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October, 2012 – Yoga Positions

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October, 2012 – Yoga Positions

Cantankerously Yourswendell-abern-cantank-yours

 

Yoga Positions, Curmudgeon-Modified

 

By Wendell Abern

 

 

Dear Yogaphiles,

 

Since I became a widower almost three years ago, my kids – both of whom live in Chicago – have been behaving like remote control nannies.

One of them calls every night.  My son nags me endlessly about my eating habits.  I thought I had him mollified when I assured him I had cut down on eating red meat to only two times day.  But now he’s on a new kick, insisting that I inject fish into my diet more often than once a year.  I have stubbornly held out.  But every week I get an e-mail with a recipe for tilapia.  Or grouper.  Or some other slithery thing from the sea.

My daughter is even worse.  She constantly harps about staying in good shape, knowing full well I am philosophically opposed to physical exercise of any kind.  She goes running.  Running, for God’s sake!  Her latest kick:  bicycling.  She bought a second-hand bicycle at a yard sale.  Next thing I know, she’ll be cycling to Bolivia.

But her worst nudging concerns yoga.

“You’ve gotta try it, dad,” I’ve heard a thousand times.  “It has worked wonders for me.  Helps my back.  Helps my sinus problems.  Helps anything that hurts!  And it gives me peace of mind.  Just try it.”

In an effort to shut her up once and for all, I visited Google and typed in, “Yoga positions,” and was informed:  2,630,000 results.

I selected one site arbitrarily, which includes descriptions and illustrations of dozens of positions.  I selected one described as, “One of the most widely recognized yoga poses:  Downward-Facing Dog.”

I tried it.  I bent over, keeping my knees straight, elevating my rear skyward and stretching my arms way out in front and leaning on my hands.  I now looked like a giant triangle.  After holding the pose for about a minute, I realized something:  I couldn’t get up. 

Reluctant to lowering myself onto my tendonitis-prone knees, I decided to simply tip over gently onto my side.  This worked splendidly, except for the two cracked ribs.

I pored over other poses and was struck by the impossibilities of the majority of them.  Especially positions such as, “Hanumanasana, or Monkey Pose.”  Hanuman, a figure in Hindu mythology, literally means having large jaws.  To even attempt this pose – stretching out one’s legs until they are both completely parallel to the ground – would clearly result in an emergency room visit for me.

I then looked at “King Pigeon,”  “Cow Face,”  “Heron,” and others, and made a quick observation:  there are 206 bones in the human body, and most of these poses are designed for people with only 138. 

More importantly, yoga positions assume an entirely new way of life.  And a new way of thinking about life.  Fine for some people.  But I get a bit irascible when someone or some belief implies my lifestyle needs changing. 

So I decided to create some of my own yoga positions, designed especially for people my age who are relatively content with life, and have a tendency to get a bit cranky now and then.  To wit:

Crane Posing on Bent Leg Pose.

For men only.  This position, to be attempted only while lying prone on one side, requires you to raise one leg in a fetal position, thereby permitting you to watch a ball game on TV while telling your wife you can’t mow the lawn because you sprained your ankle.

Giraffe Reaching for a Fig Pose.

Important for a family dinner at an expensive restaurant.  Crane your neck as if looking around for someone you know, then deftly slip the check in front of your cheap brother-in-law.

Smiling Hyena Pose.

Another pose created specifically for eating out at restaurants.  After telling pushy progeny you are going to have trout almondine for dinner, smile smugly and order a double cheeseburger.

Laughing Hyena Pose.

Same as above when ordering two double cheeseburgers.

Chimp Hugging Himself Pose.

Critical when riding shotgun with Aunt Millie, who should have given up driving when she smashed through her garage door because she forgot to open it on the way to her 98th birthday party.

Frog Splayed Out on a Lily Pad Pose.

Lie down flat on your tummy, spread out your arms and legs, relax and take a one-hour nap.  Then tell your spouse you have done your stretching exercises for the day.

Impatient Kangaroo Pose.

For women only.  Cross your arms and tap your foot menacingly.  Appropriate for any woman after visiting a hairdresser and then asking her husband:  “Notice anything new?”

Nodding Canary Pose.

From an ancient Hebrew tradition.  Sit quietly and nod your head back and forth slowly in order to prepare yourself emotionally for stressful events, such as the annual Yom Kippur dinner with Aunt Bertha, who always insists on bringing the brisket, which is stringy and overdone. 

Hiding Turtle Pose.

 

While sitting or lying down, cross your arms, cover your ears, shut your eyes, pull your legs up close to your body and try to make yourself into a very small ball in an attempt to shut out the rest of the world.  Extemely useful when listening to political commercials.

                                                *        *        *

          Okay, it’s a work in progress.  But I’ve become very enthused about future possibilities.  Right now, I’m sitting in a restaurant assuming the “Smiling Hyena” pose because I’ve just called my son and told him I’m having Flounder Piccata for dinner, and am waiting for my order of Cheesy Double Beef Burritos.

          Cantankerously Yours,

 

          Wendell Abern

Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@comcast.net.

 

October, 2012 – Is Your Metabolism Making You Fat?

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October, 2012 – Is Your Metabolism Making You Fat?

Health & Fitness

Is Your Metabolism Making You Fat?

By Cheryl AlkerCheryl Alker

Ever heard or used the excuse – “Oh I have a slow metabolism, that’s why I can’t lose weight?” So how true is that statement?  Can your metabolic rate effect how much you weigh or how quickly you lose weight?  Is your metabolism the reason why that when we age we mysteriously put on weight, even though we eat the same amount and our exercise routine remains the same? 

Before I answer these questions and more, what is metabolism?

Your metabolism, experts say, involves a complex network of hormones and enzymes that not only convert food into fuel but also affect how efficiently you burn that fuel. In the simplest terms, metabolic rate is the rate at which your body burns calories.  A calorie is a unit of energy.  For the human body, it’s referred to as “food energy”.

The process of metabolism establishes the rate at which we burn our calories and, ultimately, how quickly we gain weight or how easily we lose it.

Of course, not everyone burns calories at the same rate, here are a few factors that might be attributing to the rate at which you metabolism is burning your calories-

·         Your metabolism is influenced by your age -metabolism naturally slows about 5% per decade after age 40.

·         Your sex – men generally burn more calories at rest than women because they inherently have more muscle tissue.

·         Your proportion of lean body mass – the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate tends to be.

·         Heredity – yes, your parent’s metabolic rate will have an effect on yours.

So what do you do?  On your 40th birthday, do you decide, “That’s it – I will have to eat less and go to the gym more?” I suppose that would be a solution, but that would mean at 50 you would have to drop more calories and go to the gym even more, at 60 the same again and so on……… PLEASE NO! Isn’t it enough to contend with getting older without having to spend the rest of our lives at the gym with hardly any food?  I can’t think of anything worse!

The problem with eating less is that your body responds by becoming more efficient.  You have a survival mechanism that helps to protect you from starvation and famine.  When you begin to eat less, our body must access its own stored energy, within a rather short period of time there is a physiological response.  A variety of “starvation hormones” are produced.  They have the effect of slowing down you metabolic rate and conserving that food energy.

When you lose weight quickly, taking in less than 1,000 calories a day, your body will decide to make the best of a bad situation.  The main way it does this is to protect its fat stores, so it burns your lean tissue or muscle to provide it with the calories it needs to keep functioning.  You will obviously lose weight at first but once your body has slammed the brakes on, your metabolic rate will slow, so the weight loss will slow down significantly and you will be left with a body that is flabby with no muscle tone, and once you start to eat normally again, the weight will pile on quickly as unfortunately your metabolic rate is now slower than before.

So although you can’t control you age, gender or genetics, you will be pleased to learn that there are other ways to boost your metabolic rate, read on for ways to rev it up –

 

Build Muscle

Our bodies constantly burn calories, even when we’re doing nothing. This resting metabolic rate is much higher in people with more muscle. Every pound of muscle uses about 6 calories a day just to sustain itself, while each pound of fat burns only 2 calories daily. That small difference can add up over time. In addition, after a bout of resistance training, muscles are activated all over your body, increasing your average daily metabolic rate.

Step Up Your Workout

Aerobic exercise may not build big muscles, but it can rev up your metabolism in the hours after a workout. The key is to push yourself. High-intensity exercise delivers a bigger, longer increase in resting metabolic rate than low- or moderate-intensity workouts. To get the benefits, try a more intense class at the gym or include short bursts of jogging or a faster pace during your regular walk.

Fuel Up with Water

The body needs water to process calories. If you are even mildly dehydrated, your metabolism may slow down. In one study, adults who drank eight or more glasses of water a day burned more calories than those who drank four. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water or other unsweetened beverage before every meal and snack. In addition, try munching on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are full of fluid, rather than pretzels or chips.

Sinless Snacking

Eating more really can help you lose weight — eating more often, that is. When you eat large meals with many hours in between, your metabolism slows down between meals. Having a small meal or snack every 3 to 4 hours keeps your metabolism cranking, so you burn more calories over the course of a day. Several studies have also shown that people who snack regularly eat less at meal time.

Spice Up Your Meals

Spicy foods contain chemical compounds that can kick the metabolism into a higher gear. Eating a tablespoon of chopped red or green chili pepper or adding fresh ginger to meals can boost your metabolic rate. The effect is likely temporary, but if you eat spicy foods often, the benefits may add up. For a quick boost, spice up pasta dishes, chili, and stews with red-pepper flakes.

Power Up with Protein

The body burns many more calories digesting protein as it uses for fat or carbohydrates. Although you want to eat a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can boost the metabolism at mealtime. Healthy sources of protein include lean beef, turkey, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.

Booster Shot: Black Coffee

If you’re a coffee drinker, you probably enjoy the increased energy and concentration that follows your morning ritual. Taken in moderation, one of coffee’s benefits may be a short-term increase in your metabolic rate.

Recharge with Green Tea

Drinking green tea or oolong tea offers the combined benefits of caffeine and catechins, substances shown to rev up the metabolism for a couple hours. Research suggests that drinking two to four cups of either tea may push the body to burn 17% more calories than normal during moderately intense exercise for a short period of time.

Best Bets

The impact of different foods and drinks on the metabolism is small compared to what you need for sustained weight loss. Your best bet for creating a mean calorie-burning machine is to build muscle and stay active. The more you move during the day, the more calories you burn. And remember: working out in the morning has the benefit of revving up your metabolism for hours.

 

Cheryl Alker specializes in flexibility training, facial exercises and postural alignment.  Her 30 year career started as a group fitness and personal trainer, she has lectured and directed fitness training programs in both Europe and the USA and was an advisor for a Governmental health promotion program. Alker and her company Stretch Results International continues to work with a select clientele from a base in Palm Beach County, Florida, certifying health professionals in her results based stretching program, educating consumers through public speaking and offering consultation to clients who wish to lose their muscular pain and gain flexibility to achieve full and active lifestyles.   Alker has just released a DVD for back pain sufferers. For more information about professional continuing education and consultation options, e:books or DVD’s please call Cheryl on 561 889 3738 or visit www.stretchresults.com

 

October, 2012 – Ghostbusting

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October, 2012 – Ghostbusting

melanielewis_2012Mommy Moments

 

Ghostbusting

 

By Melanie Lewis

 

Halloween is a holiday that generally ranks highly amongst kids.  They love the candy and excitement above all else.  It’s become such an event that the holiday now ranks 4th in expenditures for all holidays.   Lights, costumes and treats can add up quickly.   And if you’re not careful, you’ll have to hire your own team of private ghostbusters to chase the “boogyman” out of your child’s room.

 

The costume contest has become extremely competitive.  Theatrical works of art in store-bought and homemade varieties can be fun projects to pursue.  So here’s my advice to parents of infants and toddlers…pace yourself.  It’s tempting to run out and buy the cutest costume de jour.  Just knowing from experience, it’s worn about once.  It might likely never be worn depending on the temperament of your child to withstand the elastic scratchy confining parts.  If possible, get a second-hand one.

 

Here are just a few more tips I’ve found to make it more enjoyable.

 

It seemed best to have a dress rehearsal inside our house. I went into a room with a door and told them to yell, “Trick or Treat”.  I would open the door and prompt them for the next thing to say, along with a big “thank you” after I handed them a little bag of crackers. This is great practice for their manners and saying “thank you” to people in general.

 

Wear the costume around in small time increments, so they can get used to them.  It’s a lot to expect that they’re going to enjoy the whole costume-wearing event at first sight.  It can be extremely frustrating if you think it’s going to work for a great picture or race around the neighborhood.  To avoid a big meltdown, I had the kids wear their costume to music class on one occasion. The second occasion was an afternoon kiddie parade at the mall.   It wasn’t until they were in preschool that we attempted going out, door to door in our neighborhood.  And for that introduction, it was for about 15 minutes.  We were out and back in before it got dark.  And then we handed out candy to the other kids that came to the door.

 

The little goblins can get quite frightened by the noises, sights and scary stories.   I strongly urge avoiding any reference to “the boogyman” or ghosts or such aberrations that visit at night.  These little demons create nightmares.  You will be hiring your own “ghostbusters” to chase away these sleep stealers.  We’ve had to thoroughly examine the closet and under the bed and get rid of any vestige of suspicious activity with a flashlight and yardstick on several occasions following Halloween.  This delayed our peace and quite a hefty 10-15 minutes for weeks.

 

Creating the jack-o-lantern is my favorite part of Halloween.  Selecting the best pumpkin is a prelude to selecting the best Christmas tree.  It’s got to be “just right” to carve your creation.  It’s amazing to see the transformation of an inanimate vegetable to a fascinating luminary.

 

As the kids get older, I’ll be amassing more Halloween wisdom.  Feel free to share your tips for the upper elementary ages and ‘tweens.  Have a safe and Happy Halloween.  – Melanie

October, 2012 – Seriously. Spooky. Stuff. Pennsylvania-Style.

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October, 2012 – Seriously. Spooky. Stuff. Pennsylvania-Style.

terrimarshallsmTravel with Terri

 

Seriously. Spooky. Stuff.  Pennsylvania-Style.

 

By Terri Marshall, Photos by Gregory Holder.

 

There is a crispness in the air.  Shades of orange, red and yellow adorn the trees.  Pumpkins of every size and variety line roadside market stands and dot the pumpkin patches.  Scarecrows, ghosts and goblins are hanging around.  This is autumn, Pennsylvania style.

 

Lancaster County has plenty of options for family fun all year round but especially during autumn.  Celebrate the season at Cherry Crest Farm’s Fall Harvest Festival with pony rides, pumpkin picking, corn canons, face painting and cheek art.  On Friday and Saturday nights during the Fall Harvest Festival, experience the ultimate challenge of navigating the five acre corn maze by flashlight. 

eastlandalpacas 

For a unique animal encounter, visit Eastland Alpacas in Mount Joy.  Sue and Kevin began raising the South American animals several years ago and now have between 110 and 115 alpacas on their 20 acre farm. Although related to camels and llamas, alpacas have a much softer coat making their fur a popular choice for sweaters, scarves, socks and other products.  Eastland Alpaca’s 10th Annual Fall Open House will be held the first two weekends in November.  Visitors can feed the alpacas, take a wagon ride around the farm and shop at the farm store.   An obstacle course demonstration – “Alpacas with an Agenda” – will be presented by the Lancaster County 4-H Club.  You will fall in love with their adorable faces, but if you get between an alpaca and his food you may be showered with spit!

 

While visiting, stay in a real caboose at The Red Caboose Motel.  Interact with the sheep and goats at the petting farm, wave to the Strasburg Railroad’s steam train as it passes by or enjoy a ride in a horse drawn Amish buggy.  See www.padutchcountry.com.

 

Autumn in Valley Forge and Montgomery County arrives with brilliant displays of color, an abundance of outdoor festivals, craft shows and harvest celebrations.  But for daredevils, Spring Mountain in Schwenksville is the place to go.  Rick and Gayle Buckman have cleverly transformed their mountain of winter ski slopes into a challenging and exciting zip line and ropes course. Fly from tree to tree on the zip lines, cross Indiana Jones worthy bridges and rappel off treetop platforms.  And, if a daytime course doesn’t frighten you enough, try it at night with a headlamp on your helmet.  Go ahead, I dare you.

 

In October, Spring Mountain transforms into Scream Mountain!  At the turn of the century, the rocks quarried on Spring Mountain were used to build the streets of Philadelphia, monuments and gravestones.  One night the mountain inexplicably went up in flames destroying the quarrymen and their families.  On the Haunted Hay Ride each October, the mountain is filled with the screams of men, women and children lost in the fire and the sounds of hammers pounding stone!

 

If you make it off the mountain, escape to nearby Woodside Lodge located on the back side of Spring Mountain.  Built in the early 1920’s, it is the last standing inn among several that catered to the period when travelers came by train to Schwenksville from Philadelphia.  The lodge has been restored and updated with modern amenities. There is a restaurant and full bar onsite.  You may need a drink after that Scream Mountain experience.  See www.valleyforge.org

 

A bit further north covered bridges, a castle and ghosts await.  Bucks County has numerous covered bridges worth discovering, but if you are looking to jump start your spooky Halloween experience, search for the Van Sant Bridge – known to locals as “Cry Baby Bridge.” After an unmarried young woman with her newborn child was jilted by her lover, she threw herself and her child over the bridge.  If you stand on the bridge at night, you can hear the cries of the baby and the whispers of the young woman. 

 

Nothing says haunted like a castle…and Fonthill Castle in Doylestown is said to be the place of the ghost of fonthillcastleHenry Chapman Mercer’s housekeeper.  Whether you believe in haunted tales or not, Fonthill is definitely worth a visit.  The castle is constructed of poured concrete.  It features 44 rooms, over 200 windows, 18 fireplaces and 10 bathrooms.  Built between 1908 and 1912 by archaeologist and tile maker, Henry Chapman Mercer, with the help of 10 semi-unskilled laborers and one horse, Lucy, the castle is testament to Mercer’s fondness of the Arts and Crafts movement.  Fonthill is filled with an extensive collection of tiles embedded in the concrete of the house as well as artifacts from his travels.  When touring the house, be sure to take note of the furniture…much of it is built into the concrete leaving little to no opportunity to rearrange on a whim.   It was Mercer’s desire that his home would become a museum…this explains the numbering and cataloging noted on every book, print and artifact inside the castle.  Trust me, this place is cool.

 

New Hope‘s collection of inns offer you plenty of opportunities to spot a spirit.  Wedgwood Inn Bed & Breakfast was built atop tunnels leading to the Underground Railroad and housed many a runaway slave during the 19th century.  It is believed that a 12 year old ex-slave girl, Sarah, still roams the inn searching for her parents who escaped via the Underground Railroad.  She has appeared to various 12 year old girls visiting the inn.  But don’t worry…all the ghosts at Wedgwood Inn are friendly and certainly not sleeping in your room.  

www.visitbuckscounty.com

 

If you manage to make it through all of these experiences without spotting a ghost, you can take your paranormal investigation a step further with a visit to 1758 Sun Inn in Bethlehem.  This 18th century1758suninn Moravian inn was known throughout the American Colonies for its gracious service, fine food and wines and comfortable suites.   The restored inn reopened in 1982 for tours and catered events.  It is also the place for some serious ghost hunting!

 

I decided to see what all of the ghostly tales were about with my own paranormal investigation.  Accompanied by a group of travel writers, I was given a tour and introduction to the lovely inn then taken up to the attic for close encounters of the spirit kind. 

 

The floor was scattered with toys left by previous visitors for the little girl ghost who remains in the attic.  Armed with an assortment of ghost detecting devices, we were seated in a semi-circle around the toys.  Our guide turned off the lights and began to call to our little spirit. 

 

Initially, the little one was shy (scared away by the screams of my friend, Jill, who swears she was poked in the shoulder blade just as the lights went out), but ultimately she did appear.  How did we know?  She began playing with the flashlight on the floor by repeatedly turning it on and off.  Seriously. Spooky. Stuff.

 

When you have exhausted yourself with your ghost busting endeavors, check into Historic Hotel Bethlehem for the night.  This beautifully restored hotel has been home to an impressive list of guests including the Dahlia Lama.  It is also home to more than a few “permanent guests” if you know what I mean.  Room 932 has a most peculiar record of  paranormal activity.  A couple staying in the room reported being awakened by a man standing in front of the bed asking “Why are you in my room?”  – only to find no one there when they switched on the light.  Sweet dreams.

See www.discoverlehighvalley.com.

 

Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. Also, check out her blog at www.trippingwithterri.com. You can contact Terri at terri.marshall60@gmail.com.

October, 2012 – Microlending

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October, 2012 – Microlending

Save the World with $20: Microlending

by CreditScore.net Staff Writer on September 24, 2012

Most of us don’t think of our savings accounts or monthly loan payments as a luxury. But for over half the world’s population who cannot access formal banks, that’s exactly what these financial services are. In the 1980s, economist Muhummad Yunus found out just how catastrophic going “unbanked” really is. Yunus’ research revealed that all it took for many poor families to escape poverty was a small loan given at a fair interest rate. Since then, the microlending industry has exploded. Today, some 3,600 microlenders are serving 75 million borrowers worldwide. The overwhelming majority of those served are women that formerly lacked financial independence. And the loans are paid back at astoundingly high rates, well above 90%. If you’re looking to make a big impact with a small amount of money. Consider donating to a non-profit microlender. You’ll find five of the most well-rated, transparent microlending organizations at the bottom of this graphic.

 
Microlending Infographic

Octeber, 2012 – The First of the Women in Power Luncheons

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The First of the Women in Power Luncheons

The first in a series of three “Women in Power” Luncheons, sponsored by PNC Bank and benefiting the YWCA of Palm Beach County, will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2012, 11:30 a.m., in the Grand Court of the Gardens Mall, 3101 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens.  Honored guest is Erin Gray, actress, model and spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, whose topic is “No Longer Silent.”

 

The speakers for the following luncheons, scheduled for early 2013, will be announced soon.

 

The YWCA is celebrating its 95th year of service to Palm Beach County.  Among its programs are Harmony House, a shelter for abused women and their children; two Child Development Centers; transitional housing for women; Y-Girls, a leadership and mentoring program for girls aged 9-13; and a racial justice initiative.

 

Tickets are $50.  For more information or to make a reservation, please call the YWCA, 561-640-0050, Ext. 134.

 

October, 2012 – Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Opens 21st Season

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KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Opens 21st Season With a Dazzling Array of

Stars & Shows for the Whole Family

During October & November 2012

 

The Performers:  Clay Aiken, BélO, Benise En Fuego!, Dave Koz Christmas, Mannheim Steamroller, Idina Menzel, the National Symphony Orchestra of  Cuba, Jake Shimabukuro

& the St. Lawrence String Quartet

 

The Productions:  CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, DRUMLINE LIVE & Sesame Street Live Elmo Makes Music

                                                                                                                     

(West Palm Beach, FL – September 28, 2012)  The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performance Arts is opening its 21st season with a star-laden line-up during the first two months:

 

OCTOBER

October 12-14

+ Friday – 7 p.m.

+ Saturday – 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.

+ Sunday – 1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Sesame Street Live

“Elmo Makes Music”

 (Family Fare)

Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame

Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny’s new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover “instruments” they never knew existed … rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $12

(Family Fare sponsored by SBA Communications Corporation)

 

October 20 – 7:30 p.m.  (Saturday)

Movies By Moonlight

Coraline

(Family Fare)

When Coraline moves to an old house, she feels bored and neglected by her workaholic parents, until she finds a hidden door and discovers an alternate version of her life on the other side. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life — only much better, there her parents aren’t distracted by work and Coraline is always the center of attention. But when her adventure reveals sinister secrets, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination and bravery to return home and save her real family. (Starring Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman. Rated PG; 100 minutes; 2009 – Animation)

Gosman Amphitheatre

Tickets: $5 

General Admission, includes a complimentary bag of popcorn

(Family Fare sponsored by SBA Communications Corporation)

 

NOVEMBER

November 2 – 8 p.m.  (Friday)

Jake Shimabukuro

Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, this ukulele sensation’s concerts feature an array of genres including jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco and rock and are a high-energy, jaw-dropping musical treat not to be missed.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $15

(With support from WPBT2)

 

November 8 – 8 p.m.  (Thursday)

Benise En Fuego!

The Emmy® Award-winning Benise’s fiery Spanish guitar and international dance troupe returns in an even hotter show! See for yourself why the Los Angeles Times calls it “The Latin Riverdance.” En Fuego! showcases classic songs from Led Zeppelin, Queen, Bach and the Eagles to name a few and marries them with Spanish guitar and Spanish dance. Benise’s love of both Spanish guitar and rock brings a fierce intensity to these new interpretations of his favorite classic anthems. Don’t miss this uniquely gifted musician in a show that is all at once a celebration of culture, love, music and life.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

 

November 9 – 8 p.m.  (Friday)

DRUMLINE LIVE

Inspired by the hit movie Drumline and featuring musicians from highly distinguished marching band programs, DRUMLINE LIVE parades out of the football stadium onto the stage with explosive percussion, blazing brass, heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences, riveting choreography and soul-infused interpretations of Top 40 hits. “… it could very well out-stomp STOMP and out-blast Blast,” declares the Springfield News Sun.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $15

Beyond the Stage: Join us for a free musical presentation in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby at 7:15 p.m.

(Sponsored by Bank of America; With support from Sun-Sentinel)

 

November 10 – 8 p.m. (Saturday)

National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba

Enrique Pérez Mesa, Conductor

Guido López-Gavilán, Guest Conductor

Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera, Piano

(Regional Arts Concert Series)

The acclaimed Havana orchestra continues its international touring

with its first-ever concerts in the United States. Vibrant works by Cuban composers, such as the renowned Ernesto Lecuona of Malagueña fame, will alternate with well-loved classics, from Schubert to Gershwin.

+ Gershwin / Cuban Overture

+ Herrera / Tribute to Lecuona

+ Gavilán / Guaguancó

+ Marín / Danzón “El Médico de Pianos”

+ Schubert / Symphony No. 5 in B-flat, D. 485

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

(Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis)

Beyond the Stage: Join us for a free pre-concert discussion by Sharon McDaniel at 6:45 p.m. and a free musical presentation in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby at 7:15 p.m.

 

November 11 – 2 p.m. (Sunday)

National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba

Enrique Pérez Mesa, Conductor

Guido López-Gavilán, Guest Conductor

Ilmar Gavilán, Violin

(Regional Arts Concert Series)

+ Lecuona / Malagueña

+ Mendelssohn / Symphony No. 4 in A, Op. 90 (“Italian”)

+ Mendelssohn / Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64

+ Gavilán / Guaguancó

+ Lecuona / La Comparsa

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

(Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis)

Beyond the Stage: Join us for a free pre-concert discussion by Sharon McDaniel at 12:45 p.m.

 

November 13-18, 2012

+ Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8 p.m.

+ Wednesday, Saturday – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

+ Sunday – 2 p.m.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

(Kravis On Broadway)

Based on the hit DreamWorks film and the incredible true story that inspired it, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is the high-flying, splashy new Broadway musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer — living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

(Sponsored by BMO Private Bank)

Beyond the Stage: Join us for a free pre-performance discussion by Jason Gillman and Jacqueline Bayne at 6:45 p.m. and a free musical presentation in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby at 7:15 p.m. on Nov. 13.

 

November 17 – 7:30 p.m.  (Saturday)

BélO

On Tour as Part of Center Stage℠

(P.E.A.K. – Provocative Entertainment at Kravis – Performance)

Haiti’s acoustic innovator and social activist channels his home’s deep and diverse Afro-Caribbean roots with catchy, reggae-inflected songs and R&B soul. BélO’s punchy, energetic vibes served up in Creole are a perfect fit for the dance hall or concert stage. “His mix of reggae with jazz and slicker pop has made him a star both at home and in Europe.” says the New York Daily News

Gosman Amphitheatre

Tickets $15

(P.E.A.K. – Provocative Entertainment at Kravis – is made possible by a grant from the MLDauray Arts Initiative in honor of Leonard and Sophie Davis)

 

November 21 – 8 p.m.  (Wednesday)

Pandora Unforgettable Moments presents

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis

Get an early start on your “holiday mood” when Mannheim Steamroller brings its Christmas tour to the Kravis Center. Created by Chip Davis, Mannheim Steamroller’s signature sound is where classical and modern-day rock, acoustic and electronic music meet. Celebrate the spirit of the season with the “18th century rock band” that has become one of the biggest-selling adult contemporary/new age music groups of all time with over 40 million records sold, 20 million in the Christmas genre alone.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

 

November 23 – 8 p.m.  (Friday)

Clay Aiken Holiday Show

When American Idol’s Clay Aiken belted out his touching 2003 rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” he won over the hearts of millions. Now, nine years later, he has gone on to play to standing-room-only concerts, sold more than six million albums, penned a New York Times bestselling memoir and starred on Broadway in Monty Python’s Spamalot. His family-friendly Christmas concert will be filled with holiday classics, including many from his platinum album Merry Christmas with Love. He will be accompanied by an orchestra.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

 

November 24 – 8 p.m.   (Saturday)

St. Lawrence String Quartet

Geoff Nuttall, Violin

Scott St. John, Violin

Lesley Robertson, Viola

Christopher Costanza, Cello

(Regional Arts Concert Series)

The Baltimore Sun proclaimed, “Folks convinced that they hate chamber music should spend a couple hours with the St.

Lawrence String Quartet. The conversion rate would surely be

high. This group backs up impressive technical skills with a level of

infectious enthusiasm, not to mention an ability to communicate.”

The illustrious Canadian ensemble returns to Regional Arts with a

centennial salute to the superb English composer Benjamin Britten

(born 1913).

+ Haydn / String Quartet in D minor, Op, 76, No. 2 (“Quinten”)

+ Britten / String Quartet No. 2 in C, Op. 36

+ Dvořák / String Quartet No. 14 in A-flat, Op. 105

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

(Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis)

Beyond the Stage: Join us for a free pre-performance discussion by Sharon McDaniel at 6:45 p.m.

 

November 25 – 8 p.m.  (Sunday)

Dave Koz Christmas

With Special Guests Sheila E., David Benoit, Javier Colon

And Introducing Margo Rey

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2012, a cherished holiday tradition marking its 15th anniversary, is an uplifting, high-energy show the whole family will love. Get into the holiday spirit as some of music’s biggest and brightest names jam on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites, led by multi-Grammy® nominee and saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz. Koz’s latest record, the Grammy® nominated Hello Tomorrow, features the chart-topping hits “Put The Top Down” and “Anything’s Possible.” He also has released three classic holiday albums.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $20

 

November 28 – 8 p.m.  (Wednesday)

Idina Menzel

Broadway powerhouse Idina Menzel – the Tony® Award-winning “Elphaba” from the international blockbuster Wicked – will be accompanied by a symphony orchestra. With a diverse repertoire of classic pop, musical theatre favorites (including hits from Wicked and Rent) as well as songs from her album Live: Barefoot at the Symphony, Idina Menzel demonstrates why she  is one of the great vocal performers of our time.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

Beyond the Stage: Join us for a free musical presentation in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby at 7:15 p.m.

 

About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work; and by providing economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. 

 

The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL.  For more information, please call 561-832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

 

For Photos:

To download accompanying images or video, go to the Kravis Center’s online pressroom at http://pressroom.kravis.org.

 

To view the Kravis Center Season Brochure, visit  www.kravis.org/brochure

 

Media Contact for Interviews:

Gary Schweikhart

PR-BS, Inc.

561.756.4298

gary@pr-bs.net

 

October, 2012 – The Everglades

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October, 2012 – The Everglades

Living Greenbryan-hayes

The Everglades . . . a Wetland of International Importance

By Bryan Hayes

Do you ever wonder about all of the nuances in our daily life that pass us by without us even noticing half the time?   There is literally something going on all around us all the time, and most of the time, we don’t even realize it.   Florida itself has a wealth of biodiversity that is easily taken for granted.

Take for example, The Everglades.  The Everglades National Park is one of only three places on Earth to be named as a Wetland of International Importance, a World Heritage Site, and an International Biosphere Reserve.   It is also the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

Part of what makes the national park so magnificent is all the wildlife it sustains.   While the Florida panther is a quite common name thanks to the hockey team, in reality it is one of 36 protected or threatened species that make their home in the national park.   Today there are fewer than 100 Florida panthers left in the wild.

The ecosystems that make up the national park are very delicate.  You may have heard lately about the problems of the python population that was introduced into South Florida.

Florida has ecosystems not found in 47 states.  South Florida has more exotic non-native fish, reptiles, birds, and even plants than most

other states.  The damage some of these can cause can, and does, upset the natural balance of the environment.

 

We may not notice these changes, or how detrimental they may be, just like when we walk out the front door every day to thinking that everything looks the same.   On the contrary, life is always changing.   Affecting one ecosystem, affects others in kind.  What we often overlook is just how valuable each of these is and how fortunate we are to have such natural wonders like the Everglades National Park.  

The old adage that we do not notice it until it’s gone is appropriate for the world that we live in and all that surrounds – and supports us.   Each species, every native plant, and all of the animals play an important part collectively in sustaining what we currently have at our disposal in terms of our environment.  The biodiversity that Florida offers is quite extraordinary, and part of what makes Florida unique.

There are so many other places within Florida, and even right here in Wellington that offer such natural beauty.   Within that beauty, is a world of ecosystems unto themselves. Each one is unique in their own way and provides so much than merely something nice to look at. And do not limit yourself to the Everglades National Park, but check out the other parks in the area too.   Feel free to send me an email with your experiences and any historical information that may not be readily available regarding the Everglades. I’d love your input!    

Bryan Hayes is an actor, amateur photographer, business consultant and full-time lover of all things living.  To check out more from Bryan Hayes, please visit his blog at:http://outofthehaze.wordpress.com/.

 

 

 

October, 2012 – Hanley Center Foundation’s Mangrove Group

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Hanley Center Foundation’s Mangrove Group

Miniature Golf Outing

October 25, 2012

6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

 

WHO: Young professionals are invited to participate in Hanley Center Foundation’s Mangrove Group

 

WHAT: Join the Hanley Center Foundation’s Mangrove Group for an exciting night out with friends and area young professionals at Putt’n Around in Delray Beach.  The evening will include a round of miniature golf, hors d’oeuvres and a raffle drawing.

 

WHEN:  October 25, 2012 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

 

WHERE: Putt’n Around Delray Beach

350 NE 5th Avenue (Federal Highway)

Delray Beach, Florida 33483

 

WHY: The Hanley Center’s Mangrove Group was created to give local, young professionals an opportunity to become proactive in the fight against addiction, and help support the Hanley Center Foundation. More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MangroveGroup.

 

HOW MUCH: $20 per person. RSVP by October 23rd or guests can pay at the event.

 

GENERAL INFO: For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MangroveGroup or contact Kelly Colamarino at kcolamarino@hanleycenter.org or 561-841-1048. 

September, 2012 – Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Receives National Education Grant from The Broadway League

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Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Receives National Education Grant from The Broadway League

 

$5K Grant Will Enable Students from U.B. Kinsey Elementary School in West Palm Beach to Attend National Touring Production of MARY POPPINS (Jan 29-Feb 3) & Create and Perform Their Own Show

 

(West Palm Beach, FL – September 25, 2012)  For the third year in a row, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has been named a recipient of the 17th Annual National Education Grant from The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry.

 

These grants are intended to support inspired and inventive programs for a wide range of students to experience and understand Broadway performances as a form of artistic expression and a powerful educational tool. 

 

The 2012 National Education Grants program presents 10 companies with a grant of $5,000 to help them develop and maintain educational programming associated with touring Broadway productions.

 

The upcoming Kravis On Broadway presentation of MARY POPPINS (January 29-February 3, 2013) will be the focal point of this National Education Grant. The Kravis Center will partner with Blue Planet Writers’ Room to collaborate with 4th and 5th graders from U.B. Kinsey Elementary in West Palm Beach to mine and shape family oral histories for both performance and publishing purposes.

 

The musical MARY POPPINS conveys life lessons to the children through song. Likewise, the elementary students’ stories will reflect their cultural heritage and be celebrated through a storytelling performance and illustrated anthology. The participating students will attend a performance of MARY POPPINS at the Kravis Center as part of the program.

 

MARY POPPINS will be presented at the Kravis Center for eight performances starting in late-January. The other touring shows in the current Kravis On Broadway series include CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (November 13-18), JERSEY BOYS (December 19-January 6), BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL (March 5-10), JEKYLL & HYDE starring American Idol star and Tony® Award nominee Constantine Maroulis and Grammy® nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox (March 26-31) and PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (April 23-28). Subscription tickets to this series are available by calling (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471.  Individual tickets for MARY POPPINS go on sale to the public on December 8.

 

In addition to the Kravis Center, the other recipients nine of The Broadway League’s prestigious National Education Grant in 2012 are the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, WI; Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, NY, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines (Iowa); the Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing, MI; the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville; the Connecticut Association for the Performing Arts in New Haven; the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia; the California Musical Theatre in Sacramento and the Seattle Theatre Group in the State of Washington. 

 

 

About The Broadway League’s National Education Grants:

Since it was founded in 1996, The Broadway League’s National Education Grants program has awarded $750,000 in grants to support the education efforts of Broadway presenting organizations. The League administers this program with generous additional financial support from Theatre Development Fund.

 

During the past year, theatre education professionals at organizations that present touring Broadway productions have worked closely with local teachers and community organizations to create activities that engage young people with theatre and enhance their academic experiences.

 

“We salute our member organizations’ dedication to teaching impressionable young minds tolerance, literacy, peace, tradition, cultural identity, and more via the performing arts,” commented Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League. “Lessons learned through theatre not only educate students about the world at large, but exposure to live theatre creates a lifelong habit of theatre-going.”

 

In addition to the National Education Grants program, The Broadway League also administers similar grants for education programs affiliated with Broadway productions in New York City each year.

 

Founded in 1930, The Broadway League is the national trade association for the Broadway industry.  The League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 200 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry.  Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit www.broadwayleague.com.

 

 

About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work; and by providing economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, please call 561-832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

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