Page 16 February 2012 critical injury by 50 percent. Yet in spite of such alarming statistics, drivers still get cited into court on a regular basis for safety-belt violations. It seems as though many drivers take for granted that getting behind the wheel on a daily basis is a dangerous venture. We tend to forget we are traveling at such high speeds, especially on the highways. And though most of us are safe drivers, the possibility of a collision usually arises from the mistakes and poor driving of other individuals on the road, especially those under the in fl uence of alcohol or drugs. We should all try to remember that such a quick and simple measure of caution cannot only prevent injury in minor collisions, but possibly save a life. Steven Sarkis is the justice of the peace for the Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court. Sarkis Continued from page 10 District 6, which includes Ahwatukee, Arcadia, Biltmore, East Camelback and North Central, probably will be the least affected. It may change a bit at the edges, perhaps in North Phoenix and southeast of Arcadia, but probably will remain at its core Arcadia and East Camelback paired with Ahwatukee. Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio represents District 6, which includes Ahwatukee, Arcadia, Biltmore, East Camelback and North Central. He can be reached at 602-262-7491. DiCiccio Continued from page 6 Sydow shows his character through actions and facial expressions. He does amazingly well, which makes it that much more of a shame he’s not in it more. As for Oskar, he has many quirks and fears, and often blurts things out without thinking. In some cases, this works for his character and makes him interesting to watch. In others, he is simply annoying. Oskar is hard to empathize and connect with and seems like an outcast from the outcasts. He is a complex character and I don’t envy the actor. However, Thomas Horn takes it in stride and says his lines as though they’re his own thoughts and not words in a script. Sadly, that means any dislike towards his character may make the fi rst impression that the actor himself isn’t very good. The story drags, and it feels as though four hours has gone by rather than a little more than two. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is only squeezing 2 ½ stars out of me and far fewer tears. Julie Demetros is a 16-year-old homeschooler from Arcadia who writes about movies and books at http:// julieatthemovies.wordpress.com Movies Continued from page 12

Page 17 February 2012 Stones aid Valentine’s massage By Dale Messmer After 10 years as a therapist, Dominic Orlando is trying to bring the joy of a hot- stone massage from the spa into the home. Orlando’s invention, Sassis Stones, is a set of molded, crushed-stone-and-clay self- heating massage stones. The rechargeable lithium battery inside provides two hours of heat that can be incorporated into that Valentine’s massage for your partner. The two black, oval stones are ergonomically designed to fi t into your palm. When rubbed on skin covered with oil, lotion or even over clothing, they glide along the body, loosening muscles with both pressure and heat. The invention was one of necessity for Orlando to provide a better experience for his clients. “I didn’t like leaving my guest to get more hot stones,” Orlando said. “It would be a better experience, I thought, if the stones stayed hot through the entire treatment. “There was nothing on the market, so I came up with one on my own.” Sassi (pronounced “saw-see”) means stones in Italian. “So they are really stone stones,” Orlando said. They are really warm, too. “You have to start out with long strokes until the body dissipates some of the heat,” Orlando said. “They are very hot to the touch when they are fi rst charged. “They are meant to be used in motion, not to rest on the body.” Once they reach the right temperature, the stones make an amateur masseuse better at the job. And since they are heated on one side only, they make both the giver and receiver of the massage comfortable. “Everyone wants their partner to feel better,” Orlando said. “Massage is a great way to ensure that, and it’s our hope the Sassi Stones enhance the experience. “The heat helps to relax the muscles and enable your hands to better loosen those muscles. In combination, alternating hot stones and your hands make for a good massage.” Sassi Stones are easily cleaned with alcohol and a dry rag, so the masseuse can use traditional oil as well as lotion or cream. An anti-bacterial spray can be used to sanitize the stones. Professional masseuses currently use Sassi Stones at the Joya Spa at the Montelucia in Paradise Valley – where Orlando has worked since the resort opened – and at the Ritz West in West Palm Beach, Fla., as well as at day spas throughout the country. Joya was the fi rst to use them and the fi rst to make them available to the public in their boutique, Orlando said. It was also the place where the elusive Continued on page 21 NEED HELP TACKLING YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS? HAS THE SOLUTIONS. Whether you’re buying, selling, remodelling or researching your options, call Bellamak Realty. 1. Get your body in shape! Call Lee Gough of Fitness Revolution 602-791-5314 • 4605 E. Thomas Rd. 2. Get your house in shape! ARCADIA BOOTCAMP One Month Free M-T-TH 6am, 9am, 6pm, 7pm Traci Bellamak ~ Realtor ® Buyer Specialist 602-799-1186 Shawn Bellamak Designated Broker Listing Specialist 602-723-0400 Judge Bellamak ~ Realtor ® Buyer’s/Seller’s Agent 602-799-1103 One coupon per customer. New clients only. Expires 2/29/12. Over $150M Sold Bellamak.com 602-723-0400 d d d