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607 E. Los Angeles Ave Simi Valley, CA 93065 805-581-2340 August 2011

August 2011 Holidays and Events

Get Ready for Kindergarten Month Happiness Happens Month National Immunization Awareness Month National Inventors Month What Will Be Your Legacy Month 1-7 International Clown Week 8-14 Exercise With Your Child Week 14-20 National Resurrect Romance Week 14-19 Weird Contest Week 25-31 Be Kind to Humankind Week 1 Girlfriends Day 1 Respect for Parents Day 2 National Night Out 6 National Fresh Breath Day 6 National Mustard Day 7 Sisters Day 8 Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbors Porch Night 8 Happiness Happens Day 12 Vinyl Record Day 13 National Garage Sale Day 14 Navajo Code Talkers Day 15 Best Friends Day 15 National Relaxation Day 18 Bad Poetry Day 19 National Mens Grooming Day 21 Poets Day 22 Be an Angel Day 25 Kiss and Make Up Day 26 National Dog Day 28 Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day 30 National Holistic Pet Day

Its August! Get ReadySetCreate!

Its Augustthe month to celebrate your creativity. Many people dont believe they are creative, or even have the ability to be creative. The fact is: everyone is creative. You might refuse to accept this as fact, but if you debate the premise with someone who truly understands creativity, you will lose every time. Guaranteed. You do have creative talent, you use these talents everyday but dont give yourself credit for themyou dont even realize they exist. And then, the most exciting creativity of all is what lies inside you, anxiously waiting to be discovered. This creativity is endless. There are no boundaries, no rules, no guidelines. Creativity is playful, open-minded, joyful. Creativity is not defined by experience, intelligence, how attractive you are, your age, or anything physical. Creativity surrounds us all, wanting you to recognize its existence. It might be in a thought, a word, an image, a smell. Creativity is not limited to the people who paint or sculpt or write. Designing a more productive filing system comes from creativity, or potting flowers or writing a poem. Creativity is what inspires an idea an idea uniquely yours. Do not confuse creativity with create. Creativity has no physical form. Creativity is the seed, the motivation, the aha moment. Create is what you do with creativity, its the action you take. It is easy to be creative, but to create requires dedication, passion and a firm belief in yourself. When creativity speaks to youand it willpay close attention. (Creativity rarely repeats itself.) Dont let the moment pass you by. When even the tiniest thread of an idea comes to you, roll it around in your head, play with it, write it down, and remind yourselfthere are no boundaries. Be bold, be brave, be determinedand create.

My Way To Help Celebrate Bad Poetry Day:

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Baked or Grilled Salmon

EasyHealthyDelicious!

Food Tip:
Did you know that baking soda goes bad? Baking soda produces carbon dioxide that helps dough rise and make tender baked goods. To be sure your baking soda is still fresh, combine teaspoon baking soda with 2 teaspoons vinegar. If it starts to fizz, its still good to use. If your baking soda is bad, you can still use itsprinkle it on your carpet before you vacuum, or mix with a little water and you have a non-toxic scrubbing paste.

1-1lbs fresh salmon filet cut in half so you can remove the thinner part, which will cook faster, from the oven nonfat cooking spray seasoning salt 1/4 cup mayonnaise parsley 1. Spray a baking dish or a sheet of foil on a cookie sheet with the cooking spray. Spray the salmon with the cooking spray. 2. Sprinkle with seasoning salt, spread the mayonnaise over the top and sprinkle with parsley. 3. Bake uncovered in the oven at 350 deg for 15 minutes and check the fish. The thinner half might be cooked. When the salmon first flakes easily and appears still slightly raw in middle, remove it from the oven right away. Salmon cooked all the way through will tend to be dry. Total cooking time might be 20-25 minutes. If you dont want to heat up the house, cook the salmon on the grill instead. Note: The mayonnaise keeps the salmon moist.

The Facts/Fiction on Saccharin

Its common knowledge that saccharin is an artificial sweetener used widely in diet and low-calorie foods. Saccharin, a substance 300 times sweeter than sugar, was invented in 1879, (who knew?) but it wasnt until the 1970s when studies on rats linked the sweetener to bladder cancer. The FDA wanted to ban it, but Congress, reacting to public pressure (we all know who the public really is) compromised by mandating that a warning label be printed on every product containing saccharin. Twenty-three years later, this warning was removed when new studies decided that the cancer found in rats did not apply to humans. And just who paid to run these new studies? Note: One more study ran recently found that rats who ate food with saccharin gained more weight than rats who were fed plain old sugar diets. What does the public have to say about that?

The Wonder of Water

Drink a large glass of water when you wake up in the morningyour body is low on fluids and needs hydrating. This is especially true if you exercise at the start of the day. Feeling tired? Dehydration causes fatigue and reduces your ability to function. Keep track of how much water you drink every day. Most experts suggest 8 glasses a day. Cut back on (or eliminate) your caffeine intakecoffee, tea, soda, power drinks. (Read labels!) Caffeine contains compounds that deceive your kidneys into releasing an excess of water, leaving your body dehydrated. The same is true with alcohol. You dont like water? You arent alone. But there are dozens, (if not hundreds,) of choices of water. Every brand of bottled water, whether its plain, flavored, fizzy, or some secret miracle blend of minerals, vitamins or electrolytes, has something for everybody. Find one you like or try one of the in-home filters and you can fill your own container. Keep a bottle or container of water close by and carry it with you all the timeto work, shopping, errands, appointments or meetings. Always carry a few bottles in your car, too. It might take time for water to become a regular part of your routine, but if you stick with it, who knows, it just might become your favorite drink!

Schneiders Automotive 805-581-2340 www.SchneidersAuto.net

So, Im Not Perfect!

I have a confession. Its not easy to admitin writing, no lessthat I have a fault. (Actually, I have a lot of faults, but this is just an article, not a 600 page tell-all book.) This particular fault, however, is the proverbial pea in my shoe. Im very aware of it, I want to get rid of it, but no matter how hard I try to shake it loose, it just wont budge. So whats this flaw I feel so compelled to confess to thousands of people I dont know? I complain too much. In my defense, I dont complain all the time. There are lots of days when I feel a sense of calm and peace, and on those wonderful days I am unaffected by outside annoyances. But then there are the other days. The days when the angel of patience on my shoulder takes a vacation, leaving me alone with that nasty little devil of intolerance. Those are the days when it feels as if the universe decides its time to pitch meone after anotherthose challenging curve balls. (To be clear, Im not talking about bowling balls dropping down out of the sky, this article is intended to address minor irritations, nothing life changing or threatening. Those situations are articles in themselves, and too important to be glossed over.) So what kind of curve balls am I talking about? For

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starters, my neighbors barking dogday and night. Going out to dinner with my husband and half way through our meal, the restaurant aisles transform into a race course for a mob of shrieking children. Then theres the oh-so-fun playing hide and seek with an employee (any employee) at the home improvement centeryou can guess whos the one seeking. Whats even better is when you do find someone, they send you on another gamea wild goose chase. The list is long, but Ill mention a few more because I cant seem to stop myself: the friends who are always late (45 minutes or more) the borrowed book, or tool, or money, etc., that was never returned. I know Im not alone feeling aggravated over these things. Im sure manyif not mostof you, are nodding with understanding. These situations are a common part of everyones daily routines. And like me, sometimes you can tune them out and just go on about your day without a hair out of place or a blink of an eye. But obviously, I wouldnt be writing this if I were in control all the time. Ive already confessed my inadequacy. Too often, when faced with an annoying situation, the primitive side of my brain takes over the intellectual and I become a captive to my emotions.

continued on page 7

Mosquito Bites: Itch Be Gone!

Summer brings with it those nasty little suckers called mosquitoes. Since we cant get away from them, we can at least reduce the swelling and itching. An antihistamine cream will help, but here are several other methods that help. A wet, cold green tea bag. Rubbing alcohol takes the itch away and helps prevent infection. (Though it might burn a little) Hand sanitizers (that contain alcohol.) Aloe vera gel (If you keep it in the fridge the cold helps prevent itching, too.) A basil leaf not only helps repel mosquitoes, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help keep swelling down. Last, but not leastthough certainly one to bring a smile to your face Preparation H. The ointment reduces swelling and may also help itching.

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Page 4

Thanks for the Kind Words

Future Schneiders Clients!

Everything is running just great, my truck was fixed on time for my family vacation and I am very satisfied with the work, I experienced no problems during the trip. Ricky Lee Riggs My car runs and looks better than it has in a long time, the A/C works great now. Thanks for the call and the car wash! Stephen Ferguson Everything is running terrific, thanks for the call.Jeff Dyer

Every 3 months a winner is selected from the list of clients who have written online reviews. Mitch is presenting current winner Fernando Perez with his new Ipod.

The First Step of My Journey

Three years ago this month, I was a shy, curious and brittle fifteen year old soon-to-be sophomore applying for my first job at Schneiders Automotive. I look back today and it is difficult to articulate how much Ive learned and grown since that day. Unfortunately, this month is my last month at Schneiders because I will be going back to school to pursue my dream of becoming a Veterinarian. I had originally planned on working at Schneiders until I finished all my pre-requisites and general education and transferred to UC Davis, that is, until Mitch and I were talking about my schedule for the upcoming semesters at Pierce and Moorpark College and he pointed out how overwhelming and busy my schedule was going to be. I then realized I would not be able to work and study with so many classes. Consequently, I do have mixed feelings about my last couple of weeks here since I have become very attached to everyone at Schneiders. Mitch and Frank have been greatand all the technicians are very special to me, each in his own way and it makes me incredibly sad to leave. They have watched over me and allowed me to experience countless valuable life lessons. At the end of the day, it has been a great privilege to work with them and I have great admiration and respect for what they do and who they are. Id like to thank them for encouraging me whenever I was uneasy about certain decisions, correcting my mistakes and patiently teaching me the correct way, giving me that nudge to keep moving forward and so much more. Last but not certainly not least, I want to thank the customers here at Schneiders. I have become very fond of everyone that I have had the opportunity to meet and talk to. Thank you for your kindness. I do strongly believe that Schneiders is a family of families. I could say I have my favorites, but everyone is special to me in their own way. Thanks again for the best three years filled with memories Ill never forget! Alexis Acosta

Congratulations to Mike and Rachel Chandler. Here is Dylan Chandler holding his brand new baby sister Megan Elizabeth.

Charmaine Haskins and her Grand-Daughter Zayla Venus Pelter visiting the shop.

Mitch is holding Reuben Valdez 15- month old grandson Dominic Valdez-Mosesso. Mitch met Reubens daughter Katrina, Dominics mom, when she was Dominics age.

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Thank You For Making Us a Trusted Resource

Raymond Williams- Referred by several friends Ian Nicholson- Referred by Aubrey Daumann Dennis Matzen- Referred by Frigiking Lea Donatz- Referred by Janet Lowry Isabel Cacho-Sousa- Referred by Sara Wedman Lisa Kalayji- Referred by Morgan Freeman Sue Hannon- Referred by Alexis Acosta David Gonzalez- Referred by Javier Acosta Jeff Dyer- Referred by his Wife Kim Chaves- Found us on the internet Jaya Sangaiah- Found us on Google Search

Page 5 (1869 Royal Ave - Royal & Erringer) Be one of the first 20 callers with the correct answer to the Readers Quiz and youll be entered into our monthly free prize drawing. Someone has to win. Why not you? Heres this months difficult question: Saccharin was invented in a) time for sugar-free drinks b) 1879 c) an evil scientists lab d) Boca Raton Call us at 805-581-2340 with your answer. Last month, aloe was the palliative of choice to stop sunburn pain.

Win A $20 Gift Certificate to Johnny Java

Whats New With Mitch?

Acts of Random Kindness
If life is becoming just a little overwhelming, rip your television and toss it down the driveway, take the radio fuse out of your car and cancel your subscription to the L.A. Times. If you dont, prepare to deal with that overwhelming urge to jump off the first overpass you encounter! Or, Or, you can sit in our office amongst some of the most incredible people you are ever likely to meet (Yes, I mean you!) and catch a glimpse of the way things are supposed to work. This morning will serve as an almost perfect example. Shortly after arriving, I was greeted by two clients one new and one regular. The new client, a senior living on a fixed income of less than $900 per month: less than some people spend on their pets, was referred to us by a shop in the Valley. The regular client, like so many of you, is a delight and fortunately is not challenged by the same realities our first-time customer is forced to confront daily. Both were sitting in the waiting room chatting while waiting for a ride back to their respective homes. It was obvious the cost of inspection and repair had the potential to devastate one of the two individuals happily discussing the Lakers, Mets and Yankees. It started with the technician assigned to the old Buick with the misfire on acceleration. He walked in and quietly whispered Its one of the three coil packs no spark. Just give him the inspection and testing (the diagnostic time), discount the installation and lets see what happens if we just put a coil in it Just give him the inspection and testing and discount the installation Still, the replacement of the coil pack came to just over a hundred dollars. Our other client observed what was going on and when it was time for them to leave, he quietly slipped a one hundred dollar bill in my hand and gestured to his new companion indicating he would be picking up at least the first hundred dollars of the repair cost. Certainly, an Act of Random Kindness you dont get to see every day: something you will never see on TV, hear on the radio or read in the paper But, still something worthy of mention nevertheless. We wake up to a crazy, unforgiving and confusing world most mornings. Little of anything seems to make sense. And, then something like this happens happens here because of people like you and all the wonderful, charitable and worthy things you are involved in and, then it all makes sense! So, thank you Thank you for the privilege of serving you. As a group, you constitute and incredibly high number of good people just like this, people just like you: people willing to perform acts of anonymous goodness capable of healing the world. You inspire all of us with your kindness every day. Share your issue with a friend or call us at 805-581-2340 for extra copies

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The Making of Toy Story

And the Story Continues...

a strong current than the phenomenal success carried them eight of Toy Story, is this real-life miles out to sea. story
In 2008, forty-six year old Walter Marino was swimming off the shores of Daytona Beach, Florida, with his twelve-year old autistic son, Chris. Without warning, a strong current carried them eight miles out to sea. They treaded water, but as darkness fell, father and son became separated, the current pulling them farther and farther apart. Knowing that his son enjoyed the movie, Toy Story, Walter would yell out Buzz Lightyears catch phrase, To infinity, then listen for his son to respond, and beyond! Walter was able to keep track of his son and keep his spirits up by repeating the phrase over and over, each time waiting for Chris to answer. Twelve hours later, the Coast Guard rescued Walter, but there was no sign of Chris. Distraught, Walter went below while the Coast Guard continued their search. Two hours later, the Coast Guard called for Walter to come up on deck. Though he feared the worst, Walter was surprised and elated when he saw Christopher, alive and safe. The boy, whod been treading water for fourteen hours, had been found three miles from where they had found Walter. The bond between father and son had clearly helped save them both, but still, one cant help but wonder how powerful the affect of a movie might be, not just for two people lost at sea, but To infinity and beyond! And even more amazing

Its hard to imagine that a movie which has grossed 362 million dollars worldwide and is considered the greatest and most revolutionary film in the history of animation, barely made it to the big screen. Were talking about Toy Story, of course. And if it werent for the brilliant foresight of John Lasseter, combined with the electric creativity of Pixars Steve Jobs, this beloved film might be rotting away in the vast waste land of story project rejects. So how did Toy Story become a reality? In 1988, Steve Jobs was losing millions on Pixar, and was considering selling the software animation company. Call it luck or just plain good timing, but that happened to be the year that Pixars head animator, John Lasseter, won an Oscar for his short movie Tin Toy. When Lasseter decided he wanted to turn Tin Toy into a feature length film, Steve Jobs gave up all thoughts of selling Pixar. After three years of negotiations, Pixar partnered with Disney to provide the financial backing. There were several different versions of the story about toys who pretended to be lifeless when humans were around. Disney wanted the movie to be more of an action film, with a good-cop, bad-cop theme. But Lasseter felt the premise was wrong and he held Disney at bay while he worked with his team of writers. Eight drafts later, a script was finally agreed upon by all parties. Finally, they began shooting the film which follows the life of Woody, a pullstring cowboy doll (the voice of Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear, an astronaut action figure (the voice of Tim Allen.) But still, Lasseter was not satisfied. Production stopped and Lasseter spent another four months rewriting. On its opening weekend in 1995, Toy Story was the top-grossing film. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive, praising both the technical innovation of the animation and the wit and sophistication of the screenplay. The John Lasseter with Buzz Lightyear movie has become and Woody a classic, a film that appeals to both children and adults, as well. Lasseters creative vision, his determination and his dedication to perfection transformed a short film into an extraordinary movie and a true work of art.

If Walt Whitman Had Written Humpty Dumpty

By Frank Jacobs

August 18 is Bad Poetry Day

O Humpty! O Humpty! Youve had a fearful spill. Youve tumbled from the stoney height, youre lying cold and still; Your shell is cracked, your yolk runs out, your breath is faint and wheezy; You landed as a scrambled egg, instead of over easy; The king has sent his steeds and men To mend you if they can; I pray that they did not forget To bring the frying pan.

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Complain, continued from page 3

Page 7 On one final note, Id like to share a story with you. Last week I decided to go to a new grocery store. The store was clean and bright and carried a wide variety of items I like. I actually had a good time shopping. And then I got to the check-out counter. The female clerk was surly, abrupt and bordering on rude. My first reaction (mentally) was annoyance, but I simply clenched my teeth and said nothinguntil she began to bag my groceries. At that point I asked her, (very nicely) Are you having a bad day? The womans entire demeanor changed, her shoulders lowered and her face softened. She then told me she had food poisoning, but the store was short on help and she had to be there. I offered my sympathies and told her I hoped she felt better soon. I could have left that store and carried my annoyance away with me. But by asking a simple question, I carried with me, though brief, a special connection with another person. Even more important, I carried with me a reminder of one of lifes vital lessons: Before I get annoyed, before I complain, examine the situation from every angle, yours and the other persons. Ask yourself if youve contributed to the situation somehowbe honest. Then, and only then, rather than voicing a complaint, have a discussion. P.S. I have one more complaint. I wanted to write more, but there was no room!
This article was submitted by Barbara McCauley, an award-winning author whose novels have appeared on USA Today and Borders Best Seller Lists.

And so I complain. First to myself, then anyone who will listen, even those poor people in a line behind methe ones who cant escape. Next comes my husband, (he cant escape either.) I complain to every poor soul but the one person I should complain tothe person who caused the problem. This is not exactly an epiphany. Of course I know I should address the issue with the neighbor whose dog barks too much, the manager of the restaurant (or the inconsiderate parents who choose not to watch their children.) I know I should simply ask for the book or tool or money back, and I should let my friends know how I feel about them being late. So why dont I? Because I hate confrontation. Usually, it feels easier to hold my tongue. I tell myself that my annoyance will pass and it really isnt that important and I would hate to cause a scene. But the fact is, I do know that its important. I know that any form of irritation is stress, and stress, even minor stress, stays in our bodies. Stress is a toxic substance, and too much unrelieved stress affects our health, both physically and mentally. Every time I fret about something, I add more toxins into my system. Knowing this, but doing nothing to change my behavior is not only absurd, its stupid. Now that Ive shared this with you, I would like to say that I am working on this fault. Im learning (slowly) to sharpen my assertive skills, to say what needs to be said, at the time it needs to be said, in a calm, even voice. (Note: Aggression achieves nothing but to exhibit a lack of control and an immature ability to have an intelligent discussion.)

Bumper Sticker Humor

Im objectiveI object to everything. Im an optimist, but I dont think it helps. Nothing is impossible to the person that doesnt have to do it. Give me ambiguity or give me something else. Pride is what we have. Vanity is what others have.

The Worst Medicine Cabinet

Although you may have a medicine cabinet in your bathroom, the last thing you should store in there is actual medicine. The heat and humidity can harm medicines and vitamins. Instead, store medicines on a high shelf in your linen closet or in your pantry. A cool, dark place out of the reach of children is the best place for these items

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Auto Insights

is a free monthly newsletter from Mitch & the Team at:

607 E. Los Angeles Ave Simi Valley, CA 93065 805-581-2340 or: mitchs@SchneidersAuto.net

the needed work, done right, finished on time, and at a fair price

Toy StoryThe Amazing Story Saccharin Isnt so Sweet Dont We All Complain? Mosquito Bites How to Stop the Itch Water , Natures Health Drink

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