Doc Rob Hosts Celebrate Life Party in New York City

If you’re in New York Saturday night (5/30) you’ll want to check this out!

Doc Rob Hosts Celebrate Life Party in New York City

New York, NY May 26, 2009 –  Enjoy a night of healthy fun this Saturday, May 30^th, at Doc Rob’s Celebrate Life Party at Bounce in New York City.  Celebrate Life Parties are special events that bring the health and entertainment industries together through art and music. From live music events to runs, discussions and more, this party is as educational as it is fun!

The theme of this week’s party is “Savor the Flavor”, sponsored by VitaminSpice^TM. VitaminSpice recently introduced several all-natural blends of herbs and spices with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The new line offers a convenient and flavor-driven way to boost the nutritional value of meals – and is a perfect fit for restaurants looking for healthy, but cost-effective menu options. According to Doc Rob, “With today’s busy lifestyles, people of all ages can benefit from a product like VitaminSpice that adds great flavor to the natural foods we’re already eating and increases nutritional intake at the same time.” For more information visit  www.vitaminspice.net.

Come hang out at Bounce NY, say hello, and toast to good health and happiness on May 30^th from 7-10pm.  No cover charge, but you can receive Doc Rob’s book “A Healthier Ever After” plus a complimentary drink for just $20.  It’s time to Celebrate Life in New York City!

About DocRob

A naturopathic physician and gourmet health-food chef, Doc Rob travels all over the country helping people with their health, their diet, and their sense of humor. Rob has the magnetism of Tony Robbins, the relentless energy of an Olympic athlete, and an Andrew Weil-like ability to communicate and educate on numerous natural and alternative health topics.

Obama & Chavez: Keeping Your Enemies Close

I have to admit that my initial reaction to seeing Obama smiling widely and comfortably shaking hands with Venezuelan president Chavez was not good.  How could he so blatantly be enjoying time with such a known foe?  Our leader has no business fraternizing with such an anti-american socialist!

But just yesterday I realized that this brought to mind another presidential relationship: Reagan and Gorbachev.  Although I was still young at the time, I remember the discussions in my Junior High Social Studies class as we studied current events.  Many had a similar opinion of disgust and doubt that our leader would associate with the ultimate representation of evil known as the Soviet Union. But the result of that friendship resulted in the destruction of the Berlin Wall and the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Reagan accomplished what others had failed.  Where the words and threats of previous presidents were ignored or even laughed at by Soviet Leaders it was discovered that friendship won, that kindness truly was the best policy.  The relationship forged between the two made him a trusted confidante, someone whose feelings and opinions were valued and revered.  Of course relationships of world leaders are a bit unique and different from those of the everyday Joe, but the basis is the same.

I started thinking about what that handshake really meant and felt a bit like a hypocrite.  I’ve always believed that having enemies gets you nowhere.  Acting out of anger, hatred and disdain often just makes matters worse.  How many can honestly say that the words of an enemy ever made a difference?  If anything it tends to spark the fire even more.  The words of a friend, however, will be weighed with careful consideration.

You can befriend somebody, like or even love someone, without supporting or agreeing with their actions.  We all have experienced that at some point or another.  A sibling, child, parent or friend that just does something that is completely against everything you believe.  Christians should be the ultimate representation of this, following the teachings of Jesus (although sadly this is often not the case).   Jesus taught that we should befriend our enemies and gently, kindly persuade them to change their ways.  Not just with family and those we already know, but with strangers as well.  Those we don’t expect to be seen or associated with.  People like Hugo Chavez.

Why should it be different for our world leaders? It is simply at a more extreme level than most of us will ever experience.  My views here will most likely shock many who know me personally, simply because I am not an avid Obama supporter.  But this goes beyond supporting a person, it’s a review of how relationships and politics work.  It’s putting the old saying into action, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”.  Getting to know them, understanding their way of thinking and reasons for their action is the best way to address those actions in the future.  The key is to make sure that relationship does not get in the way of doing what must be done.  Obama would do good by making sure that the American people know that he is capable and willing to put his foot down should the situation call for it.

Where will this relationship actually go, and what will result from it – good or bad?  Only time will tell, but in the end I hope that again kindness will prove to be the best policy!

Community College Enrollment Growth Outgrows Resources

Community college enrollment growth outpaces resources, shutting out students – San Jose Mercury News.

Being the mom of a high school senior, college is at the top of our minds right now. This article caught my attention as a reminder of the obstacles our children face today. Community College is the only 0ption for many, but it seems that even that is now difficult to achieve.

As reported in the San Jose Mercury News, 3000 students are currently on a waitlist. While some will attempt to switch campuses, they will likely be met with similar situations.

Unlike the state University’s, community colleges cannot cap their enrollment. The current economic situation and cutbacks at the universities have made many turn to the two year institutions for their bargain prices – but the surge of students is straining their capacity.

Enrollment at the state’s community colleges grew 10.2 percent from fall 2007 to fall 2008, according to a preliminary survey. The state provided funding for only 2 percent enrollment growth during that period.

Although enrollment is up, funding is down. To keep up with the increased demand classes have been moved off campus or are held online. Other classes are eliminated completely. According to the San Jose Mercury News, De Anza cut 152 classes; Foothill cut 99 classes. Some waitlists for high-demand classes in the sciences are double, even triple, the size of the class.

If you are considering college be sure to register as early as possible. Since many take the summer off you may have a higher chance of getting into a class by attending the summer term. Know what classes you need, start with the less popular courses and be sure that you are on wait lists for classes that are in higher demand.  Being a college student now requires patience, just be prepared to wait.