Rabbi Shlachter: How Do You Spell Hanukkah (Or Chanukkah Or Chanukah Or …) And What Is It Anyway?
This year, Hanukkah begins Sunday evening, Dec. 18 and ends Monday night, Dec. 26 Courtesy/Rabbi Jack Shlachter
By RABBI JACK SHLACHTER
Los Alamos Jewish Center
For millennia, the Jewish people have been celebrating a minor holiday which we call Hanukkah (from the Hebrew word meaning dedication) as a way to remember a historic event that occurred in Jerusalem nearly 2200 years ago. Though the Temple in Jerusalem was initially overrun and defiled by a numerically superior Greek/Syrian army following the collapse of the Alexandrian empire, a small band of rebel Jews recaptured the Temple and Read More
Gruninger: Focusing Tip … Pausing To Offset Holiday Stress
By JACCI GRUNINGER, MS, C-IAYT
Los Alamos
If you find yourself feeling the effects of holiday stress – headaches, stomach upset, tight or tense muscles, sleeplessness try this Inner Relationship Focusing technique called Pausing.
Pausing is a technique to take a moment to notice what is happening and check in with yourself.
First, notice where in your body you are experiencing the stress. I often get tense in my upper traps or my stomach.
Second, notice how you are feeling.
Third (and this is the one that is a little funny/weird), say HELLO to the SOMETHING IN YOU that is feeling stressed.
Lastly, Read More
Leonard: Number 1 Motivator To Lose Weight & Keep It Off
By LAURA LEONARD
Doctor of Chiropractic
Los Alamos
There are three types of motivation that drive us to achieve things: extrinsic, intrinsic and addiction. When we are extrinsically motivated, we are driven to achieve so we can get stuff.
Pleasing others, money, being accepted and likes on social media are all extrinsic motivators. Intrinsic motivation on the other hand drives us to achieve for what we feel on the inside. Being satisfied, feeling enjoyment and gaining confidence are powerful feelings we all want to have. Addiction is a tough one because it often overpowers the other two types Read More
Amateur Naturalist: What Is A Lichen?
Crustose lichen grows like a crust that is tightly attached to the underlying rock substrate. Photo by Robert Dryja
By ROBERT DRYJA
Los Alamos
It is easy to see the world as composed of discrete plants and animals while walking across the countryside. Short juniper trees grow at lower elevations while tall ponderosa trees grow at higher elevations. Squirrels can be seen scampering across the ground and then up tree trunks. Hummingbirds arrive in the spring and then leave in the fall. Unusual looking things also can be seen.
For example, a curious sort of organism can be seen living on the ground. Read More
Teach Plus New Mexico: Don’t Take Away HS Electives
By RACHEL WOODS
Teach Plus New Mexico
I was painfully shy when I started high school but luckily, I had the opportunity to take elective classes that helped me to come out of my shell.
Performing in drama class helped me get over my fear of public speaking. Competing at the state and national levels in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) furthered my self-confidence. Participating in the student council and becoming one of the yearbook editors developed my leadership skills. Learning Spanish enabled me to study abroad and travel the world.
I am now a high school English Language Development Read More
Fr. Glenn: The Quest For Truth
By Fr. Glenn Jones:
Not infrequently we see politicians “eating their own” with criticism whenever one of their party members reaches out to the other side, or even to be seen with someone controversial. Case in point: Senator McCarthy (Rep.) at the recent state dinner at the White House with the controversial Hunter Biden in attendance. “Bad enough with Joe, but with Hunter, too?!!”
Well, if you’re going to have to vet every single person at every single gathering you attend, you just as well stay home. Such stories of snubbing those with whom one disagrees cannot help but remind us of the Gospel: Read More
McQuiston: Answers To 5 Common Insurance Questions About Home Water Damage
By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
Water can quickly cause major problems in your home with a sudden, unexpected event like a burst pipe. While many homeowners underestimate the frequency of water issues that arise from plumbing or appliances, it’s helpful to know what your insurance will cover should a non-weather water incident occur.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, over a five-year period, on average just over one non-weather water claim was filed per 50 homeowners policies each year and the average cost per claim was almost $11,000. Read More
