Plus Letters to Good Times
Middle-East Meltdown?
Talk More
The District’s Disconnect
Club much? Sometimes, it’s a good thing, and if you’ve moseyed to any of the local nightclubs in Santa Cruz County over the years, you more than likely have been greeted by a powerful presence—a bouncer. This week, writer J.D. Ramey takes readers behind the scenes and uncovers, well, let’s say the more embraceable side of some of our area’s favorite greeters and, at times, protectors. These guys are an enigmatic bunch.

I'd say it's average. I like a lot of dub step and electronic music. Most of the hip-hop and K-DON and stuff—I really get over those kind of songs. More DJ's and what not would be nice.

Nesta Loni
Santa Cruz | Prep Chef

Nearly two years ago, America elected its first African-American president. Observers by the score commented on the significance of a biracial president, and wondered whether it finally signaled that race relations had improved in America.

So have the intervening months proved anything about prejudice? Do minorities now feel that all things are possible in America? Do whites feel free of their own prejudices?

Astrologically, the coming week/month is very challenging. The upcoming transits, phenomenal in their power, force, strength and multiplicity (with more to come), have long-range, enduring and continuing effects upon all of humanity’s endeavors.

Thursday, Mars enters Libra. Mars presents humanity with nine tests, including testing our ability to recognize and discriminate between the two forces presently at battle on our planet. Simultaneously, as Libra asks us to choose sides, Mars allows us to distinctly see the difference between personality and the Soul. Watch the news for “arbitration,” mediation (Libra) between two distinct factions often at war (Mars).

Plus Letters to Good Times
Desal: Another Look
Not Worth the Trip?
Death, deadlines and desire. It sounds like the title of a summer read, but, no, the three Ds have been alive and kicking—at least in my circles—lately. Let’s work our way in from the back. Desire. One of the more memorable outings I had in college (ASU) was playing a drunk sailor, as well as being in the chorus of “Cabaret.” I also played a Nazi guard in another scene, to which my concerned Polish mother, having been through a bit of drama during WW II herself, moaned: “Oh, do you have to wear that damn uniform?” Well, at the time I had to. The play’s the thing, right, and if you know anything about the musical, “Cabaret,” then you already know how well it mixes the emotional intensities and desires of its characters with the haunting political changes happening in Germany in the ’30s.

To enjoy life, have a good time and keep on populating this Earth.
Chris Molda
Santa Cruz | Diver