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Fire. It’s been in the headlines far too often in the past few years. The world is hot, dry, and vulnerable. We’ve seen fires both on the earth and in the earth. Everything is in a constant state of change. Fire is terrifying and fascinating, brutal and beautiful. Fire takes away and fire gives back. From the lava of a volcano springs new land, from the char of a forest fire springs new life. It’s the circle of life, colored in dramatic, smoky hues and watered with abundant tears.

But where is the intersection between fire and wine? What is a “volcanic wine”?

In short, a volcanic wine is a wine produced from grapes grown in volcanic soil or “andisol.” Andisol is very fertile, highly acidic, and full of ash. Volcanic soil can be thousands of years old or just a few years, depending on the location.

Grapevines thrive on this scorched earth and some of the world’s most interesting wines are harvested in black, volcanic soil. Famous winegrowing terrains with volcanic soil include our own Mount Konocti in California, the Greek island of Santorini, Italy’s famous Mount Vesuvius, Spain’s Canary Islands, Portugal’s Azores, and Hungary’s Somlo Hill.

One noteworthy region is Sicily’s Mount Etna, where grapevines grow on the slopes of a very active volcano. Mount Etna is an imposing mountain and the highest peak in Italy, south of the Italian Alps. The high altitude of the upper slopes allow for extreme sunlight for ripening as well as chilly temperatures to preserve the precious acidity of the grapes. Some of the vines on Etna are more than 100 years old. Growers believe the organic minerality of the lava-based soil enhances the flavor and ultimate quality of their grapes.

Wine producers of Mount Etna have a tremendous respect for the earth, similar to the reverence expressed by Hawaiians for “Pele,” the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Etna producers wax existential about growing grapes on a live volcano. Their love for the land far outweighs their fear of the volcano. They’ve experienced vineyards swept away by rogue flows of lava. They are used to frequent tremors beneath their feet. They are not frightened off the mountain by sudden jets of hot steam bursting from the ground. The magic of the volcano seeps into their souls.

With every love comes a certain degree of blind acceptance. The wine producers of Etna are willing to take the risk to reap the reward, understanding that they can’t change something over which they have no control. The producers accept the volcano, and for now, the volcano accepts the winemakers.

Most volcanic wines are made from indigenous grape varieties. Mount Etna is celebrated for its powerful red wines made from Nerello Mascalese grapes. You won’t find any chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon here. Volcanic wines offer deliciously different flavors that bring a whole new dimension to wine enjoyment.

Volcanic wines are intense. They tend to have deep, earthy flavors and a certain briny quality. They are known for their mouthwateringly high acid, which makes the wines eminently refreshing and perfect to enjoy on a warm afternoon. Although each volcanic wine is deliciously different, depending on the origin and grape, volcanic wines are on the whole more savory than sweet, more powerful than pretty.

Volcanic wines are capturing the world’s attention. 2018 marks the first year of The International Volcanic Wine Conference in New York City. Other events for volcanic wine have been celebrated in France and Germany. The excitement is contagious which means more of these fabulous wines will be imported to the USA.

Seek out a volcanic wine today. Be prepared for an explosive new flavor in your glass.

Cheers!

I have been toying with the idea of replacing my sedan with a crossover SUV. I do have a few vehicles at the top of my list, yet, after driving the all-new GMC 2018 Terrain, I find that my favorites have changed. The areas important to me are reliability, power, space, technology features, comfort, gas mileage, and price, however, not always in that order.

The 2018 GMC Terrain is all-new and addresses the issues of the last generation that weren’t measuring up with the technology features and interior quality of its competitor vehicles. The folks at GMC took note and redesigned and restructured the Terrain to elevate it to a compelling small five passenger compact crossover SUV.

Interestingly, GMC managed to shrink the 2018 Terrain by over 3-inches in length without sacrificing much head and legroom. The weight also dropped by 400 pounds which contributes to its improved fuel MPG. The new sheet metal allows the Terrain to finally standout and turn heads.

Pricing and Trims
For 2018, the GMC Terrain is available in four trim levels, but I will break it up into six to share some Diesel engine prices. The base is the SL FWD ($25,990), followed by the SLE FWD ($28,815) and AWD ($30,565), SLT FWD ($32,315) and AWD ($34,065). The top of the line Denali is priced at FWD ($38,515) and AWD ($40,265), The SLE and SLT are also available with a Diesel engine and priced at FWD ($32,585) and AWD ($34,335), and FWD ($35,160) and AWD ($36,910) respectively.

What’s new for 2018?
The 2018 GMC Terrain has been completely redesigned for its 2nd generation. It offers a new turbo-diesel engine and new 9-speed transmission. Stop/Start technology is featured on all systems. The 2018 Terrain is dressed in an all-new interior including an expanded center console with pass-through storage. A new fold-flat front passenger seat with flat-folding rear seat offers more loading options. Additional active safety technologies are designed to assist the driver.

Interior Highpoints
The base Terrain comes with cloth seats. Our model, the Denali, had leather seats that were very comfortable. Both front and rear seats were enjoyable to ride in. The dash is clean, and the center console was easy to operate. GM upped the game with its IntelliLink infotainment system that includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Terrain Denali model has an upgrade 8-inch touchscreen with two additional USB ports. A wireless charging system is also available. The front passenger’s seat folding flat creates a notable 81 cubic feet of storage. More and more manufactures are getting away from the typical gear shifter. The Terrain elected to go with a push-button shifting system on the console that I must admit did take a little time to get used to. I do appreciate the extra storage space created due to the lack of a center shifter.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior is bold with sharp-edged lines and flat fender wheel wells. The Terrain has a unique look that manages to scream tough, yet, sophisticated. As noted earlier, the 2018 Terrain is shorter and lighter than Gen One. Improved handling was conceived by pushing the wheels a bit more towards the corners of the vehicle. At the front is a big, powerful grille with wishbone-gazing headlamps. The rear quarter panels raise high into the rear-side glass making an impactful look, while, at the same time, manifesting a challenge to see through.

Performance Specs
The 2018 Terrain is offered with three engine choices. The SL, SLE, and SLT come with a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter gas engine. The Denali is equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinderwith 252 hp and 260 lb.-ft of torque. All gas engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The SLE and SLT are also available with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel (137 hp, 240 lb.-ft of torque) and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cool Features
• OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (requires membership after a 3-month trial)

• Seat vibratinglane warning system (optional feature)

• Multiple USB outlets

Safety Integrity
The 2018 Terrain filled the safety option list with blind-spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Six standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger, roof rail-mounted head curtain and thorax side-impact air bags, collapsible pedal assembly, standard rear-vision camera, Rear Seat Reminder alerts when the second-row doors are opened before the vehicle isstarted, Driver Alert Package I is available on SLE and SLT and standard on Denali. Content includes Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safety Alert Driver Seat. Driver Alert Package II is available on SLT and Denali. Content includes LowSpeed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane DepartureWarning, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam headlamps. The Advanced Safety Package is available on Denali and includes Automatic Parking Assist and Surround Vision.

In Summary The All-New 2018 GMC Terrain is an impressive generation change. All areas of improvement were made, and the Terrain stands out in the crowd. Its size and category might have shrunk, but its overall quality and functionality has increased. It is a fun-to-drive vehicle that is capable and has style. The 2018 Terrain is the right size for families looking to seat 5 and have a flexible amount of cargo options. Its price maybe higher than others, but in most cases, it’s worth it. Take it out for a test drive and see if the Terrain will entice you to take it home.

Specifications.
2018 GMC Terrain Denali AWD

Base price: $39,270 as driven:$44,370 (including destination & optional features)
Engine: 4-clyinder, 2.0 Liter Turbo Charged
Horsepower: 252hp@ 5500 RPM
Torque: 260 lb.-ft.@ 2500 RPM
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drive: All-Wheel Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Cargo space: 63.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,636 pounds
EPA mileage: City 21/Hwy 26/Comb 23 MPG
Fuel Capacity: 14.9 gallons
Turning Circle: 41.6 ft.
Wheel Base: 107.3inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider: Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav-4

I read this week that “The Academy” is going to have a new award. They are calling it, “Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film.” Interesting.

How long has it been since you actually watched The Oscars from beginning to end? I used to throw an Oscar Party every year. I’d send out invitations and spend hours shopping for decorations, usually some form of black, white and gold or silver. The food and drinks overflowed the table. I couldn’t wait to find the nominations (usually listed in the newspaper—yes, print on paper at your doorstep every morning). Somewhere over time, it got to the point where I had to start making a list because I hadn’t seen most of the nominations. Most of them, my friends hadn’t even seen or they weren’t playing at my neighborhood theater. Eventually, I just started watching to see the dresses on the Red Carpet. Now, I’m proud to say, I don’t watch at all! I look up the winners the next morning just to see if they had truly picked any winners—the patron’s favorites.

The nominees are now picked by Boards and Corporations. How is that for real world? We’ve let politics infiltrate fun. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has increasingly been criticized for a lack of diversity in their nominees. Last year, many were shocked when Wonder Woman received zero nominees, a movie that received high praise, both critically and from audiences. Instead, The Academy nominated independent movies, most of which were edgier or outright perverse. Unsurprisingly, the telecasts rating recorded an all-time low.

Answering the call to include movies that are more crowd pleasers and hopefully increase their ratings, The Academy has created the new category. This raised all sorts of questions, however. Is The Academy admitting they rarely nominate “popular films” for Best Picture? Also, what is a popular film? What happened to the days when popular meant crowd pleasing. Isn’t that what “Best” means? There are plenty of other categories that would perfectly single out amazing talent such as editing, writing, costumes and enough to make up a three hour show. Best Picture should be judged by us, the Box Office. In fact, if you look at the top grossing movies of all time, domestically, adjusted by inflation, nine out of ten were either nominated or won Best Picture. Gone with the Wind (1939) made almost 200 million (inflation adjusted, almost two billion). Then there was Star Wars, The Sound of Music, E.T.; The Extra Terrestrial, Titanic, The Ten Commandments, Jaws, Doctor Zhivago. These were mostly family-friendly and real crowd pleasers.

The last two years the Best Picture category has brought us The Shape of Water and Moonlight, attacking family values, ethics and morals to the point of even displaying bestiality and homosexual agendas. No wonder the ratings have been so low. In the past five years out of 43 nominees for Best Picture they had only one family-friendly movie, Hidden Figures. Like so many other areas of life today, The Academy talks inclusivity but seems to practice exclusivity.

After reading Alive’s fantastic interview with the talented Robert Wagner, I think it’s time we take back our entertainment choices! There are many family films in the theaters now, support them. There are many subscription services that give you more family-friendly choices on your devices. Find them and subscribe. Vote with your wallet.

We can make a difference. Take up the challenge. And, of course, my email is always open to you. I would love to hear from you at carolyn@carolynhastings.com.

September always brings wonderful memories of a new school year; the excitement of fresh new beginnings, new teachers, and new adventures. It is the time of year where routines and schedules fall back into place, homework begins, and new calendars get cracked open and marked up with goals, commitments, and to-dos in the year ahead. The start of a school year is not just for students, it also provides an excellent opportunity for adults to purchase new annual calendars, sync family schedules, and set new goals, months in advance of the traditional New Year.

While your children are hitting the books, take the time to set your own goals for the year and think of September as “Savings September.” Jumpstart your goals by making a phone call to each of the following service providers and perform an annual review with each. Doing so, will put money back into your pocket. Let’s get started:

Cell phone service: Cell phone providers have been forced to reduce their monthly charges to their subscribers to keep up with the competitive marketplace. Call and review your cell phone statement with your provider. During the review, you may discover that you can obtain the same plan at a lower rate or even a better plan with an additional usage allowance (great for family plans). Reviewing your bill with your provider may also uncover costly overage charges that you may be incurring if you or a family member is exceeding the monthly allowable minutes or data usage.

Cable / Internet Package: Similar to cell phone providers, cable, Internet, and phone companies have also had to lower their monthly charges to subscribers to remain competitive. Research a bundle package that combines your home phone, Internet, cable, and security system. Having a bundle package provides discounts that reduce your overall monthly bill. Additionally, evaluate whether or not you really need a landline and make certain that all of the channels that you are paying for, you are watching. With the increased use of cell phones and streaming TV, landlines can be eliminated along with loads of extra channels that may be watched via a cell phone or a computer.

Gym memberships: Fitness is extremely important on so many levels, but it can become very costly depending on the gym that you join. If your fitness goal is to jump on an elliptical, run on a treadmill, or pump a few weights, you can join any gym at a relatively low membership rate and obtain your fitness goal. If your goal is to train with a trainer, attend a spin class, or stretch and relax at a Yoga studio, take the time to track how many days per month you actually go and make certain that the monthly fee is worth it. You may find that you can adjust your workout by walking or running outdoor (for free) and supplement spin classes, yoga classes, or strength training by purchasing a punch card. Punch cards can cost significantly less than monthly dues. Additionally, check your benefits package with your employer as many large corporations are paying portions of gym dues as part of their wellness programs.

Homeowner’s / Auto Policy: Have your agent(s) review your policies annually. You may find that your mileage allowance on your car is too high, your deductible can be adjusted, or just combining home and auto policies with one provider can make a significant difference to the overall amount you pay annually.

Mortgage: If you have a mortgage loan, equity line of credit, or both, be sure to take the time to review annually. There are several things to consider with an annual review. First of all, if interest rates are lower, refinancing to a lower rate can save you money on a monthly basis as well as save interest over the life of the loan. Secondly, if you have a first mortgage and an equity line of credit, credit card debt, or student loans, consolidating these loans could provide a lower overall interest rate and allow for substantial monthly savings. Thirdly, if you purchased a home and put less than twenty percent down, you likely have mortgage insurance. With home values increasing in the Bay Area, this may be an ideal time to review your mortgage, eliminate costly mortgage insurance, and save a substantial amount on your monthly payment. For a complimentary mortgage review, feel free to contact me at the number below.

Let’s face it, the majority of your service providers are rarely going to pick up the phone, call you, and suggest that you obtain a new and improved plan at a lower rate. Being proactive and taking the time to review each plan can create substantial savings over a year. Make this annual update plan part of your September goals and start saving money today!

For these and many more financial tips and money saving strategies, look for my new book Digging Out, published by ALIVE Book Publishing, that will be available for purchase this fall.

Days may be shorter and the evenings a bit cooler, but here in California, September is merely a gentle transition into fall.
Along with the arrival of figs, grapes, apples and pears, the September farmers’ market is loaded with end-of-summer produce bargains. This may be your last opportunity to savor 2018’s sweet berries, stone fruits, corn-on-the-cob, and vine-ripened tomatoes. Don’t miss out. When premier produce is cheap, smart cooks head to the kitchen.

When I was first learning to cook, making Eggplant Parmigiana was A Big Production. Back then—when dinosaurs roamed the earth—there were no farmers’ markets in the California suburbs. Supermarkets were less than super. The process started with a trip to an urban Italian deli to find imported olive oil and cheese that didn’t come in a green cardboard can. Once I was able to locate an (inevitably) old, spongey eggplant someplace, then began the long process of peeling, slicing, and salting the eggplant to draw out the bitter juices. An hour later I was rinsing off the salt and squeezing the eggplant pieces dry… before dipping them in a beaten egg, breading, and dodging hot oil spatters while deep-frying. Then it was time to make a long-simmering sauce out of canned tomatoes. And take a nap.

Life is easier now, at least when it comes to shopping and cooking. Farmers’ market eggplants are harvested and sold while still young, so they are not encased in tough skin and filled with bitter seeds. Good oil and cheese are readily available. And at this time of year, ripe, flavorful tomatoes abound. No peeling, seeding, or pureeing required. Just add a little fresh basil for a chunky, rustic sauce, sure to appease your inner nonna.

End-of-Summer Eggplant Parmesan
This simplified version of eggplant parmesan was inspired by Mark Bittman’s recipe in the New York Times.

California olive oil
2 firm, medium eggplants (about 2 pounds total)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
2 pounds plum or other assorted vine-ripened tomatoes, cored and cut into small chunks
1/2 to 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
About 1/4 cup coarsely torn fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice the eggplants crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Thoroughly coat both sides of each slice with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until the eggplant is lightly browned and very tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (If you are baking the casserole soon-ish, do not turn off the oven.)

2. Meanwhile, place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, swirling until hot. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened but not browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato chunks have broken down and the juices have thickened slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste, adding salt as needed. Stir in the basil.

3. In a 2- to 2 1/2 quart gratin or other shallow baking dish, arrange a single layer of eggplant. Spoon some tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle liberally with cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with tomato sauce and parmesan. Bake uncovered until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbly-hot, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with additional basil, if desired. Serves 4 to 6.

Cook’s Tips
Like most casserole-style dishes, it’s perfectly fine to assemble this in advance. Refrigerate, tightly covered, and bring to room temperature before baking. If it’s cold, it will require more time in the oven.

To make the dish more substantial (and satisfy a craving for cheesy goodness) add shredded whole-milk mozzarella between the eggplant layers.

Serve hot from the oven as a side dish, or with a crisp green salad and warm artisan bread for a vegetarian entree. It is also surprisingly good at room temperature, making it ideal for supper on a balmy evening. Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers, it makes a terrific hot or cold sandwich.

When you find a great farmers’ market deal on tomatoes—ones that are super-ripe or less than beautiful—by all means snatch them up.

Double or triple this sauce recipe to freeze for winter pasta dinners.

There’s no law that tomato sauce needs to be red. Try using yellow or green tomatoes, or a combination of colors and varieties. Flavor is key.
If you are so inclined, when making the sauce add a minced clove or two of garlic along with the onion. And if you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed hot red pepper flakes. Instead of basil, try flat-leaf parsley or a tablespoon of chopped fresh marjoram or oregano. It’s all good.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad & 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.org. 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!

Several years ago, I worked for Nordstrom in Men’s Suiting. I was 21 years old and felt as though I was in over my head; I really disliked the initial placement in a men’s department. How was I going to be able to dress businessmen? Looking back, I am truly thankful for my time there. I learned so much and found confidence in styling men’s clothing.

One of the most intimidating aspects of working in the men’s department was pairing a button down shirt with a tie. Sure, solids were easy enough, however there are far more options than solids; there is a whole world of patterns! What to do?! This is where the most valuable piece of information came into play. My manager at the time taught me a rule of thumb: Match colors; clash patterns. One might call it mixing prints. I like to call it “pattern play.”

Pattern play or mixing prints is when the colors are coordinating while the patterns are clashing. For example, it is completely okay to pair a striped button-down with a gingham tie. Both have stripes, which can be tricky. Just remember to clash the patterns. The stripes must be of completely different widths. If the stripes are both thin, it will look too matchy—matchy, as opposed to complimenting each other. A men’s button-down in a thin pinstripe alongside a wide gingham print is complimentary. Alternatively, another way to go about it is to pair a gingham print with florals. As long as there is a coordinating color, the two will balance each other and make a great combo.

Match colors. Clash patterns. The best part about this concept is it applies to everyone. I learned it from styling men, yet it is now a go to for me when styling my own outfits. One of my favorites is stripes and florals. Pairing a striped cardigan with a floral top or dress is a great way to pattern play. Again, just be sure the color of the stripe is tied in with the color of the floral print. Something like this: A white and black striped cardigan in combination with a black floral top.

Another favorite is pairing a leopard print shoe with a printed top and jeans, or leopard shoes and a printed dress. A leopard print is the culmination of neutral colors—black and brown—thus making it a great neutral with some pizazz!

 

Most importantly, have fun with it! Mixing two prints is a great way to change things up and get creative with your clothing. Make it your own. This is why I love fashion so much. It is a visual canvas of your personal style.

Thanks so much for reading. Stop by MACCAROSE.COM with any questions or styling advice you might need. I’d love to help you find the pieces that make you feel confident and beautiful!

You’ve heard it all before. Now it’s time to listen.

#1- Know your investor-self

We all have investment parameters and constraints unique to us. Considerations like risk tolerance and tax consequences are two common investment parameters. Time and money are investment constraints. You may be fed up with work and want to retire tomorrow, but with the cost of living so high, you may not have enough money for a secure retirement just yet. You must know your investment parameters and constraints as they should serve to govern how you invest.

What is your risk tolerance? I have found it helpful to ask clients to state their risk by grading it on a scale of 1 to 10. It helps to quantify your risk tolerance. For help with that, I suggest 6 to be the risk “Of the Market,” or the S&P 500. So, a risk number greater than 6 on the scale is saying you are willing to take on more risk than the market index. A more conservative risk tolerance (below 6) is the opposite. An investor’s asset class and investment allocation should be consistent with their risk number.

Your investment income needs, time horizon, and tax consequences also need to be known before you invest. These are critical variables in any sound investment plan. Here is a classic case of less being more, especially in our high tax state: A high income earner in California seeking safe investment income is typically best advised to buy state bond issues (a municipal bond) paying less interest than a comparable corporate bond because the lower interest rate from the “muni” may be higher on a “taxable equivalent yield” basis. So he would earn less interest, but keep more income net of taxes.

The results of the answers to your investor-self should be clearly and simply reflected in your personal Investment Policy Statement (IPS). If you are not a DIY investor, be sure to only have an investment advisor who provides you with an IPS.

#2 – Know your investments

The one constant element inherent in all investments is risk. Bernard Baruch said, “There is no such thing as an investment without risk.” Know your investment risks. Bonds fall as interest rates rise. Stocks can decline dramatically due to market and unique risk. Even CD’s, or other short-term time deposits have risk. This is not the risk of principle loss, but what’s called, “Opportunity Risk.” That is the risk of not receiving a greater return, especially over a long-term. Even a U.S. guaranteed government obligation has the risk of losing money if sold before it matures.

The risk list is long. There are currency risks, political risks, market risks, systematic risks, timing risks, and as mentioned, interest rate risk, which is related to inflation risk. Market and economic risks are manageable, so don’t worry. Just know the risks to begin with. “Surprise!!” Should only be experienced at your unexpected party, not in your investment portfolio.

All investments have costs. Know them. Even “No Load” mutual funds and “Free” ETF’s have costs. In fact, these fund’s management fees and other expenses combined often exceed 1% per year. They are all disclosed in their prospectus. Like lunch, there are no free investments. Further, low, discount investments and services are often costly. “Caveat Emptor.”

Looking forward to sharing more investment concepts and strategy in next month’s Investor’s Edge column. ~ John

I had an interesting discussion with a friend recently about the responsibility of doing good work. He made the comment that some people are more culpable for the quality of work they do. He said that physicians and police officers, for example, are responsible for people’s lives and therefore are obligated to have a higher level of performance and work ethic. This comment actually upset me and I worry that statistically at least 30% of people may have the same opinion.

I’ve worked different jobs prior becoming a physician. I was a lifeguard in high school, a waitress after college and worked as a retail sales person during medical school. I enjoyed all those experiences and they imparted valuable information about people and taught me how to handle various personal and professional situations. Never once did it cross my mind to put in less than 100% effort because it wasn’t my anticipated career or “no one’s going to die if I don’t do the best job that I can.”

Having a good work ethic has nothing to do with whether the job is important enough. It comes from how much respect you have for yourself and others. If you’re in a job or profession and you’re not doing the best job that you’re capable of, you are cheating. You are cheating your boss who is paying you for a certain level of work; cheating whoever is paying for your services or for the end result of your services, cheating anyone who depends on you financially, and most importantly, you are cheating yourself out of self-gratification, self-esteem, and self-worth. Certain professions may entail a higher level of expertise or risk and require constant vigilance; however, anyone who promises a specific service is accountable for delivering the best possible product for their own self-respect, at the very least.

As a pain management physician, it is important to figure out why someone has developed chronic pain and which outside influences might be preventing the natural healing cycle from restoring the pain-free state. Oftentimes, stress and anxiety are the top factors that cause pain to become chronic. For example, a person who experiences a whip lash injury in a car accident is at risk for chronic pain. The injury causes the joints of the cervical spine to be strained and the small nerve within the joint becomes irritated. This irritation causes the neck muscles to spasm and tighten, attempting to take the strain off the joint. Once the joint and nerve irritation calm down, the muscles relax because they no longer need to “protect” the joint. Normally, this type of injury has a healing cycle of about 15-30 days, after which the pain is minimal. It is not uncommon for the muscle spasm to become chronic after the irritation has calmed down because of external social or emotional stress. Stress will increase muscle tone and cause the neck muscles to stay in a state of spasm for a reason that is related to but not directly caused by the initial injury.

Similarly, if a person is doing a job they don’t enjoy and are aware that they aren’t delivering their best quality of work, they may feel guilt, stress, anxiety, anger, etc. If the underlying problem that is causing the dissatisfaction isn’t remedied, the resultant stress will cause muscles to reactively tighten which may then worsen with time and create more severe pain. The most common types of chronic pain related to emotional distress are headaches, neck, and low back pain. The correct treatment is not medication; it is for the individual to change the aspect of their work that is causing the unhappiness.

Having pride in what you do and in the work you perform is an essential component of a happy and fulfilled life. We spend at least a third of our day working and if that doesn’t motivate and fulfill us, it’s wasted time. When a person stays in an environment that perpetuates negative feelings and emotions, that person can develop chronic pain.

Q. I’m concerned about my fifteen-year-old Apricot tree. In the spring the growth is lush and vigorous, but in the early summer one branch or limb will become sick and dies. Eventually, I have little or no tree left. This is the second apricot tree to decline similarly. What can be done to prevent this?

A. The primary causes of die back in the canopy of apricot trees are Phytophthora Root Rot and Eutypa Die Back. They affect both major and minor branches or limbs, and the disease symptoms look very similar. The one factor that distinguishes or separates the two diseases is when the die back occurs. Phytophthora Root Rot is a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots of Apricot, along with Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, and many other ornamentals. Root rot is the primary suspect when a limb or section of a tree fails to break dormancy and leaf out. It’s the causal agent when for no apparent reason the foliage on a branch collapses or wilts and turns brown shortly after the rainy season concludes. You would expect this problem in clay soils that drain poorly and receive excessive summer irrigation. A good soaking with a large watering basin once every three weeks is sufficient for established apricots as well as other fruit trees, and planting under their canopy is discouraged. Phytophthora Root Rot is a slowly developing disease. You’ll find more information at online at Http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r5100911.html. However, from your description, I don’t think root rot is your problem. Instead, Eutypa Die Back would be my guess. Eutypa Die Back is only an issue with Apricot trees and grapes. It’s an airborne fungus that enters the tree through the pruning wounds made during the winter months when it’s wet and damp. The affected branches or limbs collapse in the late spring, after Memorial Day, or in the early summer for no apparent reason. You prevent this from occurring by changing the time of the year you prune. It is now recommended to prune Apricots is the late summer. Although the leaves haven’t dropped the tree is going dormant as its growing season has concluded.
You’ll find more information about Eutypa Die Back at Http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r5100911.html

Note: When fruit trees are under stress, borers will attack, and it’s not uncommon for globs of amber colored sap to be on the limbs and branches. Also, it is possible for an Apricot to be suffering from both of these diseases concurrently.

Q. I have several beautiful rose bushes, but they’re developing small red flowers on some aggressive growth that in some cases are over eight feet tall. The growth is taking over the rose bushes. What can I do to prevent this from happening?

A. Most of the modern-day roses are not growing on their own roots. Instead, they are budded on to a second type of rose known as the rootstock. They are joined together at the bud union. The bud union is the large knot near the ground. Any shoots or growth from below the bud union is growing off the rootstock. This plant produces a single, cherry red flower, which is what I think you are describing. These rogue shoots are commonly referred to as suckers. Roses sucker naturally, so it’s impossible to prevent them from reoccurring. All you can do is be observant and prune off the shoots as they develop.

Q. I’ve been successful keeping my Hydrangeas blue by applying a weekly, diluted, solution of Aluminum Sulfate. I’ve also turned my white Hydrangea blue. Now, I’m experimenting by applying it to several roses, Iceberg, a pure white and Sterling Silver, pale lavender. What might I expect?

A. I’d expect there would be no color change in the roses. Roses, unlike Hydrangeas, are not affected by the acidity or alkalinity of soil. Acidity or alkalinity is measured by the pH scale which runs from one to fourteen. A reading of seven is neutral while seven or below is acid and eight an above is alkaline, It’s the acid soil that makes Hydrangeas blue while alkaline soil turns them pink. In between, they revert to white. Aluminum Sulfate is an acidifier, but there are several others available. I’d be concerned if the pH falls below five. So far, I doubt that has happened. You can monitor the pH with a simple pH kit available at your favorite garden centers.

The Rotator Cuff muscles (four muscles in total) are the primary support structures for the shoulder. Therefore, even minor dysfunction associated with these muscles can create pain and decreased performance of everyday tasks. A Rotator Cuff injury can be caused by many everyday activities. These activities include traumatic events (e.g. fall on an outstretched arm, “yanking” of the arm), repetitive motion (e.g. throwing a ball, carrying children) and chronic improper posture (e.g. operating a computer, driving).
There are three major types of Rotator Cuff injuries that we treat successfully:

1. Rotator Cuff Muscle Tears: This is a partial tear of one or more of the four Rotator Cuff muscles. Rotator Cuff muscle tears are often accompanied by deep achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness.

2. Tendonitis: Tendons are at the ends of each muscle and attach the muscles to the bones they move. When there is inflammation of these tendons it is called Tendonitis. The symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis are often trigger point pain over the tendon accompanied by deep, achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness.

3. Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome: Chronic injury of the Rotator Cuff can lead to a “pinching” of the nerves passing through the shoulder. This is commonly referred to as a Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Impingement. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling or sharp, shooting pain into the arm or hand.

HOW DO I HEAL MY SHOULDER PAIN?
The most common forms of medical treatment for Rotator Cuff injuries are anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and surgery. Although meds and injections may reduce the severity of pain associated with rotator cuff dysfunction, they are not a long-term solution and may do more bodily harm than good in the long run. Surgery is a last resort and should only be used if there is irreparable damage to the shoulder that cannot be handled with proper rehabilitation.

First: Heal the Damaged Tissue
Ending the pain caused by a Rotator Cuff injury requires stopping the cycle of inflammation that is creating the pain. 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. 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 creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, pain is relieved and function is restored.

Second: Correct the Shoulder and Postural Mechanics
Long-term pain relief of shoulder injuries involves rehabilitation of the shoulder, neck, and thoracic spine. Shoulder rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific postural adjustments, exercises and specific posture stabilizing methods in order to re-establish proper motion and strength of the shoulder joint. Ongoing strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate the musculature of the shoulder to ensure lasting results.

If you suffer from chronic pain, it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain—we will help you explore which combination of therapies will help you heal it. The good news is, you can do it without drugs, and you can get back to the activities you love!

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.