Shiny Portals to World Relief 

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• They're pretty and possibly practical

Times are undeniably stressful, and it's hard to think that miracles will happen when you're preoccupied with natural disasters and radioactive particles raining from the sky. Some would argue, however, that thinking in terms of miracles is the only way out of this arguably human-caused quagmire.

Consider Dr. Amit Goswami, the theoretical physicist and pioneer in the Eastern religion-esque field of post-materialist science. Goswami's studies of quantum physics and its connection to spirituality compel him to argue that "consciousness, not matter, is the ground of all being." By his theory, the Earth, climate phenomena and our collective reality are all manifestations of what he calls our connected, non-local consciousness. Goswami believes we have the power to save civilization through "quantum activism," or the relaxing and healing of our collective consciousness through thinking positively at the individual level.

It couldn't be a bad thing to get in the positive zone and actively hope, even if you think we might be in some stinky, deep doo doo. Need some help? No problem, friend. We suggest you visit the Redwood Acres Gem and Mineral Show, returning for its 10th year in a row and not a moment too soon. Here you can find innumerable sweet crystals and gemstones to help get you in the right zone for healing and activating that human-wide consciousness. Plus, you can find unique gifts for friends and family, pick up some jewelry-making supplies and meet interesting vendors from as far away as Idaho, Arizona and Southern California. You'll see demos, learn about caring for and cleaning your gems, and have your mind boggled by handmade creations.

The gem show is at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds (3750 Harris St., Eureka) Friday, April 8, noon-7 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, April 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Door prizes are awarded hourly. Admission is $3, free for students and seniors on Friday, half off for students and seniors on Saturday and Sunday. Admission fees go to support the local 4-H kids. There's a lot to look at, so be sure to give yourself ample time to cruise the booths. Info: Call Diana Usrey at 839-1358.