34th Annual NFCB Conference

in Portland!

The healing Taoist practice of Qigong cultivates strength of body and calmness of mind through an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions. Its gentle, rhythmic movements have been proven to reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions.
According to Ms. Wong, those who maintain a consistent practice of Qigong find that it helps one regain a youthful vitality. In more than thirty research studies, Qigong has been found to reverse the effects of aging.

The program will provide a rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique lineages: the Pre-celestial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School, neither of which have previously been fully transmitted to students in the West.

In Level 1, students will be in instructed in techniques of outer and inner qigong. Outer qigong is concerned with strengthening the muscular-skeletal system?joints, muscles, tendons, bones, and spinal column. Inner qigong is concerned with nourishing the internal organs and cultivating internal energy. Students will learn Chen Xiyi’s sleeping and walking qigong and Wang Xiangzhai’s standing qigong.

In Level 2, students will learn the Nine Self-Massage Technique and the Twelve Devas Tendon-changing system. The Self-Massage Technique focuses on stimulating the meridians and acupuncture points and the Twelve Devas focus on flexibility, strength, and softness in the tendons and muscles.  Level I qigong is required to attend Level II.

Classes will be held March 7 and 8, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Costs: $200; General Public ($150.00 Members, Seniors and Students) ($100.00 Deposit). Registration and information at (323) 255-5472 or http://la.shambhala.org/program_details.php?id=16983&cid=208

The Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock is located at 2225 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles (Eagle Rock) 90041.  The Center provides innovative and multicultural arts programming to North East Los Angeles, and surrounding areas. Website: www.centerartseaglerock.org.

The first public ceremony to mark the public acquisition of more than 600 acres of land on the Los Angeles coast – known as the Ballona Wetlands – was organized as a Gala Dinner kicking off a year-long series of events called Celebrate Ballona!

The dinner was December 2, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey and was presided over by Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who is Chair of the Honorary Host Committee for Celebrate Ballona!  Approximately 300 guests attended a program which honored five public officials and eight journalists who Ballona activists deemed crucial to the public acquisition, which happened over a year’s time beginning in September of 2003.

The officials honored included Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, California Secretary of State Debra Bowen, former State Senator Tom Hayden, former State Controller Kathleen Connell and former State Controller Steve Westly.   Journalists honored as “Journalists of Courage” included Robert Scheer, Patt Morrison, J. William Gibson, David Helvarg, Nick Madigan, Mary Moore, Jill Stewart and Jeff Stockwell.

The Dinner Chair for the evening was Rosemary MacHardy of Venice.

The dinner and Celebrate Ballona! is being organized by the Ballona Institute, a project of the International Humanities Center.

Photos – Click to enlarge

Photo Credit: Martin Rubin

Left to right – former CA Assemblymember Richard Katz, Roy van de Hoek (Co-Director Ballona Institute), Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Marcia Hanscom (Co-Director Ballona Institute), Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl (Master of Ceremonies)

Photo Credit: Martin Rubin

Left to right – Roy van de Hoek (Co-Director Ballona Institute), John Chiang (California State Controller), Debra Bowen (California Secretary of State), Marcia Hanscom (Co-Director Ballona Institute), Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl (Master of Ceremonies)

Photo credit: Martin Rubin

Left to right – Roy van de Hoek (Co-Director Ballona Institute), Jeff Stockwell (Premiere Magazine), Rose MacHardy (Dinner Committee Chair), Nick Madigan (Daily Variety, New York Times, the Outlook and currently with the Baltimore Sun)), Robert Scheer (Los Angeles Times), Marcia Hanscom (Co-Director Ballona Institute), Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, Mary Moore (Daily Breeze, the Outlook, and Los Angeles Times), Jill Stewart (New Times Los Angeles and currently with the LA Weekly), Patt Morrison (Los Angeles Times), Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Bill Gibson ( LA Weekly, The Nation, Los Angeles Times)

Vivian & John with John McEuen(Founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) live taping for Art of the Song Creativity Radio at the Moab Folk Festival in Utah.
The program was given as a free public workshop offering at 10 am on the Saturday of the Festival.

Art of the Song is a one-hour public radio program heard on over 180 stations across the country. The show is not just for songwriters and musicians–it explores the universal truths common to all creative expression.

LENGTH: 59 minutes
COST: FREE
AVAILABLE: on CD, and mp2 and mp3 via producers’ website.

Click here to see pictures from the 2008 PRPD.