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Expose your child to a lifetime experience through music!

Parents all want to see their children do well in school and become successful in life so an important decision for parents is exposing their children to music as they head back to school.

There are many sound reasons for choosing music courses in school. One of the most significant and important reason is: Students who take music classes do much better in other academic courses than students who do not take music classes. This fact has been confirmed in many research studies, and should not be dismissed or ignored by both parents and student.

There are other positive factors to be gained by taking music classes. An obvious one is learning to play an instrument and acquiring basic musicianship skills. “Playing a musical instrument is a lifelong skill which benefits children academically, socially and emotionally,” said Kara Angle, elementary school music specialist. “Students learn discipline and focus and how to work together.” Angle is the principle flute in the Danville Community Band (DCB).

Vocal students learn to develop the voice for solo or ensemble performance, in addition to learning basic musicianship.

Self-discipline plays a vital part in music classes. The student is a member of a team (ensemble) and learns how to contribute to the group effort when making music together. Learning to practice individually helps in learning to use their time wisely.

Leadership skills are important lessons learned in music classes. Students may become involved in elected and appointed positions, such as Drum Major, Student Director, Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Librarian, Uniform Manager or Equipment and Instrument Manager. All of these positions teach leadership skills to the students and are valuable for future endeavors.

We are fortunate to live in an area where music is an important and vital part of one’s education. The San Ramon Valley School district supports music programs in elementary, middle and high schools.

Classes offered in elementary school include K-5 General Classroom Music; third grade recorder; fourth and fifth grade band; fourth grade string program as well as instruction on Orff Instruments (percussion-like instruments). Hand chimes, as well as before and after school chorus, are also offered. Beginning band instruments for elementary fourth grade students are flute, clarinet, saxophone and trumpet.
“Learning music builds camaraderie, team spirit, responsibility and dedication, as well as life skills,” said Jeanette Brown, middle school instrumental teacher and clarinetist in the DCB. Middle school offers Band; Jazz Ensemble; Strings and Chorus, including classroom general music for 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

High school subjects include three levels of concert band; jazz band; orchestra; several choruses; chamber singers and Advanced Placement Theory (AP Course).

One can readily see there is a myriad of classes both for those who choose nonperforming or the performance classes. There is something for everyone! Don’t let the kids miss out on something that will benefit them their entire lives. Music can be a life changing experience.

“Formal training and active performance on a musical instrument not only provides a wholesome pastime (away from video games) and an excellent addition to college applications, but a fulfilling lifetime activity through community and professional music ensembles,” said Christine-Ann Immesoete, music specialist in the Dublin School District. “I hope that my students intend to play their instruments well into adulthood. Immesoete is also principal French horn in the DCB.

An education that does not include exposure to the Fine Arts is basically lacking in a well-rounded, informed individual and can result in a citizenry and society that is impoverished in many ways.

Learning, playing and singing music is an experience in self-worth, self-discipline and fulfillment. It also provides students with the ability to be real team players.

The beauty of music is that it doesn’t have to stop after high school or college—it can be enjoyed for a lifetime. There are many community organizations including bands, orchestras and choruses available for anyone looking to be involved in music. The Danville Community Band, which my wife and I started, has players aged from fifteen years to over eighty-plus; one is never too old to enjoy playing and singing, and the younger one starts, the better.

Do not hesitate to call your local elementary, middle or high school and speak to the teachers, both instrumental and choral, regarding classes your child can take.

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.

Because September marks the beginning-of-the-end for so many summer crops, I tend to go a little overboard when purchasing produce every Saturday. And then as the week progresses, I am often left with a lot of odds and ends in the refrigerator… not enough of one vegetable to serve alone; but a delicious assortment of seasonal sensations whose flavors naturally complement each other.

That’s how this recipe came about. A few ears of corn that never got grilled; one lonely bell pepper; a few little zucchini; and a single chile left over from a guacamole-making marathon. When paired with a few eggs and some cheese, a delicious meatless Monday meal came together in no time.

A traditional frittata is an open-face omelet: beaten eggs are cooked in an ovenproof skillet on top of the stove; and then placed under the broiler to cook the top. I love to make them…when I want a quick meal for two.

But when there are more to serve—or if I want to ensure leftovers for another meal—I simplify matters by combining eggs and seasonal ingredients in a baking dish, and then cook the whole thing in the oven.

So, okay, this is not technically a frittata, but I still like the name better than “egg bake,” which is what they are sometimes called in other parts of the country. (This isn’t Iowa, so I’ll stick with frittata.)

So use whichever name you prefer, but know that these egg dishes are popular not only because they taste good… but also because they are economical, easy to prepare, and extremely versatile. This travels well, and can be served warm, cool, or at room temperature. It can be cut into 1 1/2-inch squares for an appetizer, or into larger squares to serve as an entrée. (At breakfast, serve with toasted artisan bread and sliced strawberries, or tiny, red, new potatoes roasted with fresh rosemary. For lunch or dinner, a hearty green salad or a few sliced tomatoes makes a satisfying vegetarian meal on a warm afternoon.) Leave out the milk (or other dairy) if you like; the frittata will just be a little less creamy.

Vary the ingredients according to whatever is languishing in the crisper-drawer, and you are pretty much guaranteed to end up with something noteworthy. Crumbled California goat cheese? A couple of sliced green onions? A bit of leftover sautéed eggplant? A fresh herb or two? It’s all good. In fact, it almost makes it fun to clean out the refrigerator.

Oven-Baked Frittata, September-Style

1 1/2 tablespoons California olive oil
3 or 4 ears corn, shucked and kernels removed (about 2 cups kernels)
3 small zucchini or other summer squash, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch squares
1 jalapeno or serrano chile pepper, finely chopped
Fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper
8 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup whole milk, sour cream, yogurt, or crème fraiche
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the olive oil.

2. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat until hot. Add the corn, zucchini, bell pepper, and chile. Season to taste with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. (It’s fine if the vegetables brown a bit on the edges. They will only taste better.) Remove the pan from the heat and let cool for a few minutes at room temperature.

3. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until well blended. Stir in the vegetable mixture and the cheese. Scrape the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until lightly browned on top and a thin knife inserted into the center shows no evidence of uncooked egg, about 35 minutes for a 9-inch baking dish, or 40 minutes for an 8-inch dish. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled.

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 s1-800-949-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!

Just one year ago we launched our Podcasting website, TheTalkPod.com. Initially the site was created to provide a platform of expression for professional broadcasters and commentators. After six months our listeners told us they wanted more than just opinions—they wanted advice and information they could use. They were still interested in knowing what the “experts” thought about various topics, but they also wanted content that could help make their lives better or easier.

And so, we began adding content to the site to meet those needs—like the popular advice portal, He Said She Said, with Robin Fahr and Shawn Shizzo, Elizabeth Kate’s wine reviews, and author Mary Sheldon’s advice for writers called Book Bits.

With the response to this new format running at one hundred percent positive, we now know we need one more thing—we need a new portal on the website that informs, advises, teaches or tells people about ____________ (you fill in the blank). In other words, The Talk Pod is actively searching for new contributors, and YOU might just be the right person!

Sound interesting? Read on…

In case you weren’t aware, podcasting the fasting growing medium in the country. According to Edison Research’s annual report this past February, 89 million Americans aged 12+ have listened to at least one podcast, with 46 million listening to at least one per month and 27 million listening to podcasts every week.

Pocasts are different from radio in that they are normally recorded in advance and then delivered (listened to or downloaded) “on demand,” at a time and place of the listener’s choosing. Some podcasters charge a small fee or subscription cost, but many, like The Talk Pod, are free to listeners. Most podcasts are created by individuals, like the popular WTF podcast by Marc Maron, but some sites, like TheTalkPod.com and Stitcher, are essentially podcast “hubs,” providing a variety of content from numerous contributors.

The podcasts on TheTalkPod.com can be found online, as well as on iTunes, Stitcher.com, and on our iPhone application (search for The Talk Pod in the Apple App Store).

If you think you might be interested in being a regular contributor on The Talk Pod, please call or send me an email (Eric Johnson). You can reach me directly at eric@aliveeastbay.com or at 925-837-7303.

If you have something to tell the world, why not say it… now… through The Talk Pod?

While I believe in small town living and small town enterprise, I am not very quick to label a restaurant as an “institution.” There are many places in our small corner of the globe that would certainly fall into that category because they are nostalgic, have history, and our families have been going there for a while, however the word “institution” is personal, and defined usually by individual tastes and memories. I won’t even hesitate when I say that The Hopyard American Alehouse and Grill is an institution, and for two distinct reasons.

First of all, the concept was born from the 100 year old history on which the property lies in Pleasanton. Directly under the floorboards used to lay 1900 acres of the worlds largest hop farms in the 1880s, belonging to the Pleasanton Hop Company. This swampy marshland turned out such premium hops that most were exported to London for the highest prices. The business fell out in 1913 because of the war and prohibition, only to be realized once again when local boys Eric Otis Nostrand, Barry Just Barry Mori, Rob Hilde Hildebrand, and Erik Big E Heth started brewing beer and creating food based on the community that raised them.

Second is community. The doors to the Hopyard were opened with a community-first nostalgia as the foundation. With the Pleasanton sports fields visible from the backdoor, The Hopyard has become the destination to commune before, after and between adult softball games, kids sporting parties, or any other situation that calls for the comfort of wood-grain, sports on TV, and a beer-on-tap selection that can’t be beat.

Every Tuesday night is Brewery Night, where the doors are opened to a different brewer to come and educate and showcase their product. On a personal note, this was the event where a friend and I sat and reminisced about good times in the past and people we missed. Realizing that one of our very good friends from the past had moved to San Diego, we made the gunslinger decision to pack up our food, grab our souvenir pint glasses and drive the eight hours to see her at 9:00 pm. Note: we were not drunk, simply nostalgic.

With 30 beers on tap and just about half of them rotating on a weekly basis, you can bet they have a Beer Club. The Hopyard Harvester Beer Club issues an index card to be stored behind the bar that allows you to taste and drink the different beers as they come in. When you reach 30, you get rewarded for your efforts with t-shirts (we love t-shirts), glassware, hats and more! As a member of the club you are bound to get first word of when Pliny The Younger is coming in. For those unaware, this is one of the most sought after beers in the world, and only select places get ONE keg every year. Both Hopyard locations get TWO kegs every year. There are so many tickets issued for this event that, literally, lines form out the door in February every year. As for Pliny the Elder (one of the top five in the world), they get two kegs every week!

On another personal level, The Hopyard has employed two of my three siblings and both still say it was the best job they ever had. When everybody else in their 20s were wearing their gray college sweatshirts, I was proudly rocking my gray Hopyard Ale House Sweatshirt and literally wore it to shambles over the years.

So this is why The Hopyard American Ale House and Grill is an institution. Yes, the term is personal, however I would never throw that term out if there was not a legion of other faithful followers that agree with me—and there is not just a legion, but armies of people that already do. Are you one of them?

 

Dear SSHS,
How do I let my dear friend know that her dog is not welcome at our parties? She claims he cannot be left at home for various reasons and is known to sneak him into all sorts of places where dogs aren’t allowed, because she sees him as her child. I love dogs as much as the next person, but they are not appropriate at every situation, and frankly, hers is not very well behaved. —Cat Lady, Pleasant Hill

She Said: I’m afraid your friend has forgotten the single most important social rule about dog ownership: like children, they don’t need to attend every event. In fact, some people are allergic to them (dogs, not kids, although that’s debatable). It’s rude that she’s bringing him to your parties, so you needn’t feel bad about being direct and saying, “As much as we enjoy seeing your little precious, I’m afraid if we invite him to our parties then everyone else will assume they can bring their dogs, and we’re just not having a dog party.” And one more thing for the dog owners out there: if your dog’s name isn’t on the invitation, don’t ask if he can come. It puts the hostess in an awkward position.

He Said: Here’s a simple solution to your problem…stop inviting your friend to your parties and she’ll get the hint. I wouldn’t make any special exceptions for her or any other guest. It really bothers me when people try to insert their pets into social situations. I have a dog and I love my dog, but I know that not everyone else LOVES my dog. I was recently at a party where someone allowed their teenage daughter to bring her dog and it was very awkward. She cradled that dog all night long by herself while the other kids her age were socializing and getting to know each other. Parties are for socializing, and a dog at a party is usually an unhealthy distraction.

Dear HSSS,
I’m fresh on the market after a 30-year marriage. I’m having a blast dating all sorts of men, and I have no desire to settle down at this point. Friends seem to think this is unbecoming to a woman my age, but I don’t see anything wrong with it, do you? —Playing the Field in Suburbia

He Said: Sounds like your friends are a bit envious of your new found freedom. Good for you that you’re getting out there and living your life but bad for you that you’re dating every guy in town and people know about it. Have your fun, but keep it discreet, and remember to be safe at the same time. Treat the guys you’re meeting with respect and don’t break any hearts in the process. You might be just looking for a fling but some of the guys could be looking for Ms. Right. And keep in mind, nobody likes a serial dater.

She Said: Well, I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as you’re being upfront with the guys and letting them know you’re just there for fun and not a LTR. That’s why they call it dating! I think your friends might be a little jealous, so perhaps they’ll be a little less concerned if you introduce them to the guys who don’t work out for you. Share the wealth.

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 and online at trivalleytv.org. You can also catch He Said/She Said on TheTalkPod.com. Send your questions to AskHeSaidSheSaid.com.

As most of my readers are aware, my practice is holistic and specializes in Myofacial Pain Dysfunction (MFPD), Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD), and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Why would I care about neuropsychology?

The word HOLISTIC will explain. My goal is to diagnose why my patient is suffering; not write a prescription for it, but take a holistic approach to find the problem and solve it. Out of frustration, I wrote my book, WHY, The Question That Could Save Your Life, designed to give readers the information needed to be proactive in healthcare.

New research findings about the Vagas nerve have revealed its critical role in holistic health. The Vagas nerve is the tenth cranial nerve and controls almost every organ in the body. Recent immunology research findings have shown that this nerve controls the immune system. Malfunction of this nerve may be the cause of many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma. It appears that one of the activities of this nerve is to stop the production of immune compounds of the innate immune system (your first defense against any attacking intruder). If these malfunctioning defenses are not regulated, they will go beyond attacking the intruder…they will destroy our own cells (the definition of autoimmune disease).

Psychological research has profound evidence that one’s attitude can have a major effect on the function of the Vagas nerve, to the extent that serious health problems can result. Dr. Bethany Kok, PhD, head of the University of North Carolina BLESS Project Building Lives of Engagement and Satisfaction, has been a part of numerous studies that have concluded that the function of the Vagas nerve is greatly enhanced by positive, happy, loving attitudes. The contrary has also been proven: introverted, lonely, doubtful and unfriendly negative attitudes create low Vagas activity, resulting in poor health. In a nutshell: Bad attitudes poison the body.

Now that we understand that happiness, friendships, laughter, love, prayer, meditation and kindness have been scientifically proven to be part of a healthy, long-lasting life and a healthy immune system, it’s time to use this to our advantage. The bad habits of living in a “poor-me pity party” must be abandoned. In medicine we used to think that the “poor me” syndrome was caused by adrenal stress. Now we can see that the “poor me” syndrome is quite capable of causing adrenal stress.

Applying this new knowledge of the affects of positive thinking can have life-changing impact for ourselves and, more importantly, our children. Raising our children to have positive, responsible, and charitable attitudes can create not only healthier childhoods, but start them out with the best chance for a beautiful, rewarding, long-lasting life. Applying this knowledge to our diagnosis and treatment procedures has the potential to radically change the future of medicine.

Q. My house has no backyard landscaping but the front is planted. Can you give me some ideas on where to start and is this the time to plant or should I wait until next spring?

A. Fall Planting Season starts with the Labor Day Weekend. It’s an excellent time to plan and plant, although it’s a short season that ends with the conclusion of daylight saving time, on the first Sunday in November. This is also is when the growing season typically ends, with the short days and long nights. Depending on when the new plants are installed, you may not see much new growth but their roots will get established over the winter months so with spring the plants will take off. The first thing to consider is not the plants but the hardscape; that’s walkways, patios, decks, retaining walls, location of a storage shed , etc. Next decide, if you want any special areas, such as a vegetable garden, flower and/or rose garden, children play area, etc. In addition, the tree placement is important consideration for shading on the southwest side of the house on hot summer days. Next comes, the landscape plan that incorporates all those ideas and adds a plant list to it. EBMUD’s Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climate book is an excellent reference book for plants that are water wise. All too often the term “drought tolerant plants” is used without realizing that those plants are not very attractive during the hot summer months. The term water-wise is better suited as you get plants that are attractive and use less water. Armed with this information and pictures of the area, you then consult your local nursery professional at your favorite garden center or landscape designer to develop the plant pallet. And finally, the last item is the irrigation plan. This project requires that you spend some time sorting through all the options. Most of them are judgment calls on your part. A backyard design is in many ways more important than the front as this is where most of your time is spent. It also provides the greatest return on your investment in the enjoyment factor. A front yard is for friends, family and drive byes.

Note: EBMUD’s Plants and Landscapes For Summer-Dry Climate book is available at many garden center, bookstores and on line at https://www.ebmud.com/resource-center/district-store/plants-and-landscapes-for-summer-dry-climates/. It contains over five hundred color photos, along with a description of the each species that grow in our deserved climate.

Q. My purple Salvia is being eaten alive by something but I don’t see any bugs. What can I safely use to solve this problem?

A. When plants are being devoured by an invisible bug(s) the primary suspects are snails, slugs and earwigs. You don’t see them because they feed at night and retreat to a cool, damp, shady location during the day. Instead I would use Sluggo Plus or Bonide Bug and Slug Killer. There both safe bait for use on edibles and non-edible plants.

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

From flushed cheeks to rosebud and burgundy lips, with high pigment eye shades of teal and burgundy, to ultra-chic color eyeliners, this will capture the season. These quick moves will instantly take your look up a notch, and ready for fall.

It’s All about That Base
So you finally found that perfect foundation color… and then the season changes and your skin tone loses color. Bridge that August-to-December divide with a new updated custom blend to keep you perfectly on track. It’s all about that base this season, keeping your skin looking flawless, youthful and current. Nothing’s worse than having a dark foundation, while your neck is a lighter shade. Dark foundation lines around the jaw line are not a pretty site, so keep it smart and updated and keep your complexion looking real, with a perfectly blended custom foundation.

Sport Ski-Slope Cheeks
A generous helping of low-lying blush created this season’s prettiest après-ski flush cheeks. (Blood-pumping cardio and lift ticket not included). But while you want soft color impact with a warm shade on the cheeks, shoot for a diffused look over a heavy-handed application. Using comfort technology baked rose colored blushers are a hit, topped with a bronzing powder for a convincing finish. Use a sculptured contour brush to highlight cheeks, finish with a clean diffusing brush all over the face, for the most natural looking complexion.

Bold Up Your Brows
Full arches are still trending. Brushing hairs straight up and keeping them nicely groomed is equally key for fall’s brows. Have a professional shape your brows to perfection, and then apply a brow balm for definition and realism. Try a gel brow balm that is slightly lighter than your brow color drawing a straight line through the middle of each brow and blend. From there, fill in any sparse spots with a sharp eyebrow pencil, and sweep on a tinted gel to set.

Power to the Eye Shade Pigments
Perfect symmetry has long been the focus of conventional ideas about beauty. But sometimes a little imbalance can be straight-up stunning. This fall we just got a little more captivating with the addition of sophisticated pressed pigments that deliver intense color, magnificent shimmer and dramatic shading. Begin your look with a thin layer of concealer stick to ensure longer-lasting, crease-proof wear, then apply a mica powder to set. Use a gradient color of light taupe to soft brown gray a key in achieving dimension and definition, while layering a peachy color to add warmth, keeping a fall style looking on-trend. The mix of warm and cool tones with a peachy hue and gray tone works on a wide variety of eye colors and skin tones.

The Rouge Cosmetics is in their new location located in downtown Danville and they are ready to help you with all your beauty needs. Their Fall Trend Event is through September 30. Book your appointment today for a free Fall Make-up Update and find out the exciting looks of the trends of the season. Check out their Facebook page at The Rouge Cosmetics for beauty tips, and special events.

A friend of mine just had the privilege of meeting Dr. Carson here in the East Bay. All she could do is rave. Much has changed since I ran the following movie review four years ago. Ben Carson has retired from Johns Hopkins and is now a viable Presidential candidate, so I thought I would brush off the review and give you a peek into the man. Enjoy the movie.

Sometimes you just have to shout about something or someone good. Well, here’s my shout-out about Dr. Ben Carson, the man and Gifted Hands that tells his story. Gifted Hands is a Johnson and Johnson Spotlight Presentation that was originally aired on TNT. Thank you Johnson and Johnson.

Gifted Hands is based on the true story of Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. whose lifelong journey led him to become Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

Dr. Carson had a childhood dream of becoming a physician, but he grew up in a single-parent home, with dire poverty, poor grades, a horrible temper and low self-esteem. Struggling to help her sons, Sonja Carson, Ben’s mother, did everything in her power to help pull her family out of its circumstances. When kids at school labeled Ben the “Dummy,” Sonja got his eyes checked (yes, he needed glasses), turned off the television and took the boys to the Detroit Public Library. They embarked on a journey of learning. Later in life the boys would realize that their mother, who had only a third grade education, could not read but that hadn’t stopped her from looking earnestly at their two mother-required weekly book reports.

Dr. Carson attended Yale and University of Michigan Medical School. At age thirty-three, he became the youngest major division director at Johns Hopkins. Early in his career he led a team that was the first to successfully separate conjoined (Siamese) twins. His list of accomplishments is incredible: from being a bestselling author, to winning the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

I was thrilled to see that one of my favorite actors, Cuba Gooding, Jr. was chosen to play the part of Ben Carson. I find Cuba distinguished and versatile. He often shows his “chops” by taking on roles that are diverse and eclectic, as exhibited by his turns in both independent comedies and gritty dramas. It is rare to find an actor that will tackle both Men of Honor and Cool Running, yet both are worthy movies in their own right.

Sonja was played by Kimberly Elise, herself a two-time NAACP Image Award winner. Her performance is exemplary.

I found that once I had viewed Gifted Hands, I wanted to know more about Ben Carson, the doctor and Ben Carson, the man. After 25 years he is still the department head at Johns Hopkins as well as having been awarded 50 honorary doctorates. He has also achieved the status of Living Legend given by the Library of Congress.

One of his most admirable accomplishments though is founding the Carson Scholars Fund which has awarded more than 4,800 scholarships and is still growing. This man is not only a “legend,” he is a devoted husband, father and yes, son. He mother, Sonja is still alive and well.

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story is a wonderful movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family, but I have to warn you, you’ll want to hit the internet to see what else you can learn about the man with the gifted hands.

As always, I enjoy your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.