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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve — the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers. The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the “thumb side” of the hand (the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger). The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes and risk factors
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard and using a mouse are the most common causes of carpal tunnel. Other causes include:
• Driving
• Assembly line work
• Painting
• Writing
• Use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate)
• Sports such as racquetball or handball
• Playing some musical instruments

A number of medical conditions are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, including:
• Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
• Bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Hypothyroidism
• Menopause, PMS and Pregnancy
• Infections
• Obesity

Symptoms
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of hands
• Numbness or tingling in the palm of the hand
• Pain extending from the elbow
• Pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags or opening a jar (a common complaint)
• Weakness in one or both hands

Class IV Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Up until recently the most common treatment for Carpal Tunnel has been the use of anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, wrist splinting, and surgery. These treatments do not treat the cause, only the symptoms and are not always effective long-term.
Now, however, we have a powerful, effective, non-invasive solution to reverse the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Ending the symptoms caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires stopping the cycle of inflammation at its source. 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 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. Therefore, laser therapy creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function and strength are restored and pain is relieved.

Relief is Possible!
At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even if it’s long-term residual pain. Ar¬thritis 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.

Q. We have a huge problem with the leaves from a Redwood tree in our garden. We cleared away most of the debris. Would the acidity of the remaining debris prevent anything else we plant from thriving? We’re thinking about installing turf next spring.

A. The debris from the Redwood trees shouldn’t inhibit plants so I wouldn’t be concerned about the acidity. Acid soil from conifers such as junipers, pines, cedars, and redwood is a long standing gardening myth. There may be a concern if you’re using well water or water from the Delta but not from EBMUD and the concern would not be acid soil but alkaline soil. You can always check on the conditions with a simple pH kit. You should take three of four tests and then average the results from dry soil. To avoid contaminating the samples, you should use a plastic, not metal, trowel and the soil should be semi-dry. One other point takes the sample from one to two inches below the soil surface and from different areas. With wet soil you should scoop some out and let it dry out in the garage before running the tests.

My biggest concern about growing under Redwood trees is the amount of light the plants or turf will receive. Redwoods are large, fast-growing trees with a dense canopy. Whatever their size is today, they will be even larger tomorrow. In a short period of time, they will be huge. The larger the canopy, the shadier the conditions under the tree. While we see grass growing under Redwoods in lots of situations, it may not be appropriate in your location. Grass, even the shady blends, require a minimum of four hours of filtered to direct sunlight, April through October. As the light intensity is reduced, grass thins out. Another concern will be the surface roots, as Redwoods are shallow rooted but like lots of moisture. Your irrigation system should separate the areas under the tree from the rest of the landscape. As the area becomes shadier, it will require less water than the sunnier areas. You’re the best judge of your location but growing under Redwoods can be challenging.

Q. I want to transplant my blooming Christmas Cactus into another pot, but I’m scared to touch it. Can I move a blooming plant to another pot without shocking it?

A. It’s okay to transplant a Christmas Cactus and most other plants while they are in bloom. Actually, this is when an evergreen plant is technically dormant, as it’s not actively growing. There is no reason why you have to wait until it finishes flowering. I’d transplant it carefully as not to damage the flowers.

Christmas Cactus is also known as the Zygocactus or crab cactus because of their segmented leaves. They, along with Cyclamen, are a great red and white alternative to poinsettia during the holiday season. Zygocactus and Cyclamen are not sensitive to warm rooms, as is a Poinsettia, so the foliage doesn’t discolor quickly and they have a long blooming period.

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

When one completes medical school, upon graduation he or she should never feel they have all the knowledge they need, but just enough to be able to learn. Science has not touched the incredibly vast amount of information we have yet to learn.

In my research in Physiology I find it impossible to keep up with the new findings that will, someday, make many present medical practices obsolete. I have just begun working with a group involved in the study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on cellular and neurological communication. Not only could this work help explain the mystery of acupuncture, but may possibly open up entirely new fields of medicine and a greater understanding of many mysteries, such as autoimmune diseases and mental disorders.

In November’s Alive article the importance of cellular communication was suggested as part of a healthy immune system. Three physiologists received the Nobel Prize, just last year, for their discoveries in cellular communication. The work I mentioned on electromagnetic effects on cellular communication dovetails right in.

One more example of these new findings is that there are more functions of the Thyroid Gland than we knew. It also is a large contributor to the immune system. I am not trying to confuse you with too much information. I am just trying to demonstrate that the era of giving a blood test followed by a prescription to mask the condition will someday disappear. We are learning to identify some of the underlying factors which cause symptoms that “modern medicine” has been calling diseases only treatable by drugs such as: Crohn’s disease, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and many more.

The best acupuncturists can feel your radial pulse and diagnose malfunctioning organs and diseases. Is this due to their incredible sensitivity to electromagnetic fields? No one has been able to explain it yet.

There are trillions of cellular activities going on at any one time in your body; far more complex than any industry, and we all understand the effects poor communication can have on any industry, easily resulting in its death. If our cells aren’t supplied with the nutrients they need or are subjected to toxins or invaders, their ability to function at all, including communicate, can be severely jeopardized. Some drugs have actually been found to interfere with cellular communication, which explains some of the serious side effects.

Now that you have some knowledge of how complex the process of keeping you well is, maybe you’ll have more reason to discipline your eating habits and lifestyle. Complex carbohydrates help cellular communication, while simple carbohydrates interfere, actually creating increased inflammatory responses requiring the need for even better communication. In my TMJ practice, to the extent that the patient is proactive in changing their lifestyle and dietary habits that created the problem, the results are remarkable. I recently dismissed a lady in her fifties that exclaimed she had not felt so good since her twenties. She was emphatic in stating she would never go back to her old ways. By the way, these patients will never have to worry about their weight.

If you belong to an organization that would enjoy learning about these remarkable practices, please feel free to contact me at info@aodtc.com or 925 837-8048.

Have a beautiful and healthy Holliday Season.

Last month I discussed some of the theories of memory and why we need to be free from the chains of inflammation and stress to have a healthy functioning brain. Now we’ll talk about how we can improve and optimize our memory.

First of all, the brain is so complex that known facts like “there are 800 miles of wires in one half inch of brain tissue” are hard to comprehend. Yet these wires and connections are not sufficient to remember everything and so your brain prioritizes certain memories and downgrades others. Placing importance, especially emotional importance, on a thought is the best way to make sure that a memory becomes long lasting. This is the reason “bad” or “wonderful” memories last much longer than “ordinary” ones.

Even if you can concentrate and “connect” to an item, life events can get in the way of memory. Stress, for instance, can disturb the formation of memories and chronic stress is even more detrimental to memory formation.

STRESS AFFECTS MEMORY– Here’s how it works.

When stress increases, whether from pain, personal problems or lack of sleep, cortisol from the adrenal gland increases. Increased cortisol then lowers the metabolic rate (BMR) and decreases the available energy that the brain needs to form memories. The decreased BMR then leads to increased belly fat, brain fog, pre-diabetes and further brain degeneration, which, in turn, leads to more stress and inflammation.

What To Do: If you are noticing memory challenges, you should take a serious look at making some immediate lifestyle changes to limit cell damage because memory loss is the first sign of brain degeneration. But don’t fret yet—the good news is that the brain is very resistant and can add neurons and connections (neuroplasticity) that increase your memory and other brain functions.

1) Control blood sugar surges: When blood sugar raises so does insulin, which is inflammatory, so limiting carbohydrates (sugar) can decrease inflammation, a major memory drag. Intermittent fasting can also help by teaching your body to burn fat instead of sugar.

2) Sleep: Lack of proper sleep can lead to increased toxins which causes actual brain shrinkage. On a positive note, proper sleep (slow wave and REM) actually helps consolidate long-term memory.

3) Exercise: Exercise produces a protein called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) that protects and repairs the memory neurons and acts like a reset switch. That’s one reason you feel at ease and “clearer” after working out. At the same time, endorphins lower your cortisol levels, enhancing memory. In fact, it’s been shown that people who exercise have less overall brain shrinkage over time.

4) Caffeine: A cup of Joe enhances long-term memory by improving memory consolidation. One cup of coffee works well, but not three cups (300mg). The side effects of high amounts of coffee, namely increased cortisol, will then impair memory.

5) Thyroid function: Even though the thyroid has more of a general function to activate the brain, memory problems are a hallmark of low thyroid function. This can be best regulated by diet andtargeted nutritional supplementation.

6) Cortisol From the Adrenal Gland: Cortisol, the hormone released in response to stress, makes your brain lose brain-connections and therefore memory. This can be regulated by diet and supplementation such as fish oil and phosphatidyl serine.

7) B6, Folate and B12: Studies show that decreased levels of these nutrients are related to brain shrinkage in the areas that are responsible for memory. Unfortunately, as you age, B12 levels usually decrease, requiring supplementation.

8) Vitamin D: Researchers have found Vitamin D receptors that increase nerve growth in the memory areas of the brain. Optimal levels of Vitamin D help ensure this growth.

Let us help you improve your memory and your overall brain function by providing you with a treatment program based on blood/hormone tests that provide a clear path to and effective solution. An added benefit is that this approach improves concentration, mood, energy levels, libido, and overall health–all at the same time.

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

When we think of happy hour, the first thing that comes to mind is typically cocktails, wine, and beer specials, right? Well, Healing Hands wants to offer a different kind of happy hour – still fun and inexpensive, just a bit more relaxing and a whole lot more rejuvenating.

We’re going to be offering specials on three days of every week – Treat Yourself Tuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays, and Happy Hour Thursdays. This gives clients—new and faithful—an opportunity to get mind-blowing treatments at deeply-discounted prices. So, while you’re sitting and thinking of what bar to hit for your next happy hour excursion, think of us first. We’ll get you looking and feeling fabulous for a good time with friends and drinks galore!

Let’s start with the menu shall we? Healing Hands will be offering up three $50 treatment options. First, we’ve got a $50 facial and lip treatment. This will include a 50 minute facial and rejuvenating lip treatment to leave your lips and skin soft and fresh for a night out (or in, whatever you’re into). Then we’ve got a $50 therapeutic massage that will have you drooling for more, but not in a sloppy, “I probably shouldn’t have ordered that third glass of wine” kind of way. The third option is our Ion foot bath with paraffin hand dip, to give your tootsies a break with some time to soak and the paraffin will leave your hands feeling super soft.

Wellness Wednesdays is focused on getting your body back on track in no time. We’re offering a 20 minute chair massage for $25, something to have you in and out and feeling fantastic. If you’ve got some extra time, we’ve got a 45 minute Reiki energy massage with Diane, our Reiki master, for $50 – not sure what Reiki is? Give us a call, we’ll be happy to explain what it is and why you need it. And just in case you missed your chance on Tuesday, we’ve got the foot bath and hand dip available on Wednesday, too.

Now, let’s get to happy hour. From 12pm to 4pm every Thursday we are offering up fantastic treatments at ridiculous prices. You’ll leave here feeling like a million bucks without actually having to drop that kind of money; it’s just $50 per treatment. Choose from a “champagne & caviar facial,” which includes a microderm-abrasion treatment. What about a “mango-rita,” or “pina colada” scrub to get your skin soft, smooth and ready for anything? Maybe you’d prefer a “quick shot” massage – this includes a head, neck and shoulder massage with hand paraffin dip. Seriously, these treatments will have you craving your next fix!

Only at Healing Hands can we get you looking and feeling your best without doing the worst kind of damage to your bank account. We make it a point to offer lush treatments to our clients without leaving room for spider webs to collect in your wallet. Because we know how important it is to treat yourself, even if it’s only every once in a while, be sure to give us a call to discuss our specials or any other treatments we offer so we can get you happy!

Dear SSHS,
My best friend is getting married soon and has asked me to be her maid of honor. The problem is I really don’t like the guy she’s marrying; I think he treats her poorly. Is there anything I can do at this late date to help her realize she’s making the mistake of a lifetime? ~Not Sold in Sunol

She Said: Well, you could refuse to be her MOH on the grounds you can’t support the marriage, but I can almost guarantee you’ll lose a friend, which is a pretty high price to pay for being right. Frankly, you should have expressed your concerns within the first few months of their courtship, because it’s too late now…unless she asks. If she does, be tactfully honest but let her know if she decides to go through with it, she has your undying support. That’s the role of the BFF and the MOH.

He Said: Like Robin said, you had your chance early on in the relationship and it sounds like you blew it. If this guy really does treat her poorly, then she’s going to need your support even more now. Voicing your displeasure with the hubby-to-be at this point will only drive a wedge between the two of you. I say go through with it, and make sure you step up your game even more as her BFF by continuing to support her when she does hit those rough patches in her marriage.
Dear HSSS,
The guy I’m dating is a “neat freak”. He insists on everything being a certain way in his house, and I’m just way more laid back than he is; otherwise we have great chemistry. I’m afraid if I tell him this is a deal breaker, he’ll flip out. What do you think I should do? ~Kinda Sloppy in Pleasanton

He Said: You’re definitely in the minority of women on this one. And finding any type of chemistry, let alone great chemistry, is tough to come by. If everything else is great between you two, then I say get over it and focus on his better qualities. But if it really could be a deal breaker, then now is the time for a conversation about it. Bring it to his attention that his “neat freak” habits bother you, and if you both can’t compromise and meet in the middle, then you probably have bigger problems, and it’s time to move on.

She Said: May I have his phone number? Just kidding, but neat is a turn-on to some of us. As I see it, you get five non-negotiables in a relationship. They may include honesty, loyalty, compassion, communication, good social skills, intelligence, etc. Are you willing to use up one of your tickets on his being too neat? Now, if he’s controlling, that’s something else, and that could be a deal-breaker, but create your top five, and if he possesses those, try and overlook his persnickety-ness.

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

December: the month when most of us celebrate our faith. Our focus can sometimes be snatched, grabbed, and/or stolen, quite frankly, because we are bombarded with commercials and sales. We’ve already been through Black Friday, Cyber Monday, whatever they called their Thanksgiving sales. We have seen the fads, new toys; the “gotta haves,” and the pushing in line to get the “gotta haves.”

One thing that never should be changed through all of this brouhaha is our spirit of renewal; of faith, goodness, and most important—family.

When we look back on this past year, we’ve seen a lot of stuff. Good stuff… but also a lot of bad stuff and strange stuff.

We’ve seen new technology; new phones, new tablets, new games. We’ve seen more hatred—from beheadings and shootings, to international saber rattling. We’ve seen politicians who seem more interested in fighting than running a government. We’ve seen computer hacking and social media hating and haters.

The strangest fad may have been just last month, with the huge craze of women wanting to augment their bodies to be just like J Lo or the Kardashians. What total nonsense.

Most all of us have become busier. We have more deadlines to meet. Our kids have more deadlines to meet. We hurry, we rush, we don’t take as much time out to do the things we think are very, very important.

So in this month, this month of December, with all of its multicultural, multi-spiritual holidays, let’s really take the time to throw out all the “noise and clutter” of the year and celebrate our spirits. And let’s make sure we know what the core is of everything we are individually. And let’s remember family!

From mine to yours: All the best.

It makes perfect Sense.

‘Tis the Season of Lists. Greeting card lists. Gift lists.Grocery lists. To-do lists. Lists to remind me to consolidate earlier lists. It seems I’ve barely perfected the pumpkin arrangement in my entryway and suddenly it’s time to get serious about the Holidays. Yes, the ones that begin with a capital H.

Amidst all the madness, I find it comforting to take refuge at the farmers’ market—where I’ll never hear the beep of an electronic scanning machine or the tedious repetition of recorded Christmas carols. This low-tech approach to shopping in the fresh air delivers just about everything I need for entertaining, as well as plenty of creative ideas for gifts of good taste.

Instead of slapping a bow on yet another bottle of wine this year, how about offering the golden luxury of California extra virgin olive oil to your favorite home chef? There are crisp apples, voluptuous pears, and fragrant oranges and tangerines just waiting to be tucked inside a wicker gift basket. The early risers on your list will delight in a gift of artfully preserved jams and locally-produced honey for their morning indulgence.The floral selection at the farmers’ market is also more spectacular than ever this month, with fresh-cut flowers intermingled with top-quality plants and evergreens at bargain prices. Bakers and snackers alike will appreciate this year’s harvest of crunchy California walnuts and almonds, and a sweet spectrum of moist dried California fruits.

While perusing the aisles at the farmers’ market, take time to consider the thoughtfulness of a homemade gift-from-the-kitchen. Even if you didn’t spend your summer putting up pickles and preserves, there’s still time for some quick-fixes. Spicy-sweet nuts, packed in a cellophane bag and secured with a festive bow, make a welcome gift and a satisfying nibble to enjoy throughout the season. (They also fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas while baking.)

Candied citrus peel—made from something you would normally toss in the compost pile—is far superior to anything store-bought. And another way to show you care. If you can resist snacking throughout the day, serve the candied peel with coffee at the end of a meal; chop finely and stir into muffin or cake batter, or into scone or sweet-bread dough; dip in dark chocolate; or use as an edible garnish for desserts or cookie platters. For variation, use tangelo, pink grapefruit, Meyer lemon, or other thick-skinned citrus instead of orange. (Thin citrus skins, like those from limes,can turn leathery when candied.) For best results, don’t make these on a rainy or humid day. A certain amount of dryness in the air helps set the sugar-coating.

Sugar & Spice Walnuts

2 large egg whites, at room temperature
2 tablespoons water
1 pound California walnut halves (about 4 cups), or a combination of your favorite nuts
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat, or grease lightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and water until foamy. Add the walnuts, stirring to coat well. Transfer the mixture to a colander in the sink and let drain for 2 to 3 minutes. Wipe the mixing bowl dry with paper towels.

2. In the same bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, allspice, cayenne, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir to blend. Add the walnuts and toss to coat well.

3. Spread the nuts in a single layer (without touching) on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the sugar mixture has caramelized to make a crunchy, candy-like coating, about 2 hours. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. Makes about 4 cups.

Candied Orange Peel

4 large navel oranges (about 3 pounds), rinsed well
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1. Using a sharp knife, cut off both the ends of the oranges. Cut the orange lengthwise into quarters, then—following the curve of the fruit— cut away the orange zest along with a very thin layer of the white pith. (Leave most of the white pith attached to the fruit.) Slice the peels lengthwise into strips about 1/4-inch thick. Reserve the fruit for another use.

2. Put the orange strips in a heavy 3-quartsaucepanand add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 5 minutes.

3. Drain the strips in a colander. Return to the saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook again for 5 minutes. Repeat the process once more, making a total of cooking 3 times. (This will remove any bitterness from the skins.)

4. In the same saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of the sugar with 1 cup of water. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil over high heat. Add the orange strips and reduce the heat to low. Let the orange strips cook very gently, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure they cook evenly,for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the strips begin to turn translucent.

5. Carefully drain the strips, reserving the syrup for another use (like brushing over a cake or adding to cocktails.) Set a rack over a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet.

6. Put the remaining 1 cup of sugar into a bowl. Working in batches, roll the peels in the sugar to coat; shake in a sieve to remove any excess sugar;and spread on the rack so they are not touching. Let dry until no longer sticky, 5 to 6 hours. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 1 month. Makes about 3 cups.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad and Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.com. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well

Choosing a movie to watch is a little like choosing food to eat; sometimes you feel like hot and spicy and sometimes you just want warm and comfy. There are times you even choose the salad because the veggies are simply good for you. Well, today I’ve got some of each to chat about.

I think the entertainment industry has finally figured out that for the most part we all love Christmas. Hallmark and other film industry machines have been adding a few new “made for TV” movies every year and recently they have definitely stepped up the pace. So much so, that we now have the 60 day “Countdown to Christmas” instead of beginning the run on Thanksgiving. I, for one, love it and the rest of you get something different than the Murder She Wrote reruns.

What is truly awesome is that they have instituted Classic Thursdays. So far, just this year, I have watched Holiday Inn, Holiday Affair, and Christmas in Connecticut. The Bishop’s Wife is just sitting waiting for me to have a free couple of hours. These have got to be someone’s “warm and comfy!” They certainly take you back to a different and maybe even more gallant time.

I’m a real sucker for the typical Hallmark movie fare year ‘round but never as much as Christmas. I was just thinking this morning (with a chuckle to myself) that the hardest part of making some of these has got to be finding a title. You would have to find something Christmas-y, but it would need to be clever…and yet somehow set your movie apart so year after year the viewing audience would remember it and say, “Oh, Season of Miracles is on today,” as I do.

So, I’ve talked about the wonderful (?) predictability of Hallmark long enough. They aren’t the only channels capitalizing on our penchant for schmaltziness, but probably the best.

Whether you are watching TV or renting movies, you will find your summer salad or your box of popcorn. The Nativity Story is definitely your salad. A story about Christmas, for Christmas. It is virtually impossible to focus on the true meaning of Christmas with all the sales and gimmicks going on around us. Even Black Friday has been moved up by the marketers, and tell me, really, is Black Friday the unofficial start of the Christmas Season? In the midst of all this, we must never forget the true meaning of Christmas, and movies like The Nativity Story do just that. It is beautifully crafted.

On my short list this year is, Merry Madagascar, with my grandkids. I am a closet penguin fan so my gk’s will just have to suffer through it since they are starting to grow past that era. Also, on that list is one of my big screen favorites, The Holiday.

Kirk Cameron’s: Saving Christmas is in theaters this season and hopefully Polar Express will be back on the 3D screen again. I will definitely look for it. It is one of those movies just made for not only the big screen, but 3D!!

So, I have a little gift for you Christmas movie lovers! www.countdownuntilchristmas.com is a comprehensive TV Christmas Movie Guide. Enjoy, and as always email me at chastings@rockcliff.com.

The Christmas season is a time of great joy, goodwill toward men, gift giving, and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also the season of joyous Christmas carols and many worldwide performances of George Frideric Handel’s famous oratorio, Messiah.
Most people are familiar with this great work, but many do not know that in 1741 Handel, unbelievably, composed Messiah in just 24 days! The very famous Hallelujah Chorus so moved England’s King George II that he rose from his seat, thereby establishing a custom that has become universal whenever it is sung. “The raising of the chorus to the role of principal dramatic protagonist constitutes Handel’s most significant contribution to the oratorio,” wrote Martin Bernstein in his book, An Introduction to Music.

The Oratorio
An oratorio is a composition for solo voices, chorus, and orchestral accompaniment with a scared text. It is usually performed without scenery, action, or costumes. Handel’s oratorio, unlike Bach’s, were written for an audience, not specifically for a congregation. The text, or libretto, is in English, not Latin, and is based on selections from the scriptures.

Handel, when performing Messiah, used a small chorus of men and boys, and women appeared as soloists—unlike today’s presentations that often use very large choruses and orchestras.  “Messiah remains Handel’s best loved work,” wrote McKinney and Anderson in Discovering Music. “In its massive choruses, beautiful solos and fine orchestral background, it embraces an affectionate and intimate portrayal of the Christ story through its three phases – birth, death and resurrection.”

Handel composed Messiah in London where he was already an experienced and successful composer of Italian operas. He turned mainly to oratorio writing after becoming dissatisfied with opera. He used it to express his own dynamic personality, incorporating the elements of his dramatic opera style. After Handel mastered the form of the Oratorio he became the undisputed master of English music.

Handel
Born in Halle, Germany in 1685, Handel was an extrovert who did not come from a musical family at all. His father, a barber/surgeon, did not want young George to be a professional musician, but wanted him to be a lawyer instead. Handel relished travel and spent much time traveling and living in other countries – always assimilating the musical styles of the countries he visited. He was able to study music composition and learned the violin, oboe, clavier, harpsichord, and organ, of which he was a master.

In 1703 Handel’s lust for travel took him to Hamburg, where his music was first heard by a large and appreciative audience. Next, he ventured to Italy in 1706 where his interest in Italian opera peaked. His three-year stay in Italy was met with great success. Handel then assumed the post of Kapellmeister at the Court of the Elector, George of Hanover – who later became King George I of England.

Handel received an invitation to visit London that proved to be a pivotal turning point in his life and career. He composed Italian opera for an English audience that was hungry for good opera. Here he was met with tremendous success and adulation. From 1712 until his death, England became his home. As opera was waning in London, a new form of music was to become his greatest triumph – the oratorio.

Handel, unfortunately, became totally blind in 1753, but this did not stop his work as a composer or performer. His secretary wrote down his last works as he dictated them. Handel composed 46 operas, 32 oratorios, chamber music, keyboard songs, and many instrumental works, including Water Music and The Royal Fireworks, both still popular and performed today. He died in 1759.

Handel’s final resting place in Westminster Abbey, attests to the fame and esteem the British public held for the German composer who became English.

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Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Oratorio, Messiah

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world is become
The Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ,
And of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever
And He shall reign for ever
And He shall reign for ever
And He shall reign for ever
King of Kings,
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of Lords,
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of Kings,
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of Lords,
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of Kings,
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of Lords,
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of Kings,
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of Lords,
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Kings of Kings
For ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever,
King of Kings,
And Lord of Lords,
King of Kings,
And Lord of Lords,
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
King of Kings,
And Lord of Lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!