Delia Addo-Yobo

Coronado High School
Class of 2012

Soft spoken and full of boundless dreams, Coronado High School senior Delia Addo-Yobo takes nothing for granted, especially her education. Overwhelmed with pride at being Coronado’s first African-American valedictorian, Delia hopes to carry her passion for knowledge with her to Stanford University, intent on pursuing a career in the justice system like her idol Thurgood Marshall. With a dedication to volunteer work that emphasizes learning and opportunity, she hopes to always be an inspiration to others, both in her community and beyond, and that helps elevate Delia Addo-Yobo to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8
Activities

• Duke University Talent Identification Program (Pre-Law Institute), 2011
• National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, DC, 2009
• Stanford University Education Program for Gifted Youth, 2003-09
• Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts, 2003-08
• New Crew Club, 2011-Present
• Black Student Union, 2009-Present; President, 2010-Present; Secretary, 2009-10
• Future Business Leaders of America Historian, 2009-10
• Key Club, 2008-09
• National Honor Society, 2007-Present

Awards/Community Service

• Valedictorian, 2012
• Full Merit Scholarship to Stanford University, 2012
• Outstanding Participant in National Achievement Program, 2011
• UNLV African-American Recognition Award, 2011
• Student of the Month, 2008 & 2010
• Straight “A” Honor Roll, 2000-Present
• Tutor at Glen Taylor Elementary School, 2011
• Dental Assistant Intern at Heavenly Smiles, 2008-09
• Volunteer at Children’s Choice Learning Center, 2007-09
• Volunteer at Make-A-Wish Foundation, 2005-07
• Volunteer at Student Decorators Inc., 2004-05

Delia Looks Up To: “My lovely grandmother is my source of inspiration. She was a beautiful, strong woman with a patient and nurturing soul. My grandmother participated in the march in Selma during an extremely oppressive time in America, which greatly instilled a deep sense of gratitude in me. I am always so humbled by how my grandmother overcame obstacles in her life.”

Delia is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Last year, my mother was unfortunately laid off of her job after eight years of service. I was devastated. However, we both pulled through and survived. Now she works for the federal government and is studying to get her master’s degree. Growing up in a single-parent household, I know that my mother made a lot of sacrifices. This event taught me to have faith and appreciate everything that I have in life. No one should take anything for granted.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults is disparity in education. Many students around the nation do not receive good educations and are afforded fewer opportunities in life due to this discrepancy. I think it is important to reach out to younger students to get them excited about their future. Through strong encouragement, they can actively pursue more opportunities, regardless of circumstance.”

From Farm to Fork – Making the Most of Farmer’s Market Finds

By Aly Wagonseller

There’s nothing tastier than a fresh tomato straight from the garden. Sweeter, firmer and distinct in flavor, they run culinary circles around the more bland versions found at your local grocer. Other fruits, vegetables and herbs certainly follow suit, making the burgeoning trend of farmer’s markets coming to our city a welcome sight for demanding cooks who settle only for the best.

Farmer’s markets signify an evolution born from America’s desire to get back to basic food that’s minimally processed, seasonally foraged and void of dangerous pesticides. Markets that include Downtown 3^rd , Bet on the Farm at the Springs Preserve and Fresh52, with locations near Henderson and in Tivoli Village, allow the home cook to garner the same quality ingredients that celebrity chefs  like Mario Batali and Rick Moonen have been using for years. Naturally grown specialty citrus, fresh herbs or heirloom varieties of tomatoes, carrots, radishes and beets are the surprising secret to elevating simple recipes to sheer heaven on a plate, and now it’s easier than ever to get your hands on them.

Still, for some cooks, an outing at the farmer’s market can quickly turn into the kid in a candy store scenario, something that can waste both money and food if you’re not careful. Plan your purchases based on the shelf life of the ingredients and the weekly food needs of your family.  Refrain from filling your basket with a glut of different varieties as well, sticking with what you know you’ll use and buying only small quantities of that intriguing mystery produce you’ve been dying to try. Finally, have a menu plan in mind before you’re off and running, making sure that herbs and items prone to speedy spoilage can be purposed in more than one recipe.

We’ve got some fresh and tasty dishes ready to make the most of your farmer’s market finds.  From a veggie packed pasta to a stunning roasted beet and goat cheese salad, you’ll see why the best of cooks believe that farm to fork is the only way to dine.

Spinach and Sweet Pea Soup with Mint Cream

Serves 6

• 2 small onions, coarsely chopped
• 1 leek, cleaned and chopped, white and pale green parts only
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 ¼ pounds fresh spinach, rinsed
• 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen petite peas
• 3 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup half and half cream
• ½ cup finely chopped mint
• 1 cup crème fraiche
• ¼ – ½ cup half-and-half
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic croutons and crisp pancetta

Prepare mint cream by combining mint, crème fraiche and enough half-and-half to reach desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste.

In a large soup pot, sauté butter, onion and leeks over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent onions from sticking until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until onions are translucent. Stir in spinach and sauté until wilted, about 5 minutes more. Add peas, stock and 1 Tbsp. of salt, bringing to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Allow soup to cool for a few minutes, then puree in small batches with a food processor or immersion blender.

Serve hot or cold, garnishing with mint cream, croutons and pancetta.

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Pistachios

Serves 8

• 3 large red beets (1 2/3 lb without greens)
• 2 large golden beets (1 lb without greens)
• ¼ cup minced shallot
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• ¾ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• ¼ cup pistachio oil
• 4 oz. soft goat cheese
• 3 Tbsp. salted, shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
• Baby micro greens

Preheat oven to 425°F. Separately wrap red and golden beets tightly in double layers of foil and roast in middle of oven until tender, 1 to 1 ½ hours. Unwrap beets.

While beets are cooling slightly, whisk together shallot, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl, then add oil in a stream, whisking. When beets are cool enough to handle, slip off and discard skins. Separately cut red and golden beets into ¼-inch dice and put in separate bowls. Add 2 ½ Tbsp. dressing to each bowl and toss to coat.

Place a 2 ½ inch ring mold in center of 1 of 8 salad plates. Put one eighth of red beets in cutter and pack down with your fingertips. Crumble 2 tsp. goat cheese on top, then one eighth of golden beets, packing them down. Gently lift cutter up and away from stack. Make 7 more servings in same manner. Drizzle each plate with 1 tsp. dressing and scatter with some pistachios.

Toss micro greens with just enough remaining dressing to coat and gently mound on top of beets. Serve immediately.

 Farmer”s Market Pasta

4 servings

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, on the vine
• ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound penne or similar pasta
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• ¾ pound Italian sausage, sliced2-3 small zucchini, sliced
• 2 globe artichokes, trimmed to the hearts, cut into quarters
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• ¼ bunch fresh basil leaves

In a large heavy sauté pan, add the sliced garlic and the clusters of cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Put the pan over low-medium heat on the stove top and cook slowly until the tomatoes are just about falling apart and their juices have been extracted into the olive oil, forming a nice sauce, about 45 to 50 minutes.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 2 to 3 clusters of roasted tomatoes for garnish. Discard the vine stems and puree or squash the remaining tomatoes in the pan, with a spoon, so you have nice chunky pieces of tomato in all the delicious tomato juice and olive oil. Stir in the sugar.

While sauce is cooking, in a large sauté pan, heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil and sauté the loose sausage until brown and caramelized. Remove and set aside on a plate while you cook the zucchini. To the same pan, add some more olive oil if needed and sauté zucchini until caramelized around the edges, about 2 minutes. Add the artichokes and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Add the sausage back to the pan and toss in pasta and the tomato mixture. Mix well over high heat to ensure everything is heated through and evenly coated.  Serve, sprinkle with Parmesan, basil leaves and top with a cluster of roasted cherry tomatoes.

Lemon Arugula Pizza

Serves 4

• 1 pound premade pizza dough
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 cups grated Italian fontina cheese
• 1 ½ cups grated fresh mozzarella cheese
• 11 ounces creamy goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces baby arugula
• ¼ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

Remove dough from package and cut into four equal pieces. Form each piece into a small, round disk. Place on a floured surface, cover with a clean towel, and let rest for 30 minutes. While pizza dough is resting, combine ½ cup olive oil, garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook for 10 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn”t burn. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees, or heat the barbecue to the same temperature. Stretch the dough, and form into four circles, each about 8 inches in diameter. Brush the pizzas with the garlic oil, and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the pizzas evenly with fontina, mozzarella and goat cheese. Drizzle each pizza with 1 Tbsp. more of the garlic oil and bake or grill on a pizza stone for 10 to 15 minutes, until the crusts are crisp and the cheeses begin to brown.  Meanwhile, whisk remaining ½ cup of olive oil, lemon juice, 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper until emulsified into a vinaigrette.

When the pizzas are done, place the arugula in a large bowl and toss with just enough lemon vinaigrette to moisten. Place a large bunch of arugula on each pizza and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.

Out N About

Out N About

David Alleman

By Callie Thomas

In the movie Field of Dreams, legendary actor James Earl Jones reminded us in his signature booming voice that, “The one constant through all the years… has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time.” Americans have an ongoing love affair with baseball which has persevered throughout the decades as evidenced in the faces and hearts of children as they receive their first mitt or step up to bat for the first time. The love of the game has also been a constant for resident David Alleman since he was a boy. This busy attorney concentrates on his corporate clients during the day, handling real estate and commercial transactions at Kolesar & Leatham, but still finds time to engage in his passion for the game by coaching in Summerlin South Little League. He currently serves on its Board of Directors as “Umpire in Chief,” but he especially enjoys being called “coach” by the kids in the league.

It’s a particularly rewarding undertaking for Alleman, as all three of his boys play baseball in Summerlin South Little League, and he personally coaches two of his sons’ teams. However, he finds it equally as gratifying to give other children the same rewarding experiences. The father of four (he and his wife Skye also have a two year old daughter) proudly teaches life lessons through the game that he hopes kids will take with them into adulthood. Alleman gives us his take on making a difference by being a mentor and why a day at the ball park really is “all that” and a box of Cracker Jack.

How important is it for you to be a role model to your kids and those in the community?

“I remember great mentors I had growing up, not only in sports but also in organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and my local church, and recognize the even greater importance for youth today to have people who will take an interest in their lives and development.”

Was your father influential in getting you involved in sports as a kid?

“Growing up, I played baseball, basketball, soccer and volleyball. As a young boy, I actually remember being nervous about playing kid pitch baseball. Fortunately, my very patient father encouraged me and helped me stay involved. As a result, I ended up playing and enjoying the game through high school and have several fond memories of being on the field with friends with whom I remain close to this day.”

So you wanted to share that experience with other kids in the community?

“It’s really rewarding to help young children learn to play America’s pastime. There’s always something fun and exciting about putting on a clean uniform and taking a clean field, which I remember doing often.”

It appears you’ve made an impact on your players as well as your own kids.

“I originally got involved with Summerlin South Little League so that I could spend time with my boys and enable them to have the same experiences I had, but the reward of influencing several kids’ lives has made it completely worth it.”

Through the game, the kids also learn a bit more about life situations?

“Most certainly. Sports truly are a microcosm of real life. There are so many facets of the game, including interacting with teammates and coaches, that will prepare kids for their lives after baseball. I’ve helped kids work through their own fear of stepping into the batter’s box. I have also helped kids deal with winning and losing seasons, each presenting different challenges. Regardless of the situation, baseball, like most team sports for youth, helps children to learn life lessons about hard work, achieving goals, overcoming fears, handling success and failure, sportsmanship and leadership in a fun, competitive environment.”

What’s it like to know that some of your past players still follow the league?

“It’s a great feeling when they approach me at the fields and still call me coach.”

Loren Slocum

By Callie Thomas

Ever wonder if you can truly “have it all?” While there may be a never ending list of novels and movies where the hero or heroine inevitably ends up with the perfect life, there are an equal number of naysayers that find it hard to believe they could ever reach nirvana. But if you ask 89135 resident Loren Slocum if she believes that she can have it all, you’ll get a resounding “yes.” Loren has a “sunshiny” personality and is a distinguished international speaker, author and media personality, life coach and mom of three (a teen, a tween and a toddler), so she’s walked the talk to support her position.

Some would say she gained that perspective through her 23 years as the International Crew Director for world renowned business life strategist Tony Robbins, but that’s only part of it. She’s traveled the world inspiring, coaching and helping others through her writing and speaking engagements. The six year Las Vegas resident has entrenched herself within the community in hopes of making a “massive difference” and helping those in need as a founding board member of the annual Las Vegas St. Jude fundraising event and by creating a charitable platform for assisting several local programs called Do the Right Thing.

Her passion for life is only superseded by her passion for helping others and empowering women to realize their natural gifts, stay true to who they are and utilize the resources around them.  While Loren Slocum happily juggles many balls in the air, she is eager to talk about her work, why she’s constantly “reinventing” herself and how she can be better than she was the day before.

So you actually met Tony Robbins by making baskets at his house?

“Yes. In 1989, I had the privilege of showing up at his home to help with a Basket Brigade, where we assembled baskets for the needy. Six months later, I was asked to work for the company, organizing events around the world and developing the International Crew Director position, which I have done for the past 20 years. Tony inspired me to find my gifts and share them through writing and speaking.”

Your efforts have paid off. You’re an international author of two books. What was your goal in writing them?

“I wrote The Greatest Love because I wanted women to celebrate the gift of being a mom and have the life they want. Life Tuneups was inspired by the thousands of women I’ve met over the years and helping them get back to the core of who they are as women and as themselves.”

You keep reinventing yourself. What inspired you to run a marathon?

“I wanted to run a marathon, but I’m not a runner. In order to accomplish this, I needed to do it for a cause. They say mile 20 is the hardest. I wrote the names of people that inspired me and ran a mile for each. I chose to do mile 20 in honor of the woman who was my roommate at the event, whose daughter was at St. Jude’s having a cancer treatment that weekend. I had no idea that six months later her daughter would become the featured child for our fundraising event and had made an amazing painting that was auctioned that night. Of course, I had to buy it so the experience came full circle.”

What do you love most about being involved with St. Jude?

“It helps with so much research for kids with life threatening diseases around the world.”

Through Do the Right Thing, you’re back to your roots making baskets?

“Each Thanksgiving, we make baskets for needy families in Vegas. Thirty of us took care of 100 families and over 250 homeless people last year. We do projects every month. It might be a birthday party at a school for Title 1 Hope Kids, sponsoring an After School Allstar graduation or just assembling baskets we give to a needy person we encounter. Seeing people light up lights me up.”

Dr. Joseph Adashek

By Callie Thomas

When’s the last time you heard of a doctor that makes house calls? The closest you’ll probably come to that is watching a Turner Classic Movie comedy starring Doris Day. What about a doctor that makes flight calls? Now there’s an idea—speedy service for sure. Resident Dr. Joseph Adashek is a board certified OB/GYN physician, a board certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist and an Associate Clinical Professor of the University of Nevada School of Medicine who just happens to have a passion for flying. Mix it all together and you’ll get a compassionate, caring and nurturing doc that volunteers his time to ferry patients with serious medical conditions and their families by plane to receive vital treatment through a nonprofit organization called “Angel Flight.”

It’s easy to consider Dr. Joseph Adashek an angel of sorts because of his devotion to taking care of women and children and his concerted effort to help support many local organizations throughout the community. He and his family are involved with Planned Parenthood and Dr. Adashek sees patients through the Shade Tree women’s shelter. In addition, he supports the efforts of the March of Dimes and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and his eight year old daughter has contributed hair for the St. Baldrick’s organization, a program that helps to conquer childhood cancer. Whether he’s delivering healthy babies or coming to the aid of high risk women, he’s been honored with a long list of awards that include being named “Top Doctor” several years in a row and the Nevada Cancer Institute’s Vegas Dozen in 2010. Dr. Adashek makes an indelible difference in the community, one patient at a time, and he talked with us about his personal style of doctoring, his love of flying and the women he’s devoted to at home.

Have you always wanted to be a doctor?

“All I’ve ever wanted to do was be a doctor. I literally live my dream each and every day of my life. I truly feel like I am the luckiest person in the world.”

Your patients feel lucky having you as their doctor. You really take care of them.

“When my father was dying of cancer, we waited every day for the doctor to come visit him. He was almost like a ‘number.’ I never wanted to be that type of doctor. I treat each patient like they are my sister or wife. I give them my cell number and come in on weekends and nights to see them. I never want them waiting all day just so I can pop my head into their room and say hello.”

You’ve taken that commitment to your patients to the skies. When did you first get interested in becoming a pilot?

“I’ve always wanted to be a pilot and take flying lessons. My wife saw it on a ‘to do’ list early in our marriage, so she gave me the gift of a few lessons. I loved it, so I continued with my training. I started out obtaining my Private Pilot Certificate and went on to obtain my Instrument Rating. I now own a high performance airplane and try to fly at least once a week.”

When did you decide to become involved with Angel Flight?

“I remember reading an article about it and thought that it would be a perfect charity for me to devote my time and energy. I can really make a difference and I see the immediate effect that I have for these people. Since I love to fly, it doesn’t feel like I’m going out of my way. Flying patients (usually cancer patients for chemotherapy or radiation) and their families is incredibly rewarding and they are so appreciative.”

Speaking of family, tell us about your wife and daughter and how you make them feel special.

“Yes, my wife Sharon and daughter Sydney. Every Friday is Daddy-Mommy-Daughter night and every Saturday is Mommy-Daddy date night. These are my favorite nights of the week.”

Jackie Evon

By Callie Thomas

If you’ve lived in the Las Vegas area over the last couple of decades, you’ll probably remember a local hot spot called Z’Tejas, where everyone met for after work drinks and south of the border fare with a Texas twist. It was not only the place to mix and mingle but also a place for great hospitality. If you ever paid them a visit, you may have run into Jackie Evon, who began her work in the food and beverage industry as a manager at one of their locations. That experience gave her the opportunity to get a leg up on her career, and she eventually moved on to show off her people skills at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Summerlin. That was ten years ago, and Evon is still running the restaurant as Operating Partner and remains happy to say that she loves coming to work each day and interacting with her guests.

It’s most likely that passion for customer service and meeting new people that has inspired Jackie to become involved in community organizations that make a difference. She finds herself drawn to groups that involve kids and programs that give them every opportunity to learn and grow, and she has been able to combine her interests by lending support to a charitable program where industry professionals help mentor young boys and girls seeking to learn more about the food and beverage business. Jackie shows that same enthusiasm for Project Mentor, a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas that fosters career enhancing skills, and her dedicated involvement in other organizations has given her an opportunity to lend a hand by coordinating activities for our youth in need.

Your time at Z’Tejas gave you a great start meeting people in the community.

“I worked there for over five years and really got to know the Las Vegas community and all the great locals that frequented the restaurant.”

Was that the catalyst for getting involved in the Mentor Program with Boys and Girls Club?

“I was first introduced to this fabulous program when we hosted last year’s graduation ceremony for the Project Mentor kids at Fleming’s. I was really affected by their enthusiasm and wanted to think of a way to continue working with the Boys & Girls Clubs in this capacity.”

You give the kids an opportunity to learn from the pros?

“We host several on-site educational tours and lessons. They are introduced to real professions in a career that interests them and invaluable hands on job training in a real restaurant environment. We hope the experience has a positive impact on their individual futures.”

Have you been involved in other children based charities in the community?

“I’ve worked with Par for the Cure and Make a Wish Foundation as I really enjoy getting to work one on one with the children. I’m very passionate about getting involved in different fundraisers and community events. Living in Las Vegas for almost 20 years, I can honestly say I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.”

By the way, congratulations on being awarded the Woman of the Year Award by the Boys and Girls Club at the Steak and Burger Event.

“Thanks! It was really a special moment for me this past year, and I have been so grateful to build a relationship with not only the board of governors who dedicate their time to the Boys and Girls Club, but most of all with the children of the community.”

Speaking of children, you’ve just become a new mom?

“Yes, my daughter Blake Sydney is two months old now. My husband and I call her our ‘miracle’ baby! The passion I have for my job and my family gives me the excitement and energy to give it my best and give it my all every day.”

A Mental Tune-Up – Mood Music for a Happy Life

By

Michelle Vessel

We’ve all had experiences that underscore the profound connection between music and mood. Think of that final stretch of an arduous jog, when your jelly-like legs feel like they just can’t take anymore… until your playlist delivers the theme from Rocky to help carry you past the finish line. Or perhaps you’re stuck in traffic, craving some mindless bubblegum pop, only to turn on the radio and find Eric Clapton’s melancholy “Tears in Heaven” melting your heart. Situations like these prove that music can do more than just entertain us. It has the power to change attitudes and outlooks and give a much needed boost to our lives and overall well being.

Facing the Music

The complex relationship between music and human emotion has been a puzzle for thousands of years. From the days of Aristotle to the emergence of psychology and beyond, great thinkers and researchers have long studied and pondered the way music affects our lives. In recent years, scientists have examined scenarios ranging from music’s potential for stress relief to the optimal tunes for boosting athletic performance. Other research has highlighted the use of music in conquering depression, enhancing surgical recovery and stimulating endorphin levels.

Thanks to the wealth of recent research on this subject, as well as the unprecedented access to tunes old and new through services such as iTunes and Amazon, it’s easier than ever before to use music to tweak your mood. Whether you need a stiff dose of classic rock to pump you up on a Monday morning or a soothing sonata to help you drift off to dreamland at night, today’s technology makes it easier than ever to create a custom playlist with just a few clicks of the mouse. Here are some guidelines you can follow to find the right song to shift your mood.

Exercise

The effect of music on human performance is one of the most well studied aspects of the music-mood connection. Researchers have found that music can help people who are engaged in exercise feel less tired, work harder and improve their motor skills. An exciting trend that has emerged from this research is the increasingly popular practice of using songs of certain tempos to regulate speed and exertion during exercise regimens. Focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm while you burn calories can not only improve your form but increase speed as well. The website jog.fm (www.jog.fm) categorizes popular workout songs according to their beats per minute (BPM) so you can develop a custom fitness playlist based on your desired pace. Here’s a sampling of some tunes that can help take your ordinary day at the gym to the next level:

•  “We Will Rock You” – Queen (164 BPM)
• “The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World (162 BPM)
• “Run-Around” – Blues Traveler (151 BPM)
•  “Fly Away” – Lenny Kravitz (160 BPM)
• “Hey Ya!” – OutKast (160 BPM)

Relaxation

Whether you need to unwind after a tough day at work or you’re looking for some pre-bedtime bliss to ease you into a good night’s sleep, the right music can definitely do the trick. According to researchers, the most relaxing music has a slow, steady tempo and a soothing, harmonious melody. Finding the right combination can mean the difference between forty winks and forty minutes of tossing and turning. If pure relaxation is your goal, steer clear of songs that have rapid or sudden changes in rhythm or volume. If music with lyrics turns out to be too distracting, consider slow paced classical music (try Debussy or Ravel), nature sounds or white noise. If you want to chill out for the night, here are some easy listening sounds to help you drift off:

• “Watermark” – Enya
• “Come Away With Me” –  Norah Jones
• “I’m Only Sleeping” – The Beatles
•  “Saeglopur” – Sigur Ros
• “Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star

Mealtime Music

Dinner prep can be a major source of stress for busy families. Getting everything chopped, cooked and on the table in a timely manner can drive you crazy without something else to occupy your mind. Diffuse the tension and enjoy your time in the kitchen more by cooking up a playlist that’s peppy but not too over-the-top energetic. Once dinner’s on the table, take things down a notch and choose slightly slower, sweet, soothing sounds that will encourage conversation, relaxation and a measured pace of chewing. Here’s a list of easy going but upbeat songs that should be able to carry you through both cooking and enjoying a nice dinner:

•  “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer
• “There She Goes” – The La’s
• “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae
• “Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin
• “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Meditation

Having trouble getting into the groove when it comes to meditation? Music can help you calm your “monkey mind” and get your “om” on. Depending on what your meditation goals are, you can select from a wide variety of tracks ranging from playful songs that can encourage contemplation while you clean up around the house to specialized chants and chimes to guide more structured sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, utilizing a cross section of several different styles of music can enhance your meditation practice. Nirvana is barely a breath away with these mindful tracks that will help keep you focused and self aware:

• “Sonata for Harp, Op. 127: Lento Misterioso” – Yolanda Kondonassis
• “Breathing Meditation” – Deepak Chopra
• “Three Buddhas” – Xumantra
• “Improperia: Popule Meus” – Capella Gregoriana
• “Shanti/Ashtangi” – Madonna

When it comes to regulating your mood, you don’t have to let your emotions get the best of you. Changing your outlook can be as simple as skipping to a new track on your MP3 player. So jump into the proverbial driver’s seat, crank up some carefully selected tunes and let the age old connection between music and the mind take over and change your day for the better.

Tech Tools

If you’re looking for help building your mood boosting playlists, here are a few websites and tools to help put the right music at your fingertips whenever you want it.

Pandora (www.pandora.com)

This website lets you create a personal radio station based around any artist or song you choose. Just plug your favorite tunes or singers into their search engine and you’re all set.

Stereomood (www.stereomood.com)

Choose from hundreds of mood based playlists that other users have submitted, ranging from “optimistic” to “busy” and everything in between to find the right tunes for you.

Moodstream (www.moodstream.gettyimages.com)

This cool web-based tool from Getty Images is a mood enhancing dashboard that includes sounds and images designed to provide creative inspiration.

Musicovery (www.musicovery.com)

A colorful dose of fun, this site lets you chart your mood on a grid, then helps you create a vibrant looking “family tree” of mood music that’s color coded according to genre.

Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour

Entertaining crowds at Harrah’s is only a small part of what comedy magician Mac King enjoys doing. He’s also been finding time to help encourage kids to read with Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour. As part of Nevada Reading Week 2012, Mac made a special visit to five local elementary schools, bringing his message to hundreds of children across the valley.

A longtime supporter of childhood literacy, King held assemblies at each school, where he read short stories to the students, performed tricks from his show and discussed the importance of reading. During his scheduled visits, he hand delivered books collected from book drives held throughout February of this year with the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey team, the Springs Preserve, Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and the Public Education Foundation. Donations helped benefit Clark County READS, the literacy initiative of the Public Education Foundation. Since its inception in 2011, Mac’s program has collected more than 6,000 books for local elementary school students.

“I’d like to thank the community partners that helped make Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour: Nevada Reading Week 2012 really special,” said King. “I greatly enjoyed sharing the love of reading with my new pals and the enthusiasm was priceless. I look forward to making new pals next year.”

For more information on Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour, visit www.mackingshow.com.

Greater Las Vegas McDonald’s Operator Association

McDonald’s may be best known for its Quarter Pounders, Chicken McNuggets and a smiling clown named Ronald, but the Greater Las Vegas McDonald’s Operator Association has proved there’s more to the fast food chain than just hamburgers and fries. This past March, the Association presented a check awarding over $10,000 to the local winners of the MAC Grants.

Southern Nevada teachers were in stiff competition when they applied for a number of MAC Grants from the home of the Golden Arches. This special program is designed to “Make Activities Count” for students and teachers, helping to raise money for distinctive, hands on projects that classes would like to do but often lack the money to fund. Teachers submit applications along with a project description and proposed budget, and final selections are made based on those that offer the most unique and exceptional learning experience. Grants were awarded to elementary and middle schools across the valley in amounts up to $500 for programs and items such as books, fitness equipment, science kits, musical instruments and much more.   

“It’s a great way to support our schools and to show our commitment to kids’ education,” says Tom Arlt, President of the local McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association. “It’s amazing to hear about some of the great projects the teachers and kids are involved with.”