Marriage is a lovely thing. So lovely that I often joke—OK, sometimes demand—that people consider taking the proper steps before they “join hands” in the holiest of matrimonies. Would it not be wise to marry yourself—first? This seems like a no-brainer to me, but the suggestion often generates chuckles—actually, some people think it makes me sound rather “California woo woo,” but hear me out. I propose (sorry, had to use that word) that it’s a healthy thing to consider—to actually toss yourself your own self-marriage ceremony, with or without a lot of people in attendance. After all, if you can’t promise to love, honor and respect yourself—till death do you part—do you really think you’re going to do a stellar job of doing it with another person? But what do I know. After two years of my (self) marriage, my partner and I decided to take separate vacations.

Texting. If you’re having a meal with somebody and your trying to talk to them and they're using their phone, I think it's kind of rude. People think it's acceptable, but it can be kind of annoying.
Nick Chao
Santa Cruz | Photographer/Artist

Saturday is the first full moon solar festival of the New Year. The full moon is a timing mechanism. It informs us that on one side of the Earth is the moon and on the other is the Earth.

Plus letters to the Editor

The future of farming grabs the spotlight this week in a compelling cover story by News Editor Elizabeth Limbach. As the world ventures forth into this wonderfully unpredictable  decade—and advances in modern tech continue to rise—the article explores what future farmers have to face.

The best thing is the vibe. You know what I mean? It gives a good vibe to Santa Cruz, and there are a lot of people here that like basketball and they like sports. It gives the families out here something to do, and it's something to do downtown.
Paris Lenc
Santa Cruz | Barista

Friday night/Saturday morning both Mercury and the Sun enter Aquarius, in time for the Presidential Inauguration (in Aquarius). President Obama’s rising sign is Aquarius. The United States’ moon is Aquarius. Aquarius is the sign of service, of serving humanity and of freedom. Aquarius is the sign of humanity helping one another, our future.

There’s some good news unfolding at The Tannery Arts Center. A recent report reveals that, thanks to immense fundraising efforts (and some creative teamwork among boardmembers), the center  reached $3 million in funding. This bodes well for the city and arts and culture enthusiasts who are ready for The Performing Arts Center to fully bloom.

The biggest flaw is that they want to spend money on a desalination plant. And the biggest asset is that there are people there that we can talk to that we can work with.
Betsy Phillips
Santa Cruz | Retired

Friday (Jan. 11) is the first new moon of 2013 (22 degrees Capricorn). The moon and Sun, joined by Mercury, offer a message to humanity. It’s time to learn how to create and build the new world government, future structures and the new culture and civilization. We receive this information through “impressions’ —patterns and symbols impressed upon our minds and hearts by our inner spiritual teachers.

Plus letters to the Editor 

Welcome to 2013 and the first GT issue of the year. Hoping to set the creative ball rolling in the right direction, our first cover story this year revolves around the idea of happiness. We hear so many people say “Happy New Year,” but what are they really saying? Furthermore, how much do we understand about the idea of happiness? GT’s Jenna Brogan explores all this. Hopefully, it may spark something within you and provoke some thought. Also, take note of several “happiness experts” featured within the cover story. A great group of souls, indeed.