Northbrook Court Dental Offers Occlusion Therapy for Jaw Pain and Headaches

Northbrook, Illinois –Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com), a Northbrook dental clinic, now offers occlusion therapy for individuals suffering from jaw pain and headaches.

“Many people go to medical doctors when they have chronic headaches or jaw pain, not realizing that these health issues can be dental related.” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “

Occlusion is a word used to describe how teeth come in contact with each other teeth or fit together when a person is sleeping, talking or eating. A malocclusion is when the muscles in the jaw joint are out of alignment and causes a bad bite. Other causes of malocclusion include crooked teeth and periodontal disease.

Malocclusion can result in different types of physical problems, including difficulties chewing and jaw, neck, back and shoulder pain. The discomfort can become worse if the person clenches their teeth when they are asleep. Repeated clenching can lead to headaches, deterioration of teeth and even teeth being worn down to the jaw bone.

Occlusion Therapy can reduce and even eliminate teeth clenching to help relax the jaw and prevent pain. The therapy often involves the use of splints to prevent any clenching that occurs while the person is sleeping.

Before the therapy is started, the person’s bite is thoroughly reviewed and analyzed. Either through polishing of the surface enamel in specific areas, or through the use of dental restoration, the balance and direction of the bite is adjusted. The procedure helps eliminate clenching stress and pain.

“Our dental clinic uses the latest and most advanced techniques to help eliminate the pain and discomfort caused by malocclusion,” says Dr. Vold.

For more information on Northbrook Court Dental Associates' treatment of malocclusion and occlusion therapy, visit the Northbrook dental clinic's website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com, or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Do You Have to Suffer with Headaches or Jaw Pain?

by Dr. Michael Vold

Dysfunctional Occlusion

Do you have headaches, neck aches, clicking jaws, limited opening range of the jaw or ringing in your ears?  You may have seen your physician about your symptoms, but found no relief.  You may even have been told that it is "all in your head."  If so, you are not alone.  Some 60 million Americans share these symptoms with you.

We know the cause of your symptoms.

Symptoms of a Bad Bite

o  clicking, popping or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth
o  chronic headaches and/or dizziness
o  tenderness in jaw muscles
o  earaches and/or itchy ears
o  jaws that sometimes lock open when yawning or laughing
o  spasms or cramps in the jaw area.

Problems begin when the muscles in the jaw and jaw joint are out of alignment (malocclusion), causing problems when chewing. Simply stated, the ligaments, muscles, bones, teeth and joints do not line up, thereby causing pain.  The pain and muscle stress is made even worse by clenching your teeth when you sleep.

When you clench, you are using some of the strongest muscles in the body.  These muscles can cause chronic headaches, destructive tooth wear, and at its worst, permanent wear down the bone of jaw joint.

By reducing or eliminating the clenching, you are effectively relaxing the jaw and minimizing the source of the pain.

Occlusion Therapy

Occlusal Splints are used as a treatment option to prevent nightime damage associated with grinding and clenching while at the same time adjusting your bite to relax your jaw.

When your occlusion misalignment is analyzed and identified, minor polishing of the surface enamel or placing strategic dental restorations can redirect and balance the bite, bringing relief from occlusion-induced pain and stress.

TMJ Self Analysis

Take this quick and easy survey to rate your TMJ problem:

1.  Do you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines?
2.  Do your teeth or crowns keep chipping or breaking?
3.  Are your face and neck muscles constantly sore?
5.  Do your ears ring (Tinnitus)?
6.  Are your teeth sensitive when you bite down?
7.  Do you sometimes have unexplained nausea or vertigo?
8.  Has your jaw ever "frozen" in place, even for a few seconds?
9.  Do your ears ever tingle or itch?
10. Are your teeth sensitive to cold?
11. Do you grind or clench your teeth at night?

If you have answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, you probably should be examined for TMJ disease. You should see a qualified dentist in your area that treats TMJ disease and get an examination.

Enhance Your Landscape With A Maple Tree

by Nancy Penrose

There are over 125 different maple tree varieties in the world. Maples are known for the oppositely arranged leaves, with leaflets (lobes) coming out from many different points at the base of the leaf. Maples also have seeds called samaras that look like propellers.

Maples are members of the Acer (Aceraceae) family, a Latin word that means sharp, in reference to the tree’s leaves. Maples include both shrubs and trees which can grow up to 150 feet tall.

Common maple trees in the Pacific Northwest include the Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum) vine maple (Acer circinatum), and Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum).

The Rocky Mountain maple is a small tree, usually less than twelve feet tall, with a green tinged smooth bark that is only native to the Pacific Northwest, but can also be found in New Mexico, Arizona, Nebraska and South Dakota

The Vine maple is a slightly larger tree that can grow to 20 feet tall and does well in good, damp soil. It is frequently used in landscaping due to its vibrant fall leaf colors, showy bark that is similar to the Japanese maple, as well as its sturdy growth. The tree's flowers are wine-red and white.

The Bigleaf maple can grow up to 100 feet tall, and has a gray or reddish brown bark with ridges. The Bigleaf maple, which grows well in well-drained soil, can be found in British Columbia all the way down to California.

There are several other varieties of maple that do well in the Pacific Northwest, including the Autumn Blaze Maple, Crimson Sentry Norway Maple, and Paperbark Maple, to name a few.

The Autumn Blaze Maple is a hybrid (silver maple and red maple) known for its brilliant orange and red foliage during the Fall. In Summer, the leaves are green. The Autumn Blaze Maple can grow up to 3 feet or more feet a year, up to 50 or 60 feet tall with a thirty to forty foot spread, and does well in both clay and wet soil.

A favorite maple for small lots is the Crimson Sentry Norway Maple. The tree’s Fall crimson leaves turn to maroon in the Summer and gold in the Autumn. Lemon yellow flowers appear on the branches in the Spring. It has a narrow, dense oval shape and canopy that can provide shade. The tree does best in full sun and moist soil. It is a low maintenance tree that may require occasional pruning.

The Paperbark Maple can grow up to 30 feet tall with a spread of up to 15 feet. The name “paperbark” refers to the trees paper-like bark. It’s a cinnamon brown with a peeling look. The tree’s leaves are three to five inches wide. The leaves are green in the summer and are a mix of reds, yellow and orange in the fall. The Paperback Maple grows best in full sun or partial shade.

If you are considering a maple tree to enhance your yard, consult a big trees expert who can discuss your options and help you choose the right tree for your particular environment. A big trees professional will know which type of maple trees for sale will do best in your space, and can also assist you with transplanting.

Construction Company Customers Very Happy With Work Done

Julian Construction Continues To Receive Excellent Feedback For Foundation Repair

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, (http://julianconstruction.com/), a foundation construction and foundation repair company in Los Angeles, has continued to receive positive feedback on their foundation work for clients. The company is noted in several of the reviews as having an excellent point on customer service and efficiency. The company has been in operation for over 10 years, and continues to receive excellent reviews from its clients.

One of their clients stated: “Julian Construction repaired my foundation and bolted my house down to it. The work was scheduled for just a couple of days after receiving the proposal, completed on time and passed inspection with no problem. The price was great too. Would definitely recommend Julian Construction to anyone.”

Another stated: “This is how you run a business. I paid a fair price and got what was promised. A small army of workers showed up on time, were incredibly efficient, and cleaned up so you’d never know they were there. The foreman was patient with a nervous and exacting homeowner.”

And another stated: “They arrived on time and completed the job just as they described. They handled everything from start to finish including permit and final inspection with the city. I did my homework before selecting a company to do this project and when they came out for the estimate, I knew I had found the right company for the job.”

Owner and Founder of the company, Julian De La Torre, stated: “We try to set the best example we can in our workmanship. The most important part of the job is whether or not the customer now has a good foundation that they will be very happy with, and that will keep their home safe. It can be really frustrating and dangerous if your foundation is faulty, so whether it’s repairing foundation cracks or earthquake retrofitting or even foundation replacement, we try to make the process of repairing it as pleasant as possible.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.

Julian Construction Offering Special Financing on Solar Paneling

Financing Options Available for Installation of Solar Panels on a House

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, (http://julianconstruction.com/), a general construction and foundation construction and repair company operating in Los Angeles, has announced financing options available on the installation of solar paneling on a home. Because of the impact of long-term savings possible with proper solar paneling installation, the company has made financing options available to avail a homeowner of the installation.

Julian Construction stated that their solar paneling installation can be done at any time, or during the re-roofing of a home. The re-roofing process offers a good opportunity for the panel installation, according to the company. To support homeowners willing to take green solutions for homes in the LA area, Julian Construction has made available a number of different financing options to make it economically viable for a homeowner to afford solar paneling installation. The different financing options available from the company are listed on the company’s website: http://julianconstruction.com/financing/

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “We think it’s very important that homeowners consider this option. The long-term savings from solar paneling can be a lot more than the cost of the installation. And a lot of state and federal agencies offer tax benefits and rebates when clean energy solutions are added to a property. So we’re very happy to offer this service to homeowners. It can be done at the same time as roof shingle installation or other re-roofing, and we find a lot of customers do that.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.

Race Team Receives Sales Tax Exemption On Company Airplane

Company Assisted In Tax Case By Aero & Marine Tax Professionals

SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, (http://www.aeromarinetaxpros.com/), an aircraft and marine tax specialist company in northern California, recently helped a race team receive a sales tax exemption from the California Board of Equalization on the purchase of a Piper airplane.

An executive from the company stated: “We have a race team and we needed transportation back and forth to the various tracks. There are a few tracks that don't have commercial airports nearby, and our business schedule made the private plane a way to let us have the most time possible at the track before we had to get back to work. A couple of times we also had a couple of our team members with us. It was actually easier to have one airplane than multiple airline tickets."

"Our first airplane sales agent recommended Aero & Marine Tax Professionals to us. When we contacted them they were very professional and efficient. The whole process was no problem. They set us up with a whole list of things we needed to do from start to finish. Their office staff prepared everything and guided us through the process. When we got to the end of the period, their staff packaged everything up for the California Board of Equalization. I would most definitely recommend them to others! I actually wish we had known about them before we bought our boat! We'll definitely be back with them when we get another aircraft,” concluded the executive.

Tom Alston, Founder and Owner of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: ”We are getting more and more referrals coming from CPA’s because they know about the specialization we have in the field of legally supporting a claim for an exemption on the purchase of aircraft and vessels. It is best for anyone who is considering an aircraft purchase to involve us from the beginning. That makes it more likely that the client can avoid paying sales tax.”

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com.

(Image credit: Flightlog )

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals Helps Global Exporter Get Tax Exemption on Plane

Global Exporter Wins Sales Tax Exemption On Airplane In Recent Case In California

SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, (http://www.aeromarinetaxpros.com/) a marine vessel and aircraft sales tax specialist firm in Northern California, recently assisted a global export company operating out of Cleveland, OH in obtaining a California state sales tax exemption on their private jet purchase. The aircraft is hangared in the San Francisco area. This was the second time that Aero & Marine Tax Professionals represented the company in obtaining a successful tax exemption on the purchase of an aircraft.

An executive from the global export company stated: “Our business is a national business. The plane gave us the ability to fly longer distances from the Bay area. We needed the flexibility of the private jet to avoid uncertainty of travel. Itinerary changes at the last minute and such become much more manageable. It just made sense to have a private jet. We simply provided the documentation that Aero & Marine Tax Professionals needed and it went from there. This is our second experience with Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, the first was on the recommendation of the attorney we were using in Cleveland.”

Tom Alston, founder and owner of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “It went just as smoothly this time as the last. It was good to work with this company again. Our specialization is legally supporting a claim for a tax exemption for our clients from the state of California for the purchase of aircraft and vessels. Most tax firms do not have that specialization, so when clients come to us they get the benefit of our successfully handling over a thousand exemptions for clients. Even for those who are located outside of California, the plane may be subject to California sales or use tax. It's best to get us involved right at the beginning of the purchase process.”

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com

(Image credit: Mark Harkin )

Building Cleaning Services Appoints Black Mold Remediation Expert as Technical Consultant and Contractor

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services (BCS) announced its appointment of veteran black mold remediation expert Roger Garrison as its Senior Technical Consultant and contractor. With more than 20 years experience, Mr. Garrison is an expert in mold removal and water damage restoration for everything from small homes to large office buildings and other constructions.

“I welcome the opportunity of working with BCS which has a high work ethic and commitment to servicing clients.” Garrison stated. “The threat of mold can cause stress and worry to homeowners, business owners and tenants. But the staff takes the worry out of mold and expedite its removal with the minimum of fuss, while guaranteeing mold clearance through independent testing.”

BCS's job supervisors and sales consultant have nearly 30 years industry experience between them and are frequently the first choice for mold remediation in the Greater Los Angeles / Southern California areas. http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

BCS is also an indoor environmental cleaning company specializing in using techniques and equipment that can enhance the health of the work environment.

Established in 1997, the company has for 16 years provided fast service, high professionalism and is renowned by clients for answering all questions before and during the mold removal process, ensuring the client is fully satisfied. For example, its website includes many informational articles about mold with a glossary of key terms describing different molds, and dispelling concern where it is not needed.

BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

New Mexico Set Designer Will Display Artwork at Premiere of Springtime Ballet “Thumbelina”

California Contemporary Ballet Delighted to Host After-Performance Displays of Miniaturized Set Pieces

La Canada, CA — Kurt Bowker, a New Mexico artist and owner of Advanced Concept Group, has created several large set pieces for the upcoming premiere of California Contemporary Ballet's (http://www.CalBallet.com) new springtime production “Thumbelina” on June 29 and 30. And he will be displaying beautiful, functional display art in the lobby after the show.

With the use of a huge trailer, Kurt Bowker is packing up 10ft metal flowers and 5ft metal toadstools that will be featured onstage in the ballet, along with several works he also has prepared for display and sale in the lobby at Glendale Community College Theater, June 29 & 30. He will also pack up his four year old daughter, Kyrah, who will appear in the ballet as a Dew Drop. They will travel from Moriarty, New Mexico where Mr. Bowker lives on a large horse ranch and will arrive in La Canada this week. 

The performance of “Thumbelina” will be filled with his colorful flowers. Adapted from the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this new ballet will tell the story of the thumb size girl, Thumbelina, who is born from a tulip and undergoes various adventures in her quest for love. Set pieces are designed large in order to make the cast appear small, and will include beautiful flowers & toadstools made of painted sheet metal.

Bowker, a general contractor who has performed a variety of jobs for his community, discovered that he could use the scrap metal on his property that was left over from odd jobs to create many different types of functional and display art of all size. Mr. Bowker states, “Creating art has been a sideline until Aerin Holt asked if I could make huge flowers and toadstools for her ballet.” Bowker's daughter appeared in Ms. Holt's ballet of Snow Queen last December. “After seeing that production, I was excited to be involved with a new creative endeavor collaborating with Aerin. For the past several months, I’ve not been getting much sleep. It’s been a big project to design, weld and shape all these over-sized toadstools and flowers.”

Mr. Bowker has also built the large metal Tulip that will open (with use of hydraulics) to reveal the tiny Thumbelina (aka, Jaclyn Stryker who will perform the role). He notes, “The upside of using sets made of metal is that Thumbelina will be able to slide down a flower petal to get to the dance floor and some of the fairies will be able to sit on leaves of the tall flowers.” Mr. Bowker is as excited as anyone to see his creations on stage with the dancers. Once Bowker delivers these giant beauties his work won’t be done as he directs the crew on the use of the sets backstage during the show.

Lead choreographer and art director Aerin Holt says, “We are very excited about working with Kurt’s creations. This ballet will be a melding of contemporary dance, classical ballet and aerial arts, and a perfect choice for the entire family.” A further description of the ballet can be found at http://goo.gl/D2eVQ

For more information about Kurt Browker and his company, visit http://advanceconceptgroup.com/ His sheet metal sculptures will be on display at the premiere of “Thumbelina” by California Contemporary Ballet, which will be at Glendale Community College (1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA) on June 29th at 7:30 PM, and on June 30th at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20–$30 at http://www.CalBallet.com/tickets. Group tickets are also available.

Local Sculptor Will Display Artwork at Premiere of Springtime Ballet “Thumbelina”

California Contemporary Ballet Delighted to Host After-Performance Display of Nature-Themed Ceramic Creations

Los Angeles, CA — Anne Tryba, a La Cañada artist and professional designer, will be displaying her beautiful ceramic flower sculptures at the upcoming premiere of California Contemporary Ballet's (http://www.CalBallet.com) new springtime production “Thumbelina.”

Drawing from more than 20 years experience as a graphic designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, Anne Tryba has had a passionate focus on clay forms for the last decade. The fruits—or the “flowers”—of her work will be available for viewing and for purchase at the opening performance of “Thumbelina,” coming at the end of this month.

“My experience as a professional designer has influenced the expression of the art I create for my own pleasure, but when I am working on a piece of sculpture, there is an inner and extremely personal urge that directs my hand,” says Ms. Tryba. “My experimentation with unique textures on different types of clay, combined with under- and over-glazes, allows me to create an endless variety of surface decoration. My current floral garden sculptures can be attributed to a love of nature, as well as lots of trial and error with techniques. Combining the various pieces is like assembling a colorful puzzle. I hope you find the results as delightful as I do!”

The performance of “Thumbelina” will not be without its own colorful flowers. Adapted from the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this new ballet will tell the story of the thumb size girl, Thumbelina, who is born from a tulip and undergoes various adventures in her quest for love. Set pieces are designed for fairies (scaled to human size) and will include beautiful flowers & toadstools made of painted sheet metal. Lead choreographer and art director Aerin Holt says, “The piece will be a melding of contemporary dance, classical ballet and aerial arts, and a perfect choice for the entire family.” A further description of the ballet can be found at http://goo.gl/D2eVQ

For more information about Anne Tryba and her artwork, visit http://www.annetryba.com/. Her floral ceramic sculptures will be on display at the premiere of “Thumbelina” by California Contemporary Ballet, which will be at Glendale Community College (1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA) on June 29th at 7:30 PM, and on June 30th at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20–$30 at http://www.CalBallet.com. Group tickets are also available.

Preventing Hair Loss

By Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, FACS

Many of us (up to 40% of the population) will suffer from some degree of hair loss in our lifetimes. Although genetics has a large role in the problem (did your mother’s father have a good head of hair?), there are many other causes that hasten the process. Diet, mineral deficiencies, environmental pollution, stress, even wearing helmets can cause early and profound hair loss! Knowing is half the battle, so read on for some simple tips to minimize bald spots and receding hairlines.

The first question to answer is: do YOU have accelerated hair loss? Accelerated hair loss is a condition where you are losing hair faster than you should, and should get evaluated by your doctor for thyroid issues, other hormonal disturbances, or GI malabsorption. Try the “tug test”. Take a small amount of hair in your between your thumb and index fingers (about 20 hairs) and pull slow and firm. If you have more than 6 hairs in your hand, you may have a problem with accelerated hair loss and should schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.

The most common reason for hair loss is genetic. This is called androgenic alopecia, which most of us refer to as male or female pattern baldness. Although it is impossible to completely halt nature’s genetic forces, there are steps you can take to slow the process for years. A hair loss solution doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some simple tips to keep your hair healthy and where it belongs--on your head!

1. Keep chemicals off your hair. Hair dye can be a major chemical irritant to your hair follicle. Limit hair dying to once every 8 weeks to keep your scalp healthy.

2. Heat weakens your hair and makes it brittle. Minimizing the use of hair dryers, hot curlers, and straighteners will help keep your hair from losing its protein composition.

3. Avoid constant pull on your hair. “Traction alopecia” is caused by excessively tight hairstyles or using hair rollers. Minimizing the amount of pull will maximize the time your hair stays anchored to your scalp.

4. Don’t brush your hair while wet. Hair brushes cause “breakage” which can permanently damage hair. This occurs with more frequency when your hair is wet.

5. Take care of your hair. Wash regularly with a gentle shampoo to keep your scalp clean and to avoid scalp infection.

6. Decrease stress in your life, increase your exercise, and get enough sleep. Having an unhealthy lifestyle can cause accelerated hair loss, so take care of your body to have a healthy scalp.

7. Modify your diet to include “hair healthy” vitamins and minerals: iron, vitamin C, Zinc and Omega 3 fatty acids all have a role in preventing hair loss. Load up on these minerals in your diet or with supplements.

8. Avoid foods that can accelerate hair loss. These include soda and raw egg whites.

Recent medical advances have resulted in the development of two “breakthrough medications” that can help if the above techniques fail. These non surgical hair transplant treatments include Minoxidil and Finesteride. Minoxidil stops hair loss, while Finesteride can actually help grow new hair in almost 50% of men that take it.

If it is too late and you have lost most of your hair, then you can consider Hair Transplant Surgery, which can be done either by removing a strip of hair and re-implanting it or FUE transplantation which is hair transplant one follicular unit at a time (which leaves no scar). Hair transplant is done under local anesthesia and works almost 99% of the time.

Luckily, we live in an age where medical and surgical hair restoration treatments are available. But if you reduce your stress level, eat right and take care of you hair, you may be able to postpone or stop hair loss indefinitely avoiding potential medication side effects and the knife!

Darshan Shah, MD, FACS (Bakersfield plastic surgeon) is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing in Malibu, Bakersfield and Fresno, CA. As Medical Director for Beautologie Medical Group (plastic surgery Malibu), one of the top 10 practices in California, he strives to provide compassionate care and excellent results for all of his patients.  Dr. Shah trained in Plastic Surgery at the world renown Mayo Clinic, and has had national media recognition in the New York Times, the Today Show and Dr. Phil.  He has also been awarded numerous accolades, including Best/Favorite of Kern for the last 8 years in a row.

4 Traits Of A Hero

by Susan Mary Malone

With the protagonist being the most important person in your story, a ton is riding on his shoulders. Miss this character and your book flops—no matter how beautiful your voice or compelling your tale. The entire novel development revolves around this person, so she has to have traits that draw us in, for she is the one with whom we sign on to travel the course of the story.

What makes a great hero? It depends of course somewhat upon what you’re writing. Different genres require different traits. If a Romance, I always think of the Bonnie Tyler song:
I need a hero, I’m holding out for a hero ’till the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight

If a Thriller, we need someone handsome and capable, or beautiful and bright. The Western hero is strong and fast and noble. In Literary or Mainstream, she’s more real, more fallible, but overcomes her weaknesses to save whatever day in a manner in which we can all relate.

But every main character has things in common. First off, we meet him very early on (page one is best, but if a Prologue is used, Chapter One works fine). This signals to your readers that this person is our guy. If you begin with another, the reader gets confused. And a confused reader will quit your story in a flash. Again, if you’re writing say, a Murder Mystery, where you need to begin with the actual murder, your reader will snap to the fact that the murderer is not our hero (again, exceptions exist where that person is the protagonist, but you know that up front as well). The thing is, even after the murder occurs, we need to meet our hero right after. When you begin with your oh-so-compelling main character, your reader grabs the reins and runs with you right out of the starting gate.

Second, we spend about 75% of our time in her viewpoint. Again, she’s the one readers trust to take them through the novel. She’s the one with whom we want to spend our time. And when we’re away from her with secondary-character viewpoints, we should have a semi-nagging sense of wondering and wanting to get back to what she’s doing. The back and forth of that heightens tension, which quickens the pace and moves the tale along.

Third, the Protagonist has the most effect on the story. If not for him, the grail would not be reached, the wrong righted, etc. Your main character simply cannot be one to whom events happen and someone else saves the day. Rather, he directs the plot, the action, changing and growing as events occur, surely, but then he moves the storyline in another direction as he assimilates the pitfalls and learns from them. If someone else finds the Holy Grail, well, we have a whole different set of problems entirely! In effective book development, the plot influences the characters and then the characters drive the plot. The cycle is never ending, until we indeed reach the finale.

And finally, the Protagonist is the one who grows and changes the most. This story is about her. There’s a reason the book exists, and it’s because this compelling person has drawn us into her tale. We go through the tasks and trials along with her, learning as she does. We feel the same fears, longings, hopes, and dreams. The same embarrassments and failures. And ultimately, the same successes as she finally succeeds, at least somewhat, in her quest, whether that quest is saving the planet from invading aliens or stopping drinking in order to raise a child.

And that’s a lot of the point—this identification. Even if we aren’t hobbits, we feel the weight of vast responsibility on our shoulders to save the world from power that can be used for nefarious means. Even if we’re not private investigators or litigators or addicted doctors for that matter, we feel the fear of what will happen if we don’t find or put away the serial killer, or operate successfully on the dying child.

As a novel editor, the goal I teach of great fiction (and narrative nonfiction as well) is for the book to move us, to entertain us, and to make us feel as though we’re a part of the story. To accomplish that, we need a hero who speaks to us. And in doing so, to feel as if we’ve taped into for that short time, as Abraham Lincoln said, the better angels of our nature.

Classic Automobile Restorer Receives Tax Exemption On Aircraft

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals Help Northern CA Company Get Exemption on Piper Meridian Plane

SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, Inc., (http://www.aeromarinetaxpros.com/) an aircraft and marine tax specialist company in northern California, recently helped a classic automobile restorer receive a tax exemption from the California Board of Equalization on the purchase of a Piper Meridian plane.

An executive from the company stated: “We have a business up in Idaho where we restore classic automobiles, and also have some multi-family real estate projects out of state. The aircraft is used for both businesses. I fly to Idaho for the restoration business, and I also fly to several states to look for multi-family properties. I got the information on Aero & Marine Tax Professionals from a friend. My initial contact with them was simple and straightforward. They gave us a good rundown of what their program consisted of, it was clear and concise, and I found the rest of their organization was the same. They told me what needed to be done and their follow-through was very good. I would absolutely recommend them to others!”

Tom Alston, founder and CEO of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “There are many different scenarios of aircraft ownership in terms of where it is purchased and where it is used. Even if an owner takes possession of an aircraft in another state and hangars it in another state, there are instances where California may come after you for tax on the aircraft. They are being very aggressive in finding additional aircraft owners on which to assess sales and use tax. That's why companies should come to us before they purchase an aircraft. We know all the ways of legally avoiding sales tax on an aircraft purchase in California."

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft sales tax and vessel sales tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com.

California Contemporary Ballet Announces Fundraising Campaign for Summer Performance of “Thumbelina”

Local Ballet Company Soon to Premiere Latest Production; Requests Support from Patrons of the Arts

La Cañada, CA — Aerin Holt of California Contemporary Ballet (www.CalBallet.com), the originator of the celebrated ballet “The Snow Queen, has initiated a campaign on the www.Indiegogo.com web site to raise funds for the upcoming June 29 premiere of their newest major original ballet production of “Thumbelina.”

Ms. Holt, who first adapted Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of “The Snow Queen” into a highly successful seasonal ballet fifteen years ago, felt it was time to create a new ballet for her company—and it was only fitting that the inspiration sprang from the same classic source. When she mentioned the ballet to her friend Mikkelsen, a prolific classical composer, she was surprised and delighted with his immediate enthusiasm for the idea. He began work at once on compositions, and Ms. Holt admitted herself “delighted with his musical interpretations.”

The surprises continued when she received an offer from a family member to make the large flowers using scrap metal from his property in New Mexico. A series of conversations ensued about the design of the set pieces, ultimately leading to the creation of ten-foot tall flowers, five-foot toadstools, and the famous tulip from which Thumbelina is born. The newly-designed tulip will operate by means of a hydraulic system, enabling its petals to open at the appropriate moment. To crown the bright reality of Ms. Holt's dreamed-of set, these expensive pieces were offered as a donation, giving Ms. Holt the impetus needed to go forward with her production immediately.

In an effort to secure additional much-needed financial support for the ballet, the Company is working on a broad fundraising campaign. “Expenses for a production like this are considerably greater than many people recognize,” says Ms. Holt. “Theater costs, sets, costumes, promotion—it all adds up to much more than you might expect.” To help in funding all these costs, the Company has established a donation page where anyone may make a donation:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-production-of-thumbelina-by-california-contemporary-ballet

Jaclyn Stryker, the star in the upcoming premiere of the Thumbelina ballet received her core dance training from Ms. Holt's dance academy and tells us, “It's been Aerin's dream to create this ballet for as far back as I can remember. She made it sound fantastic, and I wanted to be a part of it. I'm very happy that the time for it has finally come!”

“Thumbelina” by California Contemporary Ballet Los Angeles premieres at Glendale Community College (1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA) on June 29th at 7:30 PM, and on June 30th at 2:00 PM. To donate in support of the production, visit
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-production-of-thumbelina-by-california-contemporary-ballet

Tickets are $20–$30 at http://calballet.com/tickets/. Group tickets are also available.