I heard this really great program the other night on the subject of vaccinations. It's very clear and I think it really gets to the heart of the matter. Check it out, it's really good! :)
http://tribecaradio.net/wpradioblog/podcasts/vitality/
It's show #34 with Dr. Ted Koren.
Feel free to post your comments after you listen.
Friday, November 21, 2008
A Film on Curing Cancer
Have you heard of this yet? There's a film that opened this weekend, "The Beautiful Truth." It's a documentary on the topic of curing cancer.
You can read about it and watch the trailer here:
http://www.thebeautifultruthmovie.com/
Looks like they've documented the cures for the last 50 years or so. Pretty cool. It's in select theaters now and will probably be available on DVD soon.
Enjoy!
You can read about it and watch the trailer here:
http://www.thebeautifultruthmovie.com/
Looks like they've documented the cures for the last 50 years or so. Pretty cool. It's in select theaters now and will probably be available on DVD soon.
Enjoy!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
One Simple Thing
Pick up the paper or turn on the TV and you see nothing
but stories of financial Armageddon. The stock market is
crashing, banks are failing, mortgage companies are failing,
the housing meltdown, unemployment is skyrocketing. If
not for the bad news, there’d be no news at all.
And one thing that all these recurring news stories do is
cause an enormous amount of stress—stress that is both
emotionally and physically devastating.
And what if you're experiencing challenges while you are
transitioning into and maintaining a healthy, Raw Food
Lifestyle? It can seem overwhelming.
Well, there is a quick, easy, and best of all drug-free way
to eliminate all this stress from your life and enjoy some
amazing health benefits at the same time.
More and more studies at top research facilities around
the world are documenting scientific evidence of the health
and longevity benefits of meditation.
In fact, it’s become a widely acknowledged fact that daily
meditation is not just good for you—but has been proven to
actually extend your life.
But if you’re like most of us, you don’t have the time
(or patience) to invest years of practice in trying to master
the art of meditation.
Well, now, thanks to my friend Bill Harris, you don’t have to.
Bill’s company, Centerpointe Research Institute has
created a proprietary audio technology called Holosync®
that instantly (and gently) puts you into deep states of
meditation (in fact, even deeper than those achieved by
veteran Zen Monks), at the push of a button.
This means that you can now start enjoying and profiting
from all the recognized health benefits of deep meditation
beginning the very first day you use it instead of waiting
through years of hard practice.
I know (from personal experience), how beneficial and
effective the Centerpointe Holosync program has been
in my life. And I know how valuable it can be to you,
too. It is one of the best and most effective ways to…
* Dramatically improve your mental, emotional, and spiritual health...
* Help you create real and constant happiness in your life, regardless of your past or present circumstances...
* Improve your creativity, intelligence, and mental functioning...
* Significantly improve your overall sense of well being and inner peace...
* Help you create your own success in the world, along with the personal satisfaction and sense of fulfillment that comes with being successful.
* Well, The Holosync Solution does all this and more—much more.
And, as recent research proves, you’ll not only live happier
with daily meditation, but you’ll live longer too.
Frankly, it seems to me that this is a pretty good reason to
try The Holosync Solution by itself. But when you add in
the fact Bill will happily send you a no-charge demo CD
so you can see for yourself how great Holosync works, it
should make the decision a “no-brainer.”
Look. I've actually recommended this program many
times over the past several years. Although this is the
first time I'm mentioning it to the Raw Food Group.
And as of this writing, over 750,0000 people have used
Holosync to dramatically improve their lives.
Isn’t it about time you gave it a try, too?
Oh, and if you do decide to take advantage of
Holosync (you’d be crazy not to), it even comes with
a full one-year guarantee, so there’s still no risk to you
to try it.
I'll tell you a few brief points about the program in a
moment, but you really need to go to Centerpointe's
website: http://www.centerpointe.com/meditate/?aid=368388
and get it from "the horse's mouth."
By the way, Bill has agreed to add some special, unannounced
bonuses for my readers, so please make sure to use this link so he
knows you're with us. I want you to get all the extras he's promised
to my readers.
Now, here's just a "taste" of what The Holosync Solution
can do for you…
1) It can allow you to effortlessly reach states of super-
deep meditation--even the very first time you use it...
2) It can dramatically accelerate your mental, emotional,
and spiritual growth, giving you the results you always
THOUGHT you were supposed to get from meditation
(but, if you're like most people, never really got)...
3) It creates healing of emotional traumas and self-
imposed limitations forever, even for people who have
been unsuccessful with other methods...
4) It actually slows the aging process by stimulating the
production of many neurochemicals and other substances
in the body that are associated with longevity, well-being,
and better health...
5) It can dramatically raise your threshold for stress and
cause stress-induced dysfunctional feelings and behaviors
(including anger, depression, fear, anxiety, substance abuse,
and many others) to fall away...
6) It can increase your self-awareness, inner peace, and
happiness, as well as your ability to connect with other
people and create successful relationships.
If you've tried meditation, or some of those other personal
growth approaches that just didn’t deliver, or want to
go MUCH deeper, with faster results… or if you just want
to grow and improve your life at an accelerated pace, I know
you'll love The Holosync Solution.
Look. As I said, I don't recommend things to my friends and
clients lightly. And I only recommend things I use myself.
I've been enjoying the benefits for 3 years now!
There's no risk to check it out, and I know you'll be glad
you did.
Remember, you can get a FREE Holosync demo CD, a
FREE Special Report, and a special offer to try The
Holosync Solution program, at no risk, by going to:
http://www.centerpointe.com/meditate/?aid=368388
Warm regards,
Robert
PS: Remember, The Holosync Solution really works, and
there's no risk to you to try it. The demo CD and Bill Harris'
Special Report are free, and the program itself has a one-year
money-back guarantee, if you should decide to try it.
Click here to find out more:
http://www.centerpointe.com/meditate/?aid=368388
but stories of financial Armageddon. The stock market is
crashing, banks are failing, mortgage companies are failing,
the housing meltdown, unemployment is skyrocketing. If
not for the bad news, there’d be no news at all.
And one thing that all these recurring news stories do is
cause an enormous amount of stress—stress that is both
emotionally and physically devastating.
And what if you're experiencing challenges while you are
transitioning into and maintaining a healthy, Raw Food
Lifestyle? It can seem overwhelming.
Well, there is a quick, easy, and best of all drug-free way
to eliminate all this stress from your life and enjoy some
amazing health benefits at the same time.
More and more studies at top research facilities around
the world are documenting scientific evidence of the health
and longevity benefits of meditation.
In fact, it’s become a widely acknowledged fact that daily
meditation is not just good for you—but has been proven to
actually extend your life.
But if you’re like most of us, you don’t have the time
(or patience) to invest years of practice in trying to master
the art of meditation.
Well, now, thanks to my friend Bill Harris, you don’t have to.
Bill’s company, Centerpointe Research Institute has
created a proprietary audio technology called Holosync®
that instantly (and gently) puts you into deep states of
meditation (in fact, even deeper than those achieved by
veteran Zen Monks), at the push of a button.
This means that you can now start enjoying and profiting
from all the recognized health benefits of deep meditation
beginning the very first day you use it instead of waiting
through years of hard practice.
I know (from personal experience), how beneficial and
effective the Centerpointe Holosync program has been
in my life. And I know how valuable it can be to you,
too. It is one of the best and most effective ways to…
* Dramatically improve your mental, emotional, and spiritual health...
* Help you create real and constant happiness in your life, regardless of your past or present circumstances...
* Improve your creativity, intelligence, and mental functioning...
* Significantly improve your overall sense of well being and inner peace...
* Help you create your own success in the world, along with the personal satisfaction and sense of fulfillment that comes with being successful.
* Well, The Holosync Solution does all this and more—much more.
And, as recent research proves, you’ll not only live happier
with daily meditation, but you’ll live longer too.
Frankly, it seems to me that this is a pretty good reason to
try The Holosync Solution by itself. But when you add in
the fact Bill will happily send you a no-charge demo CD
so you can see for yourself how great Holosync works, it
should make the decision a “no-brainer.”
Look. I've actually recommended this program many
times over the past several years. Although this is the
first time I'm mentioning it to the Raw Food Group.
And as of this writing, over 750,0000 people have used
Holosync to dramatically improve their lives.
Isn’t it about time you gave it a try, too?
Oh, and if you do decide to take advantage of
Holosync (you’d be crazy not to), it even comes with
a full one-year guarantee, so there’s still no risk to you
to try it.
I'll tell you a few brief points about the program in a
moment, but you really need to go to Centerpointe's
website: http://www.centerpointe.com/meditate/?aid=368388
and get it from "the horse's mouth."
By the way, Bill has agreed to add some special, unannounced
bonuses for my readers, so please make sure to use this link so he
knows you're with us. I want you to get all the extras he's promised
to my readers.
Now, here's just a "taste" of what The Holosync Solution
can do for you…
1) It can allow you to effortlessly reach states of super-
deep meditation--even the very first time you use it...
2) It can dramatically accelerate your mental, emotional,
and spiritual growth, giving you the results you always
THOUGHT you were supposed to get from meditation
(but, if you're like most people, never really got)...
3) It creates healing of emotional traumas and self-
imposed limitations forever, even for people who have
been unsuccessful with other methods...
4) It actually slows the aging process by stimulating the
production of many neurochemicals and other substances
in the body that are associated with longevity, well-being,
and better health...
5) It can dramatically raise your threshold for stress and
cause stress-induced dysfunctional feelings and behaviors
(including anger, depression, fear, anxiety, substance abuse,
and many others) to fall away...
6) It can increase your self-awareness, inner peace, and
happiness, as well as your ability to connect with other
people and create successful relationships.
If you've tried meditation, or some of those other personal
growth approaches that just didn’t deliver, or want to
go MUCH deeper, with faster results… or if you just want
to grow and improve your life at an accelerated pace, I know
you'll love The Holosync Solution.
Look. As I said, I don't recommend things to my friends and
clients lightly. And I only recommend things I use myself.
I've been enjoying the benefits for 3 years now!
There's no risk to check it out, and I know you'll be glad
you did.
Remember, you can get a FREE Holosync demo CD, a
FREE Special Report, and a special offer to try The
Holosync Solution program, at no risk, by going to:
http://www.centerpointe.com/meditate/?aid=368388
Warm regards,
Robert
PS: Remember, The Holosync Solution really works, and
there's no risk to you to try it. The demo CD and Bill Harris'
Special Report are free, and the program itself has a one-year
money-back guarantee, if you should decide to try it.
Click here to find out more:
http://www.centerpointe.com/meditate/?aid=368388
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Link to Quest.tv interview
Ok, here's the link to the fantastic interview I did on Quest.tv. I really enjoyed speaking with Kevin and Eric both on camera and off and am excited to have been on their first Live show at Earthmatters. If you have trouble opening the above link, cut and paste this in your browser: http://www.quest.tv/q/MNL/mnl_002.htm
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Day
Well, it's Election Day. Perhaps the most popular buzz word of the process has been "Change," so for a change, I'll post something political. Since I haven't gotten a link for my own recent video appearance yet, here's a video of Vice-Presidential candidates from the independent parties that seem to get a lot less press coverage. Even if you don't listen to the whole thing, at least hear each of them speak once - it's quite different from the familiar party lines and quite refreshing, for a "change."
Remember to vote today!
Today's wisdom: Remember to look around and consider new perspectives and seek to understand the source of the information you believe.
PS: I will post a link to my recent interview as soon as it's available. I'm also presenting a seminar here in NYC on November 12 on the Raw Food Essentials and although it got fully reserved before I had a chance to post it, I'll put the details up tomorrow, in case any space opens up. Be well!
| Add The Real Vice Presidential Debate to your page |
Remember to vote today!
Today's wisdom: Remember to look around and consider new perspectives and seek to understand the source of the information you believe.
PS: I will post a link to my recent interview as soon as it's available. I'm also presenting a seminar here in NYC on November 12 on the Raw Food Essentials and although it got fully reserved before I had a chance to post it, I'll put the details up tomorrow, in case any space opens up. Be well!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Welcome back!
Hi! I'm back after quite a while - so I guess I'm saying Welcome Back to myself and to you, I'll say, sorry for the long absence and I hope you've been enjoying the content of the archives! I did my best to get away from the computer this summer and enjoy the outdoors - I hope you did, too. I actually got to Costa Rica for the first time and Wow, it's beautiful!
So, what's going on? Well last night I filmed an interview with the awesome folks at Quest.tv and as soon as I get a link to the replay I'll post it here.
I've got some follow up comments that I'll be posting later on, too. Some additional thoughts I had after the live broadcast that I think can help deepen the experience.
For now, Be well!
So, what's going on? Well last night I filmed an interview with the awesome folks at Quest.tv and as soon as I get a link to the replay I'll post it here.
I've got some follow up comments that I'll be posting later on, too. Some additional thoughts I had after the live broadcast that I think can help deepen the experience.
For now, Be well!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
NYC Raw Food Meetup Group Event: Dinner and a Movie - "The Fall"
This Saturday the NYC Raw Food Meetup will have another exciting event. I've listed the basic info below and included a link for full details. If you are in NYC this weekend, feel free to join us! Just let me know and I'll put you on the list.
Announcing the NYC Raw Food Meetup Group Dinner and a Movie:
The Fall
"Each shot of film looks like a beautiful painting. Tarsem Singh is one gifted filmmaker and I hope we see more of his work in the near future."
"The Fall engages the viewer and makes for an emotional yet satisfying ride. Lee Pace is fantastic- Catinca Untaru gives a spectacular performance. The visuals will take your breath away, and the music will stay with you long after you've left the theater. A magnificent piece of filmmaking."
"It's a tongue-in-cheek fairy tale based around a personal tragedy. It shares a lot with films like "The Princess Bride". It is enjoyable, well-played and shot.."
"GO see it! Stop reading reviews, don't watch trailer-just be open and check it-arsty, smart, original! left me with a big smile :)"
Synopsis: (See Meetup details)
After the film, we'll go to nearby at Caravan of Dreams (405 E. 6th Street, between 1st Ave./Ave. A) for a delicious dinner and conversation!
Please note: Advanced tickets are Now Available for 4:50 pm Showtime. Click here now.
I look forward to seeing you there!
PS: "The Children of Huang Shi" was very moving! If you didn't see it with us, definitely check it out.
Click here to visit the Meetup website for full details.
Announcing the NYC Raw Food Meetup Group Dinner and a Movie:
The Fall
"Each shot of film looks like a beautiful painting. Tarsem Singh is one gifted filmmaker and I hope we see more of his work in the near future."
"The Fall engages the viewer and makes for an emotional yet satisfying ride. Lee Pace is fantastic- Catinca Untaru gives a spectacular performance. The visuals will take your breath away, and the music will stay with you long after you've left the theater. A magnificent piece of filmmaking."
"It's a tongue-in-cheek fairy tale based around a personal tragedy. It shares a lot with films like "The Princess Bride". It is enjoyable, well-played and shot.."
"GO see it! Stop reading reviews, don't watch trailer-just be open and check it-arsty, smart, original! left me with a big smile :)"
Synopsis: (See Meetup details)
After the film, we'll go to nearby at Caravan of Dreams (405 E. 6th Street, between 1st Ave./Ave. A) for a delicious dinner and conversation!
Please note: Advanced tickets are Now Available for 4:50 pm Showtime. Click here now.
I look forward to seeing you there!
PS: "The Children of Huang Shi" was very moving! If you didn't see it with us, definitely check it out.
Click here to visit the Meetup website for full details.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
NewsFlash - Web TV Broadcast - Yoga and Raw Food Expo
NewsFlash: You can now Download the Panel Discussion that I participated in at
the Yoga and Raw Food Expo:
http://www.quest.tv/webinars/sessions/20080608rawfoodpanel2.htm
You may need to sign in and download the video player in order to view,
(which you can do for free).
Post your comments here - I can't wait to hear what you think!
the Yoga and Raw Food Expo:
http://www.quest.tv/webinars/sessions/20080608rawfoodpanel2.htm
You may need to sign in and download the video player in order to view,
(which you can do for free).
Post your comments here - I can't wait to hear what you think!
Friday, June 06, 2008
An Extraordinary World of Possibilities: The Yoga and RawFood Expo: June 6-8, 2008
Dear Friend,
Just wanted to let you know that I'll be doing a 1-hour training at an Amazing Expo this weekend, June 6-8th. There is a charge for the expo, but once you're in, most of the events are free - including my training at 3pm on Sunday, June 8th. Details are below.
Yoga and RawFood Expo
On June 6 - 8, NYC will host the first Yoga and RawFood Expo. This exciting weekend highlights a wonderful synergy of 2 powerful tools for creating health: Yoga and RawFood.
Come join me and an impressive array of other trainers and learn about these tools and more as you discover how using them in harmony can help supercharge your body/mind on your chosen path - providing even more energy, tranquility and clarity, and enhancing openness to increase connection to Spirit.
In the words of Expo Organizer (and Master Yogi) Mark Becker: "Take a weekend out of your ordinary life and enjoy an extraordinary world of possibilities."
Featured RawFood presenters include Gary Null and the grandfather of living foods, Viktoras Kulvinskas. With two Raw Food Panels that include NY’s top Raw Foodists — Brenda Cobb, Matt Monarch, Debra Secunda, Kevin Shukur, Donna Perrone, “Sproutman” Steve Meyerowitz, Lisa Torres, Karen Ranzi, Mark Chabus and Robert Dyckman.
Here is a link for more information, and a full schedule of presenters, exhibitors, and musical performances: http://www.newlifeexpo.com/speakers.php?expo=11
And here is a secure link to purchase advance tickets:
https://www.newlifeexpo.com/expo-pre-reg.php?expo=11
Once you are in the Expo, my presentation, (see details below), is FREE!
Enjoying RawFood - It's Easy and Fun!
Time: 3pm
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2008
Robert Dyckman discusses How to Enjoy a Fun and Healthy Lifestyle with RawFoods and Raw Friends. You'll learn an Easy way to leverage the Knowledge and Experience of a Successful Rawfooder. So whether you are struggling with your diet or are you just looking for some tips on how to get started (or get back) on the right track, this is one seminar not to be missed.
I will also participate in the RawFood Panel Discussion at 10am Sunday, June 8th.
I look forward to seeing you at this enlightening event!
Be well,
Robert
Just wanted to let you know that I'll be doing a 1-hour training at an Amazing Expo this weekend, June 6-8th. There is a charge for the expo, but once you're in, most of the events are free - including my training at 3pm on Sunday, June 8th. Details are below.
Yoga and RawFood Expo
On June 6 - 8, NYC will host the first Yoga and RawFood Expo. This exciting weekend highlights a wonderful synergy of 2 powerful tools for creating health: Yoga and RawFood.
Come join me and an impressive array of other trainers and learn about these tools and more as you discover how using them in harmony can help supercharge your body/mind on your chosen path - providing even more energy, tranquility and clarity, and enhancing openness to increase connection to Spirit.
In the words of Expo Organizer (and Master Yogi) Mark Becker: "Take a weekend out of your ordinary life and enjoy an extraordinary world of possibilities."
Featured RawFood presenters include Gary Null and the grandfather of living foods, Viktoras Kulvinskas. With two Raw Food Panels that include NY’s top Raw Foodists — Brenda Cobb, Matt Monarch, Debra Secunda, Kevin Shukur, Donna Perrone, “Sproutman” Steve Meyerowitz, Lisa Torres, Karen Ranzi, Mark Chabus and Robert Dyckman.
Here is a link for more information, and a full schedule of presenters, exhibitors, and musical performances: http://www.newlifeexpo.com/speakers.php?expo=11
And here is a secure link to purchase advance tickets:
https://www.newlifeexpo.com/expo-pre-reg.php?expo=11
Once you are in the Expo, my presentation, (see details below), is FREE!
Enjoying RawFood - It's Easy and Fun!
Time: 3pm
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2008
Robert Dyckman discusses How to Enjoy a Fun and Healthy Lifestyle with RawFoods and Raw Friends. You'll learn an Easy way to leverage the Knowledge and Experience of a Successful Rawfooder. So whether you are struggling with your diet or are you just looking for some tips on how to get started (or get back) on the right track, this is one seminar not to be missed.
I will also participate in the RawFood Panel Discussion at 10am Sunday, June 8th.
I look forward to seeing you at this enlightening event!
Be well,
Robert
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Research Shows that Soda is Bad to the Bone (Your Bones, that is)
There’s research that links drinking certain types of soda with weaker bones… This study, reported in 2006 by researchers at Tufts University in Boston, suggests that colas, specifically, might be problematic. Among the 1,413 women whose dietary records and bone-density scans they reviewed, those who drank a diet or regular cola at least three times a week over five years had significantly lower bone densities than those who sipped cola once a month or less. No such effect occurred with other carbonated drinks, even after researchers factored in intake of calcium from foods.
The likely cause? Phosphoric acid, which is unique to colas, says Katherine Tucker, Ph.D., lead author of the study. When the body breaks down this compound, the acidity (or concentration of free hydrogen ions) of the blood increases. To neutralize acidity, hydrogen ions bind with minerals, including calcium and magnesium. If they’re not available in the blood, says Tucker, “the body draws calcium from bones.” The occasional-cola drinker probably needn’t worry. “The real risk is for those who drink cola every day,” says Tucker.
Source: Michelle Edelbaum/Joyce Hendley - EatingWell Magazine
Your Action steps: Drink water (neutral pH) or fresh pressed fruit juice (slightly alkaline) instead.
The likely cause? Phosphoric acid, which is unique to colas, says Katherine Tucker, Ph.D., lead author of the study. When the body breaks down this compound, the acidity (or concentration of free hydrogen ions) of the blood increases. To neutralize acidity, hydrogen ions bind with minerals, including calcium and magnesium. If they’re not available in the blood, says Tucker, “the body draws calcium from bones.” The occasional-cola drinker probably needn’t worry. “The real risk is for those who drink cola every day,” says Tucker.
Source: Michelle Edelbaum/Joyce Hendley - EatingWell Magazine
Your Action steps: Drink water (neutral pH) or fresh pressed fruit juice (slightly alkaline) instead.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Announcing the RE-launch of ActingConsciously.com
Announcing an exciting change!
Acting Consciously now has a new division:
Acting Consciously Real Estate Solutions
If you haven't visited www.ActingConsciously.com lately, what are you waiting for?
We've totally RE-vamped the site making some major changes to the content and format, to reflect this brand new and exciting direction.
I think you'll be pleased with our new focus and will really enjoy what you find on the site as well. If you or someone you know is looking to sell their home quickly or needs to find a place to live, direct them to go to www.ActingConsciously.com and if you bring us a property that we end up buying, you may even be eligible for a REward. (conditions apply, see website for full details)
Acting Consciously now has a new division:
Acting Consciously Real Estate Solutions
If you haven't visited www.ActingConsciously.com lately, what are you waiting for?
We've totally RE-vamped the site making some major changes to the content and format, to reflect this brand new and exciting direction.
I think you'll be pleased with our new focus and will really enjoy what you find on the site as well. If you or someone you know is looking to sell their home quickly or needs to find a place to live, direct them to go to www.ActingConsciously.com and if you bring us a property that we end up buying, you may even be eligible for a REward. (conditions apply, see website for full details)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Best Picture of the Year 2007 - Juno
Last night I went to see Juno. It was everything I had hoped, based on the reviews and feedback I'd heard. What a daring and refreshingly unconventional look at life! I loved it. I laughed and I was moved - it was a triumphant ode to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of any seeming adversity. My friend was so touched, she cried.
Today, another friend mentioned that some who protest this movie on the grounds of its subject matter (teen pregnancy) claim that the response of the parents and the actions of the teen are unrealistic. Have they forgotten this is a movie? Wouldn't a critic who called Ratatouille unrealistic because it had talking rats seem a bit dimwitted? On some level all film is pretend. That's what suspension of disbelief is all about.
And it's not claiming to be realistic anyway. It's art. It can, as it has been said, hold the mirror up to life - but itself is not life. There are lots of ways to express that sentiment. Some may call it a "heightened reality." But whatever the terminology, art can depict an aspect of life or character and convey a message. And in dismissing the film as unrealistic, I believe those folks missed one of the major points of this brilliant film. That the way these people dealt with their issue - admittedly differently than the average person might have reacted - brought them closer together and created harmony and happiness and not chaos and pain. By accepting her plight with grace and dignity (and some choice sarcasm - excellently delivered by Ellen Page) rather than struggling against it, she was transformed from a naive girl to a mature woman with a deeper knowledge of life and the true nature of love.
I believe that's a lesson for us all. And hopefully one day that won't seem so unrealistic after all.
If you haven't seen it yet - go now. Yes, now before it's out of the theaters.
Today's Wisdom: Look for the love in all situations.
Today, another friend mentioned that some who protest this movie on the grounds of its subject matter (teen pregnancy) claim that the response of the parents and the actions of the teen are unrealistic. Have they forgotten this is a movie? Wouldn't a critic who called Ratatouille unrealistic because it had talking rats seem a bit dimwitted? On some level all film is pretend. That's what suspension of disbelief is all about.
And it's not claiming to be realistic anyway. It's art. It can, as it has been said, hold the mirror up to life - but itself is not life. There are lots of ways to express that sentiment. Some may call it a "heightened reality." But whatever the terminology, art can depict an aspect of life or character and convey a message. And in dismissing the film as unrealistic, I believe those folks missed one of the major points of this brilliant film. That the way these people dealt with their issue - admittedly differently than the average person might have reacted - brought them closer together and created harmony and happiness and not chaos and pain. By accepting her plight with grace and dignity (and some choice sarcasm - excellently delivered by Ellen Page) rather than struggling against it, she was transformed from a naive girl to a mature woman with a deeper knowledge of life and the true nature of love.
I believe that's a lesson for us all. And hopefully one day that won't seem so unrealistic after all.
If you haven't seen it yet - go now. Yes, now before it's out of the theaters.
Today's Wisdom: Look for the love in all situations.
Friday, January 04, 2008
The Best Movies of 2007 - picked by a man who knows films
As a member of the Spiritual Cinema Circle, I got an email today from Stephen Simon - director of such famous films as, "Somewhere In Time" and "What Dreams May Come." In it he gives his picks for the top 5 films of 2007 and talks about the current state of mainstream filmmaking. I thought you might enjoy reading it:
MY FAVORITE FILMS OF 2007 by STEPHEN SIMON
Before we look at my favorite films from 2007, I have a message for both the mainstream film industry and its film critics: You have both lost all connection with film audiences.
Hollywood has seemingly decided that “quality” now equates with dark, violent, and depressing; consequently, 2007 was one of the bleakest years ever for film distribution. To make matters worse, and to illustrate anew the fable of the emperor’s new clothes, film critics have fallen into lockstep with film distributors. As I write this column on January 1, 2008, the film that has garnered almost every film critic group’s nod as the best film of 2007 is NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, which centers around one of the nastiest, most vicious, and soulless serial killers ever depicted on screen. In the first ten minutes of the film, a man is graphically strangled while the killer looks positively orgasmic and then another innocent man is cold-bloodedly shot between the eyes. And then it gets worse…much worse. Nevertheless, the film critic for the Portland Oregonian said this about the film: “exact, spare, bloody, dark, and unrelenting, it’s superb.”
Excuse me?
While I respect every one’s right to say whatever they believe, I also reserve the right to ask, “What are you folks smoking”? “Best film” means the one film every year that is represented to the rest of the world as the premier achievement in the American film industry. Focusing on the craft itself is fine for categories like sound editing, costume design, or cinematography, but, when you’re talking about the “best film”, content itself should be of paramount importance.
For studios and critics, “superb” and “bloody, dark, and unrelenting” may belong in the same sentence but, fortunately, we in the audience don’t agree. The fall season of 2007 produced the weakest box office results for that period of time in the last ten years. The film industry is quite literally awash in red ink. According to a November 26, 2007 article in Video Business Weekly, the film industry lost a staggering six billion dollars in 2006.
In short, the business model of the film industry is broken. Creatively, it’s even worse. The chasm between the insular, dark, violent, and cynical tastes of most studios and film critics and the desire of audiences to have other choices is now deeper than the Grand Canyon.
I also think it would be wonderful, and more honest, if the Academy (of which I am a member) changed the characterization of awards from “best” to “favorite”. Factors such as both the film’s and the individual’s overall popularity always factor into Academy voting anyway, whether members want to admit it or not. Using “best” in regards to the art form of film is not only unfair to all concerned but also simply impossible to gauge. I have no idea what “best” means in films. My own list of favorite films of 2007 consists of films that personally moved me, inspired me, and made me feel better about being human. When we post these choices on the message boards for subscribers to the Spiritual Cinema Circle, I’m sure our community will share some passionate opinions and disagreements of their own. That’s the fun of it. Let the discussions begin.
1) REIGN OVER ME. With bravura performances from both Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle, the film is a beautiful paean to the powers of love, friendship, and, most importantly, healing. Sandler, in particular, is brilliant beyond words. Unfortunately, like Jim Carrey in ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND in 2004 and Will Ferrell in STRANGER THAN FICTION in 2006, Sandler is seen as, and I’m afraid somewhat resented for, being a successful broad comedian, and his incredible performance has been unjustly ignored.
2) ENCHANTED. What a delightful, whimsical, and hilarious film! Putting some of Disney’s classic fairy tale characters into a modern day context works so well that my whole family just sat there smiling, laughing, and applauding throughout the film. Amy Adams’ fairy tale princess, separated from her prince and sent to modern day New York by an evil queen, is so pitch perfect that we were repeating her lines for days.
3) THE GREAT DEBATERS. A powerful and moving tribute to the courage of the African-American Wiley College debating team and its coach in 1930s Texas. Denzel Washington directs and stars in a film that reminds us of what we can accomplish when we decide that it is we, not the world around us, who define ourselves.
4) JUNO. A funny, poignant, searingly honest, and loving story of a teenager’s unwelcome pregnancy and her search for both herself and the most appropriate adoptive parents. Ellen Page is simply brilliant as the title character and the film has much to say about love, life, and responsibility. It also has one of the sweetest and most touching final scenes in recent memory.
5) WAITRESS. An offbeat, often hilarious, and sometimes harrowing story about a small town waitress and her unique talent for baking every kind of pie imaginable. Keri Russell achieves superstar actress status with her complex and nuanced portrait of a woman in an emotionally abusive marriage that she yearns to escape. The film is also a loving tribute to Adrienne Shelly, its writer/director/costar who was tragically killed after the completion of the film.
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What's your opinion? Feel free to comment and share your favorite films of 2007. And check out The Spiritual Cinema Circle.
MY FAVORITE FILMS OF 2007 by STEPHEN SIMON
Before we look at my favorite films from 2007, I have a message for both the mainstream film industry and its film critics: You have both lost all connection with film audiences.
Hollywood has seemingly decided that “quality” now equates with dark, violent, and depressing; consequently, 2007 was one of the bleakest years ever for film distribution. To make matters worse, and to illustrate anew the fable of the emperor’s new clothes, film critics have fallen into lockstep with film distributors. As I write this column on January 1, 2008, the film that has garnered almost every film critic group’s nod as the best film of 2007 is NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, which centers around one of the nastiest, most vicious, and soulless serial killers ever depicted on screen. In the first ten minutes of the film, a man is graphically strangled while the killer looks positively orgasmic and then another innocent man is cold-bloodedly shot between the eyes. And then it gets worse…much worse. Nevertheless, the film critic for the Portland Oregonian said this about the film: “exact, spare, bloody, dark, and unrelenting, it’s superb.”
Excuse me?
While I respect every one’s right to say whatever they believe, I also reserve the right to ask, “What are you folks smoking”? “Best film” means the one film every year that is represented to the rest of the world as the premier achievement in the American film industry. Focusing on the craft itself is fine for categories like sound editing, costume design, or cinematography, but, when you’re talking about the “best film”, content itself should be of paramount importance.
For studios and critics, “superb” and “bloody, dark, and unrelenting” may belong in the same sentence but, fortunately, we in the audience don’t agree. The fall season of 2007 produced the weakest box office results for that period of time in the last ten years. The film industry is quite literally awash in red ink. According to a November 26, 2007 article in Video Business Weekly, the film industry lost a staggering six billion dollars in 2006.
In short, the business model of the film industry is broken. Creatively, it’s even worse. The chasm between the insular, dark, violent, and cynical tastes of most studios and film critics and the desire of audiences to have other choices is now deeper than the Grand Canyon.
I also think it would be wonderful, and more honest, if the Academy (of which I am a member) changed the characterization of awards from “best” to “favorite”. Factors such as both the film’s and the individual’s overall popularity always factor into Academy voting anyway, whether members want to admit it or not. Using “best” in regards to the art form of film is not only unfair to all concerned but also simply impossible to gauge. I have no idea what “best” means in films. My own list of favorite films of 2007 consists of films that personally moved me, inspired me, and made me feel better about being human. When we post these choices on the message boards for subscribers to the Spiritual Cinema Circle, I’m sure our community will share some passionate opinions and disagreements of their own. That’s the fun of it. Let the discussions begin.
1) REIGN OVER ME. With bravura performances from both Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle, the film is a beautiful paean to the powers of love, friendship, and, most importantly, healing. Sandler, in particular, is brilliant beyond words. Unfortunately, like Jim Carrey in ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND in 2004 and Will Ferrell in STRANGER THAN FICTION in 2006, Sandler is seen as, and I’m afraid somewhat resented for, being a successful broad comedian, and his incredible performance has been unjustly ignored.
2) ENCHANTED. What a delightful, whimsical, and hilarious film! Putting some of Disney’s classic fairy tale characters into a modern day context works so well that my whole family just sat there smiling, laughing, and applauding throughout the film. Amy Adams’ fairy tale princess, separated from her prince and sent to modern day New York by an evil queen, is so pitch perfect that we were repeating her lines for days.
3) THE GREAT DEBATERS. A powerful and moving tribute to the courage of the African-American Wiley College debating team and its coach in 1930s Texas. Denzel Washington directs and stars in a film that reminds us of what we can accomplish when we decide that it is we, not the world around us, who define ourselves.
4) JUNO. A funny, poignant, searingly honest, and loving story of a teenager’s unwelcome pregnancy and her search for both herself and the most appropriate adoptive parents. Ellen Page is simply brilliant as the title character and the film has much to say about love, life, and responsibility. It also has one of the sweetest and most touching final scenes in recent memory.
5) WAITRESS. An offbeat, often hilarious, and sometimes harrowing story about a small town waitress and her unique talent for baking every kind of pie imaginable. Keri Russell achieves superstar actress status with her complex and nuanced portrait of a woman in an emotionally abusive marriage that she yearns to escape. The film is also a loving tribute to Adrienne Shelly, its writer/director/costar who was tragically killed after the completion of the film.
---
What's your opinion? Feel free to comment and share your favorite films of 2007. And check out The Spiritual Cinema Circle.
Happy *and Green* New Year
Happy New Year! I wish you much health and prosperity this coming year!! And as the world continues its long awaited and much needed trend toward environmental and social responsibility, here's a reminder that eco-friendly can also be enjoyable! Check out this review of the new electric sports vehicle, the Tesla! It's pretty and sporty and fast - You can even take a test drive - sort of... here's a video of a test drive:
Today's wisdom: Help make 2008 the greenest year yet by keeping your eco-footprint light - Recycle, Reduce, Reuse - and Buy Green!
Today's wisdom: Help make 2008 the greenest year yet by keeping your eco-footprint light - Recycle, Reduce, Reuse - and Buy Green!
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