20 Ways to Feel More Alive
1 Start a breathing practice.
2 Express gratitude before meals.
3 Ride the bus or your bike instead of driving.
4 Begin each morning with a stretch.
5 Get a massage on a regular basis.
6 Smile at strangers.
7 Plant a garden.
8 Take a class.
9 Write a letter.
10 Move your practice outdoors.
11 Enjoy a 15-minute afternoon siesta.
12 Anoint your feet with oil—and a little massage.
13 See an Ayurvedic doctor to discover your dosha.
14 Smile in the mirror every morning.
15 Make dinner for your neighbors.
16 Take a media fast.
17 Visit an elderly relative.
18 Return to a hobby you love.
19 Sit under a tree for an afternoon.
20 Tell your family and friends how much you love them.

Won't promise that I'll do them all but I'll try for most . . .
February08 Yoga Journal. Wow, todays the last day of 2007.

Mac Pro
Just found out I can't run Photoshop 7 on my new Mac Pro, figures, nothing in life runs smoothly. . . breathe.

The United States of Arugula:How We Became a Gourmet Nation
by David Kamp
A compilation of essays goes inside the American food revolution to explore the growing interest in gourmet eating, chronicling the evolution of the movement and profiling those responsible for the transformation.


This is an engaging well-researched and delightfully entertaining book.

Saleh Ludvic
Born in Egypt, Ludvic brings ancient ideas of rebirth and resurrection to his expressive, commanding paintings. Ludvic works in series, the abstractions ranging from the emotive A Thousand Poems for Lauren, to the deeply symbolic Quiet Temples, to the bold and vibrant Rhapsodies.


Rhapsody III
2007

Sophie Scholl:The Final Days (2005)
Director:Marc Rothemund
Julia Jentsch
Based on true events, this is a story of a young anti-Nazi activist Sophie Scholl. Arrested for her membership in the resistance movement, Sophie is subjected to a highly charged interrogation by the Gestapo. This will be in my head for a long time and a film I'll likely never forget.

No Reservations(2007) vs
Mostly Martha(2002)
M wants me to put No Reservations on my Queue. It will be released on DVD February 12, 2008. I cringe, loved the German film Mostly Martha and can't imagine the need for a remake especially an Americanized version.

Venus(2006)
Director: Roger Michell
Peter O'toole, Vanessa Redgrave
I found it somewhat disturbing, another Lolita, very sad.

The Man From Elysian Fields (2002)
Directtor: George Hickenlooper
Andy Garcia, Mick Jagger, Julianne Margulies
I was pleasantly surprised by this one, especially by Mick Jagger as Luther Fox, the head of the Elysian Fields escort service. It's an interesting story, and everyone turns in great performances. Andy Garcia has never been an actor that stands out to me but he does strong work here. Emotionally complex drama, with a few good twists. Pretty Good.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Sergi Lopez
Pan's Labyrinth is an emotional movie who's protagonist mixes the harsh reality that she's going through with a pregnant mother and an uncaring "father," and the world she escapes to,where she is a princess of an entire universe. The movie is beautifully done. Be prepared to go through an emotional rollercoster.

A price Above Rubies (1998)
Director: Boaz Yakin
Renée Zellweger
I'm ambivalent about this movie. I think it's a movie worth watching, but it's a bit disjointed.

Onegin (1999)
Director: Martha Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes, Liv Tyler
A story of unrequited love, and what happens when you change your mind too late, with main characters elegantly and perfectly portrayed by Liv Tyler and Ralph Fiennes. If you're looking for a classic love story, told in a classic style, and filmed with exquisite costumes and sets, Onegin is it. Highly recommended.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)
Director: Ken Loach
Cillian Murphy(28 Days Later), Padraic Delaney
A gem straight from Ireland. Cillian Murphy and Padraic Delaney do a fanastic job allowing the history, a view into the war of independence and civil war, to speak for itself while also allowing audience members to feel a strong connection to their characters. There are some scenes that will make your stomach turn, but it is such a quality film.

This is England (2006)
Director: Shane Meadows
Shaun’s grief becomes a cause for a skinhead gang during the 1980's. Since his father was killed in the Falkland Islands Shaun has been displaced, depressed, and picked on. At first he finds comfort with his new found friends, but it turns tragic quickly and Shaun discovers what kind of person he truly is. Worthy of rental.

Les Comperes (1983)
Director: Francis Veber
Gérard Depardieu, Pierre Richard, Anny duperey
Hilarious French slapstick. Silly good-hearted fun. I loved it! Highly recommended.

Namesake (2006)
Director: Mira Nair
Kal Penn, Irfan Khan, Tabu, Jacinda Barrett
Had read the book a couple of years back and enjoyed it. The movie version turned out to be very interesting and compelling. Acting was excellent. Movie provided an excellent insight into the Indian socio-economic culture. Well recommended.

Once (2006)
Director: John Carney
Glen Hansard Markéta Irglova
Truly a wonderful movie. This is a story about two creative loners who are suffering from heartbreak and find comfort in each other. It’s so sweet and romantic without being sappy or sentimental. The chemistry between the two is so powerfully subtle that it sticks with you. Watching her drag the hoover through the streets like a pull toy was priceless.