LVOR Las Vegas Pro-Celebrity Off-Road Truck Challenge

Get Ready Cuz Here They Come!

The biggest and most famous names in racing…
The most outrageous off-road trucks ever built…
Together in the #1 party town on planet earth…

Three spectacular racing days in the sun and sand…three nights of nothing but fun is coming to Las Vegas with the LVOR Las Vegas Pro-Celebrity Off-Road Truck Challenge. An event for everyone—adults and kids with the biggest names in racing such as two-time Indy 500 winner and ABCTV’s Wide World of Sports ‘Athlete of the Year’ Al Unser will rev up their engine for a 3-day fight to the finish in the most outrageous off-road truck racing challenge ever produced in the U.S. High- lights include motorcycle daredevils like Robbie Knievel will open the event jumping over the fleet of racing trucks, actor actor Dan Haggerty is signed as a television/ radio commentator. Sponsors ready to go are racing giants Andy Buck, owner of BUCKSHOT Racing out of Orange County and Johnny Fratto, owner of Beverly Hills Choppers, both have outrageous racing vehicles and accessories. Hollywood producer, director and writer behind a leg-long list of hit TV shows including the most popular television series in history, “Baywatch” Michael Berk is Senior Executive Producer of the event. Berk brings dare and flair to what is not just a racing event but beginning of a reality show as cameras follow the racers before and during the most intense, dangerous and rigorous racing challenge they’ve faced. Joining Berk is event Senior Creative Producers Michael Selsman (Pres of Las Vegas Off- Road LLC) and Kenneth Levine. Berk a resident of Las Vegas for years is an important contributor to the Las Vegas scene producing and sponsoring public events, TV shows built around the backdrop of Las Vegas and he is Board Member and President of the highly acclaimed “CineVegas” film festival going into its 11th year at the Palms Hotel.

“When LVOR came with the idea of an off-road truck racing challenge in Las Vegas with professional drivers and celebrities—it was a perfect fit with my creative ability and the community relationships I have,” stated Berk. “I have a production company in Vegas to go hand-in-hand with the race and TV show associated with it. This is a Las Vegas lifestyle event.” Berk has received many Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Achievement Awards in entertainment, and a dozen Senatorial, Gubernatorial, and Mayoral Commendations and Proclamations in Nevada. “The winning combination is celebrities competing against one another with pro-race drivers and thousands of racing fans. Documentary cameras will focus on four top teams. We want drivers hoping to qualify to send in a video on why they should be chosen to have a camera crew.” Event Challenge Executive, Don Ponder is a trophy winning racing veteran of 35 years and owner of Casper Racing in St. Louis. Ponder’s success in the world of racing is legendary and his company custom builds some of the fastest racing vehicles ever driven.

As founder and owner of the biggest recreational vehicle and lawn dealership in the Mid- West (Affton Lawn Equipment, Inc.) Ponder sees the LVOR Challenge as a stepping stone to bringing fans both the thrills of spectator racing and a never before documented glimpse of what racing drivers live and breath. “The excitement generated for this event is running high,” said Ponder. “Starting the first day with the drivers meet-and-greet, then five to six heat races over three days, with 10-12 vehicles per race; parties at night and on the final day winners from the heat races compete for the trophy. Fans get a first hand look at what goes on before and during the races.” Ponder has organizd and promoted off-road races at St. Louis International Raceway since 1980 and his racing teams have competed and placed in off-road races across the country. “A contest to pick four drivers to outfit with cameras is an exciting element and having Mike Berk on board is incredible… he went down to North Carolina years ago and filmed a documentary about NASCAR. Berk has a good handle on racing and knows what people like in the reality television and entertainment worlds.”

The professional/celebrity driver list is filling fast and major truck manufacturers have their RSVPs in place with drivers and monster trucks to prove who is the best in the west and got what it takes to nab the checkered flag. It’s all about their truck being the titled best off-road truck in the world.

“We have everything for a major racing and television event,” Berk said. “We will have a contest/ pageant to find the perfect girls to represent this event much the same as the Budweiser and Bacardi girls; but LVOR Official Off-Road Racing girls, and they will know everything about racing, the vehicles and even have mechanical skills. The hottest girls you can imagine will look fantastic with wrenches in their hands and motor oil on their faces to compete and appear on stage. It’s as good as television gets.

Website: http://www.lvor.com
Email: info@lvor.com
Phone: 800.380.5873 • 702.622.1826 • 310.779.7489

L.A. Home+Garden by Gigi Bishop

For a romantic or wild setting, traditional or decorative, candles add mood to a room. On a dining table or by the bath, they bring a glow and warmth to any space. Decorative, artistic, scented, and traditional candle tapers, plus decorative pillows add color, pattern, shape, and texture to home decor. Whether showcasing artwork or reflecting light, mirrors and frames are an important element in any decor. Find creative ways to use mirrors, frames, and photographs and try placing a nature bowl table top fountain in your bedroom. The sound of water brings a soothing relaxing peace to your life—then let the romance begin.

FOR THOSE LOOKING TO WALK ON THE WILD SIDE— Safari Themes!

Let your bedroom reflect your adventurous spirit by introducing a safari theme. Start with a base of neutral colors like khaki greens and tans. Add faux animal hide rugs; bedding and draperies in leopard or zebra prints. Select furniture made with dark woods. Adorn your walls with African masks, sculpture and beads.

East Indian Themes

For a blast of color, go East Indian. Paint walls fuchsia, tangerine or purple. Bring in wooden furniture with traditional Indian details like intricate carvings, inlaid bone or colorful hand painting. Cover floors with embroidered wool crewel rugs. Include bright silk bedding, curtains and wall hangings. A temporary change in the colors of a room can be achieved using throw cushions and bed covers. An Indian bedroom needs bright pinks, maroons and vibrant oranges with lots of golden highlights for a sumptuous look. Floral designs with lotus, mangos, peacocks and other Indian symbols help the theme.

GABBING WITH GIGI

Karen asks: I’ve always been a GO-GREEN Lady! Since our Gulf disaster, I feel more compelled to change my home into a GREENHOUSE including my lawn; any suggestions?

GiGi: I’m so happy you requested such information. And here it is! Organic Lawn Care For Cheap! And these tips will also allow you more free time as well!

Must do: Set your mower as high as it will go (3 to 4 inches).
Water only when it shows signs of drought stress and then water deeply (put a cup in your sprinkler zone and make sure it gets at least an inch of water).

Optional: Fertilize with an organic fertilizer in the fall and spring. I recommend the Ringer brand.
Have the pH of your soil professionally tested. Add lime if it’s below 6.0 and gardener’s sulfur if it’s above 7.0. How much top soil do you have? See how deep a shovel will go into the soil. Four inches of topsoil makes for an OK lawn. Eight or more inches of topsoil makes a great lawn. What variety of grass should you plant? I recommend Tall Fescue. Check the label and make sure it is pure Tall Fescue. Some places sell seed mix in annual ryegrass and call it—nursery grass. Tall Fescue seed is more expensive than annual ryegrass, makes deep roots, is drought tolerant and makes one of the best lawns for fighting weeds. It stands proud at four and five inches! Kentucky Bluegrass starts to waver at three inches. Tall fescue does well in shade and sun!

Downsides of Tall Fescue: Slow to germinate, it could be two weeks until you see baby grasses. Some think it’s not the prettiest type of grass. The fine fescues (very different from tall fescue) have thin blades and the tall fescues have broad blades. I have to admit that a lawn with the fine blades does look better—as long as nobody walks on it. But who wants grass that you’re not allowed to walk on? A Garden is a Friend You Can Visit Anytime!

Back from vacation and getting back into the swing of things can be tough. You are now in school mode—supplies and clothes shopping, finding those favorite tennis shoes for the kiddos… filling out all that school paper work, deadlines at the office, and the dog needs grooming. The lists goes and on and on! I was pondering the other day how to have a romantic VACATION at home with your significant other —who knows maybe next year. It does seem like something that could turn out to be both fun and easier on the pocketbook. And if you have children at home, maybe a friend or relative could pitch in and take the kids for a few days?

Want to make your love life more romantic? Even the most ardent lovers can use a little romantic inspiration. Whether you’re about to go on your honeymoon, just a romantic getaway, or maybe spend time alone together at home, adding a romantic touch will help put both of you in a vacation moo.

Please contact me with any questions or ideas at: gigi@bhtmag.com

Creating Your Own Style With Timeless Distinction

By Suzanne TakowSky

“When designing a watch I have a deep feeling that if I would to like to wear a style, my customers would as well. A watch is not just to tell the time—any watch can do that. A watch is part of your personality; it’s a feeling and the design of a watch completes who you are.”

Ghazaros Ghazaossin—GG—to the world is founder, owner, and creative force behind the Giantto group, a jewelry company with a nearly 100 year-old family history; more than 22 of GG’s family including his father, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, wife (Betty), son and daughter Anto and Taleen are in the jewelry business; other daughter Tarnar is an attorney.

GG came to the United States as a tourist with his wife more than 35 years ago. The first stop was New York, then the couple headed west, ultimately finding what he calls the most incredible city in the world, Los Angeles. Weeks after arriving GG decided he wanted to make the City of Angels their permanent home, but one obstacle stood in the way; immigration laws in the U.S. GG went to the immigration department and declared his relocating intention. He told them he was willing to do whatever it took to stay in the United States. When he inquired as to what they wanted him to do, officials turned the question back to him and asked what he could do that would get him some work. GG explained that he was a jewelry designer. No sooner had the words come out of his mouth than one of the immigration officers handed him a piece of paper and said, well if you are a jeweler, then draw a piece of jewelry. Which he did. And which they obviously liked because within two months he and his wife received permanent U.S. residency status.

GG opened his jewelry store in downtown Los Angeles in 1977 and for more than 33 years was content to fly solo designing for other people’s brands and being commissioned to design one-of-a-kind watches, wedding rings, belt buckles and other custom jewelry for highprofilers in the entertainment and sports industries the likes of Sammy David Jr., Magic Johnson (several of the Lakers team), Mr. T (for whom he made an spectacular diamond cross) and numerous others. GG is a man of few words when I ask about his celebrity clients, saying that he prefers to keep their identity confidential, including the celebrity who back in the day bought a watch with a price tag of $200,000, and who GG describes only as a very special client.

Three years ago GG’s son Anto along with his twin sister—both had just graduated from college—told their father it was time to spread his wings and brand his designs. That move entailed GG going ‘Hollywood’ by marketing himself as well as the Giantto jewelry line. One of GG’s creations that made a big stir and one that he is most proud of is the million dollar 650 carat diamond encrusted gold and silver microphone he made that was used by singer Toni Braxton in Las Vegas. The spectacular microphone has been copied by many performers around the world, but made out of crystals—not diamonds. ST: How did Giantto come about?

GG: Giantto is a combination of my name ‘Gi’ and my sons name ‘Anto’ which by the way happens to be my middle name; and his middle name is ‘Gi’. The timing was right for us to market our designs. I never thought about doing it before, but my pieces were being worn by people all over the world, by celebrities, shown in the movies, basketball players had them…it was time for me to go into my own business and do it myself— for myself. The company name Giantto distinguishes us and allows our customers to find our watches and jewelry wherever they are. All of this marketing excitement has made me feel like a young man, and I credit my children and wife for making it happen.”

The world is filled with designers who go to school, learn about texture and color and go out into the world to make their mark. But GG takes it a step further by marrying his old world European expertise with striking avant-garde designs and compliments that with the fact that he not only designs, but knows the business of making watches from the inside out. His son Anto, CEO of the company, has infused a youthful design approach capturing the essence of the younger crowd merging it in the world of timeless quality.

Anto has enhanced the visibility of Giantto by producing Red Carpet events, hosting fashion shows, and designing world wide advertising campaigns that pair a celebrity crowd with all the trappings of high end fashion and jewelry. “I can make a watch from A to Z. I can do the entire piece because, first and foremost my background is that of a jeweler. I believe what makes Giantto watches special is not just the outstanding quality and superior technology of the mechanical movement, but our unique look which is 100% of my own designs.” And designing watches is no easy task. Each one of GG’s watch designs can take up to one year to complete. The time and effort he puts into researching upcoming styles and trends and the needs of his clients might seem like a simple feat—but in fact, it depends entirely on GG’s educated move that pairs a customer with exactly the right watch. He says that watches have moved from time pieces to part of one’s jewelry collection and must fit the personality of its wearer.

Just over two years ago he acquired The Von Dutch brand and continues to create the same extraordinary custom designs for the younger crowd, keeping in mind what he refers to as ‘affordable luxury’—within their reach to buy, enjoy and be proud of. “After decades in the watch-making business it comes down to more than just taking a pencil and drawing a design or going on the computer to make a design. My designs come about because of my experience with consumers; talking with people to see what they like. It has always been my number one goal to make my clients happy.

Whether it is a watch that I make or a wedding ring design, when a person wears what I have made I want them to feel pure happiness wearing it.” Giantto has expanded world wide and is found in Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Austria, Russia, throughout the middle East, Hong Kong Japan, Korea, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean Islands. When I asked him was GG stands for— he replied ‘Good Guy’. It’s apparent that GG takes the business of watchmaking as personal as the people who buy his handcrafted time pieces. As I look around the store it becomes clear that each one of the watches in his showroom comes with a history of personal accomplishment. Watchmaking for GG is about artistry and a craft that by today’s assembly line standards has all but vanished. Nothing seems as important to him as creating a product of unparalleled superiority.

“Some people have big hands, some have small hands, some people are tall, short—no matter—when a customer leaves my store, they leave with a watch that fits them and their personality just as if it was custom made for them. It’s not just a look in a store window that people want; when a special watch goes on their wrist they get a feeling that it was made for them. This is what I love. This is my goal. Each watch that I design is like a new love for me. It takes great time and effort to complete. This is the magic secret that I put into each design— that each person who wears one of my watches feels the special feeling that I had when I made it.

Perfectly Accessorize: For Office or Red Carpet

By Yan Yan Zhang

Accessories are the finishing touch that makes you and the outfit, dress or gown you are wearing dazzle! Moreover accessories have truly “magical magnetic powers”! They literally can pull people toward you! They can become rewarding topics of conversation, aka: conversation pieces - and they are fabulous and instantaneous ice breakers that can serve you as well as having a talent for - small talk!…

I have personally known several woman who have told me they were approached by men who began a conversation with them by complimenting the brooch or hair accessory they were wearing,… leading to further conversation, … leading to dating,… leading to romance and eventually ending up getting married!!!!!! All because of the Accessory they were wearing!!!!! Though I can’t guarantee that you will fine the man of your dreams by wearing beautiful accessories I can guarantee that you will look your best and feel your best,… unique, special and awesome!!!! Let me pose some situations (and dilemmas) in which accessories can play a special role, sometimes even saving the day!

OFFICE SITUATIONS:

Office Dilemma #1: You wake up terribly late, no time to fix your hair let alone put on your makeup!… And it is a classic bad hair day on top of it! …

Solution: Brush your back into a Pony Tail, and use a beautiful Headband with a Flower that complements your eye color along with a gorgeous Pony Tail Holder! You are now ready for a great day!!!!

Office Dilemma #2: It’s a board meeting with the big brass from back East. You are stuck having to dress in a boring grey or black flannel pin stripe pant suit outfit. … You want to stand out as a lady and not blend in, as just another one of the guys!

Solution: Accessorize with a lovely colorful neck scarf and a eye catching brooch. Perfect!!!! Madeline Albright, Secretary of State to the T!!!!!!!

BALLROOM SITUATIONS:

Formal - Black and White Attire Dilemma: You are caught in a boring black formal gown (more suitable for a funeral) Solution: Spice things up with a bright, glistening and/or colorful jeweled hair accessory or brooch!

White Dress Dilemma: You are wearing a white dress that makes you feel and look so pale you think you are suffering from anemia! Solution: Bring excitement and passion into your life with pastel hair accessories and fashion jewelry that complements your complexion and eye color!

ON THE RED CARPET SITUATION:

Dilemma: Who or what is getting the attention? Afraid all the attention will be given to your dress and not to you who is wearing the dress! This happens far too often!!!

Solution: Accessorize with a beautiful hair ornament that draws attention to your head, face and eyes and which therefore brings you and your overall Red Carpet appearance into perfect balance!!!!!! As you can see from this brief dissertation Accessories are vital and amazingly potion tools in a women’s arsenal of beautification. Accessories truly are the finishing touch that makes you and what you are wearing dazzle! You will look your best and feel your best, the unique, special and awesome woman that you in fact are!!!!

Yan Yan Zhang is an internationally renowned High Fashion Model and Red Carpet Stylist. She is Founder/CEO of She’s USA Hair & Fashion Accessories Boutique in Beverly Hills.

To schedule a complimentary appointment: 310-210-7246

She’s Hair & Fashion accessories
Beverly Canon Gardens Building, Vitrine B 240 N. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90210

NEXT MONTH

How to perfectly accessorize whether its for the Office or for the Red Carpet. Accessories are the finishing touch that makes you and the outfit, dress or gown you’re wearing dazzle! presented by She’s Hair & Fashion Accessories in Beverly Hills.

Website: http://www.shesUSA.com
310-210-7246

Psychic Sophia

Psychic Sophia has been guiding people into their future for more than 37 years. A PhD Life Coach Sophia is a renowned and praised Psychic Guru—an honest and true clairvoyant since age 10, Sophia’s mind blowing accuracy has captured an international clientele helping them with spiritual life path readings. From Hollywood celebrities to business moguls, political figures, the social elite and people from all walks of life who need to understand their past to move through their present and into their future, Sophia’s detailed information has helped thousands of people world wide answer questions concerning romance, health, marriage, relocation, career and more. Sophia’s meditation through prayer counsel creates miracles in people’s lives, opening up their spiritual, mental and physical body and mind to increased self-esteem, happiness and peace of mind.

- Remove Negative Energy
- Dream Interpretation
- Magnetic Energy Balancing
- Aura & Vision Readings
- Tantra (couples & singles)
- Tarot Cards
- Palm Readings
- Past Life Regression
- Crystal Reading Layouts
- Psychic Aura
- Chakra Cleansing
- Karmic Pattern Releases

Open Your Third Eye — Reveal the Evil Eye…

“My psychic ability started when I was 15 years old. In the beginning it was a little frightening but my mom explained to me that what I had was a spiritual gift.”

Mastering the ancient art of balancing and healing

Your future is waiting…

By Appointment Only, In-Person or by Phone
Website: http://www.psychicbythesea.com
• English ONLY • (please bring an interpreter)
818-582-3301
888-897-9469
7 days a week: 9am-9pm

Celebrity Adoptions

Sandra Bullock and Sheryl Crow did it. Brad and Angelina have done it more than once. Madonna did it and talked about it on Oprah. Are you thinking about adoption? Adoption is a viable option for people wanting to become parents who can’t have or choose not to have biological children. Deciding whether adoption is right for you involves exploring legal and psychological implications of this life changing choice for today’s American family.

Is Adoption Right for You?

Deciding to adopt a child is both wonderful yet difficult. When pondering this method to expand your family, consider these wonderful reasons to adopt: You want children; you love children; you can devote time, money, and energy to the child; you can give the child a chance for a successful life. If these describe you, go for it! Give a loving deserving child a fabulous home and chance for a successful life. But some consider adopting for reasons less than noble. Some contemplate adopting because Brad and Angelina did it or they want save their marriage or pass on a family name or feel bored or lonely. If you are in this category, consider your choice and speak with a psychologist and adoption attorney. But if adoption is right for you and your family, these suggestions can make the process work beautifully for all concerned:

Getting Your Psychological Ducks in a Row

Psychologically speaking, before you adopt consider the implications of bringing a child into your family, your home and community particularly if that child is of a different race and/or nationality. Prepare yourself, family and friends for your new arrival. Find ways to make the child feel welcome and accepted. Consider working with a psychologist specializing in adoption issues to help you with this preparation. Because this is an emotional journey, try to stay detached from the process. Adoption can take a long time and you need to ride the course. Practice stress management techniques such as yoga and deep breathing and join a support group of other adopting parent, especially helpful since disappointment can accompany the adoption process for example some mothers change their minds which can be heart-breaking. In spite of the potential pitfalls and disappointments, hold positive thoughts. Visualize yourself with a happy family and becoming a parent. Every day enjoy these images, they can carry you through rough spots. Also “release the calendar” and let the process unfold in its own time. As the saying goes “it will happen when it happens!” There is loss inherent in adoption including the loss of having your own biological child and loss for the child of its biological family. Acknowledge and address these feelings so they don’t get in the way of raising a happy and healthy family.

It’s The Law

Adoption, whether domestic or international, involves the legal system. Do your homework and get help from family law attorneys who specialize in adoptions and reputable adoption agencies. They can point you in the direction of options you have at your disposal. Research the options. Learn as much as you can, take classes, attend seminars and conferences. Become an educated adoptive parent. Understand the pro/cons of the different types of adoption so you can choose the one that best suits your situation. You child will thank you. Understand laws involved. You don’t need a law degree but a basic understanding of the laws in your state helps avoid complications and mistakes as you move ahead. If you are adopting internationally be sure to understand the international laws that affect adoption. Specifically, The Hague Convention which established safeguards to ensure that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child and respect his/ her fundamental rights as recognized in international law. The U.S. is a signatory so the Hague Convention applies to all U.S. adopting families. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (PL 106-395) is a very important Act that amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and confers U.S. citizenship automatically and retroactively to certain foreign-born children adopted by citizens of the United States. Become familiar with The Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-279) designed to provide for implementation by the U.S. of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect to Intercountry Adoption and The Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-279) which is designed to provide for implementation by the United States of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect to Intercountry Adoption.

Whether you adopt domestically or internationally. Whether your child is an infant, a toddler or a teen, bringing a child into your life can be the most rewarding experience you will ever enjoy. Follow the suggestions to help make this event a joyful, fulfilling and life-affirming one!

Dr. Sheila Forman is a clinical psychologist and attorney who comments on the psychological and legal issues affecting our society.

She is the author of several self-help books, on the faculty of Loyola Marymount University and host of Let’s Talk w/Dr. Sheila on: www.HealthyLife.net, www.DrSheilaForman.com, www.PsychLawExpert.com phone: 310-828-8004 email: DrSheilaForman@msn.com

Dr. Sheila Forman, Clinical Psychologist, Attorney-At-Law, Best-Selling Author— Forman’s philosophy is to promote mental health not by just treating illness, but helping people achieve high levels of emotional, psychological & social well-being.

Society of Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles 3rd Annual Camper by Camper Awards Gala

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles hosted their 3rd annual Camper by Camper gala acknowledging outstanding individuals for giving back to their communities and raised much need funds to send hundreds of at-risk youth to Circle V Ranch this summer to camp. Those receiving honors were: actress/ philanthropist, Pauley Perrette and Dr. Don Thomas. For more than 60 years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles has sent tens of thousands of at-risk youth to its Circle V Ranch for the summer to Circle V Ranch in the Santa Barbara mountains to enjoy camp, make new friends, receive guidance, support, and experience solid programs, while having the time of their lives. Perrette is an active voice and volunteer in her community and received honors for her time to helping youth, families and the homeless in Los Angeles and is involved with many local charities including Project Angel Food, and the Hollywood United Methodist Church. She currently serves on the board of Project Angel Food. Dr. Don Thomas was honored for a lifetime of outstanding philanthropic work during his 40+ years as a physician holding various positions and actively providing care at Young and Healthy, a nonprofit organization providing free healthcare to medically uninsured children in the Pasadena area—he is also a co-founder of the organization.

Thomas also served as the founding physician for Union Station, a homeless shelter and rehabilitation Center in Pasadena.

The Camper by Camper Gala, awards ceremony and silent and live auction was held at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills. Emmy-award winning broadcast journalist and anchor/reporter of KTLA-Los Angeles, Wendy Burch served as Mistress of Ceremonies and Diana Bianchini of Di Moda Public Relations was Event Chair. Guests included: Meredith Eaton, Tom Bergeron, Jennifer Gimenez, Mila Hermanovski, David Dean Bottrell, Christian Clemenson, and Executive Director of Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Los Angeles, David Fields. The event raised enough money to send more than 150 at risk youth to summer camp. Sponsors for this year’s fundraiser were Bank of America, CATZ Sports Performance Center, Watson Land Company, Deloitte LLP, Los Angeles World Airports Polenzani & Hyman Minges Families, Pic-a-Pak, and Bug Bam.

Circle V Ranch Camp is a program owned and operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Each summer eight one-week sessions are offered to build self esteem, learn teamwork and kids participate in fun activities like archery, swimming, nature hikes, arts & crafts, and just be a kid, free from the stress of his/her daily lives. For more than 100 years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles has provided programs and services for children, the homeless and the poor within the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara—all free of charge regardless of religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, handicap or national origin. Go to www.svdpla.org to learn more.

War Dad by JuJu Sands

The word “difficult” is not big enough to describe how tough it is to divulge my deepest pain. If my book wasn’t going to help thousands of women and girls that are affected by soldiers coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan, I would have never told my story. When my “WAR DAD” came back from Vietnam, he was violent, angry, volatile, psychotic, a drug addict, a woman beater, a womanizer, a criminal, and a danger to me, himself, and, most of all, society. It’s ironic how we never hear about this stuff on the evening news.

More than 100,000 American troops are currently in Iraq and Afghanistan. An estimated three hundred thousand are living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nearly a third of our soldiers develop serious mental problems three to four months after coming home. Many soldiers live with PTSD, amputations, mental and emotional instabilities in silence. About one-third of children of deployed American soldiers are at risk for developing psychological problems, mainly due to high levels of stress experienced at home. Many wives of veterans report experiencing more acts of family violence. This proves that there is secondary trauma to the family, especially the children. I was one of them.

My dad grew up in a blue-collar area of East Los Angeles. Seems that many boys in his area were drafted. And I grew up with the daughters. Many girls witnessed divorce, physical abuse, drug addiction and sometimes fell into it themselves. The effects of war can live on through generations if someone does not halt the effects. The war, drugs, and heroin took my dad away. Although my father returned alive, he was a casualty of the war. The life we would have had was gone.

“Stop!” I screamed as I tugged on his arm. I begged him, but he had that look in his eyes, and I knew he was at that point of no return. I was crying and shaking uncontrollably.

The night that could have ruined my life began when my father took me to the neighborhood bar down the street from my grandparents’ house, Art’s Bar. I knew I wasn’t allowed at a bar establishment, much less sitting at the bar. To keep my dad calm, I asked for a nickel so I could play a song on the jukebox. I chose “Angel Baby” and played it repeatedly. A man was sitting at the bar with us. He asked, “She’s been playing that song a lot. Can she play another song?” In a split second my dad was in a mad rage. Is this the rage that comes from going to war? “I’ll pick another song,” I said. Too late-my dad got up from the bar and began arguing with this man. “Stop!” I screamed as I tugged on his arm. I begged him, but he had that look in his eyes, and I knew he was at that point of no return. I was crying and shaking uncontrollably. They pushed through the wooden swinging doors and began to physically fight out on the sidewalk. This poor stranger had no idea who my dad was. My dad had fought in the Vietnam War. He knew how to kill! He was on drugs and alcohol. Both backed away from each other. They were in that wrestler’s stance with both arms out to the side. They were circling each other. I noticed that my dad had a fork in his hand. I was screaming and crying out for my dad to stop, but it was too late. He went toward the man and pushed the fork into the man’s body. He stabbed him. I took off running, crying hysterically and I couldn’t breathe. I wanted to faint. I knew I had to mentally overpower what had just happened and convince myself that it was all going to be fine. After years and numerous violent situations and dangerous nights, I built the courage to cutoff my relationship with my dad. I wanted a better life and I was going to get it.

In the early 1990s I was working in downtown Los Angeles. I was surrounded with smart, goal-oriented people, and learning so much about the finance world, stocks, Wall Street, and the inner workings of the real estate industry. Life was great!

After years I located my dad again. I was faxed the Coroner’s report. They found my WAR DAD in an alley. Flies nesting in his nose and ears. His body decomposing as his right hand clutched a bottle of wine. He’d been dead for three days. According to the report, he died of liver failure and was labeled “a known local transient.”

As I’ve worked my way to success, not only was it for my family, but deep inside I wanted people to see that I overcame. I accept the fact that all the horror my dad created could have transpired because of what he experienced in Vietnam. It was too much for him to cope with, and he lost it. I couldn’t possibly begin to comprehend the terror, fear, and pain the soldiers must have felt fighting that guerrilla war.

A special place in my heart is grateful to this man, my dad, who sacrificed his life not only for me, but for you and our country.

E-mail: juju@jujusands.com
Website: http://www.jujusands.com

News Recap: Believe it or Not

BINGE EATING IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE A PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER

A new medical report guideline claims that binge eating should now be listed as a psychiatric disorder, but states that obesity should not. A research group of medical experts has recently recommended that psychiatrists should revise their diagnostic guidelines (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to reflect their new study findings. The guidelines that contain descriptions, symptoms and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders also suggest what treatments doctors might use as well as what guideline insurance companies place coverage on. A new DSM fifth edition will be available for physicians in 2013. Information suggests that binge eating has become one of the major eating disorders in the U.S. and still to this day is difficult to treat and cure. The new research study has cited numerous scientific evidence to show that binge eating is also a disorder that runs in families and is shown to exist more in older males who develop the disorder later in life and who may have a history of personality disorders. Binge eating is described as eating amounts of food larger than the norm would eat in the same time frame, under similar conditions and feeling completely out of control during the eating episode. Also the DSM group’s study revision states that the overeater feels disgusted with him/herself after the binging has occurred. Binge-eating episodes are associated with at least three of these behaviors. Symptoms include:
1. Fast eating; almost gobbling food.
2. Eating until you feel physically ill.
3. Eating when you aren’t hungry.
4. Eating alone because you don’t want others to see how much you eat.
5. Disgusted with your overeating.

ITALY GETS A MOZZARELLA SCARE

It seems that a nasty batch of in the area of 70,000 creamy white mozzarella balls turned blue when opened and have been recalled by food authorities in Italy, The health ministry reported that the European “rapid alert” system had been alerted to warn cheese lovers of the possible contamination, and has also employed emergency control measures on the cheese. The Germany-made cheese was for an Italian company and since has been taken off shelves. The bad cheese was reported by a shopper in Turin, who saw the blue color after opening it and called the police, the national media reported. Initial tests discovered that the coloring is caused by a bacteria, rather than toxic contamination, the AFP reported. Also suggested is that the blue color might indicate the presence of copper, nickel or lead in the milk used to make the cheese, or the solution used to preserve it.

100 CATS GET THE DEEP FREEZE

Social services out of Jackson Country Wisconsin removed three children from a home where 100 dead cats were discovered in a broken freezer. Sheriff Duane Waldera reported filthy living conditions for the children and feces all over the house from 17 live cats. Then 100 dead cats were discovered in a non-working freezer. Gabriella Bernabei, owner of the house stated according to reports that she and her husband were being targeted because of their Wiccan beliefs and that the dead cats were being kept in the garage freezer because she wanted to take care of the carcasses until she could find a final resting place for them. Live cats were removed by Animal Control and taken to the Jackson County Animal Shelter where reports say that some were too sick to save.

BABY DIES FROM HIGH ALCOHOL BLOOD LEVEL

An Atlanta baby was taken to the hospitalized and discovered with an astounding blood-alcohol Level of .33— more than four times the legal limit for an adult. Shortly after a babysitter, Tammy Denise Truitt, 41, was jailed after telling authorities she gave the lethal amount (of wine) to the infant who was in her care, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Truitt stated in court that she gave the ninemonth old baby wine in a sippy cup so the infant would fall asleep. Truitt pleaded guilty to aggravated battery and was sentenced to eight years in prison and four years of probation. Truitt was asked to babysit the child, along with his four siblings, when the baby’s mother left town on a family emergency, the Times-Georgian reported. The children’s grandmother went to the house and discovered the lifeless baby.

NEWSMAN TED KOPPEL’S SON DIES FROM AN OVER DOSE

Reports say legendary newsman Ted Koppel’s son Andrew “Drew” Koppel, 40, was found dead from a fatal overdose of alcohol, heroin, cocaine and Valium after a binge in Manhattan, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The incident happened say sources in an apartment in Washington Heights where according to reports he had been taken by a friend after several hours of drinking in Hell’s Kitchen. The Medical Examiner’s Office report stated that Koppel died by “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of ethanol [alcohol], heroin, cocaine, diazepam [the generic name for the sedative Valium] and levamisole,” a substance often used to dilute cocaine prior to sale. The only son of the famed news reporter, Koppel was an attorney Koppel who was living with his pregnant girlfriend and their 2- year-old daughter in Queens. A former attorney for the Housing Authority’s civil litigation division, Koppel had resigned two years before.

BARRY BONDS SON PLEADS “NO CONTEST”

Nikolai Bonds entered a “no contest” plea according to reports to misdemeanor vandalism and assault charges that occured from a fight with his mother. The 20-yea-old son of former San Francisco Giants baseball player Barry Bonds entered the plea as part of a deal with San Mateo County prosecutors. Other misdemeanor charges were dropped stated Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe who also said at the time that Bonds received four days in jail. Reports say that a fight between Bonds and his mother broke out and ended with Bonds throwing a doorknob at her and spit in her face. Bonds apparently also prevented his mother Sun Bonds from leaving her Menlo Park home. Sources say Bonds was arrested and spent time in jail before being released. The incident happened in December and police say that Bonds received credit for the time he had already served. The fight broke out when Sun Bonds questioned her son as to whether his friends had stolen some of her jewelry. A “no contest” deal was reached when Bonds’ mother didn’t cooperate in the case.

JOHN LENNON’S HANDWRITTEN SONG GOES ON AUCTION BLOCK

The handwritten lyrics that John Lennon’s wrote for the Beatles album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was bought by an American collector for $1.2 million. The winning bid whose identity was withheld was placed by phone at Sotheby’s auction house. The bid had far exceeded what some had thought would be the final purchase price between $500,000 and $800,000. Lennon’s handwritten edits and corrections in black felt marker and blue ballpoint pen were on both sides of the single sheet of paper. One side showed Lennon’s original first draft, written in a hurried cursive script; the other side was written in capital letters with corrections from the first draft and additions that included the words, “I’d love to turn you on.”

NEW FINDINGS FOR HYPERACTIVE KIDS

New studies by The Journal of Pediatrics reveal that neither ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ) nor the medications that are used to counter the condition have been proven to have any long-term effect on the growth of a child. Older research suggested that medication used for the condition might have put users at risk with symptoms including a slower growth rate than those not suffering from the condition. Also the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that in the area of 10% of boys and 6% of girls are now being treated for ADHD. “There have been concerns in the literature about the use of ADHD medications and their effect on growth,” Dr. Stephen Faraone, a psychiatrist at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, and one of the study’s authors, told Reuters Health. “We found that (growth) delay tends to be most prominent in the first year or so, and tends to attenuate over time.

Become Successful

Executive management coach & best-selling author Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith is a world authority helping successful leaders achieve positive, measurable changes in their behavior: for themselves and their teams. He is named one of the top 50 leaders influencing the field of management over the last century, one of the five most respected executive coaches by Forbes and among the top ten executive educators by the Wall Street Journal, Goldsmith was installed as a Fellow in the National Academy of Human Resources—the highest honor for an HR professional in the U.S. and recognized by Business Week as one of 50 great leaders and one of two educators to receive the Institute of Manage- ment Studies Lifetime Achievement Award. Goldsmith founded the Alliance for Strategic Leadership and Marshall Goldsmith Library where more than 300 of his articles, interviews, columns and videos are available for viewing and sharing online at no charge.

STRESS & PRODUCTIVITY
ST: Business people are out of their minds and Running scared…
MG: I gauge effective leaders by the people around them. More than ever business owners have to keep in touch with their team. When under pressure the need to win and be right is a real challenge for successful and smart people. They tend to over react and engage in irrational behavior to win. #1: Calm down before sending emails or confronting people. The worst is to regret the day after what you did the day before in a rage. Our natural tendenancy when stressed is to engage in inappropriate emotional responses. But the more difficult a situation becomes, the more important it becomes. The fact that we may have an excuse to act in an irrational way makes it even more important not to do it. Goldsmith has been named one of the 15 most influential business thinkers in the world in a study by The London Times and Forbes; and also honored as one of 50 great thinkers and leaders who have influenced the field of management in the past 80 years.

STEPS FOR CHANGE
ST: There are many steps for change and success; name a one or two.
MG: One of the most important is follow-up. I did a research study on leadership development with 86,000 participants from major companies around the world. It showed that leaders who get feedback are better off than those who don’t get it, or don’t want it. But this requires a great deal of daily disicpline. An example: I have a peer coach and each day we talk and he asks me 17 questions; the same 17 questions every single day. Each question has to be answered with a YES, NO or a NUMBER on a 1-10 happiness scale. This keeps my life in focus. My questions are not what other people may have, but some I’m asked daily are:

1. How happy was I yesterday?
2. How meaningful was my life yesterday?
3. How many times yesterday did I try to prove I was right and it wasn’t worth it?
4. How many angry or destructive comments did I make about other people yesterday?
5. How many sit-ups and push-ups did I do yesterday?
6. How many minutes did I write for my coaching classes yesterday; and is everything updated?

These are questions about my life. Why do I have to do this when this is my job… and I wrote the theory? Because things are as difficult for me as anyone. One question I asked my peer coach every day was: Are you updated on your medical exam? Exactly 90 days in a row he had to answer NO until he said…this is ridiculous! I’m going to get an exam and finally did it. The doctor found cancer. Had he waited another few months he may not have made it. He’s the CEO of a $3 billion company. He knew he should have a medical check-up, but didn’t do it. But when someone holds a mirror up to us every day and makes us accountable it’s hard to run from reality.

With a Ph.D. from UCLA, Goldmsith teaches executive education at the Dartmouth’s Tuck School and other leading business schools around the country. As a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources (America’s top HR honor) his work is recognized by almost every professional organization in his field. The Alliant International University honored Goldsmith by naming their schools of business and organizational studiest the Marshall Goldsmith School of Management.

ST: What if we don’t have a peer coach, then what can we do?
MG: This is a daily homework assignment for yourself. Make a list of questions about your life that need a YES, NO or a number (happiess scale 1-10) Put it on an Excel spreadsheet and the scores are calculated at the end of each week. Then rate yourself. Of course, a life coach is better. But that person has to have your best interests at heart and want to participate as well. It’s about two people helping each other with no hidden agenda. If each day the answer is the same; for instance: Was I happy yesterday? If each day your answer is NO then you have to ask myself why. his isn’t about focusing on anyone but yourself. And besides no one can make you happy but yourself.

Marshall Goldsmith’s new book MOJO is about the moment we feel we’re ’on a roll’, firing on all cylinders and everyone around senses it. When we’re moving forward, making progress, clearing hurdles, achieving goals, and passing the competition. Sports players say it’s being in-the-zone, others say it’s a flow. Goldsmith says Mojo is “a positive spirit toward what we are doing that starts from the inside and radiates to the outside.” Mojo is vital in our pursuit of happiness and purpose and is about achieving two simple goals: loving what we do and showing it. It’s a moment when there is no gap between the positive way we perceive ourselves— what we are doing—andhow we are perceived by others.

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