Brickman Blog

Stress, Distress and Redress...

It's always a great idea to give seminars about your expertise for added publicity about your work. Here's a great example by Ric Valentine...

“STRESS, DISTRESS AND REDRESS” FREE PRESENTATION BY
ACUPUNCURIST RIC VALENTINE

October, 2009. Prunedale, CA. Ric Valentine, L.Ac, Wellness Consultant and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner,  will give a valuable free presentation, “Stress, Distress and Redress” on Tuesday, November 10th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Prunedale Branch of Monterey County Library located at 17822 Moro Road. RSVP to (831) 663-0444.

In his presentation, Ric will focus on the health effects of prolonged stress, as well as on the impact resulting from an imbalanced pH. Though these are very common conditions, they are seldom tested for, thus the appropriate treatment for the symptom(s) is rarely implemented. Ric will address the connection between stress and the multitude of conditions that arise due to the resultant adrenal burnout caused by the prolonged stress, which can include weight gain, chronic pain, and many degenerative diseases.  Attendees can also have their saliva tested for acidity levels.  Finally, simple solutions to these problems will be offered.  Complimentary healthy snacks will be served.

Ric Valentine is a graduate of Five Branches Colleges & Clinic Acupuncture School in Santa Cruz. He is also a graduate of Stanford University and Stevenson School. He has practiced acupuncture since 1991 and has attended numerous post-graduate acupuncture and health-related seminars over the past 20 years. Ric works with adults and children of all ages to treat health conditions, including acute and chronic pain relief, stress relief and many other areas of wellness care.

For more information, call Ric Valentine at 663-0444, email ricvalentineacupuncture@gmail.com or check out www.ricvalentineacupuncture.com.

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Invent, Invent, Invent!

I had the pleasure of attending the 3rd Annual Higher Education and Research Leadership Summit coordinated by the Monterey County Business Council and the Competitive Clusters Higher Education & Research Cluster this past week. Check out the website for more information at www.edres.mcbusiness.org I was happy to see the beautiful brochure they've produced that describes the more than 20 higher education and research institutions in the region. A strong believer in lifelong education, I know that these organizations will continue to add to the quality of my life and all residents and visitors to Monterey County. 

At the conference, they quoted Thomas Friedman, the Pullitzer Prize-Winning Journalist who said earlier this year, "We might be able to stimulate our way back to stability, but we can only invent our way back to prosperity."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/opinion/28friedman.html

So here's to all of the great inventors out there and we look to you for fabulous new ideas that will enhance our lives and help us return to prosperity!!! And, when you reading this blog have an interesting new idea that could really work to streamline something, think outside the box and how it might evolve into the next great invention! Go for it!

Educational Resources of Monterey County - A Hidden Jewel!

I am always interested in finding organizations that are providing outstanding resources for our world. Here's one that I've just recently discovered!

If you're in Monterey County, please come by to see this amazing place that provides wonderful, unique educational opportunities for the community...

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES OF MONTEREY COUNTY AT HIDDEN HILLS RANCH (ERMCO) TO HOLD COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE ON NOVEMBER 7TH

    October, 2009. Salinas, CA. The non-profit educational organization that provides “beyond the classroom” learning opportunities for children of all ages, Educational Resources of Monterey County at Hidden Hills Ranch (ERMCO) will be holding a special Community Open House to celebrate their 5th Anniversary at Hidden Hills Ranch, 19014 Pesante Road, in Salinas (2 miles up Pesante Road, turn right just past Holly Hills Road) on Saturday, November 7th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This free event (that will be held rain or shine) will include a complimentary cake and coffee and a tour of this unique educational facility. This special event for the whole family will highlight ERMCO (www.ermco.net), an outstanding non-profit organization in North Monterey which includes 45 beautiful acres, complete with many farm animals, a pond, hiking trails, amphitheater, a teacher and parent educational resource lending library, a variety of educational classes, educational travel, and much more. For more information, call (831) 776-3524 or email info@ermco.net.

Since 2004, ERMCO has provided a wide array of learning opportunities and special events for children of all ages that includes After School and Home School Programs, Farm Days, Living History Days, Tutoring Services, Animal Care Classes (horses, llamas, alpacas, chickens, sheep, goats, cows, donkeys, geese, bunnies, and more), Pony Cart Rides, Fundraising Opportunities, Community Service, Outdoor Science Program, Educational Study Trips in USA and abroad, Local Field Trips, Enrichment Classes, Teacher & Parent Resource Lending Library, Overnight and Day Science Camps, Hiking Trails, Acting Classes, Woodworking Classes, Language Classes, Ceramics Classes, Cooking Classes, Scrapbooking Classes, Lavender Crafts, Horseback Riding and Instruction, and much more. The subject matter ranges from core subjects to enrichment and is available for home-schooled students and all others students.  Other activities at the ranch are camping, movie nights, concerts, hiking, picnics, reunions, and special events.

According to Gayle Comer, Executive Director of ERMCO, “We are pleased to offer a very unique multi-purpose educational facility that offers hands-on learning to students of all ages. We stimulate the love of life-long learning and provide a wonderful environment to further the learning of important life skills and the arts. We welcome meeting more of our community at our upcoming special events.”

ERMCO (a 501c3 organization) is funded entirely through donations, grants, fundraising activities and membership dues, relying on volunteers and the community to keep it operating. The organization’s mission is “Changing Lives…Making a Difference” in order to stimulate a life-long love of learning in children. All donations are tax deductible.
   
For more information, call Gayle Comer at (831) 776-3524 or email info@ermco.net.

Work Less, Do More!

You may belong to professional groups like I do...the organization may be one that publishes a newsletter or perhaps you have a blog. Why not write a book review when you encounter a book that really is special? Here's a great one!

WORK LESS, DO MORE: The 14-day Productivity Makeover
 
Over the years, I have read many time management books and utilized much of what I have learned. However, I was delighted to discover additional valuable strategies in an excellent book, Work Less, Do More.  Time management guru, Dr. Jan Yager, has written a new, current, relevant book that resonated with my life and I wanted to share it with other busy PWN members. I feel I’m currently very productive but always want to carve out more personal time to better balance my life. This well-organized book delves into many areas of our personal and professional lives, including email, cell and office phones, and numerous other tasks that could be managed more efficiently to avoid letting them manage you. I felt like Dr. Yager truly understands the dilemma of the working person in the new millennium and has provided thoughtful proven strategies that will reverberate well with all of us. She offers a step-by-step process and includes useful daily time logs that cover daily tasks, cell phones, office phones, Internet usage and more. Dr. Yager includes helpful priority, action strategies and assignment or project worksheets. She shares  practical ideas that are often great reminders of things you should proactively think about and implement, such as periodically reevaluating your technology, avoiding doing between 9 and 5 what you can do between 5 and 9, creating realistic deadlines, and hundreds of other  valuable tips that are reality-based in today’s world. Check this book out!

Work Less, Do More!

The Fair is in the Air!

The Monterey County Fair is smart to let everyone know their new dates!! Here's the very latest. Like the rhyme? It correlates closely to the artwork which will be shared shortly! The Fair is the ultimate marketing opportunity - creativity and fun and education are valued highly. Can't wait! 

 

"THE FAIR IS IN THE AIR!" THEME CHOSEN FOR 2010 MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR. FAIR WEEK TO MOVE TO LABOR DAY WEEK – SEPTEMBER 1-6, 2010

October 15, 2009. Monterey, CA. "The Fair is in the Air!” has been chosen as the special theme of the 2010 Monterey County Fair, it was announced today, In addition, the dates of the Monterey County Fair will move from mid-August to Wednesday, September 1 through Monday, September 6, 2010, including Labor Day Weekend.

 “The Fair is in the Air!” refers to all of the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that all Fairgoers enjoy during the Monterey County Fair.  The community’s anticipation and excitement always builds until “The Fair is in the Air” during Fair week.

“The community is invited to come out and enjoy a feast for the senses, including delicious Fair food and Monterey County wine, outstanding entertainment, the best of local produce and livestock, educational exhibits, special contests, and much, much more,” explains Kelly Violini, CEO of the Monterey County Fair.  “The Fair features great education, entertainment, and lots of family fun at our beautiful landscaped setting at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.”

The Monterey County Fair dates were moved from mid-August to Labor Day week, September 1st through 6th, 2010, to accommodate the schedule of participants that are critical to the success of the Fair, including the carnival and other vendors. According to Kelly Violini, Fair CEO, “The California State Fair shifted their dates for their 2010 Fair which caused a major impact and ripple effect for other Fairs. We are very excited about holding the Monterey County Fair during the Labor Day holiday period when families can come out and celebrate the Fair together!”

To become a Sponsor of the 74th Annual Monterey County Fair and reach its more than 65,000+ attendees that week, plus numerous other promotional mentions, please contact Wendy Brickman at (831) 633-4444 or email brickman@brickmanmarketing.com. 

The Monterey County Fairgrounds is a premiere event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility. The Monterey County Fair is the 7th District Agricultural Association of the State of California. For more information about the Fair, contact the Fair Administration Office, at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, by calling (831) 372-5863 or check out to www.montereycountyfair.com.

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Mike Beck To Perform at a Delicious Venue - The Ice Cream Shoppe

Why not think outside of the box with your events! Non-traditional pairings. Here's an example! My favorite performer, Mike Beck, of Mike Beck & the Bohemian Saints, will be performing at The Ice Cream Shoppe in Pacific Grove. What could be tastier? Check it out!

“MIKE BECK - SOLO ACOUSTIC” ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND AT THE ICE CREAM SHOPPE

September 17, 2009, Pacific Grove, CA – The Ice Cream Shoppe is pleased to present “Mike Beck: Solo Acoustic” on Friday, October 2nd at 8:00 pm. Popular guitarist, Mike Beck, will be performing at The Ice Cream Shoppe, located at 708 Lighthouse Avenue, (at Congress) in Pacific Grove, (831) 624-9789, The cover charge is $12 at the door.
    
Mike Beck is a popular solo acoustic singer songwriter who lives in Montana and California. He has performed in over six countries, and throughout the United States. Mike is known for his memorable ballads that capture old California, our world today, and the cowboy way of life. His song, “Amanda Come Home” was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition, and is dedicated to all of the women who served in Iraq. Two of his songs were listed in the “13 Best Cowboy Songs of All Time” in the April 2009 issue of Western Horseman Magazine (“In Old California” and “Don’t Tell Me.”) His song, “Patrick” was listed as one of “The Top 15 Roadworthy Cowboy Songs” in the July 2008 issue of Cowboys & Indians Magazine.

Mike Beck’s music (www.myspace.com/reatarecords and www.mikebeck.com) is frequently aired on all four of the popular KPIG Radio stations (www.kpig.com) throughout California (including Monterey/Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Chico and the San Francisco Bay Area) and via the station's popular Internet site. The music of Mike Beck has also been heard throughout the United States and internationally, including NPR Radio, CBC, Sirius/XM and the BBC, among others. Mike provides outstanding shows in bars, coffeehouses, folk clubs, schools, festivals, and at corporate events.
 
Born and raised in Monterey County, California, at age 13, Mike Beck went to the Monterey Pop Festival and liked what he heard. He picked up a guitar and never looked back. Since that time, he has been composing and performing a wide array of folk, rock and Americana music. Mike's songs reflect his life as a professional musician and a working cowboy in the American West. His popular horsemanship clinics have been conducted in sixteen different states and six countries.
 
The world’s only Beatles and Classic Rock Museum and Memorabilia Ice Cream and Coffee Shoppe (theicecreamshoppepg.com) can be found in Pacific Grove, California. The unique, fun, and colorful store is located in the town of Pacific Grove, adjacent to Pebble Beach, at 708 Lighthouse, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (831) 642-9789. It is open 7 days a week from 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM weekdays and until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings. The store is a popular place to stop off and relax after lunch, dinner or the movies. It is also a great location for birthday and anniversary parties, sports trophy award celebrations, and just a great place to visit any time.

Over the past 20 years, owner Gary Ozuna has collected hundreds of Beatles, Hendrix, Dylan and other classic 60’s musician’s unique and rare memorabilia and used it all to decorate his 900 square foot store. There are a wide array of posters, album covers, bobble head dolls, trading cards, action figures, commemorative plates, 45’s, books, photos, and much more. The artifacts on display also include antique children’s books. The store sells a number of Beatle books and Elvis memorabilia.
 
The Ice Cream Shoppe’s dynamic website is theicereamshoppepg.com. Gary Ozuna can be reached by calling (831) 642-9789 or emailing garyozuna@yahoo.com.

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Norman Corwin Campaign!

With all of the social media and PR strategies, this is a fantastic campaign that can be jump-started! Check it out and join in...
Help honor Norman Corwin with the recognition he richly deserves: a Congressional Medal of Freedom and/or the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Why do this? Who is Norman Corwin? He was once a nationally known figure; the greatest writer-director-producer of the Golden Age of Radio. His programs during World War II received acclaim while focusing on the meaning of freedom and democracy. His 1941 show on the Bill of Rights, “We Hold These Truths,” was the first four-network primetime show and included a live appearance from President Roosevelt. That show, which won the prestigious George Foster Peabody award, was one of only six sound recordings selected to be preserved in the National Archives’ National Recording Registry in 2005. The other five? Woodrow Wilson’s 1923 speech (the first electronically-made recording of a radio broadcast), Neil Armstrong’s transmissions from the moon in 1969, Charles Lindbergh’s return from Paris in 1927, General MacArthur’s 1952 “Old Soldiers Never Die” speech to Congress, and Edward R. Murrow’s 1940 London war reports. Wilson, Armstrong, Lindbergh, MacArthur, Murrow and Norman Corwin. Help rectify the erasing of Norman Corwin’s place in American history due, in part, to the witch hunters of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Help honor Norman Corwin before he turns 100 years old on May 3, 2010. He is still with us and hoping that you won’t forget him again.

Visit www.poetlaureateofradio.com to sign the petitions.
Visit www.normancorwin.com to learn more about this American icon.

Musical Marketplace Returns!

Here's another fabulous benefit event at the Del Monte Shopping Center!

13TH ANNUAL MUSICAL MARKETPLACE AT DEL MONTE SHOPPING CENTER CONTINUES EVERY THURSDAY IN SEPTEMBER

August 26, 2009. Monterey, CA. The community is invited to enjoy some Fall Musical Fun that benefits Dance Kids of Monterey County. Beginning Thursday, September 3, 2009, Del Monte Shopping Center to host the 13th Annual Musical Marketplace for four sequential Thursday evenings in September, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M, featuring great music, wine, food, giveaways, and shopping. Delicious food and wine will be provided by mall restaurants and wineries. The 2009 Musical Marketplace events will be held around the Sunken Garden and the Fountain area at Del Monte Shopping Center, and entertainment s include:

Thursday, September 3   8 Second Ride

8 Second Ride is an entertaining, energetic variety band that has performed country, rock, oldies and much more for over 30 years.

Thursday, September 10 Dennis Murphy

Dennis Murphy, a popular vocalist, bassist, and guitarist, has appeared on over 30 albums and is known for his smooth jazz sound (www.dennis.smoothjazz.com).

Thursday, September 17 - Red Beans & Rice

Voted best local band for 10 years in a row in Monterey County, Red Beans & Rice is a blues band that also won the Best New Blues Band in Northern California award (www.redbeans.com).

Thursday, September 24 - Trusting Lucy

Trusting Lucy (www.trustinglucy.com) is a collaboration between songwriters Linda Arceo and Lisa Long who joined musical forces in 2002 to focus their energy to write music that has been described as a "mix of soulful introspective ballads, straight-on hook driven melodic pop and forceful rock tunes sung with powerful distinctive voices and incredible harmonies.

A $10 donation directly benefits local organizations and allows guests to sample cuisine from Del Monte Shopping Center restaurants, award-winning wines with experts on hand to talk about the specific wines each week including Blackstone, Cima Collina, Otter Cove, Scheid, Gatos Locos, Hahn Estates and Paraiso. A complimentary wine glass will be given to all guests. Corporate Kids will have an activity table for kids at each Musical Marketplace event. More information is available on the website: www.shopdelmonte.com

Del Monte Shopping Center features more than 75 unique shops, restaurants and eateries, and a luxury spa and fitness center, plus Macy’s, Whole Foods Market and Century Theatres.  The spacious, open-air shopping center offers comfortable seating, beautiful landscaping, and ample parking for its shoppers.

For more information on store listings, movie times, weekend entertainment, and special events, please call 1-888-I-SHOP-DM (888-474-6736) or visit www.shopdelmonte.com.

Reasonably Priced Family Dining!

It's not often that I find a fabulous reasonably priced restaurant...there are some in Monterey - including Rosines to the specials at The Fish Hopper and Old Fisherman's Grotto but I simply have to share a new "must try" dining spot that we enjoyed tonight! It's the Monterey Cookhouse at 2149 Fremont Street  www.montereycookhouse.com)

I have decided one of my favorite healthy dishes is shish kebob and Monterey Cookhouse has a wonderful $9.95 (which also includes a choice of one of 11 side dishes) Chicken Skewers dish from the wood fired grill, using natural, hormone and antibiotic free chicken/meats. My husband enjoyed a delicious Grilled Salmon dinner tonight, too.

PLUS they have a wide array of other choices - it's quite an enticing menu! From the "Traeger" Smoker, diners can choose from pulled pork, beef brisket, baby back pork ribs, and half chicken. There are cheese enchiladas, tamales, and a wide array of pastas, too. Like meat? There is grilled skirt steak and top sirloin steak, too. Caesar salads, french onion soup, grilled oysters, brisket dip, Cookhouse Fried Chicken, Braised Short Ribs...the comfort food list goes on and on!

I understand their chef was formerly at Clint Eastwood's Tehama Country Club and also the Gardiner's Tennis Resort. His creativity shows!

Here's what they state on the website and it's true!

Enjoy our delicious house specialties prepared from our Wood Fired Grill, Traeger Meat Smoker, or a mouthwatering pizza from our old world Wood Fired Pizza Oven.

"Fresh and homemade” is the hallmark of our cuisine. We don't use artificial flavorings, harmful additives, or instant mixes & sauces. All of our sauces, salad dressings, sorbet, and ice cream are made from scratch.

You can taste the difference!

Reasonably priced family dining with something for everyone.

So, check it out and let me know what you think!

First Text Messaging Contest at the Monterey County Fair!

I've always wanted to know more about the world of Text Messaging Contest and I'm learning now. The Monterey County Fair is having a Scavenger Hunt at the Fairgrounds sponsored by AT&T. Check it out!

http://http://montereycountyfair.com/fair/fair_contest.php

Here's how it works...

Text HUNT to 88202 at anytime to participate in the Monterey County Fair’s Scavenger Hunt by text! 10 finalists are selected daily August 12-15. 40 finalists return to compete on August 16 for the Grand Prize!

Participants receive one clue at a time and a correct response sends the next clue until all five clues have been completed. Spelling must be exact and if the correct answer is submitted, you will receive the next clue.  If your spelling is incorrect or if you do not submit the correct answer, you will not receive a reply from the Monterey County Fair.  All correct responses will be one word, if a response is thought to be more than one word, combine them for your response (i.e. combinethemforyourresponse). All finalists will be given a return admission ticket for August 16. If participants do not make it in the top ten on the day they participate, they may return on subsequent days to compete again for the top ten. The Scavenger Hunt Finals will take place August 16 starting at 2PM, and will include five questions. Again, participants will receive one clue at a time and a correct response sends the next clue until all five clues have been completed. The first person to correctly complete the Hunt will win the Grand Prize! For any questions, please contact our customer support team at 805-995-1170 or email baley@plascenciaprojects.com for more information.