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An Educational Guideto Sustainability and Spiritual Well-beingVol. 1, No. 2 October 2008Also in this issueWhat in the world is happening?ArcosantiAn experimental communityin the Arizona desertPage 165 15Yes! You can recycle thatSignifi cant earth changes will continue and accelerateHelp our planet by reusing things wisely8Spooky or transformational?A conversation about Halloween 25Calendar of eventsA comprehensive listing of sustainable and spiritual events

Claycomb/Rockwell Associates Inc. providedsurvey, design and construction observation oneight school campuses for the Humboldt UnifiedSchool District’s $41 million B-Bondsimprovements in Prescott Valley. Capitalimprovements include additional classrooms,parking, drainage, sewer upgrades, athleticimprovements, bus/parent pick up and drop-offfacilities, boundary/utility/ topo surveys, utilityextensions and general consulting.Claycomb/Rockwell Associates Inc.Leaders in Civil Engineering & Land Surveying• Skilled in the latest technologies—including 3-D modeling and visualfly-bys• Knowledge of Arizona topography, geography and drainagechallenges necessary for environmentally friendly designs• In-house survey team equipped with latest Trimble GPS and TotalStation equipment for all surveying needs• Experienced in construction design and administration for schooldistricts, county, municipal, commercial and residential projectsClaycomb/Rockwell Associates Inc. performed thecivil site design, including roads, water, sewer lineextensions, storm drainage and grading for theYavapai Regional Medical Center—East Campus inPrescott Valley.Below, Claycomb/Rockwell Associates Inc.designed and oversaw the construction ofGlassford Hill interceptor project in Prescott Valley.Below right, Claycomb/Rockwell Associates Inc.designed and oversaw the Gail Gardner RoadExtension and the redevelopment of a PonderosaPlaza Mall—38-acre, 25-year-old mall—into theVillage at the Boulders, in Prescott.• Experienced in engineering streets and highways, drainage and floodcontrol, utilities and infrastructure, land and planning subdivisions,commercial sites, education, medical sites and parks and urban trails• Experienced with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality(ADEQ) requirements and proceedures in obtaining permits andapprovals for septic systems, wells and water systems• Construction services, including administration and daily observationClaycomb/Rockwell Associates Inc.8991 E. Valley Road, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314Phone: (928) 772-0745 • Fax: (928) 772-2008www.clayrock.comPage 2 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

ColumnsCover story:16Arcosanti: An experimentalcommunity in the Arizona desert568912152021222223252931What in the world is happening?Signifi cant earth changes will continue and accelerateGlobal dimming show a real motivatorPlane-free skies following 9/11 gave climate scientist opportunityto analyze effects of contrails on weatherSpooky or transformational?A conversation about HalloweenCreative ways to deal with junk mailThrift store findsThe search is onYes! You can recycle thatHelp our planet by reusing things wiselyNature inspired interior designGreen MinuteRecycling news from far and wideSustainable LivingAn old ally returns for fi ght against global warmingNutrition NewsPopeye knew how to avoid Type 2 diabetesPuzzle pagesCalendarAntiques or JunqueA step closer to self-sufficiency22Vol. 1, No. 2 October 2008ON THE COVER: The apse covering the bronze work area at Arcosanti. The apses are created by piling huge amounts of sand to the desiredheight and shaping it into a dome. Designs are carved into the sand and color pigments are applied. Concrete is then poured over the sand.When the concrete cures, the sand is dug out and a concrete shell is standing. Story on page 16. Photo by Pia WyerPage 10Page 11Page 13by Maya Joy AngelesPage 14Page 20Page 30MovieReviewsby Jason AllenOctober 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 36

The first issue of Earth Odysseywas well-received and we wereflooded with compliments andcongratulations. Commentsincluded:“Your publication is very special and deservesto be seen and read. I want you to succeed.I think this is THE exact time for it.”“Thanks for making and having an avenueto provide such wonderful, useful, andnecessary info for the times in which we areliving.”E-mail us at editor@pinonpinepress.comand let us know what you think.This issue—our second—will be distributedwith the Oct. 1 issue of the ScottsdaleIndependent, in addition to all the outletslisted below. It’s an ambitious undertaking,but we hope it’s fruitful.We are especially grateful to the businessesand individuals who have allowed us to placeEarth Odyssey in their establishments.If you would like to see Earth Odysseysomewhere you frequent, send the locationto us and we will see what we can do.We encourage our readers to patronize themerchants who support Earth Odyssey.Earth Odyssey can be found in the followinglocations:Beaver CreekBeaver Creek Adult centerBeaver Creek Gas MartExpress FuelsCave CreekCave Creek Coffee Company & Wine BarCordes JunctionArcosantiOver the Hill Coffee ShopCottonwoodMt. Hope Natural FoodsOrion Bread CompanyGreen Carrot CafeHealing Arts CenterBackstreet AntiquesFlagstaffArizona Music ProCrystal MagicSacred RitesJeromeFirehouseJerome GalleryMayerBig Bug DepotMesaA Touch of HeatherPaysonBack To BasicsBashas’Democratic HeadquartersFiesta Business ProductsNational Bank of ArizonaPayson Feed StorePayson Public LibraryPlant Fair NurseryRe-RunsRim Country Chamber of CommerceThe Bookstore and MoreVita MartPineThe Crystal Lotus Gallery and Spiritual LifeCenterThe Herb StopPrescottECOSA InstituteGreen Carpet CleaningHastings Books Music & VideoHigh Desert Rain CatchmentHighlands Center for Natural HistoryIntuitive AstrologyMile High Hypnotherapy & ReikiMountain Spirit Co-opOn The MesaPrescott College LibraryPrescott Chamber of CommercePrescott Public LibraryRobert J. Isreal, Prescott’s Green RealtorRaven CaféThe Art StoreThe CatalystWaste Management of Yavapai CountyWild Iris Coffee HouseYavapai CollegeYavapai Metal RecyclingPrescott ValleyAndrew Hicks, D.C ChiropracticClaycomb/Rockwell Associates Inc.Dippin DotsHealing EssentialsPeddlers Pass Old Time Farmers & FleaMarketPrescott Valley Public LibraryThe Honeyman Natural Food StoresSedonaCrystal PalaceKeep Sedona BeautifulNew FrontiersRaw CaféRavenheart CaféRinzai’s Natural FoodsSedona RoastersScottsdaleWhole FoodsSproutsDon’t miss a singleissue of Earth OdysseySubscriptions for mail delivery areavailable at $36 per year. Send name,address and check payable to PinonPine Press to 1042 Willow CreekRoad, Prescott, AZ 86301. Pleaseinclude a phone number.An educational guideto sustainability andspiritual well-beingOur MissionThe mission of Earth Odyssey isto encourage individuals to developsustainable lifestyles and healthierwell-being by providing educationalinformation needed to make wiser choices.We envision an extended communityof individuals who care passionately abouttheir environment and their own spiritualwell-being and recognize the symbioticrelationship between the two.Magazine StaffPublisher/EditorAnn Haver-AllenPhotographer/Photo Editor/Web EditorPia WyerAdvertising Art Director/WriterJason AllenAdvertising RepresentativesBill AllenBonnie WestContributorsMaya Joy AngelesLeilah BreitlerCherlyn FargoJohn HallShawn Dell JoyceAnne McCollamWill McGownSarah McLeanPatricia MelchiJames MoenchJim ParksDominique ShillingPia WyerEarth Odyssey is published monthlyby Pinon Pine Press LLC and is availableonline at pinonpinepress.com.Send comments and suggestions to:editor@pinonpinepress.comOR via U.S. mail to:Editor1042 Willow Creek RoadSte A101-PMB 486Prescott, AZ 86301Phone: (928) 778-1782The opinions expressed in this publicationare not necessarily those of the publisheror advertisers. Copyright © 2008. PinonPine Press, LLC. All rights reserved.Reproduction, in whole or in part, isprohibited without written permission.Printed by Valley Newspapers23043 N. 16th Lane, Phoenix, AZPrinted using soy inks.Page 4 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

What in the world is happening?Signifi cant earth changes will continue and accelerateBy John HallWho of you are payingattention? In Americansociety today, so manyof us are in a constantreactive mode, simplyresponding to the demands put on our time.As a result, we get most of our currentevents knowledge from the mainstream newsmedia of newspapers and television, whichseem to consist of predominately fear-basedreporting. Most of us miss out on certainimportant news regarding “WHAT IN THEWORLD IS HAPPENING?”This column in Earth Odyssey is intendedto bring to your attention some significantEarth changes that are affecting you now andwill continue to accelerate in their intensityas time goes on.Oh, and you don’t have to be a “New AgeWackoid” to be affected by these changes.We are all affected.It is clearly understood from conventionalscientific reporting and testing, that theEarth’s magnetic field is shifting. You hikersmay not have noticed that the magneticnorth pole (where your compass points) hasbeen shifting at a rate of approximately 25miles per year.Soon, it will have shifted from arcticCanada to a location in Siberia, Russia. Thisis the result of the accelerating shifting of thestatic magnetic field that is located withinand around the Earth.I believe this acceleration markedly increasedafter the harmonic convergence onAug. 16, 1987. This shifting has resulted inall aviation organizations around the world(including our Federal Aviation Administration)being forced to adopt totally new anddifferent navigational benchmarks.Also, as you have probably heard, manyanimals, such as migratory birds, have beensimilarly confused by these Earth changes.Associated with the shifting position of themagnetic field is a decreasing strength of thefield and an overall increase in the frequencyto which the Earth is resonating.Earth had been historically resonating ata base frequency of 8 Hz (cycles per second)for thousands of years. Now it is at about 13Hz.What is the significance of these Earthchanges? So what if our pilots and the migratorybirds change their navigational practicesuntil the Earth gets back into some state ofequilibrium? What’s the big deal?Well, these Earth changes are a precursorto something more.You may or may not be aware that our sunhas a polar shift every 11 years, like clockwork.Cosmically, this is no huge deal. Thesun sort of flips upside down, but continuesin its moving position within our galaxy.Meanwhile, all the planets are able to continuetheir revolution around the comparativelyimmense mass of the sun without anynoticeable effects, other than some visiblesunspot activity and other scientifically measurableinfluences.It is also perfectly natural for the Earth tohave polar shifts. To better understand whatis meant by a polar shift, imagine a child’sspinning top or a toy gyroscope losing itsequilibrium and falling over.Rotating celestial bodies act in a similarmanner. Geological studies show that Earth’spolar shifts are very infrequent. I believefrom my research, that they occur prettymuch every 13,000 years.This time cycle relates to the Earth’sprecession of the equinoxes—which can beexplained again by imagining the Earth as aspinning top that has a bit of a wobble to itsspin.Imagine the north/south axis about whichthe Earth is spinning with the top (physicalnorth pole) moving in a somewhat circularpattern, making one revolution every 26,000years.So for 13,000 years the top of the Earthis sort of tilting in the direction toward thecenter of the galaxy and then for the next13,000 years it points away from the galaxy’scenter.“New Age Wackoid” Sanity Check: Allmainstream astronomers (not to be confusedwith astrologers) understand these statementsas measurable truths.Astronomically, it is understood that oneof our 13,000 year cycles will be ending inDecember of 2012. This has been ratherwell-documented, citing this knowledge fromthe Mayan calendar, the Egyptian calendarand other ancient texts.Many metaphysical teachings suggest thatduring the last 13,000 years the Earth wasruled by male energy ending in a polar shiftof the Earth’s axis of rotation; and that thecoming era of 13,000 years will be ruled byfemale energy.Personal opinion: I think female energy(that nurturing, sensitive, loving naturewithin all of us, regardless of our gender) willmake a much better go of it than the energyof the male-dominated era.I don’t pretend to have a handle on thelast 13,000 years of history; but in mylifetime of direct observations in society, asI perceive it, the war-mongering politics,economic absurdities, environmental destructionand educational demise have gottenprofanely unacceptable.Of course, that’s just my opinion. I hopeI’m exaggerating; but I don’t think so.GOOD NEWS: Things are changing forthe better. Remember the Earth’s magneticfield diminishing in its strength and intensity?Well, I believe this scientifically understooddecrease in the forcefield is allowingmore and more people to perceive subtleenergies.That is, the “other dimensional” realitiesthat are in existence all around us. More andmore people are bringing ceremony back intotheir reality with prayer (without religiousdogma), and the goal of unity consciousnessfor our human race.Once we all get closer to our common“higher-self” awareness, all the powers thatIllustration courtesy of NASAThis composite image combines Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescop images from three wavelengths intoone image that reveals solar features unique to each wavelength. The sun has a polar shift every 11 years,when it sort of flips upside down, but continues in its moving position within our galaxy.Courtesy photoThe Earth’s magnetic north pole has been shifting at a rate of approximately 25 miles per year, causingconfusion for migratory birds. Soon, the magnetic north pole will have shifted from arctic Canada to alocation in Siberia, Russia.are perpetuating war and discord and fearon our planet will be transformed by love orovercome by love.Love is the opposite of fear. Love—quitesimply and absolutely—is God.So, there you have it. Magazines like theEarth Odyssey are instrumental in getting theword out about the importance of people ofall countries and all belief systems (religions)to come together in mindfulness of our spiritualoneness with all that is.Hey, remember that polar shift I startedtalking about? Sounds pretty scary?....TheEarth flipping into a newly positioned axisof rotation? It’s all good. We’ll get into thatsubject in the next edition of this wonderfulnew magazine.John Hall is a co-owner of the Crystal LotusGallery and Spiritual Life Center, located onHighway 87 in Pine, Arizona.October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 5

By Will McGownWill McGown is an independentresearcher with a masterof science in library science(MSLS) from the University ofNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill.Comments and questions can besent to freewill42@yahoo.com.Global dimming show real motivatorPlane-free skies following 9/11 gaveclimate scientist opportunity toanalyze effects of contrails on weatherRecently, I watched an edifying PBSdocumentary titled “Dimming theSun.”* It was such an eye-openerfor me that I felt motivated towrite about it. In addition to somestunning photographic footage, the scientificgroundwork is presented within a historicalunfolding of the show that gives it the allure of anexposé.This award winning NOVA program openswith an aerial view of the smoking pit knownas Ground Zero in New York City on Sept. 12,2001. As the narrator points out, the day after adisaster was blessed with a rather clear sky andsunny weather all over the United States, partlybecause all private and commercial airplane flightswere grounded.This event caught the eye of climate scientist,David Travis, who had been studying the effectof contrails on the weather for the past 15 years.He used the opportunity to study the climatetemperature difference from reporting stations allacross America for those days that the fleet wasgrounded. What he discovered was a degree ofelevated temperature that departed dramaticallyfrom all of the data for the past 30 years.“We found that the change in temperaturerange during those three days was just over onedegree centigrade,” Travis said. “And you haveto realize that from a layman’s perspective thatdoesn’t sound like much, but from a climate perspective,that is huge.”New phenomenonTravis had come across a new and powerful phenomenon,one that would call into question allour predictions about the future of our planet.The trailblazer for this insight, however was ascientist from England who went to work for theagriculture ministry in Israel about 50 years ago.Trained as a biologist, Gerry Stanhill got a jobhelping to design irrigation systems. His taskwas to measure how strongly the sun shone overIsrael.“It was important, for this work, to measuresolar radiation, because that is the factor thatbasically determines how much water cropsrequire,” Stanhill pointed out.In the 1980s, Stanhill decided to update hismeasurements and what he found stunned him.“Well, I was amazed to find that there was avery serious reduction in sunlight, the amountof sunlight in Israel,” he said. “In fact, if wecompare those very early measurements, in the1950s, with the current measurements, there wasa staggering 22 percent drop in the sunlight, andthat really amazed me. However, I must say thatthe publication [of this data] had almost no effectwhatsoever on the scientific community.”Independently, Stanhill and Beate Liepert,then a graduate student in Germany, did additionalresearch. They ascertained that betweenthe 1950s and the early 1990s, the level of solarenergy reaching the Earth’s surface had droppedby 9 percent in Antarctica, 10 percent in areas ofthe United States, by almost 30 percent in oneregion of Russia, and by 16 percent in parts ofthe British Isles.This now seemed to be a global phenomenon,so Stanhill gave it a suitable name: “globaldimming.” But again, the response from otherscientists was one of incredulity. A lot of themhad more invested in research on global warmingand these studies seemed to contradict theirconclusions.Pan evaporation rateBut global dimming was not the only phenomenonthat did not seem to fit with global warming.In Australia, two other biologists, Michael Roderickand Graham Farquhar, were intrigued byanother paradoxical result: the worldwide declinein something called the “pan evaporation rate.”“It’s called pan evaporation rate because of thewater’s evaporation rate from a pan,” ProfessorFarquhar explained. “Every day, all over the world,people come out in the morning and see howmuch water they’ve got to add to a pan to bring itback to the level it was the same time the morningbefore. It’s that simple.”Outside of the agricultural community, nobodytook much notice of the pan evaporation measurementsuntil the 1990s, when scientists spottedsomething very strange—the rate of evaporationwas falling.“Well, it turns out, in fact, that the key thingsfor pan evaporation are the sunlight, the humidityand the wind,” Michael Roderick said. “But really,the sunlight is a really dominant term there. Youknow, if the pan is going down, then maybe that’sthe sunlight going down.”Now two independent sets of observations hadled to the same conclusion. Here, at last, wascompelling evidence that global dimming wasreal. The next question soon became: What wascausing this abnormality?Unraveling the mysteryOne of the world’s leading climate scientists,Veerabhadran Ramanathan, began to unravel themystery of what might be causing global dimming.He had first noticed declining sunlight overlarge areas of the Pacific Ocean in the mid-1990s.He chose to study The Maldives, a nation of athousand tiny islands in the middle of the IndianOcean. The Maldives may seem unpolluted, butin fact the northern islands sit in a stream of dirtyair descending from India. Only the southern tipof the long island chain enjoys clean air, comingall the way from Antarctica.So, by comparing the northern islands with thesouthern ones, Ramanathan and his colleagueswould be able to see exactly what differencethe pollution made to the atmosphere and thesunlight.“The stunning part of the experiment was thispollutant layer, which was three kilometers thick,cut down the sunlight reaching the ocean by morethan 10 percent,” Ramanathan said. “Our modelsled us to believe the human impact on the dimmingwas close to half to one percent, so what weContrails, the man-made clouds left in the wake ofjet aircraft, may actually alter climate, though towhat degree remains unclear.The sheer number of contrails generated on a typicalday in busy air corridors can come as a shock. ANASA satellite took this enhanced infrared image ofthe southeastern United States on Jan. 29, 2204.In the skies normally crosshatched with condensationtrails, the only contrails seen in this image from Sept.12, 2001, were left by the plane returning PresidentBush to Washington from Nebraska and several escortfighters.In this satellite image shot above northwestern Europe,the contrast been skies and contrails and thosewithout offers a striking sense of the influence thesepseudo clouds might have on regional climate.Images courtesy of NOVAPage 6 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Courtesy photosDavid Travis has studied the effect of contrails on the weather for the past 15 years. He studied climate temperaturedifferences from all across America during the days that the fleet was grounded following 9/11. He discovered adegree of elevated temperature that departed dramatically from the past 30 years.discovered was 10-fold.”The experiment also showed that the particlesof pollution were blocking some sunlight themselves.Even more significant was what they weredoing to the clouds—turning them into giantmirrors. Ramanathan found that polluted air containedfar more particles of ash, soot and sulfurthan the unpolluted air.“We saw 10 times more particles in the pollutedair mass north of the Maldives compared withwhat we saw south of the Maldives, which was apristine air mass,” he said.In the polluted air, billions of man-made particlesprovided 10 times as many sites around whichwater droplets could form. So, polluted cloudscontained many more water droplets, each onefar smaller than it would be naturally. Many smalldroplets reflect more light than fewer big ones,so the polluted clouds were reflecting more lightback into space, preventing the heat of the sunfrom getting through. This was the main cause ofglobal dimming over the Indian Ocean.When he looked at satellite images, Ramanathanfound the same thing was happening all overthe world: over India; over China, and extendinginto the Pacific; over Western Europe extendinginto Africa; and over the British Isles.Altered rain patternsBut it was when scientists started to investigatethe effects of global dimming that they madethe most disturbing discovery of all. Those morereflective clouds could alter the pattern of theworld’s rainfall, with tragic consequences.“Let me take you to anther part of the world,Asia, where the monsoon brings rainfall to 3.6billion people, roughly half the world’s population,”Ramanathan explained. “My main concernis this air pollution and the global dimming willalso have a detrimental impact on this Asianmonsoon. We are not talking about a few millionsof people, we are talking about billions ofpeople [being affected by famine]. There is nochoice here; we have to cut down air pollution, ifnot eliminate it altogether.”While global dimming is a major threat, itnow appears it has been protecting us from aneven greater menace: accelerated global warming.Going back to the work of David Travis, it washe who first caught a glimpse of what the worldcould be like without global dimming.“The 9/11 study showed that if you remove acontributor to global dimming, jet contrails, justfor a three-day period, we see an immediate responseof the surface temperature,” he said. “Dothe same thing globally, we might see a large-scaleincrease in global warming.”Summing it upPeter Cox of England summed it up this way:“Climate change, to the current date, appearsto have been a tug of war, really, between twoman-made pollutants. On the one side, we’vegot greenhouse gases that are pulling the systemtowards a warmer state; on the other hand, we’vegot particles from pollution that are cooling itdown. And there’s a kind of tug of war going onbetween the two, in which the middle of the rope,if you like, determines where the climate system isgoing in terms of warming or cooling.”Perhaps this is why, despite a large rise in theconcentration of greenhouse gases, the rising temperaturehas been hard for most of us to noticeuntil recently.“We’re going to be in a situation, unless weact, where the cooling pollutant is dropping offwhile the warming pollutant is going up,” Coxcontinued. “Carbon dioxide will be going up andparticles will be dropping off, and that meansthat we’ll get an accelerated warming. We’ll get adouble whammy. We’ll get reduced cooling andincreased heating at the same time, and that’s aproblem for us.”Action needed nowToday, there’s a strong scientific consensus thatwithout urgent action to reduce our burning ofcoal, oil and gas, we risk creating a world very differentfrom the one that has been so hospitable toearth’s inhabitants.“One of the real driving forces is that you leavean environment that is comfortable for your children,”Cox concluded. “And if we carry on goingthe way we’re going, we’re not going to do that.We’re going to leave an environment that’s muchworse than the environment we lived in, and itwill be down to what we did when we were usingthat environment, and that would be, tragic, really,if that happened.”So happy endings remain elusive. The documentaryis both intriguing and disturbing. Someprogress has already been made in reducingparticle pollutants so that in Europe and NorthAmerica, air pollution is already in decline. Scrubbersin power stations, catalytic converters in cars,and low sulfur fuels, though they do nothing toreduce greenhouse gases, have already led to amarked reduction in visible air pollution.Nonetheless, this NOVA program dramatizesthat if we continue this methodology, it will bea disaster for all of mankind and the Earth, asgreenhouse gases will continue to heat the planet,but at a faster pace. We need a two-part strategyto reduce both kinds of pollution at a rate thatwill allow us to stabilize climate change before itreaches the point of no return.It is indeed a very complex problem. Mygeneration and others have contributed greatly tothis situation and the crisis may not be solved forseveral generations yet to come. I can only hopethat the younger generation takes the appropriateaction before it is too late.To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln: Shall wenobly save—or meanly lose—the precious climatethat has sheltered humanity for eons of time?*”Dimming the Sun,” NOVAWeb site, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sun/ (accessed Aug.26, 2008).October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 7

Spooky or transformational?A conversation about HalloweenBy Pia WyerHalloween, or Samhain (pronouncedSow-en) falls onOctober 31st and extendsthrough November 1stand 2nd. One of the eightfestivals of the European pagan calendar,Samhain, a fire festival, marks the end of theharvest and, by extension, the earth-basedcalendar year.Samhain is also considered a time of mysteryand magic, a time when the veil betweenthe worlds is thin, where time “stands still,” aperiod for introspection, of seeking wisdomand insight from the darkness. Dependingupon one’s religious orientation, this can beseen as a sacred or dangerous time.As with other oral traditions evolvingthrough time immemorial, there is no definitiveinterpretation of this important festival,although common threads persist and canbe interpreted through the consciousness oftoday. I invite you to enter into a nuancedunderstanding of Samhain’s mysteries andgifts, lessons and opportunities, putting asidereligious controversies, commercialized caricaturesand trivialization of what is, in truth,a deeply meaningful time.On a practical level, in the NorthernHemisphere, Samhain does symbolize theclose of Harvest, a time when the earth takesback her bounty and prepares for the longnight of winter. Modern human experiencehas become separated from the natural cyclesof our immediate environment. We have anexpectation of abundance year-round dueto a global marketplace and technologicaladvances. The convenience of this developmentmasks a loss of awareness and respectfor our interdependence with all aspects ofour planetary ecosystems.Whatever our particular belief system, itis indisputable that we are beholden to ourliving planet for life. We may cultivate theillusion of omnipotence, as the dominantspecies, with technology at our beck andcall, but we are no less dependent upon theelements and one another than any othercreature.An Achilles’ heel of modern Westernculture is its fear and denial of death. Thecombination of dislocation from our placein Earth’s cycles and the marginalization ofthe dying process has rendered us driven by athousand distractions and addictions. To thedegree we are unconscious, we are incapableof true relationship – with one another andwith our environment. Halloween, or Samhain,is an opportunity to pause and reflectupon the deep mysteries of our existence,to reclaim an understanding of the cyclicalnature of life and the many facets of ourexperience.Samhain, associated with Dark Moon(this month Dark Moon––or the periodthe moon is invisible from earth––falls onTuesday 28th) is a time of quiet. It is a timeto absorb the gifts and growth of the precedingyear, discard the husk and store the grainfor future wisdom. It is a time to embrace thedarkness while having faith that the light willreturn, that the earth holds seeds of new lifein the fecundity of her womb.It is a time of letting go––of outgrownbeliefs, modes of behavior, relationships, ofall that has run its course and is no longerhelpful. It is a time to reassess the directionof our lives, the commitments we live andhave failed to live. It is a time to rememberthose who have crossed over the threshold ofdeath before us, to offer food and drink totheir memory and continued presence in ourexperience.Samhain is an opportunity to rememberthat everything that lives also dies. That ourtime on earth is finite encourages us to experienceeach day to the fullest, in gratitudeand hope. Making a spectre of death, orbanishing it from our consciousness does notchange death, only our ability to fully engagein our life. Denial of death renders us crueland insensitive to those who are dying andthe bereaved, and strips us of our birthrightof depth and magic.One of the reasons so many individuals arereturning to earth-centered spirituality is thatit offers a unique combination of practicality,magic, ritual and surprise grounded in thecyclical seasons of our planet.True magic is not manipulation of anddominance over ordinary reality, or slight ofhand. It is the alignment of one’s consciousnesswith that of other realms, creatures andthe planet, raising energy and becoming empoweredthrough integrated perception andPhoto by Pia Wyerinsight. It is developing the ability, throughpractice, to access wisdom outside the constructsof our socialized consciousness, andbe open to possibility.True magic requires deep ethics and commitmentto the common good without coercionfor personal gain. Magic then, as prayer,is about changing oneself, and goes hand inglove with ritual.Ritual has been an aspect of human experiencesince the beginning of time and one ofthe ways humanity reached beyond its graspof reality to deeper understanding. It is onlyrecently that humans have considered ritualprimitive, irrelevant or suspicious. True ritualengages the whole individual in transpersonalexperience with archetypal imagery. Trueritual is life changing and transformationaland evolves through personal and communalexperience. It is specific, allowing forspontaneity, rather than a series of behaviorsperformed by rote.Today, the use of ritual has been largelyreplaced by ceremony and opportunities formass consumption of products and accessoriespaying lip service to the original concept,yet disempowered and hors context. Thinkof how store shelves no longer pause forbreath between Halloween, Thanksgiving,Christmas, etc. It takes some determinationto rescue depth and meaning from all therelentless merchandizing.While I also enjoy many of the symbolsand accoutrements of Halloween, the humorand opportunity to be wild, it is the deepermeaning that captures my imagination andSamhain is one of eightsolar festivals in theEuropean pagan Wheelof the Year, correlating toagricultural cycles. Theeight festivals are: Sahmain(Oct. 31); Winter Solstice(Dec. 21); Imbolc (Feb. 2);Beltane (May 1); SummerSolstice (June 21); Lammas(Aug. 1) and the FallEquinox (Sept. 21).sustains my intentions. Halloween offers anopportunity to explore the paradoxes of lifeand death, light and darkness, spirit and thematerial world. It invites unanswerable questions:Where does consciousness come from?Where do we go when we die to the physicalworld? Do the dead really come and visit uson this night? Can we go and visit them? Ifwe go, shall we return? It gives us a chanceto grieve our losses, mourn our dead, seekanswers through divination, prepare for thenew life we hope is to come.Costumes and candy aside, Halloween isabout recognition, appreciation, relationshipand letting go. It is about bounty anddeath, being good stewards of our harvestand preparing for a season of darkness anddormancy. It is recognition of all that hasgone before. It is the point of conception ofnew ideas, of transformation in our life andrelationships.If we are fearful and hostage to punitiveideologies, we will lock our doors andturn on all the lights, attempting to shieldourselves from whatever projections we havesent out into the night. But the night goeson regardless. The spirits are either there orthey are not. We can believe the universe ahostile place of tricks and demons, searchingto suck our souls into eternal damnation. Or,we can believe we are part of a multifacetedkaleidoscope of ever changing living beauty,connected to a reality more magnificent thanwe can fully appreciate.That seems so much more excitingand plausible. It certainly allows for moregratitude and openness to love and mystery.So, in the middle of a wild night when wemasquerade as our alter-egos, eat too muchcandy, respect once again our own mortality,let us light a candle for the darkness withoutwhich we would not have been born.Happy Halloween, and a Blessed Samhainto all.Page 8 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Creative ways to deal with junk mailBy Erik Brattfor ProQuo.comunk mail is renowned for clutteringmailboxes, increasing the risk ofidentity theft, and, of course, killingmillions of trees every year. Notsurprisingly, it elicits annoyancefrom most people. But, believe it ornot, it also elicits creativity from others.Below I’ve compiled a list of the “Top 10Creative Responses To Junk Mail,” accompaniedby a bunch of cool pictures.Personally, I’d be content to never receiveanother piece of junk mail for the rest mylife, but who knows, maybe these peopleare onto something. Maybe there’s more tojunk mail than meets the eye. If nothing else,these responses represent some interestingand unconventional ways to recycle.10. Custom portraitsA self-proclaimed “rabid recycler,” Arizonaartist Sandy Schimmel (www.schimmelart.com/)uses unwanted materials, such as junkmail, to create impressionistic portraits. Herportraits focus on individual faces and explorethemes such as beauty and fashion. Here’s aquote from her Web site: “I believe we are anaggregate of tiny bits: who we are and wherewe’ve been—or who we want or pretend tobe. The tesserae, the ‘tiles,’ I create from junkmail represent those bits in color and textureand meaning.” Yeah, I’m not sure what thatmeans exactly, but I’m impressed anyway.9. Venetian BlindsA blogger named Matthew Rasmussen wasinterested in making practical use out ofthings people are expected to throw away.He theorized (correctly) that he could attachabout three months worth of junk mail to hisvenetian blinds and significantly lower theamount of light passing through his kitchenwindow (and still be able to raise and lowerthe blinds without any difficulty). The processincluded a whole lot of measuring, bending,taping, and even some beer drinking(not a process requirement, I’m assuming).Full details on the process are available on hisblog (www.spacetoast.net/STP/160.html).8. Art SculptureA 54-year-old woman from Newcastle, England,constructed a modern art installationjust outside her front door. Or to put it anotherway, she stored a tremendous amountof junk mail on a tall metal spike. A BBCarticle explained that the artist, Anne Cohen,“came up with the idea to get people talkingabout the volume of junk mail delivered inher neighbourhood.” Cohen has an undergraduatedegree in design and public art, aswell as a master’s in art and the environment.Next to Cohen’s sculpture is another coolexample of art via junk mail. Created by a collaborativeartist team named Burtonwood andHolmes, it’s a three-quarter scale Abrams tankcovered in junk mail and sales sheets! Belowthe tank are matching missiles that wouldprove equally useless (yet eco-friendly) on thebattlefield.Photo courtesy Colorado Department of Regulatory AgenciesResearch shows the average American discards nearly 200 pounds of paper each year—including stacks ofunwanted junk mail.7. Response packageMany are inclined to view themselves as victimsof junk mail, but some creative (and/orangry) types will take aggressive counter-action.These folks don’t just demand theirremoval from direct mailing lists, but rather,they send direct mailers bricks (that right,bricks). The Office of Strategic Influence Website explains that direct mailers pay approximately20 cents an ounce on their pre-paidpostage. An eight pound package, therefore,would end up costing them approximately$25. So if you don’t mind paying a little extrafor a larger envelope or shipping box, yourrevenge would be moderately significant.6. PaperThis creative response to junk mail is probablyone of the most practical—make paperfrom it! Not every type of junk mail isappropriate (glossy and shiny papers won’tcreate a cohesive texture), but the process isstill worthwhile to learn. The basic supplyrequirements include: junk mail, a blender/food processor, water and a window screen.And here’s the basic process:1. Rip the junk mail into small pieces—thesmaller the better.2. Put the junk mail pieces into the blender andadd water. The ratio of water to junk mailshould be approximately 3:1, but you can addless water for a thicker paper (and vice versa).(Optional: throw in some food coloring tomake the paper any color you desire).3. Pour the mixture onto the window screen,and let the water completely drain out.4. Flip the mixture onto a towel (or someother absorbent), and wait until the mixtureis completely dry.If your paper starts to curl up after it’s dried,you can simply put a towel over it and carefullyiron along the edges. You can use the paper asgift wrap, writing material or simply as braggingrights with all your eco-crazy friends!5. Mailbox artSome creative consumers like to stop junkmail before it ever reaches their mailboxes. Butrather then communicating their wishes todirect mailers, they let their mailboxes do thetalking—hopefully, the postman will actuallylisten! The first two mailboxes clearly aren’t receptiveto junk mail, and the third one... well,it sorta speaks for itself. Yeah, I doubt anyonewould want to mess with its owner.4. SkullsThe volume of junk mail we receive cansometimes make you want to kill someone,so it’s only natural to make skulls out of themail itself. I mean... right? Well, you can atleast see how this response to junk mail couldprove therapeutic (and perhaps prevent unnecessaryviolence toward direct mailers).These skulls were the brainchild (punintended) of a man who posts a new image ofa skull every day on his blog (http://skulladay.blogspot.com/), appropriately titled, Skull-A-Day. The blogger usually throws his junk mailinto the recycling bin, but one day, he realizedit could be turned into some pretty uniqueart. The end product was coined “skunk mail”(skull + junk mail).3. MulchA reader of the finance blog Get Rich Slowlyregularly shreds his junk mail and makesmulch out of it. Since mulch is basicallycomposed of tiny bits of trees, he’s recyclingand his gardening no longer takes the sametoll on the environment. Here are some ofthe guidelines he follows to account for junkmail’s ink and varied material:1. “I only shred the non-glossy stuff, and try toavoid colored ink as much as possible. SinceI’m shredding to avoid identity theft in thefirst place, and credit applications these dayscontain colored ink, I can’t stay 100 percentblack and white, but I can accept that.”2. “I shred plastic items like credit cards andCDs separately and discard.”3. “I only use the shreds where food is notgrown, just to be safe. You can also useit in the bottom of flower pots inside thehouse to save potting soil.”2. FurnitureWhy throw away junk mail when you can siton it? Although this probably wasn’t part ofUK artist Chrissie MacDonald’s thought process,she recently created a chair from all theshopping catalogues in her mailbox. Conceptuallybrilliant? Sure. But you still don’twant to watch a three-hour football game inone of these puppies. Check out more of theartist’s junk mail creations on her site (www.chrissiemacdonald.co.uk/).Slightly off topic, but the chairs to the sideof MacDonald’s, produced by British designcompany Pli, were created from PlayStation 2consoles (with some metal and plastic thrownin for support). Pretty impressive, huh? I wonderwhen the X-Box chair will hit markets.1. TreesA graphic designer, seeking a creative wayto recycle her junk mail, ended up makingthree-dimensional trees. As outlined on herblog, the basic materials include: junk mail,bristol paper, spray adhesive, scissors, and acutting surface. And here’s the basic process:1. Adhere the bristol paper to the back of thejunk mail to create a firm material.2. Draw the trees on the bristol paper suchthat the tree trunks maintain a similarwidth.3. Make perpendicular cuts to the base ofeach tree. Half of the trees should havecuts that go ¾ up them, and the other halfshould have cuts that go ¼ down—basically,you’ll need to slide them into oneanother like puzzle pieces.4. Erase any pencil marks.When you’re finished, the trees should behalf white and half the color of your junkmail—which is pretty dang cool. Personally,I’ve never seen a bipolar tree before... or onemade from junk mail.ConclusionIf your response to junk mail is not a creativeone, and you’d rather just get rid of it, thereare a number of services for stopping junkmail and managing catalogs and other offers.To sign up for stopping junk mail, go tohttp://proquo.com/stopjunkmail/.NOTE: This article first appeared on Pro-Quo.com and is reprinted here with permission.To view the article, complete with photos of eachof the 10 projects, see (http://proquo.com/resources/top_10_creative_responses_to_junk_mail/).October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 9

Read your Sun, Ascending, and Moon sign. Anastrologer can help you find all of the planetsplace on the day that you were born.g Libra—September 24–October 23Take your time and pay attention to detailswhen doing important work. Communicationcould be interesting. Trust your feelings.Unexpected information could end up beinggood for your work. If you take time to restwhen needed, you will get more done.h Scorpio—October 24–November 22Love and intimate relationships are enhanced.Take time for some “one on one” time with aloved one. Trust your intuition about a friend.Mars in your sign now enhances physicalenergy. Do something creative.i Sagittarius—November 23–December 22Focus is on friends and dreams. Do somethingtoward making a dream come true,even if it is just a small step. Focus on thingsand people in your life that you love andappreciate. Acknowledge the things you haveand your positive feelings will attract more ofthe same.j Capricorn—December 23–January 20Jupiter the planet of abundance is in yoursign. Possible gift or gesture from a friendOctober starts out with thesun in Libra. One of themost interesting things thatis going on this month isthat the planet Mercurywent into retrograde motion last month at22 degrees Libra on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Itwill start its forward motion on Oct. 15.Libra is about balance, social awareness,is cooperative, peace loving, refined, diplomatic,sociable, artistic, fickle, apathetic, lovesintrigue, indecisive, wants peace at any price,and gains personal growth through relationships.Libra rules partnerships, love relationshipsand other close alliances.Mercury symbolizes communication andtransportation. It is named after Mercury thewinged messenger. In your horoscope chart,this planet tells about how you reason, yourattention span, the way you get information,and the kind of decisions you make. Mercuryrules areas of communication, speaking andDominique Shilling, MAFA, is a counselor andastrologer with a practice in the Valley. For anappointment, contact her at Way to the LightWithin, (602) 279-2941 or check out her Web siteat www.way2light.com.this month could make you smile. If you arethinking of taking a course or learning somethingnew, this is a good time to start. Whatyou learn could reward you well in future.k Aquarius—January 21–February 19Trust your intuition or deceive yourself. Realityand dreams can come together. Meanwhile,use your creative abilities to keep your mindoccupied. If you have plans to travel, you maywant to wait until later in the month.l Pisces—February 20–March 20It could seem too easy to spend money at thistime. Be practical and look for creative waysentertain yourself. You may find that youlearn a lot about important relationship(s)this month. Children could seem especiallyloving. Count your blessings and keep movingforward.a Aries—March 21–April 19Emotions regarding relationships could beall or nothing before mid-month. Take extracare in communications with partner andthose you are closest with. Be patient withfriends and coworkers. If you have pets, givethem extra time and attention.b Taurus—April 20–May 20Mid month is a good time to start workingon something that you have been wantingto accomplish. Energy put toward anythingrelated to children, romance or creativitycan bring positive gains. Health and/or worksituations are likely to improve after midmonth.c Gemini—May 22–June 21Close relationships and love could be very interestingthis month. Watch what you say andbe willing to listen to the other person. Youmay find that you really do agree. Confusiondissipates as it gets later in the month. Creativeendeavors could yield trash or treasure.d Cancer—June 22–July 23Pets can console you and make you happy. Ifyou need to confide in someone who wouldnever spread the news, tell a beloved pet.Creative endeavors could be very rewarding.Be patient about attaining a desire. Let gothe wanting feeling and relax. Acceptance ispowerful.e Leo—July 24–August 23Clarity in communication is especiallyimportant this month. Be aware of what youpromise or say to others. You may want tochange your mind later. Trust your intuitionabout something that happened in recentpast. Confusion transforms into healing ifyou relax and let it go.f Virgo—August 24–September 23Take your time regarding investments, big orsmall. This includes anything that you putenergy into for future payoff even if it is notmoney. Be patient. If possible, you may wantto wait until end of October at the earliest.Trust your intuition about your work and/orhealth.Dominique’s in-depth look at the stars for Octoberwriting. It also covers perception, manual dexterity,the nervous system, physical mobility,verbal fluency, mental agility and adaptability.Retrograde motion means that a planetappears to be going in reverse motion. Theplanets are all moving in the same direction asthey travel around the sun. So how could it begoing backwards?It is not really going backwards. As theplanets travel around the sun, when Earthpasses by and moves ahead of another planet,in this case Mercury, it will appear to us fromthe earth as if Mercury is falling behind orgoing backwards. Another way to understandthis illusion is to imagine that you are ridingin a car going down the road. In the lane nextto your car another car is right along side thecar you are in. You look over at the other carand it looks like you are both going the sameway at the same speed. Then the car you arein speeds up. As your car moves farther aheadof the other car, you look over at it. The othercar will look like it is traveling backwards.It has been noted that things can be outof the ordinary for us on earth when anotherplanet is in retrograde motion. Mercury seemsto be the one that affects us the most. Mercurygoes into retrograde motion about three timesin a year.Mercury started its retrograde last monthin the constellation of Libra. As Mercury’sretrograde motion continues this month, itcould bring up anything that has been ignored,put away, or forgotten by us. The mostlikely situations to come up while Mercury isretrograde in the sign of Libra would be thosein the areas of partnerships, love relationshipsand overall communication with others. Nomatter what sign Mercury goes retrograde in,it always applies to communication, transportationand commitments or agreements. It isbest not to sign any contracts or start any newprojects at this time.Many have noted a slow down in the mailand other modes of communication duringthis time as well. Keep in mind that we havefree will and that what we believe whether itis negative or positive can color our outlook.What we focus on expands.Here is Mercury, known for ruling communication,along with that, add to it the factthat it is in Libra. This combination can beespecially interesting because Libra is aboutclose relationships with others, any type ofpartnerships and/or love relationships. Duringthe time that Mercury is retrograde thismonth you may want to think before you act,when it comes to relating to loved ones, youwould not want to unknowingly start an argumentand end up getting the “cold shoulder”would you? Another interesting possibilityis that Mercury retrograde could even bringcontact from a past love interest.What would you like to see in this columnabout Astrology? Do you have any questionsyou want answered? Let me know and I mayPage 10 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Photo by Pia WyerThe Great Horned Owl has excellent hearing and exceptional vision in low light. Their hearing has better depth perception than human hearing and better perceptionof sound elevation (up-down direction). The latter is possible because owl ears are not placed in the same position on either side of their head: the rightear is typically set higher in the skull and at a slightly different angle. By tilting or turning its head until the sound is the same in each ear, an owl can pinpointboth the horizontal and vertical direction of a sound. The eyes of Great Horned Owls are also nearly as large as those of humans and are immobile within theirsockets. Instead of turning their eyes, they turn their heads.Dominique’s in-depth look continued from page 10be able to address them here.This month’s Retrograde Planets: Mercurywent into retrograde motion at 22 degreesLibra on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 11 minutesafter midnight MST. It will start its forwardmotion 12:57 a.m. on Oct. 15.Uranus moves to 20 degrees of Pisces andit will start moving forward again Nov. 27.Neptune started its backward motion onMay 26 and will go direct on Nov. 1.The following paragraphs are broken downby weeks.Wednesday the 1st has Mars Libra sextilePluto Sagittarius. These two planets workingtogether can enhance opportunities forjustice, peace and freedom. Mars goes intoScorpio on the 3rd.Sunday the 5th, Venus is in Scorpio sextileJupiter Capricorn, which is very good forbusiness and money. Monday’s Sun Librasquare Jupiter Capricorn things could turnout to be too much or too little or like thefeeling of nervous energy. Listening to calmingwords or music could help make the day gosmoother. Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth on CDis a great example of calming words. MercuryLibra conjunct the sun helps with the abilityto communicate needs and desires in a morepeaceful way. With Mercury Libra square JupiterCapricorn, too much thinking can turninto worry. On this same day, we have VenusScorpio sextile Saturn Virgo. This positivecombination can enhance our ability to seesolutions and apply them in practical way.Thursday we have Venus in Scorpio trineUranus Pisces, trust your feelings and youmay find yourself taking the path that is notchosen by most, “the road less traveled.” Dosomething different. Keep your eyes open forthe beautiful and unusual.On the 11th, Venus Scorpio squares NeptuneAquarius. Creativity and intuition maynot come so easily. This can be a great dayfor those mundane tasks we usually put off.You may want to stick to logical and practicalthings that do not require as much creativity.Sun Libra trine Neptune Aquarius is greatfor being adventurous and having some fun.Maybe you have something you have been reallywanting to try. This planetary connectionalso favors creativity and joint ventures. Wehave a full moon on Tuesday the 14th. It is at21 Aries and is exact at 1:03 p.m. MST. Thefull moon is a perfect time to let go of things.Once it reaches its fullest and brightest then itstarts getting smaller or waning again.The shrinking symbolizes letting go. Manyuse this time as a visual and psychologicalboost to help them let go of things and situationsthey no longer wish to hold on to.On Wednesday Mercury starts movingin direct motion again at 12:57 p.m. MST.Watch for improvement in relations betweenloved ones and overall communication.Venus moves into the freedom loving sign ofSagittarius on the 18th.Tuesday the 21st, Sun Libra sextile PlutoSagittarius enhances intuition and to theability to focus easily on whatever needs tobe done. The sun enters the mysterious signof Scorpio on the 22nd.Sunday the 26th, Mercury Libra squaresJupiter Capricorn. This is not a the best dayto look for and easily find solutions to problems.Save the complicated stuff for tomorrow.Mars Scorpio sextile Jupiter Capricornmakes Monday a perfect day to take on abig project. The new moon happens on the28th and is at 5 degrees of Scorpio at exactly4:14 p.m. MST. A Scorpio new moon can begood for starting things related to intuitiveor spiritual endeavors and/or creative work.This is also a good time to begin a search forsomething that is missing or may have beenmisplaced.Mercury Libra trine Neptune Aquariuscreates inspiration. Our ability to relate toand understand others is enhanced. It iseasier now for opposing forces to relate andbe able to come to an agreement.All materialthings canhave anafterlifeA dumpster is typically a receptacle forundesired wasted items defined as “trash.”However people’s idea of “trash” is oftenexaggerated and shockingly contrasting toactuality.When throwing something away, mostpeople don’t consider the material’s afterlife.Characteristically, it would be preposterousto consider the prospect of one’s trash,but in our modern consumer society it isimperative to value trash and its potentialityof reprocess.The other day I was doing some routinedumpster diving in Prescott, Ariz. It wasthen when I encountered a gold mine. Icould tell from a distance that the dumpsterwas inundated with commodities.Chairs, pillows, rugs and other householditems were almost toppling out ofthe dumpster. I quickly dove in and begansalvaging everything possible.This new collection of furnishings was ablessing for a college kid’s abode.Although my idea of decent furnishingsmight differ from someone else’s, it was apparentthat the furnishings could ultimatelybe used again. So I called a friend to helpme haul the stuff to a reusable environment.Despite my feeling of fulfillment afteracquiring useful items from a dumpster,I’m always ironically left with a feelingof defeat. I ask myself: why is humanityso wasteful? What can be done to curtailsociety’s amount of garbage? The answer:introducing strong recycling programs.That’s the first step toward initiatinga psychological duty to reprocess. Mostpeople argue that they don’t have time torecycle, but recycling is an important matterthat exceeds a minor problem such astime.Recycling can be as customary as brushingyour teeth! Get started, recycle andreturn life’s favor.October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 11

Thrift store finds—the search is onShopping thrift, vintage, antiqueand other interesting shops is anexciting, out-of-the-ordinary experience,especially when you aresearching for that special one-of-akindtreasure.Some of the stores seem to attach higherprices on an item if it’s older and showing ageor wear. Other shops sort through their new“stuff” and place the better items on e-bay.This can be to your advantage becauseyou don’t have to search as hard. If youwant something in mint condition and youaren’t against paying the higher price, e-bayis another place to search.You will get to know how items are pricedat each location and when they run theirsales. The larger stores carry huge selectionsof good junk—from clothing to trinkets tofurniture.You have to dig through huge amountsof items to find that treasure, but you alsohave a larger selection and you never knowwhat you will find.There are a few shops out there that arenot organized or clean. I tend to stay awayfrom these locations. You want to makeyour rummaging a pleasant experience.If you are looking for back-to-school,baby or business suits and jackets, searchout consignment shops. The better qualityitems are normally found in the more upscaleareas—and the same goes for designerapparel and accessories.An abundance of super consignmentshops are located in Scottsdale that carryname brands like Pucci, Louis Vuitton,Prada, Chanel, Armani, etc. You can alsoearn extra cash for yourself by consigningyour better quality items.Bookstores are fun. Get to know whichones specialize in vintage, how they priceand what they will give you in trade.Findscan be dyed, painted and/or mended.I had been searching for two large retrostyledlamp shades to go with a pair of awesome,very tall 1950s ceramic lamp basesthat I have had for some time. Finally, therethey were! The size and shape were perfect,but they looked worn, marked and faded.I purchased them both for $5, took themhome and cleaned them up, watered downsome black acrylic paint and painted a lightcoat over the entire surface. When dry, theyturned out to be a beautiful charcoal color,kind of faded and silky looking, and are sittingon two end tables looking very pristineand dramatic. They added that final touchthat the room needed and are very uniqueas well as functional.Tips for successful rummagingAlways remind yourself what you aresearching for. Make a list of things you needin your home or apartment and keep it inyour purse so that you will be sure to haveit with you.Clear out clutter from your home andtake a bag full of your unwanted items todonate to your favorite store when you go.Somebody else will love it.Start shopping locally and plan day tripswith a friend to close towns and cities.Only pick items that appeal to you bycolor, texture or quality, such as silk, linen,cashmere, cotton and natural fabrics. Stayfocused. Soon you will become good atfinding your styles.If you see something you like, examineit closely for stains, tears, broken zippers,missing buttons or uneven shrinkage. If youwant to, try it on or take it home and wash.You can always resell it.Thrift shops are a super place to findcostumes for theater, Halloween, dance,decorations for parties and materials forprojects. Always wash or clean your itembefore you wear or use it.Most items are priced to sell to raise moneyfor a good cause. Many people workingin thrift stores are volunteers. Complimentthem on their good work.It takes time and energy and also requirespatience and perseverance. Don’t rush. It’sworth it in the end when you find thatperfect treasure.Have fun being thrifty and creative. Youare helping and sharing with others by recyclingand donating. It’s also practical andmakes good financial sense. One person’sjunk is another person’s treasure and thatspecial treasure is out there somewhere justwaiting for you to find it. Second hand isno longer second best.Bonnie is an artist who reuses and recyclesmaterials in her creations. She designed andinstructed art program for the Okanogan Schoolfor the Arts in British Columbia and has beenawarded art commissions from the State ofArizona Arts Commission and the Gilbert andGlendale libraries.Page 12 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Natural aids for seasonal allergy reliefDo you suffer from seasonalsneezes, runny nose, wateryand itchy eyes? You arenot alone. It is estimatedthat more than 40 millionAmerican people are affected by seasonalallergies. If you don’t like using antihistaminesor other over-the-counter medicines torelieve your discomfort, herbal medicine canoffer a natural alternative. To add to the goodnews, herbs don’t just mask the symptoms,but go to the underlying causes of your allergies.In my experience the following herbshave shown to be very effective:Stinging NettlesNettles have been used for hundreds of yearsas a food as well as a medicine to treat rheumatism,arthritis, eczema, gout and anemia.The center for integrative medicine at theUniversity of Maryland confirms that nettlesmay also be effective for treating certainindividuals with hay fever (www.umm.edu).Over the years I have witnessed the positiveeffects of nettles in nine out of 10 people sufferingfrom seasonal allergies. I always carrya few capsules of nettles with me wherever Igo just in case I run into friends complainingof seasonal allergies. They often feel reliefwithin 20 minutes after taking one to threecapsules. The stinging hairs on nettle aresharp polished spines that contain histamineand formic acid and act as an antihistaminetaken internally. Nettles have no known sideeffects, unlike many over-the-counter antihistaminepreparations.Fresh or dried nettles can be used in anyrecipe that requires spinach. During WorldWar II, the British Ministry of Food publishedseveral recipes, urging people to use nettle asa vegetable. I use fresh nettles that grow inabundance in my garden, but you can also usedried nettles. Here is my favorite recipe:Nettlekopita(Nettle version of Spanakopita)3 tablespoon olive oil1 head of garlic2 cups brown rice6 cups fresh nettles (steam for 5 minutes)or you can use 2 cups dried nettles2 cups fresh lemon balm (optional)your favorite cooking herbs2 cups ricotta cheese½ cup cheddar cheese3 eggs½ cup butter1 package phyllo dough1 cup fetaSauté onions and garlic in olive oil untilthey are translucent. In a large bowl mixtogether all ingredients except the last three.Melt butter. Butter the bottom of a bakingdish. Place one layer of phyllo on the bottomand brush lightly with butter, using a pastybrush. Add another layer of phyllo and butterlightly. Repeat this process until you haveused half the package of phyllo. Pour thefilling over the phyllo. Sprinkle feta on top.Now again layer and butter until you haveused up the whole package of phyllo. Cutinto squares or diamonds and bake for aboutone hour at 350 degrees.Caution: Please wear gloves when pickingand handling fresh nettles. They sting!HorseradishA condiment as well as a strong herb, horseradishcan clear out your sinuses immediately.Very often you will find horseradishcombined with other herbs for the respiratorysystem.EyebrightAs the name suggests, eyebright has beenused throughout the ages for eye problems, aswell as for sinus troubles. As a vasoconstrictorand astringent to the nasal mucous membranes,eyebright brings relief to frequentsneezing bouts and is also rejuvenating to theeyes. It has a drying effect on upper respiratorymucous membranes.Indian GooseberryThe most concentrated form of vitamin Cin the plant kingdom is found in the Indiangooseberry. Vitamin C is known to act as anantihistamine. The nice thing about this fruitis that it does not create acidity in the body;it actually has an alkalizing effect.Bi Yan PianThis traditional Chinese herbal formula is agod-send for people with a stuffy nose. Usedfor allergies and nasal congestion, it opensthe nasal passages.Pe Min Kan WanAnother traditional Chinese formula usedfor allergies and nasal congestion, but is moredrying then the above.Is it an allergy or a fungus?Some people diagnosed with allergies actuallyhave a fungus in their nasal passages. TheMayo clinic research team looked at 210patients with sinusitis and discovered morethan 40 different kinds of fungi in their nasalpassages.I’ve talked to many folks who found reliefafter using traditional anti-fungal herbs, suchas lomatium, calendula, neem and osha. Atthe same time, a mild nasal wash with theseherbs can speed up the process.AromatherapyAromatherapy means treatment using essentialoils, or the scents from plants topromote health and well being. In recentyears, a large number of essential oils andtheir constituents have been investigated fortheir antimicrobial properties against somebacteria and fungi in more than 500 reports.The following essential oils were found topossess the strongest antimicrobial propertiesamong many tested: thyme, oregano, mint,cinnamon, sage and clove (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). To relieve allergy symptoms manyfolks have mixed together and applied thefollowing essential oils:Peppermint 5 dropsCinnamon 4 dropsClove 2 dropsAdd a few drops of this mix to your humidifier,your aromatherapy diffuser in thecar or at home, or you can place two dropson each side of your pillow before going tobed at night. Steaming your face with essentialoils added to hot water can help as well.Inhaling vapors of menthol crystals opensthe nasal passages for freer breathing. To dothis, fill a small jar with menthol crystals andkeep it tightly closed. When needed, openthe jar and breathe in the vapors in a quickand forceful way.Eucalyptus essential oilThis lemon-scented eucalyptus is usefulfor colds, flu and fevers. Lemon-scentedeucalyptus is also being used for athlete’s footand other fungal infections (e.g., candida,nasal fungus, cuts, dandruff, herpes, scabs) Itis also an excellent insect repellent. Diffuse ina sickroom in the evening to calm, relax, andencourage sleep while fighting infection.The Herb Stop is open Tuesday through Saturday,10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays andMondays. For classes, weekend seminars andconsultations, visit or call The Herb Stop, 4004N. Hwy. 87 in Pine. (928) 476-4144. Youmay also visit the store in Ruidoso, N.M., or theWeb site at www.HerbStopOnline.com.The FDA has not approved these statements.The information given is not meant to act as aprescription, medical advice or therapeutic advice.Consult your healthcare professional priorto using botanicals discussed in this column.October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 13

Stress-LessWe must first nurture ourselves before reaching out to othersby Maya Joy AngelesSoothing our soul when we arebombarded with so much informationand constant changes inour lives can be a challenge. Allof us are experiencing in someway the accelerated energies presently affectingour planet.We all know people, including ourselves,who have been experiencing stressful situationsin their lives. Whether it has to do withour health, relationships, work or play thesedenser energies change the way we feel andrespond to new (and old) circumstances inour lives.One thing we know for sure…we are allfeeling it.With these new energies comes the necessityto adopt new ways to nurture ourselvesand others.The ways we felt comforted or nurturedin the past may not be working as well for usnow. It is time then to take a new approach touplifting our spirit and keeping our levels ofphysical and emotional stress to a minimum.We are all being reminded that we mustfirst nurture ourselves before we can shareour nurturing gifts with others. This maymean changing the belief that was instilled inmost of us growing up that it is virtuous togive to others before self.This belief has left many of us wonderinghow we can possibly have enough of ourselvesto give when we feel exhausted fromour continuous daily obligations that seem tokeep multiplying.Beginning everyday with the consciousintention of Love is a great way to dispelthe negativity that we may encounter as weinteract with others in our lives.What is a conscious intention of Love? Itis allowing yourself to see the higher goodin all things, as the Hindu/Sanskrit greetingNamasté conveys “The Light of God in Merecognizes and honors The Light of God inYou.”We can continually choose to bring in theblessing of loving acceptance in our lives.Feeling the joy that life has to offer and seeingyourself as a part of this greater good is aneeded elixir for ridding ourselves of the patternsof habitual stress and negative thinking.It is essential to our well being that we giveourselves time to decompress at the end ofeach day. Spending a few minutes in quietreflection and appreciation for the day is oneway of soothing the soul.The better we get at not letting ournegative patterns of reaction rule us, the lesstime we will need get back to our peacefulcenteredness.As we become more open and awareof the power we have to create the life wechoose, we become at ease with our life andsurroundings, including the events we seehappening on a worldwide scale.When we perceive ourselves or others in aIn the world’s oceans, there are: 58 speciesof sea grasses; less than 1,000 speciesof cephalopods (squids, octopi and pearlynautiluses); 1,000 species of sea anemones;1,500 species of brown algae; 7,000 speciesof echinoderms (starfishes, sea urchins, seaFun Factsnot so loving vibration, we can take in a slowdeep breath, center ourselves and choose torespond with Love to what is present in thatmoment.Everything we hear, read, see or feel givesus the opportunity to choose our reponse.The more we practice being aware of potentialstressors (or our own negative reactions)the more we can consciously choose to let goof our judgments and our resistances in everymoment.When we choose to be in the lovingvibration of nonresistance, we are choosingto create less stress in our lives. Thus, we arecreating a more peaceful place within us toshare with the world.In Peace and Harmony, Maya Joy Angeles,co-owner of the Crystal Lotus Gallery andSpiritual Life Center, located on Highway 87in Pine, Arizona. See ad below.cucumbers and sea lilies); 13,000 species offishes; and 50,000 species of mollusks.*******The United States produces the world’slargest crop of soybeans. China is the secondlargest producer.Page 14 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Help our planet by reusing things wiselyHow can we reuse and orrecycle these things weimpulsively bring home?Like many, I collect littletreasures. I look along riverbeds while hiking or doing nature photography.I pick up everything unusual—weird lookingseed pods, strange looking wood—youknow, the things you just come across whileout and about.Then there are the stones. This is where Ican get carried away.Before long, you find you have enoughsmall stones to fill a basket. They’re on yourmantle, on your window sills, in a centerpiece on the table, they even end up in thebathroom sink for decoration.The creative alternatives are limitless. Forexample, small flat stones can be heated formassage or cooled in the refrigerator. Stonescan be used for cooling down inflammationor relieving fever. Stones work just as well asany store-bought cold pack. The best partis that stones are nontoxic and they holdthe cold and heat for a very long time. Yearsago, stones were heated up and used as footwarmers on those chilly evenings.For personal use, disinfectant stones withbleach. Add 2 tablespoons of bleach to 1quart of water and soak for 10 minutes.Rinse thoroughly before use. For multipersonuse, disinfectant with hospital-gradedisinfectant, rinse thoroughly before use.To heat stones use caution and commonsense! In a crock pot or roaster add hot water tocover the rocks, turn on high for one-half hour,then simmer for remaining massage time.Remove stones with ladle or spoon. Utensilcan also simmer in water on stove top for5 minutes, then strain in strainer and wrapstones on towel to dry off before use.To cool stones just freeze them or place inrefrigerator for one hour. Simple!I really lucked out while visiting theNorthwest and found some great symmetricalstones on the beach. They were allperfectly round and in every size imaginable.These stones make great cairns.Some people make an art out of stackingrocks and stones.So keep that in mind if you ever travel tothe Northwest beaches in California, Oregonand Washington.In the desert I have also found uniquestones in dried riverbeds. Desert stones androck are awesome for yard decor and landscapeprojects. They also work well as habitatfor the little creatures that venture through.Small stones can be used to do small mosaicor wall projects.Great pleasure comes with completingcreative projects.I just love collecting those small butinteresting parts of nature. I have even foundbeautiful cactus skeletons, roots from trees,bird skeletons, etc. These, too, make creativeyard art—the perfect décor for the outdoors.The best green, natural product made byMother Earth are the things you stumbleupon in day-to-day living.Let’s all recycleThe U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency says that recycling is the number onesolution to our garbage problem. The percentageof garbage that could have been recycledranges from 66 percent to 84 percent.Most of that is packaging, but paper wasteaccounts for 35 percent of landfill content.Paper is easily recycled. Let’s do it!Photo by Patricia MelchiThese perfectly round stones found along the Northwest coast make great cairns.For awhile I was collecting cactus skeletonsand making natural earth sculptors with them.Driftwood also produces natural sculptures.Roots from trees make great naturalhabits for nocturnal creatures in your backyard sanctuary.All these things combined help our planet.Cherry CraneIntuitive Card ReaderSpiritual AdvisorReiki MasterArtistReusing what we have prevents waste onmany levels.Be creative, help our planet by reusingthings of this earth wisely. Never deface ortake artifacts from our public parks. Be opento finding the unexpected. Pay it forward—plant a tree.Discover Your Soul PurposeMeet & Work With Your Animal TotemsCommunicate With Your Personal GuidesFind Clarity & Focuscherrycrane@yahoo.com(928) 592-0316October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 15

Arcosanti: Anexperimentalcommunity in theArizona desertBy Ann Haver-AllenFor centuries, people farmed thelands upon which they lived.They gathered the bounty of theland and hunted local animals.They traded and bartered withneighbors. No one spent hours commutingto obtain life’s basic necessities.Self-sufficient, sustainable community wasa way of life—not buzz words.The development of the automobile andthe tandem rise of the oil industry changedlife drastically by enabling people to move farbeyond their community.People no longer had to live in town. Theycould now “go to town” to get what theyneeded. Suburbia was born and commutingto work became a way of life. Pristine areasmiles outside the towns and cities becamebedroom communities. The connection withthe land and a sense of place were lost.Back to the basicsArcosanti—located in the Arizona desertjust off Highway 17 north—is anexperimental project designed to see ifthose lost connections can be re-established.Paolo Soleri, Italian architect, artist andphilosopher, who is now 89, founded Arcosantiin 1970. He attended the Frank LloydWright apprenticeship program at TaliesinWest in Phoenix.While Arcosanti is sometimes called afuturistic city, it is actually a community ofyesteryear.“Urban sprawl, where people live in singlefamilyhouses with square yards and needto transport goods and services over longdistances is wasting a lot of energy,” said ErinJeffries, public relations coordinator for theArcosanti Project of The Cosanti Foundation.“You have to run more power lines andmore plumbing, and build more highwaysover longer distances.”Soleri thought that all those things couldbe brought together, thereby developing efficiency,saving energy and improving qualityof life.“Bringing all these things together in acomplex and beautiful way not only enhancesefficiency, but also the overall qualityAbove, the view from the bronze foundry at Arcosantitakes in the Agua Fria basin. At right, Theterraced buildings at Arcosanti feature dramaticthree-story vaults and apses—a quarter of a sphere.All are built south facing for solar gain.Photos by Pia Wyerof life,” Jeffries said. “By having residentialspace near services, entertainment andcommercial areas, people can walk to theirdestinations.”Also, by minimizing the footprint of development,large tracts of land surroundingthe community can be left undisturbed—apositive for wildlife, which is constantlysqueezed out of habitat in the face of urbansprawl. Arcosanti occupies only 25 acres of a4,060-acre land preserve, which preserves thecountryside in its natural state.“In a nutshell, we are a sustainable,experimental community and constructionproject,” Jeffries said. “Arcosanti is based onthe idea of arcology—a term coined by PaoloSoleri to describe the concept of architectureand ecology working as one integral processto produce new urban habitats.”Just like the Sinagua built their housinghundreds of years ago, Arcosanti hangs onthe side of a canyon that runs with waterafter it rains. The flat, fertile land below isfarmed.“Arcology is a city without cars,” Jeffriessaid. “It’s a city where people walk, use thestairs and sidewalks. It’s a community wherepeople can access everything they need—includingnature and recreation—within a veryclose distance.”Jeffries said that Arcosanti is a work inprogress.“If complete, 5,000 people could livePage 16 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Photos by Pia WyerAbove, Erin Jeffries, public relations coordinator for the Arcosanti Project of The Cosanti Foundation,shows a ceramic mold used for making Soleri bells. At right, bronze Soleri bells are individual, uniquecreations. Below, ceramic Soleri bells come in a variety of sizes and shapes.here,” she said. “Right now, about 80 peoplelive here, although the population is constantlychanging. We get students fromall over the world who come here for ourworkshops.”WorkshopsArcosanti’s workshops introduce theconcept that arcology—architectureand ecology—as one integral process.Arcology is a positive alternative to urbancivilization, population, pollution, energyand natural resource depletion, food scarcityand quality of life.Since 1970 more than 6,000 people fromaround the world have taken part in Arcosanti’sworkshops.The workshops combine academic andexperiential learning as students study theconcepts and designs of Soleri, and contributeto the building projects at Arcosanti.The five-week course is the foundationalprogram. The program breaks down like this:Week One: Seminar Week is an introductionto Soleri’s theories via talks and lectureson Arcosanti’s design development, constructionhistory, future plans and arcologyconcepts. Soleri leads two informal seminars.The week also features a hike into the naturalareas surrounding Arcosanti and a silt-castingworkshop. Week One also can be taken as astand-alone course.Week Two: Field trips and work opportunitiesare presented in week two, which canbe taken in conjunction with week one or asa continuation of the full five-week program.Participants visit Cosanti—the originalSoleri studios started in the mid-1950s—andTaliesin West—one of Frank Lloyd Wright’shouses. A meeting with Soleri is included.Weeks three through five are intensivehand-on participation in construction,facilities maintenance, agriculture, archivesor landscaping. Participants will also rotatethrough the café and recycling duties. Weeklymeetings with Soleri are included.In addition to the weekly workshops,Arcosanti also offers extended stay, internships,one-day workshops and customizedprograms.The extended stay is the post-workshopvolunteer program, where participants canstay on at Arcosanti following successfulcompletion of the five-week program.“After you complete the five-weekworkshop, you can live here after finding ajob,” Jeffries said. “You can get a paid or avolunteer position working full time. Thenyou can live here.”Internships are three-month programsavailable to qualified individuals in search offield experience. Interns are accepted in planning,construction, facilities maintenance,agriculture, landscaping, archives, graphicsand computer networking.Silt casting can be studied as a one-dayworkshop and soon ceramic bell making willbe added to the curriculum. Soleri has beenusing silt as a casting medium for clay, plasterand concrete since 1956. This workshopprovides an introduction to these uniquecasting methods. Each participant produces aplaster tile and receives a complimentary tourof Arcosanti while the tiles are drying. Thenext silt casting workshops are scheduled forOct. 3 and Nov. 7. Call (928) 632-6233 fortime and details.Groups of 10 or more can request customizedprograms on any particular aspect ofArcosanti. Customized programs can be oneday or several months, depending on theneeds of the group.Arcology constructionArcosanti, a prototype arcology and anexperiment in progress, has been builtalmost entirely by volunteers.“Since 1970 most of the Arcosanti sitehas been built with unskilled labor,” Jeffriessaid—those individuals who attended five-October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 17

Photos by Pia WyerAbove, an apse shades the community center atArcosanti.Above, right, the Colly Soleri Music Center at Arcosanti,which is named in remembrance of PaoloSoleri’s late wife. Many concerts and cultural performancesare held here. The season’s last concert isscheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11. The 27 th AnnualColly Concert will feature concert pianist SonyaLee in her seventh appearance at Arcosanti.Below, the view of Arcosanti from across thecanyon.week workshops and chose to stay on eitheras an employee or in a volunteer capacity.“We are working toward the Arcosanti5000 design and are about 3 percent to 5percent complete,” Jeffries said. “One ofour newest projects is the construction of awheelchair accessible ramp. Since we werebuilt in the 1970s, we do not have a lot ofwheelchair accessibility, so we are trying toupdate that. We received a grant from theArizona Department of Tourism to build thenew ramp.”She said the buildings are constructed ofconcrete because it is low-maintenance and itblends in with the environment.“We can make smooth or rough concrete,”Jeffries said. “The rough concrete panels arepoured directly onto the ground and thenlifted up. They retain coloring from the dirtand the effect of any rocks there were in thedirt. It really blends in well with the environment.”The terraced buildings at Arcosanti featuredramatic three-story vaults and apses—aquarter of a sphere. All are built south facingfor solar gain.“The apse design, which is south facing,shades the work spaces in the summer whenthe sun is overhead and warms them in thewinter when the sun is lower on the horizon,”Jeffries said. “People are able to workyear-round in this indoor-outdoor setting.”Piling huge amounts of sand to the desiredheight and shaping it into a dome create theapses. Designs are carved into the sand andcolor pigments are applied. Concrete is thenpoured over the sand. When the concretecures, the sand is dug out and a concreteshell is standing.“This is really a reusable, available andcheap material source with which to make abuilding,” Jeffries said.The buildings are designed with multiuseconcepts in mind. For example, heat fromthe bronze furnace and green house is channeledto heat apartments.“There are designs for heating at Arcosanti,but there are no designs for air conditioning,”Jeffries said. “We use natural heatingand cooling fans and ventilation.”Jeffries explained how the windows in thehigh dome ceiling of the café are paintedwith whitewash to reflect heat in the summerand the floor-to-ceiling doors are open toallow breezes to cool the interior. In the wintertime,the whitewash is removed to allowthe sun to penetrate the space. Jeffries said aPage 18 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

huge windsock that moves the heat downwardis installed. Screens on the giant doorwindowsare removed to allow the sun in.Rainwater catchment designs, includingcisterns, are incorporated throughout thesite.“All of our drinking water and all the waterwe use comes from on site here,” Jeffries said.In the heart of the Arcosanti complex, onecan believe that he or she is in a Mediterraneanparadise. Italian cypress trees embracethe courtyards, which are filled with peach,apricot, fig and olive trees. Benches are convenientlyplaced throughout the plazas and thewind bells for which Arcosanti is noted tinklein the breeze.It’s the Soleri bells, Jeffries said, that providethe funding for the Arcosanti’s growth anddevelopment.Arts, entertainmentNo community would be healthy withouta good dose of the arts, and forArcosanti, the Soleri bells form thatfoundation.“The artisans who make the bells make amuch longer commitment to Arcosanti thanmost other employees,” Jeffries said. “It’s along training program, and while they makeit look easy, it’s not.”The bells are vital to Arcosanti.“Most of the construction costs are paid forby the sale of the bells,” Jeffries said. “We havebuilt this entire site with unskilled workers andwith funding that we have created by the sale ofour bells. It’s an artistic product of Arcosanti.”Two types of bells are made at Arcosanti:bronze and ceramic. They are made accordingto methods developed by Soleri duringthe time he worked as a ceramic artist. Siltcasting is the underlying technique for fashioningthe bronze bells. After the bells arepoured, they are finished in one of two ways.“One way is heat treated, which createsthe metallic waves of color in the finish,”Jeffries said. “The other method is applyingacid to speed up the natural aging process ofthe bronze, which creates a patina look. Thepatina bells continue to age and turn colorsover time.”The ceramic bells begin by making animprint into damp sand. Clay—which comesfrom Globe—is mixed with water to formslip. The slip is poured into the preparedsand mould. The sand absorbs the moistureand after about a day, the bell is ready forcarving.“Using knives and tools, the bells arecarved,” Jeffries said. “A mineral oxidepowder is applied to the outside to create thereddish coloring.”She added that all bells are one of a kindand carry the official Cosanti stamp.Because Soleri bells are a “made in Arizona”product, they are popular with chambersof commerce who frequently give them aswelcome gifts to new members, Jeffries said.“It’s hard to find something that was designedin Arizona and made in Arizona,” shesaid. “We have really become an icon.”Arcosanti also has an amphitheater in whichconcerts and cultural performances are held.The theater is named the Colly Soleri MusicCenter at Arcosanti in remembrance of PaoloSoleri’s late wife.The season’s last concert is scheduled forSaturday, Oct. 11. The 27 th Annual CollyConcert will feature concert pianist SonyaLee in her seventh appearance at Arcosanti.Lee will perform works by Beethoven, Bartok,Schubert and Chopin to commemoratethe life of Corolyn Woods Soleri. A light andsound show called Pictograph will follow theperformance.TourismAnd if the show runs a bit late, why notstay overnight?Arcosanti offers a variety of overnightaccommodations, but reservations arerequired.Arcosanti hosts between 30,000 to 50,000tourists a year, including 9,000 overnightguests, Jeffries said. Many of the visitors areinternational. Jeffries noted that often peopleliving close to Arcosanti never actually visit,but people from other parts of the world makePhoto by Pia WyerThe Arcosanti Gift Shop is located above the café.The windows in the high dome ceiling are paintedwith whitewash and a green screen is installed toreflect heat in the summer. In the wintertime, thewhitewash and the giant screen are removed to allowthe sun to penetrate the space.Arcosanti a destination.It is a self-contained retreat—no automobilesallowed within. The Café at Arcosantioffers three buffet meals daily, both meat andvegetarian. The bakery offers breads, cookies,brownies and other freshly baked goods madefrom organic flours, grains, nuts and fruit.For a nominal fee, Arcosanti makes itsmeeting rooms and outdoor spaces availablefor meetings and retreats.“Unlike most architects, Paolo Soleri hasbeen able to work on his own project formost of his life,” Jeffries said. “Arcosantiis based on his idea of arcology, which isa fusion of architecture and ecology. Hisdesigns bring people together and createspaces that are both private and have a senseof community while reducing the amount ofenergy needed to use for heating, cooling andtransportation.“Arcosanti is an experimental project,” shecontinued. “It’s not a solution, but rather ahypothesis that we are testing here.”October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 19

Nature can inspire interior designNothing soothes the soulmore than resting your eyeson the vivid blue of the seain the late afternoon sun orbreathing in the fresh air asyou walk a country path surrounded by talltrees. Bring the beauty of nature into yourhome when decorating and create your ownunique, relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.Our environment offers nature inspired looksthat are suitable for every area of your home.Use the outside view as your focal pointand arrange your furniture so that you getthe best view of the outdoors.Choose your colors from those that yousee outside your window. Paint walls andceilings pale blue like the sky and place agreen rug on wood and tile floors.Paint your ceiling with faux clouds for anopen feeling. Green is a healing and soothingcolor that binds other colors together. TheLooking for beautyuse of nature’s colors of browns and greensand the warmer tones like yellows and redscan all tie together with complementarygreen accents.Add drama and still keep with the naturalscheme by introducing texture in youraccessories. Keep potted plants and flowersoutside your patio doors and windows.Set potted plants on your tables and growherbs in your kitchen. Gather tall branches,winding vines and other earthly findings andarrange them in unusual baskets, bowls andmetal pots.Collect interesting rocks and stones andplace them around your room. Use indoortrees and hanging baskets to fill spaces andelevate your ceilings. Cut fragrant foliageand herbs from your yard and garden anduse them to create unique floral arrangements.The smells of nature can really createan atmosphere. Shiny metals will clash withnatural décor.Use interesting baskets and clay or woodbowls for display. Choose natural lookingfabrics with texture and wood and wickerwith weathered iron. Keep the elementsin your home natural rather than artificialor synthetic. Remember to open windowsand doors and pull back drapes, blinds andcurtains to let light and fresh air into yourhome. This will bring new energy into yourliving space.In the Japanese practice of Shabui, youfind a piece from nature and build your colorscheme around it while looking for blendedcolor within that object to build your room’scolor and create the atmosphere that you want.Most home improvement stores can takeany object and scan it to match a paint color.Take your time and have fun creating yourown looks and making your home morepeaceful, relaxing and beautiful. Nature hasit all.If you are interested in workshops usingnature to create unique scented floral arrangementsand garlands, custom wovenbaskets, interesting woven birdhouses and3-D freeform woven sculptures, call BonnieWest at (928) 379-3933.Seek and you shall find beauty everywhereAs my husband Marty droveus down the hot streets ofPhoenix, I kept my eyes peeled.I often do that especially whenthe temperatures are up in theone hundred and teens. I look for signs ofanimals—big or small—that might be hot,hungry, or thirsty and need help. That is mything.I look between buildings, through fences,apartment windows, stairwells, always keepingan eye out for an animal in need. I keepan eye out for people who might need helptoo. As we were driving and my eyes weredarting in my search, I noticed a sense ofanxiety and compulsion.There might have been a great song playingon the radio, but I wasn’t listening, nothingelse mattered in the moment. I had tolook, had to know if an animal was suffering.This practice had become a habit and wasexhausting, and no fun.Suddenly, I was reminded of an exercise Idid with my niece Courtney during a weekendtrip to New York City.She was 11ish. As we were walking togetherdown a busy street in Times Square, sheannounced to me that everyone in New Yorkwas mean. I asked her how she knew that,and she assured me she could tell by people’sfaces, “They’re all mean,” she said, pointingone or two sour faces out.I hadn’t seen it that way. So I asked her todo an exercise, and you can do it too as youread this.I asked her to stop for a moment and lookaround to find everything that is blue incolor. She scanned the storefronts and peopleon that street for anything blue. When shefelt complete, I asked her to close her eyes,and when she did, I asked her to recall whatshe saw that was red (you can do this too,but shut your eyes right now).She kept her eyes closed and was silent.She couldn’t recall red things. Red hadn’tbeen what she was looking for.This is one of the simplest exercises todemonstrate that the mind is always lookingfor evidence, always looking to be right, andalways finds what it is looking for and littleelse.She opened her eyes and thought aboutwhat I had said.I thought about my niece as my husbandand I continued along Central Avenue. I wasalso becoming more aware of my habit ofbecoming an animal detective. I wanted tostop the looking; it was a habit I had createdover years.I decided I would look for something else.I would consciously look for beauty instead.It could be in any form, shape or experience.As I made up my mind to do this, my eyeslit on a sign, it read “Beauty.” I laughed outloud. It was a beauty supply shop. I lookedfor beauty everywhere: In the color of buildings,in the clouds in the sky, in the music onthe radio and in the reflections and shadowsof the sunlight on the desert landscape.I could find it. I just had to remember tolook for it. I know I was reminded of thisNavajo chant—used in ceremonies to helpone return to a state of balance within theuniverse.This state of balance is called “Hozho” inthe Navajo language. It goes like this:In beauty I walk.With beauty before me, I walk.With beauty behind me, I walk.With beauty below me, I walk.With beauty above me, I walk.With beauty all around me, I walk.It is finished in beauty.Sarah McLean is the director of SedonaMeditation Training & Retreats and iscertified and recommended by Dr. DeepakChopra. She can be reached via e-mail atmeditate@sedona.net, phone at (928) 204-0067 or fax at (866) 654-1705. You canalso visit online at http://www.SedonaMeditation.com.Page 20 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Recycling news from far and wideHome Energy BankPeople who use solar energy systems topower their houses can watch their electricmeters slow, stop or even run backwardwhen the sun shines.But when the sun goes down, the powerdecreases. Now, an MIT professor, DanielNocera, has developed a fuel cell that“banks” solar energy and makes electricity24/7.Fuel cells and batteries are alike in thatthey produce no greenhouse gases, butbatteries store electrical energy in a closedsystem that eventually runs out.Fuel cells have the advantage of runningindefinitely as long as certain materials (inthis case, hydrogen and oxygen) are present.The hydrogen-oxygen reaction has alwaysrequired hi-tech containment because it’shighly corrosive, but Nocera’s new systemwas demonstrated using only a glass jar.He says the process is cheap, efficient andeasy to manufacture. The system is madefrom abundant materials.And we love this part: Nocera was inspiredby nature’s own strategy for storingenergy from the sun.The Lion House LeedsThe Bronx Zoo’s Lion House was dubbeda Historic District because of its graciousBeau-Arts style and striking 1903 architecturalfeatures, but since the settings in zooshave become more naturalistic, the grandold Lion House has long sat unused.Now, thanks to the vision of the WildlifeConservation Society (plus $62 million andsix years), it is busy, vital, and the city’s firstLEED-certified Gold-landmarked structure.The grand exterior was untouched, butwith construction that included majorgutting and excavating, the building nowfeatures a waterfall, pool, two-story cliffs,caves, fish, lemurs, crocodiles and a baobabtree with Madagascan hissing cockroaches—aswell as meeting rooms for humans.Recycled steel, stone, concrete, low-VOCmaterials and harvested woods were usedthroughout the structure.A natural fuel cell, cogeneration plant andheat loop system is so efficient that it occasionallyfeeds power back into the grid. Asfor water, the made-over Lion House boasts a59 percent savings in consumption, and a 30percent reduction in waste.“We can’t be a leader in global conservationif we don’t also live it at home,” as thechief executive officer of WCS said.Soles for SoulsThis is a story that will warm yourheart—if not your feet. Its premise is quitesimple: Sending used shoes to people whoneed them.The particulars: The Lehigh Safety ShoeCo. has teamed up with Soles4Souls in a programthat will provide industrial companieswith donation boxes, brochures, ad materialsand local public relations to help thesecompanies host a “shoe fair.”The fair makes it easy for the companiesto collect shoes and get them onto the feet ofdeprived people in 60 countries.This program is a prime example of whatis good about the green movement.Needy people receive a basic, necessarycommodity; that important commodityis reused while being directed away fromlandfills; a company that hosts a “shoe fair” isrecognized for having a heart as well as gaininggreat publicity.Green is good. For more information, visitwww.giveshoes.org.Recycle for MomPeter Lobin of Solid Waste SolutionsCorp. calls himself a “Garbologist.” He wasvisiting San Francisco’s Embarcadero whenhe noticed the public recycling set-up: One90-gallon toter for “Recyclables,” one for“Trash” and one for “Organics.”Since his company’s motto is IntegratedEnvironmental Solutions for a SustainableFuture, Lobin was interested. He noticedthat there was a female attendant standingnearby, and he started up a conversation.“How is this working?” he asked.“Very well—now that we have attendants,”was the answer. “See, when thesewere first installed, people mixed everythingup,” the attendant continued.“So with you standing here, people arerecycling properly,” Lobin replied.“Yes, they see us watching them andthey’re much more careful.”OK, we understand that it takes awhilefor Americans to form new habits, but thefuture of the planet is at stake. This simplestory begs the question: Do we still needMom around to remind us to clean up afterourselves?Solar is StylingJohn Langdon, with a company calledHelioVolt, points out that solar power isin a state similar to the situation of airconditioning in 1950: not yet consideredstandard equipment in new construction.Back then, window units were the prescribedretrofit for buildings without centralair—and 6-inch deep solar panels are thecorresponding retrofit for nonsolar buildingsnow.In 2007, solar installations soared 45percent, but with solar power still less than1 percent of the U.S. total, that’s a drop inthe bucket.Steep energy prices and subsidies helpsales; however, at about $40,000 for a typicalinstallation (before subsidies) price is theobstacle to buyers.Solar companies can’t lower the price, butthey are addressing another objection: theugly appearance.Thick panels and add-on brackets forroofs are giving way to thin-film constructionand roof tiles that are attractivelyintegrated.Central air conditioning caught onnicely, thank you; it won’t be long that solarpower—with better aesthetics—will catchon, too.Ontario Does it BetterYou’re a good recycler—recycling paper,bottles, cans and plastic—but old TV’s,computers and cell phones drive you nutsbecause the recycling truck won’t take them.All that electronic scrap (with componentsthat nobody wants to see leach intodrinking water) ends up in a hole in theground—ugh! What’s a good recycler likeyou to do?Well, if you’re in Ontario after April 1,2009, your worries are over.That’s when the province’s recycling dropoffswill start receiving electronics. Theprogram is free for consumers, with the tabpicked up by manufacturers, brand ownersand importers.The goal is to have 650 locations up andrunning in five years.Ontario currently recycles 27 percent ofits electronics, but it hopes to move thatnumber up to 61 percent at the five-yearmark—that’s the first target set for recyclingelectronic scrap anywhere in Canada.Ontario’s environment minister says thewholesale dumping of electronics into landfillshas “got to end.” And good recyclerseverywhere nod in agreement.Questions can be sent to Jim Parks at jrparks@mac.com.Recycling TipMetal items that can be recycled includesteel food cans, metal lids, small appliances,wire, scrap metal, empty aerosol cans andwire clothes hangers.Let us recycle the lumberfrom your old deckDon’t throw your used cedar and redwood lumber away.Give us a call and we will pick it up and give it new life asdistribution stands for Earth Odyssey.(928) 778-1782October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 21

An old ally returns for fight against global warmingIn 1944, during the height of WorldWar II, American gardens producedup to 40 percent of all the vegetablesconsumed nationally. It was consideredeach American’s patriotic duty tohave a Victory Garden, and many a vacantlot was commandeered to grow squash andcorn. People everywhere were plowing uptheir lawns, planting their back yards andsetting out containers on apartment rooftopsand patios.Recently, Victory Gardens have seen resurgencein popularity as people begin to fightclimate change. Growing your own vegetablesreduces the amount of pollution generatedby shipping food thousands of miles from thefarm to your table.These “food miles” burn lots of oil, costus money and contribute to climate change.Add to this the recent salmonella scare, andrenewed concerns about food security andeating locally.People who are conscientious about wheretheir food comes from are also aware of howmuch energy they burn maintaining a lushlawn.The national organization Food NotLawns is a resource for people wanting totransform front yards into Victory Gardens.Cofounded by author Heather Flores, whowrote the book “Food Not Lawns,” the organizationoffers workshops and programs likeBy Shawn Dell Joycetool sharing and seed swaps.“It seems like it makes sense,” say Flores.“We’re only a couple of generations removedfrom when everyone who had property grewsome food on it.”In Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2007 documentaryon climate change, “The 11th Hour,”architect and landscape designer Fritz Haegpresented his edible estates project. Haegreplaces lawns with edible plants and haselevated landscape design into fine art. Hisdesigns are beautiful, water conserving, andconnect homeowners to the land and seasonsin a way mowing never will.Edible landscaping is not a new concept;notes author Rosalind Creasy, who wrote“The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping.”Egyptians included date palms, figs,and pomegranates in their enclosed gardens.Persians, Romans, Medieval Monasteries andEnglish gentry also employed forms of ediblelandscaping.Of course, none of these cultures had a homeownersassociations or zoning ordinancesto contend with.“Most people when they get in trouble iswhen they just take out a piece of lawn andput in tomato plants,” Creasy said. “Why notbe kind to your neighbors and put in a nicelookingvegetable garden?”The concept has caught on to such anextent that even the City of San Franciscorecently ripped up the turf in front of the CityHall and planted edible landscaping. Thegardens were planted by volunteers from SlowFood International, a worldwide organization.Slow Food encourages people to step awayfrom the fast-food culture, back to the days ofVictory Gardens before processed food, transfats, imports, and high-fructose corn syrup.Slow Food maintained the gardens all summerlong, then donated the produce to the localsoup kitchens and food pantry.Want to plant a Victory Garden in yourfront yard? Here are some tips:• Check local laws. Ask your local government,block organization or homeownersassociation if there are any “weed ordinances,”or restrictions on lawn plants.• Have your soil tested. Check the soil forlead contamination, salt buildup fromfertilizer or pesticide residues. At the sametime, check your lawn’s pH, and adjust thesoil accordingly.• Have a plan. There are many workshopsin edible gardening, permaculture andPopeye knew how to avoid Type 2 diabetesxeriscaping that can help you work withthe natural features of your yard to createan aesthetically pleasing and productivegarden. Plan now for next year’s garden.• Don’t bite off too much. Try converting asmall part of your lawn each season. Yourneighbors will appreciate seeing a wellplannedgarden gradually take over thelawn rather than an abrupt change.• Go local. Incorporate local species of plantsinto your garden as they have a provensuccess rate and tend to be drought anddisease tolerant.• Mix it up. Design your garden to containannuals and perennials, flowers andvegetables, edibles and ornamentals. Makesure that the end result pleases the eye aswell as the palate.• Build the soil. Layer compost and mulchto build raised beds over segments of thelawn. If you start now, your beds will beready for spring planting.• Enlist the neighbors. It could take a whilefor the edible landscaping to take hold.Minimize complaints by letting yourneighbors know ahead of time what youplan to do.Shawn Dell Joyce is a sustainable artist andactivist living in a green home in the Mid-Hudson region of New York. Contact her bye-mail Shawn@ShawnDellJoyce.com.Here’s another reason to tryto eat more fruits and greenleafy vegetables. Green leafyvegetables and whole fruitcould be the latest weaponsagainst the diabetes epidemic, according toTufts University Health & Nutrition Letter.An 18-year epidemiological study of71,346 women found that each additionalserving of green leafy vegetables, such as kaleor spinach, was associated with a 9 percentreduction in risk of developing Type 2diabetes.An increase of three servings per day infruit consumption was linked to an 18 percentlower risk of diabetes.Researchers led by Lydia Bazzano of TulaneUniversity School of Public health and TropicalMedicine examined data collected fromhealthy female nurses, ages 38 to 63, whofilled out food-frequency questionnaires everyfour years.Over the span of the study, 4,529 of thewomen developed Type 2 diabetes. Bazzanoand colleagues then correlated the dietarydata with the incidence of diabetes.Overall consumption of vegetables, fruitand fruit juice was not associated with anyprotection against diabetes. However, whenresearchers focused on green leafy vegetablesand fruit, a benefit was observed, consistentwith a small but growing body of evidenceconnecting vegetables in particular to diabetesprevention.On the other hand, consumption of fruitjuice—as opposed to whole fruits—was actuallyassociated with an increased likelihood ofdeveloping diabetes among the women.Each additional serving of fruit juiceboosted diabetes risk by 18 percent. Formore information on the study, go to http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/31/7/1311.Winning QuestionQ: I’m determined to provide my childrenwith healthy after-school snacks this year.What should I give them?A: Fresh fruits, raw vegetable sticks, babycarrots, raisins, unsweetened applesauce andfrozen grapes or bananas are all good treats.Some children need more substantial snacksthan others, depending on how big a lunchthey eat, how early they eat dinner and howmuch of a growth spurt they are in at thetime.For snacks that will sustain a child morethan just an hour or two, try including alittle bit of low-fat protein.You could offer a piece of string cheesewith fruit, cereal with milk and fruit, wholegrain English muffins with peanut butter ormelted reduced-fat cheese, or hummus dipwith vegetables and a couple of pita breadwedges.Children also enjoy making their ownsnack combinations. Ask for a hand in makinga trail mix of dried fruits, bite-size cereals,pretzels and a few nuts; a yogurt, fruitand cereal parfait; or homemade fruit andyogurt smoothies. —American Institute forCancer Research.Snack AttackThose mini snack packages, designedto help dieters’ willpower, might actuallyencourage greater consumption, according toEuropean researchers. In a study of 140 undergraduatesoffered snacks while watchingTV, bag size had no effect on the munchingof a control group. But when a second groupwas primed to think about calories, they werealmost twice as tempted by smaller snackbags and when they did munch, ate nearlytwice as much. —Tufts University Health &Nutrition Letter, September 2008.Winning RecipeLooking for a quick dinner that fits in withyour healthy eating plan? Try this Beef andBeer Chili from Cooking Light magazine.Beef and Beer Chili1 1/2 cups chopped red onion (about 1medium onion)1 cup chopped red bell pepper (about 1 smallpepper)8 ounces extra-lean ground beef2 garlic cloves, minced1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder2 teaspoons ground cumin1 teaspoon sugar1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon dried oregano1 (19-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added dicedtomatoes, undrained1 (14-ounce) can low-sodium beef broth1 (12-ounce) bottle beer1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal1 tablespoon fresh lime juiceYields 4 (1 1/2-cup) servings.Combine first 4 ingredients in largeDutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook 5minutes or until beef is browned, stirring tocrumble. Stir in chili powder, cumin, sugarand salt; cook 1 minute. Add oregano andnext 4 ingredients (through beer) to pan;bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15minutes. Stir in cornmeal; cook 5 minutes.Stir in juice.Nutritional analysis per serving: 261calories, 18.3 g protein, 30.3 g carbohydrate,5.7 g fat, 30 mg cholesterol, 8.3 g fiber, 799mg sodium.Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian inSpringfield, Ill. For comments or questions,contact her at charfarg@aol.com.Page 22 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Find 20 words associated with pumpkinsSudoku!Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains numbers1 through 9. The puzzle has only one solution. The solution is on page 29.Word PowerAutumnCandleCarveFestivalGingerGrowHalloweenHarvestJack-O’-LanternNutmegOrangePiePlantPumpkinPumpkin PatchScarecrowSeedSquashThanksgivingVineKarma (noun) Pronunciation: [‘kah(r)-mê] Definition: The moral cause and effectsystem of Buddhism and Hinduism that assumesevery action has a direct consequence.To simplify extremely, the consequence ofgood acts is happiness while the consequenceof bad acts is misfortune and suffering. Infact, all acts, however minute and seeminglyinsignificant, have a consequence in this lifeand in determining the form in which youwill be reincarnated in your next life.Suggested Usage: A person with positivekarma must be someone whose life has beenlived to some extent for others: “Isabelle’skarma from taking care of her invalid motherfor all those years should reincarnate her as aqueen.” Negative karma can be just as strong,“The fact that every one of Lionel’s lies getshim in trouble should tell you somethingabout his karma.”October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 23

Aaron, Shelby, Christian, Anthony, Oliviaand Jasmine each went to the grocery storeand bought a number (8, 5, 4, 2, 9 and 3) ofsome type of plant (apples, carrots, peanuts,mangoes, bunches of celery and potatoes).They each only bought one type of plant,however they differed in how much theybought.They carried the items that they bought toclass.What did each person bring to class?1. Anthony said that the edible part of hisitems are the seeds.2. Anthony brought in less than seven items.3. Christian’s items are fruit.4. Jasmine said that her items come from theroot of a plant.5. Someone brought in five mangoes.6. Olivia brought in the most number ofitems.7. Someone brought in two carrots.Several poison-dart frog species are bred atthe National Aquarium in Baltimore. There,researchers gauge the toxicity of poisonousspecies by taste. No danger is posed, becausefrogs caught in the wild gradually become lesspoisonous, and captive offspring are nontoxic.Fun Facts8. Someone brought in four potatoes.9. Aaron brought in less than nine items.10. Shelby’s items are not fruit.11. Someone brought in eight apples.12. Olivia said that her items come from thestem of a plant.13. Christian brought in less than sevenitems.The change may be due to diet. The frog’snatural menu—mostly tropical ants and springtails—cannotbe duplicated in a terrarium.*******The temperature of Earth’s interior increasesby 1 degree every 60 feet down.Educational books,puppets, toys and puzzlesfocused on nature.Highlands Center Insignia—help spread the word with aHighlands Center T-shirt, cap orwater bottle. Coming soon: fleecevests.Newest title to hit theshelves—I Love Dirt! 52activities to help you and yourkids discover the wonders ofnature.Check out our latest selectionof natural history books andfield guides.Selection of wildflower andgrass seed available.Local retailer of Soil Secretsproducts www.soilsecrets.com.Coming soon: HighlandsCenter apparel for theyoungest members of thefamily—infant and toddler sizes.The Benson Family Nature Store is located at the Highlands Center1375 Walker Road, Prescott • (928) 776-9559Solution on page 29Page 24 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Recurring EventsMonday nights, 7 p.m.—Self Search/ChanneledReadings, The Way To The LightWithin, Phoenix. This class has been goingon for over 12 years now. In the first part ofthe class, Dominique uses her psychic abilityand StarWheel tiles to give each participanta mini reading. Bring your questions aboutanything you want to know, because in thesecond part of the class Dominique connectsto her own as well as your guides, to getanswers and guidance for you. Dominiqueis also a medium and can connect with andgive you information from departed lovedones or friends. $20, Call (602) 279-2941 toreserve your place.Mondays—Heart-Centered TranspersonalHealing with Marsha Rand, MS, CCT, atMountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St.,Suite 100, Prescott. For more info, call (928)308-6400 or (928) 277-1230.Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Spiritual, Intuitiveand Empathic Readings with the Rev.Lana V. Ante at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For moreinfo, call (928) 717-4499.Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—IntuitiveReadings with Dona Elia at MountainSpirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100,Prescott. For more info, call (928) 445-8545.Wednesdays, 3p.m.-6 p.m.—Farmers Marketin Prescott Valley,M&I Bank onFlorentine.Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Spiritual, Intuitiveand Empathic Readings with the Rev.Lana V. Ante at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For moreinfo, call (928) 717-4499.Thursdays, 3p.m.-6 p.m.—Farmers Marketin Chino Valley,Bonn Fire Restauranton Hwy 89.Fridays—Intuitive Readings and Bodyworkwith Joseph Drew at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott.For more info, call (928) 830-4030.Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Spiritual, Intuitiveand Empathic Readings with the Rev.Lana V. Ante at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For moreinfo, call (928) 717-4499.Saturdays, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.—Astrology withLinda Myers at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For moreinfo, call (928) 445-8545.Sundays—Tea Leaf Readings with SherylTilley at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N.Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For moreinfo, call (928) 899-5064.Nonrecurring EventsOct. 1, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.— EnergyEfficiency: Continuous Improvement forContinuous Savings, Milwaukee, Wisc.Reduce your energy use and costs. For moreinfo, contact Sherry Benzmiller at (608)238.8276, ext. 121 or sbenzmiller@ecw.org.Oct. 1— Carson and Barnes Circus, LakeHavasu State Park. The London Bridge LionsClub presents two performances of a circuswith elephants! Additional fee charged; moreinfo at www.candbcircus.com, or by calling(928) 855-2784.Oct. 1-2—The Green Media Show, MarriottCopley Square Hotel, Boston, Mass.For more info, see http://sustaincommworld.com/index.asp.Oct. 2, 9 a.m.—Regular meeting of theYavapai County *Water Advisory Committee/Technical Advisory Committee, ArizonaDept. of Water, 2200 E. Hillsdale Road,Prescott.Oct. 2-4—Solar and Radiant HeatingSystems, Sandy Hook, N.J. Become a part ofthe burgeoning radiant heating industry anda rapidly growing solar marketplace. Thisthree-day course provides critical informationto design practical and efficient solar andradiant heating systems for energy and costsavings with the comfort of under-floor heating.Cost, $650. For more info, see http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/.Oct.2-4—MonarchTagging FieldTrip to BlueRiver. BoyceThompsonArboretumState Park’sEducationCoordinatorChrisKline invitesvolunteers to help search for monarch butterflies— then capture, tag and release adults.To sign up or for specific details, pleasecall Chris Kline at 520-689-2723 or e-mailckline@Ag.arizona.edu.Oct. 3, 7 p.m.—Protecting, Preserving andInterpreting the 1892-1900 Grand Canyon-FlagstaffStage Coach Line HistoricLandscape, Riordan Mansion State HistoricPark. Richard and Sherry Mangum, Flagstaffhistorians and Neil Weintraub, South KaibabZone Archaeologist, Kaibab NF will presentthis program. RSVP for this free program.For more info, call (928) 779-4395.Oct. 3-5—Introduction to Natural Building,Summertown Tenn. Three-day instruction instraw, cob, wood and other natural materials.Wattle and daub, adobe, earthbags, earthships,traditional Mexican styles, bamboo,slipclay, domes and arches, earthen floors,earth plasters and alis, passive solar, foundationsand drainage, living roofs and thatch.Exceptional hands-on experience. Cost,$400, or $700 for couples, meals and lodgingincluded. For more info, see http://www.thefarm.org/.Oct. 4—Introduction to Renewable Energy,Guemes Island, Wash. This workshop willintroduce renewable energy technologiesand strategies to homeowners, contractorsand renewable energy advocates. Cost, $150.For more info, see http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/.Oct. 4, 7 p.m.—The 1917-1918 FluEpidemic in Flagstaff. Bee Valvo, specialcollections and archives, Cline Library, NAUwill present this program. Through MichaelRiordan’s letters, Coconino County PublicHealth Department records, and the oralhistories of those who lived through theepidemic, we will explore how the citizens ofFlagstaff faced the epidemic and rose aboveits wrath. RSVP for this free program. Formore info, call (928) 779-4395.Oct. 4, 8 a.m.-noon—Edible/MedicinalDesert Plants Walk, Oracle State Park, $20fee; reservation required. Call the park formore information. (520) 896-2425.Oct. 4, 9:30–11:00 a.m.—Dragonfly Walk,Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park,37615 U.S. Hwy 60, Superior. For moreinfo, call (520) 689-2811.Oct. 4—FlagstaffScienceFest at thePark, JeromeState HistoricPark. Learn alittle geology,learn a littleabout minerals.Visitorswill have ahands-on opportunitytolearn about the geology of the Verde Valley.The Mingus Gem and Mineral Club will beavailable to show you about the beautifulworld of minerals, from ugly “rocks” to gems.For more info, call (928) 634-5381.Oct. 5, 2 p.m.—American Presidential Electionsin Historical Perspective, Red Rock StatePark, Sedona. Brooks D. Simpson, professorof history at Arizona State University, willpresent this program. The Arizona HumanitiesCouncil and the Benefactors of Red Rocksponsor this program. Seating is limited. Programis free with paid admission to the park.Call the park at (928) 282-6907 for furtherinformation. Reservations may be required.Oct. 5, 7 p.m.—Little Colorado River ValleyNHA: How the Landscape of the Little ColoradoRiver Valley Shaped Human Activities.Linda Marie Golier, Center for DesertArchaeology will present this program. Comelearn about Hopi farming and specializedvarieties of crops developed for dry farming,how Navajo-Churro sheep became adaptedto this environment and then contributed toa major part of Navajo culture, how the terrainand climate made the 35th parallel idealfor a railroad route and, in turn, how thataffected future development and settlement,including the logging and livestock industries.RSVP for this free program. For moreinfo, call (928) 779-4395.Oct. 6-8—Biopolymers Symposium 2008,Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago, O’Hare,Rosemont, Ill. For more info, see www.biopolymersummit.com.Oct. 6-10—Grid-Tied PV Systems, SanDiego, Calif., and Pittsboro, N.C. If youknow that you will be working in an urbanarea, with a focus on battery-less grid-tied installations,the Grid-tied PV class is for you!Cost, $850. For more info, see http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/.Oct. 7, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.—Houses ThatWork, Charlottesville, Va. Offered in collaborationwith the Energy & EnvironmentalBuilding Association, Houses That Work is aconcise look at the house-as-a-system and there-engineering process for improved buildingperformance. For more info, see eeba.org/calendar.Oct. 7-8, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.—CertifiedGreen: Credible Green Building and RemodelingProjects, Middletown, Wisc. Attendthis two-day training for an in-depth understandingof green building and remodelingprinciples. For more info, contact SherryBenzmiller at (608) 238.8276, ext. 121 orsbenzmiller@ecw.org.Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.— Houses ThatWork, Oklahoma City. Offered in collaborationwith the Energy & EnvironmentalBuilding Association, Houses That Workis a concise look at the house-as-a-systemand the re-engineering process for improvedbuilding performance. For more info, seeOctober 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 25

eeba.org/calendar.Oct. 8, 1 p.m.—Regular meeting of the UpperVerde River Watershed ProtectionCoalition/Technical Advisory Committee,County Administration Building, GladysGardner Conference Room, first floor, 1015Fair St., Prescott. The agenda will be postedon www.uvrwpc.org prior to the meeting.Oct. 8, 2:30 p.m.—Regular meeting of theUpper Verde River Watershed ProtectionCoalition/ Safe Yield Committee, CountyAdministration Building, 1015 Fair St.,Prescott. The agenda for the meeting shouldbe posted on www.uvrwpc.org a couple ofdays prior to the meeting.Oct. 8, 5 p.m.—Meeting of the City ofPrescott Water Conservation/Safe YieldCommittee., City Hall, 201 S. Cortez, lowerlevel conference room.Oct. 8-9—The Green California CommunityCollege Summit, Pasadena ConventionCenter, Pasadena, Calif. For more info, seehttp://www.green-technology.org/ccsummit/.Oct. 8-9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—31st WorldEnergy Engineering Congress, Gaylord NationalConvention Center on the Potomac,Washington, D.C. For more info see eeba.org/calendar.Oct. 9, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.— VentilationBasics and Myth Debunking, Waukesha,Wisc. This one-day training will providebuilders, remodelers, contractors, allies andother building performance consultants withthe skills they need to incorporate effectiveventilation into new and existing high-performancehomes. For more info, contactSherry Benzmiller at (608) 238.8276, ext.121 or sbenzmiller@ecw.org.Oct. 10, 9a.m.-Noon—Focus onInsects “Bio-Dive,” BoyceThompson ArboretumStatePark, 37615U.S. Hwy 60,Superior. Formore info, call (520) 689-2811.Oct. 10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.—Fall Plant Sale,Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.Autumn is harvest season; also the time toplant herbs and the right months to prepareyour spring flower garden. Stock up duringthis annual fundraiser. For more info, call(520) 689-2811.Oct. 10-11—LHC Lions Striper Derby,Lake Havasu State Park. Striper derby fundraiser;call Constant at (928) 505-5240 formore info. (928) 855-2784.Oct. 10-12—Peak Oil Preparedness, Summertown,Tenn., post-petroleum survivaltraining weekend intensive with sections onbecoming food self-sufficient, food preservation,growing your own fuels, fuel alternatives,heating and lighting your home withsolar and other renewable energies, watercatchment, natural building techniques,preventative medicine, ecovillages and transitiontowns. Cost, $400, or $700 for couples,meals and lodging included. For more info,see http://www.thefarm.org/.Oct. 11, 10 a.m.—Regular meeting of theCitizens Water Advocacy Group, GranitePeak UU Congregation, 882 Sunset Ave.,Prescott.Oct. 11, 1:30p.m.—Edible/Medicinal DesertPlants Walk,Boyce ThompsonArboretum StatePark, 37615 U.S.Hwy 60, Superior.For moreinfo, call (520)689-2811.Oct. 11—National Bass West Tournament,Lake Havasu State Park. Sixty boats fishingfor bass, weigh in 3 p.m. For more info, seewww.nationalbasswest.com, or call (928)855-2784.Oct. 11, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.—Second SaturdayShop Hop in Pine. Art galleries; antiques/gifts;mind, body, spirit; artists/craftsmen demos;and refreshments/live music. Look for the balloons.Come and spend the day in Pine!Oct. 11—Verde River bottom deposits samplingis planned for the upper Verde Riverwith the Sierra Club Water Sentinels. Tomake this program successful, volunteers areneeded who are willing to commit to attendone training session, at least three monitoringactivities and to assist with at least onestreamside cleanup. Volunteers will collectwater samples for lab testing. For more info,contact Sandy Bahr at sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org, or (602) 253-8633; or Tom Slaback atprescottkid@peoplepc.com or (928) 778-4233.Oct. 11-12—Annual Fort Verde Days, FortVerde State Historic Park Annual Fort VerdeDays. The park’s premier event includes livinghistory presentations, weapons demonstrationsand portrayal of life on the frontieras it was in the late 1870s—all taking placeat an original military site. For more info,call (928) 567-3275.Oct. 12, 2p.m.—GeologyHike, RedRock StatePark, Sedona.Park volunteersescort visitorson a guided hikethrough the park,discussing thegeology of thearea. This hikeincludes the EaglesNest trail fora great view of the park and the surroundingarea. More than just a guided hike, this is aninterpretive experience for the beginner andthe advanced geologist. The hike lasts for twoto two and one-half hours and has a 250-foot elevation climb. Bring water and wearsuitable shoes or boots. Call (928) 282-6907for further information. Reservations may berequired.Oct. 13, 4:30 p.m.—Meeting of the* CitizensWater Advisory Group/ EducationCommittee, Granite Peak UU Congregation,882 Sunset Ave., Prescott.Oct. 13-16—Solar Thermal Workshops,Guemes Island, Wash. Participants in thisworkshop will learn theory, design considerationsand installation techniques necessaryto install and maintain a solar domestic hotwater system. Cost, $550. For more info, seehttp://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/.Oct. 13-17—Biodiesel Fuel Workshop,Pittsboro, N.C. Learn the fundamentals ofthis alternative fuel source that can be usedin any diesel engine. Cost, $750. For moreinfo, see http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/biodiesel.html.Oct. 14, 12:15 p.m.—Brown Bag LunchLectures: History of Flagstaff Maps. Alex Di-Natale will give this presentation on generalland office maps and township surveys, thefirst land status maps made in the UnitedStates. For more info, call (928) 779-4395.Oct. 14, 5 p.m.—Moonlight Hike, RedrockState Park. This hike includes a naturalist-ledinterpretive program on the park’s beautifultrails. Hike leaves promptly from the VisitorCenter at 5 p.m. No late arrivals will be allowedto join the group. Wear suitable clothingand shoes, and bring water, a flashlightand insect spray. Reservations required. Thiswill be the last hike of the season. Call (928)282-6907 for further information.Oct. 14, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.— Full MoonGratitude Drumming, Crystal Lotus Gallery,3950 N. Hwy. 87 Pine, AZ. For more info,call (928) 476-3410.Oct. 15—Monarch Tagging Field Trip,Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.Education Coordinator Chris Kline invitesvolunteers to help search for monarchbutterflies—then capture, tag and releaseadults—during offsite research trips aroundthe state of Arizona. Participants will searchfor Monarchs on a trip to the HualapaiMountains. To sign up or for specific details,please call Chris Kline at (520) 689-2723 ore-mail ckline@Ag.arizona.edu.Oct. 15, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.—Aqua Fria OpenSpace Alliance Inc. invites conservation andland-use planners, resource managers and interestedcitizens to attend a brief presentationof the results of the Vegetation Mapping andMonitoring Demonstration Project recentlycompleted. This is a free, public gatheringwith refreshments and introductions followedby presentations on the grand conceptof Open Space, the practical necessity ofmore intensive Inventory and Monitoring,and progress in Natural History Education,Big Bug Station, Central and Main St.,Mayer. For more info, contact Garry Rogersat (928) 925-7191 or GRogers@SigmaXi.net, Jo Ann Johnson at (928) 772-7506 orja10johnson@yahoo.com.Oct. 15-16—Natural Green Builders ProductsExpo, Las Vegas Convention Center, LasVegas, Nev. For more info, see http://www.ngbpe.com/.Oct. 17—MonarchTagging FieldTrip, BoyceThompsonArboretumState Park.EducationCoordinatorChrisKline invitesvolunteers tohelp search for monarch butterflies—thencapture, tag and release adults—duringoffsite research trips around the state of Arizona.Participants will search for Monarchson a trip to the Hualapai Mountains. To signup or for specific details, please call ChrisKline at (520) 689-2723 or e-mail ckline@Ag.arizona.edu.Oct. 17-18— Drum Making Workshopwith Yolanda Martinez. Make your ownNative American drum and participate in thedrum birthing ceremony—learn drummingtechniques and songs. To register and formore info, call Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950N. Hwy. 87, Pine, AZ. (928) 476-3410.Oct. 17-Oct. 30—Intensive PermacultureDesign Certificate, Quiet Valley Ranch, Kerrville,Texas. For more info, see http://www.kerrmaculture.org/home/.Page 26 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Oct. 17-20—International Green IdeasShow, Albuquerque, N.M. Here is the oneexposition in the Southwest to specificallyshowcase the earth-friendly products,programs and services of inventors, companiesand concerned groups from around theworld in a popular consumer show format.For more info, see http://www.igishows.org/home.html.Oct. 18, meetat camp at 7a.m.—ArizonaAntelope Foundationwork projectwill be working onthe EZ Ranch eastof Cordes Junctionfor the SycamoreMesa Fence Modification.Volunteerswill modify some fence to make it pronghorn/wildlifefriendly. Bring workgloves, baglunch, snacks, water, personal gear. Volunteersare encouraged to bring ATVs/Rangers/Rhinosif they have them because theroad from the campsite to the project area onSycamore Mesa is not very good. The AAFwill provide a free steak dinner on Saturdaynight. For more info, including directions,contact Scott Anderson at (480) 213-1611 orinfo@azantelope.org.Oct. 18—The Nature Conservancy VolunteerField Trip to Three Links Farm (about15 miles north of Benson along the SanPedro River). Volunteers, this is your opportunityto visit the 2156-acre Three LinksFarm that was purchased by The NatureConservancy and stretches for six miles alongthe San Pedro River in Southeastern Arizona.The Conservancy purchased the Farm inorder to retire nearly 1000 acres of irrigation,which hydrological modeling showswill benefit 20 miles of river with increasedbase flows and healthier riparian vegetation.The San Pedro River is a major migratorypathway for neotropical birds such as grayhawk and the rare yellow-billed cuckoo andsupports endangered species such as thesouthwestern willow flycatcher and cactusferruginous pygmy owl. The Farm also containsnumerous highly significant archaeologicalsites that will be protected within theriparian management zone. Numbers will belimited, so call or e-mail Dorothy Boone at(520) 547-3437, or dboone@tnc.org to makeyour reservation.Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.—Boating SafetyClass, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.Learn about boat registration requirements,Arizona and federal boating laws, equipmentrequirements, navigation rules, traileringyour boat, aids to navigation (buoys) andother useful information. This is a state andfederally approved boating safety class! Uponsuccessful completion, students will receivea certificate and an ID card. Sponsored byArizona Game and Fish Department. Call toregister. (520) 287-2791.Oct. 18, 1:30p.m.—Plants ofthe Bible GuidedTour, BoyceThompsonArboretum StatePark. On thisguided walkingtour Mesa resident and Bible scholar DavidOberpriller points out palms, figs, olives,pomegranates and other plants of the Bibleand shares his knowledge about botany, historyand scripture. This easy two-hour tourproceeds slowly along wheelchair-and-walkeraccessiblepaths. For more info, visit http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/events/bibleplants.html.Oct. 19, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.—Trees ofArizona, guided tour at Boyce ThompsonArboretum State Park. A new autumn tourthrough the forested areas of the Arboretum,where you’ll learn about the towering sycamoreand cottonwood trees, native hackberry,mesquite and many more. For more info,call (520) 689-2811.Oct. 21-23—Green East Expo & Conference2008, Jacob K. Javits ConventionCenter, New York. Green East features thefull spectrum of green, organic and environmentallyfriendly products and services,allowing for synergistic purchasing across allcategories. For more info, see www.greenbiz.com/frame/1.cfm?targetsite=http://www.GreenEastExpo.com/.Oct. 22-24—Energy & EnvironmentalBuilding Association (EEBA) 2008 NationalConference, Pointe South Mountain Resort,Phoenix. For more info see eeba.org/conference.Oct. 23, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.— Harvest NightsConcert, featuring Vyktoria Pratt-Keating atthe Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 N. Hwy. 87.Pine, AZ. $10 suggested donation. For moreinfo, call (928) 476-3410.Oct. 23-14—Train the Trainer Class, DeadHorse Ranch State Park. The Train the Trainerclass is designed for people with trail andcrew leader experience, this class will give theparticipant the experience to leader a TrailCrew Leader Training. Instructors are taughthow to use the OSI curricula and lessonplans to teach basic trail construction andmaintenance, safety, tool use and crew leadershipprinciples. Participants should demonstratethe opportunity to host a Trail CrewLeader Training for an agency or associationthey are involved with in the future. Registrationfee is $75 to cover course materials,equipment, light breakfast and lunch bothdays. Free camping is available at the parkfor attendees or there are lodging options inCottonwood, Ariz. More details and logisticswill be sent to attendees after registering. Formore info, contact trails(at)azstateparks.govor call (602) 542-7116.Oct. 23-26—Social Venture Network’s2008 Fall Conference, La Jolla, Calif. Thisevent will bring together leaders in sociallyresponsible business to convene, recommit,share best practices, and celebrate our 2008Innovation Award winners. For more info,see www.svn.org.Oct. 23-26—Medicine Wheel—Journeyof the South, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. TheSouth direction is the path of the serpent. Thisis the work of the South, where we releaseour past energetically and mythically as theserpent sheds its skin. In the South, we alsobegin to assemble a mesa, the shaman’s altar,a collection of khuyas or medicine stones. Webecome the mythmakers. Cost, for the fourdayexperience is $950. For more info, sende-mail to medicine@dtpublication.com.Oct. 25—Upper Verde River StewardshipHike: Perkinsville Bridge to MC Canyon.Bushwhack up the Verde River seven milesthrough a very pretty part of the river. Beprepared to push through the brush, wadethe river, and climb around cliffs. This willbe a long day, but there is outstanding sceneryand photography, and fall color should beexcellent. Learn about the conservation issuesthreatening this wonderful river. Sierra Clubrating B, seven miles, 300’ elevation change.Prereservation required, contact Gary Beverlyat (928) 636-2638 or gbeverly@cableone.netfor more information or to ask for photos ofthe area.Oct. 25, 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m.—ButterflyWalk, BoyceThompsonArboretum StatePark. Learn toidentify commonspeciesof butterflies— and aboutthe colorfulinsects’ lifecycles — on a two-hour walk through theDemonstration and Hummingbird-ButterflyGardens. Arboretum Education DirectorChris Kline works with Arizona State Parksvolunteers on the ongoing monarch butterflymigration research project. For more info,see http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/monarchbutterflies.html.Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—9th AnnualFiesta de las Calabazas, Oracle State Park.This community festival is set at the historicKannally Ranch and features live music, fineart, food, hands-on activities and programsfor kids, pumpkins, gourds, and more. TheFiesta de las Calabazas was founded in 2000as a pumpkin or harvest festival to celebratethe beginning of the fall season in southernArizona. The 2002 event was the first atthe beautiful Oracle State Park venue. TheFiesta de las Calabazas promotes eco-tourismand heritage-tourism, fosters awarenessof the natural environment, and showcasesthe cultural and artistic diversity present inthe communities of Oracle, San Manuel,and Mammoth as well as neighboring townsin southern Arizona. Ride the shuttle bus tothe festival site from the Oracle CourthouseParking lot north of the Post Office and payonly $2 per person (ages 13 & under free).There is no additional charge to attend thefestival or concerts. The first shuttle fromtown leaving the Courthouse at 9:30 a.m.For more info, see http://www.calabazas.org/.Oct. 25—Haunted Tours, Yuma TerritorialPrison State Historic Park. Come join us for anighttime tour of the infamous Yuma Prison.Ghostly legends that haunt the pen come alivewith the Park Rangers and Yuma’s own paranormalinvestigators, the Yuma Spirithunters.For more info, call (928) 783-4771.Oct. 25, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.—Yavapai Mealson Wheels presents the Third Annual WineTasting Event, The Ridge Club, 6200 N.Hwy. 89, Prescott. The Buddy Moeck SwingBand will provide entertainment. Tickets are$65 per person and seating is limited. CallDarlene Wood at (928) 771-1950 for tickets.Oct. 25-26—Trail Crew Leader Training,Lost Dutchman State Park. The Trail CrewLeadership Workshop is designed to provideindividuals with the training and informationrequired to lead groups of volunteers on importanttrail projects. The training is 16 hoursin length (2 days) and includes a mix of classroomlecture, hands-on experience and fieldwork instruction. Participants should havesome prior trail experience. Registration feeis $75 to cover course materials, equipment,light breakfast and lunch both days. Freecamping is available at the park for attendeesor there are lodging options in Apache Junction,AZ. More details and logistics will besent to attendees after registering. For moreinformation contact trails(at)azstateparks.govor call (602) 542-7116.Oct. 26, 1 p.m.—Water Ways: Water,Human Nature, and Human Culture, a presentationby Dr. Eugene Anderson, authorof Ecologies of the Heart. Location: SharlotHall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott.For more information call (928) 445-3122 orvisit http://sharlot.org/index.shtml.Oct. 26, 1:30 p.m.—Edible/MedicinalDesert Plants Walk, Boyce ThompsonArboretum State Park. Sonoran Desert plantshave nourished, healed and clothed desertresidents for thousands of years. Walk theCurandero Trail and learn more from JeanGroen, author of Foods of the Superstitions.David Morris, ethno-botanist and ChoctawNation member, alternates as leader for thistour. Visit our Web site “events” page for specificdates, and please note that our Curand-October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 27

ero Trail is moderately steep in sections and isnot wheelchair accessible. For more info, seehttp://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/edibleplants.html.Oct. 28, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.—CertifiedGreen: Credible Green Building and RemodelingProjects, Green Bay, Wisc. Attend thistwo-day training for an in-depth understandingof green building and remodelingprinciples. This course is unique because itoffers training for both Green Built Homeand NAHB Verifiers program. For moreinfo, contact Sherry Benzmiller at (608)238.8276, ext. 121 or sbenzmiller@ecw.org.Oct. 28, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.—New Moon ManifestDrumming, Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950N. Hwy. 87 Pine, AZ. For more info, call(928) 476-3410.Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.—Southwest BuildersShow, Phoenix Convention Center. Sponsoredby the Home Builders Association ofCentral Arizona (HBACA), the SouthwestBuilders Show is Arizona’s largest show forbuilders and building industry suppliers inthe Southwest region. For more info, seewww.southwestbuildersshow.com.Oct. 30-Nov. 2—The Warrior’s Stance, afour-day experiential retreat, Merritt Center,Payson, Ariz. This class is for anyone who hascompleted the Medicine Wheel Program andwho wants to walk this path with a heart andembody every bit of power available to them.The four directions have many differentmanifestations and correspond with Matter,Energy, Space and Time. Cost is $875. Formore info, send e-mail to medicine@dtpublication.com.Nov. 1,11 a.m.-3p.m.—ShiitakeMushroomGrowingBasics,Summertown,Tenn. Learnmycoforestrywith themycorrhizalmasters. How to grow gourmet mushrooms,reverse climate change, save the forests andmake money doing it. Half-day course includesmushroom lunch, $50. For more info,see www.thefarm.org/etc/cources.html.Nov. 1, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.—Forum on Cultureand the Global Water Crisis. Registrationbegan Sept. 8, and close at 2,500 registrants.Location: Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church,1401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix (parking off15th St.) For further details regarding fees,conference purpose and format, questions,comments, and/or suggestions, contact JoeWilly at fjosephwilly@yahoo.com or (602)971-9536.Nov. 2, 2 p.m.—Beyond Guard Towers andBarbed Wire: Austrian Prisoners of War at NavajoOrdnance Depot, Red Rock State Park,Sedona. John Westerlund, a retired U.S. Armyfield artillery officer, will present this program.This program is sponsored by the ArizonaHumanities Council and the benefactors ofRed Rock State Park. Seating is limited. Programis free with paid admission to the park.Call (928) 282-6907 for further information.Reservations may be required.Nov. 2-9—Interdisciplinary Climate ResearchSymposium, Saguaro Lake Ranch,Ariz. For more info, see www.disccrs.org/DISCCRSposter.pdf.Nov. 2, 1 p.m.—Arsenic in Drinking Water:Toxicity, Testing and Treatment, a presentationby John Zambrano, retired water qualityspecialist. Location: Sharlot Hall Museum,415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. For more info,call (928) 445-3122 or visit http://sharlot.org/index.shtml.Nov. 5-6, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.— CertifiedGreen: Credible Green Building and RemodelingProjects, Green Bay, Wisc. Attend thistwo-day training for an in-depth understandingof green building and remodelingprinciples. For more info, contact SherryBenzmiller at (608) 238.8276, ext. 121 orsbenzmiller@ecw.org.Nov. 5-9—Solar Installation with Ed Eaton.Become a solar installer with this week-longcourse. In the U.S. course, the $500 feeincludes food and lodging or $350 if you justwant the instruction without accommodations,and $50 discount for early registrantsor bringing a friend. For more info, see www.thefarm.org/etc/cources.html.Nov. 8, 1:30p.m.—Edible/Medicinal DesertPlants Walk,Boyce ThompsonArboretum StatePark. SonoranDesert plantshave nourished,healed andclothed desertresidents forthousands ofyears. Walk theCurandero Trailand learn morefrom Jean Groen,author of Foods ofthe Superstitions. David Morris, ethno-botanistand Choctaw Nation member, alternatesas leader for this tour. For more info, seehttp://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/edibleplants.html.Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Live Music Festival,Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.Did you enjoy the summer series of Saturdaynights with live music and extended eveninghours? A few of the same performers will beshowcased Nov. 8 during a Saturday of livemusic “both acoustic and eclectic” featuringdifferent performances each hour in variousgardens and collections around the Arboretum.For more details, call (520) 689-2811;or visit http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/events/folkfestival.html.Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.—Benefitconcert featuring: AZ Rhythm Connectionwith Frank Thompson, An Inner Journey:Byron Metcalf & Mark Seelig, guitarist AmieHeberlein and friends, Native Wisdom SlideShow with Carla Woody and silent auctionwith art from Bali, Mexico and Peru.In the Marina Ballroom at the HassayampaInn, 122 E. Gurley St. Donation of $15in advance or $20 at the door. Bring yourpercussion instruments to jam with Frank.For more info, call 778-1058, or visit www.kenosisspiritkeepers.org.Nov. 8, 7 p.m.—Edward F. Beale, The ForgottenGiant, Riordan Mansion State Park.Richard and Sherry Mangum, Flagstaff historians,will present this program. Many residentsknow Edward Beale as the builder ofthe Beale Wagon Road, the path of which isfollowed by I-40 and the railroad. Beale wasmuch bigger than that, one of the leadingAmericans of his time. He was a war hero,pathfinder, humanitarian and more. Bealewas the man that U.S. officials called onto carry dispatches between California andWashington, in the 1840s-’50s, when thetrip was a dangerous test of a man’s courageand resourcefulness, and he always deliveredthe goods. RSVP for this free program. Formore info, (928) 779-4395.Nov. 8-9—Veteran’s Day Celebration, Mc-Farland State Historic Park. Come join thefun and celebrate our veterans with militaryre-enactors from various American conflictsWe will feature static displays of militaryequipment, period firearms demonstrations,and cannons being fired with a big bang. Formore info, (520) 868-5216.Nov. 8-9—Washington, D.C., GreenFestival, brings together more than 175,000attendees and is the world’s most authenticgreen living show, demonstrating its commitmentto sustainability through extensiveevent-greening efforts. For more info, seewww.greenfestivals.org.Nov. 9—Veteran’s Day Event, Fort VerdeState Historic Park. Town of Camp Verdewill host a parade in conjunction with localveteran’s groups; flag raising and flag retirementceremony held at Fort Verde to follow.For more info, (928) 567-3275.Nov. 9, 2 p.m.—Geology Hike, Red RockState Park, Sedona. Park volunteers escortvisitors on a guided hike through the park,discussing the geology of the area. This hikeincludes the Eagles Nest trail for a great viewof the park and the surrounding area. Thehike lasts for two- to two- and one-half hoursand has a 250-foot elevation climb. Bring waterand wear suitable shoes or boots. Call thepark at (928) 282-6907 for further information.Reservations may be required.Nov. 11— 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.—VentilationBasics and Myth Debunking, Waukesha,Wisc. As construction techniques andweatherization practices improve, resultingin tighter and more efficient housing, it isimperative that ventilation best practicesare employed to enhance indoor air qualityand control moisture. This one-day trainingwill provide builders, remodelers, contractors,allies and other building performanceconsultants with the skills they need to incorporateeffective ventilation into new andexisting high-performance homes. For moreinfo, contact Sherry Benzmiller at (608)238.8276, ext. 121 or sbenzmiller@ecw.org.Nov. 12-13— Co-op America’s GreenBusiness Network’s seventh Green BusinessConference, San Francisco’s beautiful RegencyCenter, offering a plethora of speakers,workshops, business-to-business networking,and numerous green marketing opportunities.For more info, contact Todd Larsen attoddlarsen@coopamerica.org, or see www.coopamerica.orgNov. 14-16—San Francisco Green Festival,the largest green consumer event in theUnited States, is a joint project of Global Exchangeand Co-op America, is the largest andmost diverse green living event in the country.For more info, see www.greenfestivals.org.Nov. 15, 1:30 p.m.—Plants of the BibleGuided Tour, Boyce Thompson ArboretumState Park. On this guided walking tourMesa resident and Bible scholar David Oberprillerpoints out palms, figs, olives, pomegranatesand other plants of the bible andshares his knowledge about botany, historyand scripture. For more info, visit http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/events/bibleplants.html.Nov. 16, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.—Trees ofArizona, guided tour at Boyce ThompsonArboretum State Park. Take our new autumntour through the forested areas of the Arboretumwhere you’ll learn about the toweringsycamore and cottonwood trees, native hackberry,mesquite and many more. For moreinfo, call (520) 689-2811.Page 28 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

Kneeling porcelain figurine finds fountain of worthQ: The enclosed photo is of a kneelingporcelain figurine I purchased in Germany in1951. Marked on the bottom are a crown andthe words “Rosenthal—Germany—Kunstabteilung—Selb.”The figurine is approximately7 inches high by 6 inches wide, and it is inpristine condition. I would appreciate anyinformation you can tell me about the maker ofmy figurine and its value.A: Rosenthal Porcelain Factory wasfounded in 1879 by Phillip Rosenthal inSelb, Bavaria. The factory is still in businessand is known for their high quality figurinesand tableware.Your figurine is known as the “The DrinkingMaiden” by the German artist, ErnstWenck. He designed the kneeling figurinein 1924; it was produced in both white andcolor until around 1950.The value of your figurine would probablybe $600 to $800.Q: This mark ison the bottom of mypottery jardiniere.The jardiniere has amatching pedestal,but it is not marked.The overall height isapproximately 25 inches. It has a glossy green glazeand is in good condition. The set was in a homewe purchased in Florida. We know it survived twoPuzzle SolutionsLogic Puzzle solution: Olivia came to class with nine bunches of celery. Jasmine came toclass with two carrots. Anthony came to class with three peanuts. Aaron came to class with eightapples. Shelby came to class with four potatoes. Christian came to class with five mangoes.by Anne McCollamCreators SyndicateFlorida hurricanes, but other than that, we don’tknow much about its history and value.A: McCoy Pottery was made in Roseville,Ohio, from 1910 to 1990. Your jardiniereand pedestal were made around 1955. Theset was available in green, matte white anda brown and green blend. Its value wouldprobably be $300 to $400.Q: I purchased a small, roll-top oak desk in1975, and I was told then that it was over 50years old. The inside has cubbyholes; below thewriting surface is one horizontal drawer thatis above two open shelves. All the handles arebrass, and on the lock are the words “Angus—London.” Can you tell me the age of the deskand what it might be worth?A: Angus of London made high qualityfurniture in England, in the last quarterof the 19th and first quarter of the 20thcenturies. Your oak desk was made around1900 and would probably be worth $1,000to $1,200.Q: The primary colored mixing bowl set inthis photo was a wedding gift in 1963. Eventhough I have used the set over the past 45years, it is in excellentcondition.Each bowl ismarked with an“R” in a circleand the words“Trademark—Pyrex—Made inU.S.A.—Ovenware.”And eachbowl containsa number andthe amount ofliquid it holds.The yellow bowlis numbered “404—4 qt.,” “403—2 1/2 qt.”is on the green one, “402—1 1/4 qt.” is on thered, and “401—1 1/2 pt.” is on the blue bowl.My daughter told me she has seen sets like minein antiques shops, and I now am curious whatmy set is worth.A: Pyrex kitchen glassware was introducedin 1915 by the Corning Glass Co. inCorning, N.Y. Corning employee, Dr. JesseT. Littleton, discovered that Nonex, a lowexpansive glass, could make a heat resistantcasserole. After successfully testing theovenware, Corning introduced their first pieplate. Some believe the name evolved from“pie” and “ex” the ending of Nonex, thusthe name “Pyrex.” Over the years they haveproduced a myriad of ovenware pieces. Yourmixing bowl set would probably fetch $50 to$60 in an antiques shop.Q: I have a clear, pressed glass pedestal vasethat I bought in an antiques shop. I was told itis a double vase with the “Amazon Sawtooth”pattern. It stands 9 inches tall and is in mintcondition. I could not find a manufacturer’smark. Any information about its maker, whenit was made, and its value will be appreciated.A: You have a double bud vase in the“Amazon” pattern. It is an example ofVictorian non-flint glass—the design is alsoknown as “Sawtooth” and “Sawtooth Band.”Bryce Bros. located in Pittsburgh, producedthe pattern from around 1890 to 1891, andUnited States Glass Co. in Pittsburgh reissuedthe pattern from 1891 to 1904.“Amazon” was available in clear, amber, canary-yellow,amethyst, blue and ruby-stainedclear. Both glassmakers produced the patternin a myriad of pieces and it has not beenreproduced. The value of your double budvase would probably be $75 to $125.Q: I have a 1933 World’s Fair silverring. On the black enamel top are the words“1933—A Century of Progress—Chicago.” It isin excellent condition. Is it collectible and whatis it worth?A: Mementos and souvenirs from any ofthe World’s Fairs are collectible. Your ringwould probably be worth $100 to $125.Address your questions to Anne McCollam,P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Itemsof a general interest will be answered in thiscolumn. Due to the volume of inquiries, shecannot answer individual letters.October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 29

‘Hacking Democracy’ a timely documentaryThis month I decided to reviewHacking Democracy (2007)due to our upcoming elections.This film follows Bev Harrisand her organization BlackBox Voting as they examine in detail themultitude of flaws and ease of fixing an electionthrough our new fancy state-of-the-artelectronic voting machines.These machines come in a variety offorms, optical scanning and touch screens arethe ones discussed, which tabulate about 80percent of votes cast.The film starts by covering the infamousfiasco in Volusia County, Fla., where in2000, Al Gore received a negative vote countof 16,022.It was determined that it was not a malfunctionof the machines because it was onlythe presidential election where one person’svote count was counted backwards, but forsome reason the Supreme Court stopped theinvestigation.In Volusia they also found signed polltapes in the trash, which is a federal offense,and when those originals were compared tothe duplicates that were given to the organizationdoing the audit, they did not match.Harris, et. al., moved onto the 2004 elections,where in Ohio the CEO of Dieboldpromised in a letter to deliver the votes ofOhio to Bush. On election day, there werea couple of machines in highly populated,MovieReviewsby Jason AllenMovies thatwon’t makeyou dumberpoorer areas, so the wait was four to sevenhours; while in richer neighborhoods, theyhad more machines for less people, so therewas no wait there.Also, Kerry knew—and stated to his staffof lawyers—that in New Mexico no matterwho the people voted for the optical scanningmachines produced a vote for Bush.So even though he knew for a fact therewas voter fraud, he conceded, dropping anyinvestigation.They go into detail of the workings andsecurity of the machines, the code of thevoting machines is against state and federallaw to look at, even for state voting officials,and when the machines are tested they arenot even tested for their security.Bev Harris then goes on televison withHoward Dean and does a hack into anelection, which takesabout a minute, andchanges the official resultsof an election onthe Central Tabulator,from a laptop.They also cover thememory cards, whichrecord the results.They find that thesecards contain anexecutable program,which means that theonly record of an electioncan be tamperedwith, leaving no trail.They do a demo witha state official.They have a thoroughlist of interviewswith heads of Dieboldand the people responsiblefor the reports,and I wouldn’t trusta single one of themwith 10 cents.I would classifythis one as a sciencenonfiction horror, andan absolute must-seebefore you cast a vote.The Web site is http://www.hackingdemocracy.com/.Page 30 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008

A step closer to self-sufficiencySustainable home surrounded by permaculture paradiseHave you ever wished thatyou could own a home thatis sustainable? Maybe withestablished permaculturesystems? In an area wherethe neighbors are also environmentallyconscious?Well, now’s your chance.A house in the heart of Prescott’s Ecohood—ecologicallyminded folks living in thesame neighborhood who are practicing simpleliving and ecological sustainability—is for sale.The home has good passive solar orientationwith open solar access for natural lightingand passive heating. The interior wallsare earthen plaster. Most windows are low-Edouble glazed with custom made insulatedcurtains.Strategically planted trees provide summershading and ceiling fans keep the interiorcool. A woodstove and natural gas provideheat in the winter. The monthly utility cost isabout $75.The home’s exterior is a garden of edible,medicinal and habitat plantings, with morethan 60 different species of perennial trees,shrubs, vines and herbs.A rainwater harvesting system with 4,000gallons of storage irrigates the gardens bygravity. Garden beds are sunken and deeplymulched, some with ollas (clay pots) buriedfor trickle irrigation.Greywater from the shower, bathroomsink and laundry machine are fed to plantingsthrough a legal branched drain greywatersystem that is effortlessly maintained.An antique hand-dug well is pumped by asolar panel into a wetlands water treatmentsystem. The well water is then used for irrigation.The yard includes a chicken house andshaded chicken area, and an almost finishedearthbag, cobb and strawbale structure thatcould be an office or meditation room.Custom storage sheds made from recycledCourtesy photosThe house at 529 Dameron Drive in Prescott has been a permaculture demonstration site for years. Above, the interior has earthen plaster walls and hardwoodfloors. Bottom left, a view from the front. Bottom right, the back yard.materials are tucked in along side house. Thewhole yard was designed using permacultureprinciples for ease of maintenance and beneficialrelationships between each element.Wooded bike trails lead to the downtownsquare in less than five minutes. Huge Cottonwoodtrees surround the creek that flows100 yards away in this friendly pedestrianneighborhood.This three-bedroom, one bath home is 936square feet on one-eighth acre. An adjacentone-quarter acre lot with a house and adjoiningbackyard is also for sale.For more information, call Robert Israel at(928) 273-2420.October 2008 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com Page 31

Page 32 Earth Odyssey • www.pinonpinepress.com October 2008