subject, serious story. I probably should have checked some stats but I just didn’t want to be that bogged down in the minutiae.

The opening scene of October Baby is Hannah Lawson (Rachel Hendrix) ready for her college theatrical debut. Her first college play. The curtains open and she is alone on stage. Her leading man enters the scene. She starts her lines and collapses. The movie fast forwards to her in the hospital. Her father (John Schneider) is consulting with a colleague…doctors. After a lot of testing, they tell Hannah that the medical issues that have plagued her throughout her whole life are all part of the same issue. Hannah is adopted and her parents never told her. There is more to the story and her parents finally tell her that not only is she adopted but that her medical issues are due to her birth. Twenty four weeks early and an abortion survivor, the story that was too hard to tell is now being revealed.

Hannah has been haunted her whole life by a feeling of not being wanted. Her parents love her; adore her, so exactly where were these feelings coming from? As the story falls into place her adopted mother breaks down and gives her birth certificate to her. She was born in Mobile, Alabama.

Hannah’s best friend since childhood, Jason (Jason Burkey) finds a way to help Hannah get to Mobile to help her find her birth mother or at least some answers to her many questions. The Spring Break Road Trip ends up being a bunch of college kids in a vintage VW bus on their way to New Orleans with the route through Mobile. With the help of some kind folks along the way, Hannah finds the nurse at the hospital. The nurse leads her to her birth mother. The story has many twists and turns. An angry Dad, a sorrowful Mom, a birth Mom in denial and a friend who stands by her through the whole episode makes for an interesting plot.

I have some observations (don’t I usually?). I know many women who have had abortions. Some have told me early in our friendship, some stay in denial for years. I probably have a few friends that will go to their grave with their secret. One thing I have figured out is that the pain of regret is always there. If you have read my reviews for very long, you have probably figured out that I’m conservative. Do I believe in abortion? No. Do I condemn the women who do? No. Actually, my heart goes out to them because that decision had to have been one of the hardest decisions of their lives and if it wasn’t, that alone is probably haunting.

October Baby is about forgiveness. It’s not preachy and it doesn’t condemn. There’s a line in the movie that says “to be human is to be beautifully flawed” and I think that just about sums it up. I want to let both women and men who may be carrying around unresolved issues that there is help, there is hope. There are many resources. You might want to start with EveryLifeIsBeautiful.com. Choose to Heal. Choose to Love. Choose Life.

October Baby is well done and especially thought provoking. As always I look forward to your thoughts and comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.

Joint pain, known as arthritis, comes in many forms. The most common type is osteoarthritis, known as “wear and tear arthritis.”

Joint pain can flare up for a number of reasons — some of which may be overlooked by conventional practitioners. Many of my patients ask me if their pain is caused by arthritis. Sadly, it is estimated that one in five Americans has been diagnosed with some form or arthritis. There are over a hundred different arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis being the most well known.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the synovial fluid of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the hands and feet and is frequently accompanied by a hot or warm feeling in the joint, stiffness for over 30 minutes in the morning, the same joint affected on both sides of the body, polyarthritis (more than one joint affected at a time), and pain that can last through the night. With this form of arthritis, most of my patients notice the pain eases the more they use the joint.

Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, feels worse the more we exercise and as the day wears on. Also linked to inflammation, this type of arthritis can be traced back to a breakdown in the joint cartilage. It generally affects the hips, knees, spine, hands and feet and develops as more of a wear-and-tear situation, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is closely tied with genetic factors that lead to an autoimmunity problem.

What you need to know if you suffer from arthritis:

All forms of arthritis involve some kind of inflammation — either local or systemic. When injured, a chain of events in your immune system known as the inflammatory cascade is triggered. This is what causes the redness, swelling and pain we often see with an acute injury. When this process, known as local or acute inflammation, turns on and then off in response to injury it’s a sign of a healthy immune system. Yet when the symptoms of inflammation don’t disappear, it tells us that your immune system is unable to turn itself off when it should and therefore leads to a state of chronic inflammation.

How do I begin to heal my arthritis pain?

1. Adopt a healthy diet rich in natural anti-inflammatories. Eat small meals often and choose a diet of richly colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and pure omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Class IV Laser Therapy.  Ending the pain caused by arthritis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser therapy 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 quickly relieved.
3. Rule out infection, nutritional deficiencies and allergies.  Special testing is available to identify subclinical infections, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and allergies to foods and toxins.
4. Remove/reduce the toxins in your life.  If you cannot understand the ingredients on the label don’t buy the product.
5. Reduce stress. Exercise, meditation, nature walks, yoga, prayer … The beauty of stress reduction is that it’s never a waste of time — it serves you on every possible level.

We have great success helping people solve the causes of their joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain — and which combination of therapies will help heal it. The good news is — you can do it without drugs, and you don’t have to give up any of the activities you love!

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.

C.J. Nitkowski threw his last major league pitch on June 7, 2005, when he walked Scott Hatteberg of the A’s while pitching for the Washington Nationals. His ERA after seven games in relief for Washington was 8.10.

Within a week he was pitching for the AAA New Orleans Zephyrs. He spent 2006 in the Pittsburgh organization without ever getting a shot in the big leagues. He spent 2007 and 2008 pitching in Japan, 2009 and 2010 in Korea. Towards the end of his time in Korea Nitkowski suffered his first arm injury and was out of baseball in 2011.

For most players approaching their 39th season six years removed from the big leagues with a lifetime record of 18-32 and a 5.37 ERA, plus a sore arm, professional baseball would have been in the rear view mirror. Especially those with a wife and three children. Nitkowski, instead, put himself through stem cell injections and arduous rehab with the hope of one more shot at the show.

“I still felt the passion to prepare, the family was onboard and supportive, and almost every former player I spoke with encouraged me,” Nitkowski said from his home in suburban Atlanta. “My ex-teammates who had been retired for awhile told me you can do this other (post baseball) stuff forever. Nothing else compares to baseball. I wanted to be at peace when I finally quit playing.”

So on July 21, 2011, Nitkowski had the stem cell procedure done. The procedure itself, he says, “was a breeze.” Then came rehab. Nitkowski began exercises on July 23. He began throwing in earnest on Aug. 18. But was different now was Nitkowski was reinventing himself as a sidearm thrower trying to get back into professional baseball as a situational lefthander facing mostly opposing lefty hitters in relief.

Such pitchers are increasingly valuable as major league baseball becomes more specialized. Javier Lopez has been successful with the Giants in a similar role, and the A’s use Pat Neshek as a right-handed sidearm specialist facing righty hitters almost exclusively.

Nitkowski was so dedicated to this last chance that he flew to the Dominican Republic on his own dime for a winter ball tryout. “My agent had a (potential) number one draft pick throwing a bullpen session at 7 a.m. in front of several scouts. He suggested I come down and throw at 6:15 before the college kid began warming up and the scouts could watch me.” So the 1995 number one draft choice of the Cincinnati Reds “humbled myself” and drove from Georgia to Florida, at his own expense, to throw at dawn in front of scouts who had come to see someone else.

Scouts from the New York Mets liked what they saw and told Nitkowski as much. His tryout made the news, hopes were lifted, but nothing was said for months. Professional baseball is in part a game of attrition, especially with pitchers. As injuries mounted for some and others proved ineffective, the Mets remembered Nitkowski and in July offered him an opportunity to pitch for their AA club in Binghamton, NY.

J.P. Riccardi, a Mets executive, told Nitkowski, “we’ll give you a couple of weeks and see how it goes.” At Binghamton it went extremely well. Nitkowski gave up just one hit in six outings, no runs, and, he said, only one lefty even put a ball in play. Clearly, it was time for Nitkowski to face more mature hitters, and on Aug. 6 he found himself in AAA with the Buffalo Bisons, one step from the majors.

His first few outings went just as they had in Binghamton. Articles appeared in USA Today and the New York Times heralding his imminent promotion to the Mets (who were having a historically bad second half due in part to an underperforming corps of relief pitchers and could use the help) before a few bad outings turned it all around.

“I had three bad games in a row,” Nitkowski said. “I was new to sidearm pitching and couldn’t correct myself during a game when I began to struggle. I gave up seven runs in one game and 11 in two. Every pitch I threw was flat. The ball didn’t feel right coming out of my hand.” Finally, Nitkowski said, he watched some video and met with the Mets minor league pitching instructor and together they discovered a flaw in his mechanics, which he was able to correct, and developed a new game plan for right-handed hitters.

“I finished my last three games really well,” Nitkowski said. “In 18 minor league games other than those three (poor games) I gave up just one earned run.” Unfortunately, those three games made it impossible for the Mets to promote Nitkowski to the majors and finish this Cinderella story in a fashion that would have been suitable for a TV movie.

Still, there is a chance for another chapter. Buffalo manager Wally Backman is, according to Nitkowski, recommending the Mets invite the lefty sidearmer to spring training next season. Others in the organization are also said to be supportive. “I’m at a stage where I don’t think they would lie to me about that,” Nitkowski said. “The Mets are my first choice and I want to pay them back for the opportunity they game me by succeeding for them in the big leagues,” he added.

If the Mets do let him go, Nitkowski said he would like to square accounts with the big league team with which he spent the most time. “I didn’t handle myself well at the end with Detroit (in 2001) and I’d like to have the opportunity to go back and do it over with them.”

While his family remains supportive, Nitkowski admits that his wife, Megan, was not prepared for the down side of rollercoaster ride. “I’ve had a ton of failure in baseball, some of it in a really short period. My wife said that was one part she had kind of put out of her mind and didn’t miss.”

By March Nitkowski could be in spring training as a 40-year-old lefty specialist trying to hook on for one more moment on the big stage. It will be a fascinating story to follow.

Q. Last winter I planted a bare root pomegranate. It has done very well, in fact it has nearly doubled in size but the growth is very leggy. Should I cut it back now to encourage branching, or wait until it is dormant? By pruning now will I cut off any potential fruit?

A. Pomegranates are pruned usually during January and February but you can start earlier when the leaves start to drop. They’re grown as a medium size shrub or a multi-stem small tree. There are three things you need to do when pruning pomegranates, eliminate the dead wood, remove the rubbing and crossing branches and then shape the plant by reducing the length of the growth. That being said, pomegranates naturally have long arching branches that gives it an arching, vase like form, so heavy pruning can alter the plant’s aesthetics. You preserve the natural tree look by removing branches to the trunk or larger limbs instead of an overall shearing. The canopy should be thinned out every three years, regardless of the growth form. Of course all of this is a judgment call on your part, as there are many correct methods of shaping depending on the location and the plants surrounding it. Pruning can affect the size of the crop as the fruit forms on new wood. Hence, it’s important to feed annually in the early spring with a complete fertilizer to encourage the new growth.

Pomegranates are one of the easiest fruits to grow. The Spaniards introduced them into California in the sixteen-century. They’re native to southern Europe and spread throughout California with the establishment of the missions. Today they’re being rediscovered by a new generation of gardeners just like blueberries. They’re popular for the following reasons. Pomegranates are high in antioxidants and easy to grow in a wide variety of soils or in containers. They’re somewhat drought tolerant and not affected by many pests or diseases. The bright orange tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and are a popular plant choice for bonsai. Wonderful and Eversweet are the two most widely available varieties, but there are many others. And finally, you’ll also find Punica Granatum is a non-fruiting landscape shrub that is available in our area. It grows to four feet with a three-foot spread, so it’s very adaptable to small yards.

Q. The onions I planted this year had a problem. Seed stalks develop when the plants were still very small. Why do onions go to seed so early?

A. When onions go to seed, it’s called bolting. The primary cause of bolting in the Bay Areas is weather related stress due to changes in temperature. Onions are best planted in the fall and late winter through the early spring. Onions planted April through June go to seed the first time the temperatures climb into the 80’s. Onion sets are now available while the sweet Bermuda Onions plants that are Stockton Red, Torpedo Sweet Yellow and White, in early November.

 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

 

 

Like converted smokers, vegetarians can at times be a bit trying. They repeatedly remind you of the evils of red meat, and the effects of the white marbled fat running through it. Admittedly vegetarians come in various shades. Extremists avoid any product not grown, calling themselves vegans. Others are okay with eggs and cheese. A few are vegetarians in name only (choose your own definition) occasionally eating a bit of chicken or fish.

Now it’s one thing following these principles in your own kitchen, but traveling presents a whole new dimension. I know this to be a fact – I’m married to one. Let me tell you about a few of our escapades.

One of the more awkward periods occurred a few years back while traveling in the Baltic states. We were picked up by a robust female guide upon our arrival in Tallinn, Estonia. She was a throwback to the communist days where I am sure she was a weight lifter. She stood well over six feet and watched two hundred pound fly by years ago. She suggested we get acquainted over dinner at a local food shop, her choosing of course, and we followed along.

“I’ve ordered for us all,” she announced as a hearty beef goulash soup, with floating gobs of grease arrived. Barb stirred but didn’t eat. I got in a couple of spoonsful, smiled, and quit. She drained her bowl.

The entrée was a slab of beef, mashed potatoes, and a pile of canned peas – all swimming in a thick brown paste. I assumed it was gravy. Barb stirred, rearranged, but did not eat. Our guide devoured it all and as she was sopping up the remnants with a huge slice of bread said,

“You two sure don’t eat very much, do you?”

This feeding frenzy went on for ten days through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania without a trace of greens or fresh veggies. My guess is there are very few vegetarians in the Baltics.

In fairness, we did load up at breakfast with eggs, cheese, and bread. A couple of nights we snuck out and ate a pizza or a bowl of pasta with no trace of meat.

Vietnam was a different story. Here every eating place listed a host of vegetarian dishes, and Barb was in her glory. But, alas, a hunk of soft tofu on each plate does get a little tiresome. After eating tofu for three meals a day for ten days, Barb tried to ignore it at a restaurant in Saigon. To make matters worse it jiggled in an unappetizing way. In an effort to help this poor misguided tourist, the waitress came over and politely cut the hunk into small pieces, demonstrating to Barb the proper way to enjoy this delicacy. Didn’t work.

There were other very embarrassing moments for me over the years because of this eating preference. Perhaps the most awkward occurred at a delightful breakfast buffet in Perth, Australia. The chef was preparing eggs on a large, universal griddle. Unfortunately he was also using this same griddle for bacon, sausage, and ham. Barb ordered her eggs, but asked if there was a virgin spot on the cook-top which was not, to her mind, contaminated with all that animal residue. The chef looked up and politely told her to go to $&*) – well, he didn’t really care about her tastes. The discussion that followed is unknown to me. I got out of there fast.

One of the major difficulties experienced by vegetarians has faded into obscurity – namely meals served on airplanes. For years the tiny hot trays placed before you on long flights had traces of meat. Enjoyed by most, but avoided by vegetarians. Alas, these endearments are now gone, and getting anything but pretzels and a soft drink costs a pretty penny.

I could go on and on with this subject, but I expect by now you’re gotten the idea. This column will be enjoyed by some, denounced by others, but I hope you all identified with it.

Getting ready for a repeat trip through the Panama Canal. I recommend it for anyone who appreciates American and World History. It is always mind boggling to realize it was built in 1915 and still works pretty well today. Another Canal is in the process of being constructed. Hopefully, we can see how far it is progressing. Make sure you do it some day.

1. Who was the US President when the Canal was originally started?
2. A town at the tip of Cape Horn had constant traffic on a daily basis before the canal was built and very little after. What is the name of that town?
3. In which South American country is the town located?
4. Enough Canal talk. The Giants and A’s made the playoffs this year, which is great. When was the last time they both did it?
5. Jonah Hill played a fictitious assistant general manager in “Moneyball.” What was his fictitious name?
6. Who was the A’s owner mentioned a couple times in the movie?

October Answers

1.  Colin Clive
2.  Dave Casper
3. Louis Armstrong
4. “Lights Out”
5. Hope Lange
6. Vaughn Monroe

OCTOBER WINNER:
Colleen McFadden of Pleasant Hill

WIN LUNCH ON BEN!
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Isn’t it great when circumstances allow us to enjoy some of the fun things in life, and even better when new options arise? The reality is that times are hard and money is tight these days. That, however, doesn’t stop us from dreaming of the opportunity to take one’s sweetheart cruising in a fun little sports car. Hearing the engine roar and feeling the road beneath your feet as you navigate from curve to straight-a-way. The question is: who can afford a sporty little hot rod in today’s economy? Wait, maybe you can…

The Toyota engineers have teamed up with the folks at Subaru and created an affordable sports car. Each manufacturer will have a different version and both models are built at a Subaru plant in Japan. Toyota decided its new FR-S was best suited to the Scion line as its buyers tend to be the youngest owners in the industry, plus Scion needed a buzz car to help bring back some of its former glory.

The 2013 Scion FR-S is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe. Together, Toyota and Subaru have co-developed a flat 4-cylinder horizontally opposed, direct-injection boxer engine. In the tradition of Scion, they designed the FR-S with a multitude of optional accessories including a body kit and performance parts.

The 2013 Scion FR-S comes in only one trim and with the choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission ($24,200) or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Some of the standard features include keyless entry, power windows, and door locks,  air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped shift knob, cruise control, aluminum sport pedals, Bluetooth hands-free phone and a 300-watt Pioneer audio system with 8 speakers, AM/FM, HD radio, CD player and AUX/USB ports.

The FR-S takes its heritage from the Toyota 200GT (sold in the late 1960’s) and the 1983 Toyota Corolla, known as Hachi-Roku in Japan. The headlights make for menacing eyes leading into a sneer; not your typical Toyota happy face.

The profile begins with bulging front fenders that are flexing its muscles slightly over the hood. The front windshield rakes upward to the roof which quickly slides down towards the trunk not leaving much room for rear passenger headroom. Rear quarter panels are beefy projecting power rolling into the rear end. Features here include clear reverse lights in between a red upside-down triangle packaged between the chrome exhaust tips.

The interior is clean and simple, yet sporty. Embedded with red stitching and chrome highlights all through, you will definitely imagine sitting in a sports car. As an example: my test vehicle was equipped with the automatic transmission; however, the gear shift looked like a manual version. For models with a manual transmission, paddle shifters are attached to the steering wheel. The dash was stylish and controls were easy to use. The fit and finish were respectable for the price of the vehicle with everything nicely in place.

The front seats were comfortable, although, I wouldn’t plan on utilizing the rear seats for passengers. I managed to get my son’s car seat into the back, and had to move the passenger seat up so far that it would be impossible for anyone to sit there. (The same goes for when I had a front passenger – no leg room at all for rear occupants).

With that said, the rear is a great area for storage – my jacket and laptop were extremely comfortable! You can think of this limited rear seat area as both a negative and a positive. There is only room for you and your sweetie! Sorry kids, you’ll need to stay home!

From the performance side, the FR-S packs a 2.0-liter horizontal 4-cylinder that cranks out 200 horses. The FR-S power lacked a little at low revs, but still performed adequately. The 2013 Scion delivers tight handling around corners and has electronically assisted steering. The front MacPherson and rear double-wishbone rear suspension manage a firm-footed feel. The standard electronic braking system worked fine, and if you are into racing, Scion offers upgraded brakes and performance pads.

Room for improvement:

• The back seat is pretty much un-inhabitable if you have a front passenger

Cool Features:

• Eye Catching Design
• Center console with phone storage and power plug

The standard safety equipment for the 2013 Scion FR-S include six airbags, traction control, anti-lock ABS brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring system and stability control.

In Summary – The 2013 Scion FR-S is a fun little sports car for around $26,000. Wherever I drove, people were turning heads and giving thumbs up. At times, it may feel more Subaru than Scion, but in either case it works. Scion makes it easy to turn the FR-S into a weekend race car with manufacture-designed optional equipment. Even though Scion as a brand attracts an array of young buyers, I have a feeling the FR-S will also find its way into the garages of emptynesters as well! It’s a great fit as either a weekend cruiser or a daily commuter car.

Specifications

2013 Scion FR-S

Base price:  $25,300 as driven: $26,097 (including destination and optional packages)
Engine: 2.0-Liter horizontal opposed 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 200 @ 7,000
Torque: 151 foot pounds @ 6,400 – 6,600
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
Seating: 4-passenger
Turning circle: 37.4 feet
Cargo space: 6.9 cubic feet
Curb weight: 2,758 pounds
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons
EPA mileage: City 25 / Highway 34
Wheel Base: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper

Also consider: Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Mazda Miata MX-5, and Subaru BRZ