If you’re a music freak like me, you have found that rhythm and beats are more than just a form of entertainment.
Listening and dancing to music can be healing to the core. A series of podcasts by the Library of Congress explores the power of music and how it interacts with the brain. Current episodes now available include:
On Saturday, I attended the Ragga Muffins Festival in Long Beach. Michael Zampelli took some photos for The District Weekly and I snagged a few for this blog.
My favorite musical act of the day was Big Youth (pictured above). This man exudes more verve and childlike enthusiasm than most people a fraction of his age. He’s got a groovin’ rap style and smooth moves to go with it. Go to Big Youth’s MySpace page if you want to get in the groove.
I also felt childlike and care-free wearing my Gal Vanized get-up and eating funnel cake. I decided that I was going to surrender myself to the IRIE vibes and absorb as much of the experience as possible.
The crowd was very diverse and fun. Everyone was relaxed and having a good time. It was like sitting in a big huge living room. No problems whatsoever. I wasn’t the only one there with pink hair, click on the photo below to see a larger version of the audience.
It’s my body. If I am overweight by societal standards or some height/weight chart, my body does not need to be starved in order to fit in. My body will be the size it is supposed to be if I am taking care of myself. I will not fight it.
It’s my body. If I go out on a date and a guy buys me dinner, I do not owe him a kiss or anything else. A simple, “thank you,” does the job just fine. Despite what society might say, my body is not my currency.
It’s my body. If I overeat at a party today, because the food is just so good, I do not need to restrict or over-exercise tomorrow. My body needs to be nourished, everyday, and never deserves to be punished.
It’s my body. If I have been abused, my body does not deserve to be hated. My body is not disgusting because of what someone else did to me. My body is not something to feel ashamed of or to hide. I cherish my body.
It’s my body. If I am sick, I need to give my body rest and do whatever it takes to get well. My body is not invincible. It is fragile. I must not abuse it with food, alcohol, drugs, or anything else. I must take care of it.
It’s my body. Today my organs are nourished and can function properly. I get enough sleep. I am strong. I do things that feel enjoyable like hiking, swimming, getting a massage, yoga, or even kissing my date — when I choose to do so.
It’s my body. I do not look like you or anyone else. You might be taller or thinner than me. By societal standards, you might be prettier than me. But you are not me. And I am not you.
It’s your body. Respect it. Nourish it. Love it.
Jenni Shaefer will be a guest on The Sheri and Erin Show on February 18, 2010. You can visit the show page to set a reminder before the show so you won’t forget. Also, if you see this post after February 18 you can listen to the archive.
Appointed to the Ambassador Council of the National Eating Disorders Association, Jenni Schaefer is a singer/songwriter, speaker, and author of Life Without Ed and Goodbye Ed, Hello Me. She is a consultant with the Center For Change in Orem, Utah and Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit www.jennischaefer.com.
The song of the week is brought to you by Michael Zampelli, former owner of Southern California punk rock icon, Zed Records. For almost 30 years, this mecca of punk and alternative music kept Southern California enthusiasts adequately supplied with unique, original and innovative music.
Currently, Zampelli manages a hockey fan message boards at www.letsgokings.com with thousands of subscribers. He takes photos for the LAist and the LA Derby Dolls. Each week he will contribute a song with a theme, a message and a beat. Enjoy and stay tuned.
Zed Records opened in 1979 and remained a thriving Long Beach business and punk rock icon for 27 years.
The store was especially known for bringing unique releases directly from the UK to Long Beach. During the surge of the punk movement, Michael Zampelli would travel to the UK with suitcases full of local punk rock releases. He would come back with suitcases full of punk rock from the UK. Zampelli was particularly skilled at servicing the needs of voracious music collectors. He carried limited edition releases such as a Devo single with 4 separate and unique picture sleeves and UK-only releases by The Cure on colored vinyl.
The article mentions how DJ’s from KROQ and KNAC discovered new finds at Zed and how the Zampelli’s (especially Micheal and Marlene) formed family-like ties with punk and new wave bands such as the B52’s, Dead Kennedys and The Misfits before anyone else even knew who they were.
Michael Zampelli continues to search for and share new music by contributing a song of the week to the Get Galvanized blog. He also photographs live music and has recently captured images of acts such as Lil Wayne, Skinny Puppy, The Prodigy and various punk rock shows. Visit Michael Zampelli.com to see more.
This video is about a movie being made from a movement. There’s some interesting footage of people in action at a grass roots level. I have long wanted to be the kind of person who makes a difference but it seems I was always getting in my own way.
I didn’t always know that’s what I was doing but as I look back on the past with the knowledge and experience I have now, I know…”It was all me, every bit of it me.”
I proclaim that 2010 is going to be an exception to the rule. If there’s a shift going on (and I do believe there is) I want to be a part of it.
I have three goodies for you and each one will contribute to galvanizing your mind and preparing you get out of your own way and take action on your dreams and desires:
As a young girl I loved things like watching the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights. I loved playing outside, listening to my musical jewelry box with the twirling ballerina inside and I loved to create things.
This show is designed to help you let go of self-imposed limitations and get reacquainted with joy, authenticity and zest for life. You can click on the player below to go to the show page and/or listen to a recent episode.
First there was a Flip Video camera, given to someone like me who loves gadgets, has an idea a minute and some time off for the holidays. Second there is the resulting video. In less than two minutes I will list seven things that Galvanize My Mind. (Maybe they’ll galvanize your mind too):
1. Strolling the streets of Bluff Park with my iPod
2. Going to the farmer’s market
3. Snuggling with my cat
4. Working out on the bluff with Your Next Victory
5. Visualizing my ideal 2010 and beyond
6. Reading good Tweets
7. Watching Hello Ross on YouTube
This and more captured in my “not quite 2 minute” video. If you can’t see the video here, watch it on You Tube.
You’ll see me doing push-ups at the beach with a pink wig on and you’ll meet Fenix, my persian tabby cat. One of my favorite clips is “Boys on Bikes.” I was out strolling the sidewalks of Bluff Park in Long Beach with my Flip Video in hand and a group of about 10 young men on skateboards and bicycles rode by, it was pretty exciting. Some of us screamed in joy. Including me. It’s on video.
This afternoon I strolled the long aisle of produce and food vendors that comprises Long Beach Farmer’s Market. I had my new Christmas present, the Flip Ultra HD Video camera, in tow. This is my first Flip production and I’m looking forward to more.
See the HD version of the video on YouTube, it gives you a sense of the quality of the Flip Video.
I’ve been wanting to shop at the Farmer’s Market more often but sometimes I forget. I’m grateful to the folks at everythinglongbeach.com who recently listed all the Long Beach Farmer’s Markets. I’m going to re-post the link here for any Long Beach residents who are interested. I find the Farmer’s Market not only health-conscious, but an enjoyable experience as I hope I’ve captured in this video.
By the way, the band in this video is TED Bluegrass Band. They play every Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. at Cafe Ambrosia, 1923 E. Broadway, Long Beach CA 90802. You can hear more of their music on MySpace.
If you’re a music freak like me, you have found that rhythm and beats are more than just a form of entertainment. 
Trance Formation: Music, Trance, Religious Experience and the Brain
As a young girl I loved things like watching the 
