The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer

By Siddhartha Mukherjee

As Reviewed by Chad Felix

Yes, The Emperor of All Maladies is an extensive biography of cancer.  No, it’s not boring.  As audacious and potentially long-winded as the book could be, author and cancer physician Siddhartha Mukherjee has handled his subject’s density with great success.  In this book he writes with the precision of a surgeon, the scope of an epic poet, the unabated intrigue of a detective, and the earnest enthusiasm of a person who works every day within the field. The result is an astute adventure story that presents not only the cold hard facts, but also the warm, beating pulse of unaffected passion–a sentiment that will seduce even the most precarious of readers.

The book is wisely divided into six parts, with each further subdivided into digestible chapters.  Each section is then introduced with a pertinent quotation from a wide variety of personalities–from Lewis Carroll to Sun Tzu–selected and placed to provide real life perspectives on the disease. The effect is felt and readers will be grateful for it.  Not once did I dread another page of text or feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the matters at hand, and thanks to concise descriptions and a glossary of terms, one need not understand medical terminology or procedures to enjoy this book from cover to cover.

Where the book truly shines is in its people and the history they’ve been a part of.  The wide cast of characters–afflicted patients, recovered patients, politicians, activists, researchers, doctors, etc.–is in constant interaction with the uncompromising disease.  Their reaction?  To be equally uncompromising.  Take the late-19^th century surgeon William Stewart Halsted, for example, whose extreme procedures left patients physically debilitated for the remainder of their lives. Convinced that even more radical surgeries were needed, Halsted trekked on, spending many years of his professional life addicted to drugs that allowed him to work longer days and later nights. 

Marching on through a barrage of colorful characters, Mukherjee gives us detailed insight into just how turbulent the search for a cure has been and will likely continue to be.  In addition to being in conflict with cancer, the search party of patients and professionals has frequently been fraught with conflict in itself.  When researchers were conducting the required trials of new and potentially groundbreaking drugs, activists demanded that those afflicted weren’t getting their treatments fast enough.  When smoking was found as a link to lung cancer, a long, semantic standoff took place between the scientific community and the powerful tobacco industry.  And when professionals in radical surgery got wind of more effective treatments, they often put their heads down and continued work as usual, despite evidence that their procedures were growing obsolete. 

More than anything else, The Emperor of All Maladies’ greatness is propelled by the exhilarating triumphs of discovery.  Sure, in 1600 B.C. Egyptian scribe Imhotep wrote of cancer’s cure: “there is none,” but today we can be much more optimistic.   Whether by surgery, chemotherapy or otherwise, there are treatments capable of curing certain types of cancer. 

With this exploration into cancer’s mysteries, Mukherjee does everything in his power to pin it down for a large audience.  The result is a thrilling chase through time after an ever-changing portrait of an adapting chameleon and complex villain. Thankfully–due to years of hard work–we now have an increasing number of heroes.  The Emperor of All Maladies is a tribute to both heroes and villains, and Mukherjee has done a brilliant job of making such an emotionally and intellectually charged battle such a pleasure to read.

Giada’s Italian Cucina – A Sunday “Sit Down” Any Day of the Week

By Aly Wagonseller

Most every restaurant has a story.  Many are proudly shared with loyal patrons, lovingly displayed on menus, cocktail napkins, Facebook pages and the like. Whether these legends are factually correct, slightly embellished or a flat out fib is of no consequence; we long to become a part of the tale, especially if flavorful food and family tradition is at the heart of the plot.  Still, a restaurant with a story yet mediocre food isn’t worth the menu it’s written on.  You simply can’t create an epic moment with words alone; you gotta have the grub to back it up.  Giada’s Italian Cucina, located at 2540 Anthem Village Dr. certainly does just that.

A tiny gem in a somewhat hidden location, Giada’s houses just 12 tables, something I think is incredibly smart in a day where bigger is not only considered passé, but an unequivocal invitation for going broke. The dark furnishings, brick wall façade, semi open kitchen and glass tiled pizza oven feel modern, yet warm and homey. These are the details that generate credence for the story of Giada, the quintessential Italian grandmother whose recipes from Sunday “sit down” dinners are now lovingly presented to us by her grandson and owner of the establishment. Giada was certainly a great teacher.

I have a serious pet peeve regarding heavy handed Italian food, and thankfully, Giada’s was a testament to the lighter, yet far more flavorful side of Italian cuisine.  With the exception of desserts that clearly weren’t from the same kitchen as the rest of our meal, it was gleefully apparent there were no dark secrets (a.k.a. frozen or substandard, canned ingredients) hiding under too much mozzarella, salt and olive oil. This was obviously apparent with our starter selection, The Calamari Fritti (10.95). A heaping plate of delicately crisp, melt in your mouth morsels, it was as far away from the bricklike and breaded frozen version as you can get. Served with a balanced marinara sauce made with just enough olive oil and herbs to give it substance without overpowering the tomatoes, it was clear that my taste buds wanted more.

The menu is fairly small, but what is offered is in keeping with the philosophy that a few quality ingredients, perfectly executed, make food that’s extraordinary.  Case in point, their Eggplant Parmigiana (13.95).   Thinly sliced eggplant (no breading), fried as to not take on too much oil, yet render it fork tender, was stacked with a light and flavorful tomato sauce and just the right amount of mozzarella.  It is truly an art to make a dish this flavorful while dodging the dreaded, greasy stomach grenade so often associated with a Parmigiana of any kind. Pollo Giada (14.95) also fared well, a roulade of thin chicken breast rolled with prosciutto, spinach and cheese that skillfully remained moist, despite a tendency for this kind of dish to get rubbery from over handling.  The chicken was wonderfully complimented with traditional escarole greens (a nice balance of pungent outer leaves tempered with the more mild, inner stock), flawlessly sautéed in olive oil and razor thin garlic slices and dressed with a sprinkling of sundried tomato. Rustic pizza (8.95-17.95) is another dining option, prepared with a homemade crust that’s thin and crisp; the perfect canvas for showcasing fresh toppings.  I especially enjoyed the Arugula Lou, the peppery greens barely wilted over a tomato, cheese and prosciutto pie, and expertly prepared with the kind of restraint you’d expect from a celebrity chef. Pizza heaven, especially when washed down with a Peroni or a glass of wine from their limited wine list.   

Giada’s would  appreciate a phone call letting them know you’re coming for supper, a practice akin to finding a seat at grandma Giada’s Sunday night dinner table. With recipes like these, this is one restaurant story that deserves the happiest of endings. For reservations, take out and catering, call   462-9830.

Side Dish

Wine and art in the neighborhood…what could be better? Starting Thursday, March 24^th and continuing each Thursday through June 9th, Rachel’s Kitchen at the District at Green Valley Ranch will host an evening of culture, libation and seasonal fun.  Each event takes place on the patio from 6-9 p.m.  Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, live painting exhibitions by local artists, and the acoustic guitar styling’s of Sean Hayle. Don’t miss their first event featuring wine from the Chateau St. Michelle portfolio. For more information, call 522-7887.

A Date with the Boys of Summer – Spring Training

By Jude Kenna

Baseball fans everywhere are anxiously counting down the days until they hear “Play ball!”–words that mark Major League Baseball’s opening day. But with the first week in April seeming far away, true fans know how to get their baseball fix on early. Yes, come February the boys of summer will be gearing up for the official season during spring training and everyone’s invited. Watching as old pros, new recruits and prospective players get back to fundamentals, play exhibition games and practice at bat is only part of the fun. The real joy for uber fans is that spring training allows for a familiarity that just doesn’t happen during the regular season. In fact, it’s not uncommon for coaches and players to stand along the base paths, chat with fans and sign autographs.

For those wishing to partake in all this pre-season excitement, a trip to Arizona for the state’s Cactus League Spring Training will surely be a grand slam. Just about a 5 hour drive away, Arizona is home to 11 fan friendly stadiums in Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe that host Cactus League Spring Training with 15 Major League Baseball teams.  Take on one or several of these ballparks for some nachos, hot dogs, and singing that song, you know, “Take me out to the ball game. Take me out with the crowd.”

Field of Dreams

Spring training is not just an insignificant preamble to Major League Baseball games; it’s where big league dreams are made and broken. At the start, about 60 players arrive to try out for roster and position spots. Pitchers and catchers benefit from a longer training period and will report between February 13th and 15th. The position players arrive about a week later. Dedicated fans find spring training the perfect time to start following the younger players–those that may get called up to the big leagues in a few years, but now just practice with the team. Team competitive play begins February 25th and ends March 30th. Once opening day commences, the roster dwindles to 25 players.

Game On

The 2011 season offers 215 afternoon games and 23 evening ones at stadiums located in Phoenix’s West and East Valleys. The longest drive is 47 miles between Surprise and Mesa, with the shortest at four miles from Phoenix to Scottsdale.  Mapping out your game strategy is easy at www.cactusleague.com with its interactive trip planner, detailed map and links to each team site to purchase tickets and review stadium stats. Here are just a few must-see games and stadiums to whet your appetite.

Who’s on First

Mark your calendars. The first game of the season on February 25th pits the world champion Giants against the home state Diamondbacks. The game debuts the league’s newest venue, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The $100 million project is the first spring training facility built on Native American land in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and boasts 12 full-size practice fields.

Cubs vs. White Sox at Camelback Ranch

Always one of the hottest tickets, the Cubs and White Sox match up on March 11th at Camelback Ranch in Glendale and March 24th at Hohokam Park in north central Mesa. A must-see ballpark, Camelback Ranch sits on 141 acres featuring picturesque walking trails to the 13 practice fields, an orange grove, water features and a fully stocked lake to delight fans. There, you can catch a Dodgers intra-squad game on March 3rd, or a game against their rivals, the Giants, on March 4th.

Athletics Take on Reds

Looking for a stadium with traditional baseball charm? Then catch a game at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The Oakland Athletics now call it home, but it was Willie Mayes who christened the park with the first home run. On March 1st the Athletics will take on the Cincinnati Reds, who will play with a split-squad; the other half will take on the Angels the same day at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

For a complete listing of games and stadiums, visit the Cactus League website. Grab a blanket and sit in the grass behind the outfield for a casual viewing experience. Tickets start at $6 pending your team; each offers various pricing structures. For premium games and seating, expect to pay around $40 plus. Parking runs about $5.

Live, Eat and Breathe Baseball

So, what do you do when you’re not rooting for the home team? As home to the Cactus League, there is no shortage of ways to soak up a ton of extracurricular baseball fun in and around Phoenix.

Take a Tour

Tours of spring training ballparks, although not unheard of, are not highly publicized. Your best bet is to call the individual stadiums to see if tours are offered. A sure bet is to head to downtown Phoenix for a tour of Major League Baseball’s Chase Field, home of the Diamondbacks. Remember to bring your camera to capture the bells and whistles, from its signature swimming pool in right center field to its retractable roof. For tour information, call their hotline at (800) 821-7160.

Visit the Ghosts of Baseball’s Past

Baseball fans and history buffs shouldn’t miss Play Ball! The Cactus League Experience, which chronicles the 100-year history of Major League Baseball spring training in Arizona. The exhibit reveals stories of legendary players like Ty Cobb, who once soothed his old spring training aches and pains at Buckhorn Baths mineral spas in Mesa. Check out never-before-seen items gathered from private collections, including a rare autographed Ernie Banks little league bat. Catch the exhibit at Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa or Arizona Historical Society in Tempe. Admission, hours and directions can be found at www.playballexperience.com.

Eat Where They Eat

A true spring training experience must include a visit to Don & Charlie’s, a rib, steak and chophouse in Scottsdale. This noted hangout for ball players and coaches almost guarantees a sighting any night. Plus, the restaurant is filled with an impressive collection of memorabilia. Visit www.donandcharlies.com for more info.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

If games keep you in the West Valley area, then check out Westgate City Center in Glendale. The entertainment complex has shopping, dining, and is even the home of the Phoenix Coyotes national hockey team. While the mission is taking in the ball games, if you have the energy for the ice, you can catch one of the eight home hockey games in March.

Sweet Baseball Dreams

Phoenix’s metropolitan area has hotels to suit every taste and pocketbook, and where you stay depends on the experience you want to have. Are you looking to eat, sleep and drink baseball? Then you will probably want to stay within a few miles of your team’s designated ballpark. Standard chain hotels are located within a mile or two of all the ballparks; a listing can be found at www.baseball.worldsbestdeals.com/spring_training/.  

If you want a resort or boutique experience, Scottsdale’s happening nightlife and hotel scene is a homerun. Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa is located a mere 10 minutes from the home stadiums of the Giants, Rockies and Diamondbacks. As a bonus, it has easy freeway access to eight other stadiums. The Play Ball Spring Training package starts at $179 and includes a bucket of beer and basket of baseball snacks. The rate code for this promotion is PBAS; visit www.fireskyresort.com to reserve your stay.

Set the tradition, get hooked and create memories at spring training! The classic baseball tune sums it up for millions of fans who descend upon Arizona’s spring training with one common bond: “Let me root, root, root for the home team. If they don”t win it”s a shame. For it”s one, two, three strikes, you”re out, at the old ball game.

Griffin Fox

Silverado High School

Class of 2011

Silverado High School senior Griffin Fox is a student with a plan…and a furry, purple monster as his right hand man. Unusual? Maybe, but together this duo is spreading the word about good values and faith through laughter and friendship. Amusing puppetry aside, it’s not all fun and games for this ambitious young man, whose natural leadership and mentoring abilities propel him along the path to a prosperous tomorrow. It’s about being the best person he can be, living proud, yet humble, and devoting his life to service and guidance for the benefit of all, and for that, Griffin Fox is – A Step Above.           

G.P.A.: 4.75

Sports/Clubs/Activities:

• Freshman Basketball, 2007/08
• Silverado Guidance Program–Vice President, 2010-Present
• Bible Club, 2007-Present
• National Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Mu Alpha Theta, 2009-Present
• SHS Production of Fiddler on the Roof–Role of the Bartender
• SHS Production of Lil’ Abner–Role of General Jack S. Phogbound
• SHS Production of Alice in Wonderland, 2009–Role of Humpty
• Men’s Glee Club Choir, 2009/10
• Madrigals, 2010-Present
• Concert Choir, 2010-Present
• Chamber Choir

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• Academic Letter, 2007-10
• Rotary Youth Leadership Award, 2009-10
• Whole Person Merit Level I Scholarship
• Sunday School Teacher, 2006-Present
• Volunteer at The Store, a nonprofit food pantry, 2009/10
• Harry Reid Campaign Volunteer, 2010
• Aggie Roberts Elementary Tutor, 2010
• Volunteer at the Animal Foundation of Las Vegas, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “I have always wanted to attend and graduate from Oral Roberts University, my dream college. I want to major in theology and minor in business. After graduating from college I plan to get married.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being a children’s teacher for five years at my church.  To know that I had a part to play in a child’s life by teaching lessons about character brings joy to my heart. Finally, I am extremely proud of my grades.  I spend hours doing homework and staying up late studying.”

Griffin is Successful Because: “I believe the two most important components to a successful life are time management and listening to wise advice. As an AP student, I know I have a lot of work to do, so I prioritize my time so that I may spend time with my family and friends. Also, my parents are smart. They usually are right so I take their advice on almost everything.”

 Part of the Solution: “Teens are insecure. They don’t know who they are and what they are called to do. Teens run to relationships, drugs and alcohol to seek relief. Through Seven Youth Ministries and the Church at South Las Vegas, I am a part of walking teens through their troubles. We preach a message of hope that draws teens of all ages to safety.”

Paul McKay

Green Valley High School

Class of 2011

No matter what Green Valley High School senior Paul McKay is up to, he’s likely making the most of it. Taking advantage of his strengths to defy perceived weaknesses, he constantly strives to step up his game and set an example for his peers. Whether rousing his teammates to put in that extra time at practice or simply being a model athlete and student, he’s proven time and again that his playbook is filled with leadership, spirit and pride. For devoting tireless effort to better himself and excel in all that he endeavors, Paul McKay is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.60

Sports/Activities:

•  Football, 2008-Present
• Baseball, 2008
• Lacrosse, 2009-Present
• Concert Choir, 2008-Present
• Men’s Choir, 2008-Present
• Madrigal Choir, 2008-Present
• Green Valley Lacrosse Club

    Awards/Community Service:

• Honor Roll, 2008-Present
• AP Scholar, 2009-Present
• GVHS Student of the Month, 2007/08
• Rotary Club of Green Valley Student of the Month, 2010
• Nevada All-State Academic Team, 2011
• Varsity Football Nevada Scholar Athlete, 2009-11
• Team Captain–Freshman, JV, Varsity Football, 2008-11
• Team Captain–Lacrosse, 2009-11
• Quarterback Flag Football National Championship, 2007
• Deluca Scholar Athlete of the Year Nominee
• Football American National Player of the Week, 2009
• Offensive MVP–JV Football, 2008; Varsity Football, 2010
• Homecoming Court, 2011
• Cantor (singing) for Church Services
• Church Youth Group Leader
• Youth Flag Football Referee and Volunteer Coach

Goals & Aspirations: “I would like to graduate with an Honors Diploma then study either medical/athletic training or education in college and become a coach. I also hope to continue playing football and lacrosse, not only because it is something I enjoy, but so I can further my aspirations to become the best coach possible.”

Paul is Successful Because: “I am successful because I am a great listener and try to gain and learn everything that I can from anyone teaching me something. I also take advantage of every opportunity that I get and make the most of them.”

Paul is Stronger and Wiser Because: “I have always been told that I was too small to play football, especially the quarterback position. Ignoring these people and remaining persistent in my goal of playing quarterback, I earned significant playing time as a junior and was the starting quarterback my senior year.  This taught me to not let anyone try to convince me I can’t accomplish something.”

Angela Thompson

Liberty High School

Class of 2011

Nothing about Liberty High School senior Angela Thompson is average or skin deep. Superficially, her cool balance of strength and poise is obvious. On further inspection, it’s clear that intelligence and discipline drive her determination to succeed. And even deeper still, it is through her sincere willingness to put her own needs aside for the good of others that her true character really shines. In other words, she’s just the kind of person you’d be proud to salute as she enthusiastically serves our country with pride and compassion, and for that, Angela Thompson is – A Step Above. 

G.P.A.:  4.43

Sports/Clubs/Activities:  

• American Taekwondo, 2005-09
• President of Advanced Placement Club, 2010-11; Treasurer, 2009-10
• Co-Service Chair of National Honor Society, 2010-11
• Seven on Campus Member, 2009-10
• Nevada Girls State Delegate, 2010
• Church Youth Group

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service

• Accepted into United States Military Academy at West Point, 2010             
• Taekwondo Weapons State Champion
• Children Mending Hearts, 2010
• Stop Child Trafficking Now Walk, 2010
• St. Jude’s Night of Lights, 2010
• Tea for Tots, 2010
• Shade Tree Volunteer, 2010
• Schorr Elementary Volunteer, 2009/10
• Unity One Inc. Internship, 2009
• Honors Biology Tutor, 2009
• Presidential Campaign Volunteer, 2008
• Kidz in Power, 2008

 Goals & Aspirations: “My most immediate goal is to graduate from Liberty with the Advanced Honors Diploma. Once I graduate I plan on attending West Point and becoming an officer in the Army. Ultimately, I want to make myself, my family and my country proud.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “Receiving an appointment to West Point is my proudest accomplishment. I have always tried my best in school to earn good grades and stay out of trouble. I’m thankful for the opportunity to go to such a prestigious school, and I’m glad that my hard work is paying off.”

Angela is Successful Because:  “I am determined not to give up on myself. I make just as many mistakes as anyone else, but I learn from my mistakes and I move past them. Also, my family and friends constantly encourage me to succeed. Their support, coupled with my desire to achieve my goals makes me successful.”

Angela is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Currently my dad is in Iraq for a year as a civilian contractor. He also served in the Air Force for 21 years and was frequently deployed to other countries. While it has been difficult to grow up without him being with our family for such long periods of time, I refuse to be selfish about the situation. My dad is serving America, and he has helped me realize that sacrifice is necessary.”

Samantha Gregg

Nevada State HS

Class of 2011

Nevada State High School senior Samantha Gregg is a young lady of duality. As an all-star on the Foothill High School track team and student of her soon to be alma mater, she’s doubly spirited. And as a high school student on the fast track to an Associate’s degree, she’s getting where she’s going twice as fast. Still, it’s the direction she’s headed that is so inspirational. With an altruistic mindset, a conscientious world-view and unwavering ambition, she’s following her own compass to success, charity and gratitude, and for that, Samantha Gregg is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.75

Sports/Clubs/Awards/Community Service

• JV Track & Field, 2007-09
• Varsity Track & Field, 2009-Present
• Varsity Cross Country, 2008-09
• Student Union of Nevada State High School, 2009/10
• Yearbook Committee, 2009/10
• All-State Academic Team–Track & Field, 2007-08
• Henderson High School Leadership Retreat Participant, 2010
• Academic Letter, 2008/09
• St. Rose De Lima Jr. Volunteer (100 hours), 2009/10
• Department of Utility Services at Henderson City Hall Volunteer (95 hours), 2010
• Math Tutor, 2009/10
• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Fundraiser ($2000) and Participant, 2010
• Student Mentor at Nevada State HS, 2010
• Nevada State HS Introductory Two Week Course (65 hours), 2010
• Newton Elementary School Special Education Volunteer
• Raised over $2500 for Baby Safe, South Africa, 2010

Goals and Aspirations: “My current goal is to graduate high school with my Associate’s Degree, which I will have successfully accomplished in May. My career goal is to become a doctor, as of a specific specialty I have not decided, but I do know that I want to work with children. All of these little goals are hopefully leading up to my ultimate goal in life, which is to go to Africa to participate in Doctors without Borders.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “Over the past couple of months I have seen the world in a new light. And, I have walked away with the amazing accomplishment of saving babies’ lives in Africa. Through raising over $2500, I have sponsored a new Baby Safe in South Africa. Hopefully, this safe will save many babies.”

Samantha is Successful Because:  “My mom makes me successful. She has taught me a very valuable lesson when it comes to success: NEVER QUIT! Another lesson is in her favorite saying: ‘Make good choices.’ With her help and guidance, I am glad to say that I have made some pretty good choices.”

Samantha Looks Up To: “My dad was a member of the U.S. Air Force and now serves his community as a police officer. He has taught me what it means to put others first, and the most valuable of all his lessons was respect. He is courageous, loyal, patriotic and hard working. I try to live my life by those standards, because I want him to be proud of me and the choices I make.”

Dream It, Write It, Do It – Making and Fulfilling a Life List

By Michelle Vessel

Grocery lists, wish lists, to-do lists–sometimes it can seem like our busy days are all chock-full of high-priority tasks that only add to our sense of feeling frazzled, rushed and pulled in 20 different directions at once. Ever thought about making a list that could help you escape the crush of everyday responsibilities and achieve a greater sense of perspective and purpose in your life? That’s exactly what a growing number of life coaches and personal development experts are suggesting: a tool known as a ‘life list’.

The concept is popping up everywhere. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman explored the subject with plenty of mischievous wit in the 2007 buddy flick The Bucket List. Then, in 2009, renowned life coach Caroline Adams Miller published Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide and, with the help of her co-author, a respected clinical psychologist, provided scientific evidence to back up her claims that life lists can help average Joes and Janes realize even their wildest dreams.

Help or Hype

In light of the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding life lists these days, it may be tempting to blow them off as just another wacky self-help craze. Besides, what’s the point of putting all of your wildest dreams down in black and white? Isn’t that just setting yourself up for inevitable disappointment? Well, yes and no, according to Steven Danish, P.h.D., professor of psychology, preventive medicine, and community health at Virginia Commonwealth University. This exercise can “help you learn to be goal-directed, or it may leave you confused because you don”t know where to begin.” However, most life list proponents say that the mere act of thinking about what you want and narrowing your desires down to a manageable number of tangible goals will give you a head start toward happiness and fulfillment.

The real challenge lies in distinguishing between tough but achievable goals and unrealistic pipe dreams. For example, if you’re 55 and have never sung a note in public, it’s unlikely that you’re going to be able to cross “star in a Broadway musical” off your bucket list anytime soon. On the other hand, it’s definitely within your power to sign up for singing lessons and plan to stage a recital at next summer’s family reunion. The scale of the accomplishment might be somewhat more modest, but the sense of satisfaction that you’ll derive from the experience won’t be. What matters most is the process of giving your heart’s desire a name and then working gradually toward it.

Drafting Your Life List

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and explore what you want to accomplish, understand, or experience before your time here is up. There’s no wrong way to go about the process of compiling a life list; in fact, experts say that the success of the exercise will likely depend on the degree to which you can make it personally meaningful and unique. Some life-listers like to set aside a solitary afternoon or weekend to brainstorm, making meticulous notes in a journal before settling on a final list. Others collect crumpled notes-to-self, ripped-out magazine pages, and other sources of inspiration in spare moments over a period of weeks or even months. 

No matter which approach you take, experts usually caution that it may take longer than you expect to feel comfortable with the process. So much of our attention and mental focus is funneled into day-to-day tasks and responsibilities that it can take a while to get back into the groove of dreaming big. It’s important to give yourself the time and space necessary to really get flowing with the life list process. After you’re satisfied that you’ve dedicated enough time to the brainstorming process, create a written copy of your life list. Whether it’s typed into a computer file, handwritten in your secret journal, or scrawled on a cocktail napkin that you carry around in your purse, your life list needs to be a physical artifact that you can access and look at to remind yourself of your goals.

Tools, Themes and Cool Examples

So maybe you like the idea of creating a life list, but the prospect of sitting down with a pen and pad and waiting for inspiration to strike doesn’t exactly sound like your cup of tea. Or perhaps the traditional “things to do before I die” approach strikes you as morbid. If so, don’t despair; there are plenty of angles from which to approach the process of creating a life list. Here are a few out-of-the-box ideas to help you get started.

Virtual Inspiration: If you’re the plugged-in type, SuperViva.com allows users to create public or private life lists. And if you find yourself stuck for ideas, you can browse other public lists for inspiration (or just to satisfy your curiosity). If SuperViva.com doesn’t float your boat, 43Things.com offers a slightly different take on the same concept. 

Themes: If you already have an interest in a particular hobby or leisure activity, you can use it as an anchor. For example, bird-watching enthusiasts have long used the concept of the life list to keep track of the rare species they have spotted or want to see in the future. Use activities like travel, food, museum-hopping, dancing, surfing or skiing to create a life list that will have more personal meaning for you.

The Granddaddy of All Lists: In an essay published in a 1993 edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul, explorer John Goddard recounted the experience of sitting down at his family’s kitchen table at the age of 15 and drafting a wildly ambitious life list that included goals ranging from exploring the Nile to climbing Mt. Everest. The kicker is, Goddard actually went on to accomplish many of the goals he set for himself as a teen. You can check in on the octogenarian’s continued progress at www.JohnGoddard.info.

A Lady’s Way: San Francisco-based writer, online-shopping mogul and blogger Maggie Mason has honed life-list-making into a fine art. Her current quest to taste 1000 different fruits and document the process landed her in a recent issue of Gourmet magazine. Other items she’s crossed off the list this year include overseeing a massive food fight in a San Francisco park and signing up for tap dancing lessons. Check her out at MightyGirl.net.  

One more word to the wise: although life lists can be an excellent tool for helping you define what you want out of life, it’s important to remember that they don’t have to be set in stone. What you think you want when you’re 15 or 25 is likely to change as you gain more experience and perspective. The best life list is one that reflects the ever-changing nature of life itself and, above all else, helps you make the most of what poet Mary Oliver called “your one wild and precious life.”

Out and About

Out and About

Linda Fogg Phillips

By Callie Thomas

It seems as though everyone has gone “social.”  Who’d have thought that in six short years, 500 million web users would become active in what has been deemed by Compete.com as the most widely used social network in the world?  Yes, Facebook has emerged as the new way for young and old alike to connect, and anyone age thirteen and up can join in on the “friendly exchange.”  With that fun, however, comes a whole new set of rules for participating safely in the information super highway.  Furthermore, there are some important safe guards that everyone, especially parents, should know of  in order to protect their young ones.  Resident of 89148, author, public speaker, philanthropist, wife and mom of eight, Linda Fogg Phillips has made it her career to ensure the safety of our children online.  “One of my objectives is to help parents understand Facebook and other forms of technology that their children use,” says Phillips.  “I also teach parents and adults best practices when using social media and how to protect their children online.”

Linda Fogg Phillips is the author of two books, Facebook for Parents: Answers to the Top 25 Questions and The Facebook Guide for Parents, which will be released in March.  Additionally, for the Online Therapy Institute, she writes the Facebook curriculum for Psychologists and Parents.  “I personally had the need to understand and learn more about the virtual world that our children live in and are natives of in order to ensure their safety,” she said.  “This motivated me to jump into social media and study it from a parent’s perspective.”   Phillips was invited to Stanford University to both teach a course and conduct new research on her subject through the Persuasive Technology Lab called Facebook for Parents.  As the main headquarters for the social media giants is in Palo Alto, California–mere minutes from the University–her regular commute from Las Vegas to Stanford University has proved very fruitful.  She has developed a strong working relationship with the network.  “Facebook recognizes me as their strongest critic and greatest advocate.”

With children aged 12 to 27, Linda has no shortage of experience in the highs and the lows of parenting.  “I have had much experience raising children with challenges–children with learning disabilities, ADHD, leukemia and the loss of my 20 year old son in 2008 to an accidental overdose.”  That devastating experience became a catalyst for Linda’s overall aim: reaching out to parents and helping them understand the needs of their children whilst strengthening their relationships.  It is also why Phillips chooses to support charitable organizations that benefit children in need.  PTAs, PTOs, church youth groups, Candlelighters, Best Buddies and Team in Training are just a few of her charitable outings.  Linda has also coached girl’s softball and currently runs equine horse camps for children. 

A specific organization that holds a special place in her heart is CHOICE Humanitarian where she is a very active board member.  The aim of this group is to provide sustainable development in third world countries.  “I’m responsible for the development in Guatemala,” Phillips said.  “We take people to remote villages where the natives do not have electricity, running water and live on dirt floors in small huts.  We build schools, medical clinics, churches, water systems and bring in medical care when needed.” She has also been known to bring her children with her on expeditions “so they can learn to serve others that are not as fortunate as they are,” Linda said.  “It has helped to teach my children how one person can make a positive difference in someone’s life.”

Besides being a mother, humanitarian and advocate for security within the social media realm, Linda Fogg Phillips speaks to and teaches groups both big and small here in Las Vegas and all over the map. Her favorite quote is, “Service is the rent we pay for living,” but those are just words; her actions speak much louder.  “The best way to help a child build his self esteem is by providing him opportunities to serve his community.  Example is the best teacher.”