In the Northern California coastal town of Fort Bragg, the Triangle Tattoo Museum offers visitors – whether the generally curious or those seeking tattoos – interesting exhibits of photographs and artifacts. Owners Madame Chinchilla and Mr. G have authored books and given lectures on all things tattoo.
“Cutting the burl off redwoods … it’s like cutting off their feet. That’s the source of new roots, to get bigger, to keep growing.”
The California Coastal Redwoods were extensively clear cut around the turn of the century. But, thanks to the Redwood League (later Save the Redwoods) and influential individuals, acres of old growth redwoods still stand. The timber industry and environmental activists continue to spar over the healthiest maintenance plans for redwood forests. Gerald Beranek is an “old logger” who also happens to revere the majestic redwoods, and has published several books on these majestic trees. He shares redwood facts, a little history, and the best way to approach stewardship.
A dog can be more than a homeless person’s best friend. It provides warmth, protection, and companionship. Troy Williams of RoadDogs Outreach shares his experiences of assisting the homeless to feed and care for their furry friends.
Meet Scott, a member of the Rainbow Family, who feed the hungry and homeless, and gather in our country’s beautiful national forests.
Navy veteran Jason Mack shares his story about the horrors of the Veterans Administration in seeking medical help, and channeling his dark place into a comedy set.
M.L. Edson, author of “Not Even A Shadow,” shares her experiences as a teacher in a youth correctional facility.
“Hope” can be a foreign concept to those in the midst of severe or suicidal depression. Yet, the book “Shades of Blue” offers just that – hope. Thirty-five essays written by individuals with different backgrounds and histories share diverse issues, and how they have managed to, if not overcome them, learned to manage them. Three of the contributing essay authors read excerpts from their essays at the independent bookstore, The Avid Reader, in Davis, California.
In the picturesque Sierra Foothills in Northern California, irascible adventurer Charles Mitchell not only offers award-winning wines at his Charles Mitchell Vineyards, but also pizza, Maine lobster, popcorn, and bocce ball. He has also joined the fight against breast cancer, creating “The Cure Series” wine, with 30% of the proceeds going directly to breast cancer research.
It would be easy for Todd Morgan & The Emblems to follow the often tread cover band path, but it has raised the bar with songwriting influenced by rockabilly, jazz, Big Band, and rock. Todd Morgan discusses his influences, and the band’s third recently released CD, “Sweet Pretender.”
Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” book series has so strongly resonated with the masses, it segued into a popular television series, and an ever-growing fandom, including Summer and Ginger, who launched The Outlander Podcast before the television show even aired. Time travel, romance, and Scotland’s beautiful landscapes – what’s not to love?
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