How is it possible that the end of Mayan Calendar is linked to The Hobbit, which, in turn, has shades of religion, which, in turn has something to do with the holiday season? This week, writer Damon Orion attempts to assemble the puzzle pieces in his insightful essay. Learn more about how myth and archetypes have become so embedded into our culture.
And there’s no shortage of other inspiration this time of year. That is especially true when it comes to Santa Cruzan Cassidy Clawson. Jazzed to make a positive difference, the local founded Workaday Media, a volunteer-based nonprofit that generates free web-based career education videos and activities that can be used in high school classrooms
Meanwhile, be sure to take note of “Work in Progress,” which just opened at the Museum of Art & History (MAH). The exhibit offers a candid behind-the-scenes glimpse at the work of artists and historians. Also in A&E, check out our holiday music picks. What made the top of our list? More importantly, what songs are on the top of yours?
Remaining optimistic, I sense we’ll all be around after 12/21/12, so on that note, why not be entertained. Here’s another shout out about the Good Times television show. The taping of our first show— featuring a very special and, yes, famous, local crooner—went very well. We’re excited to take GT to this new level and will definitely expand from the monthly format. Take a peek at 8 p.m. Wednesdays on Community Television (Channels 25, 26, 27 or 71, 72, 73). (Original episodes air the third Wednesday of every month.) Stay tuned for more updates. And be sure to send us tips and feedaback to gt*@gt******.com .
Thanks for your support. And thanks for reading this week’s issue.
Happy Holidays.
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor
Orgasmic? Not Really
After reading about Amy Cooper and her book “Everything Orgasm” (GT 11/29), there are no giggles here, just a whole lot of eye rolling. I find the whole subject curiously tardy. Women, young and old … enthusiastically talk about their vaginas these days in the same way they talk about the weather. Sex in America is no longer the great taboo it once was and even if it were, nearly nobody needs a sex book in Santa Cruz.
Missing from this dialogue is that none of us are entitled to blissful sex, anymore than we’re entitled to any kind of happiness. Anyone that says otherwise is probably selling a book. Except for medical conditions, those that are struggling sexually are likely suffering a litany of other afflictions more related to bad childhoods and wholly dysfunctional living. Of course you can’t fix this with a book, a seminar or a vibrator. And certainly not quickly. Their sexual issues fall in line after a great many other symptoms, including poor self esteem and all the baggage that comes with it.
Like chronically choosing the wrong partner. “Dr.” Amy Cooper hopes to make money by fixing a component, when what is really broken is what it’s attached to. That’s a different book. In the meantime, I will say this: The only time I have ever had trouble with sex was when I was with the wrong partner. You get rid of them. Crude but effective.
By the way—no charge for this!
Steven Arjona
Felton
Online Comments
On Maya Salsedo and ‘The Youth Food Bill of Rights’ …
Food insecurity is finally becoming a recognized issue because of leaders like Maya Salsedo. Good research showing that the food system is broken, controlled by corporate interests at the expense of the planet and low income people. Don’t listen to those who’ll try to tear you down for doing the right thing. They forget that were it not for young organizers like you, we would not have many of the rights that we have in this country and that work is never done and that is democracy. You know the work you’re doing is critical and that you inspire others to become part of change when you model it. I’m proud of you.
—Zoe H.
I am so very proud of Maya, a childhood friend of my daughter. What an amazing woman she has become! How many 20 year olds do you know that have this type of drive and passion and commitment? Go girl!
—Jazmama
Maybe the reason why you don’t see supportive comments is because the people who would post them are too busy actually doing the work that Maya is talking about. Maya you are a true inspiration to your generation!
—Guest
On ‘Hoop Dreams’
So far, things have not gone well. First, the City ponied up $4.1 million, two thirds of our reserve fund for a corporate welfare project that benefits a for-profit professional sports franchise and the Seaside Company. Secondly, there is no guarantee of financial success for the city. Third, the city undertook the largest sweeps of homeless encampments in the history of Santa Cruz in what can only be described as economic cleansing of the undesirables simply for aesthetics.
—Guest
I have been to the area you say was “cleansed”—I feared for my life on those steps at night going up to Beach Hill. The location had nothing to do with aesthetics, if you were at the city council meeting you would know they tried to construct this in many other areas but this was the only one that worked.
—Guest
Holiday Deadlines
GT offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 24 through Tuesday, Jan. 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s. The office will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 2.
