Marriage is a lovely thing. So lovely that I often joke—OK, sometimes demand—that people consider taking the proper steps before they “join hands” in the holiest of matrimonies. Would it not be wise to marry yourself—first? This seems like a no-brainer to me, but the suggestion often generates chuckles—actually, some people think it makes me sound rather “California woo woo,” but hear me out. I propose (sorry, had to use that word) that it’s a healthy thing to consider—to actually toss yourself your own self-marriage ceremony, with or without a lot of people in attendance. After all, if you can’t promise to love, honor and respect yourself—till death do you part—do you really think you’re going to do a stellar job of doing it with another person? But what do I know. After two years of my (self) marriage, my partner and I decided to take separate vacations.
All this may be fun to ponder as you peruse this week’s issue, in which we shine the spotlight on local photographer Rebecca Stark, who certainly has a a talent for capturing joyous couples on their “big day.” Read on—and be sure to check out our Bridal Expo insert, which offers a bevy of factoids and more about what’s unfolding at the Expo at the Cocoanut Grove this weekend. Onward …
Meanwhile, is there a new Gold Rush upon us? Turn to News and discover why the Central Coast may be a potential target for a fracking boom. Thoughts? Send them our way,
Elsewhere, locals may be intrigued about a free six-month workshop dubbed “It’s Not About The Bully”. In it, Dr. Yvonne D. Vermillion hopes to illuminate the effects of bullying and much more, including personal empowerment strategies. Enlightening.
Enjoy this week’s issue and thanks for reading. More soon …
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
ROCK WITH A VIEW
Perspective is everything—as this shot taken in Davenport clearly illustrates. Submit your “square” photos to
ph***@gt******.com
. Photos may be cropped to fit. Check our Facebook page for submission guidelines.
GOOD WORK
Peter Mel Nabs the Mavericks Title
The “Condor” rode it to top honors. Proving that patience may be the most challenging sport of all, Santa Cruz’s own Peter Mel, 43, took home the coveted top prize at the Mavericks Invitational earlier this week after braving eight contests in 14 years. More than 12,000 people were on hand watching the popular competition. Congrats to our homeboy! Check out mavericksinvitational.com for photos and other eye candy.
GOOD IDEA
Reshore (and Retain) Business Back to Santa Cruz
Simple idea: Create it, design it and make it—here. So says local entrepreneur William Ow, who recently wrote, “What I envision would be the retaining of all forms of companies and business to remain, return and want to locate in Santa Cruz. Creative and innovative ideas, concepts, products and companies have had worldwide reach with roots in Santa Cruz.” Send your good idea to
le*****@gt******.com
.
Letters to the Editor
‘Zero’ banter
As a screenwriter I disagree with Lisa Jensen’s film review of Zero Dark Thirty (GT 1/10). I found this film to be a well written, beautifully directed political thriller. It is not easy to make a complex movie like this so concise and enjoyable. Ms. Jensen seems to have a problem with the storyline of the movie and clearly does not like the genre to begin with. That is not the movie’s fault, it is her prejudice.
I found this film to be a great feminist story: a female CIA field agent who believes in herself enough to risk her life and career. It is also an expose into how the government bureaucratic machine fights against its own goals.
As for the midnight Navy SEAL mission on the Bin Laden compound being “standard fare,” it is far from that. It is not a Rambo movie as is implied by the review. It shows the modern commandos not as over-testosteroned hot-dog jocks but intelligent professional tech- savvy soldiers. This movie is filmed in a realism that is graphic. The subject matter is graphic.
Ms. Jensen, this film, like any other art medium, makes you feel something it succeeded.
Jeevan Kracht
Santa Cruz
Desal = good?
What will eventually unravel the push for desalination is the fact that our water supply issues are a regional problem, not something that should be handled autonomously. This is exemplified by Santa Cruz’s coveted Habitat Conservation Planning (HCP). The process itself is stellar, but why are Santa Cruz rate payers bearing the full cost and loss of supply from its outcome? San Lorenzo Water has 12 sources of surface water tributary to the San Lorenzo and Scotts Valley has depleted underflow to Bean and Carbonera Creeks, also tributaries. Neither are forfeiting water or funding.
Jan Bentley
Santa Cruz
Online comments
Regarding “Standing For Peace,” thanks GT for this excellent article that expresses the substance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s contribution to people’s ongoing work for nonviolence and justice. Come celebrate with the NAACP and RCNV and SCCCCOR! Abstract Rude performed Sunday in a hip- hop show with local artists Lisa Taylor and Dementes and M.L.E. Wax, and L.A, artists Zulu the Butterfly and Mozaic One (KTF ent.).
Peter KC
Regarding “Kundalini Rising,” it’s time to bring the Kundalini Yoga teachers training to Maui.
Sat Santokh has been here for Self Worth Workshops for the last three years. Now Kundalini Yoga is out and believe it .. its the only experience to know that you are not your mind. You are your body. Sat Nam.
Ruby Amarsharan
On “Kundalini Rising,” there is a downside to the practice of Kundalini Yoga, but not one that the followers of Yogi Bhajan are going to include in a self-serving tribute to their own means of support. Just ask any former followers in Santa Cruz.
K. Scott
Clarification
Regarding the “New Year of Happy” article and highlighting the unique work of local Grace Sweet, please note that Sweet has been teachiing therapeutic laughter for five years in the mental health system.
