By David Jones | 04/03/2017 12:10am Caroline Japal / Alabama Crimson White

Smushed between Icon and Chucks Fishis a lesser-known local spot, Big Daddys Mediterranean Grill and Hookah Bar, on Greensboro Avenue. Despite many being unaware of its existence, this hole-in-the-wall restauranthas been serving up Mediterranean food and a wide range of hookah flavors since 2008.

The front of the restaurant is a small kitchen area where customers can order food or hookah, flavored tobacco,and see their food being made. Amira Totah, daughter of Big Daddys owner Hani Totah, can often be found in this part of the restaurant taking orders and making the specialty Mediterranean cuisine.

A couple of our most popular items are the gyros and chicken shawarma wraps, said AmiraTotah, who is a sophomore majoring incommunicative disorders.

Big Daddys lives up to its name as a Mediterranean grill by offering a large number of Mediterranean foods. However, the menu has many American choices as well.

People order the chicken wings and the Philly cheesesteak a lot, too, AmiraTotah said.

Along with the food menu, Big Daddys has a newly expanded menu of hookah flavors for customers to choose from. The menu has specialty flavors ranging from grape to Red Bull. Big Daddys is the only hookah bar in Tuscaloosa,which is a draw for many patrons.

Further into the restaurant is a much different area which serves as the hookah bar where most patrons go to smoke their hookah and eat. This larger back area is a dimly lit room filled with cushioned seating, a large TV, a speaker system and a strong wifi signal.

Customersare free to change the channel, find something on Netflix or plug their phones into the speaker system to play music of their choice.

We try to create a chill atmosphere and diverse hangout spot, AmiraTotah said. People will come here to just hang out, do homework, or have a fun night.

For many students, the versatility of the restaurant is what draws them in. That, coupled withthe late hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights makes Big Daddy's an attraction for Nick Bomar, a sophomore telecommunication and film major and frequent customer.

I cant think of a better place to go if it is late and Im just trying to chill and eat or smoke with a group of people, Bomar said. I think if more people knew about it, it would constantly be packed out.

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Big Daddy's serves up hookah, mediterranean cuisine and relaxing atmosphere - The University of Alabama Crimson White

For centuries, people have slowed their breathing to calm their minds. For some of us, this takes the form of meditation or yoga; for others, it's 10 deep breaths before a panic attack sets in.

Regardless of what you call it, scientific evidence has backed upthe fact that our breath can induce a feeling of tranquillity - although no one has ever been able to figure out exactly how that happens. Now, researchers think they might have finally found the answer, pinpointing a small group of neurons in the brain stems of mice that connect the breath with feelings of calm.

To be clear, the research so far is limited to mice - scientists are yet to replicate the results in humans.

But the mouse brain has many similarities to the human brain, so it's a good starting point that could begin to explain on a physical level how practices such as meditation and pranayama yoga can bring on feelings of calm and euphoria.

"This study is intriguing because it provides a cellular and molecular understanding of how that might work," said lead researcher Mark Krasnow from Stanford University School of Medicine.

The group of cells in question belongs to thepre-Btzinger complex, an area of neurons deep within the brain stem that are known to fire each time we breathe in or out - like a breathing pacemaker.

This structure was first discovered in mice back in 1991, but a similar structure has also been found in humans.

"The respiratory pacemaker has, in some respects, a tougher job than its counterpart in the heart," said Krasnow.

"Unlike the heart's one-dimensional, slow-to-fast continuum, there are many distinct types of breaths: regular, excited, sighing, yawning, gasping, sleeping, laughing, sobbing."

"We wondered if different subtypes of neurons within the respiratory control centre might be in charge of generating these different types of breath," he added.

Last year, Krasnow and his team found evidence that a small group of neurons within this pre-Btzinger complex were solely responsible for generating sighs - without them, mice never sighed, and when they were simulated, the animals couldn't stop sighing.

In this latest paper, they found a separate group of neurons in the complex that have a more zen function - they appear to regulate states of calm and arousal in response to our breath.

To figure this out, the team identified two genetic markers called Cdh9 and Dbx1 that they noted were active in the pre-Btzinger complex and appeared to be linked to breathing.

They then genetically engineered mice without any of the neurons that expressed these two genes - taking out a subpopulation of about 175 neurons in the brain stem.

Interestingly, the mice without these neurons still breathed normally, but with key one difference - they breathed more slowly than normal mice.

"I was initially disappointed," said Kevin Yackle, one of the research team, now at the University of California, San Francisco.

But after a few days, the team noticed something else strange going on - the mice without the Cdh9 and Dbx1 neurons were extraordinarily calm compared to their control group peers. They still showed varieties of breathing, but they were all at a much slower pace.

"If you put them in a novel environment, which normally stimulates lots of sniffing and exploration," said Yackle, "they would just sit around grooming themselves." For mice, that's taken as evidence of a zen state of mind.

"We were totally surprised," Yackle told Diana Kwon over at Scientific American."It certainly wasn't something we expected to find."

Upon further investigation, the team found evidence that the neurons were forming connections with thelocus coeruleus - a region of the brain stem that's involved in modulating arousal and emotion, and is responsible for waking us up at night and triggering anxiety and distress.

The team concluded that rather than regulating breathing, this little group of neurons was responding to it and reporting their findings to the locus coeruleus so that it could regulate our mood in response.

"If something's impairing or accelerating your breathing, you need to know right away," said Krasnow. "These 175 neurons, which tell the rest of the brain what's going on, are absolutely critical."

You can see below the pathway (green) that directly connects the brain's breathing centre to the arousal centre and the rest of the brain.

Krasnow Lab

The work is definitely a promising step forward, but we need to keep in mind that there's still a lot we have to learn about how the pre-Btzinger complex works, particular in humans.

Still, the new paper raises the possibility that "any form of practice - from yoga, pranayama to meditation - that is actively manipulating respiration might be using this pathway to regulate some aspects of arousal," neurobiologist Antoine Lutz from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, who wasn't involved in the research, toldScientific American.

While other teams will now need to pursue this research further in mice and eventually humans, Krasnow and his team are now continuing to get a better understanding of what other secrets could be hiding in the pre-Btzinger complex.

"The pre-Btzinger complex now appears to play a key role in the effects of breathing on arousal and emotion, such as seen during meditation," said Feldman.

"We're hopeful that understanding this centre's function will lead to therapies for stress, depression and other negative emotions."

The research has been published inScience.

Excerpt from:

Scientists think they've pinpointed the group of brain cells that ... - ScienceAlert

KOCHI: Some 12 months ago Lija Gijo, executive director of Bless Retirement Living, an high-end retirement village near Aluva, received a call from the BBC asking if the companys retirement homes will be available for shooting a documentary. At that time, our retirement homes were still under construction, recollects Lija. The liaison officer made a follow-up call in June last year to inquire on the status of the project.

We had scheduled the soft launch of the project on August 20, which I told her. They came here and interacted with the elderly community at our home on the launch day. Within one month, on September 20, the BBC crew and its celebrity cast were here for one full days shooting, she explains. We are talking about The Real Marigold Hotel- series two, the multi-award winning travel documentary series from BBC which was shot in Kochi. The four-part series, which concluded on March 24, is inspired by, but unrelated to the blockbuster film, The Real Marigold Hotel, is to test if eight celebrity cast will consider spending their sunset years in Kochi.

Embarking on the journey of the lifetime were eight British celebrities-- entertainer Lionel Blair, actress Amanda Barrie, snooker champion Dennis Taylor, TV personality Rustie Lee, Doctor Miriam Stoppard, presenter Bill Oddie, singer Sheila Ferguson and actor Paul Nicholas. We chose Kochi as it is the best way to access as much as possible of Kerala and southern India as possible. It had great connections, charming accommodation, impressive medical care, access to the best of Kerala such as the backwaters and beaches, and interesting festivals and festivities in our filming period, says David Vallance, series editor of The Real Marigold Hotel.

The shooting lasted for one-month, and the crew stayed at Fort Kochis Le Colonial, probably Asias oldest colonial house dating back to 1506. I do think India will be an eye-opener for them. Most people, when they come to India, either love it or hate it. But you are never indifferent to it, Smita, manager of Le Colonial, says in the first episode. Kochi-based yoga guru S Rajendran, who has conducted workshops in the US, Israel and Dubai, was entrusted with the task of training the celebrity particpants on the Indian physical and mental excercise regimen. I conducted yoga sessions on six out of the eight members. I helped them with stretching, simple and basic asanas, pranayama and deep relaxation. They were happy with the outcome, Rajendran says.

And what was the experience all about for the celebrities, who are all on the wrong side of 55? The cast enjoyed exploring Kochi, its culture and people. Some of the cast were particularly impressed by the beautiful backwaters, visiting the Kerala Kathakali Centre to watch traditional dance performances and experiencing a traditional Keralan wedding, says David Vallance, the series editor. In The Real Marigold Hotel- series 1, telecast in January 2016, a different set of celebrities explored retirement living in Jaipur. The series which is inspired by 2011 movie, which starred Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilson. In the movie, they moved to India for their golden years.

The four-part series on Kochi is already seeing a big impact on the UK residents, who are exploring the possibility of settling down in the Queen of the Arabian Sea for their sunset years. Says Lija, executive director of Bless Retirement Living: We have received at least 40-45 enquiries from the UK after The Marigold series. There are minor irritants though. For instance, the regulations will allow only 6-month visa for British residents, and they need to re-apply after every six months. We are discussing with our legal advisor on resolving the issue and see if senior UK residents can stay at our facility for the rest of their lives.

Link:

Post-retirement spots: Celebs try out Kochi - The New Indian Express

Alice Cooper (seen here performing in Milwaukee in 2013) returns to town tonight for "Spend the Night with Alice Cooper." (Photo: David Bernacchi)

Published Oct. 6, 2016 at 6:06 p.m.

As a perfect kickoff to the Halloween month, legendary rocker Alice Cooper is bringing his grandly outrageous brand of performance to the Milwaukee (or "Mill-e-wah-que") Theatre stage on Thursday night.

Before then, Steve Palec got to chat with Cooper today on his WKLH radio show. Here is a transcript of their conversation, chatting about Cooper's biggest hits, hitting the links, the friendly and unfriendly competition among rock stars in the early days, working with Gene Wilder and 'tis the season politics.

Steve Palec: I know that you come to Milwaukee often, but the pressing question is: When youre here, does that mean you head north to Whistling Straits or Blackwolf Run, or are you going west to Erin Hills?

Alice Cooper: I dont know if were gonna have time to do that; I think its only one show there in Milwaukee. It might be Bluemound.

Nothing wrong with that!

Thats a good country club, yeah.

One thing I have always wanted to ask you: "Billion Dollar Babies" was an album that I wore out including the cover; I wore out that wallet. I listened to it over and over. It was my very first concert. It was seminal. There was not a wasted second on that album. I could go on and on and on, but Id like to know how it fits into your mythology. How do you feel about that album today, decades later?

That was our first No. 1 album. "Schools Out" was No. 1 in England, and "Schools Out" was No. 2 in the United States, but "Billion Dollar Babies" was No. 1.

So would you say it was life-altering?

Yeah, it was, because we never ever thought we would have a No. 1. It was one of those perfect times; it was the right sound, the right band, at the right time. Bob Ezrin, who produced us, would never let us put a filler on an album. In other words, every song that goes on an album, as far as he was concerned, had to be a song that looked like a gem. Every album weve ever done with Bob, hes very, very particular so are we about everyth

Published Nov. 20, 2015 at 6:06 p.m.

I just heard U2s "Pride (In the Name of Love)," the band's 1984 song about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Whenever I hear the lyrics ...

Early morning, April fourShot rings out in the Memphis skyFree at last, they took your lifeThey could not take your pride

I cant help but remember that April 4 in 1968.

When I was a kid growing up on the Northwest Side of Milwaukee, whenever I had a little extra spending money beyond my consistent forays to buy candy or baseball cards, I couldnt wait to get Downtown. And it seemed that aside from unloading my snow shoveling income for a pair of Bucks tickets in the winter, the only time I was flush with cash was right after my birthday on April 3rd. Those trips were also pretty consistent.

With my $10 or $15 secured deep within my off brand jeans, I would with semi-full knowledge of my parents take the #64 bus east on Capitol Drive, remaining diligent on the lookout for Fond du Lac Avenue where I knew I would have to transfer. There were probably times I was so nervous about losing my transfer ticket that I ran the risk of rubbing off the ink.

Sometimes with a friend or occasionally with my younger brother (not my neighbor Gino Salomone; his parents wouldnt let him go with me), we would wait for that next bus in a manner unfathomable to the current existence of a ride within minutes available to todays adolescents with a phone and Uber app.

I had very little comprehension of where Downtown started and ended, but I sure knew Wisconsin Avenue was what to look for. I pretty much knew it by seeing statutes of old guys on horses. Same statues I probably drive by a hundred times a week now without even noticing.

First stop was always The Moon Fun Shop, where I risked spending all my money on the necessities that only they had such as fake cigarettes, tricks, counter-culture items such as political pins and other harmless clutter. I loved that place.

Next, we would usually wander

Published May 5, 2014 at 3:39 p.m.

Can I run something by you guys?

I am well aware that I have faults, enemies, shortcomings, sins and I get very excited when I eat and forget to chew. As a quasi-media member, the general public has a right to remind me of those issues and I can take it But please do not ever question my patriotism I grew up happily pledging allegiance to the flag.

Ive traveled the world and have no doubt that the United States of America is the best country on earth. I pay my taxes (although I do usually file an extension). I love the USA. And I always stand and remove my hat for the national anthem. Always. And if I am not holding both a beer and hot dog, I will often put my hand on my heart, as well.

Now, a couple of my other faults include being passive-aggressive, as well as vindictive. So while at a sporting event I will tend to get more frustrated than vocal when I see people oblivious to the disrespect they show by not standing for the anthem. I might glare and imagine tripping them later, but its not my nature to say anything. I can cut a little more slack to those standing but still wearing hats.

Maybe they just don't remember they have it on or I have mistaken their headwear for their actual hair, But again, I am not the guy that will yell out "Hey Rob Ford, what the hell is wrong with you, put the crack pipe down and stand up?" (By the way, Rob Ford gets a pass if it is a Blue Jays game.)

Watching the Brewers on TV the other day I saw a guy standing next to the woman singing "God Bless America" (more on that later) with his hat on while eating french fries. Really?

If it is the national anthem, you SHOULD stand up. You of course live in the USA. In Cuba or some Soviet remnant country like Cubeskestan, you risk being taken away and disappearing for a lot less. Of course, you do have freedom here and you can in fact make the conscious choice to remain seating. And if it is a conscious protest, then I will respect that.

But, you also have the choice to walk around

Published Jan. 2, 2014 at 2:16 p.m.

No one on their deathbed ever said, "I regret all the time I spent watching TV."

While I have a lot of divergent interests including commercial real estate, radio, sports, music, family, food, working out and drinking with Andy Tarnoff I undoubtedly spend more time watching TV than any other activity in my life.

So as the calendar changes to another year, I found myself reflecting on the past year of my TV viewing.

I just accidentally watched "The Blacklist." James Spader is awesome and does what most of us can't: wear a fedora.

I always cringe when HBO series have their season finales. "Veep," "Eastbound & Down," "Real Time with Bill Maher," "The Newsroom," "True Blood" and especially you Nucky. It doesn't get much better than "Boardwalk Empire."

I am glad I am not exclusive to HBO. I really like "Nurse Jackie," and "Masters of Sex" might just be my new favorite show.

The hardest thing I do every morning is get out of bed. I couldn't do it without Susan and Nicole and Marianne and Sally and Kim and Jessica and Caitlin.

"NCIS" is a guilty pleasure. And no, I am not yet retired.

I have been enjoying "Packers Live with Larry McCarren." It's sincere (is that finger thing a special effect?). Plus, I have memorized and sing along with their two great songs, "Chalk Talk" and "In The Huddle."

I also enjoy "Brewers Live" after games hoping to see if Davey Nelson says something Shakespearean.

Ron Swanson makes "Parks and Rec" worthy of whatThursdayTV used to be. Meanwhile,I don't know why "Whitney" got cancelled instead of Cummings' other show, "Two Broke Girls." I can watch it, but I don't listen to what they say.

I admit to still watching "Two and a Half Men," and I also watch "Anger Management." I watch and like "Mike & Molly," and"The Mindy Project" is just plan good.There's something about Mindy.

Recently binge-watched "Scandal" on demand. I get it. It's good. So is On Demand.

I go back and forth between "The Daily Show" and Colbert

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Today is the day I go vegan for good - OnMilwaukee.com

Cinnaholic, the vegan bakery acclaimed for serving innovative, gourmet cinnamon roll creations, recently announced its expansion to Frisco.

National expansion has always been on the horizon for us, said Shannon Radke, co-founder of Cinnaholic. The response weve received in our existing locations has been overwhelming people cant get enough. Were eager to continue to grow and serve the most creative, delicious cinnamon rolls to brand new communities across the country.

Founded in 2009 in Berkeley, California, Cinnaholic is the only gourmet bakery that allows customers to completely customize their cinnamon rolls with more than 20 frosting flavors and topping choices.

After gaining national attention following their appearance on ABCs hit show, Shark Tank, the brand later began franchising in 2014 and currently has 13 locations open across the country, with an additional 41 currently in development.

In 2016, Cinnaholic customers enjoyed more than 300,000 cinnamon rolls and goals are in place to surpass 600,000 rolls in 2017.

Each Cinnaholic roll is 100 percent vegan and free of dairy, eggs or cholesterol, allowing guests to enjoy the creations without concern over certain dietary or allergy restrictions.

Cinnaholic plans to enter key markets such as Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Utah, Texas, California, Maryland and Virginia this year and is currently accepting franchisee inquiries.

Entrepreneurially spirited individuals interested in investing in the Cinnaholic franchise will receive a full suite of support services ranging from initial and ongoing training to sales and marketing support.

Tailored to owners and operators that place value in strong ties to the community, the franchise model provides structure and scalability.

For more information on Cinnaholic, visit cinnaholic.com.

About Cinnaholic

Founded in 2009 in Berkeley, California, Cinnaholic is the only gourmet bakery that allows customers to completely customize cinnamon rolls with more than 20 frosting flavors and topping choices.

Each Cinnaholic cinnamon roll is 100 percent vegan and free of dairy, eggs or cholesterol, allowing guests to enjoy their mouth-watering creations without worrying about certain dietary or allergy restrictions.

Go here to read the rest:

Gourmet vegan bakery to open in Frisco - Star Local Media

Julio Diaz , jdiaz@pnj.com 9:34 p.m. CT April 1, 2017

People dance to the sounds of live music at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach during Bands on the Beach. The event is a free, weekly outdoor concert series sponsored by the Santa Rosa Island Authority.(Photo: PNJ file photo)Buy Photo

The Pensacola area offers abundant opportunities to hear live music, from nationally touring acts at a numberof venues and local bands playing at a multitudeof bars and restaurants to no less than half a dozen free public concert series.

But there's nothing else like Bands on the Beach.

"It's like a big family reunion every Tuesday night," said Cat Country 98.7 FM personality Brent Lane, who acts as one of the emcees for the free weekly concerts that take place each Tuesday from April through October at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach.

RELATED CONTENT:Bands on the Beach 2017 schedule announced

Presented by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, the series attracts thousands to Casino Beach every Tuesday evening. And while the schedule features a formidable array of local and regional talent, it never seems to matter which band is performing: The simple allure of live music on the Gulf as the sun sets draws people of all ages and demographics.

SRIA Director of Administration Robbie Schrock, who organizes Bands on the Beach, said the weeknight is a perfect time for a little evening getaway.

"I think first of all, it's on a Tuesday, so what else do you have going on?" she asked. "I really like that it's on a day that's not a weekend. It's a place you to go and just relax and let all your worries roll away. You're sitting alongside the Gulf of Mexico and you get to hear live music. What more could you ask for?"

Lane also cited the setting and the sounds when discussing the event's appeal.

"It's the music, the location and the atmosphere," he said. "With the sun setting over the pier and a Gulf breeze, it makes a great way to forget whatever happened at work. I think each band brings their fans, but on the whole, every week, people bring their lawn chairs and relax. The music is familiar and fun."

Audiences regularly number in the thousands, especially once the school year ends.

Brandi Bullard of Pensacola and her daughter, Ava, 3, are among the regulars who are excited that the series returns this week.

Cousins Chloe Beamer, left, and Madelyn Hughes dance at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach during a previous Bands on the Beach season. The 2017 season opens Tuesday.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

RELATED CONTENT:Blues on the Bay 2017 lineup announced

"She's already talking about going," Bullard said with a laugh. "We just both love to go and listen to the music, walking around and being amongthe people. I love being around crowds and I love seeing how excited she gets to be around other people and lots of children. Plus, it's Pensacola Beach, it's our favorite place. It's relaxing to enjoy and dance and eat dinner and see how everyone embraces each other to have a good time."

A lot of people bring snacks or picnic meals to the concerts, while others take advantage of Pensacola Beach's myriad of dining and refreshment options. Bullard said she and her daughter do a little of both.

"Most of the time, I'll bring snacks like crackers, apples and bananas;water, definitely," she said. "But we usually eat at the old Tiffany's (now known as The Stand). Every once in awhile, we will go to Sidelines or another restaurant."

Schrock said this year would offer some additional dining options, thanks to a new partnership with the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, inspired by that organization's popular fall culinary event, Taste of the Beach.

"We worked out a deal where Taste of the Beach restaurants have the opportunity to sign up to be vendors at Bands on the Beach," Schrock said. "For example, the first week is Flounders Chowder House, the second isDog House Deli, andthey'll sell specialty items for $5 or less."

Taking your own food and drink is always welcome, too, but Schrock did warn of a few minor restrictions.

"We ask that there's no glass on the beach," she said. "And there is an alcohol ordinance in effect on Pensacola Beach, but for Bands on the Beach, there is permission to stay in the cordoned-off area and enjoy your adult beverages. Be cautious of where you are and aren't able to do that, and just make sure you're partaking in the proper areas."

The 2017 series starts Tuesday with a Beatles tribute band that Lane said is an annual favorite.

Bands on the Beach draws thousands to the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach each week for live music under the setting sun. The 2017 series starts Tuesday.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

"Not Quite Fab always packs the house," he said. "(But) there are consistently thousands of people per week who come out and relax. People tend to look forward to each band for what they bring to the party."

And there are no strangers at Bands on the Beach, to hear Bullard tell it, even if people aren't necessarily exchanging names and numbers.

"Anyone will dance with Ava, and everyone does," she said."We've sat next to people and they will want to share their drinks and food with us and anyone around their group, and vice versa. Kids will share their toys and go play games together, and we parents enjoy it. A lot of our friends go out there, or I'll run into people I haven't seen in a long time. Even the cops have embraced Ava and other children when dancing, and they'll ask questions and they enjoy speaking to anyone out there. Everyone introduces themselves to everyone else and hasconversations."

Schrock agreed that the social element is a huge part of the fun of Bands on the Beach.

"The vibe is just there," she said. "It's a really cool atmosphere and environment, and it's really, really cool, because you'll see people start to setup in the same areas every week that become 'theirspots.' It's really cool to be a part of."

From May 26 to Sept. 4 the busiest time of the year on Pensacola Beach beach trolleys will run from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily, which alleviates parking concerns. If the Casino Beach lot fills up, you can park almost anywhere and catch a ride in and out. Before and after that, though, arriving as early as possible just makes sense. Besides, nobody's complaining about extra beach time, right?

Lane certainly isn't.While emceeing the concerts is part of his job, he said he considers himself a Bands on the Beach fan, first and foremost.

"I get to meet lots of people and listen to music performed by outstanding musicians on the world's most beautiful beach, and I love to take sunset photos," he said.

For more information, call 932-2257, or visit http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com.

Bands on the Beach attracts thousands to the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach each Tuesday for live music under the setting sun. The 2017 season opens Tuesday.(Photo: Photo courtesy Visit Pensacola/Special to the News Journal)

Cousins Chloe Beamer, left, and Madelyn Hughes dance at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach during a previous Bands on the Beach season. The 2017 season opens Tuesday.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

Members of Crosstown perform at Bands on the Beach during a previous season. The group returns to Bands on the Beach on May 2.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

Bands on the Beach draws thousands to the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach each week for live music under the setting sun. The 2017 series starts Tuesday.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

People dance to the sounds of live music at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach during Bands on the Beach. The event is a free, weekly outdoor concert series sponsored by the Santa Rosa Island Authority.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

Pensacola Beachs popular outdoor summer concert series, Bands on the Beach, features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. Take your lawn chair for hot music, smooth grooves and a whole lot of good times.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

Pensacola Beachs popular outdoor summer concert series, Bands on the Beach, features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. Take your lawn chair for hot music, smooth grooves and a whole lot of good times.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

People dance to the sounds of live music at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach during a past Bands on the Beach.(Photo: PNJ file photo)

Read or Share this story: http://on.pnj.com/2nsvPBb

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Bands on the Beach's relaxed vibe keeps 'em coming back - Pensacola News Journal

Browns Mountain is one of those places that you cant really describe with words. Overlooking the gorgeous views of Port Renfrew, nestled high in the clouds is Vancouver Islands premiere boutique festival, Tall Tree. The (not so) little festival, taking place June 23 26th, 2017 and now on its 8th installment, grewfrom an intimate gathering to the sprawling event we know now. Tall Tree spans4 stages, 70+ artists ranging from world beats, ska, hip hop, EDM, and of course, the alternative rock sound that the festivalwas founded on. This year is set to be one of the biggest years yet, bringing in talent from all over the world to come grace our beautiful island with next level sounds. All of this, in one of the most beautiful places weve ever seen? Count us in!

At the end of 2016, festival organizers asked the Tall Tree Festival community what they would like to see from the event as far as booking talent was concerned. Overwhelmingly, people informed Tall Tree that they enjoyed the strong Canadian lineup, but however, wanted to see some higher tier acts they may not be regularly exposed to.

So we listened, comments Mike Hann, Festival Director. This year we are happy to say that we have talent originating from 7 different countries. The artists that are coming to Tall Tree in 2017 are billed on festivals worldwide, not just in Canada. We couldnt be more excited for them to come and experience everything that is amazing about Vancouver Island and Tall Tree!

Now, the views are spectacular, the history is amazing, and the festival is rad. But, we seem to be forgetting the most important part, the music! This year the team brought forward some of the best and brightest from around the worldto showcase on their 4 unique stages.

Some notable international acts include:

Shapeshifter (New Zealand): With a significant amount oftowering achievements record-breaking New Zealand tours, scene-setting appearances at festivals like Glastonburyand Parklife, sold-out performances across Europe, worlds-colliding collaborations with Symphony Orchestras, multiple music awards, four EPs and five LPs (three with platinum sales), and an army of fans who return to relive the experience time and time again it is no wonder Shapeshifter is on this lineup.

GoldFish (South Africa): Their genre-defying mix of live instruments, house beats, and searing live performances madeGoldfish go from impromptu jams at a tiny beach club in Cape Town to headlining Amsterdams Olympic Stadium. GoldFishs list of accomplishments include, cracking a top 10 spot on the US iTunes Dance chart, a residency at Pacha Ibiza with David Guetta, and DJs like Fedde le Grand knocking at their door to remix their tracks. Its almost hard to believe that not very long ago they were just Dom and Dave, two music students living a relatively relaxing lifesurfing and playing music in their hometown Cape Town.

Beats Antique (USA): Celebrating its tenth anniversary with its tenth studio release, the Bay Areas wildly innovative performance dynamo Beats Antique emerges from the studio with a stage show to mark the milestone. With legendary sets at some of the most iconic venues and festivals around the world, and collaborations with superstars from Les Claypool to Bassnectar, the next chapter in the trios story takes them back to a mysterious world.

Easy Star All-Stars (USA): The Easy Star All-Stars have established themselves as one of the top international reggae acts since their live debut in 2003. Thanks to their best-selling tribute album releasesDub Side of the Moon (2003), Radiodread (2006), Easy Stars Lonely Hearts Dub Band (2009), Dubber Side of the Moon (2010), and Easy Stars Thrillah (2012), as well as original albums First Light (2011) and Until That Day (2008)the Easy Star All-Stars have built a growing, dedicated fan base throughout the world, bringing together fans of reggae, classic rock, dub, and indie rock into one big family. Since 2009, the All-Stars have played over 350 shows in over 30 different countries on 6 different continents, truly establishing themselves as one of the top reggae touring acts in the world.

DJ Nu-Mark (USA): This long-standing DJ & producer is a founding member of Jurassic 5, as well as the owner of Hot Plate Records. He has collaborated with and produced for a variety of artists across different genres, including J-Live, Aloe Blacc,Charles Bradley,and Bumpy Knuckles, among others. Hes also a voracious touring artist, blending hip hop, funk, and about a hundred other genres into his eclectic live sets. An absolute legend, were so fortunate to get his beats on our funky mountain!

Worthy (USA): As the label head of Anabatic Records and one of the four original members of the Dirtybird Crew, Worthy will be bringing his signature brand of chunky, driving tech house up to Browns Mountain for the first time; we could not be more excited! If youve caught a Dirtybird show, you know the type of high energy fun they bring to the stage, and we assume this will be no different.

The rest of the lineup is chock full of absolute stunners. Some acts include festival favouritesSkiitour,Mat the Alien, Pigeon Hole,andMoontricks, along with Vancouver Island supergroupIllvis Freshly,Sleeveless Records founderStylust Beats,and of course Tall Tree staple,Jesse Roper. Not to mention the massive presence of local DJs and bands, this is set to be the biggest year weve had on Browns Mountain yet.

Check out the full lineup video below!

There you have it: an incredible lineup in an indescribable location. Plus,lets be honest here, all of your friends are probably going, so why shouldnt you? Dont let FOMO take you over, grab your tickets here.This has been a sell out for the last two years running, and we foresee this being year number three, so act fast to avoid disappointment!

Who are we going to see on Browns Mountain this year? Let us know in that comment section!

26 years old, with a voracious appetite for bass, dancing, all things art, and a flair for the dramatic, Jamie Gib grew up in the rave scene, having been introduced to electronic music in the late 90s as a small child from his cousin and he joined the rave scene in 2004, and never looked back, A DJ, Promoter, Go-Go Dancer, and writer, Jamie has made his mark on the Vancouver Island scene and beyond, having worked or attended 90% of the festivals on the Pacific North West and has no plans on stopping there. If there's dirty house, drum n bass or glitch to be heard, you can bet he's not far behind.

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Tall Tree Music Festival 2017: Who's Who and What's Up! - Dance Music Northwest

As former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue begins his confirmation process to become the next secretary of agriculture, new Nielsen findings released by the Organic Trade Association recently show things have changed in the kitchens of American households across the country, from small towns to the big cities. Organic can now be found on the shelves of kitchen cupboards and in the refrigerators of 82.3 percent of American households, including in the majority of households in rural states like Perdues home state of Georgia.

In the first comprehensive look at organic purchases by households on a state-by-state level, the nationally representative Nielsen study of 100,000 households conducted in 2015 and 2016 reported that more households than ever bought organic food on a regular basis throughout 2016. The national average climbed 3.4 percent from 2015 to 82.3 percent, while in Georgia, the number of households buying organic rose by a solid 4 percent to 81.5 percent. The state showing the biggest jump in households purchasing organic was North Dakota, where 85.6 percent of households participating in the Nielsen study reported buying organic in 2016, up a robust 14.2 percent from 2015.

These new findings show how important organic has become to millions and millions of American families everywhereto more than 80 percent of our nations 117 million households*, more than 80 percent of Georgias 3.5 million* households, more than 85 percent of North Dakotas almost 300,000 households*, said Laura Batcha, CEO and executive director of OTA. The organic community is looking forward to working with the new leadership at USDA. We are eager to show how important adequate funding is to support a strong organic program and to help organic to continue to become a part of healthy diets of households throughout our nationincluding Mr. Perdues home state and rural states from coast to coast.

The Nielsen findings show a number of states in which 90 percent or more of households now buy organic on a regular basis, with even the lowest levels all hovering around 70 percent. The five states seeing the biggest increases in households reporting organic purchases were:

North Dakota, where 85.6 percent of households participating bought organic in 2016, up 14.2 percent from 2015;

Rhode Island, with 88.3 percent buying organic, up 12.3 percent from 2015;

Wyoming, where 90.0 percent of participating households bought organic in 2016, up 10.8 percent;

South Dakota, which had the lowest percentage of any state at 68.9 percent, but still recorded a 10.0 percent increase; and

Wisconsin, where 77.6 percent of participating households bought organic, up 9.1 percent from 2015.

Organic provides a healthy choice for consumers everywhere, and a profitable choice for farmers, said Batcha. The industry relies on a few critical public institutions to support this burgeoning industry, including the National Organic Program for global oversight and uniform standards and research investment targeted to organic production. Organic is fueled by consumers, and it thrives when USDA recognizes the importance of organic to rural economies and to rural households.

In Georgia, a partnership between the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the non-profit group Georgia Organics has shown how investment into helping farmers wanting to go organic can make a difference.

Georgia is becoming a bigger player in meeting the growing consumer demand for organics, thanks to innovative farmers, entrepreneurs, and excellent partners, said Georgia Organics Executive Director Alice Rolls. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black has partnered with Georgia Organics on our 200 Organic Farms campaign to double the number of organic farms by 2020. His relationship with Sonny Perdue no doubt will be influential on a number of fronts, including organic agriculture.

Organic food sales in the United States now total around $40 billion annually, and account for around five percent of total food sales in this country. According to the Organic Trade Associations 2016 U.S. Organic Industry Survey, total organic food sales in 2015 were $39.7 billion, up 11 percent from the previous year. This spring OTA will be releasing its 2017 industry survey, which will look at the U.S. organic market in 2016.

The Nielsen data comes from 100,000 participating households in the 48 contiguous states that are geographically and demographically diverse to represent the national population. Participating households record with a home scanner all food purchases for in-home consumption from any retail outlet, including organic items. Participants scan the Universal Product Codes (the bar codes that cashiers scan at the supermarket) to track their purchases. Nielsen has been tracking food purchases with its home scanner household panel since 2002.

*According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics

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New state data shows organic now in the kitchens of over 80 percent of US households - High Plains Journal

The skinny budget proposed by the White House a few weeks ago will undergo significant changes as it wends its way through the maze of congressional committees, but its clear that the president and his economic advisers really do want to take a scalpel to programs that are marked by waste, fraud and abuse. OMB Director Mick Mulvaney said during a March 16 press briefing that the government shouldnt spend money on programs simply because they sound good.

Several programs at the Department of Agriculture would be eliminated in the presidents budget, and we suggest another one that involves the government in providing benefits to special interests: the National Organic Program, which is subsidized to the tune of $160 million a year and has more in common with Whole Foods marketing department than sound government. For example, it is charged with protecting the integrity of the USDA organic seal, from farm to market, around the world.

Related: More consumers shopping organic

The thing is, the integrity of the organic seal has nothing to do with benefit to consumers, farmers or the environment. So what does it mean? Well, when it was established in 1990, Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman emphasized the fundamental meaninglessness of the organic designation: Let me be clear about one thing, the organic label is a marketing tool. It is not a statement about food safety. Nor is organic a value judgment about nutrition or quality.

Its worth repeating: The organic label is no more than a marketing tool. And its a cynical one, because so many unsuspecting consumers are ripped off by the high prices of organic products, without palpable benefit. Thats why it should be high on the administrations hit-list.

Organic agriculture has morphed into a massive special-interest bonanza. Annual sales of organic food in the United States now exceed $40 billion. Federal spending on organic agriculture has mushroomed from $20 million in the 2002 Farm Act to more than $160 million in the 2014 Farm Act. And according to the USDA, during the Obama administration, USDA signed five major organic trade arrangements and has helped organic stakeholders access programs that support conservation, provide access to loans and grants, fund organic research and education and mitigate pest emergencies.

It is noteworthy that other, analogous special interests such as the producers of kosher and halal foods dont receive similar government benefits. (Read: welfare.)

The definition of organic continues to be a movable feast while the government and organic industry constantly tweak its meaning; it is completely arbitrary, after all, with no scientific basis. In January, the industrys primary lobbying group, the Organic Trade Association (OTA), announced a new partnership with the USDA to create yet another organic program the certified transitional program to aid farmers switching from conventional crops to organic. (They must wait 36 months before they can earn organic certification, in order that their farm is fully decontaminated from prohibited chemicals and practices.) This will help ease the transition process to organic, allow farmers to sell their products as certified transitional at a premium price and help encourage more organic production, according to the OTA.

Organic boosterism at the federal level is not without consequence. Consumers have been snookered into believing organic food is healthier, safer or better for the environment than nonorganic options although it is not. Because prices for organic food are much higher, those misconceptions eat away at the buying power of the average consumer. And while organic marketers like to promote the idea that organic implies locally grown, the United States is actually a net importer of organic goods, including organic grains from countries like China, India, Turkey and Romania, with no way to be sure those countries adhere to organic standards that even remotely resemble those in the United States.

Organic marketers have conned consumers into believing that organic growers dont use pesticides (they do, and many of them are highly toxic), that organic foods are more healthful (theyre not), and that organic practices are good for the environment. (Lower crop yields are inevitable given organic farmings systematic rejection of many advanced methods and technologies. The lower yields increase the pressure for the conversion of more land to farming and more water for irrigation, both of which are serious environmental issues.)

Their fearmongering and trashing the competition influence shoppers behavior, especially those with lower incomes, in an unconstructive way: A recent study published in Nutrition Today indicated that limited access and availability of organic produce in low-income communities could discourage purchase of any [fruits and vegetables] when organic is not available.

The Trump administration and the GOP-controlled Congress seem committed to making the federal governments actions and programs more cost-effective and less politically correct. Getting taxpayers out of the culinary snake-oil business would be an important step in that direction.

Organic agriculture has morphed into a massive special-interest bonanza. Kosher and halal foods dont receive similar government benefits.

Kelly is a food writer and National Review Online contributor. Follow her on Twitter at @julie_kelly2. Miller, a physician and molecular biologist, is the Robert Wesson Fellow in Scientific Philosophy and Public Policy at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution. He was the founding director of the FDAs Office of Biotechnology. Follow him on Twitter at @henryimiller.

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Organic labeling program should be plowed under - The San Diego ... - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Photo: Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media

The alter, a point for focusing ones inner energy is set for the Greenwich Water Club as it prepares for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The alter, a point for focusing ones inner energy is set for the Greenwich Water Club as it prepares for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The alter, a point for focusing ones inner energy is set for the Greenwich Water Club as it prepares for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The alter, a point for focusing ones inner energy is set for the Greenwich Water Club as it prepares for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Greenwich Water Club is preparing for the opening of a new yoga and meditation program at the club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

70,000 thoughts: new meditation center wants to clear your mind

If theres one thing Carla Zilka wants to stress about the burgeoning practice thats ballooning into a billion-dollar industry, its this: Most people understand meditation all wrong.

Please write this down, the Greenwich Water Club yoga programs director said during a tour of the clubs new meditation center and with a clear note of exasperation.

Meditation is not about removing all thoughts from your mind everyone will tell you that. Thats not going to happen. We have 70,000 thoughts a day, Zilka said. Seventy thousand, she repeated louder. Meditation is about allowing the thoughts to be there but not allowing them any time.

The real purpose of meditation, according to Zilka, is to distract you from all those thoughts so you can be present. There are different types of meditation to fit all personality types, Zilka said, but each is geared at focusing people on a small action or repeated word that commands all their attention.

Let me ask you, the former Wall Street trader and General Electric executive said in a tone implying she already knew the answer. When was the last time you were just totally quiet and present?

Similar prompts have led millions, including Silicon Valley stars and corporate chiefs such as Greenwich resident Ray Dalio, whos attributed his success to transcendental meditation, to set out on their own mindfulness practices. For Zilka, the rising tide of apps and studios dedicated to both is encouraging as she credits meditation with keeping her sane during trying times.

Finding community in meditation

In 1987, fresh out of college, the Saratoga, N.Y., native headed straight to one of Manhattans top trading floors at Shearson Lehman Bros., where she recalls being the only woman. Working in a stressful, competitive environment in a city where she knew no one was tough, Zilka said. I went to New York and I just felt daggers. It was like I needed to put up a shield to protect myself.

Finding a safe, supportive community was crucial for her, and she discovered it at Jivamukti Yoga, a studio founded in New York City thats expanded around the world and culled notable clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Heidi Klum, Madonna, Steve Martin and Sting. Within a month of first attending, I was going every day, Zilka said. Now, she requires all her yoga teachers to attend and train at the same studio.

From the high-stakes New York trading floor, Zilka marched her way through a number of high-powered corporate jobs, including rising to vice president of growth for consumer finance at GE and running her own global consulting firm. Just a brief outline of her resume indicates why shed want to learn how to press pause on her thoughts.

Since joining the Water Club two years ago after selling her own yoga studio, Zilkas empathy for members crammed schedules and overworked minds has helped prioritize changes to its offerings that increased yoga classes participation and membership, according to Mike Wieneke, club director of programs and member services, as people can sign up solely for the clubs yoga program headed by Zilka.

What were all here for

The newest addition is the clubs conversion of a storage room into a serene meditation space thats intended to be a sanctuary that provides everything Zilka once wanted as a new New Yorker: safety, serenity and peace.

This is a safe harbor, Zilka said, pointing out defining details such as infrared radiant heating panels that warm the room, but dry like India not humid like Florida, an altar with dancing Shiva, the calming sound of trickling water and meditation cushions with heavy Mexican blankets.

The clubs new meditation room and expanded classes are planned to debut Sunday, during its annual Yoga Open House. By fall, Zilka also hopes to have published her newest book on meditation called The Happiness Process, and launched a meditation instructors curriculum she co-designed.

Her pivot from successful corporate businesswoman to immersion in meditation training is evident through her answer as to why the ancient practice has re-emerged and gained so much traction. Were going through a revolution where people are saying, How do I feel better when theres a conflict of what Im doing and what I should be doing? she said.

My son told me, I dont want to go to college, work and then die. As a collective, were moving toward consciousness. And right now, this moment is the only thing thats real. The past is an illusion. The future is an illusion. Being conscious in the present is the only place where we can find happiness, and isnt that what were all here for?

MBennett@greenwichtime.com, 203-625-4411; Twitter @Macaela_

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70000 thoughts: new meditation center wants to clear your mind - Greenwich Time