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From the Editor

Wednesday, 05 October 2011 13:26 Greg Archer Columns - Editors Note
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They keep telling me—and not the voices in my head, thank you—that “thoughts are things.” What do you think about that? Careful ...  If it’s true and thoughts are, indeed, “things,” meaning, depending on the intensity—OK, we’re in Santa Cruz, so I’ll just say it: vibration—of your thoughts, you—yes, that would be you and, well, me, if we’re talking about the collective “you,” which we are, so ...—have a definite say in the creation of your reality. Just by how you think. All of this just makes me think: What are you thinking? (Other people have asked me this—Hi Mom—countless times and not in esoteric conversation.) A local “thought” guide once proposed to me, and others, that it was healthy to observe your thoughts—just notice them and not attach to them. It’s an interesting exercise. I did that for quite a while but always kept getting sidetracked by my—wait for it—emotions, to which the local guide chuckled and said: “Just notice your emotions—don’t become too attached to them.” I felt exhausted at this point and thought of one thing: Chocolate. I felt better after that.

Why am I telling you this? Thoughts, emotions, evolution and unity are part of the work of Sahara Devi. The spiritual leader hits Santa Cruz next week and will host a gathering on Thursday, Oct. 13. Check out saharadevi.com to learn more about how this individual promotes elevated consciousness on the planet.

For more information on the event, call (323) 829-1054.

In the meantime, three writers are feeling good and thinking great thoughts this week—the winners of GT’s “Take One” screenwriting contest. Discover who came out on top, and how their films will be produced by Impact Productions and will later be screened at the 2012 Santa Cruz Film Festival. Sometimes, drama really pays off. (Oh, and be sure to check out the winners of our Pet Photo Contest. )

More next time ...

 

Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief

Letters to the Editor


Yeah, About The Economy ...

Regarding last week’s story in News, today’s economic recovery in Santa Cruz is not, I repeat, is not on an upward slope. According to Executive Vice President and chief development officer of Bay Federal Credit Union, Tonee Picard’s statements, “Economic conditions are also on the upward slope—we’re seeing a stabilization of the economy,  just based on a few key indicators. She says: “People are starting to  borrow again, there has been an uptick in our loans, auto loans and  refinancing homes due to all time low interest rates, [and] we’ve been meeting our lending goals. We are noting that credit scores are improving and the saving rates are still very high.”

People are saving money in prevention of further economic needs (i.e.  food, shelter and clothing), people are refinancing their homes to  save more money for these basic needs. People are borrowing again  because they have to. And the banks are willing to let them. Credit  scores are improving because people are paying down their debt. Inflation is looming over America like a freight train. with interest rates at all time lows, they can only rise. Homes at lower prices, must go up. The rental market is saturated due to forclosures, causing more inflation, even more lay-offs in the government and bringing home troops and releasing criminals from prison, will only  increase unemployment.

I do appreciate Tonee’s outlook, but it was, after all, the banking industry that caused this mess, so with a grain of salt ( it’s all I have left) and reading between the lines of her comments, I gracefully decline to interpret.

Homelessly submitted,

A former contractor,

Mark Becknerz


Street Beat

Regarding the article by Daniel Woo, I am a professional drummer who has played and studied music for the past 38 years. As a child, I watched Tom Scribner play his musical saw on Pacific Avenue. Recently I myself have performed on the mall, with the hope of inspiring children to take up a musical instrument. I have found the many restrictions on performing downtown to be even more difficult to manage than carting a (muffled!) drum set to and from my vehicle.

The Great Morgani is a professional street performer. I take my cues from him. I do not appreciate street performers with limited training and talent. I believe that Santa Cruz should encourage, even subsidize, professional street performers, or "buskers." Without them, Pacific Avenue is colorless, at best.

Jay Wilson

Santa Cruz

Best Online Comments


On  GTv’s  Charlie Sheen Roast’ coverage ...

Bravo. The balances of men, and ladies’ opinions finally sway his way. Vengeance sweet and all Divine. Bless.

—CS


Whether you like Charlie or not, he's entertaining—just like watching a Train Wreck.

—Lupin


On the dining story “Au Midi” ...

This place ROCKS! By far my favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz. If you haven't already gone, you must, and if you have I hope you're not as addicted as I am.

—Foodie


On  ‘Risa’s Stars’ ...

This my second Age of Aquarius. I am happy to be living clean and sober this time around. In my 60 years of this life I have never experienced an Astrologer and Teacher as powerful and knowledgeable as Risa. I thank you Risa. I have traveled many different roads. Simplicity, Kindness, and Love are incredibly difficult paths for me. I appreciate Risa's strong and powerful readings of my Leo Journey. Thank you for your dedication and love for us all.

—William M. Sweet

Clarification                Regarding last week’s music blurb, Austin Wilhoit is the bassist for The Devil Himself.

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