1961 Magazine Fall 2016

FALL 2016
ISSUE Nº5
ASHLEY
BUNRATTY:
THE SIEGE OF
COWIE
TODAY’S REAL LIFE
INDIANA JONES
NASA
Mission
Possible:
The Race to Mars
An Interview With
Dr. Jim Rice
HOMICIDE HUNTER’S
Carl Marino
7
The
TRAITS
&
Real Women Possess That
True Gentlemen Can’t Resist
Fabulous
jewelry
that roars
passion!
Nutrition
Stress
Sleep

1961
Eva Lewis & John Robulack
EDITORS IN CHIEF
Michael Gregson
SENIOR EDITOR
Michael Gregson has come to 1961 with a strong
background in writing, starting with his Honours
History/English degree from the University of Waterloo.
Attaining his teaching degree from the University
of Western Ontario, he taught English in Yorkshire,
England for 2 years before returning to Canada to
diversify his career interests.
In his spare time, Michael has been the Executive
Director of a Not for Profit Organization, Warm Hearts
of Africa, which builds and supports self-sustaining
healthcare and educational facilities in Malawi, Africa.
Robert Seuferer
EDITOR AT LARGE
Looking to the future while respecting our past: As an
entrepreneur, manufacturer, musician, artist, and writer,
Robert holds great respect and admiration for arts and
history, while pursuing technologies of the future.
Brad Lebold
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
An entrepreneur with 15 years’ design experience
conducting creative analysis and design best-fit
solutions for multi-faceted campaigns.
Zameer Hakamali
CONTRIBUTOR
Zameer Hakamali is an accomplished lawyer with a
passion for writing short stories and experimenting
with music in his spare time.
He has two graduate degrees from Queens University
and has studied Philosophy at The University of
Waterloo.
Esther B.J. Ligthart
CONTRIBUTOR
Freelance journalist and founder of the popular jewelry
blog Bizzita.com, with over 20 years commercial and
marketing experience within the jewelry industry.
Esther was born in the Netherlands and lived for over
10 years in Italy where she fell in love with jewelry
and ran a jewelry store.
Today Esther enjoys writing about jewelry for
international trade and luxury magazines, whilst her
blog continues to expand with the addition of a store
locator and business directory. She continues to work as
a speaker and private and business jewelry consultant.
GENERAL & ADVERTISING INQUIRES
enquiries1961@gmail.com

Issue Nº5
FALL 2016
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6
16
20
28
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36
38
42
48
54
66
71
72
EDITOR’S NOTE
SPOTLIGHT
Ashley Cowie, Today’s Real Life Indiana Jones
ENTERTAINMENT
Homicide Hunter’s Carl Marino
Sabine Mondestin: Creating Momentum
In a Very Difficult Industry
BUSINESS & FINANCE
A Leader Who Inspired a Nation
The Quest for Expo 2020
PERSON OF STYLE & SUBSTANCE
Lord Taylor of Warwick: Adversity
Makes You Who You Are.
HEALTH & NUTRITION
The 7 Traits Real Women Possess
That True Gentlemen Can’t Resist
Nutrition, Stress & Sleep
The Magic of Micro-needling
HISTORY & TRAVEL
Bunratty: the Siege of
Phuket: Before and After
Irish Food Holiday Explored
FASHION
Fabulous jewelry that roars passion!
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The Race to Mars An Interview
With Dr. Jim Rice
6
On The COVER
COVER MODEL: ASHLEY COWIE
PHOTO BY: MICHAEL SCHOFIELD

Photo by Michael Schofield

EDITOR’S NOTE
After many months of restructuring to offer you a
more engaging magazine, we are thrilled to present
our newest issue – reimagined to offer more exciting
and thought evoking articles. We will introduce you to
inspiring individuals that are at the forefront of changing
the landscape of everything from entertainment to
science and everything in between.
It has always been our goal to redefine what a lifestyle
magazine should look like. While we will never fall short
of beautiful imagery, we believe that you, our readers,
deserve better than celebrity gossip and titillating
articles designed to evoke the worst of emotions. We
want to educate and inspire you; to put a spring in your
step and hopefully, simply entertain you.
NASA’S Dr. Jim Rice certainly fulfilled our wish list.
Exceedingly smart, definitely handsome (we didn’t say
the beautiful imagery was all scenery!), he inspires us
to think not only far beyond the possibility of living
on Mars, but the probability. We may only be at the
recognizance stage of inhabiting the red planet, but
it’s the courage and dedication of Dr. Rice that will
get us there.
While Dr. Rice is the Christopher Columbus of Mars,
Ashley Cowie is the real life Indiana Jones that has us at
the edge of our seats. Brilliant, fearless and ambitious,
the lifelong adventurer and historian indulges us in
riveting recounts of historical mysteries. Who knew
history could be so sexy?
As the long lazy days of summer draw to a close, we
hope to embolden you to rekindle the adventurer
within you!
EVA MARIA LEWIS & JOHN ROBULACK

Photo by Carlo Sanchez

SPOTLIGHT
ASHLEY COWIE,
Today’s Real Life Indiana Jones
By Robert Seuferer
I have to admit; when I was growing up I was fascinated
by tales of the great unknown. Exploration was
everywhere. Whether it was in space, land or sea the
world and beyond was being explored in such detail
and society was amazed by it all. Those curiosities
were only fueled by adventure movies such as the
Indiana Jones franchise. Dreams of adventure, fighting
against evil forces and finding treasure are the stuff
that makes the imagination of young people go wild.
Little did I know back then that years later I would have
the great pleasure of spending some time with a real
life Indiana Jones. When speaking with Ashley Cowie,
the first thing you realize is that you are interacting
with a very intelligent individual. When you watch
his shows on television or on YouTube you do get a
sense of that, but one on one he’s truly a captivating
individual. His passion for his profession is so great that
it’s literally been a lifelong obsession for him. Ashley
said that when he published his first book at 28, his
mom went and a got a photo of him and showed it to
him. In the photo was an eight-year-old Ashley Cowie
holding a handmade book. In that photo the title he
had written read “Book of Ancient History”.
Q: Ashley, how did you begin on the road to where you
are now, where did your interests in history begin?
A: My grandfather used to take me around to castle
ruins in Scotland, we would constantly explore ancient
standing stones and crumbling burial tombs and I
became truly fascinated with it. That fueled my interests
with history. I was finding old relics like hammers and
arrow heads and by 16 I was collecting artifacts and
it simply went from there.
Q: What inspired you to take such an interest in ancient
symbols?
A: Who is Ashley Cowie? A historian, an adventurer,
a photographer, a documentary maker? I’m a keen
observer. I see things differently than most people
do and by observing details in artifacts and ancient
symbols I began to see things that nobody had seen
before. It’s like being a historical Sherlock Holmes.
I began reinterpreting ancient carvings by keen
observation and asking the basic questions, “who,
what, when, where and why”. What was the motivation
behind them?
Q: What did you do before you became famous?
A: At 17 I left the small fishing port of Wick in Caithness,
in northern Scotland to study photography and audio
visual design. 6 years later I returned to Wick and help
run our family fishing business. My father, brother and
I ran a successful seafood company and we sold it 6
years later. My father, then at 55 years old, taught
himself how to cook and opened an all-natural, organic
seafood restaurant which over the last 13 years has
become very successful, and now has won several
awards including the UK’s Most Sustainable 2016.
When the family business was sold my brother went
his way and I started down this road. I’m now working
with my father again on a new project. We are making a
series of 4 interactive cook books based on seasonality.
Those should be published by next year.
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SPOTLIGHT
Q: Ashley, how did Legend Quest come about?
A: I was 34 years old and had just published my second
book when I got a call from a very flamboyant agent
in LA. “We’ve seen you and we think your great, would
you travel to Costa Rica to cast for a new show called
Legend Quest?” I was on top of the world; this was
it my big break, every boy’s dream! I flew there and
upon arriving I discovered they had cast 164 people
for the part and had shortlisted 16 of us for this last
casting shoot.
Two weeks after the shoot our agents called us all up
and said the show has been trashed, the budget had
been pulled and the show was cancelled all together.
What a disappointment and complete waste of time.
Then three months later I got a call out of the blue
saying we’ve got three weeks to film the first episode.
We shot the episode in cathedrals and churches in
Palermo and France and the network loved. So off I
went for a year of my life filming all over the world.
After we filmed the show a post-production team was
chosen by SyFy and they twisted and bent the stories
into more story than fact, more action than thought
provoking TV. These out-of-the-blue calls aren’t always
great though. One summer I got a call from Mr. Robert
Watts, the Associate producer of the Empire Strikes
Back. He called me and paid me a massive compliment,
that I was a real life version of the person Indiana Jones
was based on. He wanted to buy a movie option for
my latest book. There I was thinking this is about as
big as you can get, here is Robert Watts telling me
he loved my stuff. Then, several weeks had passed
with no replies to my emails and I never heard from
him again. I found out some years later after meeting
other researches in my fields that he had gone all over
Scotland telling everyone in the business the same
thing. What a pr**k. Blowing young people up like
balloons, and pricking them with a needle, is not cool
Q: Were you ever a protégé to someone or did you have
someone who inspired you along the way?
Photo by Carlo Sanchez
A: When I was 22 I met Niven Sinclair, Head Sponsor
of the Clan Sinclair. I set up a historical research
team with Niven and he commissioned me to study
paintings, and artefacts pertaining to the clan Sinclair.
We took helicopter rides over castles and sacred sites
in Scotland. I spent an entire year of my life studying
Rosslyn Chapel and he was very supportive. I measured
the church architecture, and reverse engineered it
all the way to the foundations. The crypt at Rosslyn
Chapel was sealed in the 18th century. Sir Walter Scott
recorded that 20 Templar Knights were sealed inside
the crypt. A mysterious painting which had been kept
in the Dalhousie family’s private collection for over
150 years recently surfaced at an auction in Edinburgh.
The painting was titled, “Templar Knight at Rosslyn
Chapel”, by R.T. McPherson circa 1836. Niven Sinclair
commissioned me to study and analyze the Masonic and
Templar symbols in it. The painting reveals a staircase
that is no longer in the chapel today. Perhaps this was
artistic flair or interpretation on behalf of the artist, or
perhaps this could be the entrance to the crypt which
was sealed in the 18th century. It’s not so easy to get
into these secret chambers, believe me I’ve tried.
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

Photo by Michael Schofield
Q: Has your notoriety changed you at all?
A: Yes, I’m far more humble now. It’s so humbling in
fact. When you trying to get there in TV, it’s so rough
and you have to be self-centered to survive. You don’t
actually see all the people around that you’re working
with. It’s a very difficult business to make it in, there’s
so much competition; but when you actually make it,
you begin to appreciate everyone around you and all
the hard work they do to help you. The camera crew,
the support crew, everyone. I was shooting a pilot for
the History channel for 16 months straight – then it
got trashed but I wasn’t upset – I didn’t regret it a bit
because I made so many friends and contacts. To cut
through the competition, you have to be ruthless in
LA, once you’re there, it’s humbling. The super cool
thing about it is that every super star says it’s so easy,
but every one of them is a very hard working person
to get there and to stay there. Even Brad Pit might do
several castings a year but only land one or two roles.
The weird thing with television is that it’s like open
hunting season on you from the critics. The number
one rule in television is don’t read what the critics
write. The first thing I do is read and compile all of
them and once a year me and my friends have a laugh
reading them. Sometimes people can get so passionate
about what they are saying, we have a great laugh.
When you’re in the public eye you really inspire people
sometimes. I have a young boy, whom I’ve befriended
that has some problems. Every so often I send him a
little mission and ask him for help researching things
that I can’t seem to find any information on. I know
he loves it and his mom really appreciates it. It’s these
sort of things that make it truly humbling.
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

Photo by Michael Schofield
Q: What’s your day to day life like, when you’re not out
on an adventure?
A: It changes so much – I spent the last 2 years living
on a boat on the River Thames in Chelsea – 6 months
ago I decided to live in Barcelona where I write, research
and base myself for my European filming trips. I’ll soon
to be in Columbia fly fishing for a few months.
Q: Umm, fly fishing?
A: I’ll be filming a pilot documentary about a Scottish
fly fisherman (me) in rural Columbia. My girlfriend is
Columbian and she has to go back on business, so I
went to my producers and said ok how about this,
“Scottish guy fly fishing in Columbia”? They loved it!
Q: There must be a tremendous amount of research for
your projects. How many people do you have working on
your team who help you with researching your projects
and bringing everything together?
A: It varies. For example, a television series that involves
filming in several countries, with 6 or 8 episodes, could
require roughly 2 or 3 story writers with myself guiding
them and leading the charge, maybe 4 producers plus
camera and sound people. 15 people plus 5 fixers
working on location, plus support services. I recently
filmed a pilot for North American network and had to
choose a historical story with 6 locations, and it all had
to be original content. I took this all on myself, so you
can be doing everything, depending who suggests the
project as well. You might receive a call where they ask
could you present a show they have already developed?
So it’s already written and locations are chosen and
much of the work is already done. This requires less
people. It is quite taxing both mentally and physically
either way. Imagine cramming all the information in
a short period of time, cramming information until it
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SPOTLIGHT
rolls out like it’s always been there, because getting
the content out there in the best way and knowing
it intimately is what it’s all about. So you’re studying
16 hours a day non-stop for 2 weeks straight because
shooting deadlines are non-movable. You’ve got 18
pages to get together and write and you push yourself
until you’re completely exhausted and then the next
thing you know you’re swinging down vines and hanging
out of helicopters while you’re flying across the tops
of trees during filming.
with children there. It will be great fun and it’s for a
good cause.
Q: Is there a documentary season or how does the
scheduling work?
A: Absolutely, unless you’re doing a small project
which could come at any time throughout the year.
Ideas for documentaries are generally pitched in
January and February. Then the networks decide which
ideas they’re going to move forward with. You have 2
months of writing and preparation, and then filming
is typically from September to October. So you have
pitch, greenlight, preparation, filming, and delivery.
Q: Your just back from shooting your next documentary.
Would you please tell us about what are you working
on now?
A: All I can say is it’s a major international history
show for a global network and my pilot will be out
in September
Q: You are working on a series of children’s books. Please
tell us about that project.
A: It’s a project which teaches children history not
through the historical figures themselves but through
their pets and animals. It’s a way to make history fun
and accessible to children through the pets of historical
figures. The books are ready to be published but a
television series may be in the works. Once the TV
element gets sorted out then any necessary changes
to the books will be made and then the books will
be published.
I’m also working on a project with a radio station in
Dubai, UAE called Pearl 102. It’s a radio station set
up for children and we’re working on a few different
scenarios whereby I’ll be reading to and interacting
Photo by Carlo Sanchez
Q: Ashley, out of all of history and all the stories and
myths through time, what do you think is the greatest
undiscovered relic or treasure with the most potential
for being found?
A: I think one of the greatest treasures, if indeed it
exists, would be the Amber Room. The Amber Room
was a world famous chamber within Germany that
held panels filled with gold. During World War II, when
Germany entered Russia, the room was disassembled
and shipped to Konigsberg, East Prussia. That particular
area, however, was bombed by the Allies — leaving the
contents of the room uncovered. Only a small portion
of a mosaic stone was recovered in 1997, leaving
the rest to be buried away. When found, it will be of
massive historical wealth.
Q: So far what’s been your favorite adventure?
A: The greatest adventure by far was climbing to the
highest peak in the Peruvian Andes searching for the
lost Golden Sun Disk of Mu. I led an expedition of
12 camera crew and 30 Inca guides to 14,500 feet
in elevation over six days. We actually found a pit
exactly where we thought the Golden Sun Disk was
going to be. It’s a hugely important artefact. We were
climbing up cliffs, avoiding mudslides and swinging
over chasms and crossing old rope bridges - it was an
amazing adventure.
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SPOTLIGHT
in Caithness. I used 18th century maps and pin-pointed
areas that he couldn’t possibly have been buried because
of flooding etc. This left me with a short list of places
where Rivach could have been buried.
Photo by Kinda Phillips
The trouble with my field is relics and antiquities are
often buried within churches, temples, mosques or holy
sites. So often we can’t get to the treasures themselves
even if we think we’re right. But like in life in general,
it’s the journey itself that’s the adventure, such was
the case with the Stone of Destiny, the ancient king
making stone of the Scots and Irish. By following a
trail of clues from location to location we eventually
found a trap door, hidden under a rug on the floor of
a church where the king making stone was once kept.
When we opened the door we found a rectangular
black stone that perfectly matched the description
of the Stone of Destiny, precisely where it had been
kept for hundreds of years.
Q: Please share with us the significance your Murdo Rivach
discoveries and the stones with natural holes.
A: Murdo Rivach was recorded as being a wizard in
13th century Scotland. He was believed to have been
sent to Caithness by Hugh Ross, of Sutherland, in an
effort to collect rent from people living on his lands.
Local people didn’t take kindly to the wizards demands
and they beheaded him. Legends say he was buried in
a circular grave somewhere at the end of Loch Watten
I followed the clues to the East end of Loch Watten
and I found a 25-meter circular impression in a field. I
went right to the centre of the circle and pulled back
a lump of grass, and there it was, as plain as day, a
stone with several holes in it. I immediately knew this
was a stele. In those times people would find stones
with holes in them that would be formed naturally,
especially if they looked like a face. They would chip
at them to enhance the faces. The more it looked like
a face the more powerful it was believed to be. These
so called Holy Stones, were believed to ward off evil
spirits or sometimes attract them. I’ve analyzed the
stone with the help of an engineer and discovered
that it actually has 2 faces. A very common practice
of witchcraft. Now it is accepted that this circle was
the exact location of his burial. The amazing thing is
that it’s located about 250 meters from my mom and
dad’s back door.
Q: What’s your take on mystic prophets and sorcerers
throughout history? They are noted as people with amazing
abilities who possessed great powers, who do you think
they were?
A: I can answer that for you very simply. Around 4000
BC farming began to take hold all over the world.
For hundreds of thousands of years, we were hunter
gathers, but farming settled people at one location all
year round. The people in ancient cultures who knew
the cycle of the sun, the moon and the stars were held
in high regard
These keepers of time controlled the ritual calendars of
the people and as such they had great power over the
masses. History books tell stories of powerful priests
who could predict lunar eclipses, but would claim that
evil forces were going to come and eat the sun, kill
their crops. Astronomy was presented as magic, since
the dawn of farming.
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SPOTLIGHT
Q: Do you think Noah’s Ark will be discovered?
A: All over the world creation myths talk about a
global flood. I think this is a metaphor relating to the
end of the last ice age. Around 10’000 BCE the last
ice age ended and seawater started rising. It’s a post
ice age hangover that most cultures have, but who’s
the editor? Think about it this way, if there was a boat
and it had 2 creatures of every species on earth, how
much food would you require to feed them for 40 days?
You’d need 5 Noah’s Arks of food just to sustain the
animals for forty days.
Photo by Kinda Phillips
Q: You have written 5 books with the newest recently
published. Tell us about your books please.
SECRET VIKING SEA CHART
I spent years studying the carvings in Rosslyn Chapel
and when I was about 25 I discovered was a unique
group of symbols. I spent the next 10 years of my
life deciphering them. I presented my findings at the
International Science Festival where they were received
with a standing ovation. The results were tested by
professional scientists at Bradford University who
confirmed that I had discovered an ancient sea chart.
It’s a chart of the Nordic Empire carved on the crypt
wall at Rosslyn Chapel. The chart identifies 4 lines
of latitude upon which Viking settlements in North
America were, 500 years before Christopher Columbus
allegedly discovered America. Based on the chart, the
4th latitude predicts the discovery of a new Viking
settlement, that has yet to be unearthed.
A TWIST IN TIME
A twist in time offers an entirely new perspective on
prehistory and demands we re-engineer our views on
the Stone Age; because all of discoveries in the book
involve changing paradigms of pre-history - it’s a real
game changer. It’s so big that top archaeologists are
astounded that it’s never been seen before: annihilating
concepts of a Stone Age, and replacing it with the
Rope Age.
For 100,000 years’ man didn’t survive by skills with
stone but by highly specialized and advanced rope
making crafts. Ropes were made by elite rope making
craftsmen and used for everything from ceremonial
purposes to measuring; ropes were even used for
surveying. Mankind has literally pulled itself through
the evolutionary chain using ropes. The book removes
any mystery and magic speculation of the pre-historic
era and replaces it with the highly skilled craftsmen
and rope.
NEWTON’S DOOMSDAY PROPHECY
Ten years ago I was fascinated with scientific paradox
and began studying the issue. I came across Sir Isaac
Newton’s end of the world prophecy which predicts
the world will end in 2060. It was based on numbers,
equations, and measurements of the Temple of Solomon
which he derived from the Bible. So I looked at his
conclusions and his involvement with Alchemy and
discovered that his 3 laws of motion matched the 3
laws of reality believed true by ancient Egyptians. So,
I ask the question, did Newton plagiarize them from
ancient Egyptian texts?
THE ROSSLYN TEMPLAR
The Rosslyn Templar is based around my study of
the R.T. McPherson Painting mentioned earlier. The
Rosslyn Templar presents an engaging discussion
focused around this curious 18th century painting. It
reviews the history of Freemasonry and the architecture
of Rosslyn Chapel and offers new evidence of the
connection between Templars, Freemasons and Rosslyn
Chapel itself.
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SPOTLIGHT
THE ROSSLYN MATRIX
We touched on it earlier when I had spent a half a
year of my life in Rosslyn Chapel reverse engineering
the building then a half year on discovery. The book
examines overlooked architectural plans, revealing
unobserved measurements and designs which underpin
the myths. The book balances spiritual interpretations
with functional reasoning. Later chapters offer a
scientific study of a special carving on the crypt wall
that was created from elements from various land, sea,
space and time measuring systems. The results reveal
the carving is both a treasure map and a mapping
treasure.
Q: What’s your dream adventure? If budgets weren’t a
concern, if access was available and there was nothing
stopping you, what would be your ultimate exploration?
A: I would go to Cocos Island off Peru to a specific spot
where the Treasure of Lima was hidden.
Q: What’s next for Ashley Cowie?
A: I’m working on a major historical series pilot that
will be out in September and a 1-hour documentary
based on Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
I’ve actually found allusions to real life people and
places that have been coded into Stephenson’s bestselling
book.
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

Photo by Scott Goldie

ENTERTAINMENT
HOMICIDE HUNTER’S
Carl Marino
by Zameer Hakamali
Let’s get some relevant facts out of the way, because
that’s what lawyers, detectives, and sheriffs do.
First of all, who is Carl Marino? Carl Marino is a 6’1”
blue eyed actor, marathon runner and ex-cop. I have no
qualms saying he’s a handsome man. Prior to becoming
an actor he was a sheriff for about 17 years in upstate
New York, and now he plays the lead character in the
reality television series Homicide Hunter.
I was asked to interview Mr. Marino and write an
article on him.
This is my first time doing this, ever. I am a lawyer. I
am trying something new.
So did Mr. Marino.
Photo by Investigation Discovery
Let me begin with a bit about myself. Not because I
am vain (although, I am) but, because of the parallels
I noticed while doing this project, it just seemed like
the right thing to do.
I am a lawyer by trade. I work at a small firm in
Cambridge, Ontario where I practice litigation, helping
companies collect money from people who either
cannot or will not pay their bills. Parenthetically, this
unexciting description of my job captures the over-all,
distilled essence of law quite well: “We are entitled
to this!” vs. “No!”. That is my career in a nutshell. I
have a love-hate relationship with it.
How am I writing this article? What is the reason?
Photo by Investigation Discovery
Well, I am not entirely sure myself. The glorious and
friendly editor-in-chief of 1961 Magazine is the sister
of a friend. We began talking over LinkedIn one day,
and I am not sure how we actually met. But what I
do remember is how I felt: real. Real, because I was
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ENTERTAINMENT
genuinely interested in what she did, focusing as she did
on things that are beautiful, creative. I expressed sincere
interest in her magazine, its topic, etc., and it felt great
to say something I meant. Meeting artists and designers
who (sincerely) deal in charm and wonderment is, for
me, an oasis in the dry desert that is the musty world
of law. I needed a drink. So I drank.
She asked me if I wanted to try my hand at interviewing
and writing about people.
“Hmm…” I thought. “I write. I ask questions. Sure!”
And here we are.
I met my first assignment, Carl Marino, over the phone
on a warm summer evening. I had to leave my office
to talk to him in my car so I could put him on speaker
phone.
I was late.
The first thing I must say, because it is so definitive, is
that Carl Marino is and was an extremely easy going,
friendly, relaxed guy. Even though it was awkward
at times – or rather, even though I was awkward at
times – I walked away feeling forgiven, as though he
was saying, somehow through his energy, “Its okay
Zameer *insert smiley face* You’re doing fine.”
This is simply the guy he is – quintessentially nice.
He “answers every piece of fan mail” he gets. Or at
least he tries too. That’s Carl Marino.
But on Homocide Hunter? All business.
Based on the real life work of Lt. Joe Kenda of the
Colorado Springs Police Department, Marino is
responsible for being an intense, tough-as-nails, 23
year veteran of law enforcement who has worked on
hundreds and hundreds of criminal cases. In this role
Marino takes the audience and the actors themselves
step-by-step through the gruesome, mystifying and
complicated cases that the show portrays, and the
stories that surround them.
Not exactly a huge leap for him, since, as I mentioned
before, he was a sheriff for 17 years.
Wait. How does a sheriff become an actor?
If that question hasn’t come to your mind yet, it should
have.
In Marino’s case, he too had a love-hate relationship
with his career as a sheriff. “I hated the bureaucracy”
he said. He hinted at a strong disdain for the culture
pervading law enforcement officers – the contrived
machismo, the corruption, the backstabbing.
‘It was an effort to get through the day’, he said.
And so there he is, trudging away trying to help people
and protect the “public interest” while his own interest
was being corroded by acidic nepotism and duplicity.
And then all of a sudden, the foundation gave way
and his life fell apart. His parents past away close
together, and his relationship with his long-term girlfriend
ended. He was left alone. Chin up, chest out
– or most probably, eyes moving to and fro, confused,
listless – he did what many romantic Americans have
done before: he packed up his car with everything he
owned, went west, and left it all behind. Gutsy, my
friend, but awesome.
Upon arriving on the sun-swept shores of California,
he took a job as a private investigator, unable,
understandably, to completely let go of his old life
and the vestiges of his past career.
And then one day while browsing Craigslist, he came
upon an ad that caught his attention. Not an ad about
a new gun holster or surf board. No, it was an ad for
an acting job. Specifically, it was an ad seeking actors
to play police officers on the pilot for “Trauma”, a new
television series about paramedics.
I’m sure he stared at that ad with some intrigue, not
knowing it was a cross-road. He “had never had a desire
to be an actor” ever in his life, after all. Or perhaps he
sensed big things to come. It was, after all, an oddly
tailored opportunity, out of place but sort of fitting,
eclectic: an ex-cop who hated the job of being a cop,
faced with an opportunity to act like a cop. It was, at
the very least, odd (at least by my standards).
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Spurred by that unknown force known as curiosity, he
‘followed the white rabbit’.
But, he was a cautious, prudent man, and so he reached
for this new branch cautiously, clinging to his PI job
in the hopes of testing the waters without having to
jump in.
“Shucks!” – turns out he wouldn’t be able to do both.
The days that he was required for the new acting
opportunity were going to conflict with his PI job.
Oh well, guess its back to that familiar tree. That’s
“fine” he thought.
Well, Marino, the universe did not think that was fine:
“Whoa! I saw you reach for that branch. Hmm...I’ll just
cancel that PI job for you.”
And so be it. With that obstacle gone, he called casting
back up and was put on the show as a background
paramedic (because by that point, all the police officer
positions were taken)
The pilot for “Trauma” was a success; he was called
back to be on the show in the background, eventually
“noticed”, plucked, and put in the foreground.
And given lines.
And then more lines.
And support from other actors.
And then a lead character in a television series.
All that after being a sheriff.
“I absolutely love acting.” he says. He has no memorable
moments of being a sheriff, even after 17 years of
being on the force.
Nevertheless, perhaps you can and should never fully
shed a past life.
As the lead actor on Homicide Hunter, he plays, not
a ballet dancer or a clown. No, he plays a detective.
The difference, however, is that instead of shaking
down people who need more help than jail-time, he
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine
gets to tell the stories of people who are part of the
criminal process –stories of both the victims, and the
wrong-doers. It’s no small feat.
After all, he belonged to a world of people who
unintentionally or intentionally, knowingly or
unknowingly, hurt people they should be helping;
people who undoubtedly become embittered by the
contrast of their idealized view of police-work, against
the realities of their own fragile moral framework, and
those of the organizations and structures they work for.
He saw that world for what it was and then left, went
with the flow, finding himself in a world of people who
act fake to tell a story that is more real and purposive
than the idealized versions around them. When you
think it about, Marino’s story is full of symbolism.
And make no mistake – Homicide Hunter is one of the
most realistic crime shows out there, which is why it
has gained so much popularity.
Marino explained that because the show is based on
real life cases, the people who actually lived through
those situations are part of the audience, part of the
process. Friends and family of people who have been
murdered, and who have been imprisoned. They
are there to help the actors tell their story. They’ve
suffered, cried, feared, regretted, raged, and lamented.
Surely, no amount of adjectives can adequately capture
the range of emotions that beset the survivors of a
crime and the criminal justice system.
He aptly explained in no uncertain terms, that because
of this key distinguishing feature of the show, they all
treat their jobs, their roles, with a certain degree of
reverence, acknowledging that what is happening on
set is a reenactment of something that deeply and
irrevocably changed people’s lives – and they will be
reliving it with you.
That is, I have no doubt, part of what Marino likes
about the show – the fact that it is real, it has depth.
Purposive poignancy.
Nevertheless, unshackled from his previous life as a
sheriff, and propelled into a life of recognizable fame,
he still charmingly, but unsurprisingly says: I am just
a normal guy.
Indeed, but that’s what makes you and your life so
interesting.

ENTERTAINMENT
Photo by Every Man Jack
When he is not acting or talking to fans, he is running
marathons and raising money for various charities such
as the Wounded Warrior Project.
In fact, he mentioned he had just finishing running
a marathon. I thought, “wow! That’s an amazing
accomplishment! Must have been pretty intense!”
Well let me say, I have enjoyed this experience of
writing my first article. Marino, I’m sure, enjoyed his
first acting gig.
The moral of the story? Reach for new branches as
they reach out for you. But remember where you came
from – it may come in handy some day.
Ya, not for him. By this year he and his wife had run
13 half-marathons and 2 full marathons. It’s only June.
I have never run a marathon.
He laughed when he said the number, adding jokingly
“ya, we have a problem.”
No, Mr. Marino, you don’t – you’re just good at breaking
free.
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

Sabine Mondestin
Creating Momentum In a Very Difficult Industry
By Robert Seuferer
Photography by Steve Lareau
Acting is an incredibly difficult field to get into. Firstly,
it’s already completely saturated with competition,
many of whom are extremely talented people; Secondly,
even if you have a chance at a roll, such as a commercial
for example, it probably won’t highlight your talents
anyway, even if you are the one selected out of the
hundreds of people auditioning for the same role.
Think of a toothpaste commercial for instance – get
the point? The other unglamorous side of an acting
career is that it actually costs you as an actor a great
deal of money for your portfolio design and shoots,
printing fees, booking agent fees, management fees,
travel expenses, time off work if you hold another job
to make your living while you’re making the way up the
acting ladder. Not to mention, you need to be mentally
ready for loads of rejections and disappointments and
then be prepared to keep at it relentlessly like nothing
negative ever happened. Simply put building a career as
an actor or actress is no easy task. Even more difficult
is actually becoming successful at it. You actually have
better odds of winning the lottery than you do making
an actual living in the acting profession.
That being said, the question begs – How does one
make it in such a difficult industry? Of course, there
are no secret instructions to follow. The truth of the
matter is that it takes years of hard work, unwavering
dedication, loads of practice, talent development,
planning, strategizing, marketing, trial and error,
networking, budgeting - all of which is coupled with
a colossal amount of pure luck. Yes, I think that should
do it.
None the less there are those who are simply born
with “it” in their blood and no matter what the odds,
they pursue their dreams. However, this story isn’t
about becoming an actor or actress at all. This story
is about one Miss Sabine Mondestin and point is that
I believe it would be impossible to tell Sabine’s story
without mentioning the above as a prelude to set the
scene, if you will.
Before we learn about Miss Sabine’s story, it is only
fair to highlight some of her professional successes,
which only serves to show the tremendous dedication
she has for her craft. Her story goes against all odds
and even though you possibly have never heard the
name Sabine Modestin, please take the time to follow
this talented lady’s career into the future.
• Sabine has been in numerous commercials and plays
throughout the years
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• She was a columnist for the television show “Noir
de monde”
were a betting man, I’d place my money on the odds
that predict - she’s unstoppable!
• She has written 22 television scripts
• She performed in the lead role of the Vagina Monologs
play in Toronto in 2014, and coincidently - every show
was completely sold out and has now been asked to
play the role again
• She established her own production company called
My Destiny Productions
• She wrote, directed, and produced her own web
series called 13 Witches which according to my count
has collectively received 2,709,659 views on YouTube
alone and in all fairness: 18 of those are mine
• She wrote, directed and produced a movie called
‘Insanity’ which was featured at multiple film festivals
around the world
• Sabine also started the Open World Toronto Film
Festival or OWTFF in 2015
Of course there are loads of other achievements in
Sabine’s career such as having web series 13 Witches
mentioned in the New York Times, and of course
receiving the prestigious award for “Outstanding Web
Producing for a Sci-Fi Horror Series” at the LAWEB
festival in LA, California to name a few. Oh, did I
mention for all you fashion world fans out there that
she has her own shoe blog, which I have to admit
is fabulously done? Sabine considers her shoe blog
more of a hobby but actually her blog is producing
thousands and thousands of views each month and
growing. What’s wrong with me?? I nearly forgot she
also has a singing career and is selling her songs on
Amazon. Quite frankly, Sabine Modestin may possibly
be one of the hardest working people I have ever met.
One thing is for sure, she is driven!
If you consider what you’ve read so far to be amazing
accomplishments, please note this author agrees
with you. I’ve had the great honor of Interviewing
Miss Sabine Mondestin and I have to admit she’s truly
surprised me at every step of this article. She has found
a way to build tremendous momentum for her career,
despite the staggering odds stacked against her. If I
Q: You always showed interest in theater and writing.
Was there anything particular that drove you to that?
A: When I was young even though I was bullied at
school, I just LOVED being in front of the class. It was
the only time I felt alive and happy. I was 5 years old
and I was always looking forward to reading in from
of the class or to do the "Show and Tell" exercise.
When my mother realized it, she put me in a theater
program at 6 years old. To be very honest with you I
think I am just a natural performer and nothing else
makes me happy ...It may seems strange but it's just
the way I am.
As for writing, when I was young I was not allowed to
watch TV so I needed to find a way to entertain myself.
I use to write stories to make me forget the fact that I
was not watching TV like the other kids. Sometimes I
would watch the beginning of a show and I will write
the end….I was just 5 years old. Since then I never
stop writing script-Partly to entertain myself and also
because I have so many stories in my head.
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Q: Did you ever get stage fright?
A: Never, the bigger the audience the better for me.
I find that I am more nervous in front of two people
than in front on a stage.
Q: Showing interest in theater and writing is one thing
but at what point in your life did you realize that you
could actually make a living in this industry?
A: To be very honest with you, I still have my ups and
downs. It is not easy for an artist to actually make a
living in the industry unless you book a series or you
are an A-list actor. That's why I started my production
company and the OWTFF.
Being an artist is sometimes VERY stressful because
you never know when you will have no income ...So
you always have to have a Plan B, C and even D.
Q: Would you consider yourself a driven person?
A: Yes, when I want to do a project nobody can stop me.
Question 5: What was the first role you performed on
stage?
A: The first role I had was a butterfly in a play I was
6 years old. It was the best time of my life because it
was my first time on stage. Then I appeared in different
roles in a French Canadian series.
Q: What was the first commercial you ever did?
A: Esprit de France (It was a commercial shoot in
Montreal but made for France).
Q: Playing Cleopatra for four years is a fairly good run.
How old were you at the time and what was it like to
perform that role for so long?
A: I started with Cleopatra when I was 13 and performed
the role until I was nearly 17 years old. I Loved it ...I
was excited to play such a strong role with so much
power. I think it inspired me to write more powerful
roles for myself like I did for 13 Witches.
Q: Did Cleopatra ever become boring for you and how
would you rate your final performance compared to your
first?
A: No it was not boring - I LOVED it. I think I was getting
better and better at it with the years.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Q: How did you become a columnist for Noir di Monde?
What was it like?
A: It's a funny story, I was doing an audition to become
a columnist for a sport show. The producer thought
that I was not exactly what they were looking for, so
he gave me the information of the main host of "Noir
di Monde": Harry Delva. I met him and he hired me. I
did the show for 3 years until I moved for Vancouver.
Q: Sabine, you were a Freelance researcher for National
Radio and television Stations – Tell us how did you get
involved in this and what did it entail?
A: I have a degree in Communication and Journalism
and did a one year internship by working as a journalist
at a place called Promedia. When I graduated, I was
lucky enough to have some freelance work as a radio
host and as a researcher because of the contacts I
made at Promedia.
Q: You started My Destiny Productions as a vehicle
to produce “13 Witches”. What was your inspiration
behind 13 Witches? How did your idea evolve and come
to production?
A: I created My Destiny Production to produce 13
Witches. The story behind 13 Witches is funny,
A few years before I created 13 Witches I had an audition
for a show called Blood Tied ...It was a guest-star role.
The role required a black French woman. She was
supposed to be able to speak French and Creole and
was supposed to be a voodoo priestess. I was so proud
of my audition, but unfortunately I did not get the part.
So I wrote a little scene as a Voodoo Queen and I posted
it on YouTube.....I wrote it in French and in English.
I was so surprised by the results, people actually
BELIEVED I was a VOODOO Queen. It was crazy. The
French Version went viral. People were even asking
me to take care of their problems. I didn’t know how
to react and I was getting frustrated. Then I decided to
make the best of it and write a story where I would be
a witch and use the momentum I had with the Voodoo
Queen to market 13 Witches.
Author’s note: I did watch the videos on YouTube and
I can see why people believed Sabine was a Voodoo
Queen, it’s a very convincing performance.
Q: What sort of struggles did you face producing 13
Witches?
A: So, So Many Struggles! First of all, shooting with
girlfriends is not always the best choice. Secondly, the
first director left me after the first day because she
realized that the project was too big.
Third, I was also working 6 days a week at the same time
13 Witches was being filmed and produced, so I was
so extremely tired. It was hard to concentrate. Fourth,
I had to do everything from wardrobe, to directing, to
scheduling, to acting, to directing, to solving conflict
between actors, to regularly doing the marketing to
create a momentum 5-shootings with 38 actors in 3
month while I am working full time.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Question 15: Here you are making fabulous movies and
performances in acting. How did a singing come about
and where do you want to take it?
A: To be very honest with you I just love singing and I
was lucky to meet some amazing people who loved my
voice. I am not sure where I want to take it but what I
know for sure is I love writing lyrics and working with
amazing producers. My songs are doing great for now
on Reverbnation so I am happy.
Q: What was it like when you won “Outstanding Producing
for a Sci-Fi Horror Series” at the LAWEB festival in Los
Angeles?
A: It was so exciting! The sad part was that I could not go
to L.A. to receive the prize, I had some commitment in
Toronto. The fact that the "New York Times" mentioned
13 Witches was the best treat of all.
Q: What was your inspiration behind “Insanity”? What
was the general response to the film?
A: I am a big fan of David Lynch, even though I don't
always understand his films. I wanted to create a film
similar to his style. So Insanity is a journey in the mind
of a disturbed woman.
The response is great so far we are being screened in
6 film festivals.
Q: What new film Projects are on the Horizon?
A: YES! I am working on finding the funding for a bigger
budget version of 13 Witches. Since the response
was so great, I want to create the next chapter. Lots
of 13 Witches fans are asking me for the next film
(13 witches was created to be a trilogy). We used our
own money to shoot the first one and now we want
to shoot the next one.
We are also in pre-production for a feature called
“Art of Life”.
Q: Recently wrote and interpreted the lyrics for "Let Them
Hate", "Une Mangeuse d’hommes" and "I Just Want My
Chocolate", three songs produced by Steve Lareau. Why
Steve Lareau?
A: He is the most talented man in the world. I think
it's great to work with someone who knows you and
gets you. So I feel that we work great together and
I don't need to tell him what I want he just gets it.
He is a genius. That's why we work together on ALL
my projects.
Q: How did you get involved with the Vagina Monologues?
A: I auditioned for another play and the producer
decided to hire me for the Vagina Monologues instead.
I performed this year again in the Vagina Monologues
as well.
Q: What was it like working on the Vagina Monologs
and how was your performance and the play in general
received?
A: It was so well received! Sold out all the nights that
why we did it again.
Q: Shoe Blog…..This is the one piece that sort-of doesn’t
seem to fit with everything else. Where did it come from
and where are you hoping to take it?
A: I just LOVE shoes. I think they are jewelry for the
feet. I wanted to do a blog just for fun - nothing crazy.
So I said to myself why not blog about the best shoes
designer of the world.....Let's say it's my hobby.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Q: The OWTFF was established to help aspiring and
established filmmakers gain exposure and recognition.
What gave you the inspiration to put something like
this together?
A: The idea came because I wanted to create something
with the Hollywood Glamour but accessible for any
new filmmakers. I wanted to help actors, filmmakers
and anyone in the film industry to have the best
exposure possible.
OWTFF always make sure that anyone who submit their
film to the festival gain the marketing they deserve. We
post their trailers to all our social media and we help
them gain exposure even though they may not win.
Q: What was it like putting on the first OWTFF in 2015?
Did you have any challenges you specifically remember?
A: It was great but so stressful. The main challenge
was the attendance and the media, we wanted to make
sure we had enough press coverage and we wanted
people to attend the festival. The first year was great!
Here's a quick video of the first year:
https://vimeo.com/148304687
Q: Do you see OWTFF as a competitor or a compliment
to the Toronto International Film Festival?
Q: Have you ever had a completely embarrassing moment
professionally? Tell us about it and how did you get
through it?
A: YES I had some REALLY bad audition trust me so bad
that I want to forget them ...And one time the stage
props even fell on my head while I was performing. I
had to keep going...The show must go on.
Q: for anyone considering pursuing a career in the film
industry, what advice you would you give them?
A: Never wait after the phone, do your own marketing,
create your own work. Make so much noise that they
can ignore you. Now the competition is so big that
you can't wait to be discovered ...You need to create
your own momentum.
Q: Where do you see yourself professionally in twenty
years’ time?
A: I see myself being a very successful producer and
director ...I also want to be a full time working actor. I
want to be able to create successful VR (virtual reality)
entertainment (film and games), and help others to
achieve their dream trough my festival and trough
my own films.
No, I think we are different. We focus more on the
filmmakers who doesn't have the big budget to create
the big Hollywood movies. The quality of the film are
just as amazing, but they don't have the budget of the
film we see at TIFF.
Q: Do you ever say, “This is just too much” and consider
giving up?
A: I try to do what I have to do and not look at the
amount of work I have to do ...I ALWAYS finish my
project even if I have to work 24/7.
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

A LEADER WHO INSPIRED A NATION
The Quest for Expo 2020
By Robert Seuferer
Image licensed by Ingram Image
APRIL 2007
As sub-prime market began to collapse the impact was
felt all over the world. New Century Financial filed for
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in US courts making
it the first victim of what would become a long series
of events and financial fatalities that would lead to
the genius inspiration of one leader. To appreciate the
shear genius of his vision it is important to understand
the events leading up to his achievement. Anyone who
lived through the credit crisis knows that the impact
was disastrous the world over. Between 2004 and
2006 the rise of interest rates took its toll on people
who were overreached with their credit obligations
and on the economies of many nations. The loans in
question were highly risky for banks and investors,
however many were enticed by the high profit rates
that sometimes come with such risky investments. All
this coupled with housing shortages meant that the
opportunities for home buyers were being devoured
at record pace. People were intoxicated with living
“the dream” and the whole situation was spiralling
out of control. The wage spiral model of inflation
was failing. With variable interest rates and hosing
prices on the rise between 2004 and 2006 and wage
increases not keeping pace a bubble was building that
was bound to pop.
Let’s back up a minute and understand the scenario.
First we have high risk loans being given to people
who can’t afford them. This was particularly obvious
in the US. The loans and bonds even assets were
being grouped together and being sold out as package
deals to investors globally who could enjoy the rich
rewards they were giving. All seeming reasonable when
backed up by performance history of the portfolios –
a seemingly safe investment right? These portfolios
better known as Collateralized Debt Obligations made
many people incredibly rich. It seemed like the perfect
model to investors and the investors like the people
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buying the loans were sucking the opportunities up
at record pace.
Fast-forward to July of 2007 and the second major
institution falls victim. Investment bank Bear Sterns
notifies its investors they won’t be getting any of their
money they invested. Surely it wasn’t put in those exact
words but any investor with savvy would have been
thinking it. The investments in trouble were hedge
funds and Bear Sterns, despite considerable efforts, was
not able to convince rival banks to help bail them out.
To put it bluntly the system was beginning to collapse.
The S**t Hits the Fan:
9TH AUGUST 2007
BNP Paribas won’t allow investors to take their money
out due to, “complete evaporation of liquidity”. The
European Central Bank decides to pump 96 billion
Euros into the market to improve liquidity and adds
an additional 108.7 billion over the next few days,
that should do…..right? Wrong! Even the US Federal
Reserve interfered followed by Bank of Canada and
Japan. Mmmmm, something’s brewing? All this led to
the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates in the US
by a half percent on the 17th of August, 2007 which
results in Banks beginning to lend to each other at a
staggering rate.
On the 13th of September reports began to circulate
that Northern Rock had asked for and been granted
emergency financial help from the Bank of England.
The US Federal Reserve then cut its interest rates by
an additional half percent on the 18th of September.
While top notch banks around the world began to
report major losses due to sub-prime investments. USB
report a 3.4 billion loss, Citigroup reveals 3.1 billion in
losses, Merrill Lynch reports 7.9 billion in losses and
the list goes on.
Many people at the time didn’t fully understand
that the list of countries in trouble was increasing
as a result of the situation, but their leaders did. On
December 6th George W. Bush revealed a plan to help
more than a million people facing troubles with their
homes in the US while the Bank of England began
conservatively cutting interest rates by a quarter of a
percent. December 13th saw the US Federal Reserve
make plans with 5 major central banks around the world
to offer billions in loans to banks in an effort to shore
up the situation. Many banks began offering auctions,
the US for 20 billion followed by the European Central
Bank to the tune of 500 billion which was designed
to help commercial banks over the Christmas Period.
Then credit ratings of monoline insurers began to be
downgraded, while a huge slowdown in economic
growth globally began to take hold. Stock markets
started falling around the world, the US Federal Reserve
cut their interest rates to 3.5%, the G7 estimated that
the global loss due to the collapse of the US subprime
market reached 400 billion, followed by the
International Monetary Fund announcing that losses
could reach one trillion or higher. Housing prices
began to fall rapidly, banks continued to collapse or
be purchased by larger conglomerates at unbelievable
prices. Reports of record bail-outs began to emerge into
the media. While huge job cuts were being reported
by major companies around the globe. The world was
on the brink of financial collapse.
Ok stop! Stop! STOP! You may think this seems pretty
doom and gloom, however from the ashes a Phoenix
would rise and these events set the stage for a man
with great vision who would inspire people beyond his
borders. On the 28th of June 2009 Sheikh Mohammed
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (the Vice President and Prime
Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and ruler of
Dubai) announced the launch of Dubai 2020. It was an
effort whose main responsibility was to examine the
possibility of Dubai hosting either the World Expo or
the Olympics and the Para Olympics in 2020. At the
time this may have seemed like a very small step to
fixing the financial downturn situation affecting Dubai,
but while the rest of the world was in panic Sheikh
Mohamed pointed to a direction forward.
Dubai’s economy had come to a screeching halt during
the crises with many construction projects in progress
in 2008. During this time contractors attempted to
focus on completing projects faster, which used up
available funds, as payments from investors began to
slow down. In the end construction companies began
to close leaving large projects on hold in different
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BUSINESS & FINANCE
stages of completion and a trail of disaster in the wake.
Dubai’s property bubble burst in 2007-2008 and housing
prices dropped to 50% of their highest level leaving
investors in loss. The economy became stagnant as
people held money close waiting to see just how big
“the crash” was going to be. X-pats began absconding
leaving mortgaged houses behind and financed cars at
the airport. There was a mass exodus of people making
the matter even worse. Things were looking very grim.
With the situation as it was, how could a simple effort
such as Dubai 2020 keep another nation from the
brink of financial disaster? Enter His Highness Sheikh
Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision as he began
to guide the Dubai 2020 team as the committee went
to work making things happen.
On the 2nd of November, 2011 Dubai registered its
interest in hosting the World Expo 2020 with BIE, the
Bureau of International Des Expositions, followed by the
official submittal of its proposal to host Expo 2020 on
the 23rd of November. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum then issued Decree Number 2
of 2012 which established the Higher Committee for
Hosting World Expo 2020. On the 28th of February,
2012 the Higher Committee for Hosting World Expo
launched its first campaign to rally support for its Expo
2020 bid and momentum began to build.
That’s loads of action in a short period of time, but
Dubai was very strategic in its approach and left
nothing to chance. Backtracking to the period between
2009 and 2011 here’s what Dubai 2020 accomplished.
The committee managed to zero in on Expo 2020,
and secured Architects HOK and Arup join forces to
structure the blueprint for Dubai’s bid, they managed
to coordinate the planning of 25 billion US dollars with
of infrastructure required to host Expo 2020 and fill
in the blanks to create a rock solid and “Wow-factor”
presentation for the BIM Committee.
Fast forward to the 12th of June, 2012 Dubai offered
to BIM a presentation reflecting its bid to host Expo
2020 followed by the launch of a new campaign on the
28th of June called, “Be a Part of It” designed to build
awareness and support for its bid. The branding for
Dubai’s bid was top notch and people in every corner
28
Fall 2016 1961 Magazine
of Dubai and the UAE began to display the Expo 2020
snowflake looking mashrabia symbol branded to Expo
2020. The efforts started to take hold as a genuine
buzz of excitement began to grow. While the rest of
the world seemed to struggle with simply getting
by, Dubai and the UAE began to focus on something
positive and began to race forward with enthusiasm.
On August 1st, 2012 major companies were announced
as partners in the UAE’s bid for Expo 2020. Emirates
Airlines, Dubai Airports, Etisalat, Emirates NBD Bank,
as well as Jumeirah Group all joined in supporting
the UAE’s bid. Nearly every shop displayed the Expo
2020 branding on its doors. Bumper stickers began to
circulate and got to the point that no one could drive
anywhere without spotting the Expo 2020 emblem.
There was a genuine synergy with people as well.
They understood that this effort was something big
and each person wanted to do their part to support it.
The result was a colossal impact to the general attitude
of the UAE business world and gave residents of the
UAE a much needed moral boost in general. Step by
step His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum made sure that Expo 2020 bid was executed
without failure. He crossed the T’s and dotted the I’s
by his constant monitoring, support and inspiration for
the cause. He spared no expense - if it was required
the committee was provided the resource.
After BIE conducted an inquiry mission to Dubai in
February 2013 news channels started reporting that
Dubai was expecting a 28 billion Euro boost to the
economy as a result of Expo 2020. These reports fuelled
the excitement. Literally Expo 2020 was on cars, shop
windows, radio, TV, restaurants, billboards, coffee
cups, the internet, business web pages, practically
everywhere in Dubai. People felt part of a grass root
effort and believed failure was not an option.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
branded his efforts to the world by holding up his first
two fingers and his thumb everywhere he went. He
would later would explain the gesture as meaning “I
love you”, which reflected his sentiment to his people,
citizens of the UAE and the world as well as their
commitment and perseverance in the bid to claim Expo
2020 for Dubai. He touched the hearts of many and

BUSINESS & FINANCE
motivated people everywhere. Imagine the impression
the BIE committee must have had when witnessing
this first hand in Dubai and throughout the UAE.
On the 12th of June 2013 5 cities offered their official
presentations to the BIE committee. Thailand was
disqualified in the end leaving only four candidates.
The final BIE voting was held on the 27th of November
2013 in Paris. Countries who publicly supported the
UAE’s bid for Expo 2020 included Canada, China, United
Kingdom, France, Italy, Mozambique, St. Lucia and the
Netherlands.
The Bureau of International Des Expositions or ‘BIE’ are
a committee based in Paris, France comprising delegates
from 168 countries or states whose responsibility are
selecting the location of the World Expo, providing
the host country its expertise regarding expositions
and regulating its execution to ensure that the host
state respects its rules. The committee was formed
in 1928 with 31 countries originally and now had a
difficult decision to make in a 3 round elimination
voting process.
People all over the world watched as the voting
progressed until it was announced that the final round
would be between Yekaterinburg and Dubai.
The final vote resulted as follows:
47 votes for Yekaterinburg, Russia against 116 votes
for Dubai, UAE
on through difficult times again began to prosper.
Debts incurred during the crises began to be settled.
The economy began to move freely again.
Today Dubai has a thriving economy. There are
many projects planned for Expo 2020 which haven’t
started, but knowing they are in the works has inspired
confidence in investors and business to stay calm and
carry on. The end result is plain to see. Visiting Dubai
reflects a prosperous growing economy with tower
cranes dotting the skyline and the tourism industry
has taken over as the number 1 industry in the emirate.
Many world-wide companies have now opened offices
in Dubai reflecting confidence. His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is respected and
loved by locals and ex-pats alike. His charisma is quite
contagious and his vision for his people and his emirate
is unmistakably clear. His clarity not only served to
keep things moving forward but has pushed Dubai’s
economy to grow and look to the future.
Looking back, many people might have under estimated
the potential impact the credit crises potentially could
have the world. Leaders from every nation did the
best they could with the resources at their disposal
to prevent a world-wide disaster, but there were a
few who actually found a way beyond the troubles by
focusing on the future. Dubai’s a great example of how
one man’s vision inspired greatness and a testimony to
what one man’s belief in a vision can achieve.
They had done it! Dubai (UAE), Izmir (Turkey), Sao Paulo
(Brazil), and Yekaterinburg (Russia) were all finalists in
the bid for bringing Expo 2020 to their country but in
3 rounds of elimination voting, Dubai won by a land
slide. The people in the UAE were ecstatic with their
success and celebrated with a firework show from the
Burj Kalifa, the world’s tallest building and an iconic
symbol of Dubai. The festivity was broadcasted the
world over.
Slowly the situation began to change in Dubai as His
Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
continued to persistently work on problems and
challenges facing Dubai. Projects that were abandoned
began to start back up. People who managed to hold
29
1961 Magazine Fall 2016

LORD TAYLOR
of WARWICK
Adversity Makes
You Who You Are.
Written by Michael Gregson
Photography by Abul Shah Gracious Photography
I do not profess to be a lover, or even a casual observer, of British
politics. To me, the British parliamentary system is akin to watching
very expensive paint dry while some high born codger provides the
play-by-play. Nothing can take longer to accomplish nothing and be
painstakingly boring while doing so. Enough said on that.
Once in a while however, a politician can break the monotony and
stand out above the crowd for one reason or another. Of course, here
in Canada we very rarely find this elusive mixture of competency and
panache unless you count Doug Ford, who has neither, but brazenly
mixes incompetence with a distinct lack of intelligence set at high
volume. In short, not the direction we should be going. However, we
can harken back to the days of Pierre Trudeau, one Canadian who
made politics truly interesting and, in my opinion, made the notion
of government accessible to the people. Love him or hate him, he
had a unique flair and has proved an outlier in our parliamentary
culture. Again, not to get off on a tangent but growing up Canadian
in small city Ontario, politics was not exactly top of mind as I never
saw how it interacted with my life of high school, hockey and girls.
It is no wonder why I look at British politics and have the same
autonomous response of asking myself, “what else is on?”
So when I was given the opportunity to interview Lord Taylor of
Warwick, an active member of the House of Lords at Westminster
(you know…the neat building in London with the big clock on top),
I said “who?”, then of course I said, “Sure! I love London!” Typical

PERSON OF STYLE & SUBSTANCE
answers, I suppose, from the MuchMusic generation.
All that said, I had to, of course, get “Mr. Google’s”
opinion on this Lord Taylor of Warwick fellow. Much to
my amazement, what I found was a British politician
with somewhat of an interesting story, one that took
me to multiple articles, personal publications and this,
http://www.lordtaylor.org/, his own website affixed with
Twitter and Facebook links and his own blog. Hmmm…
not what I expected from an English Lord. Also, given
my impression of the staleness and lily white nature of
English politics, I certainly did not expect Lord Taylor
to be the son of Jamaican immigrants. I assumed that
he had a background in law, which he does, but would
never have guessed that this English Lord had also
acted as a television presenter, had hosted his own
radio show on BBC 2, anchors as The Soul Baron on
UK music radio and is philanthropically involved with
UK organizations which promote cultural diversity and
raise awareness of cyberbullying. Hold on a second.
Is this man actually in touch?
Fast forward to the parliamentary terrace on the River
Thames, where I am sitting across from Lord Taylor of
Warwick having a spot of tea with my pinky finger raised
(I of course want to fit in). Lord Taylor is a very well
dressed and charming fellow with an almost fatherly
sort of smile which puts me at ease straight away. He is
remarkably well mannered, polished and very articulate.
His manner is at first subdued when discussing the
logistical nature of the British parliamentary system.
Lord Taylor is one of roughly 800 “Lords” in parliament
who are appointed twice per year by the Queen on the
advice of the Prime Minister. It is a position that you
keep for life, (not bad job security if you can get it)
and whose role it is to review Bills put forth from the
House of Commons. Discussing his day to day seems
a bit humdrum to him as he details his morning of
replying to correspondences from within parliament
and without, followed by an afternoon of debates, bill
ratification and voting. I am bored just thinking about
it. It is when he considers his own personal journey,
and the platform which his position has granted him
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

PERSON OF STYLE & SUBSTANCE
he did become head boy of his grammar school (kind
of like class president) and going on to study English
and Law at Keele University. He was called to the Bar
in 1978 and felt that he finally held a position which
he could to fight the racial injustice he became familiar
with growing up in the English midlands. This, however,
was only the first step.
Let us again press the forward button through what
was a successful career in law to 1992 when John
Taylor won the right to be the Conservative party
candidate for Cheltenham (political riding) in the
1992 General Election. He lost by a slim margin in an
election that many viewed as being highly influenced
by the issue of race. However, his poise and elocution
raised eyebrows and gave him a level of notoriety he
had not previously held amongst the party. He quickly
became one to watch. Obviously impressing the right
people, John Major himself (British Prime Minister), four
years later in 1996, made John Taylor “Lord Taylor of
Warwick”, one of the youngest men ever to sit in the
House of Lords and the only black man at that time.
Lord John Taylor and his wife Lady Laura Taylor
to effect real and lasting change, that his eyes come
to life. This is when I truly got to know Lord Taylor of
Warwick and started to understand him as a person
with a distinct life philosophy.
Growing up in Birmingham, the son of Jamaican
immigrants is not a traditional path to the House of
Lords. His mother Enid, a nurse, and father Derief a
cleaner, led a modest life and taught John (yes Lord
Taylor does have a traditional first name) strong family
values and the strength to pursue his own path. One
thing that Lord Taylor remembers of Birmingham in
the 1950’s was that his family was often referred to
as “those Jamaican immigrants” and being defined by
this status. When Derief rose to prominence as a highly
skilled cricketer (baseball on valium for those who
aren’t familiar with the sport) his status changed to
that of a local hero and John saw the value of setting
oneself apart from the crowd. And set himself apart
This appointment fulfilled a dream he had since his
first school trip to Parliament at the age of 10. Lord
Taylor’s eyes open wide at this point in our interview
accompanying a soft grin as he recalls this young boy
looking up at the ceilings of Westminster and feeling
a “strong sense of belonging”. This is the point when
you can’t help but like Lord Taylor. He comes across
as a genuine soul who really and truly sought after a
life in politics not for the prestige but because he felt
it was a calling. “Politics is about the now. It is about
anticipating future trends and gearing them towards
building bridges of thought and conscience” says
Taylor. “In Parliament there seems to be an information
overload and a lack of revelation”.
In addition to spearheading important pieces of
legislation such as the Criminal Amendments Act of
1997 which sought to protect the public through DNA
evidence recording, Lord Taylor has been a champion
of diversity and the development of youth. The 1997
establishment of the Warwick Leadership Academy
(now the Warwick Leadership Academy) seeks to
develop oratory skills and confidence in motivated
young people and effective training for entrepreneurs
34
Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

and future political leaders. Also, Lord Taylor is heavily
involved with Cybersmile, the only charity in the UK
that is solely dedicated to addressing the issue of
cyberbullying. In short, Lord Taylor has remembered
his challenging upbringing and is seeking to pay his
lessons forward for the benefit of British youth. “There
is a level of apathy when it comes to the treatment
of disenfranchised youth. However, there is so much
potential in young people, but most of them just don’t
have the eyes to see it. I try to impress upon them that
if I can make it, so can they. Everyone has the chance
to be better”.
Again, I didn’t know what to expect when I met Lord
Taylor of Warwick. At first I thought the only thing
I would get out of this deal was in insider’s tour of
Westminster however I must admit, I was pleasantly
surprised. For a man with such a diverse history of legal
and parliamentary achievements, prominent keynote
speeches at venues such as the United Nations and a
strong proponent of community advocacy, I felt like I
was speaking to a next door neighbor. He was, and is,
a true gentlemen and one that has used his position
in an attempt to make his country better. This is what
all politicians should aspire to. Since this interview
Lord Taylor has married his lovely American wife Lady
Laura, a truly strong British and American relationship.
For more information on Lord Taylor of Warwick,
you can visit his website at www.lordtaylor.org or
peruse his monthly contributions for Endeavour
Magazine. His article, entitled “Winning the Race”
discusses multiculturalism and immigration in Britain.
It is an introduction to his book on diversity to be
published next year. https://issuu.com/endeavour1/
docs/endeavour_march_2015/7?e=4718258/11621814

HEALTH & NUTRITION
The 7
Traits
Real Women
Possess That
True Gentlemen
Can’t Resist
by Chantal Heide
the one who continues to capture his attention and
love day after day, year after year?
The seven qualities which embody her nature are
elemental for every man. It is upon these traits he can
build his emotional home, since they lay the foundation
for a relationship filled with comfort, intrigue, and the
level of independence necessary to support his growth.
1 She is emotionally strong enough to weather his
storms. We’ve been culturally desensitized to men’s
emotions, with both sexes raised to believe “big boys
don’t cry.” But in reality young boys cry just as often
as girls, and when tested men exhibit a physiological
response twice that of women when shown images
considered “heart-warming.” Having the ability to be
the pillar of strength in their relationship when a man
must heal his heart allows him opportunities to grow
through his emotional difficulties.
When it comes to love and attraction there are
fundamentals which stand the test of time, since
coded in our DNA lies an understanding of what truly
defines the ultimate man or woman. While our advanced
technology and sense of style create the illusion we’re
far removed from our ancestors, early Homo Sapiens,
there remains a longing to seek out the ideal mate.
Women are irresistibly drawn to the pheromones of
the manly man, cleverly disguised underneath his welltrimmed
beard, Coppley suit, and Hugo Boss cologne;
as men are drawn to the spirit of the confident woman
travelling across their line of sight, her spicy Zara style
accenting the fiery power of her femininity.
When it comes to love, it’s all about the essence of
the creature.
We all know who the true gentleman is; the man who
encompasses an innate desire to love, cherish, protect,
and care for the woman who will return his affections.
But who is the woman who wins his heart and soul,
2 She has vulnerabilities. A woman who is so strong
she never needs a man to “take care of” anything in
her life leaves him wondering, “What am I here for,
anyway?” Men have a deeply rooted desire to protect
their woman from danger, and being able to offer
something that “only he can tend to” give men a sense
of purpose and satisfies their instincts. Whether it’s
being the official insect killer or at the very least the
one who can make everything better with a soft word
and warm embrace, she presents her man opportunities
to be her White Knight.
3 She is feminine… at least sometimes. While she
doesn’t need to look prepped and primed for a night
on the town 24/7, playing up her femininity when
they step out together gives her man a lasting ego
boost. Men like to feel like men, and having a feminine
woman at their side grant them the thrill of feeling
their manhood right down to the core.
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

HEALTH & NUTRITION
4 She does not need him around the clock. Men
relish the thrill of the chase, and a woman who can
create distance gives him the opportunity to step
forward and win her over once again. He never grows
tired of this interplay because hunting and acquiring
is part of his DNA. Allowing him the opportunity to
pursue and draw her in throughout their relationship
keeps him intrigued.
5 She is not afraid to challenge him. While real men
might love the dynamics of gender roles, they appreciate
a strong woman who brings fresh perspectives to her
life. A woman who is not afraid to grow herself and
share her opinions gives men added opportunities to
expand their own worldview.
6 She has confidence in herself. Men will gladly
put the woman they love on their trophy shelf, proudly
displayed for all to see. The woman who keeps his
heart is the one who accepts the pedestal he puts
her on, never requiring him to lift her up day after day
because her lack of self-worth compels her to step off
it. She knows she is worthy of the love and admiration
he bestows upon her and allows him the pleasure of
loving her, without requiring him to lift her esteem
to the level he feels appropriate.
7 She is an independent woman. True gentlemen feel
a yearning to be out in the world, conquering. They seek
a woman who will likewise balance her devotion with
an allegiance to her own needs, taking time for herself
and what makes her feel complete. They understand
that it’s with this sense of balance she fulfills herself,
creating within her the love and happiness she will
bring into the relationship. Fundamentally, the wisdom
of “happy wife, happy life” is woven into men’s DNA,
and they gain a sense of stability knowing she relies
on herself first for achieving satisfaction from life.
Photo by Nadezhda Lyra
Chantal Heide is a Human Relations expert. She has
a successful practice helping clients learn how to
find and keep a “magical” loving relationship, and
is a public speaker, workshop leader, private coach,
frequent media contributor, and published author of
“No More Assholes - 7 Steps to Saying Goodbye to
Guys and Finding the Real Man You’re Looking For”
and “After The First Kiss - Making Your First Year
Together Ridiculously Awesome“ You can find her at
www.canadasdatingcoach.com .
37
1961 Magazine Fall 2016

HEALTH & NUTRITION
affect our RNA. Another reason for inadequate sleep is
nightshift work and not sleeping in the dark. Artificial
light and isn't good either. It is estimated that 70% of
the people living with stress, computer/tablets and TV
do have sleep disorders. Sleeping pattern disorders are
very common and can create depressions and adrenal
fatigues as well as many other pathologies. If they are
not sustained with adequate support (treated) and not
taken care of rapidly. Sleeping disorders can also result
in autoimmune disorders and deficiencies.
Another contributing factor to sleep disorders is “junk
food” and the lack of time to cook and eat nutritionally.
Often resulting in consumption of processed meals
containing high amounts of sugars.
Nutrition, Stress
& Sleep
By Doctor Gery Maes van de Vorst,
PHD in Health Science & Phyto Nutrition
WHY GOOD SLEEPING IS COMPULSORY & WHY
THERE IS A SLEEPING PROBLEM IN MODERN
SOCIETY:
One could ask oneself the question, if we have good
beds with super mattresses made from modern and
space-age materials, then why do we sleep disquieting,
troubled or restlessly? One of the major causes is in
fact television. Surely its rest we seek and need after a
hard day’s work, especially with loads of stress during
our day. Of course, we need to diminish our stress and
unwind after working and before going to bed.
It is normal that we want to spend time with our beloved
friends and family. However, often our minds are kept
awake in front of TV, being the UV or blue light eye
killer, together with the computers and tablets whereon
we also socialize or use as a method to relax; these are
the typical wave frequencies we should actually take
care to avoid or at a minimum limit our exposure to, as
they alter our bio rhythms and can even kill the DNA and
THIS IS WHY WE SHALL CHECKLIST AND
PREVENT WORSENING AND REGULATE IN MANY
WAYS WITH:
• Adequate nutrition
• Appropriate exercise
• Much fluids intake
• Contemplate relaxations other than TV or other
electronic devices (the good-old book is still the best
with appropriate light that doesn't damage the eye
sight of course).
Taking into consideration that most of the people in
modern society work indoors and under fluorescent
lighting, we never have enough exposer to sunlight
to ‘catch-in’ the much needed vitamin D building rays
our body requires. This can quickly result in endocrine
DNA and RNA damages from Wi-Fi signals, high stress
levels and inappropriate nutrition all of which offer
little chance for our biological auto defense system
to defend itself, which is a situation that we should
of course and by all means avoid.
There is a time to sleep and a time to be awake naturally
for humans, at day light we are pre-programmed to be
awake, at evening we should relax and at night sleep.
And due to modern lifestyles this cycle is often times
too much disturbed which wreaks havoc on our bodies.
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HEALTH & NUTRITION
WE NEED TO SLEEP PROPERLY:
We all know that a baby or toddler sleeps a lot for growth
and for resistance to diseases and infections between
the ages of 0 to an average of 6 years old. At these
ages kids are not having their endocrine cycle affected
by the growth of sexual hormones as much, because,
of course, they are not fully developed. As such, their
melatonin production is unaffected and are not heavily
disturbed by factors triggering their subconscious and
consciousness resulting in very protected and undisturbed
sleep as well as high melatonin productions
in their bodies. ’Napping’ is an automated natural
reaction if for some reason there is need for more sleep
and more melatonin production. Melatonin production
has many health benefits, including the huge benefit
of better moods.
Once we are over the age of about six the subconscious
mind and conscious mind work more together by
alertness and hormonal changes. Sexual hormone
development actually makes the big changes in
our bodies. For everyone, once we are awake, the
glucocorticoid hormone cortisol starts being active
for the physical stress of a new day (which is made
by the adrenal gland) but can only function properly
if the melatonin production in our sleep was efficient
enough. Another reason why we should never deprive
our sleep is because the melatonin is also a very crucial
digestive hormone and it is often forgotten that our
digestive system is another intelligence (another brain)
in our body. In fact, each of our organs do have a clock
pattern, such as the liver for example; the liver is most
active during the night, which is when one wants to
optimize the melatonin pattern production and to
respect the circadian cycle, and is also why it is best
to sleep in a complete darkness.
Lack of sleep can result in a depressive status, so
sleep is important for psychological health. When one
drinks large amounts of coffee to stay awake, or to be
fit or alert from morning until late afternoon, there is
definitely something wrong in the biorhythm of their
body. Not to mention cigarettes, energy drinks, and the
craving for sugars and chocolate bars, are not beneficial;
moreover they degrade the complete metabolic cycles
and increase the risk of pathologies such as diabetes
and many other diseases that are only due only to our
“Modern” lifestyles. That is why many people suffer
from Modern Lifestyle Pathologies.
So, What to do?
RESPECT YOUR HUMAN BIOLOGICAL CLOCK:
To sleep properly one should eat properly and also
live with a healthy lifestyle, as such the body's most
important hormones can do the rest of the work! Here
are some of the critical hormones that are affected
by sleep and nutrition habits:
1) HGH (Human Growth Hormone)
2) Estragon
3) Progesterone
4) Prolactin
5) Irisin
6) Testosterone
7) PYY (gut hormone Peptide YY)
8) Glucagon Like Peptide
9) Thyroid
10) Insulin
11) Glucagon
12) Serotonin
13) Ghrelin
14) Leptin
15) Adiponectin
16) Melatonin
17) Oxytocin
18) Cortisol
19) Adrenaline
20) Dopamine.
Melatonin contributes to hormonal balance and
optimizes the hormonal cycle, here are the few simple
methods and practices to have an ultimate stratagem
for good hormonal balance and good health:
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HEALTH & NUTRITION
Checklist to Increase Melatonin
Production:
1. GO TO SLEEP EARLY (BEFORE 22:00)
2. Stop watching TV, computers, tablets and dim lights
at (20:30). Shut off Wi-Fi and EMF's (relax and light
some candles even).
3. Do breathing exercise 15 minutes before sleeping to
help relax the muscles.
4. Drink a one warm glass of water before sleeping or
chamomile tea.
5. MAKE SURE THE ROOM IS DARK to sleep.
6. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - THE OTHER BRAIN:
In the digestive system we find a high amount of many
forms of intelligent works and interactions. There is
a cocktail mixture of between 1.2kg and 1.5 kg on
bacteria's, enzymes, proteins, peptides, etc..., that do
correlate together, and it is in a nanotomical quantum
physical electrical form that this functionality operates
very intelligently. A complete energy and interaction
that really is a brain unto itself. We should think about
the genetically recognition of our DNA and our cellular
that are communicating and working together to bring
all what we eat and drink to the best outcomes for
optimum health, and we should respect the process
by having a healthy lifestyle. It will not help by just
loading our stomachs with poison and sugars and eating
uncontrollably. The system can get out of balance and
if we do so, the melatonin and our entire hormonal
balance will get deformed. So it is important that we
care for and reorganize our lifestyle with healthy food
patterns and healthy sleep patterns so one will never
get out of balance.
HELP YOUR BODY - DISTRESS & DETOXIFY &
OXYGENATE:
Antioxidants keep our cells clean by combining with and
eliminating very dangerous reactive molecules that can
cause random changes in proteins, resulting in cancers,
heart disease or other chronic illnesses. Those random
changes are often referred to as "oxidative stress"
and cause inflammation as well. Research shows that
natural antioxidants are important in maintaining nerve
cell function, for this reason it is important to eat, as
much as possible, fresh food that is not contaminated
with chemical poison, to drink plenty of water and to
add antioxidant food supplements with a must-do
exercise program of minimum 20 minutes per day.
Another thing to do is to purchase UV and Blue Light
blocking eyeglasses and wear them in the afternoon
or behind the computer or TV. By cutting out exposure
to blue light, our bodies think it's night, and begin to
produce melatonin and the risks of damaging your eyes
from blue light exposures are less. If you have too
much exposure to blue light and artificial light during
the day, then supplement with Zeaxanthing foods and
lutein foods (cartotenoid found foods).
Dangers to Avoid:
Avoid BY ALL MEANS synthetic foods and supplements
to prevent side effects that create other diseases.
Avoid processed foods and foods high in carbohydrates
and wash well all foods from eventual pesticides. I
recommend to stay away from genetic manipulated
foods as well.
FOOD CURES - OTHER STEPS TO DECREASE
DISTURBED MELATONIN PRODUCTION:
Eat natural and preferably organic food, eat and add
more raw foods and eat melatonin containing foods
such as cherries, and pumpkin seeds, etc... Best to seek
foods containing melatonin, there is enough to find
on internet so do some research that will benefit you
before disconnecting the Wi-Fi. Foods that can help
you relax are also helpful, even supplements such
as valerian, jujube seed, hops, skullcap, chamomile,
passie flower, liquorice, and foods that contain high
vitamin B1, 2, 6 and 12 complex and Vitamin D if not
enough sun exposure is obtained. Please make sure
you have enough Magnesium as well, if necessary do
a blood test and ask your house doctor.
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

HEALTH & NUTRITION
LIFESTYLE CHANGING EATING STEPS:
Eat more from nature, this is the best; have one glass of
aloe vera juice per day and add some senna, fennel, and
other fresh botanical herbs to salads and add it to your
evening meals. Make sure you have enough probiotica
and probiotica (synbiotica's) as this contributes to a
healthy digestive system resulting in higher melatonin
percentages and contributes to overall better health.
Eat as much as you can raw foods and juice fresh juices
with low calories and little rapid carbohydrates. Keep
the body PH balanced by eating plenty of foods that
contain low acidity and alkalise your body by adding
lemon in your water to drink during the day.
Conclusion:
The digestive system has the ability to produce
neurotransmitters, and due to also to the melatonin
hormone interaction with the many other factors such
as the cellular communications waves, that do work
in similar patterns waves as our brain, it is clearly
an intelligence of processes. As we know that the
hormone melatonin operates in other organs such
as the brain and also stimulates secretion of bile and
pancreatic and liver. We should respect our digestion
organs and provide it with great care, meaning NOT
ONLY EATING HEALTHY but ALSO RESPECTING OUR
CICARDIAN CYCLE and SLEEP enough to prevent
hormonal imbalances that often trigger diseases like
auto-immune diseases and diabetes.
About the Author:
Doctor Gery Maes van de Vorst founded in 2009
the anti sugar association to advocate against the
sugar added in the food processing industries, which
endeavours to bring people together in alternative
methods and products with less harm for health and
to bring the awareness about the dangers of diabetes
and metabolic diseases caused by over consumption of
rapid carbohydrates. He advocates for peace globally
and is therapist in medical O3 and various other
CAM (Complimentary Additional Medicines) and has
a doctorate in health science wherewith he is also
active in the environment and continuously does
research on what to eat and how to cure with food. As
a Phyto Nutritionist he organizes medical seminars and
workshops for medical staffs willing to understand the
broad science of "FOOD AS A PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
AND CURING FOR ALL DISEASES" and to educate
patients, but also medical staffs to bring more values
to the health sector as well as the environment and
medical industries. He believes all should work together
in the search for better health and for the the benefit
for everyone. Please feel free to contact Doctor Gery
Maes at: gery.maes@yahoo.com
www.medicalseminar.info
www.antisugarassociation.org
www.worldwidehealthcare.info
Sleep is clearly the way of cure when one is sick,
and it allows the melatonin to restore and to repair
damages from sicknesses, but we should prevent our
system from being continuously under attack from
processed foods and chemical poisons that are in the
modern-day food alimentations. Each night a few
hours of sleep deprivation increases the risk to bad
health and decreases the melatonin’s ability to do its
intelligent work, for this my advice herewith concluded
is to sleep as much as you can and to learn to listen
to your body.
If you have any questions regarding nutrition and
health please do not hesitate to email 1961 Magazine
for Dr. Gery to respond and advise.
41
1961 Magazine Fall 2016

The Magic of
Micro-needling
Let’s get to the point. As we age, we lose collagen and
elastin, the building blocks of radiant skin. MesoLyft’s
micro-needles and serum condition the skin’s surface
for a non-invasive boost back to beautiful.
Inspired by the centuries-old European treatment
Mesotherapy (the beauty secret of vitamin injections),
this pain-free, at-home treatment, is a one-two punch
against lackluster skin. Say goodbye to fine lines and
hello to smoother skin wherever you need a boost –
eye lids, face, lips, neck and décolletage.
First comes the pump - perfectly measured drops
of serum on the MesoLyft tip. Then the roller glides
over the treatment area, as dozens of micro-needles
exfoliate dead cells and push active ingredients into
primed, thirsty skin.
MesoLyft is time-tested technique, modern day
formulas, and results-driven technology - all rolled
into one.
Science
You could say we’ve reinvented the wheel. The easyto-use
MesoLyft device combines a rolling tip of
micro-needles with a pump of area-specific serum.
Mimicking expensive high-tech medispa treatments,
it puts the power of science into your hands for both
instant and long-term results. While MIT research
prompted the creation of the micro-needle wheel,
biochemists helped concoct MesoLyft’s skin-saving
formulas rich in vitamins, antioxidants and peptides.
The device’s needles meet the highest quality standards
at MesoLyft’s U.S. production facility.
Love
Love is an integral component of our success. Honesty,
integrity, and passion are behind every product in our
skincare line, with the intention of helping you look
and feel better.
You will feel even better knowing that a portion of
the sale proceeds go to School the World, a non-profit
organization that develops educational systems in
third world countries.
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

MESOLYFT LIPS
Lip Plumper. Hydration, Fuller Lips, for more Youthful
Appearance
What it does
The MesoLyft Lip Enhancer creates a more luscious
pout, softening fine wrinkles around the lip line and
boosting lip volume.
Ingredients
• Mango butter: A natural emollient rich in antioxidants
and Vitamins A and E. Conditions and plumps lips.
Its high levels of fatty acids make it an intense
moisturizer.
• Silicones: These skin-conditioning agents create a
soft and silky texture to the lips.
• Aloe Vera Extract: A known soother, it calms the lips
after the gentle micro-needle exfoliation.
Usage
Roll over the entire lip and around the lip line. Instantly
plumps lips and smoothes fine lines. After 3-4 weeks
of continued use, there’s a noticeable long-term
smoothness.
MESOLYFT SKIN
Complexion Brightener/Texture Corrector. Addresses
Age Spots, Hyper pigmentation, Pores, and Wrinkles
What it does
Mesolyft Skin Brightener’s multi-action formula
minimizes large pores, fine lines, and dark spots.
Ingredients
• Papaya: This fruit extract is rich Vitamin A and
Papain enzyme, which helps remove dead cells for
a fresher look.
• Dermawhite: A complex of flowers from Papaya,
Guava and Saxifrage plants that is clinically proven
to inhibit melanin synthesis up to 90%
• Kojic Acid: This natural gentle pigment exfoliant is
derived from mushrooms native to Japan.
• Meadowfoam oil: The extract from this flowering
winter plant offers superb anti-oxidant properties
and skin-softening benefits.
• Jojoba: A desert plant with calming and moisturizing
properties.
Usage
Can be rolled onto face, neck or hands – any area with
dark spots and freckles.
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

MESOLYFT EYES
Eye Renewal. Addresses Puffy Eyes, Dark Circles, Skin
& Fine Lines
What it does
MesoLyft Eye Renewal respects the delicate tissue
around your eyes, often the first place to show signs
of aging, by restoring its youthful texture and beauty.
Ingredients
• Argireline: A wrinkle-relaxing peptide that works
instantly with a Botox-like effect
• VoluPlus: With an active ingredient derived from
nutmeg, this patented formula works to plump cells
for smoother skin.
• Retinol and Vitamin C: A dynamic duo that
stimulates new collagen production for long-lasting
improvement in skin texture
• Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Taken from one of the oldest
tree species, this Chinese extract offers a soothing,
anti-inflammatory touch and protects against free
radicals.
MESOLYFT NECK
Neck and Décolletage Repair. Smoothes Skin Texture
What it does
MesoLyft Neck restores youth with a special formula
known to increase collagen production for improved
texture of the delicate skin.
Ingredients
• Dill Extract: A natural ingredient known to repair
and generate new elastin fibers in the skin.
• Vitamins E: Potent anti-oxidant with anti-aging
properties.
• Vitamin C: Prevents damage from UV light and free
radicals.
• Retinol: When combined with Vitamin C, it works
to stimulate collagen production.
Usage
Roll formula nightly between breasts, along the
décolletage, and onto the neck.
Usage
Fine lines around the eyes appear to decrease instantly,
while continued use improves skin texture on a more
lasting level.
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

Founder
Meet Masha Banar, the inventor of MesoLyft and
founder of Visage Sculpture—a cosmetic clinic in Boston
that focuses on non-surgical face shaping.
A Certified Physician Assistant, Masha began her career
in 2006 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery at Boston Medical Center. With most of her
initial work assisting in the operating room and patient
care, she eventually grew an injectable practice for the
Department. In 2010, she opened her own practice,
Visage Sculpture. Dr. Jeannie Chung, Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon and Masha’s mentor, serves as the
clinic’s Medical Director.
Inspiration
Building her practice and brand on trust and
transparency, Masha prides herself on creating an
outlet for the modern woman to achieve healthy
skin and youthful results. Through her years in the
beauty business, she listened to clients’ concerns and
developed formulas for the most common problem
areas. Her knowledge about skin rejuvenation and
collagen production gained working with wounds as
a Physician Assistant in Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery, combined with engineering and micro-molding
technology, resulted in this one-of-a-kind skincare
product.

47
1961 Magazine Fall 2016

TRAVEL
BUNRATTY:
THE SIEGE OF
Written & Photography by Robert Seuferer
MAY 22, 1645 - BUNRATTY CASTLE COUNTY
CLARE, IRELAND:
5:00 AM – the black skies to the east begin to reflect a
hue of dark grey off in the horizon. Astro, Nautical and
Civil Twilight run their phases with little effect. The
dull tones simply grow larger but the brightness of day
is slow to come. From the battlements of the rooftop
the smell of turf burning afar drifts over the hills to
north and saturates the air. The slow continuous breeze
offers it like incense to a shrine. Strange ominous fogs
roll through the corcasses and bogs carving its course
through the moss covered oaks of the castle grounds.
Its eerie presence seems mystical to the superstitious
sentry watching as it engulfs the castle walls and the
courtyard below. Uneasiness lingers over the guards
atop of the towers as they gaze out to the north looking
for signs of the inevitable invasion.
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HISTORY & TRAVEL
BATTLEMENTS OF BUNRATTY CASTLE
Just beyond the northern hills 3300 Irish Confederate
soldiers begin to awake and move freely in small bands
through the thick forest and nettles surrounding the
castle grounds. Less than a mere kilometer away
their intended prize rises predominantly above the
land in menacing array. Bunratty Castle was the key
to controlling the Port of Limerick. With the River
Shannon in close proximity, the fortress cannons could
easily engage frigates and enforce control of passage.
Funding for the rebel operation came from Rinuccini
the Papal Legate, though sufficient for the operation
initially, it wasn’t limitless. No one had expected such
a long siege. With supplies running low and money in
scarce reserve the Confederates believed the English
well stocked and fully prepared for the long siege
which befell them.
FIRE PIT, THE GREAT HALL, BUNRATTY CASTLE
Inside the castle women and children huddled together
in the great hall. The fire in the center of the room
offered little comfort given the situation. Cannon fire
began to bombard against the thick castle walls. Cries
from the children echoed against the stone walls and
elevated ceilings as dust and rubble began to crumble
upon them. Soldiers sprang into action making their
way quickly to the cannon platform. Their only hope
was to keep the west corcasse under their control
enabling them to replenish via ships from Cork. If the
west corcasse were to remain free the English might
have a chance of holding out - if the women and the
children could be removed to safety. This was not the
day to attempt an evacuation.
Recent escalation of numerous events brought the
English Parliamentarian forces to occupy the castle
with 700 soldiers and a dozen nearby ships for support.
This in combination with raiding of the countryside
the English freely engaged in drew the attention of
the Irish Confederate leaders who were quick to strike
back. These tit-for-tat exchanges escalated to the point
that a third of the Confederate army was diverted from
Kilkenney to Bunratty in attempt to halt the madness
and gain control of the citadel. The scene was set for
one of the greatest standoffs in County Clare’s history.
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HISTORY & TRAVEL
CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS, BUNRATTY CASTLE
The Parliamentarian expedition was under the command
of Vice-Admiral William Penn with Colonel McAdam
leading the ground troops. Penn was a seasoned
seaman who was appointed his first captainship in
1642. At 23 years of age, the young Vice-Admiral had
already accumulated plenty of experience at sea.
Having served an apprenticeship with his father Giles
Penn who was a merchant in Bristol, he was able to
move through the ranks quickly and gain tremendous
experience that would serve him well in later years.
The Confederate army was under the command of
Viscount Muskerry, with Lieutenant Colonel Purcell,
Major General Stephenson and Colonel Purcell
commanding the Calvary forces. Having superior
advantage of the hill, the Irish soldiers managed
firm entrenchments. The hillside was so steep and
riddled with boulders the troops dug horizontally into
the hillsides and covered their makeshift caves with
fascines for camouflage and protection against their
enemy and the elements.
BUNRATTY CASTLE, EAST CORCASSE
After several more days of skirmishes and battle
exchange, McAdam learned that their defensive
trenches around the castle were being filled in by
the Confederate forces. With the help of Penn’s naval
officers, a bid to capture the Confederate cannons
was undertaken.
CANNON PLATFORM, BUNRATTY CASTLE
May 24, 1645 - The Cavalry Charge:
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine
With cannon shot continually raining down on the
castle there was no time to waste. McAdam organized
his officers and soldiers. Making their way out of the
castle and passing the cannon platform on the left,
they made their way by twos through the main gate
and completed their way quickly to the north hill. The
Confederates had little time to organize. McAdam cried
for the charge. Catching the Confederates by surprise,

HISTORY & TRAVEL
McAdam’s force began to drive the Confederates
uphill in retreat. Filled with a renewed confidence
McAdam’s force forged on inflicting damage along
the way. It wasn’t long before McAdam realized that
the Confederate Cannons were nowhere to be found.
Cunningly, the Confederates had moved them back
over the hill at the first sign of trouble. McAdam
realized his troops were becoming scattered with the
over-confidence of the initial success. His troops began
to break rank and chase the Confederates who were
fleeing to their camp. Realizing that the Confederates
may not have been as ill prepared as first suspected,
he called for his troops to fall in.
His efforts were too late. From over the hill the
Confederate Cavalry charged out at full speed. The
thunder of hooves filled the ears of the English forces.
McAdam’s men began to fall back in desperate retreat.
The Confederate Cavalry rode in tight formation into the
battlefield like a wave of panic to the Parliamentarian
forces. McAdam’s troops scattered as blood began to
fall. Those who could, made their way back to the castle,
others fled into the forests never to be seen again.
Many died on the battlefield that day. The operation
was a complete disaster for the Parliamentarian force
and McAdam personally.
On the May 29th Penn finally decided to attempt a bid
to remove the women and children from the castle,
including his own wife and son. They would spend two
days waiting for a break in the cannons to have the
opportunity to smuggle them out. Two ships had been
arranged to move the women and children to safety.
One ship was named “Roebuck” and the other was
“Ann Percy”. Due to low supplies, the captain of the
Ann Percy refused to allow those passengers on board.
In the end many of the women and the children were
forced to stay behind despite the peril of the situation.
Disaster struck Penn yet again on the 4th of June.
Penn relocated his cattle to Low Island in order to
keep them out of the hands of the Confederacy. In the
heat of battle Penn’s forces weren’t able to properly
guard the provisions; nor were Penn’s men at liberty
to raid the countryside for cattle as before. There
were a number Parliamentarian ships located in the
vicinity, which should have been able to help guard
cattle provisions. Regrettably for Penn extra cannons
sent from Limerick to the Confederate stronghold
allowed targeting the nearby ships continually. This
served to drive Penn’s ships further away and open
the opportunity for Confederates to raid the cattle.
Keep in mind there were around 4000 plus mouths
to feed - both sides considered – not an easy task in
those days, let alone during a continuous 2 month
battle siege.
With over 700 mouths to feed, Penn was forced to
anchor a small 30 ton frigate named “Green” near the
west corcasse to keep supply lines open and defend
his force’s passage in the event of a retreat. Green
was a very small frigate comparatively speaking and
lacked the same fire power as the much larger 100
ton plus ships. However, Green was faster and more
maneuverable than the larger ships and served the
situation well. Penn also took the decision to move his
remaining cattle supply even farther away from the
castle to Feenish Island where they could be better
protected by the English ships. His decision naturally
made it more difficult for Penn to bring supplies to the
castle and created a logistical nightmare.
EAST CORCASSE, BUNRATTY CASTLE
June 9th saw the Confederates close in around the
castle and gain control of the corcasse. The situation
was not looking good for Penn at all when a bout of pure
luck came his way. In the heat of battle Confederate
soldiers thought they heard the stampede of large
cavalry force charging at them. In a shear panic the
young undisciplined soldiers abandoned the corcasse
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HISTORY & TRAVEL
and retreated completely leaving it in Penn’s control.
Upon learning the details of what transpired Muskerry
selected 10 of the responsible men and had them courtmartialed
and the following day they were executed
as a firm example to all.
Both sides still firmly believed the other was well suited
to continue the siege, but reality was quite different
for both sides. Rations were slight if they came at all
and eventually moral began to run low on both sides.
On June 12th Penn was forced to relocate his horses
from the castle to Feenish Island where the cattle were
being kept due to the fact that he couldn’t feed them.
At the same time Penn was able to bring in around 100
urgently need relief soldiers into Bunratty.
The days crawled by with both sides engaging in
bloody and sporadic skirmishes. On the 17th of June
all alarms were raised at Bunratty when the whole
of the Confederate army had come to arms against
the castle. Miraculously Penn and McAdams forces
managed to hold the castle. This truly must have been
a terrifying experience for the women and children
trapped inside the castle.
During the following days Penn made two decisions
which ultimately further complicated the situation.
First: Expecting a confederate attack on Quay Island at
low tide. Accordingly Penn sent his only available troops
(64 men) to defend it. Second: he decided to sail one of
his ships to Skattery for repairs and supplies. Accounts
state that roars from cannons were unremitting that
day as both sides exchanged blows with all they had.
The Confederate forces struggled to gain control of
Penn and his experienced troops. The castle itself was
well designed to ward off invaders which aided Penn
in holding out for so long.
Around this time the confederate camp managed a
joyous uplifting by way of a surprise visitor on the 1st
of July. This began a series of events that would dictate
the outcome of the siege itself. Rinuccini had made
his way into the confederate camp with 600 Pounds
money to help fund the Confederate’s campaign. The
money itself wasn’t colossal, compared to the cost
of such an operation; however his deed managed to
lift the spirits of the whole camp. It ‘s believed that
Rinuccini spent around two weeks at the Confederate
camp living with the soldiers in the make-shift caves,
conversing with them and boosting their spirits overall.
At the same time Penn was attending a council of war on
one of his ships, leaving McAdam to the land tactics. As
a Navy officer Penn had little desire to involve himself
with the land operations and often left those matters
to McAdam solely. He would leave to the safety of his
ships to deal with other pertinent matters and return
afterwards for an update from McAdam. During the
exchange of cannon fire, McAdam decided to visit a
small nearby castle which had nearly been destroyed,
seemingly see the castle before it was completely
destroyed. While walking through the rubble of its
last standing wall a stray bullet fatally wounded him.
Given the circumstance Penn had no choice but to
replace McAdams and appointed Major Hooper to lead
the ground troops. Major Hooper was a battle hardened
soldier but lacked the leadership skills of McAdam
possessed. Hooper’s Welch soldiers immediately
challenged his authority by claiming a 2000 Pound
money stash that Barnaby, the Earl of Thomond had left
behind at his departure. This caused strife within the
Parliamentarian forces making a tough situation even
worse. The castle was in Barnaby’s possession earlier in
the year. With the arrival of the Parliamentary troops
Barnaby moved himself and his family to the safety of
England until the matter had concluded. Unfortunately,
Barnaby would never step foot in Bunratty again and
died in England in 1657. After the debacle with the
Welch troops a Parliamentarian deserter brought word
to Muskerry of McAdam’s death. The news surged
through the Confederate camp bringing its spirits to
a new high.
On July 5th more relief soldiers arrived to Penn
accompanied by 80 cattle and 30 sheep, which were
sent immediately to the castle for use. By the July 9th
the Confederates managed to position cannons to
push Penn’s ships even further away from Bunratty.
On the July 11th the Confederates managed to occupy
some earthwork areas around the castle, which had
been strengthened by Penn and McAdam initially
and tighten a noose around Penn and his men. This
caused a number of the English forces to flee to Quay
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HISTORY & TRAVEL
Island. In panic Hooper desperately attempted to
assign soldiers to the East corcasse and maintain the
escape route which he fully intended to use. Hooper
sent word to Penn of his intentions to retreat. Penn,
who was completely appalled, reluctantly agreed to
arrange a retreat but it was too late. The East corcasse
fell to the Confederate forces.
Historical accounts offer some confusion to the
following event but seemingly Penn had located the
women and children to Quay Island for safety the
day the east corcasse fell. With the loss of the east
corcasse he then made the decision to shift the women
and children from Quay Island back into the castle
perhaps as some sort of tactical maneuver. He was
expecting a full raid of Bunratty Castle the following
day. Presumably he would have shipped the women
and children off to Cork or somewhere safer but this
did not transpire. .
On July 12th an Irish Captain accompanied by 2 English
officers boarded one of Penn’s ships named “Peter”
with articles of surrender. To add pressure to the
situation Confederate cannons opened fire on Penn’s
fleet blowing holes in one of the ships. On July 13th
with articles of surrender signed by Hooper and other
officers on behalf of the English and by Muskerry on
behalf of the Confederates boarded the “Fellowship”.
Penn promptly evacuated Bunratty Castle with the
women and children and set sail for Skattery Island.
There the wounded were separated from the healthy
people and loaded back onto ships to set sail for Cork.
The siege was over.
Outside the castle are a collection of thatched cottages
and buildings which offer an impression of the typical
lifestyle of the area over the last several hundred years.
The buildings stand in true contrast to the remarkable
beauty and wealth that can be seen inside the castle
itself. Bunratty visitor center recreates a medieval battle
scene most days of the year, which is definitely worth
seeing. Occupation of the surrounding area dates back
to the 12th century and has loads of rich history to
explore and discover. If occasion presents itself visit
Bunratty, County Clare to see the scene of this siege
and discover what other treats the area has to offer.
One last note regarding Penn and his family - It is
generally believed that Vice-Admiral Penn’s wife and
son were present during the siege of Bunratty Castle.
Penn’s son, William Penn, in later years would be
granted by King Charles II a considerable land holding
in the new world in exchange for settling debt owed
to his father and a fifth of all the gold mined therein.
As it turned out the land grant became what is now
the modern day states of Delaware and Pennsylvania
in the United States.
Today Bunratty Castle still stands as a reminder of its
past. Castles were built as a statement of endurance of
and great strength. Their fortitude lies in their ability to
withstand tribulation through the ages. This is only one
event that took place in a very special castle which was
designed and built to be defendable. Two small spiral
staircases are the only way in or out of the castle. This
undoubtedly aided Penn with holding out as long as he
was able to. The castle’s history dates back to medieval
times. Bunratty is filled with beautiful tapestries, rich
woodwork and fabulous paintings. Its walls are lined
with many types of armory that offer a true impression
of what it must have been like during Penn’s tenure.
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

PHUKET
Before and After
Written & Photography by Robert Seuferer
Image licensed by Ingram Image

HISTORY & TRAVEL
Never having been to Thailand, I really didn’t know
what to expect. On the plane trip over from my Dubai
based office, I recalled story after story of crazy parties
and sexual debauchery from dodgy massage parlors,
night clubs, weekends of regrets caused by women who
turned out to be men and the like. I honestly didn’t
know what to expect, however, the one thing that I
did know is I wanted to feel the culture of Thailand
and see what was there outside of its well-known
party scene. I had set my sites on Phuket and not
mainland Thailand. Despite Phuket being known for
Bangla Street (which isn’t even in Phuket City proper)
and offers club after club after club with a few dodgy
massage parlors in between) it is also known for being
more slowly paced than Bangkok on the mainland. So
off I went (Yes I took my wife and my two year old
daughter to be on the safe side-and yes gentlemen
you may laugh at me it’s ok) on a working holiday with
the family to discover what Thailand’s Phuket had to
offer. Upon landing I immediately encountered some
trouble when we walked up to immigration as a family
– no no…..don’t do that FYI!! It was a bit confusing
(coupled with some shouting) but immigration wants
you one at a time and definitely stand behind the red
line while you wait and approach one at a time when
invited). The whole experience sort of put a bad taste
in my mouth if you will, but I wasn’t going to let it
cloud my mind from figuring out what this island had
to offer. Having traveled to a good few countries, I
know to keep your wits about you and mainly just do
what the people want you to do, after all their job is
to protect the security of their country. That’s not a
small responsibility and I absolutely respect people
who take their profession seriously.
After a few apologies and thank you(s) we were in.
Now, I have to say the way the trip came together I
really didn’t have time to prepare myself like I usually
do. Specifically, I hadn’t found the time to look up the
exchange rate – always a mistake. Nor had I booked
transportation from the airport to the hotel. So as we
walked out of the airport we needed a taxi to our hotel.
There were signs everywhere (in English) reading hotel
transfer 200THB (Thailand Baht). Brilliant! I hadn’t a
clue what a Baht was worth but 200 of them to get us
to our hotel seemed fair enough. Wouldn’t you know
it, the first taxi stand we came to wanted 2,000THB to
take us to the hotel. Not knowing the exchange rate or
how Phuket’s taxi system works and having just walked
off a six hour flight I really didn’t have the energy to
tackle the issue as to why it wasn’t 200THB like the
50 signs all around read. Especially since you pay the
taxi fare at a stand and not the driver directly, I felt
a little confident that the young lady at the counter
knew what she was talking about. It turned out to be
$52.00US for the taxi – not too bad considering they
drove us so far.
The first few things I noticed walking out of the airport
in (in actual sequence):
1. The heat
2. The humidity
3. The traffic
Let’s put it this way: I walked out of the airport and
immediately there was a road we had to cross. The
road had two lanes. I was cool and dry leaving the
airport and by the time I reached the car park on the
other side of the road I was hot and soaked. Not to
mention that the traffic was relentless as you tried to
navigate your way across. Crossing the roads seemed
very dangerous and this impression stayed with me
my entire journey in Phuket. I’ll elaborate more on this
later. Eventually we made it across and climbed into a
van with loads of seats, lights and more gauges than
the 777 that flew us there. Don’t know what they were
for but I had to laugh. However the main thing was the
AC and it wasn’t on. The van was hot and took some
time to cool. This, of course, only served to worsen
my soaking clothes situation. Thankfully after about
ten minutes the van did cool.
Traveling from the airport to our hotel took an hour and
fifteen minutes. Traffic was very heavy and we were
staying outside of Phuket City on the west coast of the
island in Karon. Driving through village after village,
my first impression was very much like I imagined it
would be. Shop after shop in dirty, crowded villages
offering everything you could possibly imagine but
probably didn’t need really. Amazingly, I felt a strange
desire to walk through these streets and explore shops
one by one.
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HISTORY & TRAVEL
Something that did surprise me was the steep roads
we both climbed and descended during our journey.
As a friend of mine once said, every island is the top of
a mountain. So up and down we went, and dare I say
that the painted lines on the road seemed to have little
meaning to the local drivers. I couldn’t help but notice
the unusually large amount of scooters on the road.
It reminded me of India and the Tuc Tucs without the
horns beeping. Another thing was the driver eventually
turned off the main road down a little side street that
seemingly went to nowhere and was surrounded by
jungle. Admittedly I was a little nervous wandering
where in the world we were going. Knowing our driver
didn’t speak English didn’t help either. Eventually we
came out onto another main road and all was well.
Upon arriving to our hotel there was the usual checking
in, luggage sorted, glass of wine and first day gone.
Good morning Phuket!!! Just a friendly piece of advice
when booking a hotel in an unknown place it always
pays to book 5 star and with a brand you know. At least
then you’ll have an idea of what to expect. There are
hundreds of hotels all over Phuket Island and once I
got around to view some of them I was glad I used
this strategy. We stayed at the Hilton at Karon Beach,
it is a large resort and beautifully landscaped and had
loads of things to offer. Don’t be tempted booking with
an all-inclusive resort in Phuket. While all-inclusive
resorts can be brilliant in some places (such as Can Cun,
Mexico) in Phuket I believe you will be disappointed.
Ok, time to get out and explore Phuket! Here’s a photo
of what might be your first impression:
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Yes, it may not be what you were expecting but you will
see this quite a bit in Phuket. The trouble is if you’ve
never been to Phuket it’s very difficult to decide where
to stay. Were you looking for something more like this?
Same Phuket, completely different location. If you are
going to Phuket for an absolute party holiday maybe
Bangla Street is the place for you. There are loads of
images on the internet of it but basically its club after
club for your partying pleasure. If you are looking
for something like the photo above then look at the
islands off Phuket are for you. Having gone there, if I
were to go back I would definitely stay at one of the
Islands off Phuket. You can take a quick boat trip in
for the day if you want to see the main island and or
have a party-out day and you will be away from all
the hustle and bustle when you want to be. Come on
miles and miles of beautiful white sandy beaches. In
fact the islands off Phuket are quite famous for being
in several movies and when you go explore them you
will understand why!
The main island is much more interesting at night.
Everywhere is sort-of lit up like a disco-like town. Even
the taxi’s can look like mini clubs and can be rather
elaborate and cool. This is an extreme example of
what I am talking about, believe me it wouldn’t be
uncommon to see a small little van which looks and
sounds like a night club rolling down the road with a
group of party animals hanging out of it.
Not the holiday you’re looking for? How about trekking
through the jungle on a massive elephant? I’ve never
been on an elephant before and I didn’t know what to
expect. The one good thing that came of the adventure
was that I realized when you get out of the main towns
and villages Phuket has a great deal more to offer
and see. It’s full of amazingly beautiful scenery and
friendly people. Communications can sometimes be
difficult with the locals, but there are usually people
who either speak English or at least some English. So
don’t worry about it, venture out. I was so glad I did,
there is so much there to experience and do.
Getting off the beaten path in Phuket gives you the
chance to see what the people of Thailand are like. This
is a demonstration of traditional plowing techniques
used in agriculture. Many of the larger farms now have
modern day equipment to do the work, however these
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techniques are still used today in many family farming
operations in Phuket. I couldn’t help but be amazed at
watching the skill of this man as he guided his Asian
Buffalo with one hand while skillfully controlling the
depth and direction of his plow with the other. Not an
easy task I’m sure and loads of respect for this man
and his craft. There is something very serene about
being surrounded by these sorts of activities. Many
of us worry so much about our day to day lives, the
children, the future, our jobs, businesses, investments,
family matters, and stresses and so on. This guy wakes
up every day, yokes his Asian Buffalo and tends his
fields and is surrounded by the people he loves. I met
him, he seems very happy and content and is a nice
and friendly fellow. Fortunately I had a translator with
me. He’d probably give you the shirt off his back if you
needed it and even his buffalo’s name is translated
as ‘He Loves You’. It’s hard to believe that the US and
Canada and many places in Europe would have very
similar farming activities between 50 to 100 years ago.
single sliver that is peeled back skillfully from its bark.
After 4 months the bleeding area is shifted to a new
zone, where the process begins again. While bleeding
in the new zone occurs the previous zone is given a
chance to heal for 8 months before it is used again.
This process goes on for about 30 years and then the
tree is cut down. Obviously new trees are also planted
so the process is sustainable. This may sound a bit silly
at first but watching it is pretty amazing and when you
feel the pelts that have ran through the press twice
you begin to see how the tree makes rubber and feel
it in your hands. It’s amazing to think that something
we take for grant it has so much work behind it.
During your exploration of Phuket you may come across
a few of these towers in the photo below.
These are rubber trees which were imported to Phuket
around 500 years ago. The bark on the tree is skillfully
peeled back and leached into a small cup. After drying
for a day or two the sap of the tree becomes a spongy
like disk which is ran through a press two times to form
a rubbery pelt. It’s these pelts which are processed to
become the rubber used in our day to day lives. Think of
the tires on your car, this is how they started. The tree
trunk’s circumference areas are divided into 3 zones.
Over the course of a year each zone is bled every day
for 4 months strait. The bleeding of the sap is via a
No they are not for aircraft or ships either and you
will see them around the coastal areas in Phuket.
These are part of a tsunami warning system spread
throughout Phuket. In fact, Thailand is now noted as
having the best tsunami warning system in Asia. After
the Tsunami disaster that struck in 2004 the system
was implemented to ensure that everyone is aware in
advance of tsunamis. These towers working with radar,
bottom pressure detectors and a buoy system set in the
sea, the system can detect a tsunami within 2 minutes
of forming. There are 136 of these towers spread along
all of Thailand’s shorelines. Once a tsunami is detected
the alert is sent to a satellite which immediately
notifies Thailand’s National Disaster Warning Center
in Bangkok’s Bang Na District as well as broadcasting
the warning on all local radio and television media
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and alerting all local authorities of the danger. The
NDWC sends warning via text to every phone of all
people who have downloaded their app. Remote areas
are notified via a loud speaker warning system and a
series of hand radios which are permanently set in key
locations, businesses or farms. Even in the remotest
areas of Thailand’s provinces the warning will reach
the people within 15 minutes maximum of a tsunami
forming and probably the alert will reach those areas
faster. It’s a very sophisticated with a single purpose to
save lives. If you are worried about Tsunamis at least
you may find comfort in knowing that great care has
been taken by Thailand to ensure they do not face
another 2004 disaster in the future.
surrounded by a school of fish struggling to get the
tasty treat out of your hand. Yes you have to relax
and no the fish have no interest in you at all – only
the banana. This makes for some great memories and
photo opps as well. Forgive me for the photo quality
as I am not a professional underwater photographer
but at least you get the idea.
There are a series of islands which surround Phuket
that are a must see. Many of them are controlled by the
government but not all. Some like this bat cave even
have a family living inside only to protect the area.
Accessing many such sites requires special permission,
however diving, snorkeling and swimming off the boat
is perfectly ok. There are open sea areas as well as
lagoons which you can swim, snorkel, dive and so on.
Some people are afraid of such activities but myself I
was one of the first off the boat. Once in the water I
did look at ‘what lies underneath’ and all I saw were
fish – good enough for me!! It’s when I don’t see fish
that I would be worried. Believe it or not many of
the fish absolutely go bananas for bananas (yes that
was cheesy but true). If you want to see the fish up
close and personal, simply get in the water and bring
a banana with you. Peel it and you will instantly be
Traveling from island to island I was very much
reminded of what it would have been like to be a pirate
back in the day. Much of the scenery is undisturbed as
it would have been a few hundred years ago. I have
no doubt that somewhere out there on at least one
of those islands there must be some buried treasure.
I know, I know and no I wasn’t drinking either. I did do
an internet search on buried treasure in Phuket but as
most treasure hunters do, I turned up empty handed. It’s
just the feeling you get when you’re traveling around
to these islands and witnessing what they look like. I
had a great time jumping into the water everywhere
we went and any chance I had anyway!
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25 meters tall (approximately 80 feet tall). You can
see the head of the statue from a few different places
as you travel around the island. So you know it’s big
but you really can’t gage its side until you’re standing
underneath it. He is one Big Buddha! The monks there
are constantly chanting and it’s very hypnotic. There
was a very long queue to be blest by an old Buddha
Priest. I of course stood the queue and got the blessing,
after all you can’t have too many blessings in this life.
This was a small but very busy resort town on Phi
Phi Island (pronounced ‘Pee Pee’). Not many people
were walking through the village itself as it was hot
and extremely humid. There were a number of bars,
souvenir shops and restaurants there, however (like
everyone else) the best place to be was in the sea.
Walking the coastline was a great way to spend the
afternoon. I even noticed the remnants of a large
clam shell, the kind that yield pearls, taking me back
to the treasure thing and the thought of diving for
pearls came to mind lol. What can I say; I’m just an
adventurer at heart.
The entire project was built completely from donations,
which is simply amazing. Even the road leading up
to the big Buddha was donated by someone. At the
temple you can pay approximately 26US dollars and
put a message on one of the stones which will be
used to complete the building. Every stone and tile
on the building has been paid for the same way and
of course the proceeds go to buy some of the other
materials required to complete the building. It’s an
amazing project and a very impressive working temple
in the making. By the way, here’s a seven minutes
happy meditation broken down step by step for your
convenience, give it a go when you have a chance, it
worked for me! It was a great place to visit and I left
the temple with a feeling of peace. What an experience
and I was absolutely happy I went.
The next day was spent going to the ‘Big Buddha’.
Never having been there before I was absolutely sure
of was with a name like the Buddha had to be big, but
wait until I tell you, the thing was massive. I would
estimate that the Big Buddha is approximately 24 or
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Please note the statue behind the Big Guy. It’s actually
very beautiful itself.
Hopefully by now you are starting to see that Phuket has
so much more to offer compared to its first impression.
The place is amazing and has so much to do OUTSIDE
of the towns and villages. One could easily rent a
scooter and travel around for an entire day or two easily.
However, if you do this please be very careful to take
great care especially in the villages. As I mentioned
earlier the towns are also dangerous for pedestrians,
partly due to the fact that there are very few paths
(sidewalks) so you may end up walking in the street
itself with vehicles zooming past you and secondly
because traffic is all over the place and not necessarily
in one lane or even going the correct direction. Sadly
we witnessed the potential danger of Phuket village
roads first hand.
The next day started with great expectations. We
were collected early from the hotel and driven up
high into the mountains. The road in was beautiful.
Green mountains filled with cashew and banana trees.
There was a gentle breeze blowing through the trees
making the weather right for a very special jungle
safari. I didn’t know much about elephants. I only knew
that they were considered smart creatures, they are
poached illegally for their ivory tusks and that they
are big. That about sums up everything I knew about
elephants. So to experience one up close and personal
seemed like it would be a pleasant experience. Once we
arrived at the elephant refuge, we were shown around
and explained a few different things regarding local
customs and the like. We had the local style coffee
and were shown how to make Red Thai Curry – I love
cooking so that was fabulous! However everyone
was truly there to see one thing and that was the
elephants. Then we saw one, a young female elephant
around 6 years old. She was playful and loved being
touched. So I grabbed my daughter, as you do, and
she touched the elephant too. It was amazing. Now
my wife is pretty much petrified of every creature that
isn’t human. Despite constant reassurances that the
elephants were friendly she was petrified. Still she did
her best to get a selfie with the baby elephant and
was eventually successful at her goal.
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My wife’s mom (known as Nana in our house) came
with us as she was visiting with us for 2 months and
my wife (Mary) kept talking about how her and her
mom were going to ride the elephant together, which
would leave me and Keelyn (my nearly 3 year old
daughter) on an elephant together. It was a brilliant
plan particularly due to the fact that I know my wife
would be completely nervous on the elephant and
would probably be freaking out with Keelyn being
on an elephant as well. This would allow me to not
to be distracted and Keelyn and I would be able to
enjoy the ride and we could take some great photos
together. As we came to the point where we were
going to mount onto the elephant there was an older
lady there whose party had not shown up yet and she
was a bit nervous about going on the elephant alone.
Being polite I invited her to join Keelyn and myself on
our elephant which inadvertently started a game of
musical elephants. All this was taking place as we were
in the queue to get on the elephants mind you with our
turn drawing near. As it turned out my wife ended up
with Keelyn and myself and Nana ended up with the
lady. Then of course there was the debate on what we
should take on the elephant and leave behind. So the
bags were left behind and a nappy was brought, which
I was responsible for of course – as if we were ever
going to change a nappy on a 6 ton elephant trancing
through a jungle ever. Thankfully all that was sorted
just in time for us to climb onto the elephant. Oh yes
there was the nervous bit where I had my daughter in
my arms and was trying to focus on climbing onto the
elephant while my wife instructed me from behind.
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Needless to say we made it just fine, while my wife
made it on with a little encouragement as she was
noticeably distraught and nervous. Thankfully the seat
had a bar that came down to hold us in, however that
wasn’t the end of the concern as Keelyn’s safety was
taking center stage (I had both arms wrapped around
her and she was on my lap by the way). Then the
elephant trainer started off and Mary was very jumpy.
Now, elephants aren’t exactly the best creatures to ride
on if you’re a nervous type. They’re huge and tend to
sway back and forth. The other thing is you actually
have to balance the people load or your seat drifts to
one side or the other while you’re swaying back and
forth. This didn’t help the situation really. My wife is
the one with the closed eyes probably praying I think.
We had multiple stops where we had to readjust the
weight by shifting from one side to the other. During
which, (who am I kidding?), the entire time my wife
looked as though she was going to jump out of her
skin. Needless to say, I didn’t dare loosen my choke
hold grip on Keelyn. This just went on and on and yes it
was amazing to be on the elephant but it wasn’t quite
turning out to be the experience I had imagined. Now
the eventually elephant stopped to pull a branch off
some tasty looking tree and chew on it. I had both
arms wrapped around Keelyn and my wife looked
like a cat on a hot tin roof, so to speak. During this
intermission, of course the forgotten nappy fell to the
jungle floor below, which Nana (from the elephant
behind) began shouting how we couldn’t leave it as
one of the elephants might eat it and my wife was
trying to convince her that we would just leave it

HISTORY & TRAVEL
behind. After all we were probably up around 12 feet
on the back of the elephant and I sure wasn’t going to
relinquish my grip on Keelyn to climb down and get
it. Only for us being alone in the middle of a jungle
was I not mortified by the situation and the carry on
between my wife and her mother! The debate went
on for several minutes with no end in sight. I kept
watching the elephant trainer who basically didn’t
speak English, he simply looked forward the whole
time, smart man!!
Then the most amazing thing happened. Believe it or
not, just when I was sure that we would spend the rest
our safari arguing over what happened to the fallen
nappy, the elephant reached out with its trunk and
picked it up. She flung her trunk over her shoulder
and handed it directly to my wife. My wife, Nana and
everyone fell silent in disbelief. I told my wife, “I think
she’s handing it to you” and my wife reached out and
grabbed it. The nice elephant immediately let it go
and the nappy was back – crises diverted. Now this
might be a bit of a long winded story with many details
you wouldn’t normally include in an article on travel,
but all I can say is that it taught me something very
important about elephants. They are very intelligent
and conscious creatures and I gained so much respect
for the animal at that moment. I then told the elephant
thank you and off we went.
Here’s the hero herself!
My wife after the nappy ordeal:
Remarkably from that moment on my wife was
completely relaxed and calm, she too understood
that the elephant was a peaceful and smart creature;
As did Keelyn who took the opportunity to fall asleep
and get a great rest while her dad tried to hold the
limp noodle child in his arms and snap photos of what
was left of our trek riding on an elephant as it swayed
back and forth through the jungle.
Regarding people who poach elephants illegally, they
should be tried for murder as far as I am concerned.
Elephants are amazingly intelligent and conscious
creatures.
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Oh yes of course Nana:
Last but not least: Keelyn on the plane trip home or
Keekee as we often call her – don’t worry she’s pretty
much an adventurer like her father:
It was truly an amazing journey.
All in all, we hadn’t been to a single bar or club yet had
an amazing time in Phuket. The first impressions didn’t
really offer much but we ventured out and explored and
found some very amazing places. In the end I hated to
leave, a true sign of a good holiday destination. Sure
there was loads of time hanging out at the pool and a
few glasses of wine, but the greatest adventures and
amazing sites were found off the beaten tourist paths
and out where the people of Phuket simply live their
lives. Would I recommend Phuket as a destination for
single, partnered and married people? Absolutely, young
and old go see it – go explore it and find your Phuket!
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Irish Food Holiday Explored
Written & Photography by Robert Seuferer
If you have ever had the good fortune to travel to
Ireland then you would have seen some of the fabulous
treasures the country has to offer. All too often, we
as travelers tend to go to the touristy places in any
country and, of course, see and do the touristy things
- as you do. Going to Ireland for some people means
booking a room in Temple Bar in Dublin, taking the
Hop on-Hop off bus, spending some time in a trendy
Irish Pub or a few clubs surrounded by foreigners,
and having a few good laughs with the people you
meet along the way. Nothing wrong with that at all,
especially if you are a first time traveler. After all, it’s
better to be safe than sorry, right? However, having
engaged in a fair bit of traveling as many have, I am a
firm believer that if you want to get the feel of a place
and its people, you have to adventure outside of the
normal touristy destinations, hope for the best and take
a chance on something out of the ordinary - perhaps
by booking an alternative holiday which allows you
to experience your destination in a very different way.
One way to do that is to book a holiday based on the
host country’s regional food. What better place to do
that than Ireland?
First off, the country is full of amazing places with
friendly welcoming people everywhere. History oozes
around every corner, so you won’t be lacking things
to see and do, but best of all the country has amazing
food unique to every region. A great way to travel in
this manner is to book into B&B’s and smaller venue
hotels which offer a personable touch. Your holidays
can be booked with the assistance of websites such as
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www.airb&b.com that make it easy to organize these
types of venues. Even if you are a 5 star fan, I highly
recommend trying something different by booking a
cozy and intimate B&B holiday in strategic cities across
your destination. There is no better way to meet the
people, understand local culture, or experience food
than staying with the locals. Ireland is no exception to
this rule of thought. You won’t be disappointed the first
time you sit down to a huge spread of local delicacies
while having a chat with a lovely and welcoming Irish
family.
Another thing to consider is the traditional nature
of the Irish host or hostess. As part of their culture
when people call in, it’s very important to the Irish
host that you leave full. This has to do a great deal
with its history and the struggles their people have
gone through.
I’ve been invited in to homes as a complete stranger
and despite being called a God Damn Yankee (actually
a compliment) I have been bestowed some of the finest
Irish delicacies and hospitalities imaginable. We’re not
talking about a cup of tea and biscuits wither; Full
feast that seemingly came out of nowhere. It’s a very
humbling experience when you meet a family that will
give you the shirt off their back and are genuinely as
interested in your story as you are in theirs. Not to
mention, it’s very difficult to say no to an Irish lady who
is setting an endless spread of treats before you and
urging you to “awe…..go on so”. You simply cannot say
no and you wouldn’t want either. There’s been many
a nights of dancing and singing and laughter in such
venues and all that being said you simply will not find
that experience in the trendy quarters.
Still worried about enjoying your holiday or making
to the pub just for the Craic (Craic - Irish for the fun
or thrill of doing something, as best as I can translate
it)? Please don’t worry, some of the best nights out
in Ireland don’t take place in the trendy spots but in
the old local pubs that exist in every little town along
the way. There’s just something unbeatable about
running out of the cold or rain into an old man’s pub
in the middle of nowhere. You walk in and the smell of
burning turf fills your nostrils. A traditional Irish band
is belting out tunes in some corner and the place is
alive with energy. The thrill of the fiddle catches your
attention while the hypnotic pulse of the baron starts
your feet tapping. When the accordion, banjo and guitar
join in you don’t even realize that you’ve been sucked
into another world and you simply feel alive with the
music. You’re surrounded by people who you probably
won’t understand, not even a single word they say, yet
they’re friendly so you feel welcome. And when you
sit down and taste that homemade chowder with a
pint of beer and a slice of fresh soda bread, you just
don’t want it to end. When it comes to food, people
and hospitality exploring Ireland’s backroads won’t
disappoint you ever!
A little background about Irish food:
Traditionally, food in Ireland would have been scarce
at various times throughout history – one reason why
you’re expected to clear you plate and leave nothing
to waste. However when it was available, breakfast
would have been a heavier meal with a larger dinner
served mid-day. In modern times, a lighter breakfast
and lunch followed by a larger dinner served in the
evening is normal, however the traditional breakfasts
can still be found everywhere.
Some Irish foods have even been recognized as having
“Protected Geographical Status” by European Union:
(List from Wikipedia)
• Clare Island Salmon
• Connemara Hill Lamb
• Imokilly Regato
• Timoleague Brown Pudding
• Waterford Blaa
Pending Applications:
• Irish Salmon
• Oriel Sea Minerals
• Oriel Sea Salt
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A Very Brief Irish Food History:
Ireland has a long history of occupation dating back
8000 plus years. Naturally, their food supplies and
culinary methods changed and evolved through time.
Also a variety of diet developed based on regional
location in Ireland. Wild game and fowl, for example
would have been a stable diet for occupants of what
is now the Ulster region while fish, shellfish, and
seaweed diets would have been found more along
the coastal regions with fish the main diet particularly
in the northwest of the island. Historically speaking
there were 12 provinces whereas today there are only
4. Previous to the introduction of the potato, meat,
milk products such as cheese and buttermilk, cereals
and vegetables would have been mainstream Irish
diet. Of course with fish, mussels, eels, seaweed, and
other water products depending on the location would
have been common.
Agricultural development seems to have been hit and
miss prior to 500 to 600 BC. Going back even further
would have probably consisted of hunting fowl and
game, gathering, and fishing. Food quality and rations
would have been based on political status post 600BC.
Whereas pork was considered the cheapest meat, poorer
slave class people would have been fed on pork parts,
while nobles would have feasted on game and meat.
Blood was collected from live animals and mixed with
various oats and seasonings to create various puddings
which provided protein. Oats and Barleys were used
to make a variety of breads, however breads were not
common-place until much later in Irish history. With
the development of agriculture food sources became
more stable allowing for a greater population growth.
Corn was also introduced into Ireland and was used
to make various alcoholic drink.
Later there were various dairy products such as butter
& cheese. Eggs, fish, porridge, and vegetables that
worked their way into the Irish normal diet.
With the introduction of the potato came the destruction
of mass forests and the full scale development of
agriculture was established. Foraging and hunting
declined and the reliance on cheap potatoes in the
Irish diet increased. As cereal prices increased post
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Napoleonic War era, there was a decrease in oats
as a staple part of Ireland’s rural population’s diet
and an increased reliance on potatoes and cabbage
and sometimes salted fish. With most of the country
depending on a single crop for survival, the stage was
set for disaster when a series of crop failures began
to effect Ireland’s potato industry. A series of small
famines and 2 larger ones took its toll on the Irish
population as a whole in 1739 and 1845-46, where
the death toll rose over 1.2 million and emigration
hit an all-time high estimated to be 2 to 3 million.
In the aftermath, a mix of historical culinary foods,
English influenced foods, trade development, industrial
revolution, and newer more modern delights seems to
have all meshed together to form the Irish delicacies
we enjoy today.
Sample of Traditional Irish Foods by
Meal Type:
BREAKFAST FOODS:
Full Fry – Varies slightly from region to region in content
but basically has Sausage, Pudding, Rashers, Potato
Items (of some type) and beans with small variations
by region – it’s definitely a hardy meal of fair portions
wherever you experience it
• Breakfast Roll – Breakfast items wrapped in a bread
layer
• Porridge (Oatmeal) – prepared in a variety of ways
• Black Pudding – varies by region
• White Pudding – varies by region
• Sausage – Flavors vary by region
• Bacon – Rashers/streaky bacon
• Potato Cakes or Potato Bread
• Soda Breads – varies by region (White Soda Bread,
Brown Soda Bread, Filled Sodas such as Soda Farl,
Buttermilk Soda Bread, Etc.
• Pancakes - of various types
• Scones - of various types
• Fruits – a more modern Irish breakfast edition

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LUNCH FOODS:
Starters:
• Bread – soda or yeast depending on region
• Prawn cocktail
• Egg mayonnaise
• Salad or the very popular Caesar Salad for a modern
twist
• Soups/stews of various types particularly Vegetable
& Potato Soup or Irish Stew
• Seafood chowder
• Mussels
• A variety of cheeses/cheese plates
Mains:
• Soup & Sandwich
• Prawns
• Crab Claws
• Salmon Poached or Baked
• Pate with Sauce
• Baked or Boiled Ham
• Corned Beef Sandwich – made with a variety of
lovely yeast bread or potato cakes
• Sunday Roast
• Sheppard’s Pie
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Roasted Chicken
• Salmon & Potato Cakes
DINNER FOODS:
Starters – Very Similar to Lunch Starters
Mains:
• Roasted Duck or Pheasant
• Venison
• Baked or Poached Salmon
• Mussels
• Seafood Platter
• Hand Cut Breaded Fish Strips & Chips (Cod, Salmon,
Etc.)
• Roast Beef with Roasted Potatoes & Parsnip
• Seared Steak with Peppercorn Sauce
• Turf Roasted Steak with Potato
• Bacon & Cabbage with Irish mustard
• Pork Chops with Apple Sauce
• Pork Casserole
• Stuffed Pork Loin
• Sheppard’s Pie
• Fish Pie – Seafood or Freshwater
• Roasted Chicken – various recipes for preparing all
are delicious
Dessert Foods (One of My Personal Favorite Topics):
• Cupcakes to die for!
• Apple Crumble with Custard & Ice Cream
• Blackberry Tart with Custard & Ice Cream
• Rhubarb Tart with Custard & Ice Cream
• Apple Tart with Custard & ice Cream
• Potato Cakes Filled With Apple Sauce
• Apple Cake
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HISTORY & TRAVEL
• Chocolate Cake – which tends to be oozing with
chocolate and creams
• Cheesecake
• Toffee Pudding
• Bread & Butter Pudding
• Irish Ice Creams of Various Flavors Including Vanilla,
Chocolate & Honeycomb – YUM!!
• Fudge – In a Variety of Flavors All Mouthwatering
Irish desserts as a whole tend to be well presented
and delicious. A truly mouthwatering way to end a
delightful meal.
There are of course a variety of wines, beers, ales, and
harder drinks available to satisfy your needs.
Talk About Variety:
Particularly in Ireland’s larger cities, modern venues
have developed representing a variety of foods from
around the world. This is due to the European influence
on their culture. So if on your journeys you are craving
a particular type of food, don’t worry head towards any
large city and you will be sure to find it there. Many
traditional venues will also offer a variety of dishes
inspired by external influences.
Planning your Irish holiday can be done in a variety of
ways. Building your itinerary based on regional foods
can be a great way to explore this country and meet
new friends. Each type of food has its own twist as you
travel from region to region as well as specific items
you will only find in certain villages and areas. It’s a
great way to get to know the local people and walk
away with some great memories. Highly recommended
for anyone and if you do set sail for Ireland please
consider spending your stay in a B&B or smaller hotel
venue so you can experience true Irish hospitality first
hand. Go dte tu slan. Adh mor ort!. Slan.
A Places to Try on Your Journey:
Here are a few examples of fabulous places your travel
can be routed around (in no particular order). Please
note there are so many more options it would nearly
be impossible to list them all:
• Moron’s of the Weir, Roymore, Kilculgan, County
Galway
• McDonoughs, Galway City Center, County Galway
• Kai Café, Galway City Center, County Galway
• The Pier Head, Kinvara, County Galway
• The Harbour Restaurant, Donegal Town, County
Donegal
• Rose’s Kitchen, Main Street, Creeslough, County
Donegal
• Durty Nelly’s, Bunratty, County Clare
• An Sugan, Clonakilty, West Cork, County Cork
• Farmgate Café, Englishmarket, County Cork
• Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Ireland, County - Cork
More upscale with fabulous food
• Yvonnes Cottage, Rosturk, Mulranny, Westport,
County Mayo
• The Hungry Monk Café, Abbey Street, Cong, County
Mayo
• The Little Cottage Café, Rua 291, Rosses Point,
Sligo, County Sligo
• Davis’s Restaurant – Yates Tavern, Drumcliff, County
Sligo
• 1826, Adare, County Limerick
• T&H Doolans Waterford, County Waterford
Established 1400AD
• Sean’s Bar, Athlone, Westmeath – Operation dating
back to 900AD
• Morahans, Ballinagare, County Roscommon -
Operated by the same family since 1641AD
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

FASHION
Fabulous jewelry that roars passion!
By: Esther Ligthart.
Bizzita.com. Consultant & Blogger.
Courtesy of Violette Gruosi, DeGrisogono
Can jewelry make you gasp? Oh, it sure can! Once you
have the diamond ring, pearl necklace and golden
bangle, it is time to see jewelry that will actually
make you smile and dazzle you. The creative ideas of
designers, transforming nature into rings with birds,
playful monkeys, dressed up animals or astonishing
flowers have the wonderful capacity to express emotion.
They are often strong statement pieces and it is truly
a great reflection of one’s personality.
They are also a great investment, whimsical jewelry has
always attracted people and they’ll keep their value so
well over the years. The big names like Chopard and
Boucheron, have amazing animal and floral jewelry.
But take a look also at deGrisogono, Morphée Joaillerie,
Lydia Courteille, Mathon, Zorab, Wallace Chan, Wendy
Yue and so many more. They delight us with their
incredible craftsmanship, design, quality and fantasy.
Whenever you buy a piece of jewelry, it is smart to ask
about how to keep it clean and protected. Often a soft
cloth to clean will do. Be very careful with perfume
and chemical products. Jewelry with gemstones is best
kept in a soft cloth or jewelry box. Light can sometimes
influence the color of a gemstone.
If I should advice anything regarding this type of
jewelry, it would be: follow your heart. Find a piece of
jewelry, which really reflects a lovely memory, passion
or just YOU. Go for that one piece that delights you.
Go for that smile!
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

Photo by Arizona State University (All Rights Reserved)

NASA
Mission Possible:
The Race to Mars
An Interview With
Dr. Jim Rice
By: Robert Seuferer
The mission is a go. Tee minus 5, 4, 3, 2…. lift-off. The
ground trembles as flames thunder out beneath the
rocket, instantly engulfing it in a wall of fire and smoke.
The entire night sky glows orange as the mighty engines
rumble through the surrounding marsh and bog lands.
The massive ship begins to inch its way from Earth
ever so slowly. The stabilization arm flings back as the
rocket burns 3,357 gallons (12,710 liters) of propellant
every second at full throttle delivering incredible thrust.
The G-force is incredible as the Astronauts make their
way farther and farther from Earth in a bid to escape
its gravitational pull. 160,000,000 horsepower are
pushing the rocket into space. Its nearly the size of a
football field.
High on top of the rocket, sits a small capsule. It’s
only big enough for a handful of people. Inside, the
vibration caused by the liftoff is so great, the Astronauts
physically can’t see any of the control panels. The
G-force is incredible as they make their way into the
clouds. 160,000,000 horsepower are pushing the
capsule into space. Lights are flashing as the control
panel beeps. Everything comes down to their training
and their support team at mission control. One thing is
certain, they are on the ride of their life. The G-force
reaches incredible levels, as they make their way into
the clouds. 160,000,000 horsepower are pushing the
capsule into space. The light from the engine is so
bright, it can be seen for miles.
Why would these few men and women risk their
lives? What is so important that they would go to
such extremes?
"Mars is not just a destination, but rather our destiny
in terms of human exploration and settlement off
Earth." Dr. Jim Rice
It’s not a question of if humans will go to Mars, it’s a
question of “When will we go?”

Photo by Dr. James Rice

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
MISSION CONTROL:
Jim, we’ve got loads of information we will be going
over. I’m just going to record it so I don’t miss anything,
if that’s ok.
DR. JIM RICE:
Yeah…..and I warn you sometimes I talk too much, so
just tell me to shut up if you need to.
Mission Control: [Laughing] That’s what the recordings
for Jim, so I don’t have to tell you that. Now I have to
ask you, is there any sort of competition/race between
countries to get people to Mars?
Jim Rice: Not really, it’s not really like it was in the
60’s. I mean the Apollo program was part of the cold
war and the NASA budget was about 41/2 - 5% of the
Gross National Product at the time. Which is huge,
now it’s down in the weeds. It’s nothing compared to
what it used to be in the Apollo days. Fear is a great
motivator. So it’s not the same.
I mean those personalities: Kennedy, Khrushchev; the
Cold War, all this stuff going on – space it’s a frontier,
just like another theater in the cold war and proving
our freedom, democracy and our way of life and that
our technology is better than what the Soviets had
to offer back then.
So there’s nothing out there. People try to talk about
one [the Space Race] between the US and China. It’s
just not really panning out like that. I think that the
Cold War was a unique point in history. It would be
hard for that to roll around in the same form or fashion.
There’s not really a firm competition between countries
to get to Mars right now. It could change, of course.
You know, a space program is a showcase for your
country’s technology, so your political system can take
pride. It can be used for propaganda purposes as well.
So other nations are interested in that, but it’s just not
a race like it was in the ‘60’s – an all-out race. Like I
said, things could change, but not right now. If it was
a priority, we could have gone to mars a decade ago.
MISSION CONTROL:
So there’s not a race to Mars? Then who will be the next
country to go to the moon?
DR. JIM RICE:
The Chinese appear to be heading, in terms of
astronauts, to the moon. I don’t know when they will
do that, they haven’t really pinpointed a day or year
yet, but it’s probably going to happen around 2020
to 2025 - somewhere in that window, I’m guessing.
It will be interesting when they do that because the
United States, at least at this moment in time which
we speak, have no plans to put a man on the surface
of the moon either.
The Chinese, I’ll use them because I think they will
be the next nation, unless we get our game together
over here, they’ll be the next nation to put people on
the moon. For most people in the world, its kind-of
going to be like the first time. I did some numbers
the other day. Out of the world’s population today
75% of the world population were either too young
to remember or weren’t born yet when we landed on
the moon. If the Chinese do put people on the surface
of the moon, for most people in the world, it’s going
to be like the first time. Apollo will be 50, 50+ years
ago when it happened.
Europeans are talking about a moon or lunar village
type thing. There’s a lot of countries talking about
the moon and the US kind-of isn’t right now, but you
know that could change and I just wonder that if the
Chinese do put people on the surface of the moon,
what that will be like?
You can imagine the technology being HD video, or
whatever it’s called then, and Chinese astronauts are
going to be tweeting, or whatever it’s going to be
called then, from the surface of the moon, it’s going to
be different. And my question I have is for the United
States is: What is it going to do to the population of the
United States? Are they going to shrug their shoulders
and go, mmm that’s cool…..we did it 50 years ago? Is it
going to get people to say we should be doing these
types of things again?
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
I honestly don’t know which side of the coin to go
on. For me personally, I would like to see us up there.
It seems like the United States, we, don’t learn from
history, which means we can repeat things. You know
Sputnik, Pearl Harbors, to give you some examples. I
don’t know, that may be something that lights a fire
under people.
Former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, who was
testifying before Congress, I’ll give you an example
I’m talking about; He was testifying and he asked
members of Congress, and he asked this rhetorical
question: How are you going to feel when the Chinese
land on the moon, crate up the American flag, bring
it back and put it on display in a museum in Beijing?
Now it’s not clear the Chinese would do that, but it’s
driving home the point, how are you going to feel
when another nation is up there doing these things
and you’re not.
Grant it, we did it 50+ years ago, but we’re not doing
it now, and that’s a message that may resonate with
politicians and that could change things.
MISSION CONTROL:
What’s it going to be like for the country that gets to
Mars first?
DR. JIM RICE:
It’s to be determined what will happen with Mars and
getting people up there. The country that gets there,
they bring their way of life, their form of government,
and their values. That’s just the way it goes. Exploration,
has always worked that way. People in the US like these
things: Juno, Jupiter, Gold Rim and the 4th of July, they
like these thing but they don’t really. You can believe
whatever you want in the poles. It depends how the
question’s asked. They have these poles and you can
believe what you want to, it depends on how the
question is asked. People in general support NASA but
when you ask if they want to increase the budget, they
don’t want to. Once again it’s about leadership. Once
you have the leadership. Once you have the leadership
in Washington DC. The president and congress to sign
it off, things will happen. Once you get that critical
Mass and momentum going, things will happen.
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine
MISSION CONTROL:
There are now countries launching missiles into the
satellite zone around Earth, which means that in a
war time scenario, satellite communication can now be
disrupted by military force. It seems that as time goes on
space will become the new battlefield. How important
are the technologies used in the Mars Rover missions in
aiding to defend countries and nations?
DR. JIM RICE:
The same technology that’s used to precision land a
spacecraft on mars can be used for military purposes
to put a nuclear warhead down your smokestack. So
these things go together. Now NASA is a civilian space
agency, with the Chinese government, for example,
there is no separation of civilian and military use, it’s
all under one big bag.
You see, it’s a technological world we live in and it’s
becoming more technological every second and if you
can’t compete in that technological arena and don’t
have an educated populous, then you’re not even in
the game. You’re out of the game. So you have to
compete in this, because our lives our becoming more
and more dependent on technology and it’s not going
to change. It’s only going to get more so.
MISSION CONTROL:
What’s your involvement with the Mars Rover missions?
DR. JIM RICE:
My title is Science Team Member but also Geology
Team Leader, this is on the Mars Exploration Rover
Project called MER and those were the twin Rovers
called Spirit and Opportunity. Opportunity is still going
as we speak but Spirit quit working about 6 years ago.
There’s another Rover mission on mars called curiosity
but I’m not on that Science Team. I have friends on
that team. Opportunity has been on Mars for over 12
½ years and still going. It’s an amazing story, those
Rovers were only supposed to last 90 days and both of
them exceeded expectations by orders of magnitude.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
MISSION CONTROL:
How do you select where the Mars Rover goes, how do
you select its missions?
DR. JIM RICE:
It’s fun! You get up there in front of scientist and
engineers and present what you think is the best site
for the mission and science objectives. You sort of
have some guide lines because there’s engineering
constraints in terms of altitude or how rocky and
dusty it can be or slopes and things like that. So you
have to be within your constraints because you have
to get your mission done safely, successfully or you
don’t have a mission to do anything with. So that’s
the first priority.
Then you start trying to find areas on the planet that
satisfy those requirements but also have great science
to yield specific instrument package on the Rover and
that’s a lot of fun. You get up there and you’re going
to get grilled. You, kind-of, have to have thick skin.
Ultimately you want to find the best place to go and
the process works pretty well. It takes a while, it’s
not one meeting that decides, it goes over a period of
years. Eventually sites get widdled out, narrowed down
to a handful. I first went to the meetings when I was
in grad school back in ‘94/’95. I was just honored to
present and I’ve been involved in every Mars mission
landing site ever since. I love it.
MISSION CONTROL:
What would you say the greatest geological thing you’ve
found on Mars?
DR. JIM RICE:
That’s tough, but I guess the one I would say is when
I did my PhD Dissertation back in the ‘90’s, the idea
of bodies of water, lakes and even oceans; That was
controversial. It’s hard to believe but back in the
‘80’s/’90’s the idea of bodies of water on the surface of
Mars was so controversial there was only a handful of
us that even talked about that at conferences. People
thought we were nuts; you were kind-of ostracized.
To me it was so simple: water runs downhill and it’s
going to pond in a low area. If there’s gravity, that’s
just what’s going to happen, but that whole thinking
about Mars, it was so not there when I started out.
I remember when I went to a conference when I was
working on my Master’s degree, it was the Lunar
Planetary Science Conference. That’s in March every
year and it’s the international biggest conference of
the year. My advisor said you’ve never been to this
conference I’ve got to prepare you because it’s going
to be brutal. People can be brutal. So be prepared
for a bomb being thrown at you. He was right but I
remember it was really cool. A paradigm shift started
happening and to be involved in it from the very start,
that was worthwhile; And then flash forward a number
of years, opportunity landed on Mars. We rolled into
a crater and sure enough right there in front of us, we
now know, were dried up lake beds. And to be on the
mission that basically nailed that down, it was a neat
completion of a circle from proposing these things,
to talking about them in my dissertation when it was
very controversial when most people wouldn’t touch
it with a 10 foot pole and then being on the team that
found the proof of the first lakebeds on Mars…..that
was pretty fulfilling time.
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

Photo by Dr. James Rice

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
MISSION CONTROL:
Do Missions to Mars Ever go Wrong?
DR. JIM RICE:
You know I worked on a mission that crashed on Mars.
It was called Mars Polar Lander. We were supposed to
land near the south pole of Mars. This was in December
of 1999. It crashed and you know you lose your job
and this was around Christmas time. Not because you
did anything wrong, just flying to Mars is a dangerous
proposition. Roughly 2/3 of all the missions that go
there fail. Those aren’t good odds to start with. It takes
a certain fire and ability to do it, you really have to
have a passion to do it.
It happened, I was out of a job. The Mars program
shut down. I didn’t know what was going to happen.
I was trying to find a job to pay the bills and eat and
eventually the program came back a couple years
later. I got involved in it again and I got selected on
the Rover team. Once you’ve gone through one of
those failures, you never want to go through it again
It’s people crying, it’s like a funeral. You spend years
of your life on this project and it’s gone in the wink
of an eye and you don’t have a job; the media never
covers that aspect of it. The thing you hear about is
X millions of dollars, program failed. You can’t really
appreciate the highest of highs until you’ve been to
the lowest of lows.
Another time, people actually forget, is that the
Columbia accident happened in 2003. We landed
the rover mission about a year later. We had a lot
of pressure on us. The Vice President, who was golf
buddies with the NASA administrator at the time,
whenever we had a science meeting we were told
these things have to work.
The whole Mars program is riding on you guys and
we were trying to do the best we can but we can’t
guarantee if Mars is going to cooperate. Of course it
all worked out, but there was a lot of pressure. We
had some black eyes at the time: The Space Shuttle
deaths, the last time we tried to land on Mars it was
a failure. It was pretty special to be part of that team
and to still be part of that team. We have a great team
and we’ve written the science book on Mars and we’re
still doing it.
MISSION CONTROL:
How many people, all in, does it take to get a Rover to
Mars?
DR. JIM RICE:
There’s a book that Steve Squires wrote called “Roving
Mars” about 10 years ago now. He’s our Science Team
leader and he’s a great leader. In the back of his book
he acknowledged every person that worked on that. I
didn’t ever count them up but it’s easily in the hundreds
possible thousands. You need the engineering team to
develop and test the hardware. The science team is also
involved in developing and testing that. Integrating
instruments with the Rovers, it’s definitely a team
project. These things are so complicated, no one person
could ever possibly understand every aspect of it. The
example I always use is a football team. When you
pull together you win a super bowl or land a mission
on Mars. Anyone’s role is just as important as anyone
else’s. You need it all pulling together to make it work.
MISSION CONTROL:
How did the Mars Rover team discover 92% pure silicate
deposits on Mars?
DR. JIM RICE:
I’ve always made the comment, “Somebody upstairs
likes us!” The right front wheel of both Rovers went
out but the weird thing about that was, we were kindof
disappointed because that means we can’t climb
slopes or as steep as we could before. We were in
these hills, the Columbia Hills - and we thought well,
we were basically dragging it, it locked up and we
were driving it backwards. And the biggest discovery
of Spirit’s came because of that bum wheel. If we had
not had that wheel, we would have not found this soil
because we’re driving it backwards, we’re dragging it.
You can look at the pictures and see we’re dragging
it, and it creates like a little trench. Well, it uncovered
this bright white soil. Which turned out to be silica,
92% pure silica.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The reason that’s important is that the way you get
silica, that pure of a deposit, is you have a lot of water
and you have to have a heat source. So we think in this
area there was a geyser or a hot spring going on that
basically cooked the rock and formed silica that way.
That discovery was made because we had a bad wheel.
If we hadn’t had that bad wheel we would have driven
right over it and would have never seen it.
It’s an adventure every day. When you have a Rover,
you drive it to a brand new area, you have a brand new
mission because you don’t know what you’re going to
find. You know, no one’s ever done this before.
MISSION CONTROL:
How did you end up working ‘both’ Rover missions?
DR. JIM RICE:
I was at lunch when we were doing a training and
one older scientists said, “You know, I was looking at
the schedules and if you do it just right you can work
both Rovers.” So I’m like, really? Tell me more. Well he
showed it to me in flow charts and what that meant
was you could only get 4 hours sleep a night in 2, 2
hour shifts. Then you can make all the critical meetings
and do everything.
Well, I did that and adrenaline and excitement will
take you a long way. I just figured when in my life will
I have the chance to work on 2 Rovers on the surface
of Mars? I’ll sleep in the grave! So I did that and it was
amazing because we landed Rovers on opposite sides
of the planet. So when one was daylight and was solar
powered the other one is sleeping and the team could
sleep, but you ought to see the images coming down
from the other Rover when the team’s asleep. I would
say hey guys when you wake up, check these pictures
out. That was cool stuff. I knew myself if I was home
trying to sleep I wouldn’t sleep because I would be
wondering what’s in those images? That was great! We’re
paving the way for when we get Astronauts up there.
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine
MISSION CONTROL:
How many attempts have you made to become an
Astronaut and what is the process like to become an
Astronaut?
DR. JIM RICE:
To be honest, I lost count of how many times I applied.
I’ve probably applied between 5 to 7 times now and
I’ve been a finalist twice and I’ve been real close. I was
one person away from being selected in one of those
rounds. I wished I would have got in but it just didn’t
happen, I was disappointed. My whole life growing
up, since I was seven years old, I’ve been interested
in space exploration. I grew up in the 60’s when all
this stuff was happening for the first time. So my
childhood dream was to be an astronaut and it never
changed and eventually I knew it was very tough to
get in there, it’s a small sliver of a populous there
ever get close enough to even smell it. So I figured
why not try it, because if you don’t try it you’ll never
know and I don’t want to be 70, 80 years old and say
that I wished I had tried to do it back then. So I was
going to go for it. I never thought I’d get that close.
Astronauts were my hero’s growing up. I’ve met a lot
of them over the years.
When I applied the first time, I was down in Johnson
Space Center at the Van Morris Conference and 2
shuttle Astronauts asked me have you thought about
applying for being an Astronaut? I said yeah but I don’t
have much of a chance. They said you ought to apply,
we encourage you to apply and one of them said I’ll
help you with the application. I was like OK! I’m taking
you up on it!! So I applied.
It’s a long process, it takes a year from the day the
applications are due to the next class. I kept trying
to forget about it because you know it’s needle-in-ahaystack
odds. So I kind-of forgot and I came back, then
I got this letter in the mail saying we want you to go get
a prescreening physical, which does not guarantee you
are going to get an interview. I’m thinking: Well, at least
this is a good thing! Went and got that, sent it in. Didn’t
get a phone call. A couple months later: We’d like to
have you come down, if you’re interested and interview
for Astronaut. Of course you’re going to say yes!

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
It’s a tough process. It’s a long waiting game. You do the
best you can to try to forget about it because rumors
are going around and you’re told they’re not going to
select the class, they’re going to cancel it, it’s going
to be a super small class. You just try to ignore these
things and people always ask you, ‘Have you heard
anything? Have you heard anything?’ It’s like no, no I
haven’t heard anything. And then you get the phone
call that you’re going down. You know you’re in the
final cut because they’re only bringing 80 people or
50 people down, whatever it is, to the interview and
then you’re in a week long medical exam, psychological
testing, I mean it’s everything.
It’s really an honor for me to have got that close twice
to go through the process and you get the best physical
in the world compliments of Uncle Sam and I found
out there’s nothing wrong with me. Then when you go
through the medical stuff, psychological, interview,
you’re left with a pool of people. One year it was
20, they picked 13. What do you do? They can’t pick
everyone. At that point everyone could have been an
Astronaut.
It’s kind-of a secret. They don’t really say how they pick
people. It depends on the make-up of the selection
board. It changes cycle to cycle. And then the next
time I applied, I didn’t get nothing. I didn’t even get
references checked. What happened? It’s just they were
looking for different things. The next cycle I applied, I
was a finalist again. You just never know. I’ve applied
for this cycle now but I’m older now so I think that my
chances of getting in are like zero, but I figure why
not try it? The worse they can happen is they say no.
Well, they’ve already told me no before it’s not going
to hurt my feelings. So I’m going to just keep trying!
MISSION CONTROL:
What was it like before NASA had the Rovers?
DR. JIM RICE:
Before we had these Rover Missions, Spirit and
Opportunity, there was a debate amongst the scientist
– do we really need a Rover, because they’re more
expensive and harder to operate. Can we just get a
lander and grab whatever we see out there? That’s not
even a debate anymore! You want a Rover because
Rovers extend your area of operations and maximize
your science dollars.
There’s a mission that’s going to launch in 2018 and
it’s a lander, but what they are going to do is drill
down about 2 meters and put a seismometer to try to
measure Marsquakes. So there’s a reason for having
that lander there, but Rovers are the way to go.
MISSION CONTROL:
How far has opportunity driven so far?
DR. JIM RICE:
About 26 ½ miles, more than a marathon. Those Rovers
were certified to drive less than 2000 feet, less than
a half a mile actually. It’s really cool, because where
we are now in a place called Marathon Valley – that
name wasn’t accidental! We figured by the time we
get to that valley we would have covered the distance
of a marathon on earth. When we crossed over into
this valley our odometer clicked over the distance of
a marathon, hence the name of the valley.
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1961 Magazine Fall 2016

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
MISSION CONTROL:
Dr. Rice, why are we, as human beings, so fascinated
with space exploration?
DR. JIM RICE:
You know, our bodies are literally made of star stuff.
If you ever wonder where the iron in our blood comes
from, well that came from a star that lived billions of
years ago and went through its life cycle and died and
created iron in a nuclear reaction. It split the iron and it
spread through the universe and eventually formed us.
The calcium in our bones came from a star that is
long gone too. All the gold, the silver, everything we
have – all these elements came from stars that lived
and died billions of years ago. So we’re literally made
of star dust, our bodies, and I think one reason we
look at the sky is its kind-of like our home. We came
from there.
I have no doubt that humans will leave this planet and
Mars is likely the first step to colonize it and set up
settlements there just like the New World happened
500 years ago. There’s no doubt in my mind that
it’s going to happen. The question is what kind of
timescale?
Who knows! The first footsteps are passing; We’re doing
those right now. It’s all leading there. For me personally,
I hope the United States maintains leadership in doing
it. To all those people who say it’s a waste of time
and money, I say if it’s a waste of money and a waste
of time, then why is everyone around the world so
interested in doing these things? That ought to tell
you something.
Just last night, I was out looking out at the Moon,
Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. I was thinking you know, as
I looked at those objects, the United States has either
something in orbit around all those object or crawling
around on their surfaces or both. It’s an amazing time to
be alive. It’s frustrating as well, because we could have
had people on Mars decades ago, if it was a priority.
Imagine if Galileo, Newton and Kepler appeared today,
they’d be blown away by the technology and the fact
that we do have spacecraft. They’d be blown away by
what we’re doing. Then it would start sinking in that
you could have done so much more. They’d be mad.
We didn’t have the technology; We didn’t have the
capability! You just don’t want to do it. That’s kind of
pathetic when you think about it.
You have to compete.
82
Fall 2016 1961 Magazine

Photo by Dr. James Rice

Photo by Dr. James Rice