Vox Pop Influentials - May / June 2009

CENTRAL VALLEY’S VOICE OF THE PEOPLE - INNOVATIVE, INSPIRATIONAL, INSIDE MAGAZINECENTRAL VALLEY’S VOICE OF THE PEOPLE - INNOVATIVE, INSPIRATIONAL, INSIDE MAGAZINEVol. 4 Issue 3 May/June 2009 www.voxpopinfluentials.com US $3.50

ExclusivE intErviEw: jEff EbEnDon’t Know Him? read His story and You May never forget Him. want to worry less? Harvey Mackay Has the solution

Do You Know someone that snores? Of course You Do!

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2 VOX POP Influentials

[ froM the pUblISher’S deSk ]

I just returned from a vacation abroad, and boy did that experience put things in perspective for me. When I return home from any visit to a foreign country, I am very thankful for the little things in life we all take for granted.

rather than talk about the deficit for the current U.S. budget year rising by $89 billion to $1.8 trillion, or the economy performing less than expected with the government borrowing almost 50 cents for every dollar it spends, I want to relay in this letter some of the things that I appreciate most about where we live and what we do daily that makes a real difference. Certainly, Jeff eben, our featured Influential this month has been able to accomplish this, given his extenuating circumstances, so why can’t I?

While we were on vacation the Swine flu broke out, so naturally the european television stations covering this event, including CNN, the bbC, and other networks reacted as if the world was coming to an end. (I guess there are a few more Chicken littles out there than I imagined.)

Gas was expensive, priced at $1.35 per liter. Converted that meant a gallon of regular grade was about $5.13. thank goodness our rental car had a small 2 .0 liter engine. Since the U.S. dollar was not very strong against the euro, we paid about a third more for our purchases also. Considering all this and the fact that I was escaping the daily grind at the office for a few weeks, it was still worth it to me.

Upon my return home I wasted no time in getting my boat on lake kaweah in anticipation of landing a few nice rainbow trout for a weekend barbeque. As my buddy and I ventured up from lake kaweah to the kaweah river near Slick rock, I was thankful for the warm breeze, the full-to-capacity lake and rapid inflow of water from fresh snowmelt a few hours upstream. the trout were calling my name!

little did I know on that particular day that my U.S. Coast Guard approved type IV personal flotation devise (throwable pfd) would be put to the test after years of sitting idle at the side of my helm chair. I used it that day to help two young teenage boys who dove into the river and got themselves into trouble as they were swimming across the seemingly innocent, but very cold, turbulent water. As fate would have it, one of these crazy kids was also wearing high top sneakers, which immediately became heavy waterlogged weights on his legs the moment he dove into the water.

As a volunteer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary I always am aware of water safety issues. I only hope that every boater reading this is aware of two important laws that require them to have at least one, U.S. Coast Guard approved (and appropriate sized) wearable pfd (personal flotation devise) for each person they have onboard, and then another throwable type IV pfd nearby.

While my trip to europe may not have been timed just right, given the Swine flu, gas prices and the value of the U.S. dollar, my fishing trip upon my return was timed just right. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and timing is everything.

have a safe summer and remember to wear your life jacket while boating. And never try to swim in cold turbulent river water, no matter how inviting it looks. this is sure to result in certain tragedy if you do.

r.J. latronico, publisher

Publisherr.J. latronico

creative DirectorJennifer lingard

contributorsAlana Unger, harvey Mackay, kurt eichsteadt,

david hummerickhouse, ddS

contact informationVoX pop Influentials

Volume 4 Issue No. 3 May/June 2009

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throwable Devises and Other things we take for Granted

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cOntEntsMAY/junE 2009

from the publisher’s desk[2] Summertime is here so enjoy, but be careful.

Wealth & finance[6] there are plenty of things to worry about these days, but does worrying help with any of them? harvey Mackay tells us how not to worry so much.

[9] rich people Who Made It and What they did With It: VpI contributor kurt eichsteadt reveals how the dreyfus Corporation fund was able to return 604% to its investors from 1953-1964. dreyfus, who died earlier this year at the age of 95, continued going to his office everyday well into his 90s.

health & Wellness [11] Alana Unger asks the age-old question: Are You Getting Your fill of fiber? read this and find out ways to pump up your overall health rating while keeping your digestive tract moving.

[29] david humerickhouse relates a very personal story about what could be a very serious medical condition.

Wine Wisdom [13] It’s time for a refresher course in summer wines and VpI has just what the doctor ordered — a wine for almost any time.

Vox pop Connect[26] It’s father’s day soon. Are you celebrating this holiday? Maybe you should be.

entertainment[28] In these tough times, every penny counts! We’ll tell you about dVds worth renting or buying.

feAtUre

jeff Eben: How Many wins Have You Had today?

Jeff is not like any other husband, father, teacher,

coach, administrator, author or nationally renowned

speaker you may know. his story is about a life

long journey of faith, hope and love following a

tragic accident in 1977 that left this man, at the age

of 16, a paraplegic.

[19]

oN the CoVer


Make Sure Your Worry Makes Sense

There are plenty of things to worry about these days: your job, your 401(k), your kids’ education, and your mortgage.

Does worrying really help with any of them? Worrying can be a productive way to stave off problems, but it also can make the original problem seem even worse.

Here’s an exercise recommended by Robert L. Leahy, director of The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, which can help you understand the difference between productive and unproductive worry: Imagine that you are on trial and facing 20 years in prison. You’ve hired a lawyer, and you’re praying she’s going to be able to help you. She leans over and says, “Don’t worry. I never do. I never worry about a thing. Instead, I just try to think positively.”

Now ask yourself: “Is this the person I want representing me? Someone who doesn’t worry about anything – not even what’s going to happen to her client?” The answer, of course, is a resounding no. You want a lawyer who’s going to worry over details – cover everything that needs to be covered, so you don’t end up in prison for 20 years. What you want is for your lawyer to worry, and then take appropriate action so that she is prepared, Leahy says.

Now imagine a lawyer who leans over and whispers to you, “Wanna know my secret? I never prepare for a case – I just worry. It’s why I’m known as such a great attorney. All I do is worry. As a matter of fact, a lot of times I actually worry myself sick and have to go into the restroom and throw up.”

Do you want this person representing you? Again, the answer is no. What you want is an attorney who can help you solve your problems. And that’s exactly what your worry should do for you, says Leahy: help you solve your problems. If it doesn’t, you’re probably participating in unproductive worry, which is unlikely to get you anywhere, except on your way to becoming overly anxious and possibly depressed.

Leahy recommends asking these two questions to keep worry in perspective:

Is the problem plausible or reasonable? If you’re getting ready to take a trip to a national park, for instance, it’s appropriate to worry about getting accurate directions and your car tuned up before you go. Worrying about being shot by a sniper along the way, which is unlikely, is probably a waste of time.

Can something be done about the problem immediately? If you answer yes to this question, then you can probably come up with an action plan to get something done that will alleviate your worry. To continue the previous example: Can you log on the Internet and get directions? Can you get an appointment with a mechanic? As for the sniper, unless you can afford a new bulletproof car and a wardrobe of armor, forget about it.

My good friend Lou Holtz has a sign in his office that reads: “The time to worry is before you place your bet, not after they spin the wheel.”

Lou, as you know, was one of the most successful college football coaches in the last few decades. Lou was known for his well-prepared teams and his demanding practices. He is not known for being a worry wart. He won, and lost, some very close games. Worrying didn’t help him put

points on the board. Like every good coach, Lou knew that sometimes the ball just takes a bad bounce.

Let me share some very simple strategies for dealing with worries that are really beyond your control. Think positive! Take a walk. Turn off the news. Read a book with your kids. Volunteer your time for someone less fortunate. Eat a piece of chocolate. Pray. Visualize your dream vacation.

Then remember the story of the poor farmer who lost his crops to a drought, battled disease in his cattle, and watched his barn go up in flames after being hit by lightning. Somehow, he maintained his pleasant disposition and sense of humor. How did he stand it, his neighbors wondered.

“Well, it’s like this,” the farmer said. “In the Bible, it says, ‘It came to pass.’ But it never says ‘It came to stay.’”

Mackay’s Moral: Your biggest worry should be that you are worrying too much. n

Reprinted with permission from nationally syndicated columnist Harvey Mackay, author of the New York Times #1 best seller “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.”

[ WeAlth ANd fINANCe ]

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Wealth usually changes people. Sometimes people with new-found wealth go crazy with self-indulgent,

self-destructive behavior. Sometimes, they become philanthropic, perhaps from guilt or perhaps from a genuine desire to do good things with their money (see bill Gates).

And then there’s the sad, bizarre tale of Jack dreyfus. he brought mutual funds to the general populace and changed the way Wall Street firms advertised. then, while fighting mental illness, he went off on a strange journey where he challenged the field of medicine. he ended up altering health care throughout the world, but not in the way he intended. he died earlier this year at 95.

bAcKGrOunDborn on August 28, 1913, in Montgomery,

Al, to Ida lewis and Jonas dreyfus, he graduated from lehigh University in bethlehem, pa. he was an amateur golfer who won 18 championships and was an expert at bridge. he owned thoroughbred horses that successfully challenged some of the greatest horses of all time, and was chairman of the New York racing Association. (More about the horses later.)

he married Joan personnette in 1939. After four years, they were legally separated and made the divorce final 18 years later. he had one son, John.

According to the NY times, “At the behest of his father, he eventually joined a Wall Street brokerage firm for $25 a week. he later learned that his father had paid for 20 weeks of his salary in advance.”

HOw HE DiD itby 1951, he began the journey that

would change Wall Street. he bought a money management firm and its common stock fund, later renaming it the dreyfus Corporation fund.

one of his obituaries said dreyfus’ investment philosophy was “buy high, sell higher.” While it probably was somewhat more complicated than that, the fact remains that from 1953 to 1964, the dreyfus fund returned 604%, compared to 346% for the dow Index fund.

While he was running the dreyfus fund, it beat the next best fund by 102%. he influenced investors from Charles Schwab, to fidelity’s edward “Ned” Johnson III, to bill o’Neill who founded Investor’s business daily. the obituary published by Investor’s business daily described his style: “I just saw patterns. the same things happened over and over again.”

At the same time he was changing the way investment business operated, he changed the way the business was marketed. the dreyfus fund was the first fund that actively courted everyday individuals instead of just professional financiers and institutions.

Until Jack dreyfus, Wall Street advertising was straight-laced. his was the first mutual fund to offer a retail advertising campaign. his first campaign featured animal cartoons and one had Christopher Columbus as “America’s first Speculator.” he also created one of the most iconic television commercials of all time featuring a lion coming out of a Wall Street Subway Station. (he called himself ‘the lion of Wall Street” in the 1966 book he wrote.) he also published a full color prospectus tucked inside the New York times.

he retired from the fund in 1965 with a net worth of $100 million (worth $500 million today). he continued to go to the office everyday well into his 90s.

Along the way, he raced horses that he bred and trained at hobeau farm, a 2,200 acre property in ocala, fl. (he sold it in 2005 for $12.8 million). there were some big-time ponies, too, beau purple defeated kelso in the Man o’ War Stakes at New York’s belmont park in october, 1962; onion, which defeated the fabled Secretariat in

the Whitney Stakes in August, 1973; prove out which also defeated Secretariat in the Woodward Stakes in September, 1973; and handsome boy, which defeated buck passer in the brooklyn handicap in July, 1967.

Unfortunately, as is often the case, even fabulous wealth does not solve all the problems or ensure happiness or contentment. even during the times of wild success in the 50s, he was dealing with depression.

traditional treatments were unsuccessful and he later said he had a dream that his problems were caused by having “too much electricity in his body.” In his autobiography, he wrote that he asked his doctors to prescribe dilantin (also know by its generic names diphenylhydantoin and phenytoin). this is an anti-epileptic drug. he said it cured

rich people Who Made It … and What they did With It

[ WeAlth ANd fINANCe ]

kUrt eIChSteAdt cOluMnist

jAcK DrEYfus: the Don Quixote of Dilantin/the lion of wall street

AnD tHEn, sOMEtHinG cOMPlEtElY DiffErEnt

“My advice to the unborn is, don’t be born with a gambling instinct unless you have a good sense of probabilities.” - Jack Dreyfus

wHAt HE DiD witH it -HOrsE rAcinG


him almost overnight. this is an off label use of the drug - the practice of a physician prescribing a drug for a purpose different from that approved by the fdA. Needless to say, the fdA has worked to prevent companies and individuals from publicizing off label uses of drugs.

Getting fdA approval using dilantin to treat depression became dreyfus’ mission in life, which ultimately was unsuccessful. he spent many of his remaining years meeting with agency officials, senators and even presidents (Nixon and regan) and spending $2 million on ads.

then there were some bizarre and possibly illegal actions. In 2000, there were published reports that dreyfus gave dilantin to president Nixon. Some Nixon aides, and patricia Nixon Cox, the former president’s daughter said it was unlikely. In 2001, it came out that dreyfus donated $250,000 to oklahoma Gov. frank keating during the 1990s and that keating set up meetings with state and federal officials about the drug. later, while saying he did nothing wrong, keating returned the money.

the food and drug Administration has never approved the drug to treat depression. dreyfus died this past March in Manhattan at the age of 95.

lEGAcYAlthough his efforts to make dilatin available for depression

were unsuccessful, after he sold the dreyfus fund in the ‘70s, he established the dreyfus health fund with more than $100 million of his own money. Its goal is to be a catalyst for better health worldwide by helping empower communities and individuals to create change. they have provided assistance to more than 20,000 better health projects helping more than six million people in more than 30 countries, including the United States.

It’s ironic. he spent so much time and money unsuccessfully trying to change the world of medicine in his battle about dilatin. And yet one of his legacies is the dreyfus health fund, which had

nAnd yet one of his legacies is the dreyfus health fund, which had an impact on the health of millions of people all over the world. n

bOOKs bY jAcK DrEYfusThe Story of a Remarkable MedicineA Remarkable Medicine Has Been OverlookedThe Lion of Wall Street

have you been keeping your fat intake down, limiting your sodium, and trying not to overeat carbs? have you remembered, in all of these restrictions, to make sure you’re filling up on fiber? don’t get so bogged down trying to cut things out of your diet that you neglect to add in this important factor for overall health. fiber is an indigestible complex carbohydrate found only in plant foods such as whole grains, breads and cereals, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Making your diet more plant-based with these food choices will up your fiber intake and your overall health rating.

fiber helps bowel function and •can help prevent or reduce chronic constipation, diverticular disease, and hemorrhoids.

fiber is important in lowering your •risk for some cancers, such as colon cancer.

fiber helps lower cholesterol and •reduce your risk for heart disease. New studies are also seeing a link between fiber intake and lowered blood pressure; another must for a healthy heart.

fiber slows absorption of •glucose into the blood stream, preventing large blood glucose and insulin spikes.

fiber can help you stay trim. •Some fiber-rich foods take longer to chew, helping you eat less. high fiber foods often replace high fat foods. the bulk from fiber helps he bulk from fiber helps you feel full longer. fiber is not digested, so it’s not fattening!

wHAt tYPE Of fibEr sHOulD i EAt?

does it make a difference what type of fiber you eat? there are specific health benefits attributed to insoluble fiber and benefits known to be related to soluble fiber. however, many foods have a mix of both soluble and insoluble fibers.

New research is indicating that the benefits of fiber are not necessarily split between the two fibers as once thought. It is likely that the combinations of both fibers are contributing to all of the health improvements. Always choose a variety of high fiber foods daily. It should also be noted that you should not rely on fiber supplements. the other nutrients offered in fiber-rich foods are large contributors toward the health benefits of a high fiber, healthy diet.

insoluble fiberdoes not dissolve. “Nature’s •broom,” “roughage”. helps keep digestive tract moving.

Whole grain products, brown •rice, couscous, wheat/corn bran, nuts, many vegetables (ex: green beans, celery, potatoes), skins of fruit and root vegetables.

soluble fiberbecomes “gummy” as dissolves. •binds to fat in the body, helping decrease (ldl) cholesterol. Also helps regulate blood sugar by slowing the absorption of glucose.

dried beans, peas, oats, barley, •brown rice, flax, apples, oranges, carrots etc.

CAUtIoN: Wheat fiber contains “phytates”, which may stop absorption of calcium and other minerals if used in excess. Choose a variety of fiber sources.

HOw MucH fibEr sHOulDi EAt?

here are some recommended fiber guides, and an example of how you might meet those needs in a typical day:

Women: 25 grams daily (ex: 1/2 cup All bran + 1 pear + 2 slices whole wheat bread + 1/2 cup beans)

Men: 38 grams daily (ex: 3/4 cup All bran + 1 pear + 2 slices whole wheat bread + 1 cup beans + 1/2 cup carrots)

Adding up the fiber:Increase fiber gradually to allow •your body to adjust. Also drink plenty of fluids to help keep the fiber moving through!

Choose breads and other grains •with at least 3 grams fiber per serving. Many breads, cereals, pastas, tortillas, etc. offer 6 or more grams of fiber per serving.

have beans/legumes as a main •dish or side dish 2-3 times a week.

Up the veggies! Add to pizza, •soups, stir-fries, rice, casseroles, sandwiches, pasta dishes, snack attacks, use your imagination! Aim for 5-9 servings daily.

keep the skins! fruit/veggie skins •are good fiber sources .

Add/substitute whole wheat flour, •bran, etc., to baked products and mixed dishes.

replace white rice and pasta with •brown rice and whole wheat pasta.

look for fiber in new foods, such •as yogurt. n

Are You Getting Your fill of fiber?

[ heAlth ANd WellNeSS ]

cOluMnist AlANA UNGer, reGIStered dIetItIAN

www.voxpopinfluentials.comwww.voxpopinfluentials.comwww.voxpopinfluentials.com 111111

25 38

HOw MAnY GrAMs Of fibEr A DAY?

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[ WINe WISdoM ]

kUrt eIChSteAdt cOluMnist

Pinot Noir works with lots of things from fish to burgers. Best all purpose bet.

Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and mild salsas. Shiraz/Syrah wines are also good with meats.mild salsas. Shiraz/Syrah wines are also good with meats.mild salsas. Shiraz/Syrah wines are also good with meats.

Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and mild salsas. Shiraz/Syrah wines are also good with meats.

Zinfandel can handle a wide variety of red meats, stand up to barbeque sauce, steak sauce and

Merlot, spicier than Zin, works with pork chops, chicken and salads with lighter dressings.Merlot, spicier than Zin, works with pork chops, chicken and salads with lighter dressings.Merlot, spicier than Zin, works with pork chops, chicken and salads with lighter dressings.Merlot, spicier than Zin, works with pork chops, chicken and salads with lighter dressings.Merlot, spicier than Zin, works with pork chops, chicken and salads with lighter dressings.

Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes good with steaks and burgers, especially when topped with strong cheese like sharp cheddar or a blue cheese.cheese like sharp cheddar or a blue cheese.cheese like sharp cheddar or a blue cheese.

Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.Serve Chardonnay with grilled fish (including shellfish) chicken and grilled vegetables.

Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh Sauvignon Blanc works well with herbed marinades and sauces and roasted peppers with fresh herbs and grilled fish with dill and lemon.herbs and grilled fish with dill and lemon.

Summer Wine Time

It’s time for a refresher course in summer wines. We have one new addition from last summer and a return to the 80s for an old favorite. We’ll then review for you our guidelines from last summer.

A popular summer choice is riesling, which is suggested for the basics like hot dogs, burgers and corn on the cob.

the new choice is Gewurztraminer, which is generally not as sweet as a riesling. It usually has more acids so it goes better with food.

(the name Gewurztraminer apparently comes from the combination of the traminer grape originally grown in the

Italian town of tramin, combined with the German prefix “Gewurz”, which means spicy.) It is slightly sweet, so it definitely would compliment something on the spicy side like blackened Mahi Mahi or grilled Cajon chicken with fresh mango salsa.

It’s time to sample lambrusco for summer as well. this is not the old lambrusco. our mature readers might remember riunite lambrusco, a wine sold in the 1970s. It was directed towards sugar-craving Americans. It became a joke, but sold millions of bottles while driving everyone crazy with jingle “riunite on ice, so nice.”

According to Men’s Vogue magazine, production of the sweet riunite peaked in 1984 at 11.2 million cases. the article states the dry lambrusco, which is what we will discuss here, was not even exported to the U.S. until 1995.

that was then and this is now. the lambrusco now available is dry, light, and fresh with fruit and subtle earth flavors. It should be served chilled. It’s relatively acidic, which means that it’s good with foods that are oily or contain mayonnaise (grilled sausages, potato salad, etc).

lllambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a ambrusco is also recommended by a number of wine experts with cold cuts number of wine experts with cold cuts number of wine experts with cold cuts number of wine experts with cold cuts number of wine experts with cold cuts number of wine experts with cold cuts number of wine experts with cold cuts salami, prosciutto, pancetta, sausages salami, prosciutto, pancetta, sausages salami, prosciutto, pancetta, sausages salami, prosciutto, pancetta, sausages salami, prosciutto, pancetta, sausages salami, prosciutto, pancetta, sausages mortadella and so forth.mortadella and so forth.

Another good idea, especially with a Another good idea, especially with a backyard barbeque, is to put some white and red wine out and let your guests decide.

don’t forget sparkling wines, which in addition to being good for celebrations, are refreshing and work well with many types of seafood.

for dessert, Martha Stewart recommends Moscato d’Asti from Italy. It’s light, fresh and perfect with berries, melon, poached pairs, fruit pies, tarts, cookies and custards. Who can ever question what Martha recommends. enjoy and please drink responsibly! n


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Jeff Eben: His “Feel The Love” philosophy has inspired organizations worldwide

Jeff Eben has been victorious over all the No Hopes – the people that believe something can’t be done. His story is an uplifting one and he is an Influential in every sense of the word, thanks to one high school football coach that just wouldn’t leave Jeff alone.

Jeff’s life journey and can-do attitude has become a living testament to the power of hope, the beauty of love and the importance of counting your blessings.

R.J. Latronico:Jeff, you are now President and CEO of the Fresno City & County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

JEff EBEN:That is correct as of January.

Previously, you were the Deputy Mayor of Fresno under Mayor Autry.

Yes, I actually was brought in as of May 2007. Mayor Autry replaced his last Deputy Mayor, so I served the last 20 months with him.

We have a new Mayor now, so you moved over to this post, right?

Yes, there’s a new Mayor and new staff. As a matter of fact I had planned on staying on the team with the new mayor, but this position opened up and it seemed like a great fit, an opportunity to be really in charge of something, so I took it.

I don’t really count being Deputy Mayor as anything really other than a unique opportunity. for twenty-five years prior to that I was in public education. If you ask me who I am, or what I do, I’d answer that I am a teacher and a school administrator.

So, you have 20 years in the field of education, including ten years as a principal. You founded Clovis East High School. What else?

I’ve always been an educator. But I added to it. I’m an author and motivational speaker. Teaching, being Deputy Mayor, and CEO of the Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, even speaking and running my own company, that has always been what I do.

It’s all about a belief system I have and a story that has created the belief system. That’s what I want to give to others. Whether it is kids, people in the city, people I meet traveling around the world speaking about my books, it’s all the same thing to me. It’s all about taking a concept and trying to give it to others.

Let’s now just get a few more details. Are you still involved at all with Clovis East High School?

No. I mean when you are the founding principal it’s always yours at some level. My daughter is a senior there, but for me it will always be my high school.

Does your son attend school there as well?

He graduated while I was principal.

How was that for him?

You should probably ask him that. (laughter) I thought that it was great! But my son is a very serious person. He’s a classical musician. He looks and behaves like a classical musician. Dad is a little bit goofier, so some of that stuff would not always cut the cheese.

He would say that some of my shenanigans were a little bit too much for him. I think in the long run it was good and he enjoyed it. Now, my daughter on the other hand was a freshman then, all of that goofy stuff was right up her alley and she loved it.

I met you at the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in Tulare recently. Do you consider yourself a religious person?

I absolutely do. I look at it like this, if you have been through what I have been through, if you are not a man of faith, you will become a man of faith. Or you won’t make it. This was definitely bigger than I could handle myself.

I read your book and I understand that Coach Bohan was quite an Influential in your life. If he were alive today, I’d also be interviewing him as well.

My life is about telling his story. At times it’s confusing. Sometimes people think that it’s me telling my story, but that’s not right. It’s always going to be about me telling his story. The phrase: How Many Wins Have You Had Today came out of his mouth. He and I were partners for life.

If you had not met Coach Bohan would you be where you are today?

Absolutely not! I would be dead today.

Is that because you wanted to die after your accident?

No, it’s not that I really wanted to die, it’s that I would have died. I would have died, should have died, and Coach gave me an alternative to dying. So I didn’t. Without it I would have gone for sure.

– Interview by r.J. latronico

[ feAtUred StorY ]


In your book you talk about wanting a career in Journalism. But that wasn’t exactly what you did. Was it?

No, it wasn’t. The thing about a career in journalism is you have to be cynical. And I am not cynical, I’m just not, by nature I’m not cynical. In journalism you are literally in a curriculum where they are telling you that everyone lies, everyone is wrong, so expose them. I had no interest in that at all. I wanted to live happily ever after, and I want everybody to be right. That major wasn’t a great match for me, but I have kept the skills and the teaching that I learned.

Are you glad that you got into education instead?

In journalism I learned the writing and questioning process. That has certainly served me really well as a teacher. As an administrator it gave me the ability to communicate, and is absolutely critical now that I’m in this line of work as a public figure. Frankly, it is something that I have used my entire life.

How many speaking engagements on average do you do in a year?

Well, let’s see, I have probably done about ten in the last month. It just depends. If I wasn’t working here full time it could be well over 100 in a year. Because I work full time it’s probably closer to 50–75.

I am back doing the things that I swore when I left education I wanted to really do – go out and speak to people, not simply run to Sacramento one night and then run back to fresno the next.

You have written three books, correct?

Yes, three books.

What’s the title of the most recent book you wrote?

The most recent one is a children’s book entitled: Danny’s A Winner, and So Are You…Every Day! I just finished that book.

You self publish these, is that correct?

Yes. I did that on purpose. When I was researching the opportunities to write, I looked at where it would be best to market the books. By going through a publisher, that was easier, but they got all of the money.

I have never figured out why anyone in Iowa would ever want to read about me, unless, of course, I would be there speaking. So then I just thought, well I’m going to be there speaking, so why not sell some books and keep the money. It made a lot more sense that way.

I don’t know if I’m going to self-publish the children’s book. I may try to market that and deal it out. I haven’t decided yet. I sold over 10,000 copies of my second book already.

OK, let’s switch gears. I have to tell you that I went water skiing this past weekend. I thought about you right before the boat pulled me up on my single ski. I was really motivated to do well, and I did.

Good. I wouldn’t let anything keep me from enjoying it either, if I were you. You got to live, man!

Lets talk a little bit about your accident. You were 16 years old, is that right?

Yes, I was sixteen. It was on Sunday, October 2, 1977 and I had gone up with some friends to Millerton Lake. I went up with guys from my football team. We had a really difficult loss that Friday, so we were kind of moping around. We went up there and I was bound and determined to do what they were doing, you know, that type of thing.

I was watching these guys and I thought I could do what they were doing. They were pretty good skiers. I wasn’t getting up for some reason on one ski. I just couldn’t do it. Then they showed me this trick to get up on two skis. It worked and I got up quickly and easily. I just popped up out of the water. At this point I had been in the water for hours, not even making it remotely close to standing up.

So, when I popped up I thought I got it. I skied around the lake and when I came back they told me to kick my one ski off. I did. I was up on one ski finally. Then the boat started to turn and the rope whipped me around. We were going really, really fast. Then I fell. The next thing I remember was hitting the water head first. I just heard this loud crack. I could just hear bones crunch. I knew immediately what had happened, I mean immediately, I could feel it, and I thought “Oh God I am in trouble here.”

Once my body came to rest, my initial thought was that I couldn’t move. I couldn’t get out of the water, and I was lying face down. I remember sitting there and thinking I’m done, there is nothing more I can do. It was all in slow motion. Your life really does flash before your eyes, it’s true. There was all this stuff going through my mind. It was just like I was dead. Then all of a sudden I flipped over and I was looking at the sky. It’s clear to me now, why I flipped over onto my back, but at the time, I didn’t know why.

You hit some submerged rocks and basically broke you neck?

Yes, three vertebrae, the third, fourth and sixth. I crushed my spinal cord between vertebrae four and five. The doctors fused a bone too. They took a bone out of my hip and stuck it in my neck. They tried to clean up the area a little bit. I think that surgery was successful. It allowed me to get a little return (movement) back. Initially, there was no movement from the shoulders down, but after that surgery I got a little bit more return in my arms.

[ feAtUred StorY ]

jEff EbEn

Jeff signing a book after one of his motivational speeches.


All this when you were only sixteen?

Sixteen, yes. They performed the surgery within the first two weeks of my injury. Before doing the surgery they estimated I had like a 70% chance to live, and 30% chance I’d die. That was a lot of heavy-duty stuff at that age. I then remember going through a period in the hospital with a lot of hallucinations, because I was so heavily medicated. It got to the point where I was completely out of touch with reality, and it was unbelievably scary. At one point I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. When did Coach Bohan start visiting you?

I wish that I could remember that. It seems like it was around the second or third week I was there. I don’t remember the first couple of days, and I don’t remember the psychosis period. Sometime in there, he was there, because I do remember him in my psychosis. I would see him in my visions, so he must have been coming by in those days.

During that period of time he was the person that was most recognizable. When I snapped out of the psychosis I developed a massive bleeding ulcer. My stomach had extended to the point that was unbelievable. They called my mom and dad at four in the morning because they thought I was dying. That was also the time the priest decided to sprinkle water on me. As it turned out they had to punch a whole in my stomach to drain the blood out. It was pretty intense. It’s a lot to handle at that age, a lot.

So, Coach was there for you, what about your family?

My father really wasn’t there for me. He and I did eventually get over it, but much later. We didn’t see each other for over thirty years because of it. I remember that he kind of let me down. My mother was there with my brothers and sister. To be honest with you both of my oldest brothers lived out of town, but my younger brother was there for me. My core circle of friends never left me. They even had a vigil down there.

Tell me what Coach Bohan would do and say to you.

He had this saying: How Many Wins Have You Had Today? I don’t know where he got it, but I think it was from a clinic that he ran. Our team went through it during the school day. There were about twenty-five of us that were either

student leaders or student athletes. This two-day training was all part of the Lou Tice curriculum. The idea was that we never lost in football, instead it was the time that just ran out on us. We didn’t make mistakes, what we did just wasn’t like us. The coach lived it everyday. Now I think it’s called the Pacific Institute. It was all part of this idea of the power of positive thinking.

I didn’t know what it was at the time, because I was fifteen. He had created for himself a life around positive mental pictures. When he visited me in my hospital room, even when I was in traction, I realize now that he brought with him Lou Tice. I didn’t realize at the time, but the concept was the same. He drilled How Many Wins Have You Had Today into me everyday. There was never a low period with him.

Did he irritate you enough that one day you decided you needed to give him a win to get him off your back?

It just was ridiculous. He was relentless. He never got tired of asking me this. I thought that one day he would stop coming, but he never did, and it was always How Many Wins Did You Have Today? I now realize what he did. He made an investment in me and he wasn’t going to lose for anything. He changed my life.

How long were you in the hospital for?

I was in there for about six months. About three months into it I started to think that I was going to turn it around.

What was it like being on the sidelines as a student athlete after you got out?

Life was hard. When you’re an athlete so much of what you do is physical and so much of who you are is being cool and strapping. To return to that environment in a completely different situation than what you left was really a challenge. I was completely like a celebrity though at school, all eyes were on me. The community also really responded to it.

It had its good moments and its awkward moments. It was really touching. Everybody treated me fabulously, but at the same time I was like Oh God, this is so different. Then football season started and it was my senior year. All of my buddies were out there playing ball and I was coaching them. In the thirty-one years now since the accident that was probably the hardest. Not being able to play football with my teammates that fall, watching the guy that replaced me do so well, that was hard. None of that was my life. My replacement even got a scholarship to college. I do miss that piece of my life very much. I did still enjoy it with my friends and they made me a part of it, but it was different.

Was it hard for your family to make the adjustment as well?

It’s a really life long family ordeal.

You mention in your book how a simple task, like going to the bathroom, was not so simple.

That particular piece of the puzzle does dictate my life. I have to plan around that. It changes everything.

You do have movement of your upper body now, right?

Yes, through rehabilitation and exercise. You also learn to compensate. for instance I can’t use my triceps like you would raise your hand up, I just can’t raise mine. (Jeff goes through the motions to attempt to do this).

[ feAtUred StorY ]

jEff EbEn

Jeff with his wife Michelle and children Jared and Noelle.


But I figured out how to do it using my shoulder (Jeff now successfully raises his arms). You just figure out how to do this stuff over the years. You learn how to live life again, how to eat again, how to even hold a cup.

Was falling in love, getting married and having children on your mind at all?

Dude, I don’t know if it was love and marriage but certainly sex and chicks. (laughter). It’s probably terrible to say that, but in the brain of a sixteen-year-old thinking about what you are going to miss…that is huge. You start making deals with the lord and the doctors, how am I going to do this. Those were major issues.

You did meet someone and you fell in love and now you have two healthy kids.

Richard, there are so many things about me that were just so lucky. I am just so blessed. People probably look at me and think that I am not lucky, but in the world that I live in I am really lucky.

Do you think that it was difficult for your kids to grow up with all this? It has come up a couple of times recently. I think that it had its moments for them. My son and daughter have both said that there have been comments that kids made to them over the years. I said to them really they said that to you? I guess that there were more issues than I realized. One issue was that we were living well. I am a pretty high profile person, so they have enjoyed all of the fruits of my success. I was also a high profile person in their world. I was the principal at their school, the motivational speaker and the guy that everyone in Clovis knows.

You mention in the book that as a result of the accident the insurance paid you $200,000. That wasn’t a huge amount of money, but the community also rallied and had fundraisers.

Yes, it was unbelievable. They raised enough money to buy me a special van to drive around in.

Tell me how you became Deputy Mayor of Fresno. That was a few days after you retired from education, right? Yes, that was weird. At that time the speaking engagements were keeping me busy. I was doing really well. I decided to go to the Superintendent of Schools and tell him that I was going to step down. The Superintendent was great about it all and we are still good friends. I wasn’t at all prepared for it when Mayor Autry asked me to be Deputy Mayor.

I had my doubts so I talked to some friends that I trusted for their opinion. It was just kind of bizarre to me, but it also intrigued me. Someone then said something to me that I will never forget. They said very few people get an opportunity to serve at this level. If you are asked to serve at this level you need to serve. Then my mind was made up. So I did it, and I loved it.

You then decided to run for Mayor last year, correct?

That was a lot of fun. Deputy Mayor was a good experience, running for Mayor was a great experience. I learned a lot about this community and the people at that time. I learned a lot about the challenges that people face in fresno. Challenges that I didn’t even know existed because I had never been in that kind of situation before. I will never be able to repay that kind of education. It was an amazing, beneficial experience for me. I would do it all over again. However, the money that you have to raise is a bit of a turn off.

[ feAtUred StorY ]

jEff EbEn

Books by Jeff Eben

Danny’s A Winner, and So Are You...Every Day!

A charming tale of a wheel-chair bound student named Danny and his first day at a new school. The book shows children,

that no matter who they are or what their situation is, they too can be winners.

How Many Wins Have YOU Had

Today?

Jeff Eben’s autobiography that celebrates winning. Injured in an accident at the age of sixteen, this book chronicles his recovery with the help and guidance of his coach, Jack Bohan. With nothing more

than hope, Mr. Eben built a successful career and life by counting his blessings everyday.

This book will leave its readers with the understanding that life’s rewards are best

enjoyed one win at a time.

Leading By The Seat of My Pants

With illustrations by Ernie Hergenroeder, this leadership manual

outlines ten characteristics of the successful leader. This book is meant to encourage future and present leaders to

find the strength to be successful in their own hearts and minds. Using this book, Jeff provides an interactive, entertaining keynote

and/or workshop to help business leaders and their staff to build teamwork and recognize the importance a vibrant

culture has on achieving your company’s financial goals.


Tell me a bit about your Oxford University experience?

Dude, that was surreal. The whole experience was surreal. I was going through the mail and I get this invitation. Since I throw a lot of junk mail away without a second glance my secretary tells me that this one particular envelope was not to be thrown away. She then answers the invitation for me, after we found out that it was from Oxford University in England.

It was an invitation for educators to present their work to the student body. Each year they invite fifty or so applicants to participate. So I decided to submit my Feel the Love presentation. From all the applicants they pick five to present and I was one of the five.

Everyone there was in caps and gowns because that’s how they enroll you. We visited the dormitory where they had put out this huge spread for lunch. There was even beer and wine there. This was surprising to me at lunchtime for the staff to be drinking. I asked if they were concerned about the kids coming in there and seeing the spread and all the adult beverages. They then explained to me that it was all for the kids and they ate like that everyday. I learned very quickly that Oxford had some of the greatest minds in the world there and they treated them like that. I was like, WOW!

We had dinner the next night and they spoiled me rotten. I didn’t even know what it meant when I was told that our host was one of fifty grand sommeliers in the world. I learned later that meant he knew wine better than anyone knows wine. So that whole week was just like this WHAT experience. I was the last guy to do a presentation and they totally dug it. I think they got my feel the Love idea.

That turned out to be the Clovis East High School motto, right?

Yes, it’s a belief system. It’s something that I had to ask myself about as a creator of a culture. I wanted to build something that would last, something that was meaningful and unique. “feel The Love” had to be more than a catch phrase, so we defined it as Confidence, Connectedness & Compassion. As it caught on it created opportunities for me to go out and tell my story. That is what Oxford heard about me before they asked me to present there.

What does the future hold for you, Jeff?

I don’t know. I find myself having more fun in the last couple of years since I left education, than I have ever had in my life. I think that part of it is because I have been given this opportunity here with the Visitors and Convention Bureau and I feel like I am really being rewarded. I am living my reward. It’s my turn to have some fun and still be rewarded. n

[ feAtUred StorY ]

jEff EbEn

Jeff giving one of his motivational speeches.

Jeff Eben Speech Topics:Don’t Let The No Hopes Win

A must for any group or organization, Jeff Eben will take the audience on an hour-long experience that will make them laugh, cry, and reflect. This powerful keynote includes music and provides listeners with tools to help them celebrate their work, team, and corporate climate. This sixty minute investment can change the future of your business, corporate community, and life.

The Heart Of The Leader

A presentation for leaders in corporations, education, and in the community that stresses the importance of creating a culture based on vision, relationships, and a shared hope for success. This is particularly effective for organizations looking to create trust and survive change and growth.

What I Needed For Life, I Learned In High School

For students of any age, an entertaining, emotional look at the importance of learning character, integrity, and friendship in the educational journey. Young people will leave this presentation with hope for their future.

When You Hear The Music Playing . . . Dance

A unique opportunity for galas, special events, etc. Jeff Eben will tell his story through music, video, and an entertaining stage show that will move any audience. This “info-concert” runs about an hour and a half and includes a full band.

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Trying to Figure Someone Out?Try Using This Trick! Use the guide below to help figure out a friend,

loved one, co-worker or even your boss!

Determine when the person in Determine when the person in Determine when the person in question was born, and then question was born, and then question was born, and then simply lump them into one of simply lump them into one of simply lump them into one of the generations below to find the generations below to find the generations below to find out if their actions become out if their actions become out if their actions become any clearer to you.any clearer to you.any clearer to you.

If this doesn’t work, perhaps If this doesn’t work, perhaps If this doesn’t work, perhaps the mystery man or woman is the mystery man or woman is the mystery man or woman is an alien from another planet an alien from another planet an alien from another planet and they have very little in common with the rest of us.common with the rest of us.common with the rest of us.

Silent Generation – (1927 to 1945)

Influenced by the Great Depression, WWII and The Cold War. This generation follows the rules and puts aside personal gain for the greater good.

Shaped by technology, Columbine and the environmental movement. With this generation the lines between work and free time have become blurred. Technology allows them to work at any time from any place.

Millennial – (1984 – 2002)

Baby Boomers – (1946 –1964)

Influenced by the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. These individuals are high profile; they associate with the 60’s. They are achievement oriented and willing to give up personal time to get ahead.

Generation X – (1965 – 1983)

Witness to corporate downsizing and layoffs that affected their parents. First cases of aids, birth of MTV and video games, more cynical than their elders, less willing to compromise happiness for work.


Iaccepted and boy did that make me feel proud. At 22 and at the threshold of her own adulthood, this is one girl that’s

turning out to be everything I ever wanted in a child and more…so far.

June 21st this year is father’s Day and I can only imagine how many men in the world either don’t have any type of relationship with their kids, or the relationship they have is fractured because of something that happened in their lives.

Think about how many kids in this world will never even know what it’s like to have a father or a mother. I guess my wife and I are really lucky with our daughter. She’s our favorite child, our pride and joy. By the way, she’s our only child as well.

Most experts in the field of parenting believe that the root cause of society’s problems stem from the relationships, or lack thereof, between parents and their children. These relationships are forged at an early age in the home.

As a young child with three siblings I remember my own family relationship and many of the things my own dad used to say and do that perplexed me. Now, as a father with several decades of the daddy experience, I understand exactly where my own dad was coming from. Boy, was he a smart guy!

Little things that really didn’t seem like very much at the time turned out to be rather big things, like sitting down as a family and having dinner together. In our household the dinner table was a place where conversation never competed with the television.

My dad also never liked the idea of having a family pet…more specifically, a dog. This one belief perplexed me as a child. No matter how much my brothers and sister begged, the answer was always no. Of course, I was able to have every other kind of pet imaginable growing up: mice, hamsters, gerbils, snakes, frogs, turtles, gold fish, lizards, etc. but not one single canine or feline. I figured out later in life why dad was so strong in this belief. He knew, eventually, that he would be the one that would have to take care of the family dog after the thrill wore off. Some might consider this selfish, but now I don’t.

Now I look back and cherish other little things too, that I did with my dad. When I was ten or so, my brothers were in their teens. That meant that the last thing they wanted to do was help dad with any of the household chores, like hanging the storm windows in the fall on our two-story home, rodding out the main sewer line, tarring the roof, replacing tubes in the old black and white RCA television set we owned, trimming the huge maple tree in the backyard, and even hand-washing the family car.

I did all these things while my two brothers played with their friends. I felt like I missed a lot at the time as the youngest boy in the family, but now I realize I really didn’t. The time I spent with my dad, who is no longer with us, is now a cherished memory. Add to that the fact that I am very capable of handling almost any household chore or repair that comes along. I’m sure to this day

that my two brothers have to call a plumber or repairman much more often than I do. The only regret I have with dad is that just once I wished he would have let me sweep rather than hold the dust pan.

My father-daughter dance this past weekend was part of a wonderful wedding celebration where another father (and mother) had to give away their daughter to a new member of the family – the son-in-law. The thought of having to give away my daughter to another man is somewhat troubling to me. I almost dread the words: her mother and I. That is what all dads eventually have to say the day of the wedding at the altar. I guess I’ll eventually get over that, too. Looking back again to my dear ‘ol dad and mom, they were able to accept and love my wife, so I can also do this with a new son as well. Hey, maybe I’ll finally have someone to help me with my own chores!

So, the next time you feel like your mom and dad are the last people you want to deal with, remember this moral: The parent that you turn out to be is a large reflection of the life your own parents gave to you. If that was a good life, then pass it on to your kids. If it was not a good life then change it, right now.

Lastly, if your parents are still alive simply tell them you love them. It doesn’t have to be on any special holiday like father’s Day or Mother’s Day. Just say it. If you don’t ever do this it might just turn out to be something you’ll regret when your parents are gone. This is one regret that I do not have.

Happy father’s Day! n

[ VoX pop CoNNeCt ]

GuEst cOntributOr rYAN lINer

My Daughter Asked Me to Dance Last Weekend

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Now, more than ever, DVD Diary is important. We’ll only tell you about DVDs worth renting or buying. And in these tough times, every penny counts! This collection includes a masterpiece and some things that are just entertaining. Enjoy! The follow DVDs are in stores or available online soon.

Gran torino , with Clint Eastwood. This is a magnificent movie, with Clint Eastwood at his absolute best as an actor and director. He’s Walt Kowalski, a bigoted retired auto worker living in Detroit whose neighborhood has morphed into an enclave of immigrants including many Hmong. He defends his neighborhood against crime and his prized possession, a 1972 Gran Torino, from theft by a youthful neighbor, whom Walt eventually tries to point in the right direction. It definitely has echoes of Dirty Harry, but it’s in a different time and is much more nuanced. Working with many Hmong actors with little or no experience, he creates a masterpiece. It moves along, but is not rushed and nothing is wasted. This movie should have received at least three Academy Award Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. It lost to Slumdog Millionaire, for picture and director and to Sean Penn for Harvey Milk. It’s hard to quibble with those, but if you watch this picture, you’ll agree that it should have been nominated. The haunting original music was by Michael Stevens

and Kyle Eastwood, one of Clint’s children. One of his other sons, Scott, has a part in the movie as well. Directed by Eastwood. Rated R for language throughout and some violence. 116 Minutes.

intErnationaL, starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts. An Interpol inspector (Clive Owen) and a New York City D.A. (Naomi Watts) combine forces to investigate an evil international bank. (What? Who? No, really.) The brisk pace and the fact that it was filmed all over the world make it enjoyable. There’s a breathtakingly spectacular shoot-out staged in a full sized recreation of the Guggenheim Museum in New York (that’s the round one), which adds to the enjoyment. The film is directed by Tom Tykwerby, who also did a movie called Run, Lola, Run - 81 minutes of uninterrupted action. Tykwerby brings this style to International. It’s a step above a Kung Fu movie, but only because of the production value. It’s not The Bourne Identity, but it’s definitely worth watching. Rated R for some sequences of violence and language. 118 minutes.

BUrn notiCE, SEaSon tWo Burn Notice has no substance, but plenty of style. Great looking leading characters-Burn Notice has no substance, but plenty of style. Great looking leading characters-Burn Noticeman and woman, and sunny Miami locations. It’s the story of some kind of secret agent (Jeffrey Donovan) who gets kicked out (it’s called receiving a “burn notice”) and dumped in Miami. He spends the show trying to find out why he was dumped and survives helping other people in trouble. He’s assisted by the beautiful Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) and his buddy Sam (Bruce Campbell) who helps with the heavy lifting. It’s fast moving, slick and forgettable, but very enjoyable. After it’s over, you don’t remember much, but it leaves you with a good feeling.

DVD Don’t Quantum of Solace, is a James Bond movie with the texture and depth squeezed out of it. Bond movies should be lush and overpower the senses with larger than life villains, magnificent locations, exotic women and Bond, James Bond. This is like Bond-lite. Craig has the goods-he was excellent in his version of Casino Royale - but this just not worth Casino Royale - but this just not worth Casino Royaleyour time or money.

FroM tHE VaULt: Other People’s Money, is a crisp, intelligent comedy/drama about financier Larry the Liquidator (Danny DeVito), who attempts a hostile take over of family held business owned by Gregory Peck. A fascinating clash about the duty to stockholders vs. keeping a business alive along with the jobs for the people who work there. A great subplot is the romantic interaction between DeVito and Penelope Ann Miller. 103 minutes. Nothing offensive, but kids probably will be bored.

DvD Diary

[ eNtertAINMeNt ]

DvD DiArY

BUman and woman, and sunny Miami locations. It’s the story of some kind of secret agent (Jeffrey Donovan) who gets kicked out (it’s called receiving a “burn notice”) and dumped in Miami. He spends the show trying to find out why he was dumped and survives helping other people in trouble. He’s assisted by the beautiful Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) and his buddy Sam (Bruce Campbell) who helps with the heavy lifting. It’s fast moving, slick and forgettable, but very enjoyable. After it’s over, you don’t remember much, but it leaves you with a good feeling.

Gran torinoand director. He’s Walt Kowalski, a bigoted retired auto worker living in Detroit whose neighborhood has morphed into an enclave of immigrants including many Hmong. He defends his neighborhood against crime and his prized possession, a 1972 Gran Torino, from theft by a youthful neighbor, whom Walt eventually tries to point in the right direction. It definitely has echoes of actors with little or no experience, he creates a masterpiece. It moves along, but is not rushed and nothing is wasted. This movie should have received at least three Academy Award Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. It lost to watch this picture, you’ll agree that it should have been nominated. The haunting original music was by Michael Stevens

and Kyle Eastwood, one of Clint’s children. One of his other sons, Scott, has a part in the movie as well. Directed by Eastwood. Rated R for

F(Danny DeVito), who attempts a hostile take over of family held business owned by Gregory Peck. A fascinating clash about the duty to stockholders vs. keeping a business alive along with the jobs for the people who work there. A great subplot is the romantic interaction between DeVito and Penelope Ann Miller. 103 minutes. Nothing offensive, but kids probably will be bored.

Kurt A. EicHstEADt


zz z z z z z z z z

surprise job. Getting caught in the middle of a TP job certainly wasn’t cool. But you know how it goes — especially with a group of giddy teenage girls. Add to that a secret mission with a little bit of risk and it doesn’t take much to set them off. The more they all tried to be quiet the harder it became. finally, it was just too much, and they scattered off laughing and screaming as they ran away up the street.

You see, their plans never considered the possibility of encountering any wild animals during this TP job. Well, not that they really DID run into wild animals but, it sure SOUNDED like they had. The loud snores coming from that open window on the front of the house certainly made it sound like they happened upon the den of a hibernating bear inside. As they briefly worked, or so the story goes, the sounds became louder and more desperate. The sounds would get loud and then quiet; starting and stopping and changing in tone. Nobody expected such a concert! Why, they could hear it clear out into the street! And as one girl began to giggle, so did another, and another, until they were all overcome and infected with hysteria. I could only imagine the scene. As time went on, the story became part of the lore in the Humerickhouse home of my Dad’s remarkable snoring ability. Sometimes I wonder how in the world my Mom managed through it all.

z z z z

Oh, No, Pat thought to herself. Now, what do we do? We’ll be “busted” for sure!

“Tell them to keep quiet,” Pat said in a loud panicked whisper to some of the other girls.

But the snickers, choking, and snorts from unsuccessful attempts at suppressed laughter were just too much for any one of them to contain. The warm summer night had imposed the need for the windows to be left open wide on this house tonight. It was a typical home in this suburb of San Diego. few houses actually had any air conditioning here. Usually A/C wasn’t necessary in this climate. But today was hot and the heat was lingering on into the night.

This particular evening, my sister’s friends had decided to honor her with an exquisite “TP” job — one that would make a statement with the use of inordinate amounts of toilet

paper to decorate every tree and shrub in the yard and then garnish the lawn with additional strips throughout. The only problem however, was that most of the squad was now laying around on the lawn desperately trying not to burst out in raucous laughter and ruin the

Snoring is the result of vibration of the soft palate in back of the mouth and the uvula (that funny little thing that also hangs down in the back of your mouth). Irregular airflow through the nose and mouth is often caused by partial or complete blockage that is the result of throat weakness, a jaw that is malpositioned too far back, being overweight — which results in fat gathering around the throat and narrowing the airway, or an obstruction in the nasal passageway, just to name some of the more common reasons. Socially, snoring can result in annoyance to those also trying to sleep within earshot of the snorer. Just as a snorer, with obstruction, may suffer from sleep deprivation, daytime fatigue, and irritability, studies have also demonstrated that those around snorers can also suffer the same effects and at the same degree. I guess we might call that “second-hand snoring!”


cOluMnist dAVId hUMerICkhoUSe, ddS

z z z z z z z z z z z z z zsnoring - 50% of us Do it, no One Admits it’s a Problem!

GettInG CauGht In the mIddLe of a “tP” Job CeRtaInLy wasn’t CooL.

take much to set them off. The more they all inally,

it was just too much, and they scattered off

the story goes, the sounds became louder

and changing in tone. Nobody expected such a concert! Why, they could hear it clear

Common symPtoms of sLeeP aPnea

excessive daytime sleepiness

waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep

morning or night headaches

heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night

swelling of the legs if you are obese

Getting up during the night to urinate

sweating and chest pain while you are sleeping


A more significant sleep disorder is something called obstructive sleep apnea. from a healthcare point of view, obstructive snoring and sleep apnea is significant. Common symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, and sleepiness during the daytime. Sleep apnea occurs when the snorer stops snoring and a period passes when no air exchange occurs – but it is evident that the person is still trying to breathe. The chest may still struggle to rise and fall but without the sound of any actual air exchange. This is because the person’s airway is literally blocked. When the person’s breathing does start again, there is typically a deep gasp, and then the resumption of snoring.

Diagnostic tests usually involve a sleep study performed in a sleep lab or clinic. Some research studies show a significant risk between snoring and heart attack and an even higher risk of stroke. One resource states that loud snoring is associated with the development of carotid artery atherosclerosis and the risk of stroke.

Another 1998 study on mortality rates shows that over a 9-10 year period, all those with an apnea index (the average number of apneas-hypopneas/hour of sleep) less than 20 were still living. Of those who had an apnea index greater than 20, 30%-40% had died. Men aged 40-50 years who have obstructive sleep apnea have a 3-4 times higher risk of stroke than those whose breathing is not obstructed during sleep. The older you are, the more male you are, the fatter you are, the more likely you are to have obstructive sleep apnea. However, a thin middle aged woman can also suffer from this too. If you have the symptoms, it could be something more than just depression. A diagnostic sleep study is the first step in determining the correct diagnosis. Your dentist can help refer you to have such a study ordered.

After a sleep study is performed and the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is made, the typical treatment first involves the use of a CPAP machine (commonly called “See-Pap”). This Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device pumps a controlled stream of air through a hose to a mask worn over

dAVId hUMerICkhoUSe, ddS cOluMnist


the mouth, nose, or both. Secondarily, dental devices can also be fabricated that help to shift the jaw forward and subsequently move the tongue forward to clear the airway at the back of the throat. Night time clenching of the teeth may also be related to the body’s attempt to keep the airway clear and open.

Everybody who snores doesn’t have sleep apnea. Studies indicate that as many as 50% of the population may snore. However, about 10% of those people have obstructive sleep apnea. The strong correlation between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease and stroke however, should be an immediate cause for alarm and further investigation if you suspect you may have this condition.

Back to my dad. That was an amusing story about him as our snoring watchdog. It’s the type of thing that legends are made from. As I grew older and eventually learned more about some of the potential problems from snoring, I shared some of it with him and suggested that he ask his physician about it. My dad never did have a sleep study done to evaluate it. My mom didn’t seem to be overly concerned either, so perhaps it wasn’t really all that bad anymore. But this last year, I suddenly realized how significant his snoring was when I spent the night with him in the hospital in November. That evening, he was admitted with severe chest pains. As I stayed up and watched him sleep that night, I was horrified to see him experience early morning episodes of no breathing–apnea, lasting from 20–40 seconds at a time, followed by a large gasp of air and a resumption of his snoring and breathing.

It looked like a typical pattern of sleep apnea. I told the physician and nurse attending to him. However, my Dad’s heart was already in a state of failing from advanced, inoperable coronary artery disease. Sadly, time catches up with all of us.

My dad, that joker and prankster, my hero, my supporter, and spiritual role model, the one who was my role model for so many things, and one who loved me no matter what, succumbed to his heart disease a few weeks ago. Mentally, he was “sharp,” conversational and aware of current events up to the very end of his life. His heart simply couldn’t maintain its job anymore.

We all have a limited time on earth and only God knows the exact day of our departure. When a loved one does depart, we all ponder a lot of questions. One of the questions I will always have is how much of a role snoring may have played in my Dad’s heart disease. Could we have eked out a bit more time to enjoy with him if we pursued this seemingly non-threatening nightly occurrence? We’ll never know.

I’d like to dedicate this column to my dear dad. If just one person out there reads this and then convinces a loud, nightly hibernating bear to take action and get a check up, it will be well worth it. Thanks dad for the time we had together, we will miss you dearly. n

men aGed 40-50 yeaRs who have obstRuCtIve sLeeP aPnea have a 3-4 tImes hIGheR RIsk of stRoke…


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