"ReWalk" -- Amazing Technology

Saw the "ReWalk" mentioned in the Chico News & Review and checked it out on YouTube (click here for a video demonstration). Truly amazing! Amit Goffer, the founder of Argo Medical Technologies, a small Israeli high-tech company, has developed a robotic "exoskeletal" apparatus designed to help paraplegics walk. Amidst all of the negativity we're bombarded with daily, it's great to hear such an inspiring and uplifting story.

Artoberfest in Chico

"ARTOBERFEST" kicked into high gear in Chico today with the 2nd annual "Palio," the running of the "horses." (Click here for short video of the race.) Well, homemade horse-like creations, that is. (Reminds me of the Great Arcata-to-Ferndale Kinetic Sculpture Race--see my blog entry in May '08 for more info on this annual event.) A "just for fun" family event held in our Downtown Plaza, the running marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of the arts. As Chico has been recognized in various publications (including USA Today and Sunset Magazine) as one of the top small arts communities in the country, our various art groups work together to live up to this illustrious reputation. (Thanks to the Chico Art Center and Chico Arts Commission in particular. Click here to view some of Chico's public art.) My family and I have always enjoyed visiting the personal work spaces of various local artists during the ever-popular "Open Studio Tour," which occurs beginning Oct. 11-12 in Chico this year, with tours of Paradise and Oroville on the following weekends. In past years some standouts have been (in my humble opinion): Caitlin Schwerin, Chunhong Chang, Bruce Ertle and mosaic tile artist Robin Indar. Of course, there are many extremely talented artists gracious enough to open their studios to the public--what a great opportunity to see how they work. Hope you find time to enjoy some of this month's Artoberfest! (More public art can be viewed at my web site, http://www.chicolaura.com/, by clicking on "Area Photo Tour," then on the photo album, bottom left.)

Cultivate Peace...

"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony toward all." - George Washington, Farewell to Congress address, Sept. 17, 1796. (Click here for full transcript of his speech.) Good words to remember as our country prepares to elect new leadership...

Ssssssssnake!

I was watering the potted plants on my front patio the other day (a never-ending job during the summer months--when will I EVER get around to adding drip?), and imagine my surprise when I almost bumped into this little beauty sunbathing on my gardenia! (Of course I had to dash into the house to grab my trusty Sony Cybershot digital camera.) Does anyone know what kind of snake this is? I'm thinking a garter snake. (Much less imposing than the GIANT rattlesnake I nearly tripped over during an outing at Five Mile a couple of months ago.) In researching, I was surprised to learn (according to Wikipedia) that the garter snake gives birth like a mammal, rather than laying eggs. So there, now you can't say you've never learned anything from reading my blog! (Click here to see a fun "gutsy rabbit vs. snake" video!)

Is Chico an "Amenity Town"?

Have you heard the term "amenity buyer" yet? According to a recent story on NPR, "More Americans are living where they want to, not where they have to. They're making new lives for themselves by the beach, in the mountains, in college towns." Towns like Flagstaff, AZ, Aspen, CO, and "super-trendy" amenity towns like Jackson Hole, Wyo., and Park City, Utah are attracting baby boomers by the thousands, with no end in sight. (Having lived in the more densely-populated areas of the S.F. Bay Area and San Diego County, I can totally understand the desire to "get outta Dodge" and head for the hills!)

So is our little haven of Chico likely to become (or indeed already becoming) a draw for "amenity migrants"? Well, we do have: 1) The amazingly beautiful Bidwell Park (where my brother and I rode our bicycles just this morning), over 3600 acres of predominantly raw, natural beauty; 2) The gorgeous Chico State campus, conveniently located in downtown Chico, its stately elegance enhanced by Big Chico Creek which runs right through it; 3) The historic Bidwell Mansion, built beginning in 1865 by Chico's founder John Bidwell (Note: certain scenes in the film The Thin Man were shot inside the mansion--a little known piece of trivia I just now found out by reading the Wikipedia entry! I highly recommend taking the app. 50-min. tour of Bidwell Mansion, held daily except Mon.; just $4/adult, $2/children; click here for info); 4) A thriving and energetic arts community (with the upcoming highlight of the year: Artoberfest, a celebration of the arts, complete with the well-attended Open Studios Tour); 5) Proximity to the mountains, coast, and several major cities, but with a decidedly "small town" atmosphere, etc. etc.

I could go on and on, but those of you fortunate to live here, as well as past visitors & grads know what I'm talking about. While Chico has certainly had its share of Bay Area and SoCal "transplants" (my family and me among them!), the notoriously hot summers may keep some of those boomers away, despite amenities galore. It will be interesting to see what the next few decades bring in terms of growth and how it's managed...

Crazy Upside-down Tree Yoga

Don't know where I'VE been, but apparently the latest thing in the yoga world is "Tree Yoga." Now you too can experience the pure childish thrill of climbing and hanging from trees while enjoying your yoga practice!

I had an indoor taste of tree yoga this morning when I inadvertently attended an Iyengar yoga class at our local In Motion Fitness. (Per Wikipedia, "Iyengar Yoga is considered a powerful tool to relieve the stresses of modern-day life which in turn can help promote total physical and spiritual well-being." I knew I was in for a physical and spiritual adventure when Teacher Tom had us plug the metal ends of some wicked-looking straps into receptacles in the walls (I wondered what those holes were for!), wiggle inside said straps until our hips were firmly nestled therein, and literally climb the wall with our feet until we were dangling upside down! Talk about a rush! (I just knew I'd end up blogging about this.)

While surfing the net trying to find photos of "upside down yoga," I came across the photo and accompanying article above and thought, "Ahhhh...it's the latest yoga trend: Tree Yoga." (Too bad I didn't have any straps or other implements of torture on my latest camping trip.) I also found this humorous short you might enjoy. (I like the "Crowded Elevator" pose.) It's not often one sees comedy skits about yoga, so I thought I'd share. Enjoy!