2689 Monument Bl. Concord, CA 94520 925-356-0683 Dave, Mary and Jack D&H is Hybrid Certified How to Survive Self-Doubt What You Need to Know About Flip flops. What Are You Building In Your Life? Like - here’s The Top Ten Overused Expressions. The Language That Helped Win a War. Page 3 Page 6 Page 3 Page 7 Page 7 All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden without written permission. Auto Insights is published by PageOnePublishingLLC.com © Auto-Insights - Keeping you on the road to better living D&H Enterprises 2689 Monument Bl., Concord, CA 94520 August 2010 Holidays and Events August 2010 Happy August! Happiness Happens Month National Inventors’ Month National Panini Month National Win with Civility Month What Will Be Your Legacy Month This August marks the 11th anniversary of National Happiness Happens month, sponsored by the Secret Society of Happy People. (No joke—the Secret Society of Happy People really does exist—www.sohp.com) Their mission: to encourage people to express happiness and discourage the “parade-rainers.” Their philosophy: “We know happiness is contagious, it's free, and we want to spread it.” This month, focus on those precious, happy moments in your life and share them with others. The best things in life are free! August also signals the yearly advent of back-to-school. Parents anxiously count down the days until their “little angels” are out of the house and back in the classroom. Take advantage of all the sales on supplies and clothes right now, check online for additional savings and discounts you can print out and use in stores. Whether you are a parent or a grandparent, make a one-on-one “date” with each child or grandchild to shop for supplies and clothes. The individual time you spend with your children or grandchildren is as important as it is priceless. To repeat from the first paragraph, “Focus on those precious, happy moments in your life.” Who better to share happiness with than a child! 1 Girlfriend’s Day 1 Respect for Parents Day 1 Sisters Day 1-7 Single Working Women’s Week 2-6 Psychic Week 3 National Night Out 4 Coast Guard Day 5 National Underwear Day 7 National Mustard Day 8 The Date to Create 8 Happiness Happens Day 8-14 National Resurrect Romance Week 12 International Youth Day 13 Blame Someone Else Day 15 Best Friend’s Day 15 National Relaxation Day 15-20 Weird Contest Week 18 Bad Poetry Day While the warm weather still permits, spend time outdoors. Early morning walks or gardening, picnics, lazy days at the beach or lake, impromptu barbecues with family and friends, butterflies, fresh vegetables and fruit, longer days. Every day, find something to be happy about and smile. 22 Be an Angel Day 23-27 National Safe at Home Week 25 Kiss and Make Up Day 30 National Holistic Pet Day Roses are red, Violets are blue, Here’s a $10 coupon, From me to you. D&H is Hybrid Certified — 925-356-0683 Page 2 Corn on the Cob: Four Ways 1. On the Grill, in the Husk. Soak corn in the husk in water for about an hour, shake off excess water and place corn (still in husk) on preheated grill, 375 to 400 degrees. Turn corn one quarter turn every 5 minutes for 20-25 minutes and remove from grill. Remove husk from hot corn using a dish towel to protect your hands and to wipe off bits of silk or ash. Cover with aluminum foil to keep hot until serving. 2. On the Grill, Without the Husk. Soak corn in husk for one hour, remove husks, then cook directly on preheated grill, 375 to 400 degrees. This method takes more watching to make sure the kernels do not burn. Keep turning the corn until you press into a kernel and liquid squirts out. 3. Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob, in the Husk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove any overly dry leaves, brown silk and trim the end while keeping a majority of the husk intact. Soak the corn in a pan of cold water for one hour.(If you don’t, the odor from the dry husks is like burned hair) Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil and place directly on the top oven rack. Roast at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until soft. When ready to serve, carefully remove the foil and husks. 4. On the Stove top, In a Pot, Husked Husk corn and remove silk, trim any brown spots, place in large pan, add 2-3 inches of water, cover pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2-5 minutes, depending on how much crunch you prefer. (Less cooking time is better--corn cooked too long turns mushy and loses flavor) Remove corn from pot onto a plate and cover with foil until you are ready to serve. Whichever method you choose for cooking corn on the cob, serve with butter and shakers of salt and pepper. Note: When buying corn, the husks should be bright green and snug around the ear of corn. The kernels should be in tight rows, plump and milky. (Peel back top of husk to check) In Celebration of Bad Poetry Day, August 18 The barefoot boy with shoes on, came plodding down the street. His pants were full of pockets, his shoes were full of feet. And Bad Poetry Day wouldn’t be complete without some Roses are Red poems: Roses Are red, Violets are blue, God made me pretty, What happened to you? Roses are red, Violets are blue, Some poems rhyme, but this one doesn’t. Crazy for Coffee? While the coffee controversy continues, long-running studies show that a cup of joe may actually be good for your health, says Thomas Lee, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Not only can coffee increase your energy, sense of well-being and help focus your attention, it’s also safe for the heart, may offer small protection against Type 2 diabetes, gallstones and Parkinson’s disease. Black coffee is filled with antioxidants and other phytonutrients, but when you add cream, sugar, and flavorings, Professor Lee warns, it turns into a fat-laden dessert that only adds calories. Also, specialty coffees can serve up to five times the amount of caffeine in comparison to one cup of black, making you jittery and increasing your blood pressure. Whatever the studies show, it’s a safe bet that coffee lovers won’t be giving up their daily intake any time soon. A Curious Thing Ever wondered why we “knock on wood” to ward off bad luck? The most common explanation originates from a primitive belief that friendly spirits dwelled inside of trees. A rap on a tree called these spirits up, and they would protect one from harm. D&H Enterprises 925-356-0683 — www.DandHautorepair.com Facing the Dragon of Self-Doubt: A Guide to Survival Page 3 A young warrior sits upon an aging, shaky steed. Our hero, ordinary in stature, holds a shield in one hand, a burned spear in the other. He stares upward, his gaze steady. Towering twenty feet above is a dragon; smoke curls from its flared nostrils. Its claws are long and sharp, its eyes yellow and narrowed. Still, our warrior holds his ground. The painting is titled, “It Takes Courage.” The artist is Don Maitz. The first time I saw this amazing work of art, it resonated deeply with me. I felt myself sitting on that nervous steed, staring up at that dragon who represented my daily challenges and self-doubt. I bought the poster and keep it in my office. Every day, it reminds, and inspires me, whatever the odds may be, to face my dragons. We all have dragons of self-doubt. Some are bigger than others, or more frightening, but they exist. We can deny them, run from them, or, like our young warrior, face them. I won’t tell you it’s easy, but I will impart a few thoughts to help. KNOW THAT EVERYONE HAS SELF-DOUBT You are definitely not alone. Everyone has varying degrees of self-doubt. Accept this as a natural part of being a thoughtful human being. FEEL THE FEAR The bottom line of self-doubt is really about fear. (I talked about fear in a previous article) Ask yourself what’s worrying you? Is it failure? Rejection? Appearing foolish? Picture yourself on the starting line of a hurdle race, each hurdle is labeled with a self-doubt. BANG! Run—no thinking, just run. See yourself leaping smoothly over each hurdle. Feel the victory course through your veins. TURN OFF THE CRITIC When you hear that voice whispering in your ear—you know the one I mean—the voice that says, “You aren’t smart enough, young enough, experienced enough.” It’s the dragon’s voice. The dragon knows you so well, your doubts, your worries, your insecurities. It delights in see page 6 -Doubt You Decide While walking past a construction site, a man noticed one of the workmen grumbling out loud while he shoveled dirt from a trench. The first man asked the worker what he was doing. “I’m busting my back digging this stupid hole,” the workman snapped. “It’s hot, I’m tired and underpaid.” The man moved on, then stopped again when he encountered a second workman shoveling dirt. Once again, the passer-by asked the laborer what he was doing. “I’m wishing I was anywhere but here,” the worker sighed. “At the end of the day, all I have to show for these blisters is a hole in the ground.” The man continued on until he spotted a third worker who was also shoveling dirt. Despite the dust and grime covering his face and clothes, this worker was whistling a cheerful tune. Intrigued, the man asked the workman what he was doing. The workman looked up and smiled, then raised a hand to the sky. “I’m building a cathedral!” • • What are you building in your life? A useless trench, or a glorious cathedral? The choice is yours. D&H is Hybrid Certified — 925-356-0683 page 4 Jack’s Corner “Did I Really Just Eat That? In my younger years, when they still called me “Puppy,” I managed to get in quite a bit of trouble. On one such occasion, I almost made it up to the “Great Rainbow Bridge in the Sky.” It was Easter time. The house was filled with the sweet smell of chocolate eggs and fluffy pink marshmallow bunnies. To my frustration, no one offered me even one small bite! Later in the day, Mamma Mary took me for a walk near the school yard. I was still miffed that I had been denied the candy, and feeling a bit devilish, I pulled on the leash until Mama Mary gave in and let me run free. I ran as fast as I could, away from Mama and straight to my friend, Mr. Trash Can. To my delight, a half eaten corn cob lay on the grass. How could I resist the alluring sweet smell of butter and corn? With Mamma running toward me, there was no time to savor this treasure—I snatched it up and swallowed it whole. Mamma was mad, (I can always tell because her eyes bug out when she yells.) It was worth the scolding though, the taste was so delicious, even extra yummy because it was forbidden! Mama was worried about me and she kept a close eye on me, but after two weeks, I was fine and we both forgot about it. But then everything seemed to go wrong. After eating dinner one night, my tummy started to hurt and suddenly my dinner came back up all Mama’s pretty carpet. I thought she might be mad, but she looked scared. She washed my face and cleaned up the mess. That night, I felt even worse and the pain wouldn’t stop. Mama laid down on the floor next to me, petting my head and talking softly to me. When I didn’t get better, Mamma woke Pappa Dave and they carried me to the truck, driving very fast to the hospital. I didn’t like the smells there, but I was too sick to really care. I don’t remember much after that, except waking up very groggy and little snippets of conversation; “corn cob”, “just in time”, “rest”, “soft food.” I heard I had lots of stitches, but I didn’t know what that meant. Mamma called them my zipper and the doctor laughed. As I laid on the table, I tried to wag my tail, but it just makes a soft thump, thump sound. My head is too heavy to lift, but I can feel Mama gently stroke my head. She kisses my nose and tells me what a good boy I am, then she smiles and tells me she loves me. I feel all warm inside and I’m so happy she isn’t mad at me anymore. No more corn cobs for me—no matter how good they taste! P.S. I found out later that chocolate is like poison for dogs—so that makes two more things on my list of forbidden foods! Client Spotlight Our client spotlight this month is on Dr. Dan Sitzman of Sitzman Chiropractic. I was referred to Dr. Dan a few years ago after I clumsily tripped over Jack on my way to the refrigerator in the middle of the night. Jack was not hurt but somehow I managed to wrench my back. One visit to Dr. Dan and I was almost as good as new. Two visits and I was brand new! I love this guy and it is with good reason! Keep reading; Dr. Dan has been a practicing Chiropractor and local business owner in Concord for the past 28 years. I love how Dr. Dan gives back to the Community. For the past 10 years he has offered our active Military “no charge” examinations. Dr. Dan also in an active member with our local Elk Club which focuses’s on disabled children. Oh and one more thing, he performs $10.00 presport exams for our local young people. Dr.Dan is probably one of our favorite customers . He makes our bodies feel better and we make his vehicles run better. Thank you Dr. Dan. D&H Enterprises 925-356-0683 — www.DandHautorepair.com Thank You For Thinking Of Us Maxine McCormick for referring Tony and Katie Pasol. Natalie at Bank of the West for referring her customer Ruth Lino. Fran Alcorn for referring Valerie Davis. A referral is the ultimate compliment and all of us really appreciate your vote of confidence. And We’re Grateful for the Kind Words page 5 Win A $25 Gift Certificate for Taheri’s Mediterranean Restaurant Be one of the first 20 callers with the correct answer to the Readers Quiz and you’ll be entered into our monthly free prize drawing. Someone has to win. Why not you? Here’s this month’s question: Roses are red, Fill in the blanks: Sidewalks are grey, a) Be an Angel b) National Dog August 18 is, c) Code Talkers d) Bad Poetry ______ ____ day. Here’s a clue: The answer is in this newsletter. Call us at 925-356-0683 with your answer. You just might be our next lucky winner! Richard Lueck knew the answer to “I found my thrill’ and wins the Taheri gift certificate. Dave and Mary’s Corner Happiness Happens! Happiness according to the dictionary is based on luck or good fortune. I have never looked at happiness that way. Happiness is when we fully appreciate the moment. Below are just a few of the things that push our happiness buttons and they are not based on luck or good fortune, they are just life’s simple pleasures; • Sunday mornings. Waking up and knowing that it is Sunday and I can roll over for a few more zzzz’s. “So far, you've been professional in service performance, thorough, and • A text on my phone from my husband (and it’s not business) fair in both charges and recommen- • Throwing a water toy at the beach and watching Jack swim for it • The smell of coffee dations. Hope we can keep it that • The beauty of my back yard way!” —Don Martin • Helping someone in need and telling them to “pay it forward” when they offer to compensate me • Going the extra mile for my customers From Dave; • Sunday mornings. I wish every day could be Sunday • A vacation with my wife • Looking down at the ringing phone and seeing my parent’s phone number on caller ID • Feeding Jack • Time with my family • Fixing an antique radio or working on computers • When we have a problem in the shop and my employees offer a solution I don’t think any of the above is luck or good fortune. Happiness is where we find it. It can be the simplest thing. Find your happiness. Until next month! Dave, Rotarian of the Year! Dave and Mary D&H is Hybrid Certified — 925-356-0683 “We started going to D&H just after Dave and Mary purchased the business. We have taken several different types of vehicles to D&H over the years and always have consistently great service and continue to recommended people to take their vehicles to D&H.” —Ron and Carol Carriveau Page. 6 Doubt - from Page 3 Flipping Out If you wear your flip-flops more than 20% of the time, they can actually hurt you. They change the way you walk, which in turn can result in sore feet, back pain and contribute to poor posture and a lower energy level. On top of that, exposed feet are more prone to injury, from the can of soup that slips out of your hand to the two hundred pound man in front of you who steps back--right onto your big toe. Not to worry. You don't have to give up your favorite footwear. But do consider how many hours you are on your feet, then buy a pair that provides the proper arch and heel support. You may pay a little more, but your feet will thank you. Oh, and when you’re standing in a line, be sure to keep a safe distance back from that big guy in front of you… Flower Power Haviland-Jones led a research team at Rutgers University to study the scientific power of flowers. Here’s what they found: • They create delight and happiness. • Increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. • Make you smile instantly. • Improve your mood and help chase away the blues. Did we really need scientists to tell us that? This month, conduct your own study. Give someone flowers. If their face lights up and they smile, you now have confirmed scientific proof that flowers make you feel good. Maybe you can even publish your own findings! spewing negative thoughts. When you listen, when you begin to believe the lies, the dragon grows stronger. This is the time to focus on your strengths. Focus on what you have accomplished, what you do well. Know in your heart that this is the truth. BE KIND TO YOURSELF Treat yourself as you would a friend. When you experience a disappointment, resist the urge to beat yourself up. Instead, ask yourself if you could have done anything different. You can’t change the past, but you can learn from it. Take responsibility, learn from every experience, the good and the bad, then move on. Regret, resentment, anger and guilt are useless, non-productive emotions. You can not change the past, so learn to be present in the moment. Yes, it does take courage to face the dragon. You may not always beat the beast, but to know you held steady, to know you stared into the yellow eyes of adversity and did not back down, that, my friend, is true victory. This article was submitted by Barbara McCauley, an awardwinning author whose novels have appeared on USA Today and Borders Best Seller Lists. On the Subject of Flowers… The top five most popular flowers are: 1. Roses 2. Daisies 3. Tulips 4. Lilies 5. Orchids We are a drug-free workplace. We think that’s an important consideration when someone trusts us with their family’s cars. D&H Enterprises 925-356-0683 — www.DandHautorepair.com The Code Talkers Are You Kidding? The June issue of Auto-Insights was all about learning. This month we will follow up with expressions that researchers found were overused, misused and most annoying. The top ten are: 1. At the end of the day (meaningless, but politicians and pundits love this one) 2. Fairly unique (like being “a little bit pregnant”) 3. I personally (redundant) 4. At this moment in time (what other moment is there?) 5. With all due respect (condescending) 6. Absolutely (if I had a nickel every time I heard this one) 7. It’s a nightmare (overdramatic) 8. Shouldn’t of (bad grammar) 9. 24/7 (what business hasn’t jumped on this band wagon?) 10.It’s not rocket science (cliché, yes, but hey, it does say it all) A few more teeth-grinding, overused, annoying words and expressions include: • Awesome • By the way • To be honest with you (or honestly) • Basically • You Know • It is what it is • Thinking outside the box • “Like” • Exact same • Close Proximity • Are you kidding? • Be that as it may Be that as it may, • Been there, done that like, it’s not rocket science, you know. • Any way, shape, or form • At the end of the day • It is what it is Page 7 During World War II, Native Americans from the Navajo Nation served in the United States Marine Corps, and their primary job was to transmit secret military messages using their unique language. Known as the Code Talkers, their service in the war effort was valuable because ordinary codes and ciphers in shared languages could be broken, but codes based on a unique language must be studied for a long time before being understood. The Axis powers were unable to break the code. Major Howard Connor, 5th Marine Division signal officer, stated that, "Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.” During the first two days of the battle, six Navajo Code Talkers, working around the clock, sent and received over 800 messages. The code talkers received no recognition until the declassification of the operation in 1968. In 1982, the Code Talkers were given a Certificate of Recognition by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who also named August 14 "Navajo Code Talkers Day." Summertime…and the Reading is Easy What better month than August to kick back, leave the real world behind for a few hours and escape into the pages of a good book? Be it a spine-tingling thriller, a can’t-put-it-down mystery, a heart-melting romance or a daring adventure, just let yourself enjoy. A compelling story stimulates our minds and inspires our souls. If reading has never really been “your thing,” and you aren’t sure what interests you, ask around. Readers love to talk about and share their favorite books and authors. Visit libraries and bookstores. Browse the aisles and read the back cover. If the story interests you, then read the first few pages to see if it “hooks” you. Paperbacks are easier to carry around. You can get a lot of reading done standing in lines or waiting in a dentist office. D&H is Hybrid Certified — 925-356-0683