Tracy knows a thing or two about prosperity. From dropping out of high school and struggling to make ends meet, to running a $256 million company before launching into personal development, business training and consulting, Tracy has started from the ground up more than once. In each new job and industry, Tracy taught himself the ropes by studying hard—sometimes for months—before moving up the ranks. “I began studying everything I could, about every field I was in.  As a result, I started at the bottom and rose to the top of every company or business that I worked in.”

(l) Up-and-coming Brian Tracy (1964) and (r) today

Earn What You’re Really Worth

Tracy shares what he’s learned in his latest book, “Earn What You’re Really Worth”. He explains how you can be everything you want to be, earn what you’re really worth and offers tips on taking control of your life. This is a book that has in essence taken three decades to write, and Tracy shows you what you need to do to be truly successful.

Covering  the new rules for success, promotion, influence and achievement in an easy-to-read and straightforward fashion, Tracy makes success very doable. His philosophies are simple and his methods proven by his own success. Not a fan of “get rich quick” schemes, Tracy outlines the simple steps you need to take to become a real, solid success, advance your career and make more money than you ever thought possible.

From taking personal responsibility, changing with the times, the laws of the universe and altering your mindset, Tracy encourages people to adopt behaviors of successful people—not failures; to provide exceptional service; to build solid relationships; and learn everything you can. Your life, according to Tracy, is exactly where you want it to be. If you want it to be different…change it.

“It doesn’t matter where you are coming from”, says Tracy. “All that really matters is where you are going”.

Author of more than 45 books, Tracy currently runs three companies with operations worldwide, has spoken to millions through workshops and seminars, and has visited 80 countries on six continents. Married with four children, Tracy places great importance on family. “Everything other than this is really insignificant in the great scheme of things”.

Words of Wisdom from Brian Tracy

Taking a break from his busy schedule, Tracy answered some questions about life, business, and his new book.

HELEN M. RYAN FOR LATP:  What inspired you to write “Earn What You’re Really Worth“, in comparison to your previous books?

BRIAN TRACY: My passionate, burning conviction is that each person is capable of achieving vastly more, and earning vastly more than they are today. I have been working on my book, “Earn What You’re Really Worth,” for 30 years.  It explains in detail exactly what the average person has to do to earn two or three times as much as they are earning today, by offering and rendering greater value than they ever have before.

LATP:  What put you on the path to helping others (personally and professionally)?

BT: When I was a young man, working at laboring jobs, missing meals and broke most of the time, I discovered a great truth: “You become what you think about most of the time.” The second thing I discovered was that “You can learn anything you need to learn to achieve any goal you can set for yourself.”

I began studying everything I could, about every field I was in.  As a result, I started at the bottom and rose to the top of every company or business that I worked in. It was like a miracle.

LATP:  Who did you admire or look to for inspiration when you were first starting out?

BT: I first began with the books of Napoleon Hill, Norman Vincent Peele, and others.   Later, I migrated to Peter Drucker, Ludwig Von Messes, and hundreds of other thinkers, writers and teachers who had discovered the “real” secrets to success and had written about them so clearly.

LATP:  What else would you like to share?

BT: I would only like to say that each person has enormous reserves of untapped potential.  The average person has more potential than they could use in 100 lifetimes.  If you were to tap into your potential by setting clear goals and making clear, written plans, you would accomplish more in the next year or two than the average person accomplishes in a lifetime.  And I hope you do.

For more information on Brian Tracy, visit www.briantracy.com

–

Helen M. Ryan is a freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter at @aspinchick, or stop by www.HelenMRyan.com.

 5. Skimping on Meals

Contrary to what we commonly believe, “starving ourselves thin” can actually stall your weight loss efforts.

When you eat too few calories your body thinks it’s starving and goes into “fat conservation mode” instead of “fat burning mode”. The smart machine that it is, your body knows something is up when you drastically cut calories and begins to slow your metabolism. The less you eat, the fewer calories you burn and the less weight you lose.

The solution: Eat a minimal number of calories to keep your metabolism going. Unless medically supervised, the generally recognized safe lower limits are 1,200 calories per day for women and 1800 calories per day for men. Don’t fear gaining weight if your metabolism has slowed down. A few weeks of “proper” amounts of food will get your body back on track.

 4. Skipping Meals

Do you eat two or three meals a day and wonder why you’re not losing weight? You’re not alone. Another common weight loss mistake is not eating often enough.  Not eating regularly can not only slow down your metabolism, but also leave you feeling so starved you’re more likely to reach for those donuts or the bag of chips.

The solution: Eating five or so times per day (three smaller meals and two to three healthy snacks) keeps your metabolism running smoothly. It also stabilizes your blood sugars, which helps you stay alert, gives you more energy and puts you in a better mood.

3. Not Skipping at All

Many people ignore a main key to weight loss: Exercise. Any time you diet you inevitably lose some muscle. Muscle uses more calories per pound than fat does as you go about even your basic daily activities, You go on a diet, you lose weight, you lose muscle, you burn fewer calories, you gain weight.

The solution: Find a way—any way—to fit exercise into your day. 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there are better than nothing, and it all adds up. The most important way to keep your metabolism up? Strength training. Whether you lift weights, work with kettlebells, exercise tubing, strenuous yoga, or machines, firming up those muscles will not only help you lose weight, but will also keep the weight off.

2. Scratching Favorite Foods Off Your List

For the very short term it’s entirely possible to cut out your favorite foods or drink, but in the long run eliminating everything you like from your diet will lead to certain weight loss failure. Never indulging will leave you feeling deprived, causing you to binge or go off your diet.

The Solution: Moderation. Eat a healthy diet 85% of the time, and allow 15% for “less than perfect” foods. (I don’t use the word “bad” to describe foods as no foods are truly bad… it’s all in how you use them.) Try to put some balance into your life and let yourself live every now and then—just don’t overdo it. If the weight is not coming off, then be a bit stricter and schedule in less frequent indulgence. Eat to live—don’t live to eat—but also take a moment to enjoy.

1. Not sleeping enough.

Not getting those pesky zzzzs can really affect your waistline. Watch your food and exercise all you want, but if you regularly don’t sleep enough you are asking for weight loss trouble. The hormone that makes you feel full takes a dive when  you are sleep-deprived, while the hormone that tells you to eat ramps up. What does that spell? Hunger… and difficulty adhering to your plan to lose weight.

The solution: Try going to bed earlier. The sleep you get before midnight is more important than the sleep after, so try to get to bed a bit earlier. See if you can clock an extra 30 minutes every night for a week and then bump it up to an hour. If you’re not sleeping enough, that extra hour can really make a difference in your weight loss.

There you have it—five common mistakes with five simple solutions. Try to incorporate these into you daily life, step-by-step, and watch those pounds melt away.

Helen M. Ryan is a fitness writer, ACE-certified trainer, Spinning® director, and author of the upcoming “21 Days to Change Your Body and Your Life.” Follow her on Twitter – aspinchick, on the web at Real World Weight Loss.

You’re standing in the fitting room filled with dread. The harsh overhead lights don’t do anything to ease your fear of the garment clutched in your hand. You slowly strip down, peel on the suit. And scream. Yup, it’s bathing suit season once more.

It may seem a daunting task to fit into that suit (or swim shorts), especially if you have more than a few pounds to lose. There is no quick hacks to safely losing weight, however, but there are some simple steps you can take to get you there faster.

1.     The magic weight loss combo
You need to both firm up your muscles and burn the layer of fat over them to put your best body forward. Doing just cardiovascular activities (ones which raise your heart rate) will help with fat loss but won’t change your basic underlying shape. Strength training will help firm and sculpt your muscles, and burn some fat, but may not be enough to trim that pesky layer. Cardio and weight training together is the magic combination for a new and improved physique.

2.     Be a better body time-saver
Performing both aerobic exercise and strength training seems like it would take a lot of time, but it really doesn’t have to. The secret is working harder, smarter and being more efficient. Walking on a treadmill for hours on end is great for your overall health, but it’s not going to do that much to stoke your fat burning furnace. You need to work focused and targeted. Pick a challenging activity such as Spinning®, running, swimming or step aerobics (yes, that’s still around and better than ever). Or perform plyometric intervals like jump squats, knee tucks or side jumps. When you strength train, do exercises that use multiple muscles at once – push ups, squats, lunges, walking lunges, planks and pull ups. These burn more calories and work more of your body faster. The best of both worlds? Kettlebell training. Kettlebells are incredibly challenging cardiovascularly, and also strengthens your muscles. Kettlebell training burns a ton of calories and turns you into a fat burning machine (read my column on kettlebell training to learn more).

3.     Supercharge your diet
Start your morning with a protein-rich meal to keep you fueled throughout the day. Low fat cottage cheese (without any sugary additives) is an excellent choice. Sprinkle some almonds and fresh berries on top to give you staying power and better heart health. Another benefit to eating a high-protein breakfast is you avoid the “afternoon slump” that plagues so many of us. This bout of fatigue often causes you to rush for a sugary, fattening snack to help keep you awake. Sugar in the afternoon does not help you fit into that bikini.

4.     Carbs: To eat or not to eat…that is the question
Carbohydrates (breads, pastas, rice, sweets, cakes, tortillas, chips, candy, even some vegetables and fruit) are often villainized. In truth, we need carbs in our diet. What we don’t need are processed foods high in simple carbohydrates with little nutritional value. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are an important part of most diets. However, it’s easy to overdo “carbs” overall and if your goal is to lose weight quickly, backing off on the carbs might be a help.

What works for many is to limit “obvious” carbs to once per day (this does not include fruits or vegetables). You might have old fashioned rolled oats with your cottage cheese for breakfast and that would be your carb for the day. Or you choose an “extra fiber” bagel with lunch. Perhaps save your carb for dinnertime. The best time to eat a carbohydrate, by the way, is immediately before or after a hard exercise session. So if you really want that muffin, time it to correspond with your workouts.

It’s all a matter of finding what works for you. Too few carbs can leave you exhausted. Too many and you don’t lose weight. Chart what you eat and how you feel. Base your carb intake on that. There is nothing wrong with cutting back for a short period of time. But for the longer term, we all need the fiber and other benefits whole grains provide. Just use common sense and try to eat a balanced diet.

5.     It’s all in the ‘tude
One of the easiest ways to look good in your bathing suit? Wear your smile and a happy attitude. It sounds hokey, I know, but if you think you look good, other people will think you look good, too. Stand confident. Stand tall. Be happy. Think of all the things your body has accomplished. Every scar, every stretch mark tells the story of your life. Remember – you are your own harshest critic. Others don’t see the faults you do. Cut yourself some slack.

Work hard. Eat smart. Wear a smile. It really is that simple.

Helen M. Ryan is an ACE-certified trainer, Spinning® director, author and speaker. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook or download her free LA’s the Place Fit Life e-book.

Rise Against at the Long Beach Arena

Punk rockers Rise Against are at the top of their game here on their 2011 tour. The environmentally conscious and politically unabashed band hit the U.S. hard and strong this month on a whirlwind tour supporting their new album, Endgame, which opened to sold out dates in Las Vegas and Southern California.

The boys from Chicago took their idols Bad Religion along for the ride, with The Descendants and Four Year Strong joining them at their Long Beach Arena stop. Bad Religion’s Greg Graffin spoke to fans of the early days of Rise Against. “It’s great to be here celebrating the rise of Rise Against”, he commented. “I remember when they were little kids in their baskets and we took them out on tour. Those days are gone“.

Bad Religion's Greg Graffin (l) and Greg Hetson (r)

A proving ground of sorts for the musical activists, frontman Tim McIlrath told the audience that Long Beach was the largest concert Rise Against had ever headlined. And even though the show was peppered with technical difficulties and delays, it did not daunt the intense band or the die-hard fans.

In their best tour to date, McIlrath led a perfectly choreographed set list that flowed smoothly and energetically from beginning to end, re-capturing the crowd that had grown restless from an already-long evening with three other bands. About 20 minutes into their performance, Rise Against had much of the audience of over 13,000 on their feet, rallying and singing along. The crowd’s energy level slowly rose until the general admission floor was alive with dancing and swirling bodies, and the mixed-aged fans were riveted by both the older songs and the new releases.

The Descendants Milo Aukerman (l) and Karl Alvarez (r)

Though at Epicenter 2010 in Fontana, California, McIlrath had said that would be the last time they would perform songs from 2008’s Appeal to Reason, the audience was  obviously ecstatic to see that this was not true. The extended version of the radio hit Savior whipped the crowd into a frenzy and the moving and heartfelt acoustic Hero of War played perfectly towards the end.

Rise Against Frontman Tim McIlrath

Into the night’s mix, Rise Against’s impassioned signatures Ready to Fall, Prayer of the Refugee, and Re-Education (Through Labor) were seamlessly blended with songs from Rise Against’s sixth studio album, Endgame. Endgame, like Rise Against’s previous work, does not hesitate to point fingers or examine social injustice. It may not have the same “oomph” as other Rise Against albums, but it debuted in the number 2 spot on Billboard’s sales charts. Endgame’s first single, Help Is On The Way, shed light on the (lack of) help to the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil disaster. Architects reminds people that it’s not too late to change world, and Make It Stop (September’s Child) reflects on hatred of gay people and the teen suicides that has caused. It’s all in a day’s (social commentary) work for this band.

Blanketing the U.S. and then heading to Canada, Australia and over the pond this summer, Rise Against aims to build its army of worldwide fans.

The voice on the stage will not be singing alone.

Rise Against and The Descendants photography by AJ Ogaard.
Bad Religion photography by Helen M. Ryan.

New Year’s resolutions are the conventional end to the Holiday season. Each year people all over the world party the old year out, with intentions of starting the new year with a bang of positive action. From quitting smoking and saving money to running a marathon, New Year’s Day marks a new beginning. But these new beginnings are often short-lived since four out of five people don’t keep their resolutions. In fact, 30% don’t even make it to the end of January.

One of the hardest resolutions to keep is the resolution to lose weight and get in shape. Why? Because people often don’t have a plan, or an idea of what it takes to get there and how to stay motivated. They start drastically cutting their calories, over-exercising and trying to undo years of damage in an impossibly short amount of time. By the end of the first week they are hungry, tired and discouraged…and their resolution begins to wane.

Can you be the one that succeeds? Yes, absolutely, by using the most important weight loss tool in your arsenal: Your brain. Success or failure at anything is all in your head so to speak. Weight loss itself truly is easy. It’s simply burning more calories than you take in. So why is so difficult to accomplish? Because of our brains. You need to ‘outsmart your smarts’ and here are five ways to do it.

5. Find the reason. If your motivation to lose weight is to just “be better looking” you are setting yourself up for failure. Being “hotter” is not a real enough goal to keep you from that plate of warm, inviting nachos. Your main motivation should always be your health, not weight loss. Your focus should be on balancing your blood sugars, lowering your cholesterol, improving your muscle strength and bone density, and elevating your  mood. Every time you reach for something you think you shouldn’t be eating ask yourself, “How does this benefit my health?” If it doesn’t benefit you, don’t eat it (or don’t eat a lot of it – a little bit is fine). Think of your body as a car, and the foods you eat as the gas (fuel). An apple will fuel you better than a donut.

4. See the gray. Don’t look at food and exercise as black or white (“If I eat this cookie, I have blow in and I might as well continue to eat”, or “I don’t have time to go to the gym today so I might as well do nothing”). Black and white thinking gets us all it trouble. The gray areas, though hard to get used to, are where health and happiness meet. Did you drink two glasses of wine instead of one? So what? Just stop now, move on, and remember to pay attention next time. Don’t compound any damage by continuing to eat or drink. One incident really doesn’t matter. It’s your whole week that counts.

3. Find balance. You can be the thinnest and fittest in the land, but will you truly be happy? Probably not. The happiest people are in great shape and overall healthy, but they are not stick-thin and they do indulge once in awhile. After a night of hanging out with friends and eating less healthily, for example, these people are back at the gym, full of tales from the night before and no regrets. It’s not a big deal to them. They are both taking care of their physical and emotional needs by giving in once in awhile.

2. Take yourself seriously. We focus so much on everything and everyone around us (our jobs, kids, spouses, activies) that it’s easy to not take our own health seriously. Day after day we often put other people first, leaving our own needs in the dust. The solution? Realizing that every “bad” choice has a longer term consequence on our health than just what we do at the moment. Take your health seriously and make smaller, positive choices every day.

1. Realizing you only have one shot. The life we have is the only life we get and there are no “do-overs.” If you are waiting for that perfect time or the perfect set of situations to start taking care of yourself and losing weight, it’s not going to happen. You have to make things happen. On your own. Now. Today. Before it’s too late.

Only you can change your life and your mind. By reconsidering the way you think about your life, food, and exercise will you be successful with weight loss. You will begin to see a larger picture, and not just the moment…and you will be happier, thinner and most of all, healthier.

Helen M. Ryan is an ACE-certified trainer, Spinning® director, author and speaker. Follow Helen on Twitter, about.me or download her free LA’s the Place Fit Life e-book.

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ~Oprah Winfrey

With the Holidays around the corner and the new year sneaking around the bend, it’s time to consider your waist line – and your dream of flat abs.

In last year’s Holiday article I focused on tools you could use to avoid gaining weight through the Holiday season (read “The 5 Easiest Ways to Stay Fit Over the Holidays“). This year, we are considering some very simple things you can do before the Holidays to actually lose some weight. Losing weight and burning fat beforehand gives you some extra breathing room to enjoy your festivities, so continue reading the 12 Days of Holiday Weight Loss to get started. The tips provided are both surprisingly easy and effective. The key is to be consistent with them and follow through.

(Start with Day 1, then keep that going while adding Day 2. Then keep Day 1 and Day 2 tips working, add Day 3′s, and so on. When the Holidays actually arrive, not only will you have possibly lost weight, but you will also have gained something far more valuable: healthy new weight loss habits.)

Day 1: Water. First thing in the morning and 15 minutes before every meal drink a full glass of water. Why? In addition to providing your body with the fluids it needs to work efficiently and clean your pipes, water also helps you feel fuller. Feeling fuller helps you eat less. Eating less leads to weight loss. So drink up – before every meal.

Day 2: Commercial break bust-out. Americans watch an average of 4.5 hours of television at night. Some of that time  can be put to good weight loss use. Pick two commercial breaks each hour (if you are watching an hour-long show, do the exercises twice. For a 30-minute show, do them once). Perform this short but intense exercise sequence. It won’t make you too sweaty but will really get your heart rate going. Every time you step up your heart rate, your metabolism follows.

If you have a staircase available, step up and down on the bottom step for a count of 20 with your right leg, then repeat on left leg. Then, placing both feet together, hop up on that bottom step and then step back down one foot at a time. Hop and step. Repeat for a count of 10. If you don’t have a step, do knee pull ups from a standing position using both arms and alternating legs. Or do a series of jump squats (20-30). Repeat next commercial, working harder as you go along.

Day 3: Veggies and fruits. On your trusty calendar or PDA, make a note to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day (though the food pyramid recommends nine servings, that’s a hard ideal for most people to reach). Write down your veggie goal each day and what you actually ate, then try to make them match. Create a game out of it. Eat your veggies before your other foods at dinner or lunch where possible. You will fill up on good stuff, leaving less room for the not-so-good stuff.

Day 4: Work your stomach. Every two days, take about 15 minutes to exercise all the muscles in your core. Aim for exercises that move you naturally and work all the muscles, including the deeper ones. Perform planks, slow mountain climbers, bicycles, and knee tucks on a ball. Pull up with your belly button and up and in with your pelvic floor (lifting up towards your ribs as you work) as you exhale on the effort(s). Not only will these moves help flatten your abs, but they will also provide internal support for your back.

Exercise descriptions:

Knee tucks

Planks

Bicycles

Mountain Climbers

Day 5: Start snacking. Eat three light and healthy snacks a day to keep your metabolism going and your hunger in check. Light string cheese, lean lunch meats, cottage cheese, fruit or a small serving of nuts will do the job. If you have a piece of fruit, add some protein and/or fat with it (nuts or cheese, for example) to balance out your blood sugar. Just keep the snack fairly small and healthy.

Day 6: Breathe. Add deep breathing into your daily routine. Take a few moments to clear your head and bring fresh oxygen into your body mornings before you rise and at bedtime. Relax your abdomen, breathe in deeply (expanding your ribs out towards the sides rather than front/back) and then exhale completely while pulling in and up with your diaphragm and pelvic floor. A bonus is that this helps tone your abs, too. Breathe slowly and deeply.

Day 7: Vitamins and minerals. Take a daily multivitamin and 800 IUs of Vitamin D3 (remember that multivitamins also have Vitamin D in them). Recent guidelines from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) have increased the daily IUs for Vitamin D from 400 to 800. Some experts feel that is still too low, so use your own judgment.

Day 8: Try something new..a new exercise class, routine or equipment. Experiment with something you have not done before. Each day, pick a new activity and make it fun. Start your own “12 Days of Fitness” with a new routine every day. Try a kettlebell, Spinning®, Pilates or Zumba class or DVD. Or change up your weight training by working slow and heavy one session, and faster and lighter the next. Give yourself room to play and experiment.

Day 9: Balance. Add some balance training to all of your exercise routines. You can even add this into your “commercial fitness” (Day 2 above). Use an unstable surface like a thicker mat, BOSU or pillow. Go barefoot. Practice standing on one leg, squatting with one leg, plank with your elbows on the unstable surface. Unstable surfaces make you work harder and use more muscles, thus burning more calories.

Day 10: Cut down on sweets. From this day on, cut back on the sugars you know about. There are so many unexpected products that contain sugars we are not aware of (ketchup, anyone? Bread?). When you reach for a snack, try plain yogurt with fresh berries instead of the sweetened kind. And those pre-packaged snack packs that have a “low” calorie value? They are loaded with sugars. Pick a more natural option without added sugars. A sugary snack won’t do anything for your health. Save the sugar for where you will really enjoy it: Holiday desserts.

Day 11: Fiber. The easiest way to get enough fiber (experts recommend 30-40 grams per day) is with Day 3 above (fruits and vegetables) as well as legumes (like peas and beans) and high fiber grains. Rule of thumb? Don’t eat any grain product with less than 5 grams of fiber per serving.

Day 12: Like yourself. It’s easier to stay healthy and on track when you like yourself. When you a truly happy with who you are you are less likely to treat yourself poorly. Eating less-than-healthy foods, not exercising and not getting enough sleep is treating yourself poorly. See yourself as others see you and ask yourself, “Would I let my kids eat that? Would I let my mom exercise to little? Would I be concerned if I my spouse slept this short of time every night?” If you wouldn’t do it to them, don’t do it to yourself. You count.

Start with these easy steps to improve your health, weight and fitness. Eat healthy and clean 80% of the time over the Holidays and indulge 20% of the time. The important thing is to not binge or beat yourself up if you eat too many yams or an extra serving of dessert. Just let it go, move on and forget about it. It’s not the end of the world.

A good life is having balance, and the Holidays are about celebrating with family. Have both.

Helen M. Ryan is an ACE-certified trainer, Spinning® coordinator, author and speaker. Follow Helen on Twitter, about.me or download her free LA’s the Place Fit Life e-book.

A unique combination of live theater and film, this production, adapted from J M Barrie’s tale of the boy who never grows up, gives audiences the best of both worlds.

High tech and low tech combine to immerse the audience in the show. The production is in a large custom tent adjacent to Segerstrom Hall and is the world’s first 360-degree CGI theater set. The massive projection screens surround the audience and stage, giving a “theater in the round” feel. There is no bad seat in the house.

This performance of Peter Pan is definitely a bit more gritty than the Disney version. Tinkerbell wears a worn pink tutu and sports an attitude. The pirates are rougher, more violent and use stronger language than kids are used to. All together, though, it works and is entertaining for both kids and adults.

The actors have their parts down and are convincing and energetic in their roles. They have also mastered the skill of flying above the stage on wires, making what takes a lot of physical strength and balance look simple. Hanging upside down for periods of time while delivering your lines can’t be that easy.

The projection screens that surround the tent provide a realistic backdrop to the production. Actors and film mesh seamlessly as the characters fly through the London night to Neverland, bobbing and weaving past sculptures and buildings. The audience flies with them as the landscape rushes past on all sides, letting them feel part of the action.

Melding live action theater with film can be a challenge. Dana Perreault, US Technical Director for the production, says the lighting is a very complex part of the production. “We have to be able to light the stage, yet not take away from the images projected on the screens”, says Perreault. “We have to get very creative with the lighting, and use mirrors to bounce the light.”

Opposing the high tech screens and flowing aerial work is the low tech use of puppets and real puppeteers to play the part of the Nana, the Darling family’s canine nanny, and other animals including the famed Captain Hook-hungry crocodile. It takes a moment to get used to a visible person on stage controlling the puppets, but their movements are so natural that you eventually forget they are there.

The deceptively simple set is timed and programmed to transform quickly and smoothly between scenes. It takes an incredible amount of coordination for all the pieces to come together. At one point in the production the performers are lowered down from the ceiling, slip into their beds, then slide though their mattresses and down under the stage, with the beds then disappearing and the center island popping up onto the stage. The precision with which this is done is no less than remarkable.

If you are looking for a grand-scale Broadway production then Peter Pan might not be for you. But if you want to suspend reality for awhile, enjoy a bit of magic with a great cast, stunning projected images, and a few laughs to boot, then head over to the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. Sometimes it’s important to just forget reality for awhile  – and not be a grown up.

For more information on Peter Pan now playing in Orange County through Jan.2, 2011.

For more info www.ocpac.org. To buy tickets, go here…

Helen M. Ryan is an entertainment and fitness writer. Follow her on Twitter or at about.me/helenmryan

Music fans usually pay hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to get a close view of their favorite bands in concert. Not so at the new Plugged In stage at Universal CityWalk®, where getting close to the bands comes at a very reasonable price: free.

Conveniently located right outside the Hard Rock Café, the Plugged In stage is the new host a variety of hot musical acts, all playing full sets that are entirely free to the public.

Neon Trees at CityWalk

Neon Trees, the dance-punk band Los Angeles radio giant KROQ has said will “rule the universe” (read LA’s the Place’s interview with lead singer Tyler Glenn ) opened the Plugged In concert series on October 26, 2010.

The band may hail from Utah, but with two of Neon Trees’ members from Southern California’s wine country, plenty of Murrietans drove in to see group perform live. The young musicians played a complete set to an excited crowd under the beautiful evening sky, where lucky radio station ticket winners were merely feet away from their music heroes. Early arrivals saw the band warm up and perform their sound check, where lead singer Glenn interacted with the crowd from the low profile stage and posed gamely for photos.

Neon Trees. (l) Vocalist Tyler Glenn; (r) Guitarist Chris Allen

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Neon Trees also participated in a “meet and greet” at the neighboring Hard Rock Café, where fans got to interact with band members  and proceeds benefited the restaurant chain’s “Pinktober” efforts.

What’s up next? Rock band Good Charlotte energizes the Plugged In stage on November 4, 2010, with another free performance open to the public. The triple platinum selling rock band just released its fifth studio album this month, “Cardiology”. “Cardiology” is the group’s first album release in four years.

Good Charlotte performs for free at CityWalk

With sound quality at the Plugged In stage excellent and performance area boasting great views from the main audience area as well as surrounding walkways and restaurants, free concerts at CityWalk seem like just the ticket in a tight economy.

Want more? Local bands Saint Motel, Red Cortez, and Voxhaul Broadcast will grace the Plugged In stage later this month, and other events around CityWalk include a Days of Our Lives meet ‘n greet, comedy shows, and large-scale concerts at the Gibson Amphitheater.

Universal CityWalk Plugged In Stage

CityWalk is a great venue for a bite to eat and some music. Restaurants abound, with coffee shops and specialty cafes helping to add the perfect end to an exciting evening. Where else can you see Neon Trees and Good Charlotte for free under the California stars? Only in Hollywood.

Stay plugged in with other bands that will hit the Plugged In stage in the Events section at www.CityWalkHollywood.com or at CityWalk general via Twitter at @CityWalkLA and Facebook.

Neon Trees concert photography by Helen M. Ryan.

Helen M. Ryan is a music and fitness writer. Follow her on Twitter or at about.me/helenmryan

In a place where rock music legends KISS and passionate rapper Eminem’s worlds collided, the Epicenter festival featured a hard-hitting selection of some of the biggest names in rock, alt rock, hip hop and punk.

Fiery Performances Despite the Heat

55,000 fans braved triple digit temperatures at Auto Club Raceway to hear their favorite bands, some of whose only Southern California tour stops was Epicenter. This two-day musical extravaganza was cleverly designed to mix old with new, and the diverse bill was impressive despite the newness of the festival itself.

From punk rock to alt rock and hip hop, plenty of lesser-known bands and artists had their own moments under the blazing sun both afternoons before the headlining acts took to the stage as the sun went down.

KISS Wanted to Rock and Roll All Night

Saturday’s headliner proved that showmanship is not dead. KISS burst onto stage after Eminem, wearing their trademark kabuki makeup, impossibly high platforms and full-on costumes. All fire and brimstone, KISS kept the audience’s attention with their on-stage presence, which included lots of flames and fake blood. For sheer entertainment value, it doesn’t get much livelier than KISS.

Gene Simmons

Though much of the Eminem-inspired crowd left after Eminem’s performance, larger-than-life singer-bassist Gene Simmons took his famous tongue and soared high above the stage to a small perch where he performed to the crowd far below. Paul Stanley, singer-guitarist, also took flight during their anthem, “I Was Made for Loving You”.  Say what you want about KISS – it’s not easy for anyone to drag their fully-costumed bodies and heavily platformed feet around the stage for  90 minutes.

Guess Who’s Back?

Emimen rapped it with a clear-eyed and energetic performance. With the sun just setting over Fontana, Eminem finally seemed comfortable in his own skin. Playing to a packed and rapt audience, he covered all the basics with his only Southern California performance for 2010 (and his first official west coast performance in years).

The audience was mesmerized as Eminem journeyed them through his career, from the early bitter days to his recently released 7^th studio album “Recovery”, which includes “Not Afraid” and the Billboard Hot 100 number 1 hit, “Love the Way You Lie” (featuring Rihanna).

An Electic, but Exciting, Mix of Rock and Hip Hop

KISS Fans Alana and Dylan Clarke

Two stages were spread at either end of the blacktop at Epicenter, with the larger acts performing on the main stage and the many other groups showing their stuff on the Monster Energy stage. Musical acts were scheduled so as not to overlap, and though it was blazingly hot, the walk between the stages was not undoable.

Saturday’s pre-headliner bands included a somewhat reunited Bush (featuring lead singer Gavin Rossdale), the 90s grunge band who is releasing a new album this year. Papa Roach, Big Boi, Crash Kings, Deuce, House of Pain, Big B, The Knux, Smile Empty Soul, Kinda Major and The Envy all rounded out what made for a musically eventful Saturday.

The Kings and Queens of Alt Rock

Sunday sported more big bands in the alternative rock world. Earlier in the day the oppressive heat made for lesser crowds, which let fans to get very close to the stage and their idols. Bad Religion, the punk rock band founded in 1979, were strong. Against Me!, A Day To Remember, The Academy Is, Suicidal Tendencies, The Black Pacific, New Politics, Black Veil Brides and Biffy Clyro all played to hot and tired fans.

Jared Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars

30 Seconds to Mars arrived on the scene as the temperatures slowly started to wain and Jared Leto, a self-proclaimed “desert rat” with a bleached blond do, made the best of a hot and tired crowd. He aimed an industrial-sized hose at the audience to cool them off, and in the end invited a large group of fans on stage to sing with him.

Rise Against ignited their 75 minute set with passion and intensity. The crowd thickened and throbbed with anticipation as lead singer Tim McIlrath took fans on a tour of the magical world of alternative rock. Never disappointing, McIlrath’s voice handled everything he threw at it from the hardhitting “world gone wrong” songs to the quiet and powerful acoustic melodies of “Swing Life Away” and “Hero of War.” Rise Against was another group, in addition to KISS and Eminem, that made Epicenter their only Southern California stop for 2010.

Rise Against's Tim McIlrath & Zach Blair

Blink-182 closed out the evening with a sense of humor to go along with their music. Fans wearing blink-182 apparel were seen throughout the event all day Sunday, possibly because lead singer Travis Barker was born in Fontana. When the band arrived on stage the house was still full, and blink-182 played most of their fans’ favorites, putting a fitting close on the two-day festival.

Not to Be Missed

Epicenter Twenty Ten brought together some big names in a small city. Mixing alternative rock with hip hop gave the upstart musical festival an exciting edge. The initial Epicenter festival started out in Pomona in 2009 (featuring Linkin Park and Tool) but this year moved to the larger Auto Club Speedway. The only thing conspicuously missing from the otherwise perfect weekend was a strong female influence. Joan Jett could have rocked the house with the big boys. Just saying.

Epicenter concert photography by Helen M. Ryan

Helen M. Ryan is a music and fitness writer. Follow her on Twitter.

“The one way to get thin is to re-establish a purpose in life.”  ~Cyril Connolly

If someone told you there really is an easy way to lose weight, would you believe them? It could be a very true statement, indeed.

It doesn’t involved cutting out carbs. It doesn’t involve starving and detoxifying yourself. It doesn’t even involve cutting out dairy. What it does involve is activating the one muscle that can truly help you lose weight: Your brain.

The Easy Steps to Weight Loss

Step 1: Re-Set Your Priorities

You have to want it. If you truly wanted to lose weight you would have done it already. Stop and think about that for just a moment. When you’ve wanted something badly in the past, I bet you made every effort to make it happen. Nothing stood in your way and nothing could hold you back. The same applies to weight loss. I lost 80 pounds easily when I wanted to (and I gained 20 of those pounds back when I didn’t “want to” anymore).

If you really wanted to be thinner you would put down the fries. In reality, they aren’t even that tasty, are they? You eat them anyway because they give you something you are missing in life – something that’s more important to you at this moment than losing weight.

Reprogramming: Figure out what you are missing and change your priorities, because that is what’s keeping you fat.

Step 2: Stop Obsessing Over Food

Obsession of any kind is not healthy, and obsession over everything you put in your mouth will only lead to weight gain. None of us are perfect and it’s the drive to be perfect that leads to weight gain. Often, if you eat one “bad” food it’s easy to believe that you have “blown it” and then continue on an eating spree.

Reprogramming: Remember that there are no “bad” foods – just better and worse choices. A cookie is a cookie, so just have the one cookie and enjoy the moment, then make a healthier choice next time.

Step 3: Shift Your Goal from Losing Weight to Becoming Healthier

As part of step 2, forget trying to lose weight. Focus instead on doing something healthy for your body. When you are tired, hungry and faced with the choice of an apple or a bag of potato chips, it’s easier and more satisfying to choose the chips. Dismiss the craving for a moment. Banish the delicious crunchiness from your thoughts and think about this: What are the health benefit of chips? None, really. Then why are you eating them? Because they taste good? But what will they do to your blood sugar, your arteries, your brain function?

Reprogramming: The more often you are able to choose the apple over the chips, the healthier you will be and mentally stronger you will become. The better fuel you put in your performance engine (you), the smoother that engine will run. The more often you make healthier food choices, the easier it becomes.

Step 4: Eat More Fresh Foods

It’s fairly easy to add a salad, for example, to every dinner. Make it a large one using dark green and colorful vegetables like spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, and carrots. This simple habit will really spiff up your nutrition and give you a dose of natural vitamins and fiber. Beware of the calories in dressings and just splash on some balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, or a dash of olive oil. Eating a large salad before your major meal will help you feel fuller and cut down on your overall calories.

Reprogramming: Fresh and raw foods are good. Learn to choose salads instead of tortilla chips – most of the time.

Step 5: Eat Often and Eat Less

You’ve heard the “eat every 2-3 hours” mantra before, but eating frequent meals truly helps weight loss efforts. By eating often you do not become ravenously hungry. The feeling of starvation is what often leads you to making poorer choices like pastries instead of low fat string cheese. Make sure you eat something light before you go out, and plan (but don’t obsess) about how you are going to fuel your body throughout the day.

Reprogramming: Don’t let yourself go hungry. Eat often. It doesn’t take a lot of thought once you get used to it, and it will save your body and your sanity in the long run.

Step 6: Live Your Life

Make the healthiest choices you can at any given moment, but don’t skip the slice of cake at your birthday party. Live a little and live well.

Reprogramming: Quality of life is as important as quantity of life. Eat healthy most of the time and allow yourself some splurges.

In reality, weight loss is not easy because we don’t let it to be easy. I am the first one to admit when I slip, but I don’t beat myself up over it any longer. I realize I am human and attempt to make a healthier choice the next time I eat (and not wait for the next day or the next Monday).

Your main purpose is to be healthy – not skinny. Remember that fact every day, remove the pressure of “dieting”, and weight loss will come almost effortlessly as your bonus.

Helen M. Ryan is an ACE-certified trainer, Spinning® instructor, author and speaker. She specializes in helping people fit weight loss and exercise into their busy lives. Follow Helen on Twitter, read her story or download her free LA’s the Place Fit Life e-book.

The Mediterranean of Southern California

From the moment glide through the gated entry you are transported into another world. A splendidly green golf course and lush vegetation surround the resort from all angles, much to the surprise of visitors who know how close to the hustle and bustle of San Diego they really  are.

A grand marbled entryway sets the tone of elegance with ornate stone, wrought-iron accents and sweeping archways.  Inspired by famed architect Addison Mizner (1872-1933), who mixed influences from Spain’s palaces, Florence’s decorative arts and France’s sun-washed coastal retreats into his work, The Grand Del Mar easily combines artful details with attention to open space, which lets you bask in soft natural lighting at this Southern California gem.

In the Lap of Luxury

At The Grand Del Mar, there is practically no reason to leave your room. The resort’s 242 rooms transport you to a far-away place, with no attention to detail spared. Beautifully decorated in Mediterranean style, the views from the private balconies do nothing to ruin that illusion. The rooms feature pillow-top beds with Pratesi linens, large marble bathrooms with super-deep European-style soaking tubs, a 40-inch LCD TV, free wireless internet access and plush bathrobes.

The rooms are large and airy with plenty of natural lighting, allowing you to feel comfortable and not cooped up. The resort even offers 31 suites with 1-3 bedrooms and a comfortable parlor area for a true feeling of a home-away-from home.

Amenities and Activities, Oh My!

Should you wish to leave the luxury of your room there is no lack of activities. The Grand Golf Club is San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed golf course. With it’s private rolling greens and chaparral-lined hillsides, this premier golf resort offers year-around play for Grand Del Mar guests and villa owners.

The resort’s neighbor is the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve which offers an unparalleled option to explore its rich natural resources and beauty. The Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve features over 500 plant species and 175 types of birds, along with bobcats, raccoons and even mule deer. The Grand Del Mar offers guided hikes through the preserve, or bike rentals for those who want to explore nature on two wheels.

For relaxation or play, the four heated pools offer something for everyone. A children’s pool with wading area, an adult-only relaxation pool, pool bar, sand seating areas, poolside refreshments and glowing fire pits make water play an option from morning ’til night.

The Movement Studio has complimentary fitness classes ranging from yoga to Pilates, and the large fitness center is equipped with much more than you would expect from a “hotel gym.”

If you need more outdoor exercise two pro-style tennis courts with stunning views of the nature preserve allow you to practice your swing. Seasonal tennis clinics are available if you want to brush up on your skills, or private instruction can be arranged.

The Explorer’s club is the perfect solution for kids of all ages who want to play. Video- and board games abound, with structured supervised programs also available. Explorer’s Night In lets kids eat, play and be merry while parents head out for a relaxing dinner or a romantic stroll around the property.

Tastebuds Rejoice

The Grand Del Mar provides food options for all, from casual dining at the Amaya, elegant fare at the Addison, casual restaurant with bar at The Clubhouse Grill, light fare and exceptional drinks at the Lobby Lounge, poolside refreshments, and even a coffee shop/light food pit stop at Cent’ Anni.

The pièce de résistance of dining at The Grand Del Mar is the Addison, run with passion and skill by Chef William Bradley. It is Chef Bradley’s vision that made this fine dining establishment Southern California’s only five-star, five-diamond restaurant. With its outstanding four-course menu anchored by contemporary French influences, world-class wine tasting room and elegant atmosphere, dinner at the Addison is an event, not just a meal.

“You have to commit on all fronts”, says Chef Bradley about the Addison experience. “My vision is to be committed to quality and perfection on a daily basis. You’re only as good as your last meal”.

The Grand Del Mar also offers ongoing culinary and mixology classes led by the talented personalities that haven taken the resort the top of its class.

Pampering at Hand

Who was voted “Best Day Spa” by the discerning readers of Luxist? The spa at The Grand Del Mar.  Enveloped in hushed elegance and supporting natural therapies, the coastal canyon spa is the perfect way to unwind, relax and beautify. Every detail at the spa is perfect, from the ability to arrive unnoticed by others in your luxurious room robe, the relaxing and plush waiting area with a choice of teas and sumptuous light snacks, to the soothing treatment rooms where time stands still. The spa aims to connect you to the surrounding nature with rich elements of the earth: calming botanicals, native herbs and warm mineral muds and clays. The spa uses an organic product line custom-made for the resort. Unusual for a spa is that the men’s lounge area is equipped the same as the women’s, so both men and women can bask in the European-style wet rooms and indoor whirlpools. Easy access to the relaxation pool means your spa stay can be extended to include some rest and relaxation poolside.

World Class Is Not a World Away

After The Grand Del Mar has surrounded you in natural beauty and stunning elegance, you will not want to return home. The employees are thoughtful and welcoming, and the ambiance of the European palace is one that you will truly miss. With no finishing touches left undone and no European-looking stone unturned, The Grand Del Mar is an elegant experience you won’t soon forget.

For more information, visit www.thegranddelmar.com

The luscious land where Paradise Point Resort now sits originally caught the eye of Hollywood producer Jack Skirball, who envisioned a grand, fantasyland-like get-away. Based on Skirball’s vision, the beautiful tropical resort first opened in 1962 with 150 rooms, incorporating film artifacts throughout the property, like the porpoise fountain from the 1920 film “Cleopatra”. Now, after extensive renovations, Paradise Point truly is a fantasy island with its interconnecting lagoons, footbridges, tiki torches and lookout tower where you can see the entire resort in one breathtaking 360 degree view.

The Island of Fun and Relaxation

Paradise Point is a 44-acre private island retreat located in Mission Bay, home of the country’s largest man-made aquatic park, Mission Bay Park. With soft sandy beaches circling the resort, there are plenty of opportunities to catch romantic sunsets, stroll along the water’s edge or hold a summer bonfire under a beautiful San Diego evening sky. Bikes are available for rent, which help guests get from edge-to-edge of the resort and activity-to-activity. There is plenty to do for everyone.“The goal”, says Paradise Point Manager Pat Rizco, “is for guests to never have to leave the island if they don’t want to.”

In and Out of Water

Renown for its full-service private marina, Paradise Point is a great place to get in, on, and around the water. Kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, motor boating and sailing are popular “on the water” activities, whether you are a pro or just want to learn new skills.

Five tennis courts and an 18-hole putting green allow you to simply have fun, or improve you swing with the help of a professional instructor. A sand volleyball court and basketball court foster friendly competition, while fun activities such as ping pong, lawn croquet, Bocce ball and horseshoes help families bond. There are endless opportunities to play at Paradise Point and just outside of it, within walking distance, lies the famous SeaWorld.

Bayside Bungalow King Room

A Room With a View

462 all-bungalow rooms are sprinkled throughout the property under towering palm trees and between winding lagoons. The beautifully remodeled rooms, which include 99 suites, are all Balinese-themed and decorated with warm colors, modern furnishings, custom Javenese Batik-style bed throws, blended with contemporary artwork. The latest in technology such as flat-screen plasma TVs and wireless internet add a classy finishing touch.

The single-story bungalows are wonderfully private and situated with either welcoming garden, breathtaking bay or relaxing lagoon views. Private patios are just a French door away, and sometimes nature visits your patio in the form of a friendly and curious duck or two.

Baleen - Fine Dining

Food for Thought

Paradise Point is home to the restaurant AOL City Guide crowned Best Outdoor Dining and hailed by The New York Times as “one of the best dining secrets in San Diego”: The BALEENsandiego. The BALEENsandiego’s menu is a skillful blend of land and sea cuisine with a decidedly local flair. Chef Megan Barnes-Reichman uses many San Diego products and produce in her creations, a skill she picked up on her adventures as an executive chef aboard privately-chartered yachts. With only local ingredients to work with on her travels, Barnes-Reichman learned to be creative while ocean-bound to Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, Bahamas, Spain, France and Italy. This creativity is what she brings to the San Diego table.

BALEENsandiego overlooks beautiful Mission Bay and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Originally producer Skirball’s bedroom suite, the restaurant now features a beautiful open kitchen, warm woods and welcoming romantic fireplace. Says Rizco of BALEENsandiego’s menu, “It’s fine dining with a flair of comfort.” Comfort…and a beautiful view.

The Barefoot Bar & Grill is a “can’t miss” treat. As the name implies, it’s casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner (though shoes are required), with both indoor and outdoor seating and stunning views of Mission Bay. A lagoon filled with fish swirls next to the outdoor patio and the adjacent private dock lets hungry boaters step virtually right into the restaurant for a quick bite. The lagoon was originally populated with the help of local boaters, who would bring in a unique live fish in exchange for a beer.

Of course, no resort would be complete without poolside dining, and Paradise Point offers their Tropics Bar & Grill at the main pool and spa area. Open seasonally, Tropics serves refreshing drinks, snacks and grilled entrees.

Old Meets New

SpaTerre is a gorgeous spa area with an exotic touch. Aside from the traditional Swedish massages and facials, SpaTerre features Japanese-style wood soaking tubs, coupled with ancient Balinese and Thai massage techniques.

Warm woods, candles and décor inspired by plants from the jungles welcome visitors, and the scents of exotic natural fragrances immediately relax the mind. Once you enter the spa area, the outside world falls away and the quiet, the scents and the dim lighting transport you to a calmer state.

A full-service salon perfect for weddings and wedding parties adjoins the spa, and visitors feel free to walk around the spa area in their robes. Comfort and well-being is king at SpaTerre.

The New Paradise

Paradise Point is an island of experiences. From couples wanting a romantic get-away, to families in need of some rest and recreation (summer kids’ clubs are also available), to unique and stunning meeting facilities for businesses, it is all available on “the island”.

Feel a million miles away from the world – while being close to all of what San Diego offers.

“I can’t imagine anyone traveling a shorter distance to feel so far away”, says Rizco.

For more information, visit Paradise Point.