Real Astrology, Week of July 19

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your deep psyche will soon well up with extra creativity and fertility. I hope you will eagerly tap into these gifts. You should assume that you will be more imaginative and ingenious than usual. You will have an enhanced ability to solve problems with vigor and flair. In what areas of your life would you love to gently erupt with a burst of reinvention? Which of your habits might benefit from being cheerfully disrupted? Give yourself permission to change whatever bores you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): My teacher, Paul Foster Case, said the color yellow is midway between warm, exciting red and cool, calming blue. “Yellow has an equilibrating influence,” he wrote. “It stimulates the finer functions of the brain, is of assistance in developing alertness and discrimination, and helps to establish emotional balance.” According to my astrological analysis, Taurus, you should emphasize this hue in the coming days. If you call on yellow to help strengthen the qualities Case describes, you will place yourself in sweet alignment with cosmic rhythms.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Because I enjoy joking with you, I am slightly tempted right now to give you one of the following nicknames: Fidgety, Twitch, Jittery, Quivers or Shakes. But I will take a more serious tack. Let’s instead see if we can influence you to slow down, stabilize your rhythm, get really steady and secure, and stand strong in your foundational power spot. Would you consider adopting any of the following nicknames? Anchor, Unshakeable, Sturdy, Rock Solid, Staunch, Steadfast, Resolute.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The sometimes overly clever author Oscar Wilde said, “When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers.” I reject that warped view of reality and assure you it will have no bearing on your life in the coming weeks. If you formulate your prayers with care and discernment, they will lead you to rewards, not problems. Maybe not the exact rewards you imagined, but still close to your hopes and helpful in the next chapter of your life story. (PS: No sloppy, lazy, careless prayers, please. Be precise and clear.)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo theologian Bernard McGinn defines mysticism as “the consciousness of the immediate presence of God.” In other words, people having a mystic experience are filled with a visceral sensation of divine intelligence. It’s not just an idea or concept; it’s a deeply felt communion infused with intimate tenderness. You Leos will be more likely than usual to have such contact in the coming weeks—if you want it. If you don’t want it, or don’t believe it’s real, or don’t think it’s possible, well, then, you can of course resist it. But why not give it a whirl? There’s nothing to lose, and it could be fun.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Here’s a parable for you. Once upon a time, there was a woman who could read the future in the night sky. She regarded the planets and stars as her divine informants. On one moonless evening, she took a walk down a dirt road near her home. It was so dark she could barely see two feet ahead of her. Oops! She should have brought a flashlight. Lost in wonder, she gazed up at the heavenly bodies, watching and listening for revelations they might have for her. Then one of the lights, the planet Saturn, whispered, “Stop and look down, friend.” The woman turned her eyes from the sky to the ground just in time to find she was two strides away from stepping into a deep, muddy hole. What’s the moral of the tale? Here are some possibilities. 1. Sometimes the heights provide useful information about the depths. 2. Soaring visions may help you tune in to practical details. 3. To become aware of important facts you’ve overlooked in your daily rhythm, consult your higher mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A Libran writer I know received many rejection notices when he launched his career. I was amazed at how undaunted he was. In fact, he was the opposite of undaunted. He taped copies of his rejection notices to his bedroom wall. Seeing the evidence of his failures motivated him. It drove him to improve his writing and churn out even more articles. It fueled his search for a wider array of publications that might host his work. During the fourth year of this approach, luck and fate turned in his favor. Within the next eight months, 12 of his pieces appeared in print. My muses tell me, Libra, that you need to hear this story right now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The cartoon character Bart Simpson is one of the stars of The Simpsons animated TV show. According to him, “Life is a paradox. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.” While that principle may sometimes be true, I believe you will be exempt from it in the coming weeks. In fact, I suspect you will be as free as it’s possible for a human to be of grueling contradictions, frustrating oppositions, clashing truths and paralyzing contraries. There’s a good chance you will also outwit and avoid annoying incongruities and silly arguments. Congratulations in advance, Scorpio! Take full advantage of this phase of simple clarity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The dragon has appeared in the myths and legends of many cultures. Europe, China and Mesoamerica are just a few places where the fire-breathing flying reptiles have fascinated the human imagination. In some traditions, they are dangerous and predatory. In China, though, they have been harbingers of good fortune and symbols of great power. Emperors claimed the dragon as their special emblem. In assigning the dragon to be your soul creature, Sagittarius, I am drawing from Chinese lore. What would you like to accomplish that would benefit from you having access to fierce, dynamic, indomitable energy? Call on the dragon for help and power.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “There is a world of people who will love you for who you are,” writes author Cheryl Strayed. “A whole, vibrant, fucked-up, happy, conflicted, joyous, and depressed mass of people.” In the coming months, one of your prime tasks is to specialize in communing with these folks. Make it your intention to surround yourself more and more with interesting, imperfect, ever-changing life-lovers who appreciate you for exactly who you are—and who inspire you to grow more and more into the full idiosyncratic glory of your authentic self.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): What psychic or prophet is most popular with A-list celebrities? I can assure you it’s not me. Few of my millions of readers are world-famous. What about the planet’s most scientifically accurate astrologer? Who might that be? It ain’t me. I don’t regard astrology as a science, and I distrust those who say it is. In my view, astrology is a mythopoetic language and psychospiritual system that nurtures our souls and helps liberate us from our conditioning. We shouldn’t try to get “scientifically accurate” information from it. Now I encourage you to do what I just did, Aquarius. Have fun telling people who you are not, what you don’t believe in and which goals you aren’t interested in pursuing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): To come up with your astrological reports, I study the positions of the sun, moon and planets in relation to your sign. That’s the technical part of the work, the framework within which I unleash my intuition and imagination. To augment this work, I meditate and pray, asking higher powers to guide me in providing useful information for you. I often consult books written by my favorite astrology writers. (Currently reading Steven Forrest’s The Elements Series.) I also ask my deep mind to slip me info that might not be accounted for by traditional factors. How about you, Pisces? How do you do the work that you love and care about? Now is a good time to take inventory and make necessary adjustments.

Terry McLaurin: A Rising Star in the NFL’s Wide Receiver Landscape

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Terry McLaurin, a formidable player known for his speed, agility, and excellent catching ability, has made significant strides in NFL. His impressive skill set and consistent performance have earned him recognition as one of the most promising wide receivers in the league. This has placed him at the forefront of the NFL’s wide receiver landscape, with his potential for growth appearing limitless.

The Journey of Terry McLaurin: From the 2019 Draft to Now

Terry McLaurin’s professional journey began in the 2019 NFL Draft when he was selected as a second-round pick by the Washington Commanders. Since then, his career has been on an upward trajectory, with each season showcasing his growing skills and experience. His performance and progression since his selection have not only affirmed the Commanders’ faith in his abilities but also marked him as one of the league’s brightest prospects.

Overcoming Obstacles: McLaurin’s Resilience and Determination

Despite the challenges McLaurin faced, such as playing for a team grappling with ownership issues, he has always showcased resilience and determination. This consistency in his performance, regardless of the circumstances, has made him a key player to watch in NFL betting circles. His ability to deliver under pressure, even amidst trials, speaks volumes about his character. McLaurin’s journey stands as a testament to the fact that he’s not just a formidable athlete on the field, but also a player whose remarkable mental strength influences the dynamics of NFL betting predictions.

McLaurin’s Impressive Performance in Numbers

McLaurin’s statistics from the past season clearly highlight his high-level performance. He managed to catch 77 passes for a total of 1,191 yards, scoring 5 touchdowns. These numbers were enough to earn him a spot among the four Commanders players who received Pro Bowl honors. This further solidified his standing as one of the most valuable players on the field, specifically within the offensive team.

Navigating Changes: McLaurin and His Quarterbacks

Throughout his career, McLaurin has had to adapt to various quarterbacks, each with their unique style of play. Despite this, he has displayed remarkable adaptability and skill, maintaining his high-level performance regardless of who is at the helm. His ability to sync with different quarterbacks and consistently deliver excellent results is a testament to his versatility and professionalism.

The McLaurin-Howell Duo: A Promising Partnership

The partnership between McLaurin and second-year QB Sam Howell has shown great promise. Howell, who has been making strides in his game during this offseason, has earned McLaurin’s admiration for his quiet confidence and determination. Their partnership could potentially usher in a new era for the Commanders, with both players complementing each other’s strengths and enhancing the team’s overall performance.

The Commanders’ Offensive Force: McLaurin at the Helm

As the Commanders continue to strengthen their lineup, McLaurin remains a key figure, leading the way with his exceptional skills. His presence, along with a strong group of wide receivers, contributes to a formidable offensive force for the Washington Commanders. His influence and role in the team’s offensive strategies are undeniable.

Conclusion: Terry McLaurin, a Star That’s Already Risen

Terry McLaurin’s journey in the NFL is a demonstration of his dedication, skill, and adaptability. His impressive statistics and the respect he has earned from his peers speak for themselves. As he continues to shine, his partnership with Sam Howell offers an exciting prospect for the future of the Washington Commanders. McLaurin is not just a star on the rise, he is a star that has already risen, leaving an indelible mark on the NFL.

Rivertown Revival Returns for 12th year

What’s part vintage country fair, part weekend music festival, family friendly, with old-timey vibes and art that Burning Man would love to ignite?

For those who guessed Petaluma’s 12th annual Rivertown Revival, they are correct.

The beloved festival returns to the David Yearsley River Heritage Center on the McNear Peninsula during the weekend of July 22 and 23. The annual two-day event celebrates the Petaluma River and the vibrant community that surrounds it with art, music and more.

Since 2010, the popular and admired community festival has focused on a place-based, local lineup of musicians, artists, vendors and activities. The organizers have a deep sense of what makes the Petaluma area special. Accordingly, Rivertown Revival consistently highlights the plethora of talented musicians, artists, dancers and more in the community. This year’s lineup features 98% local art and music over the laid-back, weekend-long, summertime extravaganza.

One would expect nothing less from a place with a dynamic sense of place and a consistently growing art and music scene.

According to Josh Windmiller, the event’s music director, the arts of all kinds in Sonoma County have only become more vibrant in recent years. “When we look up on the stages,” he says, “we are seeing our neighbors.”

Indeed, more than 20 bands—mostly Bay Area notables—will play on the stages over the summer weekend, with Ben Morrison & Friends closing out Saturday night and The Rivertown Revue, featuring The Crux with special guests, closing out the festival on Sunday night. Also playing will be Foxes in the Henhouse, Kayatta, Hubbub Club, Barrio Manouche, John Courage and many others.

If one already loves or is curious about local music, this is a great place to experience a wide cross-section of the area’s best. “This year, we might be having our most diverse musical experience ever, with salsa, cajun, Americana, rock, hip-hop and fusions of all of these,” says Margaret Kuffel, one of the event’s organizers.

But it’s more than a music festival.

“We also have large artworks returning from Kevin Clark, including the popular giant rhino, the wedding chapel and the front barn stage, which resembles a small church,” Kuffel elaborates, “and we are excited to present Sierra Camille and her aerial acts.” And one won’t want to miss the massive vibrant interactive art piece from Tony Speirs.

While many festivals end up being really for adults, even if they technically allow kids, this one is different. Here, one can actually bring the family. With more than a face painting booth, the lively kids play area features imaginative and thoughtful activities to engage the smallest family members. The whole family can enjoy the kids’ stage. And if someone needs a second away from the hubbub, a shady parents’ tent is provided for changing a fussy baby, nursing quietly or just taking a break. Just leave pets at home please, per food vendor regulations.

Speaking of food, the wide selection of ecologically-minded food and drink vendors will assure that one will stay hydrated and keep up their blood sugar, even being outside all day. They will be able to savor delicious lunch, dinner and dessert fare, and enjoy libations of all kinds from local purveyors while there.

The eco-friendly event begins even before everyone shows up, and encourages all to bring water bottles to reduce waste, and to arrive by boat, bike, train, bus or foot if possible. And for those who’d like to dress up in their best Rivertown regalia, that is encouraged too.

As festival goers will always be comfortable dressed up or down, Rivertown Revival is filled with people wearing amazing costumes to enjoy seeing, making it even more fun to dress up too. If one doesn’t have anything at home, never fear; an entire section of the festival is devoted to beautiful and unique crafts, including but not limited to: costumes, corsets, hats, masks, parasols, jewelry, art, face painting and more to complete a desired look.

Whether or not one is wearing a corset and sporting a parasol, make sure to head over to Michael Woolsey and Tyler Young’s iconic photo booth, always a favorite of festival attendees every year.

“You can be anybody of any background and age, dressed up or dressed down, and feel comfortable at Rivertown Revival,” says Kuffel.

And of course the weekend isn’t complete unless someone gets married. That’s right, those who have been thinking about tying the knot with their partner are out of excuses. One of the most unique experiences offered at Rivertown Revival would have to be their $5 weddings on the hill. A regular feature of the festival, one can actually legally get married, symbolically get married or simply renew vows.

The venue provides an outdoor floral covered chapel space with ample seating for wedding attendees, a dressing tent where happy couples can get ready and an officiant in the style of Rivertown Revival, making for a wedding ceremony that won’t soon be forgotten.

Born from the community in 2010, the outdoor festival has always been a community-built affair. There are no slick event organizers; instead, a staff of devoted organizers from diverse backgrounds handcraft the event each year.

“We welcome the rawness that comes with everyday people lending a hand,” says Kuffel. “At Rivertown, you can pretty much expect all things weird and beautiful.”

And raw, reciprocal and beautiful it is, starring interactive artworks alongside innocuous and delightful moments to discover. One might come across a dog riding a pony, a woman holding an alligator, even a small boy standing on his head for a dollar donation, or a Unicorn Brigade.

“Celebrating art, music and nature transcends our differences, and that generates a deeper feeling of belonging to this community, which is especially needed right now,” says Kuffle. “The combination of celebrating our river and our community in this beautiful place is in itself magic.”

It’s generally agreed that part of the magic of Rivertown Revival comes from the spirit of David Yearsley, who passed away in 2011.

“David founded Friends of the Petaluma River to help conserve the river and its wetlands, educate the community about its importance and, perhaps most importantly, to celebrate it as the beautiful center of our town that it is,” Kuffel explains. “His vision, and what continues to be the vision of Friends and Rivertown Revival, is that if you can create a space for people to celebrate and fall in love with the river, they will want to protect it.”

If the past 12 years are any indication, it’s working.

Rivertown Revival runs from 12 to 8pm, Saturday, July 22 and 12 to 7pm, Sunday, July 23 at the David Yearsley River Heritage Center, McNear Peninsula, Petaluma. Two Day Presale Pass is $41.25 and $55 at the door; a Saturday Presale Pass is $30 and $40 at the door; and a Sunday Presale Pass is $22.50 and $30 at the door. Kids 16 and under are $5. For tickets and more information, visit RivertownRevival.com.

Art & Authenticity in ‘Bakersfield Mist’

Live theater returns to Guerneville with the Pegasus Theater Company production of the Steven Sach two-hander, Bakersfield Mist.

Based on a true story, the play explores the conflict between art and authenticity. It runs through July 30 at Guerneville’s Mt. Jackson Masonic Lodge.

Maude Gutman (Noël Yates) spent $3 on a painting three years ago. While trying to sell it, she’s told it might be a lost Jackson Pollock. After looking up who Pollock was, Gutman begins a campaign to authenticate her painting. Without any provenance, this proves almost impossible. She finally contacts Pollock expert and ex-Met head curator Lionel Percy (Ed Browne). Intrigued, Percy arrives in her Bakersfield trailer to give his expert opinion on whether or not Gutman has a life-changing piece of art or a soulless copy.

The monologue-heavy script tends toward the pedantic. It also offers little in the way of novel ideas about what is and what is not art. What the play does offer is the opportunity to stage a small cast show using actors above the age of 50. For those less acquainted with the theatrical world, it might be surprising to learn that there are few roles of substance for seniors.

Yates is an actor one does not forget. There is something compelling about all of her performances that is hard to formulate into words. Maude’s kookiness wrapped around a core of iron plays directly into Yates’ strengths. It takes the audience from the adorable and goofy to a Tennessee Williams level of dramatic acting.

And while the opportunity exists to create a nuanced and layered character in Percy, Browne, under the leadership of first-time director John-Paul Goorjian, plays it safe. Although his choices are okay, with such a flawed script, they needed to be bolder to produce a compelling character.

It’s important to remember that Pegasus is a village theater with a wide range of experience, from absolute theater newbies to professional playwrights. And it’s unfair to judge this play by the same criteria as a regional or professional theater because those theaters, like Lionel Percy, are about art first and humanity second. Pegasus, like all small-town theater groups, will always be people first. (Full disclosure—I was its artistic director for four years.)

Despite its inherent flaws, there are worse ways to spend a summer weekend than hanging out at the river and then watching a live show where everyone in the room is truly excited that the audience is there and doesn’t treat them like they’re just a bunch of wallets.

‘Bakersfield Mist’ runs through July 30 at the Mt. Jackson Masonic Lodge, 14040 Church St., Guerneville. Fri-Sat, 7pm; Sun, 3pm. $20-$25. pegasustheater.com.

Reflective Rock: Matt Reischling releases 8th album

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A few years ago, I was in a recording studio with Matt Reischling when an alarm on his phone started shrieking.

It was jarring amid the hermetic calm of the studio. “Hold on,” he said with a wry smile, silencing his handheld klaxon, “I set an alarm to have an idea.”

Reischling’s friends are sometimes baffled by this intentional intrusion.

“One went off when I was with a friend and she asked, ‘Who was that?’ I said, ‘No one. It was an idea alarm,’” he recalled.

Reischling gives each alarm a provocative title, something like a writing prompt. His friend was slightly baffled.

“What did that one say?” she asked.

“An older man stares out of a plane window at a barren landscape below, and contemplates his mortality” was the reply.

Today no alarms are evident as Reischling sits contentedly sipping his tea, ready to talk. The native Petaluman has just released a new record, and he’s excited to share. Swimming through the Pulp, his eighth album, is by turns rocking and reflective. A strong singer and meticulous producer, Reischling writes songs that span the anthemic earworm choruses of “Soft Perfection” to the slightly mournful folk rock of “Vague Behavior,” with many other shades in between.

“One of my songwriting heroes is Buddy Holly,” Reischling says. “His music is always catchy as hell, two minutes long, but memorable.” And if that sounds remotely easy, it’s probably because one hasn’t tried it. “I like to think I could become a darker, more emotional Buddy Holly,” Reischling muses. “But I have a long way to go.”

And because this is Petaluma, Reischling is a shepherd of songs, and occasionally, sheep. “One morning I woke up, and I got my coffee and was ready to record when I started hearing something outside. I pulled back the drapes, and there were about 30 sheep that had busted through my fence and were mowing down all the plants in my backyard. I threw open the door in a panic and there, standing in the doorway, was the biggest goddamn sheep I have ever seen. It must have been standing at chest level, but it felt like we were eyeball to eyeball,” he recalls.

Reischling didn’t pick up a guitar until he was 20. “My neighbor, Jessica, asked if I wanted to learn some chords,” he says. “I learned pretty quickly, and wrote some terrible songs, but then I wrote a song about sitting on the tailgate of a car on I-5 with a blown tire, and people really seemed to respond to it.”

That song, “Tailgate,” cemented the notion that Reischling could make music with real appeal. “We all have to battle with— am I being pretentious by calling myself an artist?” he asks. In his 30s, he had the following realization: “I am consistently making music and art and pushing my creativity. And I’ve never looked back.”

Instead, Reischling is releasing a brand new album, one that is quite likely his best yet: “It’s the most playful and revealing record of mine, sonically and lyrically,” he says.

Listening to the effortless quality of Swimming through the Pulp, one would be forgiven for assuming it came easy.

“I had a lot of fun recording,” says Reischling. But the difficulty arose when he would allow himself to wonder, “Is anyone going to listen to this; will anybody care?”

Many musicians know about doubting their work, so it’s with some reluctance that I ask Reischling to describe his music: “This is always tough… I came up with eclectic, emotional, indie folk rock with a touch of futurism. Now that does sound pretentious,” Reischling grins. “But there are a lot of synths on there, so it’s not like early Bob Dylan or something… which is brilliant; I’m not throwing shade on Bob Dylan.”

Nor would any sane artist, as to do so, would only invite comparison, that sour thief of joy. But Matt Reischling is merely laughing; he knows that Dylan is an albatross around the neck of every good songwriter, and that’s not going to keep him from doing his best work.

Free Will Astrology, July 12

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Many astrologers enjoy meditating on the heavenly body Chiron. With an orbit between Saturn and Uranus, it is an anomalous object that has qualities of both a comet and a minor planet. Its name is derived from a character in ancient Greek myth: the wisest teacher and healer of all the centaurs. Chiron is now in the sign of Aries and will be there for a while. Let’s invoke its symbolic power to inspire two quests in the coming months: 1. Seek a teacher who excites your love of life. 2. Seek a healer who alleviates any hurts that interfere with your love of life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s high time for some high culture! You are in a phase to get rich benefits from reading Shakespeare, listening to Beethoven, and enjoying paintings by Matisse and Picasso. You’d also benefit lavishly from communing with the work of virtuosos like Mozart, Michelangelo and novelist Haruki Murakami. However, I think you would garner even greater emotional treasures from reading Virginia Woolf, listening to Janelle Monáe’s music and enjoying Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings. For extra credit, get cozy with the books of Simone Weil, listen to Patti Smith’s music and see Frida Kahlo’s art. If you read between the lines here, you understand I’m telling you that the most excellent thing to do for your mental and spiritual health is to commune with brilliant women artists, writers and musicians.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The French phrase j’ajoute (translated as “I adjust”) is a chess term used when a player is about to adjust their pieces but does not yet intend to make a move. J’ajoute might be an apt motto for you to invoke in the coming days. You are not ready to make major shifts in the way you play the games you’re involved in. But it’s an excellent time to meditate on that prospect. You will gain clarity and refine your perspective if you tinker with and rearrange the overall look and feel of things.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Simpsons animated show has been on TV for 34 seasons. Ten-year-old Bart Simpson is one of the stars. He is a mischievous rascal who’s ingenious in defying authority. Sometimes teachers catch him in his rebellious acts and punish him by making him write apologetic affirmations on the classroom blackboard. For example: “I will not strut around like I own the place. I will not obey the voices in my head. I will not express my feelings through chaos. I will not trade pants with others. I will not instigate revolution. I am not deliciously saucy. I cannot absolve sins. Hot dogs are not bookmarks.” In accordance with your unruly astrological omens, Cancerian, I authorize you to do things Bart said he wouldn’t do. You have a license to be deliciously saucy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Early in her career, Leo actor Lisa Kudrow endured disappointments. She auditioned for the TV show Saturday Night Live but wasn’t chosen. She was cast as a main character in the TV show Frasier but was replaced during the filming of the pilot episode. A few months later, though, she landed a key role in the new TV show Friends. In retrospect, she was glad she got fired from Frasier so she could be available for Friends. Frasier was popular, but Friends was a super hit. Kudrow won numerous awards for her work on the show and rode her fame to a successful film career. Will there be a Frasier moment for you in the coming months, dear Leo? That’s what I suspect. So keep the faith.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The coming weeks will be a good time to seek helpful clues and guidance from your nightly dreams. Take steps to remember them—maybe keep a pen and notebook next to your bed. Here are a few possible dream scenes and their meanings. 1. A dream of planting a tree means you’re primed to begin a project that will grow for years. 2. A dream of riding in a spaceship suggests you yearn to make your future come more alive in your life. 3. A dream of taking a long trip or standing on a mountaintop may signify you’re ready to come to new conclusions about your life story. (PS: Even if you don’t have these specific dreams, the interpretations I offered are still apt.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In reviewing the life work of neurologist and author Oliver Sacks, critic Patricia Holt said he marveled at how “average people not only adapt to injury and disease but also create something transcendent out of a condition others call disability.” Sacks specialized in collaborating with neurological patients who used their seeming debilitations “to uncover otherwise unknown resources and create lives of originality and innovation.” I bring this up, Libra, because I suspect that in the coming months, you will have extra power to turn your apparent weaknesses or liabilities into assets.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s a mistake to believe we must ration our love as if we only have so much to offer. The fact is, the more love we give, the more we have available to give. As we tap into our deepest source of generosity, we discover we have greater reserves of it than we imagined. What I’ve just said is always true, but it’s especially apropos for you right now. You are in a phase when you can dramatically expand your understanding of how many blessings you have to dole out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Home computers didn’t become common until the 1980s. During the previous decade, small start-up companies with adventurous experimenters did the grunt work that made the digital revolution possible. Many early adapters worked out of garages in the Silicon Valley area of Northern California. They preferred to devote their modest resources to the actual work rather than to fancy labs. I suspect the coming months will invite you to do something similar, Sagittarius: to be discerning about how you allocate your resources as you plan and implement your vigorous transformations.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I’m tempted to call this upcoming chapter of your life story “The Partial Conquest of Loneliness.” Other good titles might be “Restoration of Degraded Treasure” or “Turning a Confusing Triumph Into a Gratifying One” or “Replacing a Mediocre Kind of Strength With the Right Kind.” Can you guess that I foresee an exciting and productive time for you in the coming weeks? To best prepare, drop as many expectations and assumptions as you can so you will be fully available for the novel and sometimes surprising opportunities. Life will offer you fresh perspectives.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): By 1582, the inexact old Julian calendar used by the Western world for 13 centuries was out of whack because it had no leap years. The spring equinox was occurring too early, on March 10. Pope Gregory commissioned scientists who devised a more accurate way to account for the passage of time. The problem was that the new calendar needed a modification that required the day after Oct. 4 to be Oct. 15. Eleven days went missing—permanently. People were resentful and resistant, though eventually all of Europe made the conversion. In that spirit, Aquarius, I ask you to consider an adjustment that requires a shift in habits. It may be inconvenient at first, but will ultimately be good for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean novelist Peter De Vries wrote, “Sometimes I write drunk and revise sober, and sometimes I write sober and revise drunk. But you have to have both elements in creation—the Apollonian and the Dionysian, or spontaneity and restraint, emotion and discipline.” In the coming weeks, you Pisces folks will be skilled at weaving these modes as you practice what you love to do. You’ll be a master of cultivating dynamic balance; a wizard of blending creativity and organization; a productive change-maker who fosters both structure and morale.

Beginning of the End

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A pathway to peace in Ukraine  

Unless one is a peace activist, or works for the Pentagon or a weapons contractor, they are likely unaware Congress is about to take up the National Defense Authorization Act, the massive policy bill on Pentagon spending and related military and foreign policy functions. It will likely get nearly $900 billion this year.

An amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson (OH) could offer a way out of the disastrous war in Ukraine, for the Biden Administration, Russia and Ukraine itself. 

The amendment is relatively modest and straight-forward, requiring the Biden Administration to report to Congress on its strategy, objectives, projected costs and perhaps most importantly, its diplomatic engagement (or lack thereof) to hasten the end of the war. 

The timing of Davidson’s amendment may be fortuitous, coming on the heels of a July 6 NBC News report on previously secret, “track two” talks between former U.S. government officials and Russians, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. It is also very likely official, “track one” government-to-government talks are also ongoing but not publicly acknowledged. At the least, the amendment is a good governance, Congressional oversight, checks and balances measure on the Executive Branch, which wields enormous power over military and foreign policy.

It could be more than that, if it passes Congress, becomes law, and gets the attention it deserves. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is illegal, and a calamity for both countries. 

The U.S. and other outside powers, while they are far from neutral, disinterested parties, may be needed to bring their influence to bear on ending the war. Over the last several decades, Congress, representing the American people, has become entirely too deferential to presidential power on war and peace issues. This amendment would add to a growing trend to correct that imbalance. 

Every day, people dying on both sides is a needless tragedy. The Davidson Amendment could be a turning point to end this madness. It deserves strong, bipartisan support. 

Kevin Martin is president of Peace Action Education Fund, the country’s largest grassroots peace and disarmament organization.

Your Letters, July 12

Essential Otters

This is a wonderfully complex issue that you have captured well (“(Un)welcoming Waters,” July 5). On balance, the return of sea otters is hugely important to the long-term health and productivity of our precious nearshore ecosystems in California and Oregon. If we want ecological resilience and productivity to support healthy fisheries, it is essential we include all creatures, not just the ones that are convenient.

I chuckled at the assertion that “Everybody knows that bringing them back is going to affect the crab industry.” Two peer-reviewed studies of the impacts of sea otters on commercial crabbing in California found no negative effects.

Stories of sea otters chowing down on Dungeness crab in southeast Alaska have alarmed crabbers in California and Oregon, but the situations are completely different. Sea otters in southeast Alaska live in a complex, diverse and relatively shallow environment, which is also where Dungeness crab harvest and other shellfisheries take place. By contrast, sea otters in California and Oregon live on a long, straight coast with relatively limited sea otter habitat. Crabbing generally occurs in waters farther offshore, deeper than sea otters prefer. So the jury is out on whether the crab industry will be affected and if so, where and by how much.

If we want to ensure a resilient, productive nearshore marine ecosystem for our grandchildren and beyond, we simply have to put sea otters back to work in their former habitats.

Bob Bailey

Via Bohemian.com

Third Parties

Good article (“Hidden,” July 5) on a local treasure, Norman Solomon. I too am opposed to a third party. Until we have proportional representation, a parliamentary system, a third party will not work.

Meg

Via PacificSun.com

Wining, Dining, Beatles and Beyond!

Penngrove

Wine & Dine

Joseph Jewell Wines and The Girl & The Fig have partnered for an open-air dinner at Penngrove’s Panther Ridge Vineyard presented by environmental conservation non-profit Audubon Canyon Ranch. Chef Jeremy Zimmerman will be crafting four dishes expertly paired with a selection of Joseph Jewell wines and Panther Ridge Pinot Noir, all created by winemaker Adrian Manspeaker. The evening begins with passed appetizers, rosé and sparkling vermentino, and views of the Sonoma Coast from the hillside residence. Participants are encouraged to enjoy a sunset walk through the vines before sitting down for the four-course wine dinner, which commences at 6pm, Saturday, July 22, at Panther Ridge Vineyard, 5252 Lichau Rd., Penngrove. Tickets are $275 and available at josephjewell.com/experiences.

San Anselmo

Fab Four

Here’s another clue: The Walrus was Paul, and he’s appearing (at least in spirit) in the annual Beatles in the Park event at San Anselmo’s Creekside Park. Friends and families are invited to bring a picnic blanket and sing along to the sounds of the Fab Four as interpreted by local producer and musician Joe Bagale and his 13-piece band. The band will cover everything from the early Beatles albums to the later more complex recordings from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road. 6 to 8:30pm, Saturday, July 29 at Creekside Park, 249 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo. Tickets are $12 to $35, and reservations are required and are available online at bit.ly/beatles-park. Proceeds from the event will go towards the San Anselmo Art Commission’s annual youth artist scholarships that award high school students in theater, dance, music and visual arts.

San Rafael

Pixar Plus

Pixar Family Film Series returns to the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center with Toy Story, the local company’s breakthrough animated feature film directed by John Lasseter. For those who’ve been living under a computer-animated rock, the film is set in a world where toys have a life of their own—when people are not present—including two rival toys: Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), a pull-string talking cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen), a heroic space action-figure. The G-rated film screens at 1pm, Saturday, July 15 and 7 pm, Monday, July 17 at the Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael. Tickets are $5 to $13.25. For more information, visit rafaelfilm.cafilm.org/pixar-family-films.

Petaluma

Natural Law

The Petaluma Arts Center presents “Laws of Nature: Sculpture,” with a nod to the fundamental truths called “natural laws” through which everyone and everything is governed (or so we’re told). “This exhibition aligns with these concepts not only because sculpture abides by these laws but can conceptually express these natural phenomena,” suggests the center’s press material. The exhibition is curated by Vicky Kumpfer and features works by Berry Beach, Nuala Creed, Cheryl Coon, Edwin Hamilton, Briona Hendren, Jeff Key and Sean Paul Lorentz. An opening reception begins at 5:30pm, Thursday, July 20. The exhibit is up through Sept. 9. The center is located at 230 Lakeville St., Petaluma. For more information, visit petalumaartscenter.org.

College Football: A Deeper Look Into Recent Offensive and Defensive Performances

Sponsored content by BET US

American college football, a beloved and deeply rooted institution, is a field ripe with dynamic changes and intriguing narratives. The stories of triumph, defeat and resilience are often spun on the strength of the offensive and defensive units of the various teams. As we navigate through the 2023 season, these units have once again taken center stage, inciting a myriad of reactions ranging from high praise to constructive criticism. This article takes you on a journey into the heart of the latest developments concerning these units, meticulously dissecting their statistics, rankings and notable contributions.

Unraveling the Numbers: The Power of Statistics

In the realm of sports, particularly in football, statistics and college football odds play a pivotal role in comprehending and evaluating team performances. They not only serve as a numerical testament to a team’s capabilities, painting a picture of its offensive and defensive prowess, but also provide insights into the teams’ chances of winning future games. During the current season, Sports Illustrated‘s online platform, SI.com, has emerged as a leading source for comprehensive statistics and updated college football odds. It offers an easily sortable list of leaders across all statistical categories, thus ensuring fans, bettors and analysts alike have access to crucial data at their fingertips.

Hierarchy on the Field: The Importance of Team Rankings

The world of college football is replete with numerous rankings and polls, each serving as a critical instrument in assessing the competence of the teams. These rankings, evaluated based on a variety of parameters, serve as a compass guiding fans and enthusiasts through the vast sea of teams. Among these, The Associated Press Top 25, the Coaches Poll and the official College Football Playoff Top 25 poll are widely recognized and followed, playing a significant role in shaping public perception and discussions around the teams’ performances.

The Art of Defense: A Case Study of the San Francisco 49ers

A sport as strategic and competitive as football requires a robust defense, a fact that the San Francisco 49ers have taken to heart. Known for their formidable defense, they made an unexpected move during the recent NFL draft that has drawn much attention. Despite their defensive unit having already ranked No. 1 overall the previous year, they chose to bolster this strength further. They elected to draft defensive players with five of their nine picks, a move that underscores the importance they place on a solid defense in their overall team strategy.

Stepping into the Limelight: The Role of the Offensive Line

Even though defense is often touted as the key to winning championships, the offensive line frequently takes center stage in the world of college football. The success of a team is largely hinged on its offensive performance, a fact recognized and emphasized by analysts and spectators alike. This focus on offense has led to a keen interest in identifying and tracking the schools best positioned in this area for the upcoming years of 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Spotlight on Players: Standout Performances and Implications

The dynamics of offense and defense can also have profound implications for individual players, particularly those with aspirations of reaching the NFL. Sam Hartman serves as a notable example, having passed for the second most yards in Atlantic Coast Conference history (12,967 yards) and achieving a league-record 110. However, the workings of the offense prompted Hartman to seek a different system, thereby illustrating the influence of team dynamics on individual career trajectories. On the defensive front, players such as the Florida State Seminoles’ Jared Verse have been instrumental in setting the tone for the 2023 season, their performances both inspiring and influencing their teams’ overall success.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the 2023 season of college football has been a thrilling journey, replete with dramatic swings and outstanding performances. We’ve seen teams like the San Francisco 49ers investing heavily in their defensive units, a move that reflects the continued importance of a strong defense in the game​​.

Simultaneously, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the offensive units. Their contribution to a team’s success cannot be overstated, and players like Sam Hartman have become household names due to their stellar offensive performances​​.

As we move further into the season, it is clear that the landscape of college football continues to evolve, shaped by the relentless pursuit of supremacy by teams vying for a coveted spot in the top rankings. Yet, in the end, it is the combined strength of a team’s offensive and defensive units that ultimately determines its success on the field.

This dynamic interplay between offense and defense, the individual talents and team strategies all come together to create a captivating spectacle that is college football. As fans and enthusiasts, we eagerly anticipate more thrilling games and exceptional performances in the times ahead.

Real Astrology, Week of July 19

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your deep psyche will soon well up with extra creativity and fertility. I hope you will eagerly tap into these gifts. You should assume that you will be more imaginative and ingenious than usual. You will have an enhanced ability to solve problems with vigor and flair. In what areas of your life would you...

Terry McLaurin: A Rising Star in the NFL’s Wide Receiver Landscape

terry mclaurin nfl wide receiver
Sponsored content by BET US Terry McLaurin, a formidable player known for his speed, agility, and excellent catching ability, has made significant strides in NFL. His impressive skill set and consistent performance have earned him recognition as one of the most promising wide receivers in the league. This has placed him at the forefront of the NFL's wide receiver landscape,...

Rivertown Revival Returns for 12th year

What’s part vintage country fair, part weekend music festival, family friendly, with old-timey vibes and art that Burning Man would love to ignite? For those who guessed Petaluma’s 12th annual Rivertown Revival, they are correct. The beloved festival returns to the David Yearsley River Heritage Center on the McNear Peninsula during the weekend of July 22 and 23. The annual two-day...

Art & Authenticity in ‘Bakersfield Mist’

Live theater returns to Guerneville with the Pegasus Theater Company production of the Steven Sach two-hander, Bakersfield Mist. Based on a true story, the play explores the conflict between art and authenticity. It runs through July 30 at Guerneville’s Mt. Jackson Masonic Lodge. Maude Gutman (Noël Yates) spent $3 on a painting three years ago. While trying to sell it, she’s...

Reflective Rock: Matt Reischling releases 8th album

A few years ago, I was in a recording studio with Matt Reischling when an alarm on his phone started shrieking. It was jarring amid the hermetic calm of the studio. “Hold on,” he said with a wry smile, silencing his handheld klaxon, “I set an alarm to have an idea.” Reischling’s friends are sometimes baffled by this intentional intrusion. “One went...

Free Will Astrology, July 12

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Many astrologers enjoy meditating on the heavenly body Chiron. With an orbit between Saturn and Uranus, it is an anomalous object that has qualities of both a comet and a minor planet. Its name is derived from a character in ancient Greek myth: the wisest teacher and healer of all the centaurs. Chiron is now...

Beginning of the End

Click to read
A pathway to peace in Ukraine   Unless one is a peace activist, or works for the Pentagon or a weapons contractor, they are likely unaware Congress is about to take up the National Defense Authorization Act, the massive policy bill on Pentagon spending and related military and foreign policy functions. It will likely get nearly $900 billion this year. An amendment...

Your Letters, July 12

Click to read
Essential Otters This is a wonderfully complex issue that you have captured well (“(Un)welcoming Waters,” July 5). On balance, the return of sea otters is hugely important to the long-term health and productivity of our precious nearshore ecosystems in California and Oregon. If we want ecological resilience and productivity to support healthy fisheries, it is essential we include all creatures,...

Wining, Dining, Beatles and Beyond!

Penngrove Wine & Dine Joseph Jewell Wines and The Girl & The Fig have partnered for an open-air dinner at Penngrove’s Panther Ridge Vineyard presented by environmental conservation non-profit Audubon Canyon Ranch. Chef Jeremy Zimmerman will be crafting four dishes expertly paired with a selection of Joseph Jewell wines and Panther Ridge Pinot Noir, all created by winemaker Adrian Manspeaker. The...

College Football: A Deeper Look Into Recent Offensive and Defensive Performances

college football ncaa offensive defensive performance
Sponsored content by BET US American college football, a beloved and deeply rooted institution, is a field ripe with dynamic changes and intriguing narratives. The stories of triumph, defeat and resilience are often spun on the strength of the offensive and defensive units of the various teams. As we navigate through the 2023 season, these units have...
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