Today, I have my Mom on my mind.  She has been suffering with a chronic, terrible cough for over a year now.  Specialist to specialist, each new diagnosis or, more commonly, lack of definitive diagnosis, prolongs her agony.

We have went thru protocols for allergies, asthma, COPD and acid refulx.  All these conditions can cause her symptoms.  Still, she coughs.

So she's going to her doctor once more today.  I plan to get some internet work done and get a massage while she's gone.  

Massage!  Oh, it's not a luxury.  It's a necessity.  I try to get a massage at least one day per week.  I love it as a wellness tool and even health maintenance.  It keeps me sane.

I also see a chiropractor once every two ro three weeks but not just any chiropractor.  I found out about a technique call Directional Nonforce Chiropractic.  It's nothing at all like a standard adjustment.  If you wanta read about it go here:  http:///www.nonforce.net

See ya tomorrow.  Blessings, Neva

I mentioned my Mom's chronic cough in the first email I posted here.  It occurred to me that she isn't the only one going thru this kind of horror.  For over a year now, seeing one doctor after another, my mom has continued to cough.  Her symptoms, or at least most of them, could be the result of at least 5 different conditions

1.  post nasal drip

2  COPD

3  asthma (but she has no wheezing....)

4. medications

5. allergies

One doctor took her off Altace, which was what she was taking for high blood pressure, and changed her to Diovan but it didn't help the situation.  Apparently Altace can cause coughing but usually it will be dry coughing, not productive coughing (which is a nice way of saying lots of phlegm).

Mom's was definitely a productive cough. ( Geeze, it's hard for me to realize she has suffered like this for over a year now.)  She also often would throw up either very thick yellow phlegm or foamy stuff. 

They did a scan of her sinuses and said she had a slightly deviated septum but not enough to cause the coughing.

They did an MRI and said she had a slight hernia but not enought to cause the coughing.

One doctor thought she had slight asthma but.....you get the idea.

She tried breathing machines, allergy medicines (and we tore out the carpet, sprayed for mold, put dust mite covers on the bed......kept her away from the dog and cat, etc.  Even took her to another house for a few days, nothing helped.

One doctor said he felt it might a combination of the above including COPD.  Mom smoked for over 50 years so COPD was a major concern of mine when all this started.  I found some good info while I was researching for mom and put an article on COPD on miy site if anyone needs it.

Since Mom had a heart attack last year, we are even more concerned about the constant coughing.  In researching COPD for mom, I came across some good info on it. 

Each time she has an episode her blood pressure shoots thru the roof for a while.

Anyway, it's been terribly challenging for me because I believe in natural medicine (that's why I created Healthy New Age ) and would not have chosen the western medicine approach to any of this.  I've wanted to get Mom to try various natural approaches but I could never say for sure whether anything natural would interfere with the many medications she was on.

I do reflexology and use essential oils.  That I can do.

Then one of the doctor's nurses suggested she take peppermint oil.  Glory be.  I almost shouted.  I happened to have a sample of a product called Pepogest actually there in the house so Mom took it for a day and said it helped more than anything had.

Bravely, I suggested a natural sinus spray that users had reported good results for, in helping the body clear post nasal drip.  I ordered it.  She tried it.  It's helping.  Yippie.

Mom went back once more to her primary care physician again yesterday and he sat down with all her files and came to the conclusion I myself had come to (and also Mom) months before - the main problem was acid reflux and her slight hernia.

He took her off the protonix she was taking, calling it baby medicine, and put her on nexium.  yup, the purple pill.

I'm not thrilled about a lot of the medicines mom is taking but i don't feel any worse about nexium than i did the protonix.  in fact, the nexium is already helping after just one dose and the protonix had ceased to help at all.  Mom still takes the pepogest before she eats too, and I know that is helping as well.

We came to the conclusion that acid reflux/hernia were the main culprits behind Mom's mystery cough because...

1.  the cough would often start when she bent over, below the waist.

2.  the cough was always worse when she would ly down.

all the other symptoms could have fit any of the other problems but those two seem to point toward the acid reflux and hernia so i'm glad the doctor concurred, ha.

Just wanted to add this website for checking potential interactions between

prescription drugs and herbs, foods, alcohol etc.  It's great.  I've used it a lot

with checking all of Mom's meds.

If we find one that interacts, depending on severity of warning, we either place

it well away from the other med it interacts with or call the doc and ask if he's sure it's ok to take.  docs make mistakes too.

The site is Drug Digest.  Hope it helps you as it has helped us.  N

Also, if you are looking for health information, check out Please Doctor Search Engine. 

Brrr.  cold here in northeast Alabama today.

Does anyone else here love the comedic genious of Matthew Perry?  I adore his acting.  He was the reason I watched Friends. 

I particularly enjoyed the scene where Matthew comes running across the yard and slams into the glass door.  Then, he comes in and starts speaking complete gibberish.  Oh, I laughed til I hurt. 

And the scene in the hotel room where he falls all over the lamp.....I mean the only other comedian I've seen who could fall that long is Chevy Chase.  Really dating myself now, aren't I?

I have tons of wonderful memories of Chandler Moments from Friends as well.  The episode where he goes into the sauna and accidently sits on the lap of Monica's dad....the one where they go back in time and he and Ross look like the dates from hades.  And the entire episode where Chandler and Joey fight over the chair.  I can see Chandler pointing at Joey and making that inarticulate sound that conveyed so well his meaning, when Joey says he is wearing everything Chandler owns and he isn't wearing underwear (Friendspeak for that is "going commando").

Anyway, had Matthew on the brain today. 

Actually, I've noticed a lot of mainstay folks are kinda young so I may dating myself to even mention Friends or Matthew but surely you've seen The Whole Nine Yards?

Had to get the oil changed and also check on a heater coil that may be leaking.  Wow, the mechanic quoted me almost $300 to replace that thing.  I think I'm gonna have to shop around....

Found a neat place to make magnetic signs.  If you have your own business, it's a great way to use your car as advertising.  The one I used was in Chattanooga, Tennessee but apparently they are nationwide so you could probably find one near you.  They have a website too.  It's www.signsbytomorrow.com

later, n

copyright, Neva J Howell, all rights reserved

Hear the bitter banter

Of little feats

Across the well-waxed floors

of hard "would" minds

One-upping one another

Pin-pricking little bubbles

Blow by runaway mouths

Foaming in unreason

Gazing into one another

for illusion's view of victory

Copyright, Neva J Howell

May reprint but only if credit

given and a link to my free

ebook included:

http://www.angelfire.com/tn/moonlodge/moonlodge.html

Damp and rainy here in northeast Alabama today.  My mind has been on the SAG awards.  That was fun to watch.  Interesting winners and interesting reactions.  I didn't expect Teri Hatcher to cry....surely didn't expect Sarah Jessica Parker to get picked as one of the best dressed....I thought that polkadot thing she was wearing was almost clownish.

Loved Charlise though.  Classy. 

I got this email from Jack Turnbull, with www.actorsite.com

I became aware of Actor Site when I spent 10 months in Los Angeles.  I'm a professional actress, in case I failed to mention that before, and also teach an +online acting class.

When I went to Los Angeles, it was for the express purpose of dedicating myself to pursuing an acting career.  I did that, one pointed in focus, until such time 10 months later, that I realized I didn't want to spend my time driving all day long, from one audition to another.

I didn't often fall prey to the resentment that Jack talks about in this email but it bears repeating....negative energy has a way of biting you in the butt so I share this with you.  Although it deals specifically with acting, it could equally apply to any other profession.....

Inch by Inch...
MORE feature film offices CURRENTLY CASTING!
MORE PILOT OFFICES CURRENTLY CASTING
MORE EVENTS FOR OUR LOYAL HARDWORKING MEMBERS!!!

======================
Inch by Inch...
======================

As we are inching forward with our creative careers,
sometimes we look at those who are more successful, or
busier, or who seem to be having a better time of it and
we become envious, thinking: "THEY ARE LIVING THE LIFE
THAT I DESERVE!".

"Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other
person dies."--Unknown

Envy and resentment can take over your life and ruin
your ability to move forward with your career, when there
are postitive steps that you can take NOW so that you don't
get caught unprepared.

"If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail"--Bill Walton.

LUCK is one of the most difficult to control variables in our
career plan, and it is very necessary. So, when LUCK visits
others, sometimes we get a form of jealousy and envy and
even HATE...

"...if you are better looking and smarter than I am, blessed
with five sharp senses, even more optimistic than I am, and with
plenty of self-esteem, and if you also share my refusal to be
humbled by the Reaper...well, then I could ALMOST hate you if I
didn't know that, like ALL of us in an imperfect world, you
ALSO HAVE A HAUNTED HEART AND A MIND TROUBLED BY GRIEF,
BY LOSS, BY LONGING."----Dean Koontz, in Seize the Night.

Do you have a friend or a roomie or other acquaintance who is
going on auditions and/or booking work MORE THAN YOU ARE? How
do you feel about that? How do you deal with that?

"Regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are twin
thieves that rob us of the moment."---Unknown

Sometimes we allow regrets, envy and fear to rob us of the
moment, and as all actors know, it's important to BE IN THE
MOMENT!

REGAINING FOCUS:"...and you focus on a new audition,
getting an appointment., practicing, preparing and letting slip the dogs of war...
for every no, redoubling your effort...till exhausted..."---Dileep Rao

As we continually push our career boulder up the mountain of
life, we have to know that EVERY LITTLE STEP is a step higher
up the mountain towards our goal.We must remember that Watching others
who seem to having an easier time of it is counter productive...

"Expecting the world to be fair to you because you are a good person
is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian."
---Unknown

So lets take this day and make POSITIVE STEPS TO MOVE FORWARD!

All the best,

Jack

============================================
FEATURE FILM OFFICES TO POSTCARD TODAY:
============================================

CURRENT THIS WEEK!

FOR ADULTS:
http://hollywoodipages.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/6/10760.html

For KIDS:
http://hollywoodipages.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/4/202181.html

This is current dated information, not stale information that you
get from other websites!

Check the date on your information!

To join, go here: http://actorsite.com/2join.html

I've spoken about how much I adore the work of Matthew Perry....Well, he's making a new movie with Sally Field.  It's called "Two Weeks".  I've read the script.  It's awesome!

And guess what?  I've been cast in a scene with Matthew!

Could I "be" more excited?  as Chandler might say.

And I just saw the new spot with Matthew and Michael Jordan, playing pool.  It's a Hanes spot, of course.  Very funny.  I particularly like the part where Matthew makes a bad shot and Michael asks him if he had his eyes open when he made it...ha.

Update.....I did the role and it was a blast but unfortunately, Matthew Perry wasn't there.   He apparently changed his mind about doing it.  Though initially disappointed I soon discovered how much fun a surprise can be.  The actor playing Matthew's role is named Ben Chaplin.  He is a blast to work with and very funny.   ps. His pic on imdb does NOT do him justice. Ben was also very mischevious and flirtatous.  He reminds me of a younger Antonio Banderas and that's pretty hot.  And another terrific surprise came when I found out who was doing the other role.  It was Tom Kavanagh.  He played Ed in the tv show of the same name, not be confused with the Ron Howard film, edtv.

Have you heard of imdb?  It's a neat website where you can go to search for information on just about any actor on the planet or any movie that has ever been made.  You can also join imdb and submit reviews on movies or stars and they have a "cool today" newsletter that is actually that....cool.  I'm even in imdb.......imdb.com - The Internet Movie Database

Are there any would-be actors, writers, directors reading this?  I've been a professional actress for a long time and I know, first hand, how difficult and challenging the creative industry can be.

I wanted to share a resource that I know about in case anyone is planning a trip to Los Angeles or perhaps already lives there and is floundering in their creative endeavors. I learned, after much trial and error, that Hollywood is a town built on networking. Jobs are made and careers are launched thru word of mouth, literally. Some may take that to mean you have to know some big hot shot or hot director.

Really, it's more about knowing and more important, being a true friend, with as many people as possible, throughout the industry. Today's secretary may be tomorrow's studio head.

While in Los Angeles for the third time, I heard about a networking class and group that sounded intriguing. Not cheap but intriguing. I have some info on this particular group and it's members at my website if you wanta know more about them: The Hampton Table - Best Kept Networking Secret in L.A.   I call them the best kept networking secret in Los Angeles....

I am including contact info from the couple who teach the class. I've never met a more hard-working couple in my life. Their knowledge of the industry is vast and their integrity amazingly in tact so here's the info from Marc and Elaine Zicree.

Check them out at www.zicree.com and email marc @ zicree.com or call (323)363-1259. 

Interested in new shows coming down the pike?  I just got this email from Jack at Actorsite in Hollywood, about new pilots.  What is a pilot?  It's a concept, really.  Writer's come up with an idea for a show and they film a representative episode, called a pilot, to pitch to the studio heads and powers that be in the industry, in hopes that the idea will be liked and picked up for more episodes.  I did a pilot once myself, long ago, called Debt Trap.  It was a cute idea but alas, it never got picked up which is the fate of so many new shows.  Writing has to be one of the toughest jobs in Hollywood. 

----------------------------------------------
BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE---Pilot and 8 episodes!
----------------------------------------------

ABC Family is getting into the original scripted programming business,
ordering eight episodes of "Beautiful People." The hour-long drama is
set to go into production this spring and will premiere in the summer
of 2005 with a two-hour launch.

The series, from Sony Pictures Television, focuses on the Kerr family --
mother Lynn and teenage daughters Karen and Sophie -- as they leave
New Mexico and take up residence in New York City. Lynn, whose husband
left her for his secretary, goes to work at a dress shop. Karen, 18,
tries to begin a career in modeling. Sophie heads off to a high school
run by the wealthy and attractive BPs, or the Beautiful People.
http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,271|93468|1|,00.html


-------------------------------------
MERMAID!
-------------------------------------

The WB is going under the sea with a new modern mermaid story
from "Charmed" showrunner Brad Kern and executive producers
Aaron Spelling and E. Duke Vincent. The series will look at a
mermaid who comes ashore in Miami.
http://entertainment.ivillage.com/tv/news/0,,7c02z2ns,00.html

THIS IS LIKELY TO SHOOT IN LA, but We'll keep our ears to the ground
to find out if this show might move to Miami...



----------------------------------------
UNTITLED RICH APPEL PROJECT for FOX!
----------------------------------------

UNTITLED RICH APPEL PROJECT (CBS, New!) - Rich Appel ("A.U.S.A.")
has scored a put pilot commitment for his latest comedy effort, which
centers on two divorced couples - one of which split relatively
healthy while the other was anything but. The latter couple shares
custody of two kids while the former splits time with their two dogs.
Appel hopes to put a human face on divorce with the project, doing for
divorce what "Will & Grace" did for gay America. The project is set up
at 20th Century Fox Television with Appel writing and executive producing.
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/gofuton.cgi?action=newswire&id=6762

----------------------------------
BLUE SKIES
----------------------------------

Half Hour Pilot for NBC

This new comedy revolves around a 27-year-old woman who finds
herself the "reluctant enabler" to her eccentric family.
http://tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-33482/


------------------------------------
CRUMBS
------------------------------------

CRUMBS (ABC, New!) - Marco Pennette ("I'm With Her") has scored a comedy
 pilot order from the Alphabet for a new comedy about two estranged
 brothers, one gay and one straight, who wind up running the family
business when their parents get divorced. The project is set up at Brian
Robbins and Mike Tollin's Touchstone Television-based Tollin-Robbins banner.
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/gofuton.cgi?action=newswire&id=6824

--------------------------------
THE COMMUTERS:
--------------------------------

Stephen Kay ("Boogeyman") has been tapped to direct the drama
pilot, which revolves around three couples in the suburbs, the
husbands of which all commute together each day on the train to
New York City. Dan Bucatinsky ("All Over the Guy") created
Commuters, which is set up at Paramount Network Television.
http://tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-33486/

A simple and realistic approach...at the ACTORSITE
I attended their workshops when I was in L.A. and felt

they were the most affordable and had the same high

profile c.d.'s as others charging much more.
To join, go here: http://actorsite.com/2join.html

Interested in acting?   I have an online class but note!

the approach is metaphysical.  Not for everyone:

http://www.healthynewage.com/acting-class.htm

I also have a great page dedicated to artist resources

of every type....acting, singing, writing, dancing, crafts,

art, etc. 

http://www.healthynewage.com/artist-resources.html

Opinion by Bob Fraser. After forty-plus successful years in show business as actor, writer, director and producer, Bob has decided it's time to talk about what it takes to make it in tinsel town!


In my unrelenting (and sometimes Sisyphus-like) quest to find the best information, advice and motivation for my fellow actors – in order to motivate them to take action – I have started to put down my thoughts regarding a few books I like. Books I consider vital to every actor's success and deserving of a place in an actor's library.

A few weeks ago I talked about David Mamet's crucial treatise, True and False – a book I think every actor needs to read (and really think about) in order to understand the mental part of the acting business, and how it relates to success.

Today I want to talk to you about a volume I consider to be one of the most useful and thorough explanations of the practical stuff.

Judy Kerr's Acting Is Everything has one of the most apt titles out there. This massive work of research and writing deserves to be called "The Actor's Encyclopedia." I believe there is no subject that relates to an actor's life, which is not covered in this huge 600-page book (with 9 point type). Judy has looked into, written about, and listed so many resources; it is hard to imagine that there isn't something in this book to cover every conceivable circumstance in an actor’s professional life.

Now in it's 10th edition (I got the 2nd edition some 22 years ago for my own use. My eldest daughter took it with her when she move out and married that guy so I had to get the new one.), Judy's book is subtitled "An Actor's Guidebook For A Successful Career in Los Angeles." Again, this is a perfect description of the book. If you are in Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, working hard and hoping for a successful outcome – then, in my opinion, Acting Is Everything is a book you must have in your library.

First, let me assure you – Judy is a generous and personal writer. This makes the critical information she is passing along, fun to read and easy to grasp. She has been maintaining and adding to this book for two and a half decades and, like a well-tended garden, it is a thing of beauty. Acting Is Everything has probably been read (and used) by tens of thousands of actors over the years and quick peek inside the front cover – where some very famous actors recommend the book – will convince you that I'm not blowing smoke here.

Like any encyclopedia, this volume covers so many different subjects, that to attempt a listing would be futile and way too much typing for me. Suffice it to say, that from one of her first exhortations; "This is a workbook. Mark it up." – all the way through to her suggestions about starting in other cities, Judy takes you gently by the hand and points out all the highways, byways and cul-de-sacs in this magical, mythical land called Hollywood.

Her research is impeccable and you can be sure that the resources and businesses she is willing to list in her book are vetted and checked. She even encourages readers to let her know if any of her "recommends" are less than expected. The section about acting teachers and coaches is one of the best pieces I have ever seen on this subject – and it alone is worth the price of the book. An actor looking for training can save many false steps (and therefore many precious pictures of past Presidents) through the use of this excellent guide.

Similarly, she has a section about headshots that is one of the most comprehensive anywhere. She advises on photographers, looks, preparation, costs, styles and tactics – and she provides a series of comparative examples (actual headshots) which de-mystify the process of getting a good result when you are ready to invest in this most basic actor's tool.

Judy helps you with ALL the things that will need to get done – if you are to have any expectation of good results. As mentioned, getting photos – but also workshops, mailings, casting directors, on the set manners, how to pay the bills, getting an agent, staying 'scam' free and practically every other detail of running your acting career here in LaLa Land. By the way, if you live somewhere else and are thinking of coming to LA – don't continue that thought until you've read this book.

I doubt that there is a single volume about acting that can boast the sheer breadth of Judy's 'baby.' She even has a section about cool places in LA to hang out (And I can personally attest to the fact that she knows this stuff. We had coffee at a place she suggested and I ran into an old friend of mine from The Groundlings days, Suzanne Kent, whom I had not seen in more than a decade. It was a delightful reunion – and all because Judy knows these 'cool' places.) ps from Neva....I went thru the basic training at The Groundlings too, with the brilliant Patrick Bristoe as my instructor. Terrific.

For me there is one over-riding issue here – it is abundantly clear to me that this is a book written and published with a loving hand. It has been my experience (speaking, now, as an old-timer, you understand) that the best products are made by those who care about making the best products. Believe me, Judy Kerr cares – and the result is self-evident.

Do yourself a big favor, take a nice drive over to Samuel French or Larry Edmund's and get yourself a copy of Acting Is Everything. ps from Neva: If you'd rather order online, you can do that easily right here It is as essential to the LA actor as Backstage, Now Casting and The Thomas Brothers Guide.

Amazing - I think I got six plugs in that last paragraph and, somehow, neglected to mention my own book.

I must be slipping.


Ah, but we aren't!! Bob is the author of “You Must Act! A step by step guide to acting success.” You can find out more by going to youmustact.com. be sure to download the freebees!!

I got this email from Good Health Supplements and thought it was just a wonderful thing.  If you have a child, please visit this excellent health resource that is now available.  Neva

Role Models Set Examples!

Hi Neva...If you have children, or know someone who has children...please listen up. The American Heart Association created a program called Never2Early which was funded by a major consumer products company to promote awareness of good nutrition for children ages 2 to 11.

I applaud the effort...however...to make any program a success it boils down to one very important point...the parent(s) must set the example by avoiding foods that contains trans-fats, hydrogenated oils and over processed ingredients. They must add more water to their diets, get their exercise and take quality nutritional supplements.

Your children will learn by example...role models such as parents, grandparents, teachers, etc. help to reinforce good eating, nutrition and exercise habits...and as the saying goes "only time will tell".

Let's all stamp out heart disease for all generations once and for all!

To your good health...in all its forms!

Jim Utzinger
Health Matters Minutes Editor

You can sign up for Health Matters Newsletter free by clicking here

• Fruits: They are a good source of vitamins and in some cases antioxidants. Always try to include a variety in your diet.
• Nuts, grain and seeds: Provide a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. An ounce of either one of these provide the same amounts of omega-3 as 3.5 ounces of fish.
• Olive oil: Our skin should get at least 2 tablespoons of oil each day for proper lubrication. The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidative substances.
• Tea: Whether its black, white or green, studies indicate it has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vegetables: The endless benefits of vegetables provide the body with powerful antioxidant properties that we know can help the skin.
• Brazil nuts, turkey and tuna: All these are rich in selenium. Selenium-rich foods help reduce inflammation that is associated with breakouts.

Update on my Mom.....

The Nexium and Pepogest seem to have her acid reflux under control.  The bad coughing has stopped, thank God.  However, she still has some heart blockages to be dealt with in the near future.  They are doing a stress test on her next week.

Is it just me or is it a little insane to put someone who has already had one heart attack thru a test that could possibly make them have another one?  I'm having a hard time understanding the true value of this test.  They say that if the person does have the heart attack, they'll know they couldn't have withstood surgery and they will also be right there in the hospital so the attack can be managed immediately.

OK, but if they just went ahead and did the surgery and the person had a heart attack, couldn't they manage it just as well if not better?  In fact, they'd already be in there.  The patient would already be prepped for surgery, all the doctors would be there and scrubbed up, all the needed equipment would be in place.  Just seems to me if there's a chance there might be another heart attack, why not risk it in the surgery room rather than on a treadmill? 

Of course, saying all that, I also am not a doctor.  Maybe there is something I don't get about it but I really don't think I'd take that test.  I think I'd say that if I was going to have to have surgery anyway, let's get it over and I'll deal with the risk.

Just my two cents worth.

I learned a new medical term today - cellulitis.  My Mom woke two days ago with a sore right foot.  On the top and to the side of the foot became swollen and red.  Also feverish.  Diagnosis - cellulitis.

Apparently you can contract cellulitis by a bump to the part of the body effected, by a cut or scratch, etc.  Simply put, it is an infection.  Apparently, an agressive one because the doc immediately gave mom a penicillin shot and also prescribed a strong antibiotic called duracel.  I laughingly told mom she was being prescribed a battery.

Glad to know what the problem was.  I didn't know if it was gout, arthritis or even a spider bite.  So, cellulitis.

When I was in Los Angeles last, I attended about a hundred of these acting workshops.  Some were fun but many were just about exactly like the one described here.  What was sad about it, truly sad, was that I knew some of the actors didn't have the thick skin I've developed, nor the faith in their own work, and the criticisms, cynical attitude and downright snottiness of many of the casting director assistants who held these workshops really tore those folks down.  One shining example of a Casting Director who clearly loves actors and is also very respectful of them is Mick Dowd.  I attended Mick Dowd's workshop at TVI, which incidentally is one of the more pricey options in town and not one I'd recommend except for high-profile folks like Mick who don't teach anywhere else.

Mick Dowd was genuinely intrigued with each nuance of performance he saw.  He seemed to hone in on the best aspect of the performance, and then to offer a constructive criticism that was useful rather than some vague, offhand remark that could be taken ten different ways. 

Being part of the audience for most of the seminar (you only get about two minutes actually performing in these things....the rest of the time, you are watching the other 20 or so actors who came to the class) I watched Mick more than the actors.  I watched him, as I watched all the cd's in these events, to learn what he was about.  What I discovered, to my utter delight, was that Mick Dowd was a good man.

The business had not tainted him.  He still had the enthusiasm and intense interest in the craft that makes a truly good casting director.  Good for the people hiring him to cast but beyond that, good for the actor.

You could trust Mick Dowd not to cast you incorrectly and you could also trust him to fight for you if he saw something in you that the powers that be did not see. 

I wanted to give you a really good, postive experience before I shared the article below, on casting director workshops, because the unfortunate reality is that most of them were some shade of the writer's experience.

This is an article from a terrific online acting resource called Now Casting.  You can find them at http://www.nowcasting.com .  I use nowcasting's online resume and demo service.  For an example of what they offer actors, here's my online info:  http://www.nowcasting.com/neva

The article is titled Head Trips and it's funny in a way, but if you've ever been there, not so funny.

Head Trip

By Mari Marks, Ph. D. (03-09-2005) Click for Bio

Mari Marks, Ph.D. has over 25 years experience as a psychologist, licensed in California for the past 14 years. She is also a studying, auditioning and working actor. Who better to talk about some of the problems we all face in this business?

Head Trip

I want to take you on a trip through my head as I attended a casting workshop recently. You know those “controversial” places where you pay to read for casting personnel – frowned on by some, relied upon by people like me with minimal credits and no agency representation. I’m hoping that, if you can relate to this experience, you may benefit from the discussion at the end of the article.

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So there I sat, perky little newcomer with my non-union status, not one television credit on my resume, eagerly awaiting my opportunity to meet THE CASTING DIRECTOR (actually an assistant) from a PRESTIGIOUS casting agency, about to give a (what’s the opposite of “pep?” admonishing? discouraging? ) talk:

"If you send us a headshot/resume, we will toss it in the trash."

"If you call us on the phone, we will not talk to you."

"If you DARE to show up in our office, we will not see you."

(OK, I think, I get it- no unsolicited contact.)

"If you’ve never worked in television (subtext: you're a NOBODY), we’re certainly not going to cast you."

(Uh, oh, why am I here, I wonder?)

Her Ladyship continues:

"If ALL you’ve ever done are CO-STAR roles (you peon), we will ONLY cast you in a co-star role."

"If ALL you’ve ever done (you pathetic piece of pond-scum) are GUEST-STAR roles, we will only consider you for guest-star roles."

"We obviously won’t consider you for a RECURRING role."

(OBVIOUSLY. Hmm… who’s left? Jennifer Aniston?)

Now, I’ve paid a few bucks for the privilege of being set straight on my humble status, so I’m trying to re-evaluate my presence at this workshop. Do I quietly slink out the back door, or can I still learn something here? Well, since she’s clearly not going to cast me, the pressure’s off, so I can just relax and view this as an opportunity to read for someone who would NEVER invite me to do so otherwise.

Now the real fun begins.

I am given sides and have about 15 minutes to prepare to read them aloud on stage before the Queen (do I sound a tad hostile yet?). And what luck! She hands me a scene from one of my favorite TV shows- I even remember the episode! I am thoroughly familiar with the main character’s issues, series background and the overall objectives of the scene. WOW! I’m gonna nail this one.

As each actor takes the stage, Her Highness scans the resume.

"Oh! You were on the BlahBlah show! How did you like working with so-and-so?"

(Oh, sweet… now I see her warm and friendly side- this is encouraging.)

She takes time with each actor for a little congenial chat about their experiences. I wonder what she’ll say to me, since I have no TV credits.

After about 10 actors have done their thing, I decide to go up.

She stares at me blankly. And says….


N..O..T..H..I..N..G...


I endure a few moments of silence then conclude that I am to start the scene, since we clearly have nothing to talk about. When I’m done, I look at her and await my adjustment.

Instead, a cold stare, followed by a split-second semi-smile (more of a grim horizontal line, kind of like Peanuts when he’s freaked out), and a tortured, "Thank you." (Get out of my sight, you lowly disgusting worm!)

And that was that.


Now, my brothers and sisters, what do I do with this experience?

A) Curl up and die of shame and despair, followed by a rapid exit from the acting profession.

B) Contemplate suicide.

C) Contemplate homicide.

D) Remember who I am and use this as a precious learning experience, not to mention great material for an ActorsInk article.

OK, I confess to indulging in a few moments of “A” followed by a fleeting fantasy of “C,” then I came back down to earth and went for “D.” This brings me to the moral of the story:

IT’S NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO US THAT COUNTS, IT’S WHAT WE DO WITH IT.

It’s how we interpret it and what it means to us. I can ascribe many different meanings to this experience: I’m a piece of crap, she’s a piece of crap, I’ll never break into TV, I can’t act, I’m worthless, etc., etc. After briefly experiencing all of the above, I then chose to:

· Honor my feelings of hurt and disappointment.

· Explore any old wounds that may have been triggered.

· Constructively analyze my performance so that I might make improvements next time.

· Recognize that this woman lives in a hierarchical, inflexible world, and in her world, I do not exist.

· Realize I may need to devise a different strategy for breaking into television, or possibly put it on the back burner for now.


PS: A few days later, a friend who’d been cast in a pilot told me that his show was looking for “background” actors. I e-mailed and was invited to audition. I impressed them and was immediately cast in a recurring role with potential to become a regular one. They could care less about my lack of TV credits. Was I a worm one week and a goddess the next? No, I am the same person whose fit for one show was judged differently than for another.

Most crucial, however, is that I KNOW WHO I AM and that I don’t allow someone’s treatment of me to alter my self-perception or damage my self-esteem. If this is happening to you, please re-evaluate. If the struggle to do this on your own is not working, therapy can help.


Mari Marks, Ph.D. has over 25 years experience as a psychologist, licensed in California for the past 14 years. She conducts her private practice in Brentwood and loves working with actors. You can reach her at (310) 472-2523 or via e-mail at drmari2 at yahoo.com 

ps.  from neva.....if after all this, you'd still like to try a casting director workshop in los angeles, please take my advice and steer clear of the really expensive ones.  they are the same cd's.  why pay more.  the one i'd recommend is http://www.actorsite.com

I've been a wellness counselor since about 1991. Before that, I had relied on natural means, almost exclusively, for my own health and wellness so it was a natural progression that I become an advocate of natural means of wellness when talking with friends and family.  I eventually established my website at healthynewage.com out of a desire to make more broadly available, the holistic health options that exist for approaching health challenges.

I've written about my Mom on this blog, about the suffering she endured for over a year due to acid reflux and a hernia.  I wrote how finally a prescription medicatin, Nexium, helped stop her terrible suffering.  So I am not saying that prescription meds don't have their place. 

However it remains my firm conviction that holistic health practices, if actually practiced consistently over time, do more to help a person stay healthy than all the prescription drugs put together.

Along those same lines of thought, I am aware that sometimes a condition progresses to the point where western medicine can intervene to save lives.  Such is the case when someone has cancer.  Yet, there is so very much a person can do to combat the negative effects of allopatic cancer treatments....oh why aren't doctors taught as much about renewing the immune system as they are about tearing it down?

The same chemo that kills the cancer also reeks havoc on the immune system.

How many people know that there are ways to support the system that have been ravaged by chemo?

This is the purpose of the blog post today.  To let anyone who is dealing with chemo and radiation know that there are steps you can take to rebuild your immune system after cancer.

Guest article from Global Healing Center follows.....

• Helps the body to produce energy
• Supports the liver in removing harmful substances from the body
• Assists in preventing cell damage.
• Assists the body in removing heavy metals from the bloodstream
• Powerful antioxidant and detoxificant.
• Prevents B-12 deficiency- related mental disturbances in the elderly
• Supports nerve and neurotransmitter function
• Enhances white blood cell function.
• Supports pH balance, helping to maintain oxygenation of cells and tissues.

Although scientific studies have not been completed, a significant number of articles in the peer reviewed scientific and medical journals discuss the possible biochemical significance of LAPd in supporting various biological functions within animals and humans. Additionally, some studies have already been planned or are currently underway to further evaluate the value and effectiveness of LAPd in human nutrition.

Net Content
8Fl. ounces

Vitamin B-12 is also known as cobalamin It's most common form is cyanocobalamin, which is broken down to methylcobalamin by the body. It is generally found only in meat and dairy products. In combination with folic acid, B-12 is involved in DNA synthesis, production of the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and red blood cell production. As a methyl donor involved in homocysteine metabolism, B-12 also plays an important role in immune and nerve function.

B-12 deficiency is fairly common in those over 65, and because it is stored in organs, deficiencies can take a very long time - up to 6 years - to appear. Worse, deficiencies of B12 or folic acid (a complementary substance necessary for B-12 utilization) can result in significant mental disturbances without any indication of anemia or other clinical indication of deficiency. In patients with B-12 deficiency, up to 61% have shown a marked increase in mental capacity when B-12 supplements are added to the diet.

Taken orally, B-12 is absorbed at a rate of about 1.2% according to most studies. Since the body uses about 2 mcg of B-12 daily, 200 mcg orally administered will maintain B-12 levels at stasis. For those who are deficient, a higher supplementation level will be required.

Vitamin B-1 (thiamin is a coenzyme that, in combination with lipoic acid, is involved in the decarboxylation of pyruvate and the oxidation of alpha keto-glutamic acid. These functions are essential to energy production, metabolism of carbohydrates, and neurotransmitter function. B-1 is extremely sensitive to alcohol, sulfites, and tannins found in black tea and coffee; all will render B-1 ineffective. B-1 is water soluble and is not stored in any quantities in the body.

Extreme B-1 deficiency, which is rare in most developed countries, causes beriberi, a syndrome whose symptoms include loss of muscle, mental confusion, elevated blood pressure, and edema. Milder deficiencies can cause fatigue, depression, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and constipation. Research in animals indicates that B-1 activates membrane ion channels, possibly by phosphorylating them. The flow of electrolytes like sodium and chloride in or out of nerve and muscle cells through membrane ion channels plays a role in nerve impulse conduction and voluntary muscle action.

Vitamin B2 riboflavin acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in metabolism. It is an essential part of FAD or flavin adenine dinucleotide coenzymes and FMN or flavin mononucleotide. These coenzymes are involved in energy production and the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrate – essential processes in every cell in the body. They are also cofactors for two important antioxidant enzyme systems – glutathione peroxidase and xanthine oxidase. Riboflavin coenzymes are also important in the cytochrome p450 enzymes, the body’s primary detoxification system.B2) works with the other B vitamins and is important for body growth and red cell production. Similar to thiamine, it helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral. It is crucial in regulating pH balance in the body, which, in turn, directly effects oxygenation of cells and tissues, and the resulting metabolic rate of the body. The need for molybdenum has been established, but there is presently no recommended daily allowance.

N-Acetyl Cystiene (NAC) is an amino acid naturally occurring in the body. It is a potent antioxidant that is involved in maintenance of cholesterol and lipoprotein levels, and functions in combination with natural interferons in the body to enhance immune response. NAC is an amino acid derivative, which has begun to receive increasing attention as a powerful free radical scavenger. This simple compound has an extremely low profile of side effects and helps the body in a variety of ways. It enhances the activity of Vitamins C & E. It enhances the immune system, improves lung function, helps transport sterol hormones, helps prevent insulin resistance, and prevents ammonia formation.

Introducing Merrill Garnett
Merrill Garnett is a doctor and research chemist, head of the Garnett McKeen Laboratory, in Stony Brook, New York. Dr. Garnett is the inventor and recipient of multiple U.S. patents for palladium lipoic complexes. For nearly 40 years, Dr. Garnett has probed the secrets of molecular biology and the mysteries of cells. He saw cellular dysfunction as the failure of cells to regenerate normally in a default mode; instead, cloning itself in a deranged state over and over again. He theorized that this failure to mature was a problem of energetics in the cells metabolic processes. The cells energy transport chain which occurs through electron transfer.

Dr. Garnett began the often lonely search to find a molecular compound that would restore healthy pathways for growth and normal development within the cell—pathways missing or deficient in dysfunctional cells. He searched for a natural metallo-organic compound that would act as a molecular shunt to restore the cells healthy energetics. After testing some 20,000 compounds, Dr. Garnett developed the biochemical formula that became Poly-MVA in 1991. He discovered that palladium combined with lipoic acid, B-12 and thiamine created an extremely useful and safe cellular nutrient. Subsequent tests have shown that Poly-MVA is safe and nontoxic, and Dr. Garnett is currently working in cooperation with other researchers to determine the effectiveness of principal ingredients of PolyMVA for other uses.

Poly-MVA:  A Patented Metallo-vitamin
When lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant with many biological functions, is connected to an electrically charged metal substrate, and joined with various B vitamins, the resulting complex becomes totally soluble in both water and fat. It can easily and safely travel throughout the body and into every cell, crossing the blood-brain barrier as well. Therefore, performing that journey across the blood-brain barrier (impossible even for most drugs, let alone ordinary nutritional supplements) suggests that the nutritonal supplement Poly-MVA, may hold great promise in cases where other means of supplementing cell nutrition are ineffective.

In addition to his work with Poly-MVA, Merrill Garnett with help from his son, Wade, is also developing *electro-active* compounds that destroy certain malignant tumors without damaging healthy cells. The Garnetts' research is based on the theory that all normally developed cells contain an inward directed energy flow. They have looked for those pathways which alter electron flow in the cell, from the point of view that normal development requires normal energy flow. In laboratory experiments, the Garnetts found that by introducing synthetic mimics of electric pathways, dysfunctional cells are changed selectively, either back to normalcy or they can not survive.

The Poly-MVA dietary supplement developed by the Garnetts, works because healthy cells have *oxygen radical pathways.* Normally, oxygen radicals are formed when fatty acids donate electrons to oxygen. These oxygen radicals have an unpaired electron charge and are unstable. Special proteins, in the mitochondria, convert the oxygen radicals into water and useable energy. At the Garnett McKeen Laboratory in New York, the Garnetts are producing synthetic mimics of electric pathways by introducing palladium lipoic complexes in various combinations into cells.

For more information on Garnett-McKeen Labs, visit www.electrogenetics.com

Usage
As a dietary supplement, take 1/2 tsp daily. For maximum support, take up to 8 tsp daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.

• Shake well before usage.
• Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate after opening.
• The use of nicotine will reduce the efectiveness of this product.

  This article posted from healthynewage.com, courtesy of Global Healing Center

  DISCLAIMER: The statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. We design and recommend individual nutritional programs and supplements that allow the body to rebuild and heal itself. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing Center are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition, see your physician of choice. This web site contains links to web sites operated by other parties. Such links are provided for your convenience and reference only. We are not responsible for the content or products of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/coming_back_from_chemotherapy_and_radiation_treatments.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_health_article_from_ira_marx_lowering_cholestrol_naturally.mws hnasc 2005-03-18T07:03:11-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_health_article_from_ira_marx_lowering_cholestrol_naturally.mws

  This article comes courtesy of Ira Marxe at Good Health Supplements***.  I get their Health Matter Minutes by email and encourage you to go over to the site and sign up for your own Heath Matter Minutes subscription.  Ira has an enjoyable way of saying things that is his own.  I respect his company and the powerful health products he sells because of the research that is behind them.  Particularly, I am impressed with the documentation on their GHS Plus Formula, show to reduce arterial plaque by as much as 50%.  Press Release click here 

  
  

  Before I get into the good, the bad and the ugly of this very hot, controversial and often misunderstood cholesterol issue, let me tell you that in answer to the hundreds of emails we get every week asking how to lower cholesterol levels without the use of drugs, I can assure you that doing so nutritionally is easily done.

  Of course, this is contrary to what the wealthy drug companies want you to believe (they can’t make money on natural nutritional products) or what traditional medical doctors have been trained to believe and will tell you.
  
  Unfortunately, the real reason you have an elevated cholesterol level is simply because of poor lifestyle choices, bad eating habits and lack of certain nutritional supplementation.

  When you make poor choices, one of the ways your body rebels is by elevating your cholesterol. Your body can just as easily lower your cholesterol when you make modest changes in lifestyle and the food you eat combined with taking a nutritional supplement called GHS Plus™, which is specifically designed to lower and maintain your cholesterol at safe levels.
  
  In addition, the GHS Plus™ nutritional supplement gives your body many other life saving and health enhancing benefits. GHS Plus™ has a proven track record of over 20 years without any side effects and because it is a nutritional product, you can take GHS Plus™ while taking other medications.
  
  As an example, here’s what Milton J. Smith of Ohio has to say about this nutritional way of lowering cholesterol...

  “I have been taking GHS Plus™ for about 3 months, and my total cholesterol is down from 222 to 176. Tryg is from 295 to 171. I also started using common sense with my sugar intake. I don’t believe this.”

  Mr. Smith is only one of many who have experienced similar results.
  
  Expressed concerns regarding cholesterol are so strong that questions are coming in at a ratio of about 20:1 --- cholesterol versus any other health problem. Why? Because “everyone knows”, as stated by the medical profession and the drug companies, that “high cholesterol can cause angina, heart attack, stroke and gangrene in diabetics.”
  
  As an aside, what most people don’t know, including eye doctors, is that some of the same nutritional ingredients used to lower cholesterol, will reverse diabetic retinopathy and can save a diabetic’s eyesight.
  
  In support of Mr. Smith’s statement, here’s what NC Research Associates, an independent 25 year old research organization, says about using GHS Plus: Stated under the title “Clean Arteries Without Invasive Surgery” on their web site, “Research has proven that this technology will reduce plaque and restore circulation to blocked veins and arteries. It is the most effective way to reverse heart disease, control arthritis and kidney disease, and improve health for those with Diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Osteoporosis.”
  
  Here are the visual results which demonstrate proof of the success of their independent research in the following before and after digital photos of a clogged carotid artery, and six months later, with over 50% of the offending plaque dissolved.

  These photos below were reprinted, with permission, from NC Research Associate’s web site, www.ncresearch.org --- go to “Artery Cleaning”. The product NC Research is talking about is GHS Plus™.

  Plaque is not something you eat that then sticks to your arterial walls. Plaque is something your body makes which builds up over the years, and plaque is something your body can dissolve.

  I am going to tell you how and why both can happen.
  
  A weakened immune system, along with lack of certain nutrients, creates scenarios that cause damage to your arterial walls and leads to the slow formation of arterial clogging plaque which, in turn, slowly chokes off your blood flow.

  Unfortunately this fits the physical condition of multi-millions of people around the world for which drugs and surgery have not been the answer. This is why heart disease is still the world’s number one killer.
  
  However, when you restore your immune system, and give your body the right nutritional supplements, your body then has what it needs to reverse this condition, naturally and painlessly slowly dissolving the plaque and thereby restoring blood flow to normal levels.
  
  Your body is a great healer...when given the right nutrients. It’s really that simple!
  
  Ok, now let’s talk about what’s good about cholesterol, and yes...cholesterol is really good!

  Understand that your body needs cholesterol for you to live! Every cell in your body has and needs cholesterol in order to function properly. Much of your brain is made up of cholesterol. Your liver uses cholesterol to make hormones, and on, and on, and on.
  
  If you don’t give your body sufficient cholesterol, your liver will make its own cholesterol because it is critical to your very survival. So when you hear comments by doctors stating that the lower your cholesterol the better, this is simply not true.

  As stated by the world’s most famous heart study, the Framingham Heart Study, that has been ongoing for decades, cholesterol levels below 160 can be dangerous and cause the very heart problems you are trying to avoid.
  
  Now about the bad cholesterol. The oxygen we breathe, and must have, to keep us alive and healthy, has a natural tendency to oxidize in our bodies. Oxidized oxygen is corrosive and dangerous to our health. Our body knows this and controls this with anti-oxidants, and you all know that you must have anti-oxidants to starve off diseases and stay healthy.
  
  One of the ingredients that make up arterial clogging plaque is cholesterol that has been oxidized. That’s a bad form of cholesterol caused by the lack of enough anti-oxidants in your body to prevent oxidative cholesterol. This sticky, gooey substance catches all kinds of debris floating in your blood which eventually leads to totally blocked arteries, which in turn leads to angina, heart attack, stroke, or gangrene in diabetics. Nasty stuff.
  
  And now, the ugly cholesterol.

  What’s ugly is that people who have had stents surgically placed in their arteries and who have had by-pass surgery are candidates for repeat performances even though they are taking statins (Lipitor®, Zocor®, Creator™) and other drugs. What’s even uglier is that with millions of people on statins and other heart drugs, and with refined surgical procedures, heart disease is still the number one killer.

  Drug companies and the medical profession are not curing heart disease, and probably don’t want to, since heart disease is a multi-billion dollar business.
  
  Equally ugly is when someone who has low blood cholesterol drops dead of a heart attack because of clogged arteries. This happens because high blood cholesterol is not the only cause of plaque formation. There are other causes that are never talked about by the drug companies because they can’t make money treating these other causes which are best cured nutritionally, and these other causes are never tested for by most doctors.
  
  The following shocking statistics are provided to us courtesy of The American Heart Association: Over 65% of people who die of a sudden heart attack due to clogged arteries have low blood cholesterol. How many times have you heard, he/she, wasn’t sick a day in their lives? Unless you were tested for specific indicators of clogged arteries, other than cholesterol, you wouldn’t have had a clue. That’s ugly!
  
  I know that it’s normal for most people to test for their cholesterol levels, but equally important, and sometimes even more important, because these can be the causes of clogged arteries in people with low blood cholesterol, is to test for homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels.

  High homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels, along with free radicals, are known to cause arterial wall damage that leads to plaque formation and eventual blockage.
  
  Statin drugs lower cholesterol but cannot lower homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels, or protect against free radical damage. Neither can chelation, heart drops, hawthorn berry, or ordinary multi-vitamin formulas.
  
  These products are limited in function and cannot give your body the nutrients it needs for overall healing and the ability to dissolve plaque while, at the same time, strengthening your immune system against free radical damage.
  
  Fortunately, the bio-chemists who developed GHS Plus™ were not medical bio-chemists, but were nutritional bio-chemists who better understood the body’s amazing capacity for healing itself when given the proper nutrition.

  They created a product that not only lowered cholesterol, but homocysteine and C-reactive protein and blood pressure levels as well, with the right combination and amount of nutritional ingredients and anti-oxidants to prevent the formation of oxidative cholesterol and free radical damage to our arterial walls.
  
  If you are wondering why a multi-vitamin/mineral product like GHS Plus™ works and other good multi-vitamin/mineral products do not, I’ll explain. It took 15 years to figure out the right ingredients, in the right amounts, made in a manner that caused the synergism that made the sum far greater than all the parts. Other multi-vitamin and minerals don’t have these abilities.
  
  The synergism that was created by the GHS Plus™ ingredients gives your body the nutrients it needs to develop lipo-protein lipase (LPL) in your arterial walls, which regular multi-vitamins/minerals cannot do. LPL is a powerful enzyme that dissolves the fats that make up the plaque and chelates (dissolves) the metals that are the binder for the plaque. It does this slowly, safely and effectively.
  
  These nutrients allow the body to repair damage to your arterial walls, dilate your arteries for better blood flow, make your blood more slippery for less clumping, dissolve small blood clots, promote collateral arteries around blockages, and prevent new plaque build-up.
  
  In addition, GHS Plus™ gives most people all the vitamin and mineral nutrition they need. No other vitamins or minerals need to be taken. No CoQ10 is needed as the body will make its own from the nutrients in GHS Plus™.

  Without a doubt GHS Plus™ is a powerful nutritional supplement that allows your body to naturally dissolve plaque and maintain clean arteries, lower cholesterol, homocysteine, C-reactive protein and blood pressure levels, plus...you can obtain even better results by combining GHS Plus™ with moderate exercise and healthy eating, and that means:

  • No foods, cakes or candies containing hydrogenated or partially
    hydrogenated oils.
  • No white bread or white flour. Use bread and other foods made with
    whole grain flour.
  • No food or drink containing high fructose corn syrup. Stop drinking sodas, even diet sodas containing aspartame or other artificial sweeteners because these are detrimental to your health.
  • Lower or eliminate sugar intake.
  • No artificial colors.
  • No farmed salmon which contains artificial color, only natural wild salmon.
  • Stay out of fast food restaurants.
  • No fried or breaded foods in any restaurant.
  • Try to eat organic whenever possible.
  • You can eat lean meats, chicken, fish, and shell fish.
  • Use organic macadamia nut oil, olive oil, peanut oil or butter in your cooking.
  • Eat lots of mixed raw and lightly steamed vegetables, and fruits and nuts.
  • Choose free range or organic eggs, organic butter and natural cheeses.
  • Maintain about 30% natural fats in your diet because people who go on fat free diets usually get fatter. Your body needs fat for energy. If you don’t give your body the fat it needs for energy, it will store fat from every calorie you consume.
  • Cut down on coffee intake. Learn to drink delicious Rooibos tea because it is an anti-cancer and anti-aging tea that has no caffeine or acid, is low in tannins, and is 50% higher in anti-oxidants than any other tea.

  Read the labels on everything you buy. You’ll be shocked to find that some of the simplest and best known foods, such as crackers, candy and ice cream, are the worst to eat.

  In 2006, the new labeling law will force food processors to list the amount of trans-fat in their products (hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils). Understand that there is no safe lower limit for eating trans-fat. That is why it is called the silent killer.
  
  Protect your life and order your cholesterol, homocysteine and C-reactive lowering GHS Plus™ Nutritional Supplement at Good Health Supplements™ or call 1- 888- 824-3745.
  
  Maintaining good health through nutrition is not only cheaper but much more effective than drugs and traditionally trained doctors.
  
  Your body will be good to you when you are good to it. So, if you want to be healthy, you need to make healthy choices about your nutrition.

  To Your Good Health and Longevity!
  Ira Marxe
  
  P.S. Don't forget to read our past HMM articles. You will find the quick link below today's article. And remember..."The road to good health is an easy one to follow when making the right choices." Thank you.

  ---

  Ira Marxe is CEO of Good Health Supplements. GHS is dedicated to your good health offering you affordable, leading edge technology in anti-aging, cardiovascular, multi-vitamin and digestive nutritional supplementation.  Go to: Good Health Supplements.

  ***Health Matters Minutes is Copyrighted © 2005
  AntiAging Life Extension Dot Com, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/guest_health_article_from_ira_marx_lowering_cholestrol_naturally.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/health_article_what_is_nattalone.mws hnasc 2005-03-20T09:03:04-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/health_article_what_is_nattalone.mws

  Nattalone™ -adjective, natt·a·lone: describes the most important fibrin degradation formula since Naticor™. Nattalone™ was developed for the consumer that requires the circulatory health and fibrin fighting benefits of Naticor™ but is restricted from its use due to that individual's consumption of warfarin based blood thinners. Nattalone™ stands alone, as the alternative to Naticor™ in these cases.
  
  Nattalone™ is bio-energy infused Nattokinase NSK-SD, Sophora Japonica and Beet Fiber.
  
  Nattokinase NSK-SD- noun, natt·o·kin·ase nsk sd: recognized as the most potent fibrin fighting enzyme available today and is the fibrinolytic enzyme found in the Japanese fermented food "natto". Dr. Sumi and Dr. Ralph Holsworth exclusively endorse Nattokinase NSK-SD, the same brand found in Nattalone™, as the brand unmatched in potency by any other enzyme. NSK-SD originates from the microorganism, Bacillus and is comparatively stable in varying temperature and pH. No question about it, Nattokinase eats fibrin.*
  
  Sophora Japonica- noun, sa·phor·a ja·pon·i·ca: a form of Rutoside, is critical for chelating free iron after trauma and may promote healthy circulation. It has the unique ability to improve capillaries and veins and it supports the regeneration capacity of human body tissues. Saphora Japonica is also a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and seems to have a protective effect against syndromes that lower the body's oxygen supply.*
  
  Beet Fiber- noun, beet fi·ber: may promote normal blood cholesterol and balanced blood sugar levels while providing positive effects on the digestive system.
  
  Infuse- transitive verb in·fuse: to cause to be permeated with something (as a principle or quality) that alters usually for the better. A mean to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout. Infuse implies a pouring in of something that gives new life or significance. We have mapped the energies emitted by our benchmark product Naticor™, and infused those same energy patterns into Nattalone™. Additionally we have selected other specific energy patterns from L-arginine, a unique Asian herb formula and a specific energetic formula chosen to support overall well being and to promote the overall harmonized effect of all Nattalone™ ingredients, furthering our enhancement strategy.

  Precautions: During pregnancy, it is a rule to be careful with supplements in general. Nursing mothers also should be careful about supplementation, to avoid affecting their milk. People with hemophilia or who take anticoagulants (blood-thinners) should consult their health care professional before taking large amounts of enzymes. Anyone contemplating surgery where there is high risk of bleeding should ask his or her physician for advice before taking these supplements.

  This information provided by healthynewage.com, courtesy of Global Healing Center
  

  DISCLAIMER: The statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. We design and recommend individual nutritional programs and supplements that allow the body to rebuild and heal itself. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing Center are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition, see your physician of choice. This web site contains links to web sites operated by other parties. Such links are provided for your convenience and reference only. We are not responsible for the content or products of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/health_article_what_is_nattalone.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/super_mentor_class_for_writersproduce.mws hnasc 2005-03-20T09:03:04-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/super_mentor_class_for_writersproduce.mws

  I met Elaine and Marc Zicree when I took their six week mentoring course.  What a great couple of folks.  A wealth of knowledge about Hollywood and how the industry works.  If you are going to L.A. or even if you're not, check out their site and their course.  Be sure to tell them Neva Howell sent ya!  This just in from Marc and Elaine:

  
  

  Acclaimed Writer-Producers MARC AND ELAINE ZICREE have long been famous for the class they offer Industry professionals in Hollywood, California.  In fact, they’ve been written up in SCRIPT MAGAZINE, CREATIVE SCREENWRITING, WRITTEN BY and many other popular Industry journals.

  Looking for script-writing tools and resources, or acting information?  Check out my Artist Resource Section at healthynewage.com

   
  

  But now, you can hire the Zicrees for  a single or ongoing telephone sessions, or to get script notes from anywhere on earth – in fact, the Zicrees’ clients include professionals working all across America, in Europe and Australia!

   
  

  And soon, they’ll be offering their Supermentors Course in special tele-conferencing, video-conferencing and DVD versions!

   
  

  So if you’d like to avail yourself of the finest mentoring by writer-producers who have conquered the worlds of film, TV and books, don’t wait – go online to www.zicree.com, email marc or call (323) 363-1259 now.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/super_mentor_class_for_writersproduce.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/?entry=27 hnasc 2005-03-20T09:03:37-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/?entry=27

  I met Elaine and Marc Zicree when I took their six week mentoring course.  What a great couple of folks.  A wealth of knowledge about Hollywood and how the industry works.  If you are going to L.A. or even if you're not, check out their site and their course.  Be sure to tell them Neva Howell sent ya!  This just in from Marc and Elaine:

  
  

  Acclaimed Writer-Producers MARC AND ELAINE ZICREE have long been famous for the class they offer Industry professionals in Hollywood, California.  In fact, they’ve been written up in SCRIPT MAGAZINE, CREATIVE SCREENWRITING, WRITTEN BY and many other popular Industry journals.

   
  

  But now, you can hire the Zicrees for  a single or ongoing telephone sessions, or to get script notes from anywhere on earth – in fact, the Zicrees’ clients include professionals working all across America, in Europe and Australia!

   
  

  And soon, they’ll be offering their Supermentors Course in special tele-conferencing, video-conferencing and DVD versions!

   
  

  So if you’d like to avail yourself of the finest mentoring by writer-producers who have conquered the worlds of film, TV and books, don’t wait – go online to www.zicree.com, email marc or call (323) 363-1259 now.

  Looking for script-writing tools and resources, or acting information?  Check out my Artist Resource Section at healthynewage.com

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/27 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/afterlife_spiritual_cinema_movie_review.mws hnasc 2005-03-28T02:03:06-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/afterlife_spiritual_cinema_movie_review.mws AFTER LIFE
  

  a  guest movie review from Stephen Simon 

  Many years ago, a noted observer referred to television programming as a "vast wasteland", a description that most of us would, I believe, also apply to the January through May distribution pattern of theatrical movies.

  Every year, the pickings get slimmer and slimmer during this time, don't they? Hollywood seems to have decided a few years ago that there's only so much "quality" that we as an audience can stand so they telescope most of those films first into the summer and then into the October-December period so as to qualify for Academy Awards. Then they abandon us completely for at least 5 or 6 months until the summer rolls around again when, for those of us who grew up with and love movies, we are so starved for films that almost anything will do!

  At least, in 2004, we had the brilliant ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND in February but-- this year? Hollywood and even the major independents seem to drag every shallow comedy and cheap thriller from their vaults and dump them into this period of time each year. That decision really provides no problem for mainstream critics. They just take out their very sharp-edged pens and attack the films for being as innocuous and banal as most--if not all--of them are. For me, however, it provides a different challenge because it is the focus of this column to discuss only positive film recommendations and leave negative film reviews to others. In the 3 years that I have been writing this column, I only once departed from that format.

  So...what to do?

  Turn negative?

  Write the column only on an irregular basis when there is a notable film to illuminate?

  Or make another shift?

  I have chosen to pursue the latter option.

  When there are no new films to discuss that are opening a national basis, I have decided, from time to time, to focus on more classic films in Spiritual Cinema with which you may not necessarily be familiar and which you can rent or purchase on DVD.

  So, this month, let's take a journey into AFTERLIFE, a Japanese film that was released in America in 2000 that is pure and simple genius.

  The premise is simple. After you die, you must choose one memory from your life and then spend eternity in that memory.

  The film takes place at a way station in the afterlife where people are given a week to choose that one memory and then they supervise the recreation of the memory so that they can live within it.

  The choices are all poignant.

  --- a man chooses the moment in which he enjoyed his first taste of salted rice after almost starving to death in World War Two.

  --- a woman chooses the moment of birthing her child

  ---a woman chooses the moment she is reunited with her fianc

  By the way, no one chooses a work-related memory. As the old saying goes, no one ever says at the end of life that they wish they had spent more time at the office.

  They are told that they MUST choose a memory; however, it is revealed late in the film that all the people working in the way station are there so that they can help others remember because they themselves either couldn’t or wouldn’t choose a memory themselves.

  The most moving story in the film involves an elderly businessman who led such a "so-so" life that he can’t choose. His was an arranged marriage and they were never passionate with each other. She had a fianc

  If we knew that we would have but one memory to keep with us for eternity, that awareness would make each moment of life much more precious.

  Spiritual Cinema asks two eternal questions:

  Who are we and why are we here?

  So....which memory would you choose?

  (Stephen Simon produced such films as Somewhere in Time and What Dreams May Come, produced and directed Indigo, and will next be directing and producing the film version of Neale Donald Walsch's Conversations with God. He also wrote The Force is With You: Mystical Movie Messages That Inspire Our Lives and co-founded The Spiritual Cinema Circle

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/afterlife_spiritual_cinema_movie_review.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_health_article_how_safe_is_your_water.mws hnasc 2005-03-29T02:03:22-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_health_article_how_safe_is_your_water.mws

  Note from blogmaster:  I was standing in Walmart one day, filling my water jugs at the Culligan machine.  An elderly man walked by and I heard him remark to his wife "That's just sink water".  He looked at me as if I were being duped by a scam.  I don't think that man is stupid.  I just think he's ignorant of how contaminated our water supply has become.  Granted, using the Culligan filter won't guarantee that I have water that is completely free of contaminants but due to the reverse osmosis and other filters they use, I am guaranteed it is better than my tap water at home. 

  The best option is to install a full house water filtration system that covers your entire home from showers to sinks, so that all the water coming into your body is pure.   I have a filter on my shower and one on my sink in the kitchen but have yet to get the full house system. 

  I still get water from the filtered water machine sometimes because I just bought an old house and I haven't had the water tested for lead.  If you live in an older house, the pipes may also be very old and you could be consuming lead in the water.  One thing you can do to minimize the potential is to let the water run for a full minute before taking any to drink.  However, best thing is to get the water tested to be sure.

  
  

  How Safe is Your water?  How to use water filtration.

  This article courtesy of Aquasana

  
  

  Q: Are there more in depth contaminant tests that can be performed in a customer’s home than OTO?

  
  

  A: Not feasibly, most other tests for organic chemicals or heavy metals require testing by a spectrometer or by atomic absorption. Both methods are very accurate and require very costly equipment. Accurate and specific water analysis can only be performed in a laboratory. The best method of showing a consumer that there are other chemicals in their water is to obtain a copy of the water utilities annual water quality report, by law they have to provide it. The OTO test gives a good visual of the levels of chlorine in the water and the filters ability to remove it.

  
  

  Q: What is TDS?

  
  

  A: Total Dissolved Solids, the total measurement by weight of all solids that are dissolved in water. The dissolved solids in water are primarily calcium and magnesium and would not be a measurement of contamination. Tests which measure the conductivity of water (often used by companies selling reverse osmosis systems) only give a rough estimate of dissolved solids and should not be viewed as an indicator of water quality.

  
  

  Q: Is Chlorine harmful?

  
  

  A: Chlorine was first added to a community water system in 1908 in Chicago and was instrumental in eliminating many types of water-borne disease such as Cholera and Typhoid fever. Prior to chlorination, many major cities had death tolls of 1 in 1000 people from Typhoid alone. Chlorine has been used to disinfect municipal water for over 80 years and has had some positive effects on public health. In the 1970’s it was discovered that chlorine, when added to water, forms Trihalomethanes (chlorinated by-products) by combining with certain naturally occurring organic matter such as vegetation and algae. In 1992 the American Journal of Public Health published a report that showed a 15% to 35% increase in certain types of cancer for people who consume chlorinated water. This report also stated that much of these effects were due to showering in chlorinated water. The National Cancer Institute estimates cancer risks for people who consume chlorinated water to be 93% higher than for people who do not. The effects of drinking chlorinated water have been debated for decades. However, most experts now agree that there are some significant risks related to consuming chlorine and chlorinated by-products.

  
  

  Q: Why do some areas test negative for chlorine?

  
  

  A: Virtually all city water systems contain some level of chlorine. The level will vary based on outdoor temperature, the season, distance from water utility and current usage. While chlorine may sometimes be undetectable on a certain day with a standard OTO test kit, that level can change dramatically day to day. Also some cities use ammonia at certain times as a disinfectant in order to reduce chlorination by products. Without chlorine the dangers of water borne disease would be to significant, an undetectable chlorine level, on a certain day, does not eliminate the need for an effective chlorine removal system.

  
  

  Q: What do you do if you have water contaminated by radioactive matter?

  
  

  A: Move! Radioactive water is not very common in this country and is a more serious problem than should be dealt with by a home water treatment system. Many people confuse the contaminant “Radon” with radioactivity when in fact they are quite different. Radon is produced from decaying Uranium ore and can be effectively removed by carbon filtration.

  
  

  Q: What are VOCs?

  
  

  A: Volatile Organic Chemicals are synthetic compounds that turn into vapor at relatively low temperatures. VOCs typically vaporize at a much lower temperature than water. Most synthetic chemicals found in water, such as pesticides and herbicides, are VOCs.

  
  

  Q: Why do the filtration systems not reduce TDS?

  
  

  A: “Filtration” systems are designed to selectively remove contaminants and to leave in the dissolved trace minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These water-borne minerals are healthful and give water a more natural flavor. Systems that remove minerals lower the pH of water and cause it to be more aggressive. Low pH water will seek to balance itself by leaching elements such as copper, lead or aluminum from plumbing fixtures and cooking utensils. Cooking in de-mineralized water will also draw the minerals from your foods causing a reduced nutritional value. Water with a balanced mineral content has a much less tendency to take on foreign elements. TDS (total dissolved solids) is primarily made up of dissolved minerals and is not related to harmful contaminants. It is very deceptive for companies to imply that a reduction in TDS means improved water quality, in most cases it does not. Q: Why would the filtered water from the unit appear cloudy sometimes? A: Occasionally, filtered water may appear milky or cloudy. The siphon action in closing the faucet can create air pockets in the filter. These air pockets will produce tiny air bubbles in the filtered water which cause the appearance of cloudiness. This air will disappear if the glass of water sits for a minute. If cloudiness is noticed in the filtered water, turn the filter upside down and allow water to run for two to three minutes. This will allow the air pockets to purge out of the filter cartridges.

  
  

  Q: Can filters be used on hot water?

  
  

  A: It is not recommended to use drinking water filters on hot water due to the potential for leakage. The soft rubber tubing on most Counter-Top systems and the o-ring seals can soften and create leaks when exposed to hot water. Most countertop systems are rated for water temperatures up to 90 degrees. Shower filters can be used with water up to 115 degrees, 100 to 104 is normal shower temperature.

  
  

  Q: Do people on private wells need to use shower filters?

  
  

  A: There are many health and cosmetic benefits to removing chemicals and compounds from shower water, even on non-chlorinated private wells. Virtually all ground water contains traces of some chemical or chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Also shower filters helps balance the waters pH, which is also a cosmetic benefit.

  
  

  Q: How does a water softener differ from filtratin products?

  
  

  A: Water softeners are not designed to improve the healthfulness of water, but rather to decrease dissolved minerals and reduce scaling of pipes and appliances. These systems typically use a sodium charged exchange media that releases sodium ions and removes minerals such as calcium, magnesium, or potassium. From a health standpoint, the minerals would be preferred over the sodium. Filtration systems are designed to specifically remove harmful contaminants and leave in the natural minerals.

  
  

  Q: Are filtration products considered purifiers?

  
  

  A: Technically, a purifier would be a system that provides “pure” water – hydrogen and oxygen with no other components. Pure water of this sort does not exist except in the controlled environment of a laboratory. Most references to “pure water” are in relation to the bacteria content and not the chemical contaminant concentrations. The EPA defines “pure” as water free from all types of bacteria and viruses. Each of these definitions would describe a system significantly different from a drinking water filter. Many filtration systems are designed to eliminate chlorine resistant parasites like cryptosporidium and giardia but should not be sold as a means of treating water of unsafe bacteriological quality.

  
  

  Q: Are water products EPA approved?

  
  

  A: No, the EPA does not approve anyone’s product. Only products which contain regulated contaminants, like silver in silver impregnated carbon filters, are required to have an EPA “registration” number. An EPA registration number simply means that the product contains something that the EPA has determined to be harmful.

  
  

  Q: Do water treatment products require FDA approval?

  
  

  A: No, however the certifications which apply certified products require proof that all component materials meet FDA requirements for food grade materials. The performance claims of a filtration system should be validated and certified by the California Department of Health Services to ensure compliance..

  
  

  Q: How do filters compare to reverse osmosis or distillation systems?

  
  

  A: Reverse osmosis and distillation are non-selective de-mineralizing processes. The water produced by these systems has been stripped of all mineral content which causes water to be acidic and aggressive. The healthiest water is water that is free from contamination but still contains a natural mineral balance. Filtration systems are designed to selectively remove contaminants and allow the natural minerals to pass through.

  
  

  Q: Are whole house systems (P.O.E.- point-of-entry) better than counter-top filters (P.O.U.– point-of-use)?

  
  

  A: P.O.U. systems are by far the best way to ensure the highest quality water since many water-borne contaminants come from the plumbing in your house, especially lead and vinyl chloride from the piping. By filtering water at the point-of-use you remove contaminants just prior to consumption, eliminating the chance of recontamination. Point-of-entry systems are very beneficial in that they provide filtered water to all baths and showers as well as other water appliances. By filtering all the water going into your home you improve not only the healthfulness of the water, but you greatly improve the indoor air quality by removing chlorine and other chemicals that vaporize and get into the indoor air.

  
  

  Q: How do you know if there are contaminants in your water?

  
  

  A: All public water systems contain some level of one or more unhealthful chemicals. Regulations only require periodic testing of about 86 chemicals. There are now more than 75,000 chemicals used in our society with over 1000 new ones being developed each year. Contaminant levels fluctuate throughout the year making it impossible to know the actual level of contamination in a central water system. So far over 2100 toxic chemicals have been detected in America’s water systems. The risk is high and the cost for a sure solution is low.

  
  

  Q: What are some good web sites to find documentation on water problems?

  
  

  A: NRDC.org (Natural Resources Defense Council), EWG.org (Environmental Working Group), EDF.org (Environmental Defense Fund), and CDC.gov (Center for Disease Control) are all good informational sites with numerous documented studies on water problems.

  
  

  Q: Do filter systems remove Radon?

  
  

  A: Radon is a gas produced by decaying Uranium and is more often a problem when airborne, however some areas may have Radon in the water which can be effectively removed by most carbon filters.

  
  

  Q: Does the AQ-4000 system use silver to prevent bacteria from growing inside the filter?

  
  

  A: No, silver is used in some systems to reduce bacteria growth, however, silver is a toxic metal that can leach into the filtered water. The type of bacteria (heterotrophic) that can colonize on carbon media is a very slow growing bacteria and is typically only a problem with filters that are used for 12 months or longer without cartridge replacement.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/guest_health_article_how_safe_is_your_water.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_nightmare_of_group_auditions.mws hnasc 2005-03-29T04:03:00-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_nightmare_of_group_auditions.mws

  Just had an audition for Tennessee Lottery a few days ago.  It was not a fun trip.

  My agent called on the same day of the audition so I literally had to drop everything, get ready and drive the 2 1/2 hours from my home to Nashville, Tennessee.

  That's not so bad, really.  After living in Los Angeles for a year and it sometimes taking an hour to an hour and a half to go less than 20 miles in that traffic, getting to auditions here in the south is not that much harder and it's a prettier drive too.

  But what was bad was that it was a group audition.  There's something that happens in a group audition that is hard to control.  It simply gets out of hand.  When you have four people, all wanting to be cast, and the part is a very energetic one (we were all tailgaters at some kind of sporting event) then the energy just gets out of hand.

  I found myself yelling and jumping up and down and fighting to be seen among the other four, who were all much taller than my little 5' 2" frame.

  I left feeling the drive had been for nothing.  It was.  I wasn't cast.

  I know better than to let a group mindset get hold of me in the waiting room, before an audition, but there is just something almost irresistible when your in a group competing for the same role.

  I'll be interested to see who they did cast.  Whew, glad that's over really.

  The Power Connection Online Acting Class - A Metaphysical Approach
  Artist Resources Center - Learn to draw, act, sing, write, etc.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_nightmare_of_group_auditions.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/preparing_to_succeed_as_an_actor.mws hnasc 2005-03-29T11:03:52-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/preparing_to_succeed_as_an_actor.mws

  I get such great tips from my friend, Jack, at actorsite.com

  I really belive that being prepared is the biggest factor in determining acting success.  There are so many talented actors who become discouraged because opportunity hasn't knocked.  The reality is that you never know when the chance will come to be a part of something extraordinary.

  Here's some acting tips from Jack:

  
  

  Here's some suggestions to solify your creative base:
  
  1. Warm-ups: Develop a habit of warming up the lips, the
  tongue and the mouth EVERY DAY. We have tongue twisters
  on the site, and you should practice them EVERY DAY so
  that you develop regular practice habits that can stay with
  you during the busy times.
  
  2. Cold Reading: Develop the habit of practicing cold reading
  DAILY for at least an hour. When, you say? Well, take time
  in the morning and sit down with a book or script or scene, or
  even the newspaper and practice grabbing the words with your
  eyes and looking up and saying the words in a natural and
  effortless manner. It should sound conversational and natural,
  and the words should tell you what to say and how to say it.
  
  3. Physical Exercise: Develop the DAILY habit of working out
  and exercising to make sure your BODY, which is one of the main
  things that casting people see to type you, is what you
  think it should be...you can get to the gym or get to the park.
  Either way, it's up to YOU to keep that shape that gets you
  work!
  
  4. Skill Development: Develop the habit of constantly learning
  a new skill, or pushing an established skill forward. You can
  do it in class or you can do it by practicing, or you can do it
  by performing. Suggestions? Here you go: Improvisation, Sketch
  Comedy, Stand Up, Stunt work, Voice Over, Dance, horse back
  riding, sword play, marksmanship...all of these will make you
  a more well-rounded actor...there are so may other skills to
  mention.
  
  5. Write a monologue from personal experience. Sit down and write
  a narrative monologue about an event in your life. Then practice
  it and learn it and NEVER tell anyone you wrote it...perform it
  to perfection...then let them ask who wrote it...
  
  6. Write a monologue from the headlines or history. Sit down
  and take a character from today's headlines or from history and
  write a monologue expressing their perspective. Remember to keep
  the narrative aspects of a monologue intact, since that makes a
  monologue interesting to listen to. Then practice it and hone it
  and perform it to perfection...THEN let them ask who wrote it...
  
  7. Get together with your fellow actors and rehearse some one
  act plays that you can put up at a moments notice. Always have
  two or three one-acts to call on and double cast and triple cast
  the characters so that you are ALWAYS ready to perform.
  
  8.NOW is a GREAT TIME to get into a show. Performing in June and
  July is the BEST TIME to do theater which doesn't conflict with
  episodic television bookings.
  
  9, Plan new headshots...plan your possible looks,
  think of broadening your casting choices. Remember, it's best
  to be as specific as you can as far as the characters your portray,
  and at the same time, it's good the broaden your repertoire, so to
  speak.
  
  And 10, Plan your vacation for May or June, Plan to relax and enjoy life...
  go out to the desert or to the beach or to Mexico, or up to
  Big Sur, or if you want to stay closer, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard
  or San Diego...Spend a little inexpensive fun time... Or visit
  the relatives...they always like to see you, right?
  
  Now Get Busy!!!
  
  Jack

  ARTIST RESOURCE CENTER

  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/preparing_to_succeed_as_an_actor.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_choose_the_right_health_supplements_guest_health_article.mws hnasc 2005-04-01T03:04:37-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_choose_the_right_health_supplements_guest_health_article.mws
  As a wellness counselor, I'm bothered by the fact that so many people I counsel don't know how to determine a superior health supplement from one that will be a waste of money.  This informative health article, shared courtesy of Vaxa and Dr. Stan Headly, has some great tips for getting the most out of your nutritional dollar.  Neva
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CHOOSING NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS WISELY
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  When you walk into a health food store or when looking at multiple pages of Internet links regarding Nutritional Supplements, it can become overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you know that the products on the shelf, and on the World Wide Web are of the highest quality and purity to ensure safety and effectiveness? Only to confuse you even more, the mass media often plants seeds of doubt on Nutritional Supplements, including Vitamins E and C, which are scientifically documented to have positive benefits towards the prevention of chronic disease. Our goal has always been to educate our customers on all aspects of the nutritional industry in order to help you make informed proactive decisions regarding healthy choices.
  
  How To Choose Quality Nutritional Products
  
  Reading Labels: The New RDA
  
  When looking at the label on the back of a dietary supplement, what are you really looking at? The term RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances), introduced over 40 years ago by the National Academy of Sciences' U.S. Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), was set as a standard for the daily amounts of vitamins needed to maintain health. Now, the new standard is called the DV (Daily Value), which was introduced by the FDA in 1994. There are two sub categories of the DV: the DRVs (Daily Reference Values) and the RDIs (Reference Daily Intakes). The DRVs represent the daily references of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, protein, fiber, sodium and potassium. The RDIs represent the daily references of essential vitamins and minerals, and where it applies, protein.
  
  Now that you have a little better understanding of what you are looking at, keep in mind that these references only refer to the minimum vitamin/mineral requirements needed by the body to avoid deficiency. In order to prevent chronic and degenerative diseases, higher levels than the RDI are required. However, exercising caution is prudent.
  
  Understanding Synthetic Versus Natural Vitamins/Minerals
  
  Synthetic vitamins/minerals are produced in laboratories from isolated chemicals, which are made to be identical to those found in nature. Natural vitamins/minerals are acquired directly from food sources. Though, some will argue that they are exactly the same, this is just not so. One distinguishing characteristic is that natural vitamins are woven into the food along with other nutrients (complex molecules) that have not yet been discovered. There are definite benefits in natural supplements such as better absorption by the body, etc. Another consideration is that synthetic vitamins/minerals may contain coal tars, artificial coloring, preservatives, sugars, starches, and other additives.
  
  How To Choose Digestive Enzymes
  
  When buying digestive enzymes be sure to choose a brand that contains all of the major groups of enzymes such as amylase, protease, and lipase. Also, if supplementing with superoxide dismutase (SOD), it is important to be sure that the product is enteric coated (coated with protective substances) for better absorption.
  
  Supplementing with digestive enzymes aids the body in obtaining all of the nutritional value from the foods you eat. Växa's Homeopathic Medicinal Digestin contains all of the major groups of enzymes Amylase (including Lactase, Maltase, and Sucrase), Protease, Lipase, Cellulase, and more.
  
  How To Choose Amino Acids
  
  There are very specific criteria to look for when choosing amino acids. The first criteria to consider is, "are these amino acids free-form?" Free-form amino acids are the purest form and need no digestion, leaving the amino acids easily absorbed into the bloodstream. The second, very important, criteria to consider is "are these amino acids USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) pharmaceutical-grade?" If they are, it should state it on the label. One last consideration is this, when taking individual amino acids (especially at high doses) neurological damage may occur, so choose a quality amino acid complex containing both essential and non-essential amino acids. It is also a good rule of thumb to take the product for two months, and then take a break from the product for two months.
  
  Växa's pharmaceutical-grade ProTec+, containing specific, free-form amino acids and 18 essential amino acids, is the most advanced free form amino acid supplement available.
  
  Source: Prescription for Nutritional Healing
  
  Here is a list of quality measures to look for:
  1. Buy a broad spectrum supplement, containing a synergistic blend of ingredients.
  2. Are the ingredients pure and bioavailable?
  3. Note the shelf life of the product.
  4. When purchasing vitamins make sure the container is opaque (avoiding sunlight) and kept in a cool dry place.
  5. Make sure the manufacturing lab meets Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
  6. Watch out for inactive ingredients like unnecessary fillers and binders.
  7. Make sure the product is certified laboratory tested, pharmaceutical grade.
  8. Choose natural ingredients over synthetic.
  9. Exercise caution when taking excessive amounts of any single ingredient.
  10. If you are taking pharmaceutical medications be sure to check with a knowledgeable pharmacist or your doctor before taking any supplementation.
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_to_choose_the_right_health_supplements_guest_health_article.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_voice_of_fear_the_voice_of_love.mws hnasc 2005-04-15T10:04:46-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_voice_of_fear_the_voice_of_love.mws  

  Global Light Reflections

  Listen to the Voice of Love, Not Fear
  Whatever the situation, we can listen to the voice of Love or the voice of fear. The voice of Love, the voice of our deep Self, connects us with the greater reality of Oneness. It knows that everything out there is an aspect of the Self, and that the universe is friendly and loving. It is the still small voice within. It encourages us to grow, to expand, to reach out, to believe in miracles, to follow our Dreams. (And knowing that the world is filled with ego-selves, it can also warn us about potential dangers, ensuring that we are not in the wrong place at the wrong time.)
   
  The voice of fear is the voice of our immature ego-self, which believes in separateness and isolation, which feels alone and frightened, which tries to puff itself up and feel big, but secretly feels ashamed and inadequate. It is the voice in our head, which says 'Don't do it!  You don't know what might happen! It's too risky!' or 'Yor can't do it!  You'll fail! It will be a catastrophe!' or 'Better the devil you know!' or 'It would be selfish to do it. You should put others' needs first'. Sometimes it appears as the discouragement committee: other people who voice your fears and doubts, and warn you of the dangers of following your Dreams.
   
  Since we live in an ego-based society, fear is widespread and powerful. It is a form of psychic pollution  which affects us at an energy level even if we're not consciously aware of it. It attracts whatever we fear - so we need to find ways of protecting ourselves, or of releasing fear. Here are a few suggestions:
   
  * Don't squash your fears down, since whatever we resist persists. Become aware of your fears without identifying with them - and send love to that fearful part of yourself. When you have a fearful thought or slip into a thougth attack, smile and call Light to yourself - and choose loving positive thoughts instead.
  
  * Visualize what you're afraid of - and see yourself coping with it. That way, you won't have to make it happen!
  
  * Recognize that it has already happened. Many fears - such as that of dying in childbirth, losing a child or partner, going blind, falling from a great height, losing your house in a fire - date back to past lifetimes. Relax and ask your deep Self to show you what happened in that other lifetime; then reassure yourself that this lifetime is different, and your fear belongs to the past.
  
  *  Imagine releasing fear and doubt in long slow outbreaths, while breathing in the light of Love and trust with each breath. Or imagine fear and doubt draining away each time you pull out the plug in your bath.
  Anything which lifts your energy, raises your spirits, relaxes or inspires you will help you listen to the voice of Love. Or simply ask yourself: "What is the voice of fear telling me in this situation? And what does the voice of Love have to say?"
   
  Affirmation: I listen to the voice of Love
  Gill Edwards, Pure Bliss
   
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_voice_of_fear_the_voice_of_love.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_article_living_life_on_your_own_terms_copyright_arthur_joseph.mws hnasc 2005-04-21T10:04:05-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_article_living_life_on_your_own_terms_copyright_arthur_joseph.mws
  The Voice of the Monkey Boy - Copyright, Arthur Joseph
  
  Long ago, a wood carver named Matsugoro found himself gazing at The Tall One. Standing proud and almighty, this tree cast the longest shadow in the village. Because of its indomitable presence throughout hundreds of years, it became the hub of this village. With a sigh, he stared at it every day while carting his wares to sell on the streets.

  As a child, Matsugoro used to climb every tree that he set his eyes on - all but The Tall One. He felt free and fearless. He was so daring that he was called the Monkey Boy. He didn't just think about doing things, he did them. When he reached the top of each tree, he yelled in a clear and loud voice allowing his spirit to soar.

  Years passed. Adulthood took over and Matsugoro soon found that being so uninhibited was frowned upon by his fellow villagers. Family life and hard work were the expected routine. His own work absorbed most of the time and away he toiled. He turned serious and quiet. His dreams faded and he no longer felt like the Monkey Boy.

  But every morning it never failed; The Tall One spoke to him with its silent defiance. He never voiced his dream of climbing it, for he never really said anything at all. Keeping to his usual way, he turned into a man of steady but boring virtue. But deep inside, the voice of the Monkey Boy was gently resonating.

  One summer day, he awoke feeling the weight of discontentment sitting heavily on his chest. He knew that it was time to challenge The Tall One.

  The first branch was easy to reach. The second and third seemed more spread apart. His body stretched and his hands strained with each grasp. His muscles shook and burned from exhaustion. Nevertheless, he kept looking up while imagining the almost forgotten taste of victory.

  The sun grew hotter and hotter, whipping his back with its scorching rays. But still he kept going. The climb chipped away many minutes. Minutes turned into hours. Finally, when it seemed like his arms were going to break like the frailest of twigs, he looked up once more. He saw that he was almost there.

  Matsugoro listened closely to his inner voice. He had to visualize that he had the ability within and remember himself as a child. Just as The Tall One once seemed so indomitable to him, he now felt like the one who was unconquerable.

  
  He allowed a breath. It was such a deep, loving breath and let go of all fear and finally heard the voice.

  With his last bit of energy, Matsugoro lifted himself and finally caught sight of the very top branch. He let himself rest awhile. With limbs quivering and sweat dripping, he saw his village. What a sight. Suddenly, everything looked so small. Then the voice of the Monkey Boy traveled from his belly and he yelled from the top of his lungs "Thank you." He surrendered to his spirit, returning to the Monkey Boy. The booming, clear voice sounded almost foreign to him, for he hadn't heard it for so long.

  He felt aware. A new vision was emerging. His body felt so alive for the first time in years. He was frightened at first, but he realized that he enjoyed this awareness. It really wasn't about this one conquest. There were surely more challenges that awaited Matsugoro. But through this journey, he saw a vista of other possibilities.

  The breath that Matsugoro allowed is the key. With that one breath, he lets himself live the moment. The strong voice is Matsugoro; Matsugoro is the voice. Nobody would have known it because he never portrays it.

  
  We come to perceive ourselves as others see us. Our persona, a Greek word meaning "through the sound," is intimately related to our voice. Matsugoro's newfound voice reflects who he truly is and not how his culture viewed him. Like Matsugoro, we stop using our natural voice because we are often told to "be quiet" and to speak only when it is "appropriate."

  Voice, both our inner and outer, is your identity. It represents you to the world. It tells people everything about who you are, how you feel about yourself and what you believe in - just as Matsugoro discovered. If you don't own your voice, you don't own your power. You limit the way you are perceived as well as the choices you make. Vocal Awareness establishes a relationship to the persona; how we are perceived versus how we would like to be perceived - and thus how to be.

  Vocal Awareness represents a paradigm shift in how we view our voice. It truly is about empowerment. Through structured exercises, Vocal Awareness builds presentation and performance techniques as it integrates the mind/body/spirit. Matsugoro became empowered through his vision and energized by his step-by-step climb, thus building confidence and mastery and self-esteem.

  Vocal Awareness requires a choice; to choose to do something or to choose not to do it. Matsugoro makes a choice. The goal is to live life on our terms.

  Just as Matsugoro's life journey is defined by The Tall One, so is ours. Vocal Awareness teaches the principles of personal sovereignty - supreme excellence - so we can all shout from the top of The Tall One.  Read about Arthur Joseph's Vocal Power Course here

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/guest_article_living_life_on_your_own_terms_copyright_arthur_joseph.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/tricking_your_taste_buds.mws hnasc 2005-04-29T11:04:40-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/tricking_your_taste_buds.mws

  New Ingredient in Your Food from a Biotech Company

  I got wind of this development from my friends at Global Light Network They got it from mercola.com.  I am not thrilled about this new development.  Soon, we won't know what is in our foods, regardless of how they taste. 

  We are all masters of our ship. I don't know about you, but I would rather conquer the cause of my food cravings rather than eat something that may be as detrimental or worse than what I'm trying to avoid. The following information is presented for your education and discernment.

  
  

  A chemical that tricks you into tasting sugar or salt when it is not really there may soon be added to a variety of foods, including some made by Kraft Foods, Nestlé, Coca Cola and Campbell Soup. The result? Processed foods could contain less salt or sugar (one-third to one-half less than regular products) and the product would still taste the same. Senomyx, the biotechnology company behind the new food additive, has already developed several chemicals that, although they contain no flavor of their own, activate or block receptors in the mouth that taste. The chemicals can mimic or enhance the taste of sugar, salt and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

  
  

  The chemical compounds will not be listed on ingredient labels. Instead, they'll be included with a general ingredient category already on most processed food labels: "artificial flavors." Flavor Chemicals Able to Bypass FDA Approval Process The compounds will be used in small amounts (less than one part per million), which means Senomyx does not have to go through the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval process typically necessary to release food additives. Instead of the lengthy FDA process, the company only had to be classified as "generally recognized as safe" by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association--a task that took less than 18 months (including a three-month safety study on rats).

  Consumer groups and food safety experts have pointed out that while the chemicals' ability to reduce salt, sugar and MSG in foods could be beneficial, one three-month safety study is not enough to guarantee safety. They say more rigorous testing is needed before the compounds are released onto the market. Senomyx says the flavorings would be used in such minute amounts that they would pose no safety risk. In contrast to the flavorings being used at 1 part per million, artificial sweeteners are used at levels of 200 to 500 parts per million. Kraft Foods, Nestlé, Coca-Cola and Campbell Soup have paid Senomyx a total of $30 million for research and development and have contracted for exclusive rights to use the flavorings.

  Senomyx will receive royalties of 1 percent to 4 percent of product sales when the flavorings are added to food products. Kraft plans to use the flavorings to reduce sugar in Kool-Aid, while Campbell hopes to use them to reduce salt in soups and beverages like V8.Other food additives have also been regarded as safe and later side effects galore are uncovered, at least that was the case with Olestra, Nutrasweet and Splenda.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/tricking_your_taste_buds.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_article_on_casting_director_brian_parillo.mws hnasc 2005-05-02T04:05:48-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_article_on_casting_director_brian_parillo.mws
  note from the blogmaster: in my journey thru the maze that is hollywood, i met a lot of casting directors. i learned their likes and dislikes. i discovered how their minds work with regard to casting, sort of what their vision was. if i had decided to stay in holly-weird with all it's hassle, that learning may have paid off. now, i lean more toward the idea that i just need to go in and do the best job i can do and then forget about it. easier said than done. i just recently lost a commercial that i see every night on my tv. that hurt. what did i do wrong? well, looking at the people that were cast, i see that the main thing i "did" could not be helped. i was older than everyone they cast, and i was female. the only person who was a character actor, the category i fall into, was male. so, i couldn't have gotten that role if i'd been meryl *$(%& streep.
  

  so what am i saying? that you shouldn't do your homework? get to know the cd's? nope. i'm just saying that the cd is only responsible for bringing in talent. they don't actually hire anybody. my online acting class the power connection

  
  

  Interview with  Brian Parillo by Lyndsay  Phillips

  This article courtesy of L. A. Casting 
  

  Up-and-coming casting director Brian Parillo speaks candidly about the world of casting.
  

  Lyndsay Phillips: I know you’ve been assisting for a long time. What inspired you to make the change to casting yourself?
  Brian Parillo: I was approached by a director friend who asked me to cast a national spot. I knew the industry already and was dying for that type of challenge!

  
  

  LP: What types of projects do you usually cast?
  BP: Commercials. I’ve worked with everything from circus people to fashion models to big guys in tutus. I’ve been fortunate enough to run sessions with so many casting directors for quite a few years and really have learned so much, particularly from people like Mick Dowd. Calmness and integrity are qualities that are not really a breeding ground in casting and I’ve kind of learned to extract those qualities from Mick into my own company.

  
  

  LP: What’s your favorite part of casting?
  BP: The end results of your clients being very happy and someone gets to book a job, is really rewarding.

  
  

  LP: Do you get excited to tell an actor they booked?
  BP: Definitely.

  
  

  LP: Since you’re moving off on your own in the midst of electronic submissions, streaming video and demos, etc., do you feel like you missed out on all that paper?
  BP: Oh my God, no. I saw a lot of that as an associate and remember when LA Casting started. At first it was a little weird, but now it’s much easier and streamlined.

  
  

  LP: How do you feel about demos online?
  BP: They’re fun to look at, anything three-dimensional is great. You can see someone move, however it can be difficult to look at all of them!

  
  

  LP: What makes a great headshot?
  BP: Something that’s honest and shows personality, and doesn’t show something you’re not. I’m always wary of super tight close-up shots. It’s best to have a close-up and a ¾ shot.

  
  

  LP: Color or black and white?
  BP: Color for sure.

  
  

  LP: What makes an actor’s resume stand out to you?
  BP: Training- what they’ve done, types of classes. Theatre training can go a long way as long as you’ve been in front of the camera, too.

  
  

  LP: What advice could you give to someone who just bombed at an audition?
  BP: For more experienced actors if there’s time I’d ask if they want to give it another whirl, and after that, just let it go. Most of the people who’ve been around know to do that anyways. For new people it’s a little more difficult. It’s nice to get the most out of someone’s abilities, but at the same time we’re not an acting school, we have to keep moving. If an actor did ask me what he or she could do to improve, I would kindly let them know that there’s a lot of great on-camera commercial workshops out there.

  
  

  LP: Besides workshops, what are some ways an actor can perfect their craft?
  BP: Umm… meditation? Trained improv people are really fun to have. They’re so lucid and allow things to happen without getting overanxious. They have the ability to settle into a scene, let go and let it happen.

  
  

  LP: Do you have a casting pet peeve?
  BP: People who don’t show up on time or aren’t professional.

  
  

  LP: Anything else?
  BP: Constantly keep the ball moving. The more busy you are doing something for your career… licking stamps, it doesn’t matter. Just keep things moving.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/guest_article_on_casting_director_brian_parillo.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/book_author_interview_on_the_business_of_show_business.mws hnasc 2005-05-02T05:05:23-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/book_author_interview_on_the_business_of_show_business.mws

  note from blogmaster: i've been guilty of some of the very pet peeves this talent agent mentions in this revealing article. there is zero tolerance for the normal impossibility of getting anywhere in los angeles in under an hour. they don't want to hear about the wreck, the robbery and the flat tire and the closed roads that kept you from getting there. they don't wanta hear excuses or even good reasons. they just want you there when they want you there, no matter what you have to go thru to get there.

  trust me when i say that getting a good talent agent in hollywood is not easy. i personally know people who have lived and worked in l.a. full time who still do not have an agent. it's tough out there. so, before you screw up a good relationship with your agent, this would seem to be must read material. artist resources you may enjoy

  So You Want To Be In Show Business - Book Excerpts

  This interview courtesy of

  Steve Stevens of the Stevens Group has been a SAG franchised agent  for over 34 years. Steve, along with his son, Steve Jr., represents both  commercial and theatrical talent in Los Angeles. Throughout his extensive  career, Steve Sr. has worked as an actor, casting director and talent agent.
  

  Steve’s Peeve’s And Other Minor  Errata Chapter 12 Part 1 of 2

  
  

  There is so much to share and so many great lessons I’ve picked up along the Steve’s Peeves way that it’s difficult to fit them all into one comprehensive look at the industry. But I do want to share a couple of footnotes,” if you will. These are things that have been making me crazy for some time. They are mostly little things, but they include one final concern I find quite serious and important.
  

  Let’s start with the little things:
  

  • After being given audition information, do not call back several times because you’ve misplaced it.
     
    
  • Do not call to say you’ll be late for an audition because you are on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica instead of Wilshire Boulevard in downtown L.A. Check your Thomas Guide and be sure you know exactly where you are going when you talk to your agent the first time.
     
    
  • This one drives me nuts and, believe it or not, it happens several times a week. I begin, “Hi, you have an audition tomorrow at MGM, the casting director is xxxx xxxx, it’s for the new series xxxx, your call time is x:xx, the character is xxxx, and the sides are posted online.” The client responds, “Can you repeat that I’m driving and I need to pull over,” or “Could you leave that on my voicemail? I’m at the gym,” or “I’ll call you back later and get the info, I’m on my way to pick up pictures,” etc., etc., etc. Why would you let your agent, for whom time is money, drone on when you can’t take down the information? Let him know right away if you are not in a position to write something down.
     
    
  • “Can you change the time of my audition, I’ve got a lunch with so-and-so,” or I don’t have a ride until later, my car is in the shop.” No, no, no, no, no excuses, I will not change the time, it’s a producer’s session and you need to get there when they’ve asked for you any way you can. This could be your big break, and you could blow it by being late or by changing your appointment when they need to match you up with other actors. Take a bus, hitchhike, I don’t care . . . just get there. This is a business, and it only takes that one break. Treat every opportunity as if it were the opportunity, or you’ll be one of the millions who were “that close” and never even knew it.
     
    
  • Your agent tells you he’s out of pictures and it takes you two weeks to find the time to get new ones to him. Please, people, if you can’t see how that kind of behavior spells doom for the aspiring actor, don’t even think about wasting my time. ...
    
    These are just a few of my minor peeves, and believe me I could go on and on. This is what drives your agent to adopt a specific regimen of Prozac and vodka. Right now, just thinking about it is making me wonder why I still want to be an agent. But the one thing that concerns me more than all the little screw-ups is the actor who is bitter at the opportunities he (she) feels have been denied him (her). If you just want to be a star or just want to be famous, don’t waste your time acting—or waste anybody else’s time with your acting for that matter. There are so many better ways to achieve notoriety with much less competition. Only act if you love it, and if you do love it, act like you love it.

   To get a copy of Steve's new book "So You Want to Be in Show Business" now, or before the event, go to your local bookstore or order it online at amazon . com 

  
  
  L. A. Casting 
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/book_author_interview_on_the_business_of_show_business.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/attitude_makes_or_breaks_you.mws hnasc 2005-05-07T09:05:23-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/attitude_makes_or_breaks_you.mws  
  This article is from Jack Turnbull at actorsite.com
  I became a member of actorsite during my year
  of training in Los Angeles and had a great time
  auditioning for Casting Directors there.
   
  Jack always manages to give such tough love.
  You need tough love as an actor because L.A.
  is a tough city, regardless of how "nice" everyone
  in the business may seem to be.  It's tough.
   
  Hope you enjoy the article.  For more
  acting resources visit my site
  http://healthynewage.com/artist-resources.html
  
  
  ==========================
  Attitude!
  ==========================
  Today I can whine because I have to do my tongue twisters
  and acting warmups and practice cold reading skills, because
  I am just naturally talented  and I deserve
  success without all this work, because "I'm ME!"...
  
  OR,
  
  I CAN SHOUT FOR JOY BECAUSE I AM GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO
  PRACTICE MY ACTING AND DEVELOP VALUABLE SKILLS THAT
  WILL BE WITH ME THROUGHOUT MY LIFE!!! NOT ONLY THAT, BUT
  BY DEVELOPING THESE SKILLS, I PUT MYSELF IN THE TOP 1% of
  ALL ACTORS IN MY CATEGORY SO I WILL BOOK MORE WORK!!!
  
  --------
  
  Today I can complain because I have to go to acting class or
  improv class or scene study class or cd workshop or other
  industry related event, when I believe that the industry should
  come to me with all my talent and looks, etc.,
  
  OR,
  
  I CAN EAGERLY OPEN MY MIND AND FILL IT WITH RICH NEW TIDBITS
  OF KNOWLEDGE AS I PRACTICE MY SKILLS IN A SAFE AND NURTURING
  ENVIRONMENT---BECAUSE THAT WAY MY SKILLS ARE RAISED TO A
  NEW LEVEL (TOP 1% IN MY CATEGORY) AND I ALSO NETWORK AND LEARN
  TO SURROUND MYSELF WITH FELLOW WINNERS!
  
  --------
  
  Today I can murmur dejectedly that my agent or manager is not
  doing their job and that I deserve better without having to work
  hard and that I need representation at the level to which I am
  rightfully owed because I'm better than
  all the others out there without haveing to put in al this effort.
  
  OR,
  
  I CAN REVEL IN THE JOY OF EMPOWERMENT THAT I AM ALLOWED TO
  REACH OUT TO THOSE IN THE INDUSTRY AND CONTROL MY OWN
  DESTINY AS I PUT TOGETHER A POSTCARD MAILING OR PLAN MY
  DROP OFFS, AND KEEP DEVELOPING MY OWN RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH
  INDUSTRY WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS, BECAUSE
  AGENTS AND MANAGERS ARE TEMPORARY, AND I'M PERMANENTLY ME!!!
  
  -------------
  Attitude!
  -------------
  
  Living in Hollywood, it's easy to get cynical, jaded
  and mistrustful.  AND RIGHTLY SO...This is part of your
  education...learning to find a LINEAR PATH, where there are
  those who want to PULL YOU OFF THE PATH for their own purposes...
  
  In the chaotic world of Hollywood, Actorsite offers suggestions
  of TRIED AND TRUE ways to push your career forward!!! And they
  work for our MEMBERS EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK!!!
  
  You can  use your experiences to GAIN POWER over your life by
  having a good attitude and pushing forward now that you
  have FOUND the linear path, you have found the ACTORSITE.
  
  Yes there are deadends...you've found a way to work around them
  back to the way that works .
  Yes, there are frustrations...you've got the passion to work
  through them!
  
  Yes, it's easy to get forgotten by your agent and manager...
  you now know it's what YOU do that's important, not what they do!
  
  Your attitude determines the patterns and outcomes of your life!
  
  MY ATTITUDE HAS GOTTEN A BOOST AS I WROTE THIS TODAY!!!
  
  I hope your ATTITUDE has gotten a boost from reading it!
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack
  
  JOIN THE ACTORSITE: http://actorsite.com/2join.html
  Take the tour: http://actorsite.com/tour/
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/attitude_makes_or_breaks_you.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/new_research_on_wild_salmon_versus_farmed_salmon.mws hnasc 2005-05-07T09:05:32-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/new_research_on_wild_salmon_versus_farmed_salmon.mws

  Blogmaster Note:  This article is about a subject dear to my heart - salmon.  I LOVE salmon.  If you do as well, you may enjoy reading about the health benefits of wild salmon over farmed.  I've been kind of focusing on the creativity aspect of this blog and need to balance it out with more of the healing articles I promised when I started.  This article courtesy of Vital Choice   New Research Confirms Superior Safety of Wild Salmon Study raises more concerns about dioxins, PCBs, and pesticides in farmed fish by Randy Hartnell and Craig Weatherby  You may recall the consternation stirred among consumers when, in the fall of 2003, scientists reported finding high levels of toxic PCBs in farmed salmon.  As we expected, they found wild salmon much safer.    As I wrote at the time, "I have personally had our wild Alaskan salmon products tested on a number of occasions by an independent, state-of-the-art lab-tests that NEVER ONCE produced any detectable levels of PCBs. These test results are available for review. (I should add that the tests have a detection threshold of 10 parts per billion.)   "Furthermore, the Alaska Division of Public Health continues, in their words, to "…. strongly recommend that all Alaskans, including pregnant women, women who are breast feeding, women of childbearing age, and young children continue unrestricted consumption of fish from Alaskan waters." (Source: http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/bulletins/docs/b2001_06.htm)"   Now, a new, comprehensive study by U.S. and Canadian university researchers has confirmed the wide safety gap between farmed and wild salmon, this time focusing attention on so-called "dioxin-like compounds" or DLCs: an ugly group that includes PCBs.  You'll recall that dioxin-like compounds were used to poison and disfigure the current president of Ukraine during his run for that office last year.   Wild salmon found far safer than farmed Because we run our own tests periodically, it came as no surprise to us that the study found wild Pacific salmon significantly safer than farmed salmon.   These are some highlights of their research: “Our data provide opportunities to reduce DLC intake and still gain the benefits of ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids by choosing fish, including most wild salmon, that have lower concentrations of DLCs … .”  “Many farmed Atlantic salmon contain dioxin concentrations that, when consumed at modest rates, pose elevated cancer and non-cancer health risks. However, dioxin and DLCs are just one suite of many organic and inorganic contaminants and contaminant classes in the tissues of farmed salmon (Foran et al. 2004; Hites et al. 2004a, 2004b), and the cumulative health risk of exposure to these compounds via consumption of farmed salmon is likely even higher.”  “As we have shown here, modest consumption of farmed salmon contaminated with DLCs raises human exposure levels above the lower end of the WHO TDI [World Health Organization’s Total Daily Intake standard], and considerably above background intake levels for adults in the United States.”  “We reported recently that several organic contaminants occurred at elevated concentrations in farmed Atlantic salmon compared with concentrations of the same contaminants in wild Pacific salmon [Hites et al. Science 303:226–229 (2004)] “Health risks (based on a quantitative cancer risk assessment) associated with consumption of farmed salmon contaminated with PCBs, toxaphene, and dieldrin were higher than risks associated with exposure to the same contaminants in wild salmon.”

  You Can Trust the Vital Choice "Wild" Label by Randy Hartnell  [Author's note: We attempted to send this advisory out earlier this week, but experienced a glitch in our mailing system and were only able to reach a small number of our subscribers. Because we feel the message is an important one, we've decided to include it in our newsletter. For those of you who may have already received the earlier version, we apologize for the redundancy.]   As many of you are aware, The New York Times published an article earlier this month exposing rampant mislabeling of farmed salmon as wild by northeast regional distributors and retailers. This story, "Salmon Gone Wild, or Is It Just Sold That Way?", by Marian Burros, was picked up by the wire services and subsequently ran in most major U.S. newspapers.   As a result, many salmon consumers have been left feeling wary, and anxious to find a trustworthy wild salmon supplier. Lacking one, many may choose to cut back on one of the healthiest possible foods they could be eating or, worse yet, avoid it altogether.   I want to take a moment to reassure you that Vital Choice remains a completely reliable wild salmon resource.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/new_research_on_wild_salmon_versus_farmed_salmon.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/book_review_happiness_is_free.mws hnasc 2005-05-18T05:05:20-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/book_review_happiness_is_free.mws
  Book Review
  Happiness is Free...and it's Easier Than You Think
  by Hale Dwoskin and Lester Levenson
  review by Katie Sparks
  
  ***If you would like to read more about or order this book click here
  
  When his second coronary hit, doctors told Lester Levenson to prepare for death. It was 1952 and he was 42 years old. A brilliant scientist and entrepreneur, he'd lived a life full of knowledge, success, and wealth, but was generally unhappy. With immense determination and little knowledge of spirituality, Levenson went home and began a process of self-inquiry that would save his life. Happiness is Free...and it's Easier Than You Think contains his story; how he uncovered his true nature, rid himself of his many illnesses, and lived another 42 happy years.
  
  Levenson observed that the ultimate goal of each and every person is to have happiness without suffering. The fact that every person wants this is because it is our true nature. He was not speaking of the happiness that stems from getting what we want or getting the affection of those we love, but the happiness that stems from knowing and living one's true nature.
  
  Levenson created a method for releasing limiting thoughts and emotions that allowed others to see their true God nature. He spent the remainder of his life teaching his method -- the Sedona Method -- to others.
  
  Centerpointe often promotes the Sedona Methodas a tool to use along with Holosync. For those who use the Method, the original teachings contained in this short book (196-pages) will help deepen your understanding of the method.
  
  The entirity of Levenson's story is inspirational, particularly because he seems such an unlikely candidate for this work. Levenson became aware of this God nature by self-inquiry, without any spiritual guidance. Like a true New Yorker, he spits out his passion without mincing words. He throws around imperatives such as, 'you should' and 'you have to', signaling the urgency with which he delivers his message. "We should want the truth more than we want air. Then we would get full realization very quickly," Levenson insists. He's more like a guy you'd sit next to in a bar than a spiritual guru and this seems to make his strength of conviction even more inspiring.
  
  The book uses a question and answer format between various students and Levenson. The student asks, "What is prayer for? What does prayer mean?" Levenson answers, "Praying is for those who need praying. When you know what you know, to whom are you praying? If you are That, why do you have to pray to It? Praying admits duality. 'I' pray to 'God'. Maintain your Oneness! However, when one does pray, it is best to pray for one thing only: more wisdom so that you can eliminate all need for any prayer, for any asking."
  
  Following this enlightenment, Levenson became attracted to spiritual guides like Ramana Maharshi and Paramahansa Yogananda, seeking the language with which to communicate these discoveries. He also drew upon teachings from the Bible, especially the New Testament. But Levenson did not want to be thought of as a prophet. He strongly urged people not to believe anything he said until they experienced it themselves. From this vantage point, all spiritual and religous concepts seem to be mere arrows pointing at our true God nature. "Growth is only letting go of these concepts of lack and limitation, or, on the positive side, going within and seeing this unlimited Being that we are."
  
  Letting go is the basis of the Sedona Method. What a simple term: "letting go". "Let go and let God" is a phrase we've all heard. It may be simple, but for many of us it is not easy. Levenson's message doesn't come through like a guru telling you what to believe or how to change yourself. In fact he says quite simply, "if there's effort, there's ego." The ego is a mask of separation. Levenson teaches that any effort on the part of the ego to change is futile. Letting go is the only path. And in this simplicity there is an extraordinary power. It is the power present in each of us beyond all the gurus and books and diets. It is as the Buddha advised, "Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others."
  
  Happiness is Free provides a great foundation to the work of the Sedona Method. To learn more about the basics of how to do the Method, read The Sedona Method...Your Key to Lasting Happiness, Success, Peace and Emotional Well-Being (Or visit here for more information on the Sedona Method
  
  Happiness is Free...and it's Easier Than You Think can be found in most bookstores or on Amazon. However, contrary to the title, the listing price (at time of this article)of the book is $14.95 (with a 30% discount). Well...happiness is almost free.
  
  ***If you would like to read more about or order this book click here
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/book_review_happiness_is_free.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/tips_for_losing_weight_and_keeping_it_off.mws hnasc 2005-05-22T01:05:14-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/tips_for_losing_weight_and_keeping_it_off.mws

  TIPS FOR LOSING WEIGHT AND KEEPING IT OFF

  Holistic Health Article by Neva Howell

  Tip 1: Balance The Food Groups. Work on changing your focus from counting calories to balancing nutrition. I personally feel it's a mistake to let calorie counting dominate your weight loss goals because a lot of times, you just end up eating a lot of what you like and hardly any of what you don't. For example, if calories are the main criteria, you might use up all your calories on your preferred group - some people love fatty foods. Others are draw to carbs. Still others prefer protein. A better approach is to be aware of calories but be more aware of balancing the different groups of food. Be sure you have all groups represented in balance. Make sure meals consist of a balance of proteins, complex carbohydrates and some fat. For additional information on the subject of effective calorie counting, click here.

  Tip 2: Increase your water intake. Many people make the mistake of thinking that, because they drink 5-6 sodas a day or that equivalent in coffee, that they have enough "water". Not true. Both sodas and coffee have diuretic properties and contain other ingredients that your body has to work to get rid of so they don't count as water intake. In addition to whatever you now drink (and better yet, instead of those cokes or coffee), to facilitate weight loss as well as better health, you should drink 6-8 glasses of pure water daily. This is probably the most overlooked diet tip I ever give. Hardly anyone drinks sufficient water to help their body absorb nutrients, release waste and balance body functions, including the functions that cause us to hold on to fat. Plenty of liquids will make you less hungry while helping to dilute toxins and flush them out the body. Rather than soda, try natural unsweetened fruit juice. Do not drink alcohol because it interferes with the burning of fat and adds calories to your diet. If you choose to drink alcohol while dieting, stop at one or two beers or glasses of wine and have a glass of water in between each one. For pure water: Water Purification Systems

  Tip 3: Cleanse your colon regularly. I'm rabid about this. Most of us simply don't eat right and, as a result, the colon has a harder time of eliminating wastes than it would if we ate better. Toxic colon wastes build up over time whenever we eat fast foods, fried foods, refined sugar products, white flour products, and other unhealthy dietary products that are not the best for maintaining healthy digestive and eliminatory systems.. A lot of us don't drink enough water, and we don't get enough fiber because we eat cooked veggies (if we eat them at all) instead of raw. Because we don't eat enough raw foods anymore, many of us are enzyme-deficient. Add to this the stress of modern day life, the tendency of those in sedentary positions to put off going to the bathroom and the common problem in today's world of irregular sleep patterns, and you've got the prescription for a toxic colon. Without regular cleansing, colon waste alone can keep you from losing weight because your body is under stress all the time from toxicity in the colon.

  Tip 4: Increase your dietary fiber thru high-fiber foods and/or fiber supplements. However, and this is important, I don't recommend adding a fiber supplement to the diet unless the colon is clear. If colon toxicity is suspected, or the person hasn't done a good colon cleanse in the past year, I'd do a colon cleanse first before adding a fiber supplement, to prevent binding, cramping and discomfort. Be sure to take fiber supplements at different times than other supplements. If you feel you would benefit from a fiber supplment, please read about Remove Special Fiber Blend.

  Tip 5: Accept that healthy weight loss is no more than 3-5 pounds a week. If you want to stay healthy while losing and have a better chance at keeping off the weight you lose on a diet and/or fitness regimen, then look for a long term program that will facilitate slow, permanent weight loss over the crash diet of the week. The exception would be a rapid weight loss "fast start" diet that is very temporary and serves the purpose of stimulating metabolic shifts so that later weight gain is easier to accomplish. Only a person in good health generally should do a rapid weight loss diet and even then, check with your doctor if under care for any known medical problem. Starving yourself is never a good dieting choice. Very low calorie diets which are sustained beyond a day or two, can cause the body to think it is starving, thus it will hold on to more fat and water to survive what it perceives as a threat to life. It's better to start moderate exercise as a way of raising the metabolic rate and burning more fat as you reduce calories in a sensible manner..

  Tip 6: Find an exercise you like enough to do it daily. Focus on consistency more than how long you exercise. Build your endurance over time rather than pushing your body beyond what is reasonable in terms of introducing new activities. Exercise was a big bug-a-boo for me. Just didn't like it. Never have liked it. But when peri-menopause set in, I knew I had to do something. Definitely. So, I settled on the Gazelle Glider because walking had always been the only exercise I could ever really force myself to do and the Gazelle seemed like it would be fun. Get an exercise video or dance video that you enjoy, or join a dance class. You can also consider a personal fitness coach, if you have the bucks, because they will help motivate you. If you don't have the bucks, you might check out Tom Venuto's program BFFM.

  Tip 7: Go for the long haul with supplementation. When you are considering the right diet supplements to use, to augment your moderate exercise, cleansing and nutritional changes for optimal weight loss, choose supplements that support long term weight loss and are backed by solid research. Here are a few suggestions from Vitabase.

  • Healthy Weight Formula - Includes a carb blocker (Phase 2), an appetite suppressant/fat burner (Citrimax), and natural stimulates (green tea and citrus fruit peel extract).
  • Starch Neutralizer (Phase 2) - Works by neutralizing the enzymes that break down carbohydrates and converts them to fat.
  • Relora - Useful in controlling weight loss by fighting the nervous eating that affects so many people under stress.
  • Super Citrimax - contain standardized levels of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been clinically shown to suppress appetite and inhibit fat production.
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/tips_for_losing_weight_and_keeping_it_off.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/proactive_steps_towards_wellness.mws hnasc 2005-05-27T06:05:49-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/proactive_steps_towards_wellness.mws
  
  
  

  Proactive steps towards wellness:
  

  courtesy of Vaxa Neutraceuticals
  

  
  
  1. Increase your water intake.
     
  2. Regular exercise (5 times per week, 30-45 minutes).
     
  3. Get plenty of good quality sleep.
     
  4. Maintain a balanced diet of good carbohydrates (fruits, veggies, grains,
     and legumes), good fats, and protein.
     
  5. Take nutritional supplements targeted to your specific needs as well as
     eliminate fast foods and saturated fats.
     
  6. Wash your hands frequently and practice "Good Hygiene."
     
  7. De-stress your mind and body with yoga, meditation or spiritual practices.
     

  8. Detoxify your system and take an antioxidant.
     
  9. Have fun laugh every day. Humor is good medicine.
     
  10. Develop positive personal and professional relationships.
      
  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/proactive_steps_towards_wellness.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/fruit_flies_star_in_study_on_longevity.mws hnasc 2005-05-31T05:05:27-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/fruit_flies_star_in_study_on_longevity.mws

  I found this article fascinating.  I've always felt that refined sugar was one of the most unhealthy substances one could choose to put into their systems.  Because yeast feeds on sugar, it's interesting that yeast is the other substance considered by this study and linked to lack of longevity. 

  Life Extension Update Exclusive

  Calorie quality more important than quantity?

  The results of a study published in volume 3, issue 7 of PLoS (Public Library of Science) Biology indicated that reductions in the type of calories consumed might be more important than amount in extending life span. Although the finding was observed in fruit flies and may not necessarily hold true for higher species, it could be an indication that there are other ways of restricting the diet to extend lifespan that do not involve severe calorie restriction.

  Researchers at the Centre for Research on Ageing at University College in London gave fruit flies a standard diet consisting of yeast and sugar in water, or diets modified to restrict yeast (which provides protein and fat) or sugar, (which provides carbohydrates), both which contain the same amount of calories per gram. An additional group received diets in which both components were restricted.

  Reduction of both dietary components, which resulted in the fewest calories consumed, extended the flies’ lives to the greatest extent compared with those on normal diets. In flies that received diets in which either the amount of yeast or sugar was lowered but contained the same number of calories, there was a significant difference in life span. Those whose diets contained lower amounts of yeast lived significantly longer than those whose sugar intake was restricted, and their life spans approached those of flies restricted in both yeast and sugar, whose calorie intake was the least. When flies on normal diets were switched at the age of 25 days to diets in which yeast was restricted, they were no more likely to die after 48 hours on the diet than those who were maintained on yeast restricted diets throughout adulthood. Flies fed non-restricted diets that were switched to sugar-restricted diets at 25 days died at the same rate as the non-restricted flies.

  The authors suggest that yeast and sugar trigger different metabolic pathways with different effects on life span. They note that dietary yeast and egg production in fruit flies are correlated, and that increased reproduction has been demonstrated to reduce life span in a variety of species, however, although the response to dietary restriction in males is less than that of females, males still live longer in the regimen.

  “Our results suggest that it may be possible to obtain the full extension of life span by dietary restriction by reducing critical nutrients in the food without any reduction in overall calorie intake,” they conclude.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/fruit_flies_star_in_study_on_longevity.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/genetically_modified_cornhow_it_can_affect_your_health.mws hnasc 2005-06-11T10:06:39-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/genetically_modified_cornhow_it_can_affect_your_health.mws

  Note from blogmaster:  I got this article from Ira Marxe at Good Health Supplements***.  I've been extremely concerned about GMO technology since the beginning.  What disturbs me most is that, if we don't stop this, we may end up with nothing but GMO foods to eat.  This is why.....if farmers are allowed (and they already are, by the way) to grow genetically modified food, from GMO seed then wind and rain can carry those fake seeds into other gardens.  From what I've read, this can end up causing natural plants not to germinate correctly.  Eventually, we might end up with a world where the actual food that we grow is controlled by our government and nothing we eat is real.  Does that sound appetizing to you?  It certainly doesn't to me.  Please educate yourself about GMO foods.  They are not the answer.  Support your organic farmer and those companies that care about your health.  They are our future, nutritionally speaking. 

  Health Matter Minutes: 

  Genetically Modified Corn...How It Can Affect Your Health

  by Ira Marxe from Good Health Supplements, makers of GHS Plus

  I remember the days when you could shop at your grocer or fruit and vegetable market and come away comfortably knowing that the food you bought was healthy food.

  Unfortunately, not so today.

  So many of our foods are processed to death, contain trans-fats, hormones, anti-biotics or are filled with preservatives, chemical food colors (even in farmed salmon), insecticides, or other chemical additives whose names you can’t even pronounce.

  In recent years we have had another scrooge added to the list, and that is "GMO"  or Genetically Modified Organism or Genetic Engineering of the seeds that grow our crops. This new approach to greater crop yield is spearheaded by the giant Monsanto Chemical Co.

  Now the theory behind GMO may be very sound, but the results are downright life threatening and of course Monsanto and bioengineers will deny that. Monsanto like Big Pharma, will do most anything to protect their big profits from their patented products.

  It is well know that there are many warranted concerns about the safety of genetically modified food crops and recently new concerns erupted about the safety of GMO corn after The Independent, a London newspaper stated that Monsanto Co. discovered its GMO corn had potentially harmful effects on rats in a privately conducted test, but didn’t disclose the information.

  It should be noted that nothing about the Monsanto report has been published by the main stream media in the U.S. Typical, right?

  When presented with this disclosure, Monsanto spokesman Chris Horner said the information about the effects of GMO corn on rats was not published because it contains sensitive business material that Monsanto did not want competitors to access. But for those already wary of the effects of GMO crops, Monsanto’s defense is a sad joke.

  Here’s what Craig Winters, president of The Campaign, a political advocacy group for the labeling of GMO foods had to say, “That’s what you have a patent for,” to protect yourself against competitors. Winters also said there was no good reason for Monsanto to keep from publishing the research, which The Independent said found differences in kidney size and blood composition in rats fed the GMO corn.

  The study clearly showed that some rats fed on genetically modified maize had smaller kidneys and variations in the composition of their blood, while the rats fed on normal maize were healthy. This was mentioned clearly in the 1,139 pages confidential report prepared by Monsanto.

  Monsanto holds that since regulating authorities, who decide whether or not to allow the sale of the GMO corn, have seen the entire report, there is no reason to make the report public. But Winters said this event points to a need to re-evaluate the GM crop approval process, which does not require any third-party testing or safety approval in the United States. That’s scary!

  “Monsanto’s statement that nine global authorities have approved the genetically engineered corn is not really an assurance that adequate safety studies have been done,” said Winters. “Moreover, it appears that Monsanto’s own internal studies on this genetically engineered corn give significant cause for concern.”

  Katherine DiMatteo, executive director of the Organic Trade Association, said this is just one more piece of evidence in the arsenal against genetic engineering. She agreed with Winters that it furthers the argument for improving the process of approving GMO crops for production in the United States. “All these things will come together to the point where the consumer can no longer ignore it,” said DiMatteo. “It’s unfortunate that we have to go through this over and over, since we don’t use the precautionary principle (in approving GMO crops).”

  Controversy over the unreleased research comes as the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol summit meets in Montreal to discuss issues of GMO labeling and liability. Though Monsanto’s GMO corn is in production in the United States, the European Union has not yet agreed to approve it. Smart people.

  It is obvious that genetically modified foods are not as safe as the policy makers and scientists are busy telling us. 

  
  
  Other documents have revealed that many of the rats that ate genetically engineered tomatoes developed lesions in their stomachs. For unknown reasons, researchers did not examine tissues elsewhere in the digestive tract. They also did not provide an explanation as to why seven of the forty rats that were fed with GMO tomatoes died unexpectedly within two weeks.

  
  
  Questions with regard to human safety and genetically modified foods have been previously raised many times. In one example, in October 2003, at least 100 residents of a far-flung village in Polomolok town, South Cotabato, in the Philippines, complained of various illnesses. Food specimens drawn from the affected region allegedly showed the presence of Bt toxins.
  

  
  Bt maize, a genetically modified maize variety containing a gene from the bacteria --Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) -- was approved for commercial planting in the Philippines in 2002. Samples taken by a Norwegian Institute did show that Bt toxins were allegedly found on the specimens of those tested. But this too was angrily contested by the biotechnology industry and the report was unscientifically dumped. 
  

  
  This reminds of the earlier efforts to crush the damming evidence provided by Dr. Arpad Puztai. His conclusion that rats fed on genetically modified potatoes suffered serious damages to their immune system had set the biotechnology industry into an uproar. Instead of examining the scientific findings, the scientific community led by the Royal Society in England banned together to discredit Dr Puztai.
  

  
  In another experiment, researchers at the University of Cornell in America observed that the caterpillars of monarch butterfly when fed with genetically modified corn suffered varying degrees of ailments, and were crawling more slowly than usual. Scientists concluded that 44 per cent of the caterpillars died after being fed continuously with the GMO corn pollens. None of those exposed to non-GMO corn suffered. Those fed on normal corn pollen turned into butterflies. 
  

  
  There are many more such reports out there and new ones probably on the way. When you fool with nature you are treading on dangerous grounds but people like Monsanto and Big Pharma could care less. Their primary interest is in developing patentable product which produce billions in profits and the public be damned!
  

  
  Ask you grocer about GMO foods. If he says yes, don’t buy them and make a protest.
  

  
  No one can protect you like you yourself. Some letters to your congress persons also wouldn’t hurt. Bear in mind that the bulk of the average politician’s money support comes from these giant food companies and Big Pharma. But that doesn’t mean anything if you don’t vote for them. Your votes mean more than their money. You need to let the politicians know that.

  
  

  To Your Good Health and Longevity!
  Ira Marxe
  

  
  P.S. Don't forget to read our past HMM articles. You will find the quick link below today's article. And remember..."The road to good health is an easy one to follow when making the right choices." Thank you.

  ***Health Matters Minutes is Copyrighted © 2005
  AntiAging Life Extension Dot Com, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher.

  ---

  Ira Marxe is CEO of Good Health Supplements. GHS is dedicated to your good health offering you affordable, leading edge technology in anti-aging, cardiovascular, multi-vitamin and digestive nutritional supplementation.

  Press Release: NC Research Associates, a third-party scientific medical research organization based in North Carolina, has released their first high-tech digital infrared thermal imaging showing an estimated 50% reduction in deadly arterial plaque buildup in the carotid artery as a result of a six month trial using the GHS Plus™ arterial cleansing formula. To read the entire article about this exciting announcement and to see the incredible before and after digital thermal imaging photos please Visit Now To Read The Entire Announcement 

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/genetically_modified_cornhow_it_can_affect_your_health.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_article_on_ear_infections.mws hnasc 2005-06-14T08:06:15-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/guest_article_on_ear_infections.mws

  Ear Infection Treatments: Traditional and Alternative
  
  Note from blogmaster:  I have great concern over the practice of sticking those tubes in the ears of children who have ear infections.  I feel there are reliable natural ways to deal with chronic ear infections in children and that's the main reason I wanted to get the word out on natural approaches.  However, this article also has some really good information on the different types of ear infections.  Interesting read and might be very helpful to someone with a chronic ear infection problem.

  This article courtesy of Dr. Stan Headley and Vaxa.  Copyright, all rights reserved.

  It is important to note that if any type of ear infection is suspected, whether the inflicted be an infant, child, adolescent or adult, that a physician is consulted before starting any treatment plan. In addition, follow up appointments should be made until the infection has been completely dissipated.
  
  Otitis Externa or Swimmer's Ear
  
  If swimmer's ear is caught early on it may be successfully treated with a mild acid solution such as boric or acetic acid (vinegar). If the infection persists or was not caught in the early stages cleaning the ear with antibiotics may work, however, this method can only be used providing the eardrum is not perforated. If the ear canal is swollen shut, the physician may place a sponge or a wick in the ear canal before administering antibiotic eardrops as well as prescribing steroid eardrops to reduce the inflammation. It may be necessary for the physician to clean out the ear to remove pus and debris, and he may also run a culture to identify what type of bacteria or fungi that are causing the infection. In addition, oral antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed, although, over the counter pain relievers should be enough to manage the pain. A warm washcloth or heating pad over the ear may also work for temporary pain relief. In extreme cases where the infection has spread to bones in the skull intravenous antibiotics and surgery may be necessary. The best treatment, however, is to never get an infection in the first place; focus on prevention.
  
  Otitis Media or Middle Ear Infections
  
  The traditional treatment of middle ear infections is oral antibiotics, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever, and analgesic eardrops. If the child has allergies the doctor may prescribe antihistamines and if the child has a cold he/she may prescribe decongestants. There are disputes over the effectiveness of antibiotics and its overuse. An alternative to traditional antibiotics is colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic that can be taken orally or used as an ear wash. In addition, a carotenoid complex of 20,000 IU daily will aid in controlling the infection for adults, and 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil for children. An alternative to the traditional approach for pain relief is to place a few drops of warm garlic oil or olive oil in the ear, then a drop or two of lobelia or mullein oil, and then place a cotton ball loosely in the ear. Also, Goldenseal extract and Echinacea are herbs that support immune function; however, a physician should be consulted before starting this alternative treatment option.
  
  Chronic Middle Ear Infections
  
  If middle ear infections become chronic, the treating physician may suggest the insertion of ventilation tubes in order to drain the opposing fluid down the Eustachian tubes and to prevent the build up of future fluid in the middle ear. Typically, as the child grows, the tubes will fall out and the eardrum will heal on it's own. If for some reason the tubes do not fall out on their own, the doctor will remove the tubes. Other surgical procedures that may be suggested by your physician are the removal of the adenoids or tonsils. Chronically infected and swollen adenoids or tonsils can cause the dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes. Adenoids are small organs located in the back of the throat, behind the sinuses. Both organs are thought to act as a defense against incoming bacteria and viruses. However, if they are constantly enlarged (hypertrophy) they may do more harm than good.
  
  Chiropractic For Middle Ear Infections
  
  Chiropractic adjustment is another option for parents to try before resulting to surgery. Several studies have shown the safety and efficacy of chiropractic treatments in children. "In one study of 46 children (age 5 and under) with otitis media, 93% of all episodes improved, 75% in ten days or less. In another study, five children with chronic recurrent otitis media all responded favorably to chiropractic care." Alternative Medicine - The Definitive Guide
  
  Växa Products That Can Help
  
  Växa Buddies is a complete blend of essential vitamins and minerals specifically formulated for children. Some of the ingredients in Växa Buddies include Vitamins A, C & E, Manganese, and Zinc; all of these ingredients have been found to help boost the immune system.
  
  Immune-Aid+ provides the effective combinations of phytomedicinals, herbs, amino acids and metabolites that the body needs to fight off infection. Some of the ingredients in Immune-Aid+ include Colloidal Silver, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Beta Carotenes, OptiZinc, and Ester-C. The ingredients in Immune-Aid+ have been shown to: help reduce fever; help fight infection by strengthening the immune system; and help increase rate of recovery with the efficient removal of pathogens, bacteria and other toxins.
  
  Virexin is a powerful homeopathic medicinal combining plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and more to give the body optimal nutritional support and help the body to activate the immune system defenses against bacterial and viral infections, rid itself of deadly free ranging DNA-viral matter and accelerate recovery, alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu, and restock those nutrients that often become depleted from prolonged illness. Some ingredients found in Virexin include Echinacea, OptiZinc and St. John's Wort.
  
  Aller-Sine is a homeopathic medicinal that contains highly specific nutrients to aid the body's natural ability to reduce the overabundance of histamine and other inflammatory cytotoxic substances within the body, while also inhibiting allergic reactions to drugs/serums, pollen, dust, animal fur and other environmental pollutants. Some of the ingredients in Aller-Sine include Echinacea, Vitamin C, Folic Acid and specific homeopathics known to prevent allergic responses.
  
  ReFlora+ contains a special complex of 10 different and beneficial bacteria, plus phytomedicinals and other nutrients, to help the body restore healthy bacterial flora. The use of long-term antibiotics can destroy the balance of beneficial bacteria, which is extremely important for the immune system.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/guest_article_on_ear_infections.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/new_cortisol_stress_and_body_fat.mws hnasc 2005-06-17T06:06:52-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/new_cortisol_stress_and_body_fat.mws
  Note from the Blogmaster:  If you are considering taking one of the weight loss products designed to help with stress-related weightloss, this article may shed some light on how to choose wisely.  It comes from a man who has made fitness his mission.  He's a little more rough on weight loss products in general than I am.  As a wellness counselor, I've seen various weight loss products deliver great results but ONLY when combined with a good fitness plan, healthy changes in habits (stop eating junk foods, fried foods, etc - drink enough water, get enough good sleep, eat healthy meals).  While the user stories around such stress-related weight loss products prove they can be successful aids for some, and there are those who have good results with Cortislim and similar products like Cortisept, I agree with Tom that just using any type of supplement without other positive changes in lifestyle is a quick fix approach and will not yield the kind of positive, long term results I know you desire.  Unlike Tom, I don't consider products like Cortislim a "scam" as much as a supplement that can easily be abused and not utilized within a health lifestyle, weight management and fitness program. In all cases, I advise being informed.  Consider all the evidence, pro and con, before making a decision on something as important as your health.
   
  ***NEW*** Cortisol, Stress And Body Fat  Author: Tom venuto  Date: Jun 17, 2005  Publisher: fitness renaissance
  Straight Answers To The Top 20 Questions About The "Stress Hormone" By Tom Venuto, NSCA-CPT, CSCS
  It seems that every time science uncovers some type of association between body fat and anything, opportunistic entrepreneurs are waiting in the shadows to create a product and a marketing campaign around it. They ride the wave into the multi millions, until the buzz dies down or until the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sues and slaps a padlock on their warehouse doors. Then, it’s on to the “next big thing in weight loss,” because they know there will always be a gullible crowd eagerly waiting for the next quick fix. The most recent example is when researchers discovered a correlation between cortisol and abdominal body fat. Cortisol was then blamed as the latest culprit in the obesity problem, and cortisol-suppressing pills were touted as the “miracle solution.”
  
  Big Claims, Little Proof
  After a web search on the subject of cortisol, here are some of the claims you may find:
  Stress makes you fat
  Cortisol is what makes you fat
  Cortisol reducing supplements control stress
  Cortisol reducing supplements reduce belly fat
  Cortisol reducing supplements get rid of “stress fat”
  Cortisol reducing supplements balance hormone levels that cause stress
  Cortisol reducing supplements increase muscle growth
  Cortisol supplements suppress appetite
  Cortisol supplements speed up metabolism
  
  The advertising claims include just enough scientific fact to make even the savviest consumers say, “That makes sense, I think I’ll try that.” They also hit home emotionally by focusing on common hot buttons such as stress (who isn’t at least a little stressed in this day and age?) Brilliant marketing. Convincing. Unfortunately, most of the claims being made are completely false, with only a tiny thread of truth woven in.
   
  Note from blogmaster:  I agree that a lot of the advertising for these products is over the top but the fact remains that, for some people in some cases, and again, combined with other healthy lifestyle changes that may be indicated, they can be helpful. 
  
  Cortisol is a very important hormone that you must understand if you want to get maximum results from your training and nutrition programs, but if you don’t educate yourself, you may become one of the millions of victims to fall for this latest fad. The answers to the frequently asked questions in this article will arm you with the science-based facts, while helping you steer clear of the hype-based scams.
  
  What is cortisol?
  Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It falls into a category of hormones known as “glucocorticoids”, referring to their ability to increase blood glucose levels. Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid.
  
  Why does your body produce cortisol?
  Cortisol is a stress hormone. Your body produces cortisol in response to stress, physical, mental or emotional. This can include extremely low calorie diets, intense training, high volume training, lack of quality sleep as well as common daily stresses such as job pressures, fights with your spouse or being caught in a traffic jam. Trauma, injury and surgery are also major stressors to the body (Note: much of the research done on cortisol and stress has been done on recovering patients, and such findings may not carry over to healthy, athletic populations).
  
  What does cortisol do?
  Cortisol is part of the fight or flight response. Faced with a “life or death” situation, cortisol increases the flow of glucose (as well as protein and fat) out of your tissues and into the bloodstream in order to increase energy and physical readiness to handle the stressful situation or threat.
  
  How do you know whether your cortisol levels are high?
  You can get your cortisol levels tested if you choose to. The most common method of testing is a blood test (blood cortisol levels). Saliva and 24 hour urine tests are also available.
  
  What is a normal level of cortisol?
  Cortisol levels are higher in adults than children and levels fluctuate throughout each 24 hour period, so tests must account for the time of day. Cortisol concentrations are highest in the early morning around 6 – 8 a.m. and they are also elevated after exercise (a normal part of your body’s response to exercise). The lowest levels are usually around midnight. According to the Medline Encyclopedia, normal levels of cortisol in the bloodstream at 8:00 a.m. are 6-23 mcg/dl.
  
  Should you get your cortisol levels tested?
  For serious competitive athletes, it may be worth the time, expense and inconvenience to have cortisol tests done on a regular basis. Some strength and conditioning coaches insist on it. For the average trainee, as long as you are aware of the factors that produce excessive cortisol and take steps to keep it in the normal, healthy range, then testing is probably not necessary.
  Is cortisol related to abdominal obesity?
  
  Yes. There is a link between high cortisol levels and storage of body fat, particularly “visceral” abdominal body fat (also known as intra-abdominal fat). Visceral fat is stored deeper in the abdominal cavity and around the internal organs, whereas “regular” fat is stored below the skin (known as subcutaneous fat). Visceral fat is particularly unhealthy because it is a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
  
  Does Cortisol Make you fat?
  No, cortisol is not “the thing” that makes you fat. In fact, one of the effects of cortisol is to increase the breakdown of stored adipose tissue into glycerol and fatty acids where it can enter the bloodstream and then be used as energy. High levels of cortisol are merely one contributing factor to storage of abdominal fat, not the primary cause. An excess of calories from too much food and not enough exercise is what makes you fat.
  
  If cortisol is related to abdominal obesity, then will taking a cortisol suppressing pill get rid of abdominal (belly) fat?
  No. Just because there is an association between high cortisol levels and abdominal body fat doesn’t mean that a taking a cortisol-suppressing pill will remove abdominal body fat. The studies which showed a relationship between cortisol and body fat did not test whether suppressing cortisol removes fat that is already deposited on your body.
  
  Does stress make you fat?
  No. If it did, then everyone who is stressed would be gaining fat. Many people lose weight while under stress. In some studies, test subjects with the highest cortisol (and stress) levels lost the most weight. Stress, by itself, does not increase body fat. However, if stress stimulates appetite and leads to overeating, then the excess calories from “stress eating” can make you fatter.
  
  Is cortisol is bad for you?
  Cortisol is not “bad for you,” it is a hormone that is essential for life as part of our natural stress response. There are many hormones in our bodies, which in the proper amounts, maintain good health, but in excess or in deficiency, have negative effects or even contribute to health problems or diseases. Cortisol is no different. For example, Cushing’s syndrome is a disease of high cortisol levels, while Addison’s is a disease of low cortisol levels. You want to maintain a healthy, normal level of cortisol, not suppress your cortisol to nothing or allow it to remain elevated.
  
  Chronically elevated cortisol levels may have a variety of negative effects. Cortisol is catabolic and elevated cortisol levels can cause the loss of muscle tissue by facilitating the process of converting lean tissue into glucose. An excess of cortisol can also lead to a decrease in insulin sensitivity, increased insulin resistance, reduced kidney function, hypertension, suppressed immune function, reduced growth hormone levels, and reduced connective tissue strength. Chronically elevated levels of cortisol can also decrease strength and performance in athletes.
  
  Can suppressing cortisol improve your muscle growth and strength?
  High cortisol levels can increase muscle protein breakdown and inhibit protein synthesis (building up muscle proteins), so a chronically elevated cortisol level is clearly counterproductive to building muscle. Bringing elevated cortisol levels back to normal may improve recovery, strength, hypertrophy and performance. However, there is no scientific evidence that reducing your cortisol levels below normal will have any effect on increasing strength or muscle growth.
  
  Should you take a cortisol-suppressing supplement to help you lose weight?
  In my opinion, no, absolutely not. Cortisol suppressing supplements are not a valid solution for losing weight. The FTC has filed lawsuits against the makers of Cortislim and Cortistress, charging them with making false and unsubstantiated claims that their products can cause weight loss. Lydia Parnes, acting director of the FTC’s bureau of consumer protection says, “The defendant’s claims fly in the face of reality. No pill can replace a healthy program of diet and exercise.” Reducing excessively high cortisol levels through supplement use may prove beneficial in some ways for hard training athletes. However, pills do not make you lose fat. Body fat is lost by creating a caloric deficit through exercise and nutrition.
  
  Should you take a cortisol-suppressing supplement to help control your stress levels?
  There are quite a few supplements, mostly herbs, which are reputed to have “calming,” “relaxing,” “tranquilizing,” “stress-relieving” or “anti-anxiety” effects. These include Magnolia bark, kava kava, valerian, L-theanine and too many others to mention. However, very few studies exist which have directly tested the effects of these herbs on cortisol levels. Although some people may find value in these types of products, the ideal solution is to reduce the stress or change your perception of the stress to lessen its physical effects. Treating symptoms does not remove causes. It can be dangerous to “band-aid” the effects of stress while the stress remains in place.
   
  Note from blogmaster:  As an herbalist, I have definite faith in natural remedies like those mentioned in this article (Magnolia Bark, Valerian, etc.) and do feel that they are beneficial for helping temporarily reduce stress and stress response but I also agree with Tom that taking such a supplement (or for that matter, a prescirption drug with relaxing properties) long term can create a situation of physical and/or emotional dependency and lead to escape from the issue rather than working thru it from a calmer place.  If something can help you relax and be more calm so that you can clear your mind and be more objective about your reactions to stressful situations, I see that as positive.  If it becomes a crutch, or as Tom says "a bandaid", then obviously it is no longer a good thing.
  
  What should you do if you have a lot of stress in your life?
  It makes sense to take steps to reduce stress in your life and lessen the impact of stressors that cannot be avoided. Trying to avoid stress completely is not possible, nor is it desirable. Stress is an important part of life because you can’t achieve positive adaptations and growth without stress to trigger them. It’s continuous stress that you want to avoid. It’s okay to expose yourself to stress, provided there is a sufficient period of rest afterwards so you can fully recover.
  One of the best ways to keep cortisol in the normal range is to reduce stress and allow time for recovery and renewal. There are effective and natural means of reducing stress that don’t cost a penny, including getting out in nature, deep breathing, enhancing sleep quality, relaxation exercises, meditation and visualization-guided imagery. It's important to develop a calm mind and sense of tranquility.
  
  What’s in those cortisol pills anyway?
  The ingredients can vary in type and quantity from one brand to the next. Some ingredients are included in the formulations to have a relaxing or stress reducing effect, some are included to reduce cortisol levels, while others are aimed at insulin and blood sugar stabilization. Cortislim, for example, contains Magnolia bark, beta sitosoterol, theanine, green tea extract, bitter orange peel extract (source of synephrine), banaba leaf extract, vanadium, vitamin C, calcium and Chromium.
  
  Other ingredients that are often used in the various product formulations include Epidemium, phytosterols, tyrosine, Branched chain amino acids, ginseng, ashwaganda, astragalus, kava kava, St. John’s wort, Melatonin, SAM-e, Valerian, Gingko Biloba, Phosphatidyl Serine (PS), Acetyl L-carnitine and Glutamine. Reviewing all of these is beyond the scope of this article.
  
  If you decide to take a cortisol suppressing supplement what should you look for?
  Before you even think about supplements (or drugs), keep in mind that unnatural suppression of cortisol may not be wise or necessary, especially if you haven’t used all the natural cortisol and stress management strategies at your disposal first. Once your nutrition, training and recovery bases are covered, there is some solid research showing that certain supplements may be beneficial, especially for athletes engaged in extremely hard training.
  
  Carbohydrate consumed with lean protein immediately after training has a cortisol suppressing effect. High glycemic index (GI) carbs in particular, cause an insulin spike, which not only helps restore muscle glycogen, stimulates protein synthesis and kick starts the recovery process, it also helps lower the exercise-induced rise in cortisol. The research supporting this practice is substantial. (This should serve as a warning to people on low carb diets that are so strict that they don’t even allow small amounts of carbs after workouts). Rather than solid food, many athletes prefer a liquid “meal” using a commercial post workout drink containing whey protein and maltodextrin plus dextrose or glucose (fast acting protein and high GI carbs) because the rapid absorption time may speed recovery.
  
  Vitamin C, known mainly for cold or flu protection and antioxidant properties, may decrease cortisol levels. A study by Marsit, et al showed a reduction in cortisol levels in elite weightlifters taking 1000 mg. of vitamin C per day. Other studies have reported similar findings.
  
  Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is a phospholipid, which appears to have cortisol suppressing properties. Studies by Fahey and Monteleone have shown that daily doses of 800 mg can reduce cortisol. These studies did not conclude that PS would help you lose weight or gain more muscle.
  
  Glutamine is an amino acid, which in some studies, has been shown to decrease cortisol and prevent a decrease in protein synthesis. Many strength athletes swear by glutamine for improved recovery, but the research is still not conclusive about efficacy or dosages for athletes or bodybuilders. Much of the research on Glutamine was performed on patients recovering from surgery, burns or traumas (severe stresses to the body).
  
  Acetyl-L Carnitine (ALC) has been studied in Alzheimers patients as a method of improving cognitive function. One study showed that long term use of Acetyl L Carnitine lowered cortisol in the Alzheimers patients. Research on rats and mice has shown that ALC increases luteinizing hormone, which may in turn elevate testosterone. Whether these findings carry over to healthy athletes has yet to be proven, but some coaches and athletes believe that ALC lowers cortisol and elevates testosterone.
  
  It’s important to note that the research on some of these substances is often conflicting and inconclusive. It's also important to note that many of the cortisol suppressing supplements which are marketed to athletes or to people seeking weight loss do not contain doses anywhere near the amounts that were used in the research. (Yet another way that supplement companies deceive consumers).
  
  How can you lower your cortisol levels naturally?
  You can lower cortisol naturally. In fact, if you are overtrained, unnatural cortisol suppression may be nothing more than a “band aid,” and continued overtraining can lead to adrenal exhaustion, which could take months to remedy. Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a rest or decrease your training volume and intensity rather than artificially attempt to suppress cortisol. Symptoms of overtraining include elevated resting pulse, sleep disturbances, fatigue, decreased strength and decreased performance.
  
  Avoid very low calorie diets, especially for prolonged periods of time. Low calorie dieting is a major stress to the body. Low calorie diets increase cortisol while decreasing testosterone.
  
  Use stress reduction techniques (stress, anger, anxiety, and fear can raise cortisol)
  
  Avoid continuous stress. Stress is an important part of growth. It’s when you remain under constant stress without periods of recovery that you begin breaking down.
   
  Avoid overtraining by keeping workouts intense, but brief (cortisol rises sharply after 45-60 min of strength training)
  
  Avoid overtraining by matching your intensity, volume and duration to your recovery ability. Decrease your training frequency, and or take a layoff if necessary.
  
  Suppress cortisol and maximize recovery after workouts with proper nutrition: Consume a carb-protein meal or drink immediately after your workout.
  
  Get plenty of quality sleep (sleep deprivation, as a stressor, can raise cortisol).
  
  Avoid or minimize use of stimulants; caffeine, ephedrine, synephrine, etc.
  
  Limit alcohol (large doses of alcohol elevate cortisol).
  
  Stay well hydrated (at least one study has suggested that dehydration may raise cortisol).
  
  How do you spot a weight loss pill scam?
  The cortisol pill is just one in a long string of bogus weight loss products, and it won’t be the last! Why? Because weight loss supplements are big business! Eight or nine figure fortunes have been made from the sales of a single product, which was later proven to be a total farce.
  
  How do you protect yourself? Do your homework! Don’t take anything unless you know exactly what’s in the product, why it’s in the product and how much is in the product. Review the scientific research. Don’t buy a weight loss product just because a radio personality says it works! Don’t jump on the phone with your credit card in hand after watching a thirty-minute infomercial! In this day and age, you have to be smarter than that!
  
  Conclusions
  Excessive cortisol is not good. But cortisol is not inherently bad; it’s a vitally important hormone and part of your body’s natural stress response. Cortisol does not make you fat. Stress does not make you fat. Stress may lead to increased appetite… Increased appetite may lead to eating too much… Eating too much makes you gain fat. Make sense?
  Cortisol suppressing agents may have some practical uses. But rather than thinking of cortisol supplements as a weight loss miracle (which they most surely are not), get yourself on a solid exercise and nutrition program and seek natural ways to enhance recovery and reduce stress. By doing this first, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that you’re losing fat and gaining muscle and there isn’t a need to take supplements at all.
  
  For more information on how to lose body fat safely, permanently and naturally without supplements or pills, check out my e-book, Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle
  About the Author of this Article:  Tom Venuto is an NSCA-certified personal trainer, certified strength and conditioning specialist, lifetime natural bodybuilder, and author of the #1 best-selling e-book "Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle" (BFFM). Tom has written over 170 articles and has been featured in IRONMAN Magazine, Natural Bodybuilding, Muscular Development, Muscle-Zine, Olympian’s News (in Italian), Exercise for Men and Men’s Exercise. For information on Tom's "Burn The Fat" e-book, click here now
  References:
  1. Bidzinska, B., et al., Effect of different chronic intermittent stressors and acetyl L Carnitine on hypothalamic beta endorphin and GnRH and on plasma testosterone levels in male rats. Neuroendocrinology, 1993, 57(6): 985-990
  2. Bjorntorp, P., Body fat distribution, insulin resistance, and metabolic diseases. Nutrition, 1997, 13: 795-803
  3. Bjorntorp, P., Do stress reactions cause abdominal obesity and comorbidities? Obesity Reviews, 2001, 2: 73-86
  4. Brillon, et al., “Effect of cortisol on energy expenditure and amino acid metabolism in humans,” Am J Physiol 268 1995: E501-13.
  5. Bruno, G, et al,, Acetyl L Carnitine in Alzheimer disease: a short term study on CSF neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Anzeihmer Disease & Associated Disorders, 1995. 9(3): p. 128-131
  6. Chrousos, et al., CRH, Stress and Depression: An Etiological Approach (Las Vegas, NV: Conference on Cortisol and Anti-Cortisols, 1997)
  7. Chrousos, G.P., The role of stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome: neuro-endocrine and target tissue-related causes. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, 2000, 24, S50-55
  8. Dallman, M.F., Pecoraro, N., Akana, S.F., La Fleur, S.E., Gomez, F., Houshyar, H., Bell, M.E., Bhatnagar, S., Laugero, K.D., & Manalo, S. Chronic stress and obesity: a new view of "comfort food". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, (2003), 30, 11696-11701
  9. Epel ES, McEwen B, Seeman T, Matthews K, Castellazzo G, Brownell KD, Bell J, Ickovics JR. Stress and body shape: stress-induced cortisol secretion is consistently greater among women with central fat. Psychosom Med. 2000 Sep-Oct; 62(5):623-32.
  10. Fahey, et al., Hormonal Effects of Phosphatidylserine (PS) during two weeks of intense weight training (Orlando, Fl : ACSM Conference, 1998)
  11. Fry, et al., “Resistance exercise overtraining and overreaching. Neuroendocrine responses,” Sports Med, 1997, 23 (2): 106-129.
  12. Futterman, A.D., et al., Immunological and physiological changes associated with induced positive and negative mood, Phychosomatic medicine, 1994, 56(6): 499-511
  13. Griffin J, Ojeda S. Textbook of endocrine physiology, 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.
  14. Hickson, et al., “Glutamine prevents down regulation of myosin heavy chain synthesis and muscle atrophy from glucocorticoids,” Am J Physiol, 1995, 268: E730-E734.
  15. Hickson, et al., “Glucocorticoid antagonism by exercise and androgenic-anabolic steroids,” Med Sci Sports Exerc, 1990, 22: 331-340.
  16. Kraemer, W.J., et al, Physiological adaptations to a weight-loss dietary regimen and exercise programs in women. Journal of Applied physiology, 83, 270-279.
  17. Krsmanovic, L.Z., et al., Actions of Acetyl L canitine on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal system in female rats. Journal of Steroid Biochemical Molecular Biology, 1992. 43(4): 351-358
  18. Kelley, et al, ‘energy restriction and immunocompetence in overweight women.” Nutrition Research 18.2 (18): 159-169
  19. Laitinen, J., Ek, E., & Sovio, U. Stress-related eating and drinking behavior and body mass index and predictors of this behavior. Preventive Medicine, 2002, 34, 29-39
  20. Marsit, J.L, et al., Effects of ascorbic acid on serum cortisol and the Testosterone:Cortisol ratio in junior elite weightlifters, Journal of Strength And Conditioning Research, 1998, 12(3), 179-184
  21. Martignoni, E., et al, Acetyl L carnitne acutely administered raises beta endorphin and cortisol plasma levels in humans. Clinical Neuropharmacology, 1988. 11 (5) p. 472-47
  22. Monteleone, P., et al, Effects of phosphatidyl serine on the neuroendocrine response to physical stress in humans. Neuroendocrinology, 1990, 52:243-248,
  23. Monteleone, P., et al, Blunting by chronic phosphatidyl serine administration of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy men. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 42(4): 385-388, 1992
  24. Ottosson, K Vikman-Adolfsson, S Enerback, A Elander, P Bjorntorp and S Eden, Growth hormone inhibits lipoprotein lipase activity in human adipose tissue, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2000, 80: 936-941,
  25. Palermo, S., et al, The effect of L-acetyl carnitine on some reproductive functions in the oligoasthenospermic rat. Hormonal metabolism research, 1990. 22(12), 622 – 626
  26. Peeke PM, Chrousos GP. Hypercortisolism and Obesity. Ann NY Acad Sci 1995, 771:665-76.
  27. Rizza, et al., “Cortisol-induced insulin resistance in man. Impaired suppression of glucose production and stimulation of glucose utilization due to a post receptor defect of insulin action,” J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1992, 54: 131-138.
  28. Roberts, A.C. et al, Overtraining affects male reproductive status. Fertility and Sterility, 1993, 60(4):686-692
  29. Rowbottom, et al., “The emerging role of glutamine as an indicator of exercise stress and overtraining,” Sports Med 21.2 1996: 80-97.
  30. Roland Rosmond, Mary F. Dallman and Per Björntorp, Stress-Related Cortisol Secretion in Men: Relationships with Abdominal Obesity and Endocrine, Metabolic and Hemodynamic Abnormalities, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1998, Vol. 83, No. 6 1853-1859
  31. Simmons, et al., “Increased proteolysis: an effect of increases in plasma cortisol within the physiological range,” J Clin Invest, 1984, 73: 412-420.
  
  
  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/new_cortisol_stress_and_body_fat.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/networking_properly_for_industry_success.mws hnasc 2005-06-20T04:06:16-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/networking_properly_for_industry_success.mws

  Networking

  by Jill at www.actingintuitive.com

  When I was acting, there were no such things as Entertainment Industy networking meetings. Places where you can meet others in ShowBiz and possibly make strategic alliances that may lead to acting roles. Now they're all over the place . . . possibly because networking events are so popular for other types of entrepreneurs nowadays. Here are just a few in Los Angeles and their URLs:

  Hollywood Networking Breakfast www.changingimagesinamerica.org This is a terrific group that meets at Paramount the last Thursday of the month. You can meet all sorts of industry people here. They also have great speakers. And you don't have to be a member to attend.

  Cinewomen www.cinewomen.org. Networking, screenings, events . . . and men are also invited. I'm currently the Secretary and head of the Actor's Group. You don't have to be a member to attend the events, but do to attend subgroups.

  Film Industry Network www.FilmIndustryNetwork.com Another great group! FIN has different divisions and there's an Actor's Group which you have to be a member to attend. For info, contact lorinevansfin@aol.com. Lorin Evans is a BRANDactor!

  Women in Film www.wif.org WIF also invites men. They have all kinds of events and networking breakfasts throughout Los Angeles. And they also have an actor's group which you have to, as the other organizations above, to attend. For more information, contact leslieberger2002@yahoo.com.

  And here are some networking guidelines to follow:

  Don't tell people about yourself . Most people have no idea how to network! They go around telling other people what they do and collecting a stack of cards they never use. And find out they've paid $20 or $30 to attend a networking meeting for nothing.

  Find out about people instead . Make a promise to yourself to talk to at least three people. Be charming, personable and interested. Use all your acting listening skills! Most of all, be yourself. Ask them what they do instead of telling them what you do. Remember . . . you're looking for people who are aligned with your brand and business philosophy. When you find one, jot down some brief facts about them on the back of their card for future reference. Networking can be daunting in the beginning, but after you do it awhile it lots of fun as well as good for your Actor-Business. So just keep going!

  Call people that you are aligned with within 24 hours . If you find someone that you think might move your career forward . . . or someone you'd like to know better, don't hesitate to call them. Make a date for coffee or a drink. Start a relationship with them. You never know where that relationship might lead.

  Dress appropriately . I don't expect you to wear business attire to these things. But my usual "uniform" is stretchy clothes or tailored slacks with an interesting coat or shawl over it. It's arty but professional. It's what I always wear. And Sondra Lord of the Hollywood Networking Breakfast always complements me on my attire. What I wear has helped me gain an important friend in ShowBiz. So don't go to these things unkempt, unshowered and in ripped jeans. But DO dress in a way that's comfortable and suits your own personal style.

  Have excellent marketing materials . We talk a lot about the importance of marketing materials in BRANDact. If you're going to network, it's crucial that you have postcards and business cards made up that reflect your brand. And PLEASE keep them current. One of my biggest pet peeves is business cards with a number or e-mail address scratched out and rewritten in pen. You can get 1000 for under $40 at gotprint.com. So never go to these things with out-of-date cards or postcards.

  
  

  Rehearse your round robin! You usually get a brief time to get up and tell the entire group about what you do. If your round-robin, which is what they call this brief speech, catches everyone's attention people will find you! I always sing mine because I used to be a singer. One director actually followed me out in the hall at one meeting! She was looking for an on-set coach for a project and was obviously someone who was aligned with my brand and business philosophy.

  Resources for Actors:

  The Power Connection Online Acting Class

  Motivation Made Easy - Hypnosis for Success

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/networking_properly_for_industry_success.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/casting_director_drop_offs.mws hnasc 2005-06-21T08:06:58-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/casting_director_drop_offs.mws

  Note from the blogmaster:  When I lived in Los Angeles, I quickly learned about "drop offs".  I personally know people who got called in for auditions from a drop off and it happened to me too, at least once.  It takes a tremendous amount of time to do drop offs yourself in that town.  It once took me an hour and a half to go 18 miles, for example.  In fact, that very night, sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, I called my Mom and said hey, "I just saw what my life will be like if I stay here. I think it isn't worth it.  I think I'm coming home."

  
  

  But for those of you brave enough to stick it out in tinseltown or those wanting to go, you gotta know about drop offs so here's a good article on the subject from my friend Jack, at www.actorsite.com  If you happen to be in L.A. right now, check with actorsite because they have affordable drop off services, maybe the most affordable in the city and, BELIEVE ME, it's easier and less expensive than doing it yourself!

  
  What are DROP OFFS?
  
      * Have you ever gone to a casting studio and seen
  the mail bins there where the Casting Directors accept
  packages for future projects? If you drop your headshots
  for those casting directors, you are doing a drop...you
  place your headshot to be considered for future projects.
  
      * If you want to drop to 70 commercial casting offices,
  it takes about 10 hours and you'll drive over 100 miles.
  
      * We currently have isolated over 90 Episodic Casting
  Offices and it takes about THREE days and over 175 miles
  driven to complete a round of drops.
  
      * You can drop your headshot at any casting office you
  wish, and it's best to just drop your headshot or postcard 
  WITHOUT an envelope. If you put it in the envelope, it is
  unlikely to even be opened.
  
      * Headshots and Postcards are each equally effective
  in the drops and some actors do them every few weeks to
  make sure they imprint their face and skills into the
  conciousness of the Casting Director.
  
      * We get reports of actors being called in from drops
  ALL THE TIME. Many of the more successful actors in Hollywood
  do their drops on a weekly basis, and also have us do their
  drops too, since we hit many hard to get into offices. Drops
  supplement your other marketing efforts and help you create
  demand for your artistic talents, so that if you have an
  agent or manager, they can help field the calls, and, as
  many successful actors do, you can also field them yourself.
  
  Artist Resources:
  Dov S-S Simens Film School DVD

  Movie Plot Generator

  The Vocal Release Singing system 

  
  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/casting_director_drop_offs.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_does_it_mean_when_an_actor_is.mws hnasc 2005-06-22T07:06:08-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_does_it_mean_when_an_actor_is.mws

  Note from the blogmaster: Another informative, interesting and humerous article on the industry, for the actor in films and televlsion. I've been "on avail" several times in my own career. Luckily for me, I did end up getting the job but in one case, I was on avail for a long time, more than a few days. That can be tricky for an actor because, as you'll read below, you can end up missing out on a sure thing because of a maybe. However, I agree that if you have representation and they are worth their salt in the industry, they will do their best to see that you get any work coming your way during an "avail" situation. After all, it's to their benefit too. This article courtesy of the folks at www.nowcasting.com

  
  

  I’m On Avail!

  By Petrea Burchard (06-22-2005) Click for Bio
  

  It's time to let go and laugh at ourselves as Petrea takes us on a journey through her career that may seem only too familiar to the rest of us.
  
  
  I’m on avail, I’m on avail!!!
  
  Woohoo!!!
  
  I’m—what?
  
  I’m on a what?
  
  Yesterday Juliana, my commercial agent, called to tell me I was on avail for a national. I was thrilled! I wrote down the date in my book and Juliana said she’d let me know as soon as she heard whether or not I got the job.
  
  

  I sat glowing in happiness for a minute, then I thought, why am I glowing? I’m not even sure what this means. Being on avail is something—well, not new, exactly, but it’s a term that’s insinuated itself into our business language over the last several years. I had a vague idea that it meant someone was sort of thinking of maybe hiring me for a job that might happen someday.
  
  But I wasn’t sure.
  
  Juliana had sounded busy. I didn’t want to bother her, so I called my friend Cleo, who works a lot commercially.
  
  “It might mean they haven’t finalized their schedule yet,” she said.
  
  “Oh! Okay…”
  
  Or you’re somebody’s first choice but not somebody else’s,” she said. “Like the director loves you, but the client isn’t exactly thrilled.”
  
  “Oh, good. That’s…”
  
  “Or it could mean that you’re the second or third choice and they have offers out to other people, and they want you in their back pocket in case their favorites don’t work out.”
  
  Oh. Am I still thrilled?
  
  What neither of us knew was if being on avail was a real, contractual term or simply a courtesy between agents and casting directors. It turns out this was something most of my actor friends didn’t know.
  
  So I called SAG and talked to a business rep. It’s a contractual term, all right. Here’s what the rep said it means to be “on avail”:
  
  When a producer asks you to be on avail, if you accept this status you are giving him the right of first refusal.
  
  For example: let’s say producer Steve is shooting a regional spot and he puts you on avail for Tuesday. Through your agent, Moxie, you accept, saying yes, you are available to work on that day. You are not yet booked to work.
  
  What happens if another producer (let’s call him Jerry) calls and says “I want you for Tuesday”? Jerry makes a solid offer. He’s not asking for an avail. It’s a real booking and just to make it interesting, it’s a national. In this case, Moxie has to tell Jerry that you’re on avail for another job, and she’ll make a call and get right back to him.
  
  Now if Moxie is worth her salt, she gets on the phone immediately and tells Steve that you have a solid offer for another booking on Tuesday.
  
  At this point, Steve MUST, shall we say, defecate or vacate the facility. Steve has the right to book you, even though Jerry’s offer is better, because you have given Steve the right of first refusal by accepting the avail. But if Steve hasn’t yet made a decision (or he hasn’t defecated, as they say), THIS is the point at which he must do so. Either that, or release you to go work for Jerry.
  
  Isn’t it nice how I make these things clear for you?
  
  I’m on avail, I’m on avail!! And I’m still thrilled! Just hoping Steve isn’t constipated.

   

  Free Online Acting Class!

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/what_does_it_mean_when_an_actor_is.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_cost_of_living_healthy_guest_article.mws hnasc 2005-06-25T09:06:50-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_cost_of_living_healthy_guest_article.mws

  Note from the blogmaster:  As a wellness counselor, I often hear how people can't afford natural supplements and the cost of organics.  I understand.  Yet, there's a spiritual law that says once you commit to a course of right action, the way to get there will be opened up.  In other words, if you decide your health is a top priority, you will see other things you are now spending money on that are NOT a priority.  And other money will come to support your decision to live healthy.  But even if you are not metaphysical in your thinking and what I just said sounds like a bunch of airy-fairy bull, look at this issue from a practical side......how much does a typical visit to the hospital cost?  What about the cost of surgery?  If you think eating right is expensive, try the alternative.  Neva

  DOES IT COST TOO MUCH TO BE HEALTHY?

  guest article courtesy of Global Healing Center

  While recently discussing health concerns with a friend, they brought up the subject concerning the terribly high cost of getting healthy and staying healthy using natural medicine and organic foods and how most people just cannot afford it. I quickly reminded this friend that I am no stranger to the cost of getting and staying healthy. After losing my health to colon cancer (stage 3) in 2000, I quickly realized that getting my health back would cost money, and a lot of it. Never mind the fact that our over-paid insurance company wasn't interested in the least about my health except to require that I do conventional treatment in order for them to pay up. Like with most people this was an illness that had not been planned for and getting my body back to health would be expensive, since we chose the natural route. This would also require something of me---to be determined and disciplined to the highest level and I would now have to be responsible for my own health---a concept that is foreign to most people. It definitely paid off with the dividends being nothing short of miraculous.
  
  Unfortunately, my friend is correct. I hear this concern daily from clients who are desperately seeking answers, but do not feel like they have the money or can get the money to purchase needed supplementation, organic food, modalities, etc. in order to facilitate health. They are usually depressed and very angry at our health system which has predetermined the most "effective" treatment for them, even though most of the time it will not totally address their health concerns. Then there are the clients that communicate their desire to do whatever it takes to get healthy--even a second job or borrowing money. They get past the the anger of misplaced loyalty to the insurance company and decide to "do the next thing ." Guess what? These are the people that usually see results because they have true desire and determination. It is so easy to find excuses as to why something will not work or why you cannot afford this or that, but when it comes to your health, frankly, these excuses will actually undermine your health. We must realize that when health is lost, every aspect of life is affected. Instead of using the word "can't" let's use the words "How can I..." You will find that answers will appear and problems will be solved.

  The good news is that good health and well-being can be restored. It may take time and it will take money. All of us have a choice. We can choose to work on ourselves and our health daily or we can ignore the little signs and symptoms from our body until something huge develops. The later is what we have been programmed to do because of a false safety net that the medical community has created. Instead of dealing in prevention and health, our medical system has chosen to deal in sickness.

  More good news...You can do this!. Don't be afraid of information or research---education is always the first step toward health. We have a wealth of information at the Global Healing Center Website under the articles and health concerns sections. Just make sure that you explore both sides of the coin and realize that prescription meds, surgery and radiation are answers that, in the long run, may result in more health concerns. Don't be afraid to step out of the box...you will find that most of your answers will be waiting for you there---outside of the box.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_cost_of_living_healthy_guest_article.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/overcoming_paralysis_guest_article_for_performance_artists.mws hnasc 2005-06-27T12:06:53-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/overcoming_paralysis_guest_article_for_performance_artists.mws
  Note from the blogmaster:  This isn't the first article I've shared from Jack over at actorsite.com. He has a way of cutting thru the b.s. of the acting business to what really matters, YOU! Developing your craft should always be the focus but it is so easy to get sidetracked into worrying because of money,  wondering what you can do to "fix" your looks and make yourself more marketable, etc.  It's ironic because unless you are 18-28 and look like a model already, forget that path. Be yourself and seek out directors who like to work with real people.  They're out there and some of them are about as big as big gets in that field....Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Sydney Pollack, Quenton Tarantino, etc..  This is a terrific article.  I hope you do the exercises Jack suggests because they are powerful.
  OVERCOMING PARALYSIS

  by Jack Turnbull
  NOW is the time to stand up and make a list of
  all of the GOOD THINGS going on in your life.
  
  I say STAND UP, because it is a POSITIVE ACTION.
  
  Just make a list of ASSETS: List things like
  your health, your skills, your education,
  your past successes, your family support,
  your street smarts, your experiences, your
  passions, your networking connections, your
  friends, your additional skills like singing
  and dancing and writing and directing, your
  loves, your hates, your quirks, all of those
  things that make you you.
  
  Make it a long list!
  
  NOW ADD the DARK SIDE.
  
  That's right, add those things that you don't
  want to admit.
  
  Those things like your lusts, your weaknesses,
  your dark longings, your hatred, your feelings
  of insecurity.
  
  Don't forget the money you DON'T HAVE or the money
  you owe or the enemies you have.
  
  Now look at the COMPLETE LIST.
  
  THESE ARE ALL ASSETS!!!
  
  Now list your liabilities...WAIT A MINUTE!!!
  
  ALL OF YOUR LIABILITIES ARE ASSETS FOR THE CREATIVE PERSON.
  
  That's your inspiration! Use it!
  
  USE those liabilities to make yourself more interesting.
  
  Having money problems....USE IT to make yourself
  more interesting---find that dark character within yourself
  that is desperate for money. Save it for your creative uses!
  
  Lonely?
  
  USE IT to make yourself more interesting. Catalogue those
  feelings and attitudes for your creative performances!
  
  Family not supportive...USE IT! Use the family isolation
  to create compelling characters!
  
  Significant other giving your problems?...USE IT!
  
  Car problems?...USE IT!
  
  Not getting seen enough?...USE IT!
  
  Actor's Blocks?...USE IT!
  
  FRUSTRATED WITH YOUR CAREER?...USE IT!
  
  NOW IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TIME TO LIST EVERYTHING THAT
  MAKES YOU YOU!!!!! AND LEARNING TO USE IT TO MAKE YOU
  A MORE POWERFUL YOU!!!
  
  NOW YOU HAVE SUCH A DYNAMIC SET OF CHOICES WHILE
  CREATING INTERESTING CHARACTERS!
  
  Keep plugging, Jack
  Make sure your membership is up to date:  http://actorsite.com/2join.html
   
  ARTIST RESOURCES:
  The Spiritual Cinema Circle
  Humor Writing: The Art of Being Funny
  Screenwriting Crash Course
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/overcoming_paralysis_guest_article_for_performance_artists.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/collagen_fat_burners_update_on_my_earlier_post.mws hnasc 2005-06-27T03:06:03-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/collagen_fat_burners_update_on_my_earlier_post.mws
  Update on collagen post.....I wrote in the article above that I felt some of the collagen fatburners would have worked really well for me but that I couldn't stand the taste.  Finally, after looking and looking, I did find one that tastes good and it seems to be working well for me so far.  I still have the big problem of not eating for three hours before going to bed (which is also part of the reason I am carrying this extra weight!) but at least I don't have to take something that tastes unpleasant.  This one, to me, tastes like orange jello.  One health note:  This particular formula contains some ingredients that increase hgh production.  If you are under 30, you probably don't need that but if you are over 40, you may benefit from that result.  So, I wouldn't really recommend this for the young-uns but us older folks may do quite well with it.  Here's the link if you want to read more about it:  Biosculpt - 32 Fluid Ounces Liquid - 4 Youthful Health 
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/collagen_fat_burners_update_on_my_earlier_post.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/bad_news_about_your_potato_chips.mws hnasc 2005-06-27T08:06:36-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/bad_news_about_your_potato_chips.mws
  Do you eat potato chips?  I shuddered when I read this article.  It has to effect millions.  I mean, who doesn't eat potato chips and Lay's is one of the most popular brands.  I typicaly eat plain Lays if I can't find the Lay's naturals that don't have hydrogenated oils.  Now, I wonder if those also contain acrylamide and it just hasn't been discovered yet.  Maybe they didn't test those two types..... Anyway, if you eat potato chips on a regular basis, please read this article to make an informed decision as to whether that is something you want to continue to do.
   
   
  Potato Chip Chemical May Cause 1/3 Of Diet Cancers
  
  Public health attorneys in California have potato chip makers in their sights for not listing a cancer-causing chemical present in many brands.
   
  That chemical is acrylamide. It is an industrial chemical used in plastics, pesticides and sewage treatment that also can occur when starchy foods, such as chips, are processed at high temperatures.
   
  The World Health Organization has said acrylamide may be responsible for up to one-third of all cancers caused by diet, as demonstrated by laboratory animal studies. Acrylamide is already on California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer, but some chipmakers haven't listed it on their product packaging as required by Proposition 65 statute.
   
  The attorneys have filed Proposition 65 notices with the manufacturers of Lays, Pringles, Kettle Chips and Cape Cod chips. Research has shown those brands have unsafe levels of acrylamide in some of their chip varieties. The study looked at one ounce servings, which ranged from 11 to 20 chips depending on the brand, and determined the acrylamide content was substantially more than the 0.2 micrograms per day amount which prompts the Proposition 65 warning.
   
  The brands tested and cited for high levels of acrylamide are: Lay's Baked!, Lay's Stax BBQ, Lay's KC Masterpiece. Lay's Natural Country Barbecue, Lay's Light KC Barbecue Masterpiece, Pringles Snack Stacks (Pizzalicious Flavor), Pringles Sweet Mesquite BBQ, Kettle Chips Lightly Salted, Kettle Chips Honey Dijon, Cape Cod Robust Russet and Cape Cod Classic Chips.
   
  Processed food manufacturers have reportedly asked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for a exemption to Proposition 65 labeling for foods with carcinogens caused by heat processing. The governor's office is expected to announce its decision by August.
  

  Source:  www.rense.net

  
  and they got it from......  www.news10.net/

  Cancer Information:

  Please Doctor Health Search
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/bad_news_about_your_potato_chips.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_usdas_new_food_guide_pyramid_vs_the_harvards_pyramid_version.mws hnasc 2005-07-01T03:07:58-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_usdas_new_food_guide_pyramid_vs_the_harvards_pyramid_version.mws

  The USDA's New Food Guide Pyramid vs. The Harvard's Pyramid Version

  Note from blogmaster: I'm not so crazy about any of these pyramids.  I agree with Ira that milk just isn't necessary for a healthy diet.  There are better ways to get calcium and protein.  I very seldom drink milk and when I do, it's organic and reduced fat. This article courtesy of Ira Marxe, please visit his website listed at end of article for some of the best health products online today.

  The new government guidelines for healthy eating, a supposed improvement over the previously heavily flawed US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid, is now called MyPyramid, www.mypyramid.gov.

  During the last healthy guideline period, it should be noted, obesity and type 2 diabetes soared! Quite an achievement!

  MyPyramid was released in January 2005 and is, as usual, heavily influenced by the various factions of the giant food industry and any similarity between it and healthy eating is purely coincidental. It’s all about money, not good health.

  Intense lobbying came from such giant organizations as the National Dairy Council, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, Soft Drink Association, American Meat Institute, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and Wheat Foods Council.

  The Harvard School of Public Health, recognizing the dangers to your health by the new MyPyramid, created their own food pyramid, free from any food-industry influence.

  To quote from the Harvard report,

  “Tragically, the information embodied in this pyramid (MyPyramid) didn't point the way to healthy eating. Why not? Its blueprint was based on shaky scientific evidence, and it barely changed over the years to reflect major advances in our understanding of the connection between diet and health.”

  “And it continues to recommend foods that aren't essential to good health, and may even be detrimental in the quantities included in MyPyramid.”

  Three cheers for Harvard!

  According to the USDA, the guidelines "provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases." What a joke!

  Of far greater importance, the Dietary Guidelines in MyPyramid for Americans unfortunately set the standards for all federal nutrition programs, including the school lunch program, and help determine what food products Americans buy.

  In other words, the guidelines influence how billions of dollars are spent each year. So even minor changes can hurt or help a food industry.

  A good example of the ongoing battle with regard to healthy eating and our children is the legislation that was proposed by the Arizona Legislature to ban all junk food in Arizona schools.

  After a long battle, the proponents of the ban finally had to compromise recognizing they would not win. They settled for a ban on junk food in primary schools and were forced to leave the status quo for our high schools.

  It’s all about money and sad that it is the health of our children that they are sacrificing for that money. It is the same all around the country. Is it a wonder our kids are suffering from ADD, ADHD, type 2 diabetes and obesity?

  The new MyPyramid guidelines suggest that it is ok to consume half of our grains as refined starch. The Harvard guidelines do not, (nor do we), pointing out that refined starch (white flour, white rice, etc.) increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease since refined starches behave like sugar causing a sudden rush of insulin to cope with the sudden influx of refined carbohydrates.

  Harvard continues --- the body needs carbohydrates mainly for energy. The best sources of health related carbohydrates are whole grains such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and brown rice. They deliver the outer (bran) and inner (germ) layers along with energy-rich starch.

  The body can't digest whole grains as quickly as highly processed carbohydrates. This keeps blood sugar and insulin levels from rising and falling too quickly. 

  Better control of blood sugar and insulin can keep hunger at bay and may prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

  There is no mention by the USDA of the detrimental health effects of ingesting high fructose corn syrup. (See my report “Latest On High Fructose Corn Syrup” July 30, 2004).

  The corn syrup lobby is too strong. No where in the Harvard report could I find any warning about sugar and high fructose corn syrup consumption. In my opinion, that is a serious omission.

  The new USDA guidelines now tell us to minimize the intake of trans-fats, not eliminate the intake altogether, which is what you should do. Harvard guidelines are the same, and neither one is recommending that trans-fats should be banned altogether from our food supply, which it should --- as has been done in other more health conscious countries.

  USDA guidelines now acknowledge that your fat intake should be 20% to 35% of your daily caloric intake. The USDA lumps all sources of fats together. Harvard separates the fats between beef and fish or poultry, suggesting that you eat more fish and poultry then beef.

  We concur and also recommend you choose lean beef. Buy grass fed organic beef, if you can, to keep from ingesting hormones, antibiotics, and chemicals mixed in with their feed.

  According to Harvard, good sources of healthy unsaturated fats include olive, canola, soy, corn, sunflower, peanut, and other vegetable oils, as well as fatty fish such as salmon. 

  What they don’t tell you is that canola oil is made from genetically modified rape seed, is used as an industrial oil and insecticide, and that there is evidence of long term health problems.

  They also don’t tell you that farmed Salmon are not a good source of omega 3 fatty acids that are so important for your good health --- only Wild Salmon is. 

  Farmed salmon is nutrient deficient, contains artificial color and chemical additives to keep them from getting sick. Farmed salmon are raised in pens, are closely packed together and swim in their own and every other salmon’s excrement.  ps from blogmaster:  Absolutely the most healthy salmon on earth is Vital Choice

  We recommend you DO NOT use refined vegetable oils, such as recommended by MyPyramid and Harvard, as these oils are refined to death and are totally deficient in nutrients.

  Eggs, once banned as a cause of high cholesterol, are now included in the Harvard Food Pyramid. Eggs are a great source of protein plus an abundance of other nutrients. We have been recommending eggs as an excellent food source for a long time. It is probably the best single whole food you can eat. Sadly, some people are allergic to eggs.  ps from blogmaster: If you have never tried brown, free range eggs you won't believe how much better they taste than the white ones.  Brown, free range organic eggs are not as hard to find as they once were either.  You can even get them at Walmart.

  High on the USDA and Harvard food lists is eating vegetables in abundance and including fruit in your daily diet and we concur. However, they don’t tell you how to eat your vegetables and fruit.

  You should eat most vegetables and fruit raw. Vegetables you wish to cook are best steamed to where they are still crisp to preserve the vitamins, enzymes, flavanoids and phyto-chemicals they contain that are so vital to your good health. Over cooking vegetables depletes them of their nutrients. Fresh fruits and vegetables are much more nutrient rich than frozen. Buy fresh and organic whenever you can.

  Nuts and legumes (dries peas, beans, lentils), recommended by the Harvard Pyramid, are excellent sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and should be included in your daily diet.

  At home we always mix raw pumpkin or sun-flower seeds in with our raw salads. We also usually eat a hand full of dry roasted almonds or mixed organic nuts with organic raisins every day.

  If you like your alcohol, Harvard recommends one to two alcoholic drinks a day for men and only one for women. Sorry ladies, but that is the way they see it and we agree. Men metabolize alcohol better then women do. I have to admit though, that when my father was told he had to limit his drinking to one drink a day, he went from a 2oz. shot glass to an 8oz water glass.

  The USDA is still recommending three glasses of milk ever day (to the joy of the dairy industry) to get your calcium. From all the reading I have done, milk is one of the poorest resources to get calcium from.

  Harvard does not agree with the USDA and Harvard does not recommend you drink 3 glasses of milk per day and speaks about the millions of people who cannot tolerate dairy products, cannot digest milk or other dairy products, and get no nutritional value from milk or milk products, but do get intestinal gas and stomach upset.

  If you think you must drink milk, drink only organic, NON-HOMOGENIZED milk. Ask your health food store to get it for you.

  Harvard recommends eating lots of dark leafy vegetables, dried beans and taking nutritional supplements. To absorb calcium, Harvard recommends you get plenty of sunshine vitamin D, do muscle building exercise and take supplements. We recommend walking as the best kind of exercise for your body.

  Big on Harvard’s list is a multi-vitamin to overcome dietary deficiency problems and to supplement your food. Harvard’s multi-vitamin recommendation is to buy a generic multi-vitamin. 

  My recommendation, obviously, is that you buy the G.H.S. PLUS™ because all vitamins are not created equal. 

  All too many vitamins are filled with useless and unnecessary compounds for bulk. In addition, generic vitamins will not cleanse the plaque out of your arteries nor prevent new plaque buildup.

  Only vitamins with the special formula that makes up the GHS Plus™ will do so and guarantee to give most everyone all the vitamin and mineral nutrition they need.

  And speaking of healthy eating, I cannot emphasize strongly enough, do not eat in fast food restaurants. Their food is probably the leading cause of obesity, type 2 diabetes, ADD, and ADHD in our children as well as type 2 diabetes and obesity in adults.

  Well there it is --- a blue print for healthy eating that you won’t get from our USDA, just as you won’t get natural cures from our FDA. There’s no money in it.

  To Your Good Health and Longevity!
  Ira Marxe,

  GOOD HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

  Health Matters Minutes is Copyrighted © 2005
  AntiAging Life Extension Dot Com, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
  No part of this publication may be reproduced without
  express written permission from the publisher.

  Good Health Supplements™ products are dietary supplements
  and are in no way intended to diagnose, treat, cure
  or prevent any disease.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_usdas_new_food_guide_pyramid_vs_the_harvards_pyramid_version.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_is_hypertension.mws hnasc 2005-07-10T10:07:56-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_is_hypertension.mws

  What is hypertension?

  Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure, can be defined as the force that the blood exerts on the veins and arteries while it circulates around the body.

  Blood pressure is controlled by a variety of organs and body systems, including the heart, the blood vessels, the kidneys, the brain and the adrenal glands, as well as the complex interaction between the body systems.

  We measure blood pressure by using two different numbers - systolic pressure (the top number) over diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Systolic pressure measures blood pressure as the heart contracts and pushes blood through the arteries. Diastolic pressure is taken when the heart relaxes.

  Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 or lower. It is important to note that blood pressure varies from person to person and can fluctuate from moment to moment. One or two high readings does not necessarily mean that you have hypertension or high blood pressure.

  If your blood pressure has measured 140/90 or higher on at least two separate occasions, your doctor should recommend a 24 hour BP (blood pressure) monitor, which will show whether your BP remains chronically high. This will help to measure whether you have hypertension or high blood pressure.

  This information courtesy of Native Remedies, makers of Aqua-Rite for Hypertension and Blood Pressure Control
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/what_is_hypertension.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_directed_thought_can_help_you_achieve_your_goals.mws hnasc 2005-07-19T12:07:07-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_directed_thought_can_help_you_achieve_your_goals.mws
  Note from blogmaster: I love these little wisdom snippets.  Sometimes just shifting the way you think about something can set your course in a more positive direction.  In fact, a friend of mine just wrote me a very brief email this morning in response to something I had said the day before.  In one sentence, he shifted my perception of the situation to a more positive note.  I hope something you find here today will assist you in an empowering way.  In this article, the two words that most captivated me were directed thought.  Wow, how many times during the day do I let events, situations and feelings run my thoughts rather than choosing to direct them myself?
  "All achievements, whether in the business, intellectual, or spiritual world, are the result of definitely directed thought." - As A Man Thinketh
  
  Have you ever heard the expression that most people spend more time planning their vacation than they do planning their lives? I would expand that expression by adding that most people spend more time "thinking" about their vacation than they do thinking about what's important in their life.
  
  While rest and relaxation are a must in living a balanced life, it's not what we were created to do. After all, the Master Creator took his R&R on the seventh day, only after six days of "definitely directed thought."
  
  Wallace D. Wattles wrote "There is no labor from which most people shrink as they do from that of sustained and consecutive thought; it is the hardest work in the world." And yet it is the first and primary labor of achievement.
  
  Have you given some “definitely directed thought” to your life's purpose or your personal mission statement? Is it written down? Do you review it and think about it often? Is your life organized around your purpose and a set of goals that support that purpose? Are the actions you take everyday in harmony with your purpose?
  
  Without purpose and goals - definitely directed thought - you are like the proverbial "ship without a rudder," wandering everywhere while going nowhere. There is power in your purpose and in your goals. It is the power that takes you over obstacles, the fuel that propels you toward the life you envision. As Bob Proctor says, “Purpose gives meaning to WHY you’re doing what you’re doing.”
  
  And that's worth thinking about.
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_directed_thought_can_help_you_achieve_your_goals.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/transforming_the_world_thru_spiritual_cinema.mws hnasc 2005-07-26T05:07:03-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/transforming_the_world_thru_spiritual_cinema.mws

  Message from the blogmaster:  As a professional actress, I've recently had an awakening around issues of accountability and mission.  This message from Stephen Simon kind of echos my own feeling that changing the face of cinema in this country is in the hands of the spiritually aware.  Each day we are either supporting that change or resisting it.  I want to support it.  I hope you enjoy Stephen's story. 

  A Personal Message From Stephen Simon, producer of SOMEWHERE IN TIME and WHAT DREAMS MAY COME, and co-founder of The Spiritual Cinema Circle.

  The Transformational Power of Spiritual Cinema
  Part Three: The Power Of Spiritual Cinema
  
  Dear Friend,
  
  I had a spiritual crisis some years ago, but out of that crisis came a re-birth into a new life and an awakened passion for something new that I want to bring into the world. In my years as a mainstream Hollywood producer I made a few deeply spiritual movies such as Somewhere In Time. I also turned out more than a few popcorn-munching hits like Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure. Yes, I confess to bringing to the world the immortal line 'Party On, Dudes!'

  My spiritual crisis came after producing a thriller starring Madonna and Willem Dafoe. Just about everything went wrong that could possibly go wrong in the making of the movie (and believe me, that's saying something!) At one of the pre-release screenings I had the unforgettable experience of sitting incognito in the audience, listening to the audience boo and howl at some of Madonna's lines. Then, at the end of the movie I sat in a painful cringe as I listened to sustained boos, catcalls, even profanity.
  
  After this experience I sank into a profound funk. Fortunately, though, I am blessed to have always been surrounded by magnificent women who are true expressions of the Divine Feminine. One of them, a woman I was seeing at the time, brought me out of my depression. She took me by the shoulders and looked me fiercely in the eye. She told me that this experience was not a mistake-it was a GIFT! She told me that this awful experience had to happen in order to show me that I was not fulfilling my true life purpose.

  When she said these words to me I felt a thunderbolt of inspiration pass through me. It was as if I awakened out of a trance to what I knew I must do with my life. I dedicated my life to bringing movies to the world that are not only entertaining but are also stories that heal, transform and inspire us all.
  
  The Choices You Make
  Every minute of every day, you and I are making choices that determine the quality of our lives. You make healthier choices about the food you eat, and suddenly you feel lighter, clearer, and more energetic. You make a choice to contribute to a cause you support, and suddenly you feel like an engaged participant rather than a bystander. The same thing holds true for the entertainment you bring into your life.
  
  Your Choice
  I made a commitment to grow a community around the world - a community of people who believe in the transformational power of movies. Now, people in more than 70 countries have joined The Spiritual Cinema Circle.

  In your heart, do you want to realize your full potential as a human being? Learn valuable life-lessons in compassion, forgiveness, and inner strength? Make a difference in the world? I do, and if you feel that way, too, join the thousands of us around the world who are taking a stand for entertainment that awakens us to new possibilities in our lives.
  
  I believe deeply in the power of Spiritual Cinema to change the world. If enough of us join hands and hearts around the world, we can help bring a new story into being for all of us - a story of love, hope and healing for our whole human family. Please join me in bringing that reality into being.

  Warmest thoughts,

  Stephen Simon
  

   

  *     *     *     *     *     *     *

   

  Join the Spiritual Cinema Circle today!  As a member you'll receive a new DVD with FOUR inspiring new movies every month, PLUS access to our members-only website, exclusive original movies, special bonuses and more.  The DVDs are yours to keep, so you never have to return anything, and there's NO RISK - you can cancel any time.

   

  CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CIRCLE NOW!
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/transforming_the_world_thru_spiritual_cinema.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/10_ways_to_find_the_love_of_your_life.mws hnasc 2005-07-29T03:07:22-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/10_ways_to_find_the_love_of_your_life.mws

  Note from the blogmaster:  Romance is so far from anything I'm looking for in my life (been there, done that, had it done to me, over it) but I do believe in hypnosis for positive change so if you are looking for a new romance or need to rekindle the intimate relationships in your life, this article may be helpful.  They come from a certified hypnotherapist with some excellent programs for self-transformation..

  Here are 10 ways to help yourself find the love of your life! And even if you have a significant other already, these same solutions are guaranteed to bring passion, romance, commitment, intimacy, and love back into your current love life.

  • 1. Attract! Using the power of your imagination let your mind run free in creating the exact right person for you. You deserve to feel love and be loved. Get Attracting a Loving Relationship, regularly $69.
  • 2. Communicate Openly: These eight hypnotic tracks in Couples Hypnosis regularly $99 will help you heal old wounds, release resentment, forgive, create intimacy, and much more! Created for couples, but will work for singles who want to learn better communication to use in their next relationship or heal past relationships.
  • 3. Get Luck on YOUR side: A little luck never hurt anybody when going after their love of their life. In Good Luck Hypnosis, regularly $89, learn to recognize the right chance encounters that may be available to help you meet that perfect person for you.
  • 4. Use your Intuition: Get in touch with your intuition. Tired of making bad relationship choices. In Tap into your Psychic Power, regularly $69, you can learn to trust and listen to what your intuition tells you about a person Put the white light of protection all around you to cause you to only meet people who are good for your soul.
  • 5. Use your Brain: Having a great memory has a very positive affect on others. In Amazing Brain Training, regularly $59, you will increase your memory, gain instant recall, and become proficient in visualization (so you can visualize your perfect love life) and much more.
  • 6. Of course, it never hurts to increase the size of your sexual anatomy! Male Enhancement regularly $99. Breast Enhancement regularly $79. Or Double Enhancement Pack $159.
  • 7. Get good in bed. It stands to reason that the better you are at sex, the more confidence you will have in your love life. And confidence is a very attractive force. Hypnotic Erotic Treasure Chest for Women, regularly $69 or HypnoSexual Tool Box for Men, regularly $69. Or Hypnotic Erotic Combo $119.
  • 8. Carrying around extra weight? Even if Mr. or Ms. Right wouldn’t care if you put on a few extra pounds, it affects you! If you are tired of going around in circles putting it on, taking it off, putting it on again, etc. It’s time to change your weight forever with the Ultimate Weight Loss Power Pack, regularly $129.
  • 9. Make more money! One of the biggest problems couples face is money! And if you are looking, having a few extra dollars to spend will definitely improve your chances of finding the right mate. Whether you are a man or a woman, it’s a very attractive trait in others when they have financial stability and a few extra bucks to buy nice gifts, go on romantic adventures, or just having the extra confidence of knowing that you have money in the bank. In Manifest Money, I’ll teach you the hypnotic secrets of creating abundance, regularly $99.
  • 10. Love yourself! Feel good about yourself from the inside out, have increased self-confidence you will be in a much easier place to find true love. In True to You, regularly $39, improve your self-esteem, and self-confidence so you can attract a person with these same traits.
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/10_ways_to_find_the_love_of_your_life.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_motivate_yourself_toward_success.mws hnasc 2005-08-02T07:08:36-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_motivate_yourself_toward_success.mws
  Message from the blogmaster:  When I lived in Los Angeles, and was actively seeking a career in film and television, the biggest obstacle I faced was motivation.  I loved acting but I absolutely detested the entire audition process, the driving in bumper to bumper traffic, and the capricious way most acting jobs seemed to be filled.  Over and over again, I'd see commercials air that I had read for and see people in the part I had read for that were totally different than the role I read for.  Sometimes, it seemed to me that there was no rhyme or reason for not getting a role.  Each morning, I'd get out of bed and start my day.  A typical day might include getting resume copies made, or getting copies of my demo reel and then setting out for auditions or networking events or classes.  I was in a position to not have to worry about money, the last time I went to L.A. so I spent my days entirely focused on acting.  But after months of literally driving all day (Los Angeles is about 55 miles wide and an audition can be in Burbank or West L.A. or Santa Monica or even as far as Manhattan Beach.  Some days, I had three auditions and/or callbacks in one day and they might be 20 miles apart.  That doesn't sound like much mileage if you live where I live now, in rural Alabama but in Los Angeles, 20 miles could take two hours.  So, if you are pursuing an acting or film industry career, you'd better gird yourself about with as much motivation as you can come up with, every day. 
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_to_motivate_yourself_toward_success.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/have_you_seen_this_flick.mws hnasc 2005-08-09T03:08:07-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/have_you_seen_this_flick.mws
  Do you know about IMDB? I love that site. I'm on it too. You can just search for "Neva Howell" and find me. cool. They have an email thing you can sign up for that is lots of fun. It's called "cool today". This is a review from the "cool today" email that I just got this morning. Hope you enjoy it! Also, if you have seen the movie, perhaps you could post your own review here?
  IMDb MOVIE OF THE DAY
  
  In the world of romantic comedies, a love triangle of some sort is generally an essential ingredient. How to put a fresh spin on that old standby? Simply make it a love square, which is exactly what happens in the frothy 1998
  British comedy The Very Thought of You. The corners of the square are made of three lifelong friends - Frank (Rufus Sewell), a frustrated actor, Daniel (Tom Hollander), a successful music executive, and Laurence (Joseph
  Fiennes), a bridge teacher to the wealthy - and one quirky young woman named Martha (Monica Potter), who has impulsively fled her life in America to start anew in London.
  While there are plenty of laughs to be found in each man's time spent with Martha, it is the way the guys relate their experiences meeting her that feels fresh, revealing more about themselves than the woman herself, while filling us in on what really happened in a very non-linear and enjoyable manner. These glimpses at the distinct
  personalities of each man also serve to give the audience a very detailed sketch of the complicated relationship of the three old friends, so that at times the friendship is more interesting to watch than the pursuit of
  Martha. Awash in brilliant colors and Martha's energy, the romantic storyline does dominate again in the end, but not before examining and rearranging the idea of the friendship for the three men. - Heather Campbell
  
  
  If you wanta read more about this film, just visit imdb.com or
  buy The Very Thought of You @ Amazon.com
  
  Research is a vital part of acting training that a lot of people overlook.  I hardly ever just watch a tv show or movie for pure entertainment.  I'm always watching the acting and learning what works and doesn't work.  To study tv, movies and series try tv.org
  
  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/have_you_seen_this_flick.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/a_message_for_your_fridays.mws hnasc 2005-08-20T09:08:54-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/a_message_for_your_fridays.mws
  Note from the blogmaster: Goal setting.....tough. One thing that helps me is to break big goals down into manageable steps toward. I have a "priority to do" list for each day and, a lot of days, it will change several times. This is because life changes me....I learn more, my priorities shift, etc. I've learned that flexibility is vital to achieving my goals but, at first, that idea seemed counter-productive. I thought I had to have single-minded focus all the time on one thing. It works better for me to keep the "big picture" rather constant in my mind but let the day to day shift and flow, like water flows. Here's another motivational tidbit from my friend Jack at www.actorsite.com Hope you enjoy it.
  !!HAPPY FRIDAY!!
  
  Hope all is well and keeping up the good fight! I love
  FRIDAY'S. Today is the day you ask yourself if you got
  everything accomplished you set yourself to do at the
  beginning of the week. DID YOU?
  
  If not, don't fret because now you have the weekend to
  strategize next week. It is getting busier and busier
  out there. And if you pay attention to the LA ACTORS
  FORUMS on the website, (ps from blogmaster: I think
  you may have to be a member of actorsite to post to
  this forum but I think you can read posts without joining,
  there should be a link to the forum on the main site)
  you know that actorsiters are WORKIN!!!
  Maybe it is time to reevalute what you have
  been trying and do something totally different than
  your routine. If you have been putting off auditioning
  for the Actorsite, that would be a GREAT start. Have a
  GREAT weekend!
  
  
  People seldom see the halting and painful steps by
  which the
  most insignificant success is achieved.
  -- Anne Sullivan
  
  Niney-nine percent of failures come from people who
  have the
  habit of making excuses.
  -- George W. Carver
  
  Enthusiasm - the sustaining power of all great action.
  -- Samuel Smiles
  
  Fate knows where you are going, but it is up to you to
  drive there.
  -- Michelle Keesling
  
  
  Free Unlimited Movies
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/a_message_for_your_fridays.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/good_advice_from_an_acting_buddy_costarring_on_the_ering.mws hnasc 2005-09-08T01:09:31-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/good_advice_from_an_acting_buddy_costarring_on_the_ering.mws

  Note from Blogmaster:  I just got this great email from a friend I met in Los Angeles.  Michael is from Atlanta, Georgia.  He and I landed at Actorsite about the same time and took some classes and workshops together.  He has a great look and great talent to go with it so I expect great things from Michael in the future.  In this email, he tells about his recent success in booking a co-star role in "E-Ring, the new series with Benjamin Bratt and Dennis Hopper.  Matthew McCarthy also plays a role in the new series and, yes, I am one of those folks he talks about who swooned over the smile of Andrew McCarthy too so it's nice to know he's on tv too.  Look for Michael on this and the other performances he mentions below.  In addition to just talking about himself, as we actors so love to do, Michael also shares some really good advice for aspiring actors so I hope you gleen some new awareness from this article as well.  Neva

   

  From Michael:   I auditioned for and booked Jerry Bruckheimer's new show "The E-Ring."  The show stars Benjamin Bratt and Dennis Hopper with Andrew McCarthy as a series regular.  Look them all up on IMDB.

  I know all you ladies of the eighties know Andrew, as he literally defined the decade with his white blazers, pink shirts, and thin leather ties! Definitely one of the "Brat Pack." Not to mention a smile that many of you swooned for! :) I will be playing "NMCC Officer Burton."  Just a co-star role, but I play through the entire episode.  Some stuff in the beginning and some in the end. 

  Very cool to meet screen legend Dennis Hopper.  I was on set for eight days and we ate lunch together most of those days.  I guess we can say we are friends now. Pretty cool, I think.  Also, get this, he was born in Dodge City, KS. and raised in Kansas City, so we instantly hit it off.  For those of you who think he is any different off screen than on, you are wrong.  One listen to that famous "Hopper laugh"  tells the story.  Very infectious. 

  The show deals with issues regarding the outer offices of the Pentagon-the e-ring of the Pentagon.  The first show airs on September 7, and my episode airs September 28 at 9pm.  I just got wrapped from set last night.  Hopefully, this small role could be a stepping stone to the next small role and so on until I can prove myself in this morass of desperate people called L.A.! 

  I work harder than anybody I know to promote myself and that already increases my odds thousand fold.  Many people say they are actors and have never even TRIED to take the first step.  So when you hear the statistics(millions of actors) and look at the facts(only a few-hundred thousand actually work on their career) it becomes a little more hopeful.  I think the rest like to say they are actors, go to the right parties, get drunk, see and be seen(drunk, high, etc..) and basically just talk the talk.

  
  Automatically the odds get better for those of us who actually promote, study, audition on a daily basis etc...  I don't plan on "overnight fame and fortune", but I do plan to keep working steadily.  Ultimately, what say do I
  have anyway, it's in God's hands.  I just gotta' show up and suit up and leave the rest to Him. I will keep an open heart and mind, be willing to listen, and somehow, miraculously, end up exactly where he wills me to be. Just like always.  Funny how that works, huh?  Anyway, let me exit stage left, and thanks for listening to this long winded self aggrandizing email.

  
  For more information, please visit my website by clicking the link on the bottom of this mail.  It is being updated as the photo and style of the site are horribly outdated.  Check back every couple of weeks for the  updated
  version.  Please pass this email on to anyone who may care, as I don't have a huge address book. 

  Oh!  One more thing,  The movie "Last Goodbye" starring Faye Dunaway and David Carradine will be out on Warner Home Video September 27.  I play the role of "Medic Chris" with David Carradine's daughter whose name just happens to be Kansas.  Pretty cool name.  Wonder if she's a Jayhawk's fan?...  In summation, rent me in "Last Goodbye" September 27, and watch for me on "The E-Ring" on September 28.  It airs on NBC.  9pm. Probably 8pm central.  P.S.  All of my scenes are actually WITH Dennis!! So cool.  Great footage for my demo reel.  Ok!  Really am done.  Love y'all.
  

  Recommended Resources:

  The Actor's Pack
  Dov Simens Film School
  Movie Plot Generator for Writers
   

  Michael Patrick Larson - Visit Michael's website for more about him.  I love supporting actors with Spirit behind the craft and Michael has that as you can see from the article above.  Neva

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/good_advice_from_an_acting_buddy_costarring_on_the_ering.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/got_faith_the_most_important_element_of_success.mws hnasc 2005-09-08T05:09:45-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/got_faith_the_most_important_element_of_success.mws

  Note from blogmaster:  Just got my weekly emeditation from asamanthinketh and though it sort of synchronistically aligned with the message that Michael Larson sent earlier today.  Hope you enjoy it.  I am often reminded of the verse in the bible that defines faith as the evidence of things unseen.  How powerful is that statement.  If faith depended on things being all lined up and complete before we invested ourselves, it wouldn't be faith.  Blessings, Neva

  This week's eMeditation:

  "Faith and purpose constitute the motive-power of life. There is nothing that a strong faith and an unflinching purpose may not accomplish." –
  (The Path to Prosperity)
  
  In my darkest hours, when it appeared I didn’t have a whole lot to hang onto, I somehow managed to develop the most important element of success in any undertaking: Faith.
  
  I remember driving down the road in the 12-year-old automobile I had borrowed from a friend (because I had lost mine), telling myself over and over that it was just a matter of time before my fortunes were going to improve. It was a principle that I had borrowed from Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich: “Repetition of affirmation of orders to your subconscious mind is the only known method of voluntary development of the emotion of faith…This is the equivalent of saying that any impulse of thought which is repeatedly passed on to the subconscious mind is, finally, accepted and acted upon by the subconscious mind, which proceeds to translate that impulse into its physical equivalent, by the most practical procedure available.”
  
  One of the most quoted verses of the Christian Bible is Paul’s instructions that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.” That in itself tells us that we must see our desired outcome despite our present condition. In a similar way, Answers.com defines Faith as “belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.”
  
  Faith is so important to success that Hill devoted an entire chapter to it, calling it “the second step toward riches (or success in any endeavor).” James Allen was even stronger in his statement above that “There is nothing that a strong faith and an unflinching purpose may not accomplish.”
  
  As Napoleon Hill also tells us:
  
  FAITH is the starting point of all accumulation of riches!
  FAITH is the basis of all “miracles,” and all mysteries which cannot be analyzed by the rules of science!
  FAITH is the only known antidote for FAILURE!
  
  And that’s worth thinking about.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/got_faith_the_most_important_element_of_success.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/is_your_ipod_causing_hearing_loss.mws hnasc 2005-09-09T08:09:38-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/is_your_ipod_causing_hearing_loss.mws

  Sorry, I Didn't Hear You

  How's your hearing these days? Got a cell phone or personal audio device such as a CD player or iPod? Listen to what this expert has to say.

  Audio expert Robert Novak says, "We're starting to see hearing loss in yöung adults that we expect to diagnose in middle-aged adults. This loss is often self-induced and may be related to young people's exposure to amplified sound and use of personal listening systems, such as cell phones and portable music devices. The damage can be temporary or permanent."

  What will be next...brain cancer from cell phones...studies say no...some experts cautiously say yes...only time will tell....oh sorry, what was that, I didn't hear you.

  To your good health...in all its forms!
  
  Jim Utzinger
  Health Matters Minutes Editor

  P.S. Don't miss the NEW Advanced Formula GHS p.m.Plus which is part of the incredible GHS 24-hour anti-aging program. Get the details!

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/is_your_ipod_causing_hearing_loss.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/control_how_you_perceive_challenges_delays_mistakes_and_motives_of_others.mws hnasc 2005-09-09T09:09:09-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/control_how_you_perceive_challenges_delays_mistakes_and_motives_of_others.mws

  Note from Blogmaster: I've used both hypnosis tapes and subliminal tapes many times during my life, to help me shift negative thinking in some area or to expand thinking in another. They do work but only if you work them. I went thru several periods where I just threw them all to the back of a closet and said "none of these things work". However, looking back on those times, I realize that slowly but surely, I was changing. After being exposed to new thought, I never quite went back to my old ways of thinking, even though it sometimes seemed I had made no progress. However, I have also discovered that no one tape or program works for everyone.  Don't give up if the first tape you try doesn't work for you.  Find another company, try another approach.  Something will click when you discover the methods, programs and programming that are right for you, to help you create the changes you want in your life.

  
  

  This interesting selfhelp article invites you to look at what you might be calling a failure in your own life, in a new way. Blessings, Neva

  
  

  You did not fail
  
  So you didn't win. It didn't turn out exactly like you
  wanted. The phone call that you didn't want came anyway.
  You got turned down.
  
  So what?
  
  You're still alive... tomorrow gives you another chance...
  You learned lessons that will help you in the future...
  Game's not over till you cash your chips in... There are
  more fish in the sea... There are better jobs... You are
  more experienced now... Notice what you still have... You
  can still win... It's a new chapter... It's not so bad,
  really... Now you can do what you really love...
  
  In our research comparing the moment-by-moment thoughts,
  attitudes and core beliefs of people who set and reach
  challenging objectives in all areas of life and who never
  ever suffer from depression and undue anxiety, one of the
  core 22 mental patterns they have been conditioned
  throughout their lives to have is that they keep their
  setbacks and big challenges in the proper perspective.
  Actually they shrink them down.
  
  This is a two-step process, actually.
  
  First, they are free of any unconscious habit of blowing
  their "problems" up in their minds.
  
  Second, because their challenges, problems, setbacks and
  delays seem normal-sized to begin with, it's easier to
  "shrink" them down.
  
  Keep in mind this process is not necessarily a conscious
  one. The top dogs don't know or are they necessarily aware
  that they do this as "problems" keep popping up in their
  daily lives.
  
  The just "seem to deal with things" better than most
  everyone else and keep going full steam ahead.
  
  Just like any skill that you aren't good at, those who are
  best at this, weren't great at it their whole lives. It
  takes practice. So if you have no challenges, problems or
  setbacks - if neither you nor anyone around you ever makes
  costly mistakes, then you won't have a chance to practice
  keeping things in perspective.
  
  That was a joke, just so ya know.
  
  Sure. Everyone has challenges every day. But a growing
  number of people are getting programmed by the drug
  companies to believe that they have something wrong with
  them... that they have a "disease" or that they have a
  "chemical imbalance" or that they are "clinically" this and
  "clinically" that.
  
  It's all expert marketing on the part of the drug
  companies and doctor's inability to help with people's
  physical manifestations to mental stress.
  
  It's the inability to "deal with things" that cause stress
  and the resulting anxiety, frustration, anger, despondency,
  jealousy, confusion and hopelessness which in turn can
  cause horrendous physical symptoms of all kinds including
  insomnia, stomach problems, body pains, and a host of
  diseases too numerous to list.
  
  All because of the lack of Releasing Pattern #9.
  
  In 99 percent of the cases where people are put on SSRIs
  or some other "anti-depressant" by well-meaning but
  unknowing doctor, it is usually not warranted. In fact
  it's harmful. Possibly deadly.
  
  This is important.
  
  You can control how you perceive challenges, delays,
  mistakes and motives of other people...
  
  You can shrink them down in your mind.
  
  You can "deal" with your daily stuff so that you don't
  feel stressed out.
  
  It's all in "how you look at it."
  
  And you can master this important skill.
  
  Heck, I can't think of many skills that are more
  important. Can you?
  
  Want to feel better? Want to win more in pressure packed
  situations? Want to feel confident, self-assured, at peace?
  
  Want the anger to subside? Want feelings of hopelessness
  to diminish?
  
  All Think Right Now! programs are designed to give you
  this skill as it pertains to the subject of the program.
  
  Just listen to them as suggested and write out as many as
  10 statements at a time and carry them with you wherever
  you go. Read them out loud or to yourself with high
  emotion every chance you get... but at a minimum of 3 times
  a day, morning, noon and night before you go to sleep.
  
  This is how to install these patterns.
  
  They won't be "unconscious" (automatic) unless you put
  them in with spaced repetition. Practice. Get experience
  with them.
  
  It's not rocket science. Not space aged. And not some
  wacky subliminal tape with ocean waves supposedly covering
  up secret words.
  
  No.
  
  It's the way your brain needs it to be.
  
  Doing this process, you will begin to feel how you command
  yourself to feel. You will do what you command yourself
  to do.
  
  And you will start living the life you want to live.
  
  -----------------------------------------
  
  Here's what Shari in Austin, Texas had to say about our
  Freedom From Depression Now! program:
  
  I had been having difficulties with meeting my boss'
  expectations last year. We had started on a bad foot in
  October 2003 -- my first day working for her was only two
  days after I was in a car accident and had a tough time
  figuring out a new job while recovering from a back/neck
  injury that I tried to ignore.
  
  When I listened to the TRN CD (during a period of time
  when I would not be seeing my boss for a few weeks) I was
  struck by how some of the affirmations really made sense in
  a way that I hadn't realized before.
  I didn't realize that depression could be related to
  feeling powerless to change circumstances that did not meet
  my needs, etc.
  
  I didn't notice anything particular -- not right away.
  What I did notice, however, was a hugely improved way of
  relating to my boss. I didn't worry about her so much...
  What she thought of me or whether she was happy about a
  particular thing. I just did my job. About two weeks
  later, my boss mentioned that I'd been "doing a great job
  lately." When she thought back to put her comment into
  perspective, she indicated that it was just in the 2-week
  period of the new year (and I said something like, "That's
  okay, I appreciate the compliment"). Months later in my
  review she noted that she was not sure what I was doing
  differently, but that I should keep it up... That my
  performance was better, I was calmer, and actually
  working/struggling a little LESS about work and keeping up
  better with my family obligations.
  
  I don't know what it could be, except for listening to the
  Think Right Now Freedom from Depression Now program. I
  highly recommend it.
  ---------------------------------------
  
  Cool. Thanks for sharing Shari!
  
  Well, that's all for now.
  
  Remember, whatever you can dream, you can do it. Nothing
  is too big for you to overcome.
  
  I love you all!
  
  
  Mike Brescia of Think Right Now!
  The Most Visited Personal Development Product Site On Earth

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/control_how_you_perceive_challenges_delays_mistakes_and_motives_of_others.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/utas_exercises_flexing_your_reality_from_jill_place_the_acting_intuitive.mws hnasc 2005-09-13T06:09:43-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/utas_exercises_flexing_your_reality_from_jill_place_the_acting_intuitive.mws

  Note from blogmaster: I met Jill Place during the 10 months I lived in Burbank, California. I was immediately taken with her enthusiasm, her generosity, her spirituality and her knowledge. Although I never got the oppportunity to take Jill's class, I can say that I'd still recommend her highly, based on knowing her. I part ways with Uta Hagen in some respects, just as I do with Strasberg. Chekhov is much more my "acting bag". However, Uta's "act as if" has gotten me through some tough auditions and even through some tough times in my life. I hope you enjoy this article and if you have the chance to study with Jill, I hope you'll give yourself that luxury. Jill's website: www.actingintuitive.com p.s. If you are into Chekhov as am I, you might enjoy my online acting class: The Power Connection

  Uta's Exercises: Flexing your Reality from Jill Place's experiences with this acting master

  I have to admit that I didn't really appreciate Uta Hagen until recently. Yes, like all great acting teachers, she had the ability to incisively diagnose your acting ills. She also massaged you when you did well. And gave you a shot when you needed it.

  But I what I didn't understand when I was a young actor lucky enough to be in her class was that, like all great acting teachers, she had also developed a simple system to make actors better. I kept watching and doing all those interesting exercises. And wondering what this all had to do with acting. Now I finally know.

  Uta's basic tenet for acting was also simple. "I must find myself in the role!", she said. "First you must learn who you are. You must find your own sense of identity, enlarge this sense of self, and learn how to see how that knowledge can be put to use in the character you will portray on stage."

  To this end, she created a series of exercises to solve acting problems "based on a misunderstanding or omission of something fundamental to human behavior and response." When I learned Tai Chi, my teacher broke down the form and taught it to me step-by-step so that I could eventually perform it correctly and fluidly. When I learned the entire form, I finally understood the artistry of it. Uta said that the exercises taught the vitally important acting skill of self-observation and that they "should set up an automatic rehearsal process where you work all day long." And, like my Tai Chi practice, they built one upon the other to reveal your acting artistry.

  I highly recommend that you rent or buy the DVD, Uta Hagen's Acting Class. It helped me finally understand her system. Also, I'd suggest her books, Respect for Acting and A Challenge for the Actor (ps from Neva: I tried to locate these books on amazon.com but didn't find them. You might want to check your library.) . No other acting coach I know paid such meticulous attention to detail as a way of building "reflexes in the reality of the behavior." Once these reflexes worked well, the actor was then free to concentrate on the responsibilities of the part.

  There are ten basic exercises. I'll briefly describe each of them in this and the next two articles. Before we begin, however, here are six essential questions that Uta suggests you ask yourself about your character. They are also preparation for each exercise:

  1. Who am I? What is my present state of being? How do I perceive myself? What am I wearing?
  2. What are the circumstances? What time is it? Where am I? What surrounds me? What are the immediate circumstances?
  3. What are my relationships? What is my relationship to the situation, the place, the objects, and the other people related to my circumstances?
  4. What do I want? What is my main objective? My immediate need?
  5. What is my obstacle? What is in the way of what I want? How do I overcome it?
  6. What do I do to get what I want? What are my actions?

  Exercise One: Destination
  Uta said that "every move we make . . . evolves from specific needs under particular circumstances." In life, you are always coming from somewhere and going to something whether you are in flight or have landed. At each stage of the journey, you also know what you're doing there. When you're acting, it's no different. For example, one of my students began the scene from Postcards from the Edge where the Meryl Streep character meets the Dennis Quaid character. She chose to sit in a bar. My comment was, "you're a recovering addict. Why are you in a bar?" We then explored the destinations that she had had a bad first day on the set, entered the bar to get a drink, had second thoughts, got a coke instead and then went and sat at a table to mull over the day. The bar then began to make her uncomfortable. She was leaving when the other character entered because he saw her in the window. Now both characters had reasons for specific movement and for being there. Uta also encouraged us to bring in whatever props we needed to make the experience real for us. So, for the first exercise, Uta instructed us to "explore two or three minutes of your behavior in the pursuit of a simple task, taking into careful consideration all of the six steps." Behavior that necessitated an entrance and an exit. We were also told to spend at least an hour of active rehearsal time to accomplish a two- to three-minute exercise.
  

  
  

  Popular Training Resource:
  

  Vocal Release System with Eric Frey
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/utas_exercises_flexing_your_reality_from_jill_place_the_acting_intuitive.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/dont_judge_just_observe.mws hnasc 2005-09-14T09:09:07-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/dont_judge_just_observe.mws

  Note from Blogmaster: Here's another little acting exercise from Jack over at Actor Site. However, this exercise would be equally valuable whatever your job. One problem with observing ourselves is that we simultaneously judge ourselves, which keeps us from clearly seeing ourselves. Turn off the judgment and learn about yourself. Neva

  The Power Connection
  
  

  =============================================
  Try to disconnect yourself and just observe!
  =============================================
  
  Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die...
  Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.
  -Langston Hughes
  
  Sometimes it's good to turn off the TV,
  turn off the stereo, turn off the computer, find a place
  where you are alone and just observe and use your mind to
  take a total inventory of what your life is and what your
  creative opportunities are.
  
  The key to observing is to watch learn and grow from the
  experience and try to keep from
  judging yourself and your progress, but just observe.
  
  If you sit and observe, you will see that progress is made
  one small step at a time, and you can give yourself credit
  for each little bit of progress that you make.
  
  You can observe your dark side, and how you repress it, your
  good side and how you repress that because you are afraid of
  being hurt....and most importantly, you can observe the way
  you relate to your world and your career and how your world and your
  career relate to you.
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack
  
  ==========================================
  It's GREAT to be an ACTORSITE MEMBER!
  ==========================================
  
  We have these WONDERFUL events coming up for our Members.
  
  Isn't it time you joined...these events are at no charge
  for paid up members.
  
  To Join: http://www.actorsite.com/cgi-bin/ppsignup.pl
  

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/dont_judge_just_observe.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/over_40_read_this.mws hnasc 2005-09-14T10:09:12-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/over_40_read_this.mws
  Note from blogmaster: I often post the articles from Vic Johnson over at asamanthinketh because they are so interesting. This one struck a cord with me because of my own recent life experience. Like Vic, I had a rude awakening about my years of sedentary living too. I was visiting a local creativity museum with my niece and nephew and realized i wasn't able to keep up with them, at all. When my nephew wanted to climb some stairs, I literally had to take about three at a time and then rest. So I undestand what Vic means when he says he almost died in Nashville, which was the original title of this article. I know about those streets in Nashville too. Same thing in Memphis. I hope you enjoy it.
  
  
  One of the worst days of my life:
  
  I still recall it very vividly. In downtown Nashville for a business convention, I was walking back to my hotel from the auditorium. Though not overly steep, some of the streets in downtown Nashville are at a significant incline (and decline). Although I had walked just a few blocks, my twenty-plus years of doing nothing about my health had finally caught up with me.
  
  As my breathing became very difficult and labored, my face grew flush and I became very dizzy. Finding no place to sit down, all I could do was stand there on the street, looking at how far I still had to climb. It was one of the most miserable and helpless feelings I have ever felt.
  
  Eventually I made it up the hill and into my room huffing and puffing all the way. Sitting down on the bed, I looked up and was looking directly into a mirror and again experienced a miserable feeling at what I saw.
  
  That was one miserable day BUT…..it led to….
  
  One of the best days of my life:
  
  Coming home from Nashville I made a vow that my health was going to become a high priority in my life. I made the irrevocable promise to myself that I was going to have to devote time to taking care of my body or else there would be someone else taking care of it (like the mortician).
  
  I have mostly kept that promise even through some periods where I didn’t spend as much time as I should. I’ve still got a long way to go to reach my goals but I have no doubt I will because I don’t like the option.
  
  This summer I was working out with my youngest son and some of his friends. That’s been a habit for quite a while and it’s helped me to reach a level of strength that is actually stronger than I was when I was a collegiate athlete. One day while I was in the middle of a bench press I heard my son say to one of his buddies, “that’s a fifty-year-old man doing that!” There was an obvious pride in his voice and it had a big impact on me because he had also been with me in the gym for my first workout in twenty-five years. He has witnessed the change and I know it will have a long-time impact on his own health.
  
  Why the story?
  
  Because I know there are a lot of folks who are in the same shape I was in that day in Nashville. If that’s you --- if you know in your heart of hearts that you’ve got to do something now about your health, then stop whatever you’re doing and check out Fit Over 40. It’s a great program by my friend Tom Venuto and his partner Jon Benson.
  
  I’ve known Tom for several years and he has a phenomenal background in fitness, including the number one diet and number one fitness book at Clickbank. ps. from blogmaster: I've shared Tom's fitness ebook on my site for years and it is consistently popular. Check it out here. When you see how Jon used to look as compared to his physique today, you’ll know that this “how to” book was written by someone who’s actually done what they’re preaching.
  
  As James Allen writes, “A person is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, healthy, and prosperous being.” If you don’t already have a plan that’s working, I hope you’ll take a moment now to learn more about Fit Over 40. I'd really like to have you as a subscriber for many, many more years to come :-)
  
  As always, thanks for supporting our site!
  
  Vic Johnson
  
  P.S. Tom told me that two of the bonuses are worth the cost of the program by themselves. First there’s Menopause, Hormones And Fitness: One Woman’s Incredible Journey To Become "The Fittest Female At 50". And for us guys there’s The Best Natural Ways to Increase Your Testosterone By Men’s Health Expert, Christian Finn. Learn more about them and Fit Over 40 now…
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/over_40_read_this.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/ada_gets_kiss_of_death.mws hnasc 2005-09-18T02:09:16-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/ada_gets_kiss_of_death.mws
  Note from the blogmaster: I've used natural, unfloridated toothpaste for many years now. It's a proven fact that standard dosages of flouride considered safe are based on very outdated studies that were not specific to human use. New studies need to be done in light of the fact that most of our water is flouridated as well as additional flouride many get in their toothpaste every day. Educate yourself on natural dental care.
  ADA Gets "Kiss of Death"...
  
  Opinion by Consumer Advocate Tim Bolen
  
  It had to happen sooner or later. The ADA (American Dental Association) has had a long run - with the posse chasing them. I'm surprised they've lasted this long.
  
  They'll scream, they'll holler, they'll whine, they'll whimper. They'll threaten, and they'll lash out - but in the end it won't matter - the American Dental Association is finished. Nail their doors shut. Board up their windows. It's soon to be all over for them.
  
  The ADA, as we know in the Health Freedom Movement, stateside, is an organization designed to protect the status quo in US dentistry. Never mind that the methods they protect are from two centuries ago.
  
  We also know that a significant part of the ADA's annual income comes from "product endorsement" (about 42%), and I have a strong feeling that to encourage that "endorsement," the ADA uses its contact with State Dental Boards, to prosecute Dentists that use products NOT endorsed - leaving a distinctive chill on the market.
  
  To read the whole article, click on the URL below:
  
  http://www.quackpotwatch.org/opinionpieces/ADA%20kissofdeath.htm
  
  and here: shocking news about flouride: www.apfn.org/apfn/flouride.htm
  
  Natural Dental Health Products
  The Bad Breath Report
  FREE BAD BREATH TEST
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/ada_gets_kiss_of_death.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/staying_more_healthy_this_fall_and_winter.mws hnasc 2005-09-20T12:09:32-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/staying_more_healthy_this_fall_and_winter.mws

  Fall Health from Native Remedies

  This Fall season follow these tips to help you and yours stay in top health and be your best during the seasonal and all year long:

  • Flu Shots - Check with your doctor or your local public health department to find out when the annual flu shot is available. If your doctor can give you the shot in the office combine it with a check-up. If your doctor does not give the shot check on local events for flu shot administration. You may also want to get a pneumonia shot also. Remember that the flu shot is recommended for all adults, especially those with a health condition such as diabetes or heart disease that makes them more at risk for the serious complications of the flu.
    
  • Exercise - Exercise is important all through the year, but can help you get in shape for the winter months. If you exercise by walking outdoors, it may be time to locate other places you can walk that are protected from harsh winter weather. Indoor shopping malls are great places to walk and often have walkers clubs that offer discounts. With the days getting colder, take a few extra minutes to warm up your body and stretch your muscles before you exercise. Also wear a handkerchief around your nose and mouth if it's really cold to warm up the air before it enters your lungs.
  • 
    

    Boost your energy with Native Remedies Fatigue Fighter to keep you going all season long.

    
    
  • Diet - Add all the fall vegetables to your diet. Many of the root vegetables are in season now and are an inexpensive and nutritious way to add variety to your diet.
    
  • Drink More Water – You can experience dehydration even during the winter. Dry central heat robs your body and skin of vital moisture. If you keep hydrated your mucous membranes also stay hydrated, working much more effectively to filter our disease causing organisms.
    
  • Sunscreen – Yes, even in the fall and winter months you should be thinking about sunscreen. If you're a skier, don't forget your sunscreen. The snow reflects the sun's rays and can quickly burn your skin. Don't let the cold temperatures fool you.
    
  • Second-Hand Smoke - Watch out for the effects of second-hand smoke. During cold weather, you may find yourself behind closed doors and windows with a smoker. Avoid inhaling smoke and check your home for proper ventilation.
    
  • Cold and Flu - Cover your face when you sneeze or cough, and wash your hands often to help stop the spread of the season's cold and flu germs. Get a flu shot if you are 65 or older; or if you have a chronic disease of the heart, lungs or kidneys.
    
  • Hats and Gloves - Wear a hat and gloves when you go outside. The hat keeps warmth from escaping through the top of your head—a major source of body heat loss. And the gloves help prevent painful frostbite.

  Also, be aware of Fall allergies. Late summer and early fall bring on another season that triggers allergic reactions. Outdoor molds become plentiful in the fall in gutters, soil, vegetation, rotting wood and fallen leaves. You can reduce your exposure to Fall allergens. For example, avoid being outdoors in the morning hours between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m. when pollen dispersal is peaking; avoid lots and fields where ragweed grows; shower and wash hair immediately after coming in from outside activities, and especially before going to bed; keep the windows and doors of your home and car closed.

  Remember, you can also take Native Remedies AllergiClear as a means for minimizing the impact of seasonal allergens.

  Here are a few more suggestions to take into consideration so that you can enjoy what this time of year has to offer.

  • Enjoy the year's most beautiful season -In many parts of the United States, autumn is a near-sacred season, with its warm, sunny days, cool evenings and postcard perfect colors. Get outside and enjoy the season by bicycling, walking, hiking, jogging, and playing golf and tennis.
    
  • In many parts of the country, autumn is synonymous with the apple harvest. Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, inhibiting the growth of dangerous plaques along blood vessel walls, and dietary fiber, apples are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed any time of day.

  Remember, it is important to do what you can to stay healthy all year long and now is the time to focus on how to stay healthy and well during the approaching Fall and Winter months.

  References: Marian Eure - About.com; Judy Tidwell – About.com; Life Time Fitness

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/staying_more_healthy_this_fall_and_winter.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_do_do_about_intestinal_parasites.mws hnasc 2005-09-29T04:09:23-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_do_do_about_intestinal_parasites.mws
  Note from the blogmaster:  As a wellness counselor, I find that many, many people do not realize the pervasive nature of parasites.  Parasites don't just clog up your colon.  They release feces, just like people and animals do.  And guess what, that waste floats around in your system.  Yuck.  Some parasites break off, like tapeworms and you've got the equivalent of dead body parts floating around as well as feces.  Double Yuck.  If a person has parasites long enough, they will drain that person of energy, vitality and good skin. 
   
  And parasites are a lot easier to pick up than most people realize too.  For example, if you have outside pets, or pets that go outside but then sleep inside, you can pick up parasites thru the feet just by walking thru where the pets have been, barefoot.  If they sleep with you, it's even easier to end up with them.
   
  People also pick up parasites from undercooked meats, handling raw meats without washing their hands and eating the eggs on lettuce or other plants that have not been thoroughly cleansed.  This article is timely and interesting. 
   
   
  Intestinal Parasites - Are they "bugging" you?
  By: Dr. Edward F.Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND,DACBN

  The human intestines contain a complex assortment of microbial organisms, healthy bacteria, yeast, and intestinal flora. These organisms work together to help the body absorb nutrients and repel foreign toxins. This relationship is symbiotic, benefiting both human beings and these intestinal organisms. Most people also have other organisms, called parasites, throughout their bodies, that are not as beneficial. A parasite is an organism that lives and feeds off of another organism, called a host. A parasite that makes its home in the human intestines can cause constipation, anal itching, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, malnutrition, cramps and more.

  What Are Intestinal Parasites?
  Intestinal parasites that remain prevalent in the United States include Enterobius vermicularis, Giardia lamblia, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, and Entamoeba histolytica.

  Enterobius vermicularis
  This parasite is commonly referred to as pinworm or roundworm. It has the largest geographic range of any of the other parasites. Humans are the only known host for this parasite, and over two hundred million people worldwide are infected.

  These parasitic worms live primarily in the large intestine, but eggs are often laid just outside the anus. This not only causes itching and irritation to the host, but it also increases the chances for transmission through shared toilet seat use.

  The cellophane tape test is often used to confirm the presence of pinworms. This test consists of touching tape to the anal area several times, and then examining it under a microscope for parasitic eggs. The test should be conducted first thing in the morning on at least three consecutive days. This technique can increase the test's sensitivity to roughly 90 percent.

  Giardia lamblia
  This pear shaped protozoan is the cause of a wide variety of digestive disorders and gastrointestinal complaints. It is the most common parasitic infection in the world, and it is second in the United States to pinworm.

  It is spread mainly by fecal-oral contamination, therefore it is more prevalent in countries with a poor sanitation system. It is resistant to the chlorine levels in normal tap water and survives well in cold mountain streams.

  Giardia attach to the muscle wall of the duodenum and proximal jejunum and grow with the help if bile, carbohydrates, and low oxygen levels. They can cause dyspepsia, malabsorption, and diarrhea. Your health care provider can use special antigen assay tests called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunofluorescence to detect the presence of Giardia.

  Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus
  A. duodenale and N. americanus are two species of hookworm that are found commonly in humans. Once these parasites enter a human host they travel through the circulation system until they reach alveolar capillaries of the lungs. Inside the lungs, the parasites climb the bronchial tree and are swallowed with secretions. Six weeks after the initial infection, mature parasitic worms will attach to the small intestine to feed, and reproduce eggs.

  The blood loss caused by hookworms can produce a dangerous type of anemia. Fecal examination is the most common method of hookworm diagnosis.

  Entamoeba histolytica
  This protozoan is spread by poor hygiene practices in food preparation, and it commonly affects people who have a weakened immune system. Once ingested, these parasites hatch into trophozoites in the small intestine and continue moving down the digestive tract to the colon. They can also invade the intestinal mucosa and spread in the bloodstream to the liver, lung, and brain.

  E. histolytica can cause digestive disorders, colitis, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever. Fecal examination is the most common method of diagnosis, however the presence of amoebas may become negative after a year of infection.

  Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites
  A parasite can live inside its host for years without ever making its presence known. Or its may cause symptoms that are so vague they are difficult to diagnose. But the following symptoms may indicate an intestinal parasitic infection:

  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Gas and bloating
  • Heartburn or chest pain
  • Food allergies
  • Sudden changes in bowel habits (from constipation to diarrhea)
  • Gurgling, rumbling, or other stomach noises unrelated to eating or hunger
  • Flu-like symptoms (congestion, coughing, fever)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Constant hunger
  • Loss of appetite
  • Anemia
  • Bloody stools
  • Sore mouth and gums
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Headaches

  Preventing Intestinal Parasites
  Parasitic infections can be avoided by wearing shoes, treating sewage, proper hand washing, careful sanitation, avoiding contact with infected persons, and consumption of bottled water and using the natural health product Para-Buster™.

  Treating Intestinal Parasites
  Treatment methods include proper sanitation, dietary changes, and using the natural health product Para-Buster™. Your natural health care provider will help you develop a course of treatment that works best for your condition. Follow your physician' s instruction exactly to treat and cleanse intestinal parasitic infections.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/what_do_do_about_intestinal_parasites.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/explaining_life_guest_article_from_ira_marxe.mws hnasc 2005-09-30T09:09:42-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/explaining_life_guest_article_from_ira_marxe.mws

  Explaining Life...

  I received this humorous outlook on life via e-mail from Ira Marxe over at Good Health Supplements and I thought I'd share it with you.

  
  

  
  

  On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."
  
  The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?" So God agreed.
  
  On the second day, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."
  
  The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?" And God agreed.
  
  On the third day, God created the cow and said: "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."
  
  The cow said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?" And God agreed again.
  
  On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."
  
  But man said: "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?" "Okay," said God, "You asked for it."
  
  So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
  
  Life has now been explained to you. (smile)

  To your good health...in all its forms! Hey, can I get an extra 20 years for good behavior?
  
  Jim Utzinger
  Health Matters Minutes Editor
  

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/explaining_life_guest_article_from_ira_marxe.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_future_is_yours.mws hnasc 2005-10-12T10:10:12-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_future_is_yours.mws

  Feature Article - The Future is Yours!
  
  by Dr. Keith Jeffrey,

  author of Tai Chi for Busy People. and 4 Minute Fitness

  John Naisbitt said - "The best way to predict the future is to

  get a clear idea of what's happening now."

  Brian Tracy said - "the best way to predict your future

  is to create it for yourself".
  
  Lets look at those concepts in practical terms. I often
  hear people who are addicted to smoking state that
  "nonsmokers will get lung cancer too so why should I
  worry"? Or people who eat poor quality foods and
  don't exercise will state "I just read the other day
  about a long-distance running health nut who died
  of a heart attack" to justify a poor lifestyle.
  
  It's true - any one us can be hit by an airplane, but our
  odds are reduced if we stay off the airport runway :-)
  A better quality of life in the future is all about playing
  the odds today.
  
  Workaholics who don't attend to their family's needs
  increase the odds of marital breakdown; people who
  eat calorie dense, nutrient empty foods increase the
  odds of a cardiovascular accident; people who choose
  not to exercise increase the odds of illness, cancer
  and osteoporosis in the future.
  
  And the problem is -- that future is just around the
  corner. So - what are you to do?
  
  I strongly believe that positive lifestyle changes come
  when a person is centered, focused and present.
  Mind and body exercises like Easy Tai Chi and
  4 Minute Fitness help people step off the crazy,
  hectic, demanding and sometimes overwhelming
  treadmill of life.
  
  Once off -- you will make better dietary and lifestyle
  decisions that will likely lead to a more positive and
  vibrant future. The best part -- when you step back
  on the treadmill, life will flow with greater joy and
  ease. And you always have the confidence to know
  you can step back off any point.
  
  See clearly now, and increase the odds of creating
  a fantastic life tomorrow!

  Also from Dr. Jeffrey:

  
  

  
  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_future_is_yours.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_does_a_naturopath_view_high_blood_pressure.mws hnasc 2005-10-12T10:10:36-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_does_a_naturopath_view_high_blood_pressure.mws

  Note from the blogmaster: For those unaccustomed to natural medicine approaches such as naturopathy, the idea that a symptom is not what needs to be treated, to become well, may be a foreign one. We are so used to going to the drugstore, for example, and looking for the bottle that addresses our symptoms. That's the whole thrust of the Nyquil commericals, remember the long spiel of symptoms ending with ....so you can rest....

  In the eyes of the naturopath, the herbalist, the holistic health practitioner, symptoms are clues. They point to core problems that have to be addressed for true healing to occur. I hope you enjoy this educational health article, courtesy of Native Remedies..

  Conventional medicines usually treat the symptoms of high blood pressure, but seldom address the underlying causes.

  Naturopaths recognize that high blood pressure may be a sign or symptom of imbalance in the body and know that the best way to treat it is by a combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies to remove the causes of the high blood pressure, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

  What about natural remedies - can they really be of benefit for lowering blood pressure?

  There is a great deal of scientific evidence to suggest that the use of carefully chosen herbal remedies and dietary supplements can help to lower blood pressure, as well as to improve the overall functioning of the heart, arteries and the entire cardiovascular system.

  What herbalists have known for centuries has now been clinically proven to be a potentially effective alternative to synthetic blood pressure medication, especially if combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

  What is High-Rite?
  

  High-Rite comes in capsule form and contains herbs which have been carefully selected to balance and regulate blood pressure and also to address some of the contributory factors which may be causing it.

  While some of the ingredients in High-Rite specifically target blood vessels which have become constricted, others improve the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, while also treating and preventing plaque build up in the arteries.

  In addition to these properties, High-Rite also helps to reduce stress and boost the body's ability to fight illness. Each herb is in therapeutic dosage for maximum effect.

  Please read more about High-Rite and Aquarite, two specifically designed supplements for natural and effective blood pressure control.

  Click here for more information

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_does_a_naturopath_view_high_blood_pressure.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/acting_routines_that_can_help_you_succeed.mws hnasc 2005-10-15T09:10:22-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/acting_routines_that_can_help_you_succeed.mws

  Another great article from Jack over at www.actorsite.com

  Don't sit around and fret...it's BUSY
  out there. Develop a routine that GUARANTEES
  SUCCESS!
  
  ==========================
  What's your routine?
  ==========================
  
  Do you have a daily or weekly routine to "ground" you
  as an actor or as a person?
  
  SOME SUGGESTIONS:
  
  1. A  daily "cold reading" practice session (at least 15 minutes,
  use the newpaper or a book or a script...look down, get the
  words, look up say the words)
  
  2. A "physical" workout of some sort. Get to the gym or just walk
  the dog...but DAILY you need exercise if you want to have physical
  skills to go along with your acting skills.
  
  3. A "mental/sensory" exercise every day(10-15 Min). Use the
  imagination to create mental and sensory situations to practice
  connecting with imaginary circumstances. Don't wait for an acting
  teacher, do it on your own.
  
  4. A "career" evaluation session. Write down the good things you
  are doing each day, the networking, the growing, the studying,
  the contacts you make, etc., and do a tally of what you plan to
  do to inch forward TODAY!!!
  
  The total of time spent daily on the above list should take
  about an hour...so you have to budget your free time to stay
  sharp.
  
  Some weekly suggestions:
  
  1. Attend a  workout class or host one at your home with
  a group of fellow actors. IT'S IMPORTANT that you
  don't let your practice skills drop if you can't afford an
  expensive class. Some of the best
  workouts are the MEMBER EVENTS at www.actorsite.com 
  
  2. Get out and see some LIVE theater at least once a week.
  You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be entertained, and INSPIRED!!!
  
  3. Get out and see a movie in a theater at least once per week.
  There are budget films in Hollywood...get out to see them, so
  that you experience the THEATER experience at least once per week.
  
  4. Socialize with friends at least once a week. Go to church,
  where there are all kinds of people to meet and talk with...
  go to other activities where you around "real" people.
  
  5. Ride the bus or Metro at least once in a while...the Sunset bus from
  end to end is a trip. Going downtown for an event on the Metro is
  a wonderful experience.
  
  6. Keep a log of how many positive things you've done each
  week to further your career. If you don't evaluate, you are MORE
  LIKELY TO GET DISCOURAGED. When you acknowledge your progress, no matter
  how small, then you are more likely to KEEP INSPIRED...
  
  7. WRITE A SCRIPT TO STAR IN...write a script in which you are the STAR.
  It will help you define who you are, and it will make you respect
  the creative process EVEN MORE...
  
  
  

  Dov S-S Simens Film School DVD
  Better Self Esteem thru Hypnosis
  Online bootcamp for aspiring comedians!
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/acting_routines_that_can_help_you_succeed.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/check_your_products_for_phenylpropanola.mws hnasc 2005-10-22T12:10:22-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/check_your_products_for_phenylpropanola.mws

  Subject: Medicine Recall
  
  All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled. You may want to try calling the 800 nümber listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know.
  
  STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.
  
  The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:
  
  Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
  Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
  Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
  Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
  Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
  Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
  Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
  Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
  Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
  Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
  BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
  BC Sinus Cold Powder
  Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
  Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
  Contac 12 Hour Caplets
  Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
  Dexatrim Caffeine Free
  Dexatrim Extended Duration
  Dexatrim Gelcaps
  Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
  Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
  Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
  Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
  Dimetapp Elixir
  Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
  Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
  Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
  Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
  Permathene Mega-16
  Robitussin CF
  Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
  Triaminic DM Cough Rel! ief
  Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
  Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
  Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough .....
  
  I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:
  
  Orange 3D Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
  3D Cold & Cough Berry
  3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant
  
  They are asking you to call them at 800- 548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children,
  
  PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF! DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed. They can then pass it along to their families.
  
  To confirm these findings please take time to check the following:
  http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/
  
  PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN IN CASE THEY GIVE IT TO THEIR CHILDREN OR TO FRIENDS WHO HAVE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN." 

  To your good health...in all its forms!

  Jim Utzinger
  Health Matters Minutes Editor

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/check_your_products_for_phenylpropanola.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/a_scrumptious_panseared_tuna_recipe.mws hnasc 2005-10-29T06:10:09-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/a_scrumptious_panseared_tuna_recipe.mws

   

  Why eat troll caught tuna?  Troll-caught tuna shown 2-3 times lower in mercury
  

   

  Pan-Seared Tuna with Lime Pepper Crust
  

  Adapted from a recipe created by Simply Seafood.  Makes 4 servings.

   

  4 (6 ounces each) Vital Choice tuna medallions

  Zest and juice of one (1) lime*

  2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves

  1/2 to 1 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper

  1/4 teaspoon salt

  1 to 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

  Extra-virgin olive oil

   

  *You can substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest and 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice in place of the lime.

   

  • Rinse the tuna and pat dry with paper towels. Grate the zest from the lime (you should have about 1 1/2 teaspoons), then squeeze the juice and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine lime zest, thyme, pepper and salt; stir to mix. Lightly rub both sides of the tuna with olive oil. Rub the seasoning mix on the tuna steaks; coating them well.
  • Using a heavy bottomed sauté pan or a cast-iron pan, warm the olive oil. Increase the heat to high and place the tuna in the pan. Sear for 1 minute, then turn over carefully, reducing the heat to medium. Sear the other side for 1 more minute until medium rare. (Do not overcook the tuna or it will become dry and lose its flavor.)
  • Pour the lime juice over the tuna right after you take them from the stove, then serve.

  All Vital Choice tuna is the low-weight, low-mercury albacore landed by small "jig" trollers.  Ours comes from a boat captained by second-generation tuna fisherman Paul Hill, a neighbor here in Bellingham, Washington.   Tests conducted on such small albacore tuna confirm the low mercury numbers found in tests on our own younger, jig-troller albacore.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/a_scrumptious_panseared_tuna_recipe.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/acting_tips_from_actorsite.mws hnasc 2005-10-31T09:10:54-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/acting_tips_from_actorsite.mws

  Note from Blog Master: Another terrific article from Jack Turnbull at www.actorsite.com

  If you are in Hollywood or thinking of going there, to try your luck at becoming a professional actress or actor, this advice is worth it's weight in gold.  I'll go even further than what Jack says.  It's important to be a friend to anyone you meet in that town because you never know who is the best friend of the director you want to work with.  It pays to be a friend anyway, in life, because what you do comes back to you.  And, hey, it's just the right thing to do.   The Power Connection Online Acting Class

  =============================
  Assistants RUN this town!
  =============================
  
  "I'm not going to see him, he's just an assistant."---
  overheard at an acting class.
  
  It's well known among the Hollywood Elite that you don't
  ever disrespect someone's assistant. That assistant is the
  eyes and ears of the POWER in Hollywood, and not only are
  they the gatekeepers for that POWER, but they also are in the
  process of developing their own powerful careers.
  
  In the film "Swimming with Sharks" it's illustrated that
  the assistant to the President of Production at a studio soon
  becomes the Vice President of Production at a new studio...it's a
  training ground, and, unless you have a personal relationship with
  that assistant's boss, it's where the true power lies.
  
  Several of our Actorsite guests are agents at  big A-Level agencies
  (To me, big is when they have 50 agents or more in their office) and
  when they come to visit, they know the names of our casting director guests
  who many times are assistants and associates, and they have strong
  relationships with them. They always want to say hi to our casting
  director guests, especially the assistants who have helped them
  build their careers. (Do a favor, get a favor)
  
  That personal knowledge of how to get their clients seen is where
  they generate their strong personal relationships that made them
  the power brokers they are today. When they made the calls as an
  assistant, it was an "assistant to assistant" call and they would
  develop those relationships one at a time.
  
  Remember, those agents were previously "assistant" agents and in
  that capacity, they had to get their clients seen by dealing with
  the casting assistants to get a new client seen.
  
  Assistant casting directors ALSO are moving up to
  Associate and many can have their own projects within a few years,
  so the agent knows this and builds their own career by developing
  long term relationships. As an actor, you can too!
  
  Since they develop those relationships, they KNOW where the power
  is and use it to move up in the world.
  
  As an ambitious actor, YOU can also use that knowledge to develop
  relationships with the assistants and associates that are busy
  building their own careers. Since I've been around for a couple of
  years, I've watched interns move up to assistant, then associate,
  then VP of TALENT at major studios, all in a few years.
  
  If you aren't sharp enough to figure that out, you may find your
  career is stalled because you are waiting to get seen by the
  head of the office, who, in 90% of all cases, relies on their
  assistant and associate for casting suggestions.
  
  Use this information to your advantage...
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack

  
  

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/acting_tips_from_actorsite.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/motivational_article_the_true_secret.mws hnasc 2005-11-01T07:11:35-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/motivational_article_the_true_secret.mws
  "Having conceived of his purpose, a person should mentally mark out a straight pathway to its achievement, looking neither to the right nor left."  - As A Man Thinketh
  
  It's called FOCUS, and it's probably the one single reason that most of us don't accomplish more. We lay out some great goals, maybe even writing them down like the experts encourage. We enthusiastically start taking action.  We can feel the power and the energy.  We know that this time we're on the right track, this time is going to be different than all those other times.
  
  Then it happens...
  
  Life gets in the way!
  
  Maybe it's a personal or family illness; or things get turned upside down at work. Maybe an unexpected financial crisis occurs. Whatever the interruption, it consumes us and before we know it, our once bright and shining goal that was out there in front of us is now just a tarnished and painful memory of what we could do if such and such hadn't happened.
  
  Life gets in the way of everybody, but the more successful have a way of keeping their focus in spite of life. One of my all-time favorite quotes on the power of focus is from James Allen's The Mastery of Destiny.
  
  "All successful people are people of purpose. They hold fast to an idea, a project, a plan, and will not let it go; they cherish it, brood upon it, tend and develop it; and when assailed by difficulties, they refuse to be beguiled into surrender; indeed, the intensity of the purpose increases with the growing magnitude of the obstacles encountered."
  
  And that last sentence is the true secret: "indeed, the intensity of the purpose increases with the growing magnitude of the obstacles encountered."
  
  And that's worth thinking about.
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/motivational_article_the_true_secret.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_difference_between_matches_and_flames.mws hnasc 2005-11-03T09:11:05-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_difference_between_matches_and_flames.mws
  Note from blogmaster:  I LOVE the way Jack puts things.  This is another inspirational article from actorsite.com.  It's easy to fall into lethargy in this business or to think that, when the great role comes along, you can step into it.  After all, you believe in your acting ability or you wouldn't be trying to make it as a professional.  But the fact is that, if you aren't out there working on your craft (either in classes, theatre, improv or all three), every single week (several times, every single week) then you will not be ready.  This is what Jack refers to as bringing matches to an audition instead of being the flame that will attract the notice of the casting folks and get you a job!  THE POWER CONNECTION ONLINE ACTING CLASS
   
  =========================================
  Do you bring matches or a FLAME!
  =========================================
  
  I was discussing one of our successful members with another
  member and that person said that that actor was "ON FIRE!"
  
  It brought to mind the analogy that most actors bring matches
  to the audition, but to BOOK THE PART, you must BRING THE FLAME!
  
  They don't cast the matches, they cast the fire!
  
  So Actorsiters who are CONSTANTLY WORKING ON SKILLS, and
  are working towards BRINGING THE FLAME to their audition
  performance are going to BOOK, and those who settle into
  just bringing matches to the table, without the magic of
  a personal committment to the text, will do a "good" read.
  
  Next time you go into an audition, LIGHT THE FLAME and
  INSPIRE those who are casting to book you!
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack
  
  THE GREATEST BARGAIN IN HOLLYWOOD---THE ACTORSITE!
  TO JOIN: http://www.actorsite.com/cgi-bin/ppsignup.pl
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_difference_between_matches_and_flames.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/prosper_or_go_broke_over_christmas.mws hnasc 2005-11-10T05:11:48-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/prosper_or_go_broke_over_christmas.mws
  Preparing for a Prosperous Holiday Season
  
  This is the time of year when the retail world does everything
  it can to encourage you to overspend. The hope of those who
  measure consumer spending is that your need to counteract
  feelings of deprivation by buying the things you want will be
  greater than your need for financial sanity.
  
  As a matter of fact, the Christmas season started a bit early
  this year in the US--before Halloween. The rumor I heard was
  that merchants wanted to get the Christmas spirit going before
  people experienced their first heating bills.
  
  Now is the time to create a holiday spending strategy that
  will satisfy one of your more sober wants--that of wanting to
  feel more comfortable about your financial position. Here are
  some factors to take into consideration:
  
  1. Set some financial goals for next year, including how much
  surplus you would like to realistically create by next year at
  this time. With those goals in mind, how much can you afford
  to spend on gifts this year while being true to yourself.
  
  2. Ask yourself if holiday spending is a device you use to
  keep yourself in a habitual 'less than' position. Are you
  supporting your less-than habit and identity by overspending
  during the holidays. You have the option not to do this.
  
  3. A lot of overspending results from fear about what others
  will think of you. This kind of spending often results in
  feelings of shame and regret. Make you your first priority and
  what you think of you of utmost importance.
  
  4. Make a decision now as to how much money you are going to
  spend on sending cards and giving gifts. Allocate specific
  amounts to each person on your list. If you usually ignore
  pre-made plans, take someone with you when you go shopping and
  tell them how much you plan on spending.
  
  In my Build Your Money Muscles book, I suggest having a
  prosperity buddy. If you have one, share your plan with your
  buddy and call the person before and after you go shopping. If
  you use a cell phone, take it with you and when you have the
  urge to overspend, call your buddy.
  
  This is a good time to read my new book. It will help you put
  your finances in perspective as well as showing you why you
  behave the way you do with your money. There are also lots of
  suggestions for establishing better financial habits and
  creating a healthy financial identity.
  
  Read more about the book at Build Your Money Muscles
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/prosper_or_go_broke_over_christmas.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/conjugated_linoleic_acid_and_colon_cancer.mws hnasc 2005-11-16T07:11:40-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/conjugated_linoleic_acid_and_colon_cancer.mws

  Beyond Weight Loss: CLA May Protect Against Colorectal Cancer

  
  

  By Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, October 25, 2005, abstracted from “High-fat dairy food and conjugated linoleic acid intakes in relation to colorectal cancer incidence in the Swedish Mammography Cohort” in the October 1, 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

  Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

   is a supplement that is most commonly associated with weight loss. Although the fault with CLA used to be that it was only producing short-term weight loss in mice,(1) a new study(2) found that 3.4 grams of CLA per day did indeed provide sustained weight loss even after 2 years. CLA is found naturally in animal tissues and food sources, including meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products, such as cheeses, milk and yogurt.(3)

  Now a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition(4) has found another use for CLA: helping prevent colorectal cancer.

  As the second leading cause of death from cancer (behind lung cancer) in the United States, colorectal cancer claims more than 55,000 Americans each year. While 140,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, it is estimated that one in four Americans (80 to 90 million) are considered at risk because of age or other factors. Colorectal cancer, contrary to what most people believe, affects both men and women equally.(5)

  In the study, researchers examined high-fat dairy food and CLA intake in 60,708 women aged 40 to 76 participating in the Swedish Mammography Cohort. During a 14.8 year follow-up, the researchers found that women who consumed four or more servings of high-fat dairy foods per day had half the risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to women who consumed less than one serving per day.

  Concerning CLA intake, they found CLA was associated with an almost 30 percent reduction in colorectal cancer risk.

  For the researchers, “high intakes of high-fat dairy foods and CLA may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.”

  Greg Arnold is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Danville, CA. You can contact Dr. Arnold directly by emailing him at mailto:ChiroDocPSUalum@msn.com or visiting his website www.CompleteChiropracticHealthcare.com

  Reference:

  1 West, D.B., et al., Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on body fat and energy metabolism in the mouse. Am J Physiol, 1998. 275(3 Pt 2): p. R667-72

  2 Gaullier, J. M., J. Halse, et al. (2005). "Supplementation with conjugated linoleic Acid for 24 months is well tolerated by and reduces body fat mass in healthy, overweight humans." J Nutr 135(4): 778-84

  3 “Conjugated Linoleic Acid” posted on www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/con_0077.shtml

  4 Larsson SC. High-fat dairy food and conjugated linoleic acid intakes in relation to colorectal cancer incidence in the Swedish Mammography Cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2005 82: 894-900

  5 “Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet” posted on the Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition Website www.fdhn.org/html/education/colorectal/facts.html

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/conjugated_linoleic_acid_and_colon_cancer.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/sports_nutrition_the_essentials.mws hnasc 2005-11-16T07:11:57-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/sports_nutrition_the_essentials.mws

  Sports Nutrition: The Essentials

  By Jayson Kroner, CSN,

  NOW Marketing Department

  It is a flame, which sinks for lack of fuel…
  -Pierre Corneille

  Athletes are one of the most unique breeds of life roaming the earth. On the surface, their traits are simple; sweat beaded foreheads, high-tech stop watches, chiseled physiques, running shoes, corporately endorsed attire, etc. But when you take just a moment to peer into what really makes an athlete an athlete, it becomes easy to see what sets them apart.

  From bikers to bodybuilders, sprinters to swimmers, athletes epitomize what it means to be alive. These modern-day, physically motivated warriors thrive on personal achievement, lament the thought of failure and in the process, subject their bodies to immeasurable amounts of pain and exhaustion. But these aren’t just traits to an athlete – they’re prerequisites.

  When you consider the enormous nutritional needs of the average busy adult, then and only then, can you begin to appreciate what the most physically active individuals require in order to succeed. And while these needs vary from sport to sport and lifestyle to lifestyle, there’s simply no denying their never-ending need to fuel, refuel and repeat. So whether you’re just starting out, or make it your life’s work, here are a few ways to get the most out of your training.

  Amino Acid Supplements for Sports, Strength & Weight Lifting
  
  

  Every human being is at the mercy of their diet to provide them with a solid foundation of nutrients. This is especially true in the case of endurance athletes, bodybuilders and other adrenaline-seeking competitors. During intense physical training, the body calls upon its reserve of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium , calcium and sodium to provide the spark needed for increased respiration, muscle contractions, nerve impulses and countless other functions.(1)

  A well-stocked cellular arsenal of these nutrients can ultimately lead to greater levels of sustained endurance, muscular strength and mental clarity. Deprivation, on the other hand, is an invitation for disaster. When the body is pushed to extremes, but is unable to locate what it needs, it becomes prone to fatigue, cramping, nausea and headaches. Not to mention last place. Products such as Carbo Gain and ZMA can provide a solid base of nutrients.

  PROTEIN FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE

  Sending a frail, malnourished warrior into battle is the biological equivalent of trying to win the Daytona 500 on a set of roller-skates. Under no circumstances should this be attempted. Though popularized by the bodybuilding community, protein supplementation is imperative for athletes at every stage and skill set. Its role in muscular development still accounts for its unceasing popularity, though many users don’t realize that protein has many other responsibilities.

  As one of the body’s key structural building-blocks, the amino acids in protein are actively involved in the repair and development of muscle fibers, hormone, antibodies and enzymes – each one vital to the success of any hard-working athlete.(2) Over the past 10 years or so, the science of isolating and manufacturing protein supplements has advanced far beyond what anyone could have possibly predicted. Today’s products are very pleasant tasting, highly bioavailable (easy to absorb), nutritionally optimized and available in a number of different flavors.

  THE EDGE If you consider yourself a serious, competition-minded athlete, you already know how important the “edge” is when it comes to your success. Regardless of whether it’s shaving a second off your personal best, squeezing out one more rep on the bench, or bumping up your batting average by just a tenth of a point, the difference between achieving first place and an honorable mention may be as simple as knowing what specialty nutrients to take.

  Thanks to impressive advances in the science of sports nutrition, there are plenty to choose from these days. Creatine monohydrate , for example, helps foster the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a mitochondrial chemical that makes it possible to store, produce and use energy for muscular contractions.(3) Another, branched chain amino acid (BCAA), helps increase protein synthesis by promoting anabolic balance by preventing the catabolism that typically occurs during intense training.(4) Pyruvate, a unique pairing of calcium and pyruvic acid, helps facilitate the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into muscles where it supports the production of metabolic energy.(5)

  When it comes to fueling your body with the nutrients and compounds it needs to perform at its pinnacle, quality takes top priority. Purchasing a line of supplements based on the allure of the label won’t do a thing for your ability to improve physically. In fact, it may end up costing you more than just money in the long run.

  References

  1 Dorup I, Skajaa K, Thybo NK. Oral magnesium supplementation restores the concentrations of magnesium, potassium and sodium-potassium pumps in skeletal muscle of patients receiving diuretic treatment. J Intern Med. 1993;233:117–123

  2 Wagenmakers AJ. Amino acid supplements to improve athletic performance. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 1999;2:539–544

  3 Williams MH, Branch JD. Creatine supplementation and exercise performance: an update. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998;17:216–234

  4 Kelly GS. Sports nutrition: a review of selected nutritional supplements for bodybuilders and strength athletes. Alt Med Rev. 1997;2:184–201

  5 Kalman D, Colker CM, Wilets I, et al. The effects of pyruvate supplementation on body composition in overweight individuals. Nutrition. 1999;15:337–340

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/sports_nutrition_the_essentials.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_are_you_thankful_for.mws hnasc 2005-11-21T12:11:14-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_are_you_thankful_for.mws
  ============================
  Happy Thanksgiving!!!
  ============================
   
  Note from blogmaster:  I'm doing something for
  Thanksgiving this year that I've never done before
  in my life (and I'm 50!).  I'm entertaining my entire
  family in my own house.  That's something to be
  thankful for.  There's so much, if we think about it.
  I hope you enjoy this article from Jack over at
  www.actorsite.com  and if you are in Los Angeles,
  going for a career in acting, do yourself a favor
  and join Jack's company.  Great investment in
  your own future. Neva, www.askahealer.com
   
  
  WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
  Bodi(My crazy dog) and I want to wish everyone in the
  ACTORSITE FAMILY a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
  
  Each Thanksgiving, I try to sit down and LIST all
  of the things I am thankful for in life.
  
  On this list I list my family and friends and specific
  things to be thankful for each. It's fun to come up
  with those specifics...with some of my family it's a challenge! I
  include thankfulness for my own health in this category!
  I even include my crazy dog!!!
  
  Then I list my good fortune to live in this country
  and the things about it that I am thankful for...if you
  accentuate the positive, it's not so hard to come up
  with a HUGE list here, including the freedom to be
  creative and express ourselves in a nurturing environment.
  
  Following that, I try to list those professional and
  artistic assets that I am thankful for and for the
  creative gifts that I have been given so that I can
  make the best use of those assets.
  
  One of the highlights of the creative list is to make
  sure that I list that I am "STILL IN THE GAME' creatively...
  One of the MOST IMPORTANT assets that I list each
  year is my personal perserverance... Staying in the game
  is sometimes the most important asset in a creative career!
  
  Then to list the creative support I gain from my
  peers...since every creative endeavor is a huge personal challenge
  in and of itself, it's important to share your experiences
  with others and join in their victories and challenges. It's
  totally empowering to learn that YOU ARE NOT ALONE in your
  experiences, doubts and fears...and, of course, successes.
  
  Another thing to be thankful for is my constant learning
  and growing and my ability to learn new techniques through
  practice and education...As a fellow creative, you may
  be a quicker study than I am and may have EVEN MORE to be
  thankful for. Remember, YOU can take all the knowledge
  and information of those who have similar experiences and
  can learn doubly fast...
  
  I salute those of you who are blessed with creative drive
  and perserverence at whatever age you dig in to find success!
  
  Each year my list grows and grows...and each year my
  personal faith becomes stronger and stronger...
  
  Let's all give thanks!
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack
   
  CREATIVE RESOURCES:
  Dov Simens Film School on DVD!
  One Stroke Painting for the Holidays
  Better Self Esteem Thru Hypnosis
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/what_are_you_thankful_for.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/good_health_tip_for_boosting_your_immune_system.mws hnasc 2005-11-26T10:11:15-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/good_health_tip_for_boosting_your_immune_system.mws

  Note from blogmaster: Tis the season for colds and flu. I'm posting this holistic health article from Ira Marxe over at Good Health Supplements because it features a product that may well help during our winter sniffle months.  Do you know why we catch colds?  Do you know the effects of an underfunctioning immune system? Educate yourself for better health. This Health Defense Tip Is Almost Too Easy...Why?

  
  

  Your body's immune system is under constant attack.

  
  

  Why? Because disease causing micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi can result in infections (such as autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, even cancer) making you sick...or worse...kill you.

  However...what if you could take a safe and 100% naturäl product to boost your body’s defenses to help stimulate your body's own healing abilities and unleash life enhancing components into your body 24-hours a day, 7 days a week?

  
  

  According to the Centers for Disease Control in 2002 Influenza and Pneumonia was the 7th leading cause of death in America (and as a side note...heart disease was number #1, cancer #2 and stroke #3).

  
  

  Clearly an under active immune system leads to an increased risk of disease because your body's defenses called "antibodies" can't keep up the fight due to a number of problems such as air and smog pollution, invisible threats of radiation and harmful electromagnetic waves, or chemicals which end up in our air, water, soil, and ultimately in the over-processed foods.

  
  

  The real trick to boosting your body's immunity is knowing how easy it is plus knowing what you can do about right now.

  
  

  I want to share with you the real secret weapon your body can use to fight off disease and to engineer the healing process.

  
  

  Discover your Health Defense Tip That's Almost Too Easy...you can thank me later.

  To your good health...in all its forms!

  
  

  Jim Utzinger
  Health Matters Minutes Editor

  P.S. Avoid sick days...boost your body's defenses when traveling (such as airplane travel with closed in re-circulated air)...have more energy in your day to spend time with your family and friends...learn the tip that's almost too easy for your health defense.

  
  

  Health Disclaimer: The information contained in this or any GHS related articles or materials are not intended to take the place of personal medical advice from your health care professional. Any action taken based on the contents found in this or any GHS related articles, materials or information is at the sole discretion of the reader. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals as necessary on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Any information or opinions provided here or in any GHS related articles, materials or information are believed to be accurate and sound, however no GHS personal or associates will be held responsible on behalf of any reader who fails to consult appropriate health authorities with respect to their individual health care, and the author or publisher of any information is not responsible for errors or omissions.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/good_health_tip_for_boosting_your_immune_system.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/life_in_the_1500s.mws hnasc 2005-12-16T06:12:01-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/life_in_the_1500s.mws
  Another interesting article from Ira, over at Good Health Supplements.
  I think we do take a lot of things for granted that our ancestors would have been so grateful to have.....like running water, hot water from a faucet, etc.  It's good to look back and see how rough it used to be because then, it doesn't seem so hard now, eh?
   
  Hey Neva...a friend of mine forwarded this interesting history lesson called...LIFE IN THE 1500'S...enjoy!

  The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500's:

  These are interesting.
  
  Most people got married in June, because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

   

  Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children! Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

   

  Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."

   

  There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

   

  The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying "dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway.

  Hence the saying a "thresh hold."

   

  (Getting quite an education, aren't you?)

   

  In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old."

   

  Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat."

   

  Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

  Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust."

   

  Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a "wake."

   

  England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a "bone-house" and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found t have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the "graveyard shift") to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be "saved by the bell" or was considered a "dead ringer."

   

  And that's the truth... Now, whoever said that History was boring!

  To your good health...in all its forms!

  Jim Utzinger
  Health Matters Minutes Editor

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/life_in_the_1500s.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/words_of_wisdom_for_the_over_40_female.mws hnasc 2006-01-26T10:01:53-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/words_of_wisdom_for_the_over_40_female.mws I just went into perimenopause several years ago.  But I didn't know it.  I just thought I was losing my mind.  Ha.  I love this interview, excerpted from comments from a beloved writer, Maya Angelou.  I hope you enjoy Maya's wisdom as much as I do.  Hey, I know a lot of you mindsay readers are young and can't imagine being old enough to see gravity working with your bustline but, believe me, it will happen in time.  So, enjoy.
  
  
  In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.
   
  Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
   
  And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts.
   
  They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
   
  The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
   
  Maya Angelou said this:
   
  "I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
   
  "I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
   
  "I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
   
  "I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."
   
  "I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
   
  "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
   
  "I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."
   
  "I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
   
  "I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
   
  People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
   
  "I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
   
  "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
   
  Please send this to five phenomenal women today.
   
  If you do, something good will happen: You will boost another woman's self-esteem.
   
  If you don't...the elastic will break and your underpants will fall down around your ankles! ;-) Believe me, I didn't take any chances on MY elastic breaking....I sent it to a lot of special women I care for.
  

  
  

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/words_of_wisdom_for_the_over_40_female.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/be_ready_when_success_knocks_at_your_door.mws hnasc 2006-02-03T12:02:03-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/be_ready_when_success_knocks_at_your_door.mws ===========================================
  
  A REASON TO STAY ENGAGED IN YOUR CAREER!!!!
  ===========================================
  Note from the blogmaster:  This is another of those emails I get from Jack over at actorsite.com I've posted alot of Jack's comments because they point out so many ways we get in our own way in working to succeed at our dreams.  Whether you are an actor or an athlete or a singer, the importance of keeping yourself at the very top of your craft is equally important.  It's like candid camera - life happens when you least expect it so be prepared always, to reap the glory of your dreams.  Neva Howell,  The Power Connection Online Acting Class
  
  Now here's Jack....
  
  I was talking with one of our members who told me her
  dilemma...
  
  Last summer she dedicated herself to her career. She took
  2 to 3 Actorsite workshops per week, she attended the free
  classes for subscribers, she studied with a scene study
  teacher weekly, plus she was postcarding and doing drops
  as well as Actorsite drops...she was engaged in both the
  BUSINESS OF ACTING and the PRACTICE OF HER SKILLS...she
  was sharp and polished...
  
  After a few months she got frustrated and just dropped
  out...she took time off from Thanksgiving through the
  Holidays and didn't focus on acting AT ALL!
  
  Then it HIT! She was called in for THREE different
  episodic shows PLUS a SERIES REGULAR ROLE IN A PILOT!
  
  All her hard work was paying off...
  It all happened in a TWO WEEK PERIOD.
  
  BIG PROBLEM: She was OUT OF PRACTICE with her acting
  skills. By disengaging from her career, she had let her
  skills become lax...her cold reading wasn't sharp...
  She didn't have the "it" that made casting people call
  her in in the first place.... WOW!  To be called in
  and NOT FEEL YOU ARE AT YOUR BEST!
  
  SO HUMILIATING!
  
  For her it was a HUGE wake up call. REMEMBER, you might feel that
  you need to stop going to workshops for a while, or not go to
  acting class for a while, or stop doing drops or
  stop doing casting director workshops.
  
  THAT'S OK, BUT YOU STILL HAVE TO PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT....
  
  For those times, PRACTICE COLD READING EVERY DAY ANYWAY!
  
  Any athlete knows you can't get fat and out of shape!
  
  Cold reading is a practiced skill and don't let your skills
  be LESS than they could be by disengaging completely...
  
  NOW GET BUSY AND PRACTICE YOUR COLD READING!
  
  A PILOT SEASON REMINDER FROM THE ACTORSITE!
  
  To join: http://www.actorsite.com/cgi-bin/ppsignup.pl
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/be_ready_when_success_knocks_at_your_door.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/free_resource_for_actors_created_by_casting_directors.mws hnasc 2006-02-07T02:02:23-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/free_resource_for_actors_created_by_casting_directors.mws

  
  I'm still in Los Angeles, taking classes ALL THE TIME.  Never think you've got this acting thing down and you can just rest on your training, folks.  It's just like exercise.  You would never get your body fit and trim and then think, well, I don't have to exercise anymore or eat well.  I'll stay trim anyway.  It's the same principle with acting.  You have to stay fresh, keep practicing, keep learning.
  
   I got some terrific headshots done recently, finally!  Boy, it makes all the difference when you find someone who can help you relax and just be yourself.  If you don't have headshots yet, and you are serious about becoming an actor, get some as soon as possible.  Find a photographer who plays music you like, who makes you feel special and comfortable, and who has been doing this a while.  The one I chose has been a photographer for about 18 years. If you are in Los Angeles, I highly recommend John McClurg at
  Angels Touch.
  
  I found a great free resource for actors too but before you sign up, get that nice headshot -- the one that looks just like you on a really good day.  Then, you can set up a profile here:  WORLDPERC  just like mine. 
  
  Check me out and see one of my great new headshots NEVA'S PROFILE ON WORLDPERC

   

  free acting tips

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/free_resource_for_actors_created_by_casting_directors.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/making_it_as_an_actor_in_hollywood.mws hnasc 2006-03-04T03:03:23-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/making_it_as_an_actor_in_hollywood.mws From the Blogmaster:  Sorry I haven't posted in a while. 
  I came to Los Angeles for  pilot season and I've been very
  busy getting new headshots, updating my demo reel,
  taking acting classes and improv classes, finding the
  right temporary lodging while I'm  here, etc. 
  Just now going out on a few auditions, which feels good. 
  THE POWER CONNECTION    ACTING TIPS 
  
  
  Just wanted to update you on my progess here in Tinseltown.
  
  I just filmed the little comedic role I wrote you about, on Ned's
  Declassified.  It may be quite a while before it actually airs though.
  
  I had an audition for one of my favorite shows yesterday, "The Office".
  
  I'm not sure I got small enough for them.  They really like the
  "less is more" approach.  We will see. 
  
  I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about living in L.A.
  for those of you who might be thinking of coming here.  I honestly
  encourage you to come out for a couple of months before moving
  here.  It is such a shock for me, every time I come, that I realize
  how much I've blocked out about it when I leave.
  
  One thing that is just unrelenting and challenging is the traffic.
  If you now live in a smaller city or town, be prepared for traffic
  that just never lets up.
  
  The first time I drove down the little streets of Burbank and realized
  that I had to go at least 35 miles an hour on city streets to keep from
  being honked at, yelled at, and passed in a dangerous way.  Back
  home, we go about 10 miles down crowded city streets.  Not here.
  
  And back home, the freeway is the fastest way to go.  Here, the
  freeway is bumper to bumper traffic at least twice a day, if not more.
  
  What does this mean to you as an actor?  It means that once you start
  going out for auditions, and booking work, you can count on being in
  your car about 4 to 8 hours per day.  That is not hyperbole. 
  
  When I was here two years ago, I heard two different industry professionals
  say the same thing......they both said that your job is driving.  Acting is the
  reward you occasionally get for driving all the time.
  
  That's the reality.  I would never buy a car in L.A.  I'd rent one.  This stop
  and go, stop and go, stop and go in very high heat, most of the time, is terribly
  hard on a car.  Add to that the fact that they have pot holes here that can swallow
  young children.  It's cheaper to rent or lease.
  
  And then there is rent, of course.  If you are planning a trip to L.A. for pilot season,
  plan also to spend a minimum of $3,000 a month and if you really want to do it right
  (classes, new headshots, new demo reels, etc.) plan on about $5,000 a month.  That's
  what this trip is costing me.
  
  And so far, I've made about $300. 
  
  If you have talent AND persistence of a type that is usually
  reserved for award winning  athletes, you can make it in
  Hollywood.  A good friend of mine worked 20 times last year
  and has also worked 5 times this year (It is March 4 as I write
  this so she has worked 5  times since January).  That is truly
  remarkable but if you asked her if she felt she had more talent
  than other actors who have been here just as long, she'd say
  no.  She knows the difference is persistence.
  
  How long has she been here, working
  on her craft every day and dropping headshots
  EVERY day and following up on leads
  and networking EVERY day? 
  
  For thirteen years.
  
  Am I saying this to discourage you?  Yes. 
  If there is something else you can do that you
  will enjoy, do that.  If not, nothing I say can
  discourage you anyway and it's better you go
  forward with your acting plans knowing the
  score here.
  
  Best to you,
  Neva
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/making_it_as_an_actor_in_hollywood.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/practice_makes_brave_nail_your_next_audition.mws hnasc 2006-03-14T01:03:51-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/practice_makes_brave_nail_your_next_audition.mws Here's another inspirational article from Jack, at actorsite.com. 
  I don't think there is an actor alive who has not sat in their car
  after an audition and suddenly realized the perfect way to do
  the audition, but it's too late when you are sitting in your car!
  I think Jack makes a great point in that practice makes brave.
  The more actively you practice, and the more chances you take
  in classes, the more apt you'll be to go full out in auditions.
  Neva  ===> The Power Connection
  
  ================
  THE BOXER:
  ================
  
  Today I was inspired by listening to an actor
  tell me how he is a boxer and as a boxer in the
  ring, at the end of each round he would replay
  the round in his head thinking about what he
  should have done during that round, but that he
  was so tense because of the moment that he wasn't
  loose enough to react the way he had been trained.
  
  One of the ways to get OUT OF YOUR HEAD is to
  practice your skills, and practice them at 100%
  of the level that you would actually use in a
  stressful situation!
  
  We are all blessed with 20/20 hindsight and the
  way to have 20/20 foresight is to PRACTICE with
  the stakes raised to a higher level---with your
  mind at your 100% level and with the pressure
  on---don't phone in your practice sessions, practice
  at the highest and best level that you can...that
  way, when the pressure is on and you are in the
  ring and the noise is loud and your mind is
  struggling to comprehend, you are able to react
  naturally and intuitively and do your best.
  
  In times of stress, we resort to habits...BUILD
  GOOD HABITS BY PRACTICING IN A STRESSFUL
  SITUATION...And don't be half hearted about
  it...give 100% in your practice session.
  
  A great practice session is an ACTORSITE WORKSHOP!
  
  Relaxing a problem before auditions?  Try hypnosis.  Hypnosis
  helps your mind create a history of being relaxed in stressful
  situations, like an audition, so that eventually your mind has
  enough history to convince it to actually be relaxed for real.
  Deeper Relaxation thru Hypnosis
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/practice_makes_brave_nail_your_next_audition.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/finding_success_growing_beyond_jealousy.mws hnasc 2006-03-31T09:03:36-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/finding_success_growing_beyond_jealousy.mws Note from blogmaster:  Here's another great article from Jack over at actorsite.
  Jealousy and thinking that you are competing with every other actor
  of your age and type can really lead to self-sabotage.  Truth is, each person is
  unique and no one competes with anyone else for any part.  The right person
  gets the part, period.  So let go of jealousy, fear of loss and the kind of competitive
  fear that keeps you from ever really becoming friends with another actor.
  SPIRITED IMPROV - HOW DOES THAT WORK?
  ==============================+=========================
  
  BEING AROUND OTHERS WILL HELP YOU FIND SUCCESS...
  ========================================================
  
  NOW is the time of year to get out and be around other
  actors. FEEL THE OPPORTUNITIES and POSITION YOURSELF TO
  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM FOR THE FUTURE, by learning from
  your fellow Actors...
  
  If you feel there is PLENTY of opportunity and if
  you can deal with the success of others, NOW is the time
  to network. Tonight in the workshop, there were at least
  5 actors talking about the work they recently booked...some
  from workshops, some through other channels, but mainly,
  their enthusiasm was infectious.
  
  It's great to be around
  success and to feed off of it. One of our actors booked a
  small role in a MAJOR feature and another booked a LEAD
  in a small indie film...BOTH WERE ECSTATIC with their
  success and it was a joy to be around, even though they
  didn't brag or show off, but in a nice discreet way, it
  made for a joyous evening. Having such a great guest who
  is actor friendly helps, and in general, if you
  get out around others and see the success and know that
  it's possible for YOU, it's positive for you.
  
  It gets to be a drag when you
  sit home waiting for something to happen...You don't
  make anything happen by sitting home.
  
  Remember sometimes we feel jealousy and envy when we hear
  of other's successes...those are natural feelings and you
  will GROW BEYOND THEM...
  
  OTHER'S SUCCESSES PROVE THAT IT IS POSSIBLE...THAT IT CAN
  HAPPEN, AND THAT IT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU KEEP PLUGGING
  ALONG...ONE STEP AT AT TIME!
  
  We need to all drink from the same fountain and share
  the muse, share the inspiration, and help each other, as we
  are all in this together. If we each just light one candle,
  and some of you have HUGE TORCHES when it comes to your
  joy of performing, and your enthusiasm, but if we each
  light just one candle and help each other illuminate the
  dark areas of our lives.
  
  If you want to be successful, hang around successful people,
  who get out and do something for their careers every day.
  
  Change your behaviour, and you change your feelings and emotions.
  As you change your feelings and emotions, you change your thinking...
  as you change your thinking, you change your behaviour...and round
  and round we go...
  
  Being around others as you build and grow is so essential.
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack
  
  TO JOIN THE ACTORSITE: http://www.actorsite.com/cgi-bin/ppsignup.pl
  
  -----------
  THEATER
  -----------
  
  "I think theater background in general helps me to be a better actor.
  So much experience working in the theater with a lot of great
  actors definitely makes you better."---Gary Sinese
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/finding_success_growing_beyond_jealousy.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_casting_directors_are_really_looking_for.mws hnasc 2006-05-08T08:05:20-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_casting_directors_are_really_looking_for.mws

  I love this article from nowcasting.com because it talks about the difference between being confident and being cocky.  I once sat in on an entire day of auditions, and saw how many ways good actors can shoot themselves in the foot.  Hope this helps someone avoid that mistake.  Neva

   

  NC: How important is an actor’s presence or charisma in the room?
  
  RM: It’s important for somebody to come in confident. Not cocky. There’s a big difference. Cockiness never works. During the audition it comes off as phony, not real. The confident actors are naturally self-assured, know who they are, know why they’re there, and know the character they’re playing.
  
  I just saw an interview with the actor (David Morrisey) that’s in the new “Basic Instinct 2” movie with Sharon Stone, and he was asked, an as an actor, how was it when you had to play a sex scene. The interviewer didn’t say love scene, but sex scene, because, as we know, there are some explicit scenes in the film. The actor said that he’d been an actor for a long time, and never thought of it as a different situation. He said he was portraying a role, understood the character, and that he always thought of it as he’s acting, he’s portraying this character, the only difference is he did it without his clothes on. And I thought, that is a great analogy just for actors in general. Go in, and just, in your mind, think you’re totally naked in front of these people and act as natural as possible. And then you’ll be yourself, and it’ll come off great.
  
  NC: And for some people, they could do it when they wake up in the morning, whereas other people go through years of training.
  
  RM: Yes, exactly. But even the people that are so right on, like I said, they have their bad days. Not often, but for whatever reason, it happens. I’ve also had actors call me right before they have to go into a big network call with some sort of problem. Just recently I had a situation in which an actress called and said her nephew had just passed away. I told the producer and the director, and they thought we should hold off on auditioning her. But I know her well and know she’s a pro and told them she wanted to come in anyway. And she gave one of the most amazing auditions and got the job. She had to go out of town to do this, and the minute she left the set, she went straight to the funeral. That was rough. That’s just amazing somebody that could do that. I’m not an actor, I don’t know that I could ever do that. But just in life, you know, you have to go to work and have to deal with a sorrowful situation. So there are all those variables. Anything goes.
  
  
  Rosalinda Morales is a native of Los Angeles, California and attended the University of Southern California, where she achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater. Rosalinda began her career in the entertainment industry, over twenty-five years ago, as a Casting Associate moving on to become a Talent Agent where she developed up and coming talent in the areas of television, film, theater and commercials. After a ten year stint representing talent, Rosalinda returned to casting and production, working with such notable industry professionals as, veteran television producer, Stu Segall (Reyes y Rey and Angeles – Telemundo Network/Sony) and indie filmmaker, Ken Loach (Bread and Roses). Rosalinda has worked throughout the Southwestern U.S. and internationally on U.S./Mexico - Mexico/U.S. film, television and theatre projects in the areas of production and casting, from which she has gained extensive knowledge and contact with top Latino/International stars and celebrities.
  

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/what_casting_directors_are_really_looking_for.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/trans_fat_labels_can_you_trust_them.mws hnasc 2006-05-08T08:05:41-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/trans_fat_labels_can_you_trust_them.mws

  You know, when I first started seeing all those products at Walmart that said "zero trans fats" but also included ingredients like "partially hydrogenated oils" I wondered......I happen to know that partially hydrogenated oils are seriously harmful.  They essentially cause receptor sites to be slow, kind of arthritic in a way.  They no longer can work properly.  I wondered....how truthful are those labels about trans fat?  Here's an article from someone else who also wondered...and what he found out!   I also have more information on trans fats here:

  Trans Fats and Your Health

   

  The Hidden Government Truth About Zero Trans-Fats Labels

  Related:  HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS

   

   

  Deceptive Zero Trans-Fats Labeling, Government Lies, FDA Censorship, Cherry Producers Under Fire...and more!

   

  When the government announced the new labeling law that forced food processors to list on their label the trans-fats amount their product contained, we were delighted. I’m afraid that our joy was a bit misplaced.

   

  As is so typical of our government, we did not get the whole truth.

   

  What the government didn’t tell us in their announcement was that food processors were permitted to include in their product up to ½ percent of trans-fats and call that zero trans-fats on the label.  Perfëctly lëgal. Canadians are better off then we are in the U.S.  Their government calls zero .2 percent.

   

  I don’t know about you, but when someone says zero to me, that means zilch, nothing, none, not an inkling of trans-fats in the product! 

   

  So once again the government has lied to us when it comes to protecting our health by leading us to believe that when the label says zero trans-fats, it really can mean some trans-fats.

  There is nothing we can do with regard to the new label law and the FDA, or the USDA, but there sure is plenty we can do as far as food processors are concerned.  We have the power of the dollar.

   

  Withhold your purchase of any processed food.  Write to the companies first.  Tell them you know that it’s legal to put up to ½ percent trans-fats in their product even though they have listed it to be zero trans-fats.

   

  You want to know how much trans-fats they have included and you want it in writing.  None of these companies will write you that there are no trans-fats if there really are, for fear of a massive law suit.

   

  Actually, better still, the best thing you can do for your health is to not buy processed foods because the lies from the government are quite broad.

   

  They lie when they say it’s ok to eat small amounts of the thousands of different chemicals they have allowed food processors to add to their processed food without listing them on the labels.  That’s like saying it’s ok to eat a little bit of poison. 

   

  Food processors add different combinations of these chemicals to their processed foods to enhance the flavor of their other wise tasteless products.  Perfëctly lëgal, and you pay the price for it in developed diseases.

   

  Even more outrageous is the FDA and their censorship that prohibits growers of fresh fruits from disseminating scientific information about the health benefits of eating fresh fruit. 

   

  A good example of this censorship is what the FDA did to the cherry growers and their distributors.

   

  They had listed on their web site the scientifically proven health benefits derived from eating cherries.  Scientific studies such as: Kang SY, Seeram NP, Nair MG, Bourquin LD. Tart cherry anthocyanins inhibit tumor defelopment in Apc (Min) mice and reduce proliferation of human colon cancer cells.  Cancer Lett. 2003 May 8; 194(1)L13-9 were listed.

   

  (There are many of these studies too numerous to list here.)

   

  Instead of the FDA applauding these findings and encouraging people to eat cherries, on October 17, 2005, the FDA banned all information about cherries health benefits.

  Their letter was sent to 29 companies that market cherries to cease and desist publicizing scientific data about cherries.

   

  According to the FDA, when they publish this data, the cherries become unapproved drugs and are subject to seizure.  The FDA went on further to say that if they continued to inform consumers about these scientific studies, they would be subject to criminal prosecution.

   

  This is real.  This is not a fantasy.  The FDA has the power to do this, I quote from their letter: “These claims cause your product to be a drug as defined in section 201 (g).  Because this product is not generally recognized as safe and effective when used as labeled, it is also defined as a new drug in section 201 (p).  Under section 505 of the Act(21 USC355), a new drug may not be legally marketed in the United States without an approved New Drug Application.”

  Can you believe they are talking about cherries?  And why did the FDA pick on cherries?  Simple---because it threatens the pharmaceutical industries sale of drugs for cancer.

  Cherries are not the only natural food product that the FDA has censored.  It has successfully censored proven health claims of all too many natural foods and nutritional supplements to the detriment of the public.

   

  We must not let this outrageous censorship continue and we now have an opportunity with new allies to hopefully finally prohibit the FDA from preventing us from learning the truth about the health benefits of different foods and nutritional supplements.

   

  On November 10, 2005, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit the FDA from denying consumers access to truthful health information.  The bill’s name is the Health Freedom Protection Act (H.R.4282).

   

  Here is an excerpt from the speech of the original sponsors:

  “Because of the FDA’s censorship of truthful health claims, millions of Americans may suffer with diseases and other health care problems they may have avoided by using dietary supplements. For example, the FDA prohibited consumers from learning how folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects for four years after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended every woman of childbearing age take folic acid supplements to reduce neural tube defects.  This FDA action contributed to an estimated 10,000 cases of preventable neural tube defects!”

   

  You can see from this how important it is that each and every one of us write or email our Congressmen, Congresswomen, and  Senators that you want them to pass H.R. 4282 (Health Freedom Protection Act).

   

  If you do not know their email address or office address, go to: www.visi.com/juan/congress .  Click on the down arrow and click on your state.  Then enter your zip code and click on “Submit it”.  That is all you have to enter. The name and addresses of your representatives will come up.

  Tell them to stop the FDA’s censorship. Tell them you have a right to know how to protect your health.  Tell them to pass the bill.

   

  Do it now.  If you wait, it won’t get done.  This is too important to let slip.  Pass this email on to as many as you can.  Thanks for your efforts.

  To your good health and longevity,

  Ira Marxe
  CEO, Good Health Supplement

  P.S. Don't forget to read our past HMM articles. You will find the quick link below today's article. And remember..."The road to good health is an easy one to follow when making the right choices." Thank you.

  ---

  Ira Marxe is CEO of Good Health Supplements. GHS is dedicated to
  your good health offering you affordable, leading edge technology in
  anti-aging, cardiovascular, multi-vitamin and digestive nutritional
  supplementation. Call 928-203-9700 or 1- 888- 824-3745.
  Go to: Good Health Supplements.

  Health Disclaimer: The information contained in this or any GHS related articles or materials are not intended to take the place of personal medical advice from your health care professional. Any action taken based on the contents found in this or any GHS related articles, materials or information is at the sole discretion of the reader. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals as necessary on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Any information or opinions provided here or in any GHS related articles, materials or information are believed to be accurate and sound, however no GHS personal or associates will be held responsible on behalf of any reader who fails to consult appropriate health authorities with respect to their individual health care, and the author or publisher of any information is not responsible for errors or omissions

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/trans_fat_labels_can_you_trust_them.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_make_it_in_hollywood_or_anywhere_else.mws hnasc 2006-05-14T10:05:35-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_make_it_in_hollywood_or_anywhere_else.mws
  Over all, the most significant mindset I've adopted, with regard
  to my career as an actor, is to diligently and unrelentingly remind
  myself that my acting career is not in the hands of hollywood.
   
  That's hard to do when you are there, in Hollywood, and you
  see all these audition notices on L A Casting and Actors Access
  and you see parts you KNOW you could play and you don't get called
  because someone else doesn't see you that way.
   
  It's easy to think someone else, the person doing the casting
  or the person directing or producing or your agent, is in control.
   
  It's just as easy to think you are in control, the little you i mean.
  The personality self with it's wants, needs, insecurities and, often,
  it's tunnel vision.
   
  The truth I have come to embrace is that something higher is in
  control than what my personality self thinks it needs, or what my
  agent thinks I am right for, or what the director or producer believes
  about me as an actor.
   
  When something is in alignment with everything in me, it happens.
  When i am desiring or striving to produce something and there is
  misalignment or conflict in me anywhere, it doesn't happen.
   
  So, as best i can, i attempt to pursue what i desire and, at the same
  time, release all attachment to result.
   
  Whew.  Yeah.  But it works for me when I can do it.
   
  If I can surrender in each moment to my High Self, my God Self
  (or Goddess Self), then every success comes easier. 
   
  I am here in Alabama, far from tinseltown now.  It is even harder to
  keep that faith here, where opportunities happen only sporadically
  and losing one can seem far more important than it would in L.A.
  where there will be five more chances tomorrow, but the same
  principle applies.
   
  Free online acting class!
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_to_make_it_in_hollywood_or_anywhere_else.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/bruce_lee_acting_and_you.mws hnasc 2006-05-15T05:05:48-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/bruce_lee_acting_and_you.mws

  Note from blogmaster:  If you met Jack Turnbull, you might have a hard time reconciling the man you met with his amazing words of wisdom.  He is a kidder, and sometimes mischevious to point of almost meaness but in that heart beats the soul of a wise man. Here is another great article by Jack, over at actorsite.com, the best resource for a struggling actor or actress in Hollywood.

   

  "...I will give the very best acting I could possibly give
  every single time I am in front of the camera and I will
  live in peace and harmony."---Bruce Lee
  
  ====================
  
  Setting Goals.
  
  ====================
  Those of you who have been reading this newsletter for some
  time know how much I emphasize list making and setting goals.
  Look, setting goals isn't easy, everybody knows that.  And
  one of the toughest things to do for most people is to
  actually sit down and write goals out.

  
  I have an 8 1/2 x 11-inch sheet of paper at home that has a
  variety of goals listed on it: Personal goals, business goals,
  creative goals, artistic goals, simple achievement goals, travel
  goals, family goals.
  
  I try to go over these at least once per day and update them
  at least once per week. I keep it on the fridge.
  
  Then in my pocket, I have a post-it note with two goals,
  a creative goal, and a fitness goal (I'm challenged with
  fitness, so I have to remind myself EVERY DAY). I change
  these every time I lose the post-it.
  
  Will doing this help me accomplish these goals?

  
  The truth is, you just don't know. But I DO know that
  if you're NOT working on this kind of stuff, that SURELY
  will NOT help you get anywhere, and the pain of this (NOT
  doing something), for me -- is FAR worse than the pain of
  trying something and then failing, so it really doesn't
  matter.
  
  Like Bruce Lee said, "A goal is not always meant to be
  reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at."
  
  I do know, burning these goals into my head like this,
  keeps me  focused, and that's important if you
  want to accomplish ANYTHING at all, isn't it?
  
  
  Of course we know about our fellow members and visitors who are great
  at goal setting, but what about some others who have found success?
  
  For instance,  Jim Carrey.
  
  When Jim was a dirt-broke stand-up comedian living in L.A.,
  before he became an actor, he decided he was going to write
  a check to himself for future services rendered.
  
  He wrote himself a check for some amount between 10 and $12
  Million Dollars, and then he carried this check inside his
  wallet  for years, working his way through the
  stand-up acts to TV, until he finally got his check for his
  first movie, Ace Ventura.
  
  How much was that check for?
  
  Rumor has it... for $12 Million.
  
  And then there was famous football coach, Lou Holtz
  
  Lou had just lost his job as an assistant football coach at
  a small school in the South. His wife was was 8 months
  pregnant with their third child, and after reading 'The
  Magic of Thinking Big' by David Schwartz, Lou decided to
  start thinking big, and he wrote down some of these big
  thoughts -- 107 of them in fact.
  
  Goals from having dinner at the White House to appearing on
  the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, to meeting the Pope,
  coaching at Notre Dame, leading his team to a national
  championship, and shooting a hole in one.
  
  Since 1969, Lou Holtz has achieved 81 of these goals, which is an
  EXCELLENT winning percentage.
  
  And finally, there was Bruce Lee
  
  Next time you're in the Planet Hollywood in New York City,
  check out the letter hanging on the wall that Bruce Lee
  wrote to himself. It's stamped 'secret' and it's dated
  January 9, 1970. What's Bruce's goal? Only this: "By 1980
  I will be the best known oriental movie star in the United
  States and will have secured $10 million dollars."

  
  He continues with, "And in return I will give the very best
  acting I could possibly give every single time I am in
  front of the camera and I will live in peace and harmony."
  
  Lee understood how important it is to also know what you
  are going to give in return for what you achieve.
  
  Now it's your turn -- what are your goals and what are you
  going to do to accomplish them? Let me know by posting here:
  
  http://hollywoodipages.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/6/13304.html?
  
  
  
  
  
  All the best,
  
  
  
  Jack
  
  
  
  =======================================
  
  ONE OF MY GOALS!
  
  =======================================
  
  
  
  Since we offer our members SO MUCH in free events and information,
  
  one of my goals is that we GROW the ACTORSITE so that we can
  
  offer even MORE free events and information!
  
  
  
  So forward this letter to an actor friend of yours, and let them
  
  know how much you enjoy the Actorsite, and WHY!
  
  
  
  You can link to our calendar and let them know that ALL the events
  
  in RED are FREE for our members, so that's a HUGE OPPORTUNITY
  
  for every actor to SAVE in HOLLYWOOD!
  
  
  
  Plus every event is ABOUT THE WORK. There are groups out there
  
  who are about the "talk", but ACTORSITE is about the work, so
  
  we encourage our members to PRACTICE SKILLS EVERY DAY!
  
  
  
  If we grow, we can continue to offer LOW RATES, and SUPER VALUE
  
  for your acting dollars.
  
  
  
  Encourage them to JOIN ACTORSITE HERE:
  
  Vocal Training for Singers

  Find great audition material

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/bruce_lee_acting_and_you.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/practice_makes_perfect.mws hnasc 2006-05-15T05:05:25-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/practice_makes_perfect.mws

  ======================================
  
  Do you practice your "Exercises"?
  
  ======================================
  I've heard so many rationalizations against practicing
  acting exercises and I've realized that there are those
  who wish to succeed and those who wish to wait for
  success by doing nothing.
  
  Recently I watched a special film on Bruce Lee who
  developed the philosophy of "The way is no way" which
  some can use to rationalize sitting around doing nothing
  because there is no "way". This comes from a man who
  dedicated his life to mastering EVERY "way" in
  Martial Arts, and his physique showed how hard he
  practiced EVERY DAY for hours and hours to arrive
  at his "no way" approach to fighting.
  
  His "way" would more likely be called "EVERY WAY",
  because Lee mastered and excelled at every single
  martial arts form that he attempted. THAT MEANS THAT
  HE WORKED HARDER THAN ANYONE ELSE TO ACCOMPLISH
  his "no way" successes.
  
  Anyone who wishes to enhance their spiritual life
  must practice their spiritual exercises every day
  or they get flaccid and lax. Those who develop their
  spiritual life to find fulfillment will spend every waking
  hour practicing their spiritual exercises.
  
  Any musician knows that they have to practice scales and
  exercises to stay sharp or they get flaccid and
  lose their musical technique. A TOP musician will practice
  from 4 to 8 hours per day, plus perform on a regular basis.

  LEARN TO SING LIKE A PROFESSIONAL
  
  A writer, in order to create and be successful, must write
  and write and write, and then write some more. Most writers
  sit down and write for several hours per day and then edit
  most of it away...but to be creative you have to practice
  being creative.  THE SCREENWRITER'S BIBLE
  
  Any athlete knows that to compete with the best, that they
  have to work out EVERY DAY and push and grow and then work
  out some more...the actor is like an athlete who must constantly
  Work out the acting muscle.
  
  I think you get the point. "THE WAY IS NO WAY" means that if
  you have practiced EVERY DAY and are SHARP, you become fluid and
  can react and be creative in your acting choices.
  
  If you practice the method every day for an hour every day, doing your
  sensories and breaking down scenes from an emotional point of
  view, you will become sharper and quicker with your emotional
  involvement in your material.
  
  
  If you practice cold reading for an hour every day, just to
  work on the mechanics of the cold reading process, your work
  on the method becomes more valuable, so you aren't tied to the
  mechanics of just seeing the page and saying the words...
  
  The nice thing about acting, is that you can practice wherever
  you are, whatever you are doing...you can take a scene or a book
  or ANY TEXT or emotional material and break it down and practice
  it out loud to stay sharp. You have NOTHING BUT TIME to work
  on material...DO IT to stay sharp!
  
  And, if you are a member of the Actorsite, there are literally
  DOZENS of opportunities each month to practice your skills so you
  you EXCEL at every level! And all are at no cost to paid up members!
  
  Remember, auditions are hard enough to come by, so when they do,
  are you going to be prepared? Or will you be "tongue tied"?
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack

  ACTORSITE.COM

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/practice_makes_perfect.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/new_gimmick_for_weight_loss.mws hnasc 2006-05-15T07:05:41-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/new_gimmick_for_weight_loss.mws

  The New Gimmick For Weight Loss?

  When it comes to ingenious ways to suck money out of the American public, the medical profession ranks right up there with the best of them.

   

  Now our scientific community has a new gimmick to offer overweight and obese people, “nutritional DNA tests.”

   

  What they are marketing, and I do mean marketing, is that they can determine DNA trouble spots that leave you vulnerable to vitamin deficiencies.

   

  They imply that all of your fat problems and susceptibility to degenerative diseases are genetic nutritional deficiencies, and if you know what your nutritional genetic deficiencies are, you can correct them and that would lead to a loss of weight and the prevention of degenerative diseases.

   

  As to weight loss, you definitely will lose some weight as your pocket will become much lighter with the genetic flight of your dollars.

   

  One such company, based in Seattle, charges $395 to test 19 nutrition-linked genes claiming that if people understand their genetic pre-disposition to poor nutrition, it can empower them to do whatever it takes to stay healthy.

   

  This is only one of many companies, clinics and nutritionists that are growing rapidly, offering the same type of genetic analysis across the United States, with prices ranging from less than $100 to as much as $2,000 depending on the range of genetic testing conducted.

   

  What they don’t tell you is that if you eat healthy, alkalize your body, take nutritional supplements and exercise, your body will take care of itself and the knowledge of whether or not you have a predisposed nutritional gene is meaningless.

   

  Also rebutting their contentions is Lisa Dorfman, Professor of Nutrition at the University of Miami and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

   

  She said, “I’m a registered dietitian and a licensed psychotherapist, so I know the psychology of submitting yourself to this type of thing.  I think that when people find out that they have a predisposing gene, they can easily throw in the towel and say, ‘Well, you see?  I can’t do anything about it, anyway’”.

   

  Dorfman also said, “One thing doesn’t do it all ---diet doesn’t cure you of everything, exercise doesn’t ---- they are all pieces of the puzzle.”

   

  It is unfortunate that so many people, who are overweight or obese, take no responsibility for their condition.  They have convinced themselves, and will try to convince you if you ask, that their problem is totally genetic and that’s why they can’t lose weïght and are fat.

   

  For the most part, that is simply hogwash.  I have personally seen people who have told me their problem was genetic and later lost hundreds of pounds when they finally got around to eating properly, taking supplements, and exercising.

   

  I knew one chap who weighed almost 500 lbs.  He finally went to a psychologist who got him to change his high sugary eating habits. (He used to snack on a pound of chocolate at a time and drink 8 to 10 bottles of soda a day).  When he stated eating healthy foods, and stopped drinking soda, he lost close to 300 lbs. over a period of nine months.

   

  If you didn’t know, a bottle of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar.  Diet soda is not much better as it contains its own set of chemical problems.  Sport drinks are also loaded with sugar and many have excessively high levels of caffeine.

   

  Additionally, I know of many obese people who have lost 100 pounds plus by just drinking ionized water and eating healthy.

   

  This is not rocket science.  If you want to lose weïght and prevent the formation of degenerative diseases, you need to make your body alkaline, quit eating sugar and drinking sugary drinks, ease up on the alcohol, coffee and tea, begin eating healthy, take nutritional supplements, and exercise.

   

  To market one company’s 19 gene test program, (19 out of 30,000 genes that you have in your body), they explain, “As part of its 19 gene screening, we look for variations in a gene that helps regulate the synthesis and availability of dietary folic acid.”

   

  The company continues, “If you don’t get enough folate, you are at increased risk for heart disease, colon cancer and other problems.”  So what’s new?  Every nutritionist knows that.  We too know that.  Folic acid is one of the major ingredients in our vitamin/mineral arterial cleansing formula.

   

  You don’t need to spend $400 or more to find out you should be taking a nutritional supplement that contains folic acid.

   

  Don’t get caught up in new fad testing.  As Dorfman says, “You can be really scientific about this without spending money on fancy and expensive testing.  Doctors already have cheap and reliable non-genetic methods to spot nutrient deficiencies and disease risk factors.”

  Choosing to be healthy means a life style change for most of us and we don’t need expensive gene testing to tell us that. All we need is to use a little common sense and have a willingness to change.

   

  You have control of your body --- not the gene testers --- not your doctor.  You need to take responsibility for your own body.  You know how you feel and how you look.

   

  Right or wrong ---- You are the one who has made the choices that have made your body what it is today!   If you want to give yourself a new lease on life --- start making the right choices NOW!

  To your good health and longevity.

   

  Ira Marxe, CEO, Good Health Supplement

  P.S. Don't forget to read our past HMM articles.

  HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/new_gimmick_for_weight_loss.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/mysteries_of_hollywood_what_do_they_do_in_the_summer.mws hnasc 2006-05-17T11:05:02-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/mysteries_of_hollywood_what_do_they_do_in_the_summer.mws

  It is a fact that many actors make an exodus out of L.A. every summer because the big casting burst from pilot season is over, episodics are on hiatus, etc.  But, as Jack (from www.actorsite.com ) points out, any time can be a good time to be available for work.  I'm one of those who high-tailed it outta town after April, and I'm not sorry I left because I love being back in the lush, green, quiet nature of the south but if you are still in L.A. this might be good time to be there.  Just read what Jack has to say about the months of May and June, as far as casting goes in Hollywood.

   

  REPLACEMENT PILOT SEASON!
  
  
  
  Every year, this time of year, we have a flurry of casting opportunities
  for many of you in Hollywood. Why? Because those shows that have been
  picked up for broadcast this fall or for mid-season will "replace" many
  of the series regulars as they go from PILOT to EPISODIC.
  
  By TOMORROW,  (May 18) ALL the FALL SEASON schedules will

  have been announced andthis means they will be gearing up and casting the season!
  
  For example, if they cast an actor who has a conflict by being cast on
  the same network, then they have to recast the part. If they decide
  they want an actor with different "qualities" then they recast the part.
  If they decide to go younger or older, then they recast the role.
  
  Plus, many times they "rework" the entire show and write in new
  characters and they need to cast those roles. Additionally, many
  shows that have been on the air will add new characters to change
  the mix.
  
  What does that mean for you?
  
     * As offices are opened and casting assignments are announced,
  ACTORSITE will POST THAT INFORMATION FOR OUR MEMBERS!

  It's up to YOU to postcard those CDs as they get back in their office
  to remind them who you are!
  
     * This is the time of year to DEVELOP NEW RELATIONSHIPS and
  revive those that you have worked with through the previous years.
  How? Get up off the couch and get out to EDUCATIONAL CASTING
  DIRECTOR WORKSHOPS, so you are SHARP and SKILLED, and READY TO
  COMPETE! At Actorsite we always see the NEW ACTORS come in and
  SHARPEN THEIR SKILLS enough to start booking and TAKE THE ROLES
  away from more experienced actors who are sitting home waiting for
  the phone to ring. So if you are NEW, this is your way to PUNCH UP
  YOUR CAREER, and if you are more experienced, this is the way to
  STAY SHARP and KEEP YOURSELF IN THE GAME!!!
  
     * This is the time of year to KEEP YOUR SKILLS SHARP! Don't
  sit at home and lament how slow it is...if you were to be called
  in for one of these replacement roles, YOU BETTER BE SHARP, so
  if you are sitting around, you will be OUT OF SHAPE! So make sure
  you WARM UP your instrument EVERY DAY and PRACTICE your cold reading!!!
  
     * STAY SHARP by attending our FREE SUBSCRIBER EVENTS...you can work
  on cold reading, improvisation, on-camera, and MORE and it's all FREE
   for SUBSCRIBERS! OVER 10 FREE WORKOUTS PER WEEK!
  
     * Get together with other actors and practice your cold reading.

  
  The NUMBER 1 tennis player in the world just took 3 weeks off and now
  she is back SHE'S BEING BEATEN BY THOSE NOT RANKED...she's out of practice.
  As an athlete, she knows she'll have to WORK HERSELF BACK TO PRIME FORM.
  If you sit around, you are going soft!
  
  

   

   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/mysteries_of_hollywood_what_do_they_do_in_the_summer.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/is_the_shingles_vaccine_safe.mws hnasc 2006-06-05T10:06:03-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/is_the_shingles_vaccine_safe.mws

  I happen to agree with this article in many respects.  I, too, have serious reservations about the new shingles vaccine.  I don't believe vaccinations do boost immune function and unless this one is radically different, I'd question whether it really does this or not, despite what has been said about it in the press.  Just my opinion....well, mine and Ira's I guess.  I've handled almost every health challenge I've ever had in my 50 years on this old earth, using natural means. You should know that there are natural shingles remedies and that these have been proven to help in cases of shingles.  They are safe and, for many who use them, reported to be effective.  Why not at least read about natural shingles remedies before making a decision on the new shingles vaccine?

   

  Health report on shingles:  What it is, what causes it and what can help your body fight shingles

   

  This article courtesy of Ira Marxe and his copywritten material:

   

  If you have ever had shingles, you know how painful this viral disease can be. Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.

  Anyone who has had chickenpox is a prime candidate for developing its sister disease, shingles. That's because you never actually "get rid" of chickenpox once you've had it.  The blisters may disappear, but remnants of the virus remain in your body for the rest of your life, waiting for an opportunity (when you're stressed or your immune system is suppressed) to reappear as very painful shingles.

   

  How widespread a health challenge is shingles?  Shingles is estimated to affect 2 in every 10 people in their lifetime. This year, more than 500,000 people will develop shingles.  Some statistics say over 1,000,000 people will develop shingles.  Whichever the statistic, these are big numbers and a lot of painful suffering.

   

  Who gets shingles?  Although shingles is most common in people over age 50, if you have had chickenpox, you are always at risk for developing shingles. Shingles is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, transplant operations, and stress.

   

  What are the symptoms of shingles?  Early signs of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching generally located on one side of the body or face. The pain can be severe. Rash or blisters are present anywhere from 1 to 14 days.

   

  If shingles appears on your face, it can lead to complications in your hearing and vision. For instance, if shingles affects your eye, the cornea can become infected and lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Another complication of the virus is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition where the pain from shingles persists for months, sometimes years, after the shingles rash has healed.

   

  Can shingles be cured?  (note from blogmaster - I personally believe even a stubborn virus can be eradicated completely from the body, that is, cured.  however, the medical profession says that shingles, and it's sister virus herpes simplex, cannot be cured but only controlled to a degree thru medication).  Unfortunately, there is no cure for shingles, but the severity and duration of an attack of shingles can be significantly reduced if you are treated immediately with antiviral drugs, which include acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famcyclovir.

   

  What about antiviral drugs and shingles?  Antiviral drugs may also help stave off the painful after-effects of PHN. Other treatments for PHN include painkillers, steroids, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medicine.

   

  Is shingles contagious?  Yes, people with shingles are contagious to persons who have not had chickenpox. Therefore, people who have not had chickenpox can catch chickenpox if they have close contact with a person who has shingles.

   

  However, you can not catch shingles itself from someone else. Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus which has been dormant (staying quiet) in your body ever since you had chickenpox. So, you get shingles from your own chickenpox virus, not from someone else.

   

  I had chicken pox when I was a kid and am just as vulnerable to shingles as anyone else who has had this disease.  Am I going to run and get a vaccination?  No way!

   

  I hate drugs and don’t trust the new vaccine, especially when serious side effects show up and the FDA says there is no real proof that the vaccine is to blame.  They said the same thing about Vioxx while people were dieing!

   

  The best “vaccine and drugs” I know of to prevent shingles and other debilitating and life threatening disease are called anti-oxidants, nutritional supplements, healthy eating, and drinking ionized water.

   

  Another word for this shingles avoidance process is called PREVENTION, a word, regrettably, so foreign to so many people.

   

  It’s time everyone woke up to the fact that you don’t have to get sick, but you do have to practice prevention.

   

  What about the new shingles vaccine?  A recent news article announced that the FDA has approved a shingles vaccine developed by Merck & Co. Inc. called Zostavax.

   

  In a statement by Dr. Jesse Goodman, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, “This vaccine gives health care providers an important tool that can help prevent an illness that affects many older Americans and often results in significant chronic pain.”

   

  Continuing, Dr. Goodman said, “Zostavax does not prevent the initial infection by the virus nor does it treat active cases of shingles.  Instead, the vaccine helps prevent the re-emergence or resurgence of the virus by boosting a patient’s immunity.”

   

  What does Merck say about their shingles research?  Merck stated that their research showed the vaccine reduced the incidence of shingles by half, and pain and discomfort by two-thirds.  This means that if you take the vaccine you only have a 50/50 chance the vaccine will work for you.

   

  What does the FDA say about the shingles vaccine?  According to the FDA, the vaccine’s long term effectiveness is still not clear.  Merck has only been able to demonstrate that the vaccine works for at least four years.  Merck plans to track patients for at least a decade in determining its effectiveness.

   

  The FDA also said that Merck has pledged to study further the vaccine’s safety after patients in clinical trials suffered a slightly higher number of serious side effects than did those who received dummy injections.

   

  No evidence exists that the vaccine was to blame, the FDA added.  A La Vioxx????

  Merck, remember, is the maker of Vioxx which killed a goodly number of people while the FDA steadfastly refused to ban the sale of Vioxx.

   

   

  To your good health and longevity.

  Ira Marxe
  CEO, Good Health Supplement

  P.S. Don't forget to read our past HMM articles. You will find the quick link below today's article. And remember..."The road to good health is an easy one to follow when making the right choices." Thank you.

  ---

  Ira Marxe is CEO of Good Health Supplements. GHS is dedicated to
  your good health offering you affordable, leading edge technology in
  anti-aging, cardiovascular, multi-vitamin and digestive nutritional
  supplementation.
  Go to: Good Health Supplements.

  Health Disclaimer: The information contained in this or any GHS related articles or materials are not intended to take the place of personal medical advice from your health care professional. Any action taken based on the contents found in this or any GHS related articles, materials or information is at the sole discretion of the reader. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals as necessary on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Any information or opinions provided here or in any GHS related articles, materials or information are believed to be accurate and sound, however no GHS personal or associates will be held responsible on behalf of any reader who fails to consult appropriate health authorities with respect to their individual health care, and the author or publisher of any information is not responsible for errors or omissions.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/is_the_shingles_vaccine_safe.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/dim_sum_and_acting_inspiration_at_a_chinatown_restaurant.mws hnasc 2006-06-05T10:06:54-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/dim_sum_and_acting_inspiration_at_a_chinatown_restaurant.mws

  This article is from a friend of mine in Los Angeles, Jill Place.  Jill is an extraordinarily upbeat and creative soul, teaching acting from a depth that is a true gift to her students.  I agree with Jill about acting taking courage.  They don't cast many roles for perfect people.  Think of the movie roles that stick in your mind over the years.  Probably, the characters had depth and flaws.  The most flawed characters often become the most memorable, in fact.  To be an actor is to allow yourself to go into the deepest, darkest potential within you if that's what the role requires.  Not easy.  And if you do it right, people may wonder if you are "really that way".  Enjoy these words of wisdom from Jill and if you are in the L.A. area, try her classes.   Actors are the Bravest People on Earth!

   

  Dim sum in Chinatown is a passion of mine.  As a matter on fact, as soon as I'm ensconced at a table at my favorite haunt, Empress Pavilion, the waiter always asks me if I want my usual Chardonnay.  

   

  A bit ago, I had dim sum with one of my favorite people and a wonderful writer, Xaque Gruber. (ps from Blogmaster - Xague is a delightful person.  I met him also on a recent trip to L.A. and just fell in love with his genuine goodness and good humor.)  Between bouts of pork baos, steamed scallop dumplings and sweet sesame balls, Xaque told me that he had written a quirky episodic pilot that had piqued Sony's interest.  And that he had written a part for me .  He even said he saw my face while he was writing it!

   

  I stuttered and stumbled when he asked me to read the part for the Sony people.  My stomach seized.  And, for the first time ever in a dumpling parlor, I put the bao down.  I never got the chance to get REALLY terrified, however.  Sony had someone else do it.

   

  So I began to think about the sheer bravery it takes to be an actor.  I remembered that Jerzy Grotowski, famous director and creator of a revolutionary acting technique, once said that an actor's job was to impale himself upon a stake every night.  And on Inside the Actor's Studio, Shelley Winters defended Marlon Brando's statement that he hated acting by explaining that he hated instead the depth of feeling he knew he had to visit to create his memorable characters.   

   

  Rosalind Russell  . . . who was priceless as Auntie Mame . . . quipped, "Acting is standing up naked and turning around very slowly."  As an acting coach who helps actors strip away their inhibitions and rebuild their expression from a cellular level up, I certainly agree with that statement.  When you act, you leap to expose yourself with every performance . . . to impale yourself upon that stake.  And, to do that, you have to be incredibly brave. 

   

  Brave to submit yourself to the process.  Brave to go on the journey to become a good actor that's often paved with stones, setbacks and tears.  Brave enough to not believe anyone when they tell you to bob your nose (look at Barbra Streisand), lose weight (check out Camryn Manheim and John Candy) or be cookie-cutter beautiful (remember that Linda Hunt and Kathy Bates are BOTH Oscar-winners).

   

  On top of that, once you think your acting is good enough, you have to be doubly brave to expose yourself to people who might not seem to care whether you're good or not . . . Casting Directors, Agents . . . aw, hell, just about everyone in ShowBiz.  And brave enough to realize that casting is totally out of your control and often has nothing to do with that illusive thing called talent.  I love what MIchael Caine says about acting and talent . . . "I'm a skilled professional actor.  Whether or not I've got any talent is beside the point".

   

  So you've got to, like Michael Caine, be brave enough to continually put yourself out there as a skilled professional actor.  And then bravely suffer the slings and arrows of one outrageous casting situation after another.  And, then, once you . . . horror of horrors . . . actually GET the part, bravely have to deliver.  I know one actor who finally quit an almost 30-year career because he got more and more anxiety-ridden about last-minute memorizing.  The reality of having to finally strut your stuff is the scariest part of all to me.

   

  So it seems that . . . with all this bravado you continually have to muster . . .  that you run the risk of getting into a fear place and losing perspective at any given moment.  Because no one can be fearless all the time.  And often we're frustrated by aspects of our careers that don't materialize on cue.

   

  Yesterday, I talked with one of my favorite actresses, students and friends . . . Leah Cevoli . . . who's incredibly proactive about her career.  Leah was complaining to me that she just couldn't find a theatrical agent.  Even with a recurring role on Deadwood and continual guest shots.  She verbally checked off the numerous mailings and hundreds of postcards and headshots that she had sent out as well as the many phone calls that she had made.  But Leah's also currently up for an exciting lead role in a SAG low-budget that she snagged last week while at home for a few days in Philly for the Memorial Day holidays.  That's Leah!  ALWAYS hustling!

   

  I hear this all the time from actors . . . that their careers grind to a screeching halt because of some small element they're obsessing about that isn't there.  For those times when when your career gears are grinding, consider these few drops of lubricating oil:

  • When you find yourself getting into a fear or frustration place, remember all the times when you were really brave in your career! That big audition in front of that even bigger ShowBizzer who nodded in acceptance. That play in some NoHo hole that got rave reviews (yours was the best!) from the LA Times. That time they plucked you out of the extra pool to do an under-five in a big hit TV show that not only got you a SAG card but an agent.   Close your eyes and picture one or all of those triumphs in your mind.

  • Take an acting class!  I don't know anything that made me feel  more up to doing a killer audition the next day than greasing my acting wheels the night before.   Affirming your craft is one of the best ways to remember how brave you really are. 

  • Take action! The Aligning your BRAND eBook Workbook has tons of ways to take action in its "Act-ive Marketing" section.  Along with lots of guided imagery scripts to get you out of  whatever stuck place you're in!

  • Walk into an audition as if you were the most appealing person on the planet!  Gather up all your charm, confidence and love of acting along with your meticulous preparation and make an entrance through that door knowing that you're the best they will ever see for the part.

  • Stick to your preparation no matter what!  I don't care if the casting people turn their backs to you, talk or chomp loudly on their salads.  Or the assistant cues you in a dull monotone.  Remember that they have the power to cast you but YOU have power over your audition.  Trying to please them splits your focus and makes you fail!  So don't!

  • FAGETABOUDIT!  I can't tell you how many actors I know who analyze a few moments of audition or a meeting with a ShowBiz exec to death!  Dwelling on all that stuff is the surest way to get stuck.  And, when you're stuck, you're in a fear  . . . not a brave . . . place.  So quickly evaluate the effectiveness of the audition or meeting, learn from it, and then . . . NEXT!  

   As a matter of fact, I've been stuck in a funky fear place for the past few days myself.  Writing this article as gotten me partially out of it.  And teaching class today will complete the process.  So I invite you to take action!  And be the bravest actor on earth that you know you are!

  Please keep me posted about your random or planned acts of acting bravery.  I'd love to do publish all of them in an article dedicated to you.

   

   

  Balance your energy for acting success!

  To find out more,click here!

  Buy the Aligning your BRAND eBook for the pre-internet price of $39!
  With lots of FR^E perks!

  For a sneak peek, click here!

  To order, click here!

   

  Speaking of food, I prefer organic foods.  Here's why.....

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/dim_sum_and_acting_inspiration_at_a_chinatown_restaurant.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_i_appreciate_the_usa.mws hnasc 2006-07-05T08:07:29-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_i_appreciate_the_usa.mws

  Yet another inspirational article from Jack, over at www.actorsite.com

   

  I know, from personal experience, how challenging it can be to trust your own uniqueness, when you are sitting in an audition waiting room with 50 other actors who all want the same job.  I make it a point to not dwell on any particular person, to keep my attention turned inward and on my own experience with the script or improv situation.  There will always be someone who is so different that you wonder....should I have gone that way?  It's futile and damaging to your own performance.  Do your thing, your way.  If  you are what they are looking for, you'll book the job.  If you are not, copying someone else's original essence won't work anyway so why bother?  This email was sent out as a Fourth of July message but I think it's appropo any time of the year.  Enjoy Jack's message and visit his website for more info on the actorsite membership.  If you are an actor in L.A. and you want to stay sharp, this organization provides more workshops and free training for it's members than any other in town and they have all the same CD's coming to the casting director workshops as all the other, higher priced places around L.A. and Burbank. 

   

  Recommended resource:  I'll leave you with a great resource for actors I just found....check it out:  The Hollywood Creative Directory.  By far, the best investment you can make in getting to know the people who cast, produce, direct and write in Hollywood.  If you are serious about your acting career, this book is a must have resource.
  
  I was sitting thinking about what I love about the USA and how the rest of the world thinks it's heaven to live in the USA.
  
  For 90% of the world's population, living in the USA would be heaven.
  
  Most of the world's population does not have personal property rights and in the USA, not only is personal property protected, and respected, it's encouraged.

  
  And in the USA, one of the MOST personal of property is your TALENT...and if you develop it and use it to it's highest use, it will take care of you become a valuable asset and investment for your future.

  
  There is no one quite like YOU, and because you are automatically PATENTED and COPYRIGHTED at birth, then you are protected if you decide to develop your talent. The USA is one of the only countries in the world where this is automatic and accepted and NEVER QUESTIONED!
  
  You AUTOMATICALLY have rights to privacy, rights to commerce and property rights to your image and creative efforts.
  
  The only way you give up those rights is through a "work for hire" contract. That's OK, too, because you are compensated for your talent.
  
  One of the reasons that the US is the center for creativity for the world is that fact that we RESPECT creativity. We respect talent. We respect industriousness. We respect it so much that WHEN IT'S CREATED, IT'S COPYRIGHTED is an act of law.
  
  (Please no nitpicking on how to prove the law, THAT's the law!)
  
  So I, personally, would like you to take the time today to RESPECT what you have been given...a set of pathways to creative success, guarded by the full weight of the US Government, and it's UP TO YOU how you develop and fulfill your destiny!
  
  The Actorsite is a MEETING OF THE MINDS of actors at many stages of their careers...and ALL take the time to help others from time to time...
  
  So MANY paths are shown if you just participate and post your questions, answer others questions, and in general, become a part of a community that is only their to support your creative ambitions.
  
  And, as in the past, many of you will go on to blaze a new path...we only hope you share your successes so others can follow in your footsteps.

  
  So, lets hear it for the USA...and lets not let all these rights and privileges go to waste...
  
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack
  

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_i_appreciate_the_usa.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/love_those_bach_flower_remedies.mws hnasc 2006-07-10T10:07:48-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/love_those_bach_flower_remedies.mws

  Taming emotional issues that challenge your career.  Actors tend to be a little more emotional than others.  I think it is the ready access to a range of emotions that helps make one a good actor but when the challenges of this industry take their toll and emotions are dominating that threaten your stability and your career, take time to smell the flowers......essences that is. 

   

  What are the challenges of acting?  Well, to start with, if you are lucky enough to have an agent and get called regularly for auditions, you spend 4 to 6 hours driving every day.  It's one of the primary reasons I gave up on a career in Los Angeles.  If I wanted to be a truck driver, I'd own a semi.  I would spend at least an hour to an hour and a half getting to an audition, another 30 minutes trying to find somewhere to park, 20 to 30 minutes waiting to audition, 2 to 5 minutes actually auditioning, and then another hour to hour and a half getting home.

   

  On days that I had more than one audition, I'd literally have to change in a bathroom somewhere and repeat that exercise above, sometimes twice more in a day.  Then, the callbacks....repeat again.  Then, the rejection after all that effort.  Being turned down for an acting role is a bit unique in that you are never told why.  You never know if it was something you did in the audition, or didn't do.  You don't know if it was something about the way you looked.  You don't know anything except that you put forth tremendous effort, you did your very best, and they said no.

   

  I honestly think every actor should have a bottle of Bach Rescue Remedy on their person at all times.  Because Rescue Remedy is designed to bring the body back from shock or trauma, it is the perfect, safe, nonaddictive remedy for actors.  So, instead of sitting in the car in shock after an audition gone awry or after you hang up the phone from yet another "you didn't get it, sorry" call from your agent, put a few drops under your tongue and take the help provided in letting it go more quickly.

   

   It typically amazes people who have never tried them, that flower essences can be so precise.  Edward Bach created what is probably the most well-known set of flower remedies in the world.  They are called the Bach Flower Remedies and I can recommend them whole-heartedly to actors as well as any other person struggling with emotional issues. 

   

  There are Bach remedies that are specific to terror (that could translate to stage fright in some cases, right?), worry, impatience, self-centeredness (none of us actors have that, right?), fear of the unknown, living in the past, resignation, lack of energy, hatred, hopelessness and despair, the "monday morning" feeling", self reproach, lack of confidence and more.  Bear in mind, these are not just general words to describe what each essence addresses.  they are as specific as they sound. 

   

  Medical science treats panic, stress, worry, mental health issues, emotional imbalances with a handful of drugs that aren't all that specific to the actual thought patterns that make up a specific struggle.  This is the magic of flower remedies.  They are specific to your particular thought patterns, more specific than you might imagine.

   

  They are subtle energy medicines, which means they don't knock you out like a sleeping pill or make you feel like a zombie.  They work gently, quickly and effectively and these are among the best I've ever found for coping with emotional struggles without turning to prescription drugs with their side effects.

   

  Because the Bach Remedies are homeopathic, they are very safe.

   

  If you want to read more about Bach Flower Remedies and the remarkable work of Edward Bach, here's a good resource.

    
  
   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/love_those_bach_flower_remedies.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/why_actors_need_public_speaking_skills.mws hnasc 2006-07-26T12:07:42-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/why_actors_need_public_speaking_skills.mws

  Want more acting work?  Improve your Audition Success!

   

   

  Note from webmaster:  One thing an actor has to have, walking into the audition room, is confidence and a sense of ease.  This is your very first contact with the casting director and whomever else might be in the room, including writers, producers and directors.  If you walk in looking nervous and insecure, you've already stacked the deck against you, no matter how brilliantly you then audition.  Also, the first words out of your mouth are vital.  If they don't come easily, if your voice is choked, over-enthusiastic or too low to be heard, you have already predisposed those with the power to hire you, to be concerned.  A great tool for the actor, to become more comfortable in the room and in their own skin, is to attend a good public speaking class.  I'd also recommend self-help programs geared toward creating a more genuine, relaxed presence in high-pressure situations because what they see then can color everything they see later.  Recommended: 

  Cure your fear of public speaking

   

  7 Public Speaking Survival Tips

   

  I used to be terrified of public speaking - now it's natural and fun.

   

  Dry mouth, fast heart, sweaty palms, blank mind - yeah I've been there! It's easy to fear public speaking. But I was never just content with overcoming fear. I wanted to be a great speaker. What I needed was a way of calming down and applying simple techniques and strategies to talk like a pro.

   

  When I'd learned to relax (more of that later) I learned and applied the following four steps.

  1. Reassure your audience - they need to know you know your stuff and you are human!
  2. Hook them by being interesting and relevant. Tell them why what you are saying is relevant to them.
  3. Inspire them by giving them information and ways of seeing that are new and applicable.
  4. Leave them on a high by telling a story them encapsulates your central message.

  How do you become confident enough to apply the four steps?

  Here's some tips some of which are practical some of which are to do with the way you think about your public presentations and also how you can start to change the way you feel about them.

   

  Public Speaking Tip One

  Breath your way to calm. When you breath out you relax that's why people sigh when they're stressed.

  Breathing in without breathing out causes hyperventilation and worsens anxiety. Just before your speech take five minutes breathing in to the count of seven and out to the count of eleven (quick count-not seconds!). On the out breath hold it a second before breathing in again. This will produce quick and lasting calm. Remember extending the out breath calms you down.

   

  Public Speaking Tip Two

  You have a responsibility as the presenter but relax you don't carry all the responsibility. Presenting is a team effort. Audiences are responsible for politeness, extending their attention and attempting to learn. It's not all you-it's a meeting of two halves. Never mind how they judge you. How do you judge them?

   

  Public Speaking Tip Three

  Use metaphor and stories. We all experience life metaphorically. The most technical logical person spends at least two hours a night dreaming! Talk detail if necessary but present patterns with metaphors. Folk from 4 to 104 love stories. Use em.

   

  Public Speaking Tip four

  Captivate attention by using words that evoke all the senses. Describe how things look, sound, feel, smell and taste. Paint pictures and sensations in their minds with your words.

   

  Public Speaking Tip Five

  Vary your voice tonality and speed of delivery. Keep them alert and engaged. Convey energy when need be and slow down when you need to 'draw them in close.' You are the conductor to their orchestra. And pepper your talk with humour. Your willingness to be funny shows personal confidence and confidence is contagious.

   

  Public Speaking Tip Six

  Tell them what they are going to get. What they are currently getting and then what they have got from you. Sell your sizzle!

   

  Public Speaking Tip Seven

  Watch and learn from other great speakers until compelling, relaxed speaking is a part of you.

   

  Rehearse positively. You need to rehearse how your going to feel as well as what you are going to present.

   

  Don't think about your forthcoming presentation whilst feeling nervous as this creates an instinctive association between fear and presenting. This natural negative self-hypnosis is very common with nervous speakers.

   

  Hypnotically rehearse your speech whilst feeling relaxed. This produces the right 'blueprint' in your mind. In fact when you do this enough times it actually becomes hard to be nervous!

   

  All great speakers know how to use great self-hypnotic rehearsal. Hypnosis changes attitudes and can bring emotion under control. I used hypnosis, to change my instincts around public speaking. Now I just can't get nervous whether it's 50 or 500 people. The world needs great communicators. Go for it!

   

  Cure your fear of public speaking - if you want that extra boost of awareness and confidence the next time you have to speak in public, get the help you need with this fantastic hypnosis download.

   

  Tonsillitis and sore throat information featured for actors:  hypnosis for great acting

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/why_actors_need_public_speaking_skills.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/you_are_what_you_think_about_all_day_long.mws hnasc 2006-07-26T12:07:05-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/you_are_what_you_think_about_all_day_long.mws

  Note from Neva:  The biggest enemy an actor faces is their own thinking, self-judgment and criticism.  A negative mindset about yourself, the business, or any other aspect of your chosen profession is vitally counterproductive.  The good news is that you have total control over what you think!  Creating new patterns is as simple (not always easy, but always simple) as changing what you think about, all day long.  Here's yet another great article from Jack at www.actorsite.com 

   

  Also, I found a hypnosis program that may help with this particular issue:  Stop Sabotaging Yourself

   

  Tips for acting:  How to cry on cue

   

   

  ==============================================
  
  THINK ABOUT THE GOOD THINGS IN YOUR LIFE!
  
  ==============================================
  
  As you go through your daily life, and you rise every day
  and you get up and look out the window and then do your
  acting warm-ups, shower, brush your teeth and get dressed...
  it's so wonderful to stop for a moment and sit
  down and write down all the GOOD THINGS that you have in
  your life. Life in Hollywood is difficult at best, but if
  you just say thanks for those little progresses that you are
  making...and to pat yourself on the back for staying in
  the game. Have another glass of orange juice and reflect
  on your life...
  
  Just a short time ago, when I was going through some difficult times
  I found comfort in the many expressions of warmth that I received from
  all of you...and it's then that I realized that there is a STRONG
  SENSE OF SPIRITUALITY in the Actorsite group. There is a unique
  sense of community, and I realized that each of you was lighting
  your candle and showing the light so that I could see the way.
  
  Thank You for that.
  
  It's important that each of us light our light and show the way
  to our fellow Actorsiters.
  
  For some of you, during these frustrating times, with HOT days
  and the challenges of an acting career, it's good to let yourself
  take time to heal.
  
  Some days, when things get too hectic, I just roll over in bed
  and pull the covers over my head and try to go back to sleep.
  
  It's the "hide and lick your wounds" method of healing...and it's
  OK...Sometimes I think that some of you feel it's a sign of
  weakness to feel down... NO, it's not...in fact, it's natural
  and you should let yourself rise out of the darkness
  naturally...of course it's always good to be around others because
  being around others helps you share in their light.
  
  So get over for the workshops at Actorsite to STAY CONNECTED
  with your fellow actors, and WORK ON SKILLS! Because when
  the calls come in, you NEED TO BE SHARP...sitting at home
  will NEVER make you SHARP!
  
  That's why we have so many workouts every week, so you can
  join the camaraderie and RAISE THE STAKES in your career and
  performance, while sharing with your fellow actors.
  
  No matter what religion, what creed, what background, we
  have a strong spiritual group and when the going gets tough,
  that's when you all so generously share your spirituality...
  
  Keep sharing with me and sharing with each other.
  

  Jack

   

  Healing Emotional Wounds Around Money

  http://www.askahealer.com/healing-emotional-wounds.htm

  
   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/you_are_what_you_think_about_all_day_long.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/ok_nobody_wants_to_talk_about_it_but.mws hnasc 2006-08-05T12:08:05-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/ok_nobody_wants_to_talk_about_it_but.mws
  Wellness Alert - Scabies ..... more common than you think!
   
  Scabies are a type of mite that can burrow under the skin of humans and cause horrible, prolonged itching.  They can be hard to get rid of but it's not impossible.  Here's a tip on dealing with the itch of scabies, and for help with determining if you have scabies and for scabies remedies, visit PLEASE DOCTOR
   
  Thanks to Dermatechrx for this great tip on dealing with the itching of scabies.  Please note that this does not cure scabies but since the itch can last a good while even after the mites are dead, it's helpful information:
   
  It's not uncommon for someone to be more concerned about getting
  rid of the itch BEFORE they get rid of the source, the scabies mites. 
  I understand that quite well, especially having had scabies myself once. 
   
  Tea tree oil is one of natures best kept secrets. For thousands
  of years, people have turned to the tea tree to treat skin infections,
  fungal infections, control acne, curtail warts, reducing itch and even treat
  dandruff. In addition, tea tree oil acts as a natural repellent to scabies.
  Pick up a bottle at your local health food store and treat yourself to a
  few drops in your nightly bath.  Or.... simply just rub it on the sore.
   
  The main thing you will get from tea tree oil is that it will get rid of the itch
  immediately and will allow you to cope until your products arrive in the
  mail to kill the scabies mites.
  
  
  I have been keeping in touch with you hoping our DermaTechRx
  products will afford you some relief. You do not want to
  suffer any longer and I know you've suffered enough and we
  know we can help. Now you have that chance. 
   
  If you are really and truly ready to live without Scabies,
  get more information from DermaTechRx here
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/ok_nobody_wants_to_talk_about_it_but.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_lose_20_pounds_really_really_fast.mws hnasc 2006-08-06T05:08:19-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_lose_20_pounds_really_really_fast.mws

  Note from webmaster:  I always caution anyone against thinking a rapid weight loss program is the answer to all their weight concerns.  A normally healthy person can go through a rapid weight loss program with no ill effects but if a person takes such a program, no matter how good it may be, as a way to keep weight off, by doing it over and over, they stress their immune system and play havoc with their metabolic settings.  It is good to be able to move stubborn pounds quickly but the trick is to combine any weight loss or fitness program with a healthy lifestyle.  Look at diet, eating habits, stress patterns, sleep patterns and fitness as a holistic approach to keeping the weight off in a healthy way.  More on HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS

   

  One big fad in the weight loss market is body wraps.  Some are "guaranteed" to help you lose 10 to 20 inches in an hour and, even though I know any reasonably sane person is smart enough to know that's not really possible, the allure is huge for that quick fix. 

   

  Just because I don't believe in the impossible claims coming from some body wrap spas, that doesn't mean I don't believe body wraps have health benefits.  I believe good body wraps work within the structure of a good weight loss program and exercise regimen.

   

  So what are the best body wraps?  There are a lot to choose from.  I personally like the infrared heat bodywraps but the standard detoxifying clay wraps can also be very good for skin, toning of the skin and detoxifying the body in a way that assists weight loss.  How to get the most out of bodywrapping

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_to_lose_20_pounds_really_really_fast.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/for_everyone_who_has_ever_wondered_what_is_wrong_with_me.mws hnasc 2006-08-07T01:08:31-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/for_everyone_who_has_ever_wondered_what_is_wrong_with_me.mws

  What is wrong with me?  Ever wonder?  You are having odd symptoms and think you might have a medical condition but where do you go for medical information that you can trust?  Well, allow me to crow just a little.  I happen to own and maintain one of best webmed sites on the internet today.  It's a search engine totally dedicated to answering the question "what is wrong with me?" by supplying medical info on symptoms, medical conditions, and medical advice.

   

  Let's say you need information on cancer.  There's a dedicated section, just about that medical condition here.  There's another section totally dedicated to medical informatio on plastic surgery and another with information on std's.

   

  No matter what type of medical advice you have or what medical question you need an answer to, you can find here and the best part is that it's free.

   

  If you are looking for a webmd, a doctor with a website online that will answer your medical questions, just type in your keywords and we'll help you find one. 

   

  Get your medical questions answered today!

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/for_everyone_who_has_ever_wondered_what_is_wrong_with_me.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/bird_flu_strains_mutating.mws hnasc 2006-08-09T03:08:42-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/bird_flu_strains_mutating.mws

  Multiple mutations in Indonesian bird flu strain
  _____________________________________
  

  How to Avoid the Flu * Natural Flu Shot Alternatives

  
  
  - Multiple mutations have been found in the H5N1 bird flu virus that killed seven family members in Indonesia although scientists are unsure of their significance, a leading science journal said on Thursday.
  
  "The functional significance of the mutations isn't clear - most of them seem unimportant," the journal Nature said in a report in the latest issue on Thursday.
  
  An analysis of virus samples from six of the eight members of the family showed 32 mutations accumulated as it spread, according to the confidential research obtained by Nature. The analysis had been presented by virologist Malik Pereis of the University of Hong Kong at a closed meeting of animal and human health experts in Jakarta last month.
  
  The first infected member of the family was a 37-year-old woman who probably caught the disease from poultry and then transmitted it to relatives before she died.
  
  The World Health Organisation (WHO), which has admitted that the cluster of cases was probably caused by human-to-human transmission, had said in May that there had been no significant mutations in the strain found in the family.
  
  Nature said although the WHO statement was not incorrect, more could have been said about the changes that were found.
  
  "One of the mutations confers resistance to the antiviral drug amantadine, a fact not mentioned in the WHO statement," the journal said.
  
  The mutations found in the virus from the Indonesian cluster were not significant enough for the virus to spread beyond the family.
  
  Virologists contacted by Nature said part of the reason the significance of the mutations is unclear is because withholding the information has hampered the study of the virus.
  
  Scientists fear the H5N1 virus that has killed more than 100 people and millions of bird since 2003 as it spread from Asia to Europe and Africa could mutate into a strain that could spark a human pandemic.
  
  There is an effective way to cope with Bird Flu -- TamiFlu. Please read more about it here:
  TAMIFLU

   

  Flu Prevention Tips

   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/bird_flu_strains_mutating.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/new_airline_rulesa_little_humor_for_a_tense_situation.mws hnasc 2006-08-11T09:08:59-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/new_airline_rulesa_little_humor_for_a_tense_situation.mws

  I'm sure everyone heard about the new airline rules.  Due to a plot to detonate some type of liquid gel bombs in flight, you can no longer take liquid items on the plane with you.  This includes toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, eye drops, even water.  All liquid items have to be checked. 

   

  It's a tense situation but I'm personally glad they are taking the extra precautions.  I also hope someone in our government is exploring other ways these terrorists might plot and staying one step ahead of them because this one was too close for comfort.  Bravo to the British for catching them.

   

  I got this email from a friend and it's funny.  We might as well find something to laugh about.  Fear breeds more fear.  Anyway, Just in case you need a laugh:

  
  Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane, but only a high school diploma to fix one.  Reassurance for those of us who fly routinely in our jobs.

   

  After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripesheet, " which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft.  The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.  Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor.  Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas ' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.

   

  By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never, ever, had an accident.
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~

  P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
  S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

  P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
  S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

  P: Something loose in cockpit.
  S: Something tightened in cockpit.
   
  P: Dead bugs on windshield.
  S: Live bugs on back-order.
   
  P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
  S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

  P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
  S: Evidence removed.

  P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
  S: DME volume set to more believable level

  P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
  S: That's what friction locks are for.
   
  P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
  S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

  P: Suspected crack in windshield.
  S: Suspect you're right.

  P: Number 3 engine missing.
  S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

  
  P: Aircraft handles funny. 
  S: Aircraft warned to: straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

  P: Target radar hums.
  S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

  P: Mouse in cockpit.
  S: Cat installed.

  And the best one for last ............ ......

  P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding  on something with a hammer.
  S: Took hammer away from midget
   
  

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/new_airline_rulesa_little_humor_for_a_tense_situation.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/posting_this_for_a_friend_who_has_babylon_5_memorabilia_to_sell.mws hnasc 2006-08-16T02:08:35-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/posting_this_for_a_friend_who_has_babylon_5_memorabilia_to_sell.mws
  Update to this earlier post:  This item, I'm sure, is long gone but contact Marc if you wish.  Here's a more current link to Star Trek collectibles.
   
  I got an email from a friend in Los Angeles, and he's putting an item up on ebay that might interest fans of Babylon 5.  He's doing it to raise money for his new Star Trek movie.  Here's what he wrote....contact Marc
  thru his blog contact addy if you want to buy the Babylon 5 keepsake directly, before it gets snapped up on ebay. 
   
  From Marc:
   
  I'm also putting up on ebay the full-face prosthetic used of G'Kar (Andreas Katsulas) during the shooting of my Babylon 5 episode, again to raise $ for the Trek shoot.  So if you or anyone you know might be interested, spread the word and let me know.
   
  It's a high-ticket item -- about $3,000.  But it comes with a letter of authenticity and a signed copy of the script.  Babylon 5 items used in the show are very rare.
   
  Marc
   
  You can read Marc's new blog at www.zicree.blogspot.com
   
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/posting_this_for_a_friend_who_has_babylon_5_memorabilia_to_sell.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_role_of_a_lifetime_for_some_lucky_actress.mws hnasc 2006-08-19T12:08:23-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_role_of_a_lifetime_for_some_lucky_actress.mws

  Are you an Actor?  Increase Your Skill Level!

   

  I got this email from my friend, Marc Zicree.  Marc, an accomplished writer (author of the Magic Time: Angelfire, Magic Time: Ghostlands, the Twlight Zone Companion and other books.)

  is directing a new Star Trek movie starring the original Dr. Sulu, George Takai.

   

  Here's the casting notice and it is very time-sensitive.  They only have a few weeks to get this vital role

  recast.  Update.....well, the film is made and I'm hearing great things.  To read more about the Zicree Zone, visit Marc's blog

   

  Leslie Silva, who we cast in the lead role of Alana Sulu in the George Takei STAR TREK NEW VOYAGES episode, "World Enough and Time," which I'm co-writing and directing, has been forced to withdraw, due to personal and medical reasons.
   
  We are going to be RECASTING THIS ROLE IMMEDIATELY, as we shoot in four weeks.
   
  Info follows.  Please have incredibly-talented actresses email both me at marc at zicree.com   also Tasha Hardy, our line producer, at tasha at tashahardy.com, to get reels and schedule auditions.
   
  Thanks much!
  Marc
   
  STAR TREK NEW VOYAGES – “WORLD ENOUGH AND TIME” – ALANA SULU 
   
  STAR TREK NEW VOYAGES is a continuation of the original STAR TREK series that airs on the Internet.  To date, three full-length hour-long episodes have been produced and two aired; the site has had 30 million downloads, with over seven million hits just last month.  The episode we will be filming has already been featured on the front page of the Sunday New York Times, the Today Show and NPR.  CBS is flying a correspondent to the set for the shoot, and national magazines will be there, as well.
   
  “World Enough and Time,” the fourth episode, will shoot for eight days beginning September 18, 2006 in Ticonderoga, New York, with GEORGE TAKEI reprising his role as Lt. Sulu.  The script is written by STAR TREK -- THE NEXT GENERATION writers Marc Scott Zicree and Emmy-winner Michael Reaves; Zicree is directing. 
   
  We are currently casting the LEAD ROLE of ALANA SULU, Asian or mixed race (Asian-Caucasian, Asian-African American, or any exotic mix), 20s-early 30s.  The character is the daughter of Lt. Sulu, the result of his being marooned on a harsh desert planet; after a life of isolation, she finds herself aboard the Enterprise, which proves a wondrous new world to her.  She is beautiful, ethereal, mysterious and wonderful, with a haunting quality of emotional sensitivity and  deep intelligence.  She is dressed in the same wild castaway look as Sulu, but with a more feminine cast (costumes by Iain McCaig, designer of STAR WARS’ Darth Maul and Queen Amidala).
   
  The role has no salary but actor will receive free accommodations in Ticonderoga, though they must provide their own transportation there.  We can guarantee this much – it is the role of a lifetime. 
  
  You can read Marc's new blog at www.zicree.blogspot.com
   
  Gunsmoke, Granny and Me
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_role_of_a_lifetime_for_some_lucky_actress.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/benefits_of_beta_glucan.mws hnasc 2006-08-21T07:08:02-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/benefits_of_beta_glucan.mws

  This is part of a larger newsletter on health put out by Herbal Remedies.  Neat info. Hope you enjoy it.

   

  Q:
  What are the benefits of Beta Glucan?
  

  A:
  Beta-Glucan is most commonly used to enhance the immune system and to lower blood cholesterol levels. Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 3 grams of oat beta-glucan soluble fiber per day from oat bran may reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to lower blood cholesterol. Here are two great products with a high beta glucan content: Barley Beta Glucan and Oatbran Beta Glucan Capsules .

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/benefits_of_beta_glucan.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/magnesium_new_role_in_cardiovascular_disease.mws hnasc 2006-08-21T07:08:15-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/magnesium_new_role_in_cardiovascular_disease.mws

  Magnesium NOW Found to Help Reduce Inflammation

  By Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, August 3, 2006, abstracted from “Magnesium supplement intake and C-reactive protein levels in adults” in the May 2006 issue of Nutrition Research

  Evidence continues to emerge “strongly supporting” the role that inflammation, particularly high levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), plays in precipitating cardiovascular disease(CV).(1,2) With 1 in 3 Americans having high CRP levels(3) and being at high risk for CV,(4) finding effective ways to help decrease inflammation is paramount.

  A number of foods and supplements, including fish oil,(5) fiber,(6) and pycnogenol,(7) have been found to help decrease inflammation. Now a new study(8) has found that magnesium, found recently to help with Metabolic Syndrome,(9) may also help quell inflammation.

   

  Previous research showed an inverse relationship between blood levels of magnesium and CRP in older women.(10) Building upon these findings, researchers examined data on more than 10,000 patients who participated in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).(11) Specifically, researchers looked at magnesium intake and CRP levels.

   

  The researchers found that “taking a magnesium supplement had a big effect on total intake of magnesium”. Only 21.9% of those supplementing with less than 50 mg of magnesium per day met or exceeded the RDA for magnesium, while 60.2% of those supplementing with at least 50 mg magnesium per day met or exceeded the RDA.

   

  When looking at magnesium and CRP, they found that those taking at least 50 mg of magnesium supplements daily were 22% less likely to have elevated CRP levels. Those who didn’t meet the RDA requirements for magnesium were 40% more likely to have elevated CRP levels. The fact that magnesium supplementation had an impact on the likelihood of having elevated CRP was “a key finding” in the study.

   

  For the researchers, “magnesium supplement intake higher than 50 mg daily is associated with a lower likelihood of elevated CRP in people with low dietary magnesium intake.” According to the National Institutes of Health, the current US RDA recommendations for magnesium are up to 360 mg per day for men and 410 mg per day for women.(11)

   

  Greg Arnold is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Danville, CA. You can contact Dr. Arnold directly by emailing him at mailto:ChiroDocPSUalum@msn.com or visiting his website www.CompleteChiropracticHealthcare.com

   

  Reference:

  1 P.M. Ridker, M.J. Stampfer and N. Rifai, Novel risk factors for systemic atherosclerosis, JAMA 285 (2001) (19), pp. 2481–2485.

  2 P.M. Ridker. Comparison of C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the prediction of first cardiovascular events, N Engl J Med 347 (2002) (20), pp. 1557–1565

  3 D.E. King, B.M. Egan, A.G. MainousIII and M. Geesey, Elevation of C-reactive protein in people with prehypertension, J Clin Hypertens 6 (2004) (10), pp. 562–568

  4 T.A. Pearson et al., AHA/CDC scientific statement. Markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease—application to clinical and public health practice, Circulation 107 (2003), pp. 499–511

  5 Kim YJ. Anti-inflammatory action of dietary fish oil and calorie restriction; Life Sciences 2006; 78(21): 2523-2532

  6 Ma J. Association between dietary fiber and serum C-reactive protein. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;83 760-766

  7 Grimm T. Inhibition of NF-êB activation and MMP-9 secretion by plasma of human volunteers after ingestion of maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) Journal of Inflammation 2006, 3:1 (27 January 2006)

  8 King DE. Magnesium supplement intake and C-reactive protein levels in adults. Nutr Res 2006; 26(3): 193-196

  9 He K. Magnesium Intake and Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Young Adults. Circulation 2006; 113(13): 1675-1682

  10 S. Liu, Magnesium intake, C-reactive protein, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older U.S. women, Diabetes Care 28 (2005) (6), pp. 1438–1444

  11 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Website http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm 12 NIH Website http://ods.od.nih.gov.proxy.cc.uic.edu/factsheets/magnesium.asp

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/magnesium_new_role_in_cardiovascular_disease.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/red_wine_health_benefits.mws hnasc 2006-08-26T05:08:35-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/red_wine_health_benefits.mws

  Study finds red wine benefit
  _____________________________________
  
  A recent study conducted by researchers at Yale has found that two to three glasses of red wine daily is good for the heart. Dr. Bauer Sumpio, a professor at Yale in New Haven, CT found that fruit, particularly berries, have polyphenols--anti-oxidants that slow cell deterioration. Polyphenols also help prevent plaque build up on the smooth muscle cells and inhibit platelet formation, which can lead to blood clotting.
  
  "The current consensus is that it is not just the alcohol, but something else," said Sumpio, section chief of vascular surgery in the Department of Surgery. "A better understanding of the health benefits of red wine and the specific polyphenolic extracts with these properties would be a great contribution to society."
  
  
  Have You Heard About Red Wine Extract ?
  
  These organic compounds have been found to beneficiary influence of many age related illneses in red wine drinkers by up to 40%. If you want to have all health benefits of red wine without alcohol consumption you should take red wine dry powder. Each Red Wine capsul contains 200 mg extract of red wine that is correspondent to 2-3 glasses of red wine Capsules do not contain alcohol!
  
  Please take care of your health -- just follow the link and read more:
  
  Anti-Aging-Drugs

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/red_wine_health_benefits.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_happened_to_acting_on_tv.mws hnasc 2006-08-27T08:08:27-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/what_happened_to_acting_on_tv.mws

  Articles for Actors:  Crying on Cue and What is Subtext?

   

  I just got a casting notice that sort of made me sad as an actor.  Reality Shows have been a great, cheap way for tv producers to get shows on the air because the players are all unknowns and are willing to have their lives followed for weeks for a variety of reasons, including the chance to win a good deal of money at the end of it all.  That good bit of money ends up being a lot less than the production company would have to pay that many actors for 24/7 work plus residuals.

   

  Apparently, people like reality shows.  I don't happen to be one of them although I'm not immune.  I got hooked into this season's Big Brother Allstars simply because there was nothing else on that was better.  That show is full of great personalities.  That makes it fun to watch.  That doesn't make it good television.  I miss real acting, and a story line that actually follows well.

   

  And shows like Fear Factor are just degrading in my opinion.  Anyway, there's yet another show casting called Break the Record.  This is the actual breakdown info for that project:

   

  Breakdowns:
  *  Either gender / 18-24 yrs / Any Ethnicity. Drink the most milk in a minute
  *  Either gender / 18-24 yrs / Any Ethnicity. Snort the most Pixi Stix in a minute
  *  Either gender / 18-24 yrs / Any Ethnicity. Drink the most 'Dave's Insanity Sauce' in 1 minute
  *  Either gender (Nudity Required) / 18-24 yrs / Any Ethnicity. Lose the most weight from a crap
  *  Either gender / 18-24 yrs / Any Ethnicity. Eat a pint of ice cream  the fastest
  *  Either gender / 18-24 yrs / Any Ethnicity. Hold the most live crickets in your mouth for a minute.
  *  Either gender (Nudity Required) / 18-24 yrs / Any Ethnicity. Piss the farthest distance and / or piss the longest time.
  *  Either gender / Any Age / Any Ethnicity. longest you can hold your breath in a bucket of lemon juice
  *  Either gender / 18-24 yrs / Any Ethnicity. Longest you can gargle bacardi 151
  *  Either gender / Any Age / Any Ethnicity. most amount of people in a port-a-potty
  *  Either gender / Any Age / Any Ethnicity. most amount of people in a twin size bed

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/what_happened_to_acting_on_tv.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/watch_for_dale.mws hnasc 2006-08-30T04:08:16-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/watch_for_dale.mws
  I just got this email from one of my favorite improv teachers in L.A., Dale Rehfield.  Dale coaches some of the most talented kids in tinseltown and if you've got a child that has the acting bug, you should get em in Dale's improv classes and casting director workshops.  I loved working with the kids too.  They aren't so jaded as many of the adults in Hollywood.  Anyway, Dale has a show airing and I wanted to post it here so some of you could go watch her and a great cast, including the marvelous Doris Roberts from "Everybody Loves Raymond".  Here's the email Dale sent me with all the details.  Related for the actor:  Crying on Cue and The Nature of Creativity
   
  Hi Everybody!
  
  I am very excited to announce that the t.v.special I produced and perform in
  
  CELEBRITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY:In Their Own Words will be repeated this
  This Fri. Sept.1st on the BRAVO Network!
  
  Since many of you are all over the country-i will give you the times:
  
  Pacific or Eastern time  4PM -Important note-please check your listings as it could be different depending on your cable company-
  
  Direct TV  Cable is different usually in L.A.-so it may be on at 1PM  but mostly it is at 4
  Mountain or Central time-3PM
  
  if you have tivo that makes it easy-please tivo Celebrity Autobiography now! (OR SET YOUR VCRS)
  If you saw it last time please forward to your friends.It's really a hilarious show and of course its always great to get good ratings .Thank you!
  
  
  THE CAST INCLUDES:
  Doris Roberts, Jay Mohr, Kevin Nealon, Cheryl Hines, Fred Willard,
  Kel Mitchell, Laraine Newman, Andrea Martin, Neicy Nash, Julie Brown, Eugene Pack, Dale Rehfeld,
  Jack Plotnick, Steve Atinsky
  
  THE CRITICS RAVED:
  HIGHEST RATINGS! 4 STARS ! GREAT HOUR OF T.V.!----N.Y.POST
  HILARIOUS!----------------------------------------------------T.V. GUIDE
  IMAGINATIVE! HILARIOUS!-----------------------------------N.Y.TIMES
  DELICIOUS!----------------------------------------------------IN STYLE
  EUGENE PACK AND DALE REHFELD BRILLIANTLY TURN STANDUP
  INTO PERFORMANCE ART- DELICIOUS A------------------ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
  
  So enjoy the show and please spread the word-Thank you!
  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/watch_for_dale.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/iodine_deficiency_affecting_mental_and_physical_development.mws hnasc 2006-09-06T12:09:29-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/iodine_deficiency_affecting_mental_and_physical_development.mws New Iodine Recommendation
  _____________________________________
  
  Almost half of all American primary school children are mild to moderately iodine deficient, putting their mental and physical development at risk, researchers say.
  
  The American National Iodine Nutrition Study of more than 1,700 school children from 88 schools has prompted the researchers to call for mandatory iodisation of all edible salt in the United States, in line with Australia and most European countries.
  
  Most iodine in food comes from seafood, milk and iodised salt.
  
  Iodine is a critical factor for normal function of the thyroid gland, the master gland that controls your metabolism. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, whose symptoms include constant tiredness, weight gain, and increased blood lipids. Goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland, used to be common before supplementation of salt with minute amounts of iodine.
  
  The new RDA for iodine is 150 micrograms daily for both men and women. Besides iodized salt, seafood and plants grown in iodine-rich soil are the best sources. Most foods contain little or no iodine. The upper limit for iodine has been set at 1,100 micrograms a day to avoid damage to the thyroid.
  
  HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: It is almost impossible to overdose on iodine from food sources. However, some weight loss supplements contain iodine in the attempt to make your thyroid gland more active. This is not a safe way to lose weight. If you don't eat fish, you should use iodized salt.
  
  Please follow the link to read more:  Anti-Aging-Drugs
  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/iodine_deficiency_affecting_mental_and_physical_development.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/casting_notice_for_hollywood_desperado.mws hnasc 2006-09-06T01:09:06-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/casting_notice_for_hollywood_desperado.mws

  Just got this casting notice from Jeff Gund and decided to post it here for those aspiring actors and actresses who might have an interest.  This film has a really broad range of characters and also, is accepting both union and non-union actors so see if it feels right for you.  Remember to tell them you heard about it from Jeff Gund.  His website is at end of post.   For the actor:  Free Metaphysical Acting Class ~*~  What is Subtext?

   

  CASTING FEATURE FILM - "Hollywood Desperado"
  
  Accepting Union and non-union talent. All roles are paid. Producers are intending to file a low budget agreement with SAG.
  
  STORY LINE: “Hollywood Desperado: Rebel or Royalty” is the inspiring true story of Jaime Monroy. As a street smart fearless kid from the barrio of East Los Angeles, he uses his head and his heart to seek fame and fortune in the bright lights of Hollywood. This Latino boy-next-door makes his own breaks at age 16 by day, handing out tickets to television show tapings in front of Hollywood’s Grauman’s Chinese Theater. By early evening, parking cars for legendary comedians at the Friar’s Club in Beverly Hills, and late at night, answering phones and separating the mail for Hollywood Screen Legend Mae West.
  
  SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:
  
  LEAD: Male, age 6-9, Latino, dark hair, brown eyes, cute smile.
  
  LEAD: Male, age 14-17. Latino, dark hair, brown eyes, big smile. Think Jason London from “Dazed and Confused”. Excellent comedic skills. Stand-up comedy, improv a plus.
  
  LEAD: Male, age 18-25. Latino, dark hair, brown eyes, big smile. Think John Stamos type. Excellent comedic skills. Stand-up comedy, improv a plus.
  
  PLAYBOY BUNNIES: Female, age 20’s, All ethnicities. Gorgeous, voluptuous Playboy Bunny types.
  
  RED CARPET BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE: Males/Females, age 18-30, beautiful young Hollywood types, all ethnicities.
  
  LOLA: Female, age 20’s. Latina, a striking yet wholesome brunette beauty. Think Barbara Mori, Ana de la Reguera, Dayanara Torres.
  
  OLYMPIC PROSPECT ATHLETES: Males, age 16-20. Must be athletic. Track & Field a plus. All ethnicities.
  
  CHEERLEADERS: Female, age 18-25, Caucasian. Gorgeous, blonde and brunette. Bubbly, ditzy, upbeat personality, southern dialect.
  
  BEAUTIFUL BEACH GOERS: Males/Females, age 18-35. Latino and Latina. Gorgeous.
  
  JAZZ PLAYERS: Male, African American. Must be real Jazz Player.
  
  TEXAS SUBURB MAYOR: Male, age 50‘s. Caucasian. Well-dressed, distinguished, southern dialect, character type.
  
  TEXAS SUBURB SHERRIFF: Male, age 40’s-50’s. Caucasian. Character type. Think Jackie Gleason’s character from “Smokey and the Bandit”.
  
  COOK: Male, age 30’s. Latino, heavy, character type.
  
  RESTAURANT MANAGER: Male, age 40’s. All ethnicities. Stocky, bossy, loud.
  
  COMEDY CLUB BOOKER: Female, age 30’s. All ethnicities. Neurotic, worry wart, people pleaser.
  
  TEXAS COMEDY CLUB M.C. Male, age late 30’s, All ethnicities. Skinny, cowboy type, southern dialect.
  
  TEXAS COMEDY CLUB AUDIENCE: Males/Females, All ethnicities. Southern, cowboys/cowgirls types.
  
  GRANDFATHER: Male, age 60’s, Latino, patriarc of the family, white hair, distinguished man.
  
  GOING AWAY FIESTA FAMILY PARTY GOERS: Males/Females. All ages. Latino aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews.
  
  LOS MUSICOS TROPICAL TRIO: Males, age 30’s- 40’s. Actual Latino musicians.
  
  SAILBOAT GUIDE: Male, age 25-35, hunky Latino, tanned, athletic build.
  
  TEACHER: Female, age 50’s-60s, All ethnicities. Older pleasant teacher type.
  
  BULLY: Male, age 6-10, Latino.
  
  CLASSMATES: Males/Females, age 6-10, Latinos.
  
  DMV EXAMINER: Female, age 40’s, All ethnicities. Comedic, character type.
  
  SECURITY GAURD: Male, age 40’s-50’s, All ethnicities. Sarcastic, character type. Must have excellent comedic timing.
  
  RECEPTIONIST: Female, age 50’s. All ethnicities. Annoyed, character type. Must have excellent comedic timing.
  
  HEADHUNTER BOSS: Male, age 40’s-50’s. All ethnicities.
  
  RADIO HOST: Male, Voice-Over role. Good radio host voice.
  
  GRAVEYARD DESK CLERK: Male, age 60’s-70’s, All ethnicities. Character type. Must have excellent comedic timing.
  
  MADAME SORAYA: Female, age 40’s. All ethnicities. Gypsy, fortune teller type.
  
  BOUNCERS: Males, age 30’s-40’s. All ethnicities.
  
  COMEDY CROWD: Males/Females, age 20’s-60’s, African American.
  
  
  NIGHT CLUB OWNERS: Males, age 40’s-50’s. Mobster/Ganster types. Think “The Sopranos”.
  
  BUDDY HACKETT LOOK ALIKE
  MILTON BERLE LOOK ALIKE
  HENNY YOUNGMAN LOOK ALIKE
  JOHNNY CARSON LOOK ALIKE
  MAE WEST LOOK ALIKE
  RED FOXX LOOK ALIKE
  
  OPEN CALL
  Saturday, September 9, 2006
  10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  Ricardo Montalban Theatre
  1615 North Vine Street
  Hollywood, CA 90028
  
  Please bring a headshot and resume, and mention you heard about this from INFOLIST.com

  Join the Spiritual Cinema Circle for films with meaning.

  
  

  
  
  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/casting_notice_for_hollywood_desperado.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/red_wine_and_alzheimers_disease.mws hnasc 2006-10-02T01:10:33-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/red_wine_and_alzheimers_disease.mws

  Can your favorite Cab help you escape Alzheimer's Disease?

   

  It's possible, according to this article I just got from Anti-Aging Drugs.  Since I love cabernet sauvignon about better than any other kind of wine, this was interesting.  Of course, it should go without saying that over-indulging in alcoholic beverages, including wine, is counter-productive to good health.  Moderation is key.  There is some difference of opinion as to what constitutes moderate drinking but most sites I consulted (and I researched this a lot, actually) said that women should drink no more than three glasses per day (most sites said one or two glasses for women) and men no more than four (most sites said two to three glasses for men).  Also keep in mind that wines are high sugar so those with blood sugar problems or, of course, diabetics, need to be sure and check with their doctor before adding the one glass a day of wine to their health regimen.

   

   

  Drinking Cabernet Sauvignon may help prevent Alzheimer's disease, according to new animal research.

   

  Reporting in the November issue of the FASEB Journal, researchers observed the effects of feeding the red wine to mice with Alzheimer's disease-type brain changes.

   

  Compared to mice that received ethanol or water, the mice that were given Cabernet Sauvignon experienced significantly reduced Alzheimer's disease-type brain deterioration of memory function.

   

  The researchers, from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, found Cabernet Sauvignon's benefits were due to its ability to prevent the generation of proteins that cause plaque build-up in the brain, which is the main characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

   

  "This study supports epidemiological evidence indicating that moderate wine consumption, within the range recommended by the FDA dietary guidelines of one drink per day for women and two for men, may help reduce the relative risk for AD clinical dementia," researchers Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti and Dr. Jun Wang said in a prepared statement.

   

  The study findings will also be presented Oct 14-18 at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting, in Atlanta.

    More Information here

   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/red_wine_and_alzheimers_disease.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/a_weighin_a_day_keeps_the_pounds_away.mws hnasc 2006-10-17T11:10:46-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/a_weighin_a_day_keeps_the_pounds_away.mws

  Your health so important for us so we inform you about last health news.

   

  Daily weighing key to keeping lost pounds off 

   

  Losing excess weight is often easier than keeping it off. A new study shows that stepping on a scale every day, and adjusting eating and exercise habits accordingly, can go a long way in helping dieters maintain a weight loss.

   

  "If you want to keep lost pounds off, daily weighing is critical," said Dr. Rena R. Wing in a statement accompanying the study appearing in The New England Journal of Medicine this week. "But stepping on a scale isn't enough. You have to use that information to change your behavior, whether than means eating less or walking more. Paying attention to weight -- and taking quick action if it creeps up -- seems to be the secret to success," noted Wing, who is director of the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center at The Miriam Hospital and professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown Medical School in Providence.

   

  The finding comes from a study in which Wing and colleagues split 314 successful dieters who'd lost at least 10 percent of their body weight -- averaging nearly 20 percent of their body weight or 42 pounds -- within the last two years, into a control group and two intervention groups.

   

  Women in the control group received newsletters in the mail four times per year on the importance of eating right and exercising.

   

  Women in the intervention groups were taught -- either in face-to-face group meetings or via an online program -- techniques known to prevent weight regain such as advice to eat breakfast, get an hour of physical activity each day and weigh themselves daily. The women reported their weight weekly and were given a goal of maintaining their weight to within five pounds. Women in the intervention groups were also introduced to a color-based weight-monitoring system.

   

  Women who remained within three pounds of their starting weight after the weekly check-in fell into the "green zone," and received encouraging phone messages and green rewards, such as mint gum. Gaining between three and four pounds landed women in the "yellow zone" and prompted advice to tweak their eating and exercise habits, while gaining five pounds or more landed one in the "red zone," prompting advice and encouragement to restart active weight-loss efforts.

   

  The investigators report that significantly fewer women in the intervention groups regained five or more pounds during the 18-month long study; 72 percent of women in the control group regained five or more pounds, compared with 46 percent in the face-to-face intervention group and 55 percent in the Internet group.

   

  "The Internet intervention worked, but the face-to-face format produced the best outcomes," Wing said. Daily weighing was key to keeping the weight off, the authors say, noting that women in the intervention groups who stepped on the scale each day were 82 percent less likely to regain lost weight compared to those who did not weigh themselves daily.

   

  However, in the control group, daily weighing had little impact on the amount of weight regained. This suggests, Wing said, that women in the intervention groups used the information from the scale to make constructive changes in their eating and exercise habits.

   

  SOURCE: The New England Journal of Medicine, October 12, 2006. Reuters Health

  Healthy Weight Loss

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/a_weighin_a_day_keeps_the_pounds_away.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_real_secrets_of_getting_what_you_want.mws hnasc 2006-11-03T12:11:56-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_real_secrets_of_getting_what_you_want.mws

  
  When all other things are equal, why does one person make
  millions and the other one can barely make a living?
  
  The answer is the number one secret of the super-successful and
  it's found in a new report I just read called the "13 Secrets
  of World-Class Goal Achievers."
  
  The report also includes:
  
  * The one practice that golfing legend Jack Nicklaus used every
  time he ever went on the course that you can use to achieve
  virtually any goal you can imagine.
  
  * The two biggest secrets of the World's Number One Goal
  Achiever
  
  * Winston Churchill's secret that transformed him from "washed
  up and forgotten" to one of the most powerful leaders of the
  20th Century.
  
  * The one common attribute of all World-Class Goal Achievers
  (it's something that anyone can learn) and how to develop it.
  
  * Instant "Front Of The Line" access to "World-Class" solutions
  to help you reach any goal you choose.
  
  * And lots more...!
  
  My friend Vic Johnson, who is an internationally recognized
  expert on goals and host of the television show "Goals 2 Go,"
  has made a limited number of "preview" copies available before
  the report goes on sale to the public.  This is a report that's
  so loaded with specific hands-on "how to" that it could easily
  sell for $49 or more whenever it goes on sale.
  
  As one of our preferred readers I've reserved a copy for you
  that you can claim now - just click here!
  
  But hurry, when the quota for preview copies is reached the
  report won't be available from this link.
  
  I know you've probably already given some thought to what you'd
  like to accomplish in 2007 and I can't think of a better tool
  to help in that process.  I'd love to hear from you after
  you've read it.
  
  
  P.S.  Jim Carrey is one of the highest paid actors in the world,
  earning millions for every movie he does.  Ever wonder what
  took him from driving an old Toyota to Hollywood stardom?  It's
  something you can use today --- and you'll find it in the "13
  Secrets of World-Class Goal Achievers."  Get your complimentary
  copy today .

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_real_secrets_of_getting_what_you_want.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/green_tea_benefits_lower_risk_of_cardiovascular_death.mws hnasc 2006-11-03T12:11:57-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/green_tea_benefits_lower_risk_of_cardiovascular_death.mws

  
  Long Life May Be Your Cup of (Green) Tea
  This article courtesy of Anti-Aging Drugs
  _____________________________________

   

  Good news for people who love green tea.  Note that green tea is not caffeine-free.

   

  For those hoping to live a long, healthy life, a cup of green tea may hit the spot, a large new study shows.

   

  Adults who drank at least five cups of the brew daily had a lower risk of cardiovascular death and death from all other causes, except cancer, than those who drank less than one cup a day, according to a research team from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan.

   

  They published their findings in the Sept. 13 Journal of the American Medical Association.

  While many laboratory and animal studies have suggested that green tea protects against illness, its effect in humans has been less clear.

   

  "Only four epidemiological studies have been conducted to date," said lead researcher Dr. Shinichi Kuriyama.

  And those studies "included small sample sizes, and the results were inconsistent," he added.

   

  However, "our study includes far more participants -- 40,350 -- than the previous studies," Kuriyama said. "I think our study would provide strong evidence regarding the benefits of drinking green tea in humans on cardiovascular disease."

   

  Beginning in 1994, his team tracked the health of adults aged 40 to 79 living in northeastern Japan, where green tea is a popular beverage. The participants had no history of heart disease, stroke or cancer when they started the study.

   

  The researchers tracked death from all causes for 11 years and also tracked deaths linked to specific causes for a 7-year period.

   

  More than 4,000 of the participants died over the total 11 years of follow-up, the research team reported. During the 7 years of the study that focused on specific causes, 892 people died from cardiovascular disease and 1,134 from cancer.

   

  Comparing death rates and green tea consumption, Kuriyama's team found that individuals who drank five or more cups per day had a risk of death from all causes that was 16 percent lower than people drinking less than one cup per day.

   

  Deaths from cardiovascular disease were 26 percent lower for tea drinkers vs. those who avoided the beverage.

   

  These effects were even stronger among women. Women who drank five or more cups of green tea per day had a 31 percent lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke death compared to women who drank less than a cup a day.

   

  Green tea appeared to have no effect on cancer risk, however. The researchers also saw only a weak or negligible effect on death rates for people who drank black or oolong teas.

   

  "The reason for the discrepancy between effects on cardiovascular disease and on cancer death in our study is uncertain," Kuriyama said. Other human trials have also failed to find any effect between green tea consumption and cancer, he noted.

   

  How does green tea work its heart-healthy magic? Experts believe natural compounds called polyphenols -- particularly one substance called epigallocatechin-3-gallate -- provide the health benefits. These substances have strong antioxidant properties that may help prevent heart disease.

   

  The study was funded by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

   

  Another expert, Dr. Kuang-Yuh Chyu, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a staff cardiologist at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, said the study, while interesting, is only "observational data."

   

  One of the problems with this type of study, he explained, is that "you can't control for a lot of things."

  "To be more definitive, we need a randomized trial," said Chyu. He said his lab's animal studies have found that green tea does have cardio-protective effects, especially if consumption commences before the onset of hardening of the arteries.

   

  For those who might want to "go green" for health, "I'd probably take a neutral position right now," Chyu said.

  "Tea is not harmful, that we know," he said. If you're a tea drinker, continue, Chyu said. If not, be aware that the habit probably needs to be long-term before you reap any real health benefit.

   

  "I don't think I'd recommend people drink large quantities of green tea," added Dr. Robert Vogel, professor of medicine at the University of Maryland Medical School in College Park.

   

  Like Chyu, he stressed that the study only showed an association, not any direct cause-and-effect. However, he said green tea consumption is certainly preferable to drinking beverages such as non-diet sodas, which are loaded with sugar.

   

  U.S. government health agencies have so far backed away from recommending green tea as a health aid. Earlier this year, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration review of the available data found no evidence to support companies' claims that green tea eases cardiovascular risk. The agency released a similar statement in 2005, noting a lack of evidence that green tea fights cancer.

   

  Experts at the U.S. National Cancer Institute have also reviewed data from human trials focused on tea's cancer-preventing effects but said the studies offered conflicting results. The NCI is funding its own rigorous studies on the subject, however.

   

  The study's lead author was much more enthusiastic.

   

  "I personally drink green tea, two or three cups per day," Kuriyama said. "On the basis of our study results, I would like to recommend the drinking of green tea at least one cup per day."

   

  But Kuriyama added that the tea should not be steaming hot. "Drinking green tea at high temperature may be associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer and mortality," he said, citing two published studies.

   

  More on cardiovascular health - preventing heart attacks

  
   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/green_tea_benefits_lower_risk_of_cardiovascular_death.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/creating_buzz_selfpromotion_advice_for_actors.mws hnasc 2006-11-03T12:11:28-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/creating_buzz_selfpromotion_advice_for_actors.mws

  featured for actors:  how to dramatically improve your acting

   

  If you've visited this blog very often, you've probably see posts that I've added from actorsite.com 

   

  When I was in Los Angeles, I gained a lot of benefit from this organization so I often post tidbits of wisdom from the owner, Jack Turnbull.  Here's another great article concerning self-promotion for actors.  Enjoy!

   

   If you are in Los Angeles or thinking about going there to pursue

  your dream of being a working actor, please consider a membership

  to www.actorsite.com  It is well worth the money.

   

  ==================================

  Publicity for yourself!

  ==================================

   

  You've just booked something that you think is newsworthy.

   

  Here's some suggestions to help yourself publicize your

  participation. Start your campaign 120 days prior to the

  premier and don't let up!

   

  Let's say you have a VERY NEWSWORTHY performance to publicize.

   

  1. Put together an angle or angles when you write your

  press releases. It's important that give reporters and

  interviewers a point of view right off the bat. If your

  angle doesn't click with the press, then try a different

  angle. Remember, they have to justify WHY they want to do

  a story or interview with you. If you're young and new, use

  that. If you have been around forever and just booked something

  big, USE IT!

   

  Unique things to focus on: Age, Ethnicity, Family Quirks,

  Hotness, Plainness, Opposites...so many angles.

   

  Be sure to include photographs, etc., that support your "angle".

   

  2. Provide info on ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on you and your

  career so the reporter can find NEW INFO that is outside the

  press release. Some suggestions: A website with all your information and

  make sure it focuses on information that will substantiate your

  "angle* to the story. Second, a myspace and/or daily blog

  which can provide additional material for a story or interview.

  Third, be sure to provide links to your IMDB and independent

  sources for information so they can verify your press release.

   

  3. Find a local angle. Where did you grow up? Where did you go

  to college? Where do you have family? Find a local angle and go

  to the websites for those publications and make a press list

  of LOCAL writers and interviewers to contact. Also, contact the

  newspaper, website, or TV/Radio Station and ask for the email

  of the newsdirector or the edition editors. You need to pitch

  everyone you can on a local level.

   

  4. Find a national angle. There are literally dozens of national

  newsmagazine shows, plus news services, and, of course interview

  shows that could find a reason to have you as a guest. No reason

  not to contact the guest coordinators for Leno, Letterman, Kimmel,

  Oprah and down the list to the cable interview shows. EVERYDAY

  there is over 20 hours of new "fluff" programming between all

  channels...it's up to you to pitch those who produce it.

   

  5. Contact the entertainment desk of EVERY PUBLICATION and NEWS OUTLET

  in the country. Of course you can buy lists, but also you can

  get ANY MAGAZINE and look for the emails and contact information

  for the different desks. One important name to remember is

  "assignments editor". Also know that the names change and the

  duties change from publication or broadcast outlet to another.

   

  6. Create immediacy. Include information on WHY THE STORY IS

  HOT NOW!!! If you don't know, then FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT HOT NOW!

   

  7. Piggyback on the bigger stars. Contact their publicists and

  see if they want to include you in any of the press their client

  is getting. Remember, those publicists are always looking to build

  new clients. AND, if you have a personal relationship with the

  stars, then by all means use it. They would!

   

  8. Email radio outlets around the country and offer "drive time"

  interviews. It means getting up at 4 in the morning, but hey, it's

  a great way to build name awareness for your "brand". It's great to

  offer background info to the stations so they can find a way to

  make your interview "hot" for their listeners.

   

  The main thing is that when you hire a publicist, they do things that

  you can't do...like getting "red carpet" opportunities for other films,

  etc., so the papparazzi can get you into their files and it's in their

  best interests to sell your pix, so they are a  part of the star

  making apparatus.

   

  What you can do yourself, however, is take control and get your story out

  to those news outlets that are open to listening.

   

  If you are dedicated to making press happen, it will happen. It's

  UP TO YOU to create the buzz yourself to make press happen.

   

  And, the bottom line is this: If you can sell tickets, your value

  goes up, so you work more.

   

  Does press help sell tickets...YES!

   

  All the best,

   

  Jack

   

  If you would like to add your comments or questions, go here:

  http://hollywoodipages.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/6/14498.html

   

   

   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/creating_buzz_selfpromotion_advice_for_actors.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_do_we_do_it_all_staying_fit_as_an_actor.mws hnasc 2006-11-14T08:11:39-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_do_we_do_it_all_staying_fit_as_an_actor.mws

  Yet another great article to motivate actors and other performers, from Jack at Actor Site.  His website is linked at the end of the article and I recommend Actor Site if you are in Los Angeles or thinking of going there for training or work.  For the Actor:  Crying on Cue

   

  ps. Recommended resource for anyone in the industry, in front of or behind the camera:  Script Magazine  Though particularly geared for writers, this magazine is a wonderful, wonderful study for actors too.  I learned one thing in Hollywood ... writers have the vision first.  Connecting with writers and the writer's process will make you a better actor.

   

  Now....here's Jack's article

   

  ===============================================
  HOW DO I DO IT ALL?
  ===============================================
  
  Where can a creative individual find the energy
  to do all that it takes to succeed. From one side,
  you are encouraged to do three things per day to
  move your career forward, and on the other side,
  you have to work a "real" job, make sure you have
  friends, family, and life, and at the same time
  keep your creative spirits up.
  
  To keep your creative spirits up, try to get to the
  ACTORSITE DAILY WORKOUTS! It's a fun invigorating
  time to workout your acting muscles...
  
  ACTING IS A MUSCLE, YOU HAVE TO WORK IT OUT
  
  Now for another issue....
  
  Some suggestions for more energy:
  
  1. Eat right. Be sure to remember to keep your
  diet balanced no matter how busy you are. Remember to
  include your leafy green vegetables and lots of fruits.
  It will keep your metabolism running smoothly, which
  means more energy.
  
  2. Exercise regularly. Remember that exercise
  will keep your body "ready for action". It's a
  challenge to keep exercising on a regular basis,
  but as an actor, remember that your body is an
  essential part of the instrument and will
  definitely determine the parts you play. Exercise
  not only gives you energy and stamina, but it
  gives you a look that will move your career forward.
  
  3. Make a decision to Keep your goals in the front of your mind.
  Write down your goals, both long term and short
  term and stick them on the mirror where you dress.
  Repeat your goals daily, and write down new ones
  as you see sub goals that will help you achieve
  your long term goals.
  
  4. An acting career is a process, not a destination.
  The habits you establish now will help you through
  the challenges of the future if, for instance, you
  achieve quick success and need a strong foundation
  to secure your career for the long term, or, on the
  other hand, a strong foundation will give you a good
  base from which to build a long term career. Work
  on establishing good acting habits and you can use
  those good habits as a foundation, no matter what
  your career path.
  
  5. Be sure to warm up the acting instrument every day.
  If you need some suggestions, go to our WORKBOOK
  section of the Actorsite and start doing daily warm
  ups. If you do your acting warm ups, it will help prepare
  you for anything that might happen. Many of you have
  an established daily routine to warm up the instrument,
  and you are WAY AHEAD of those who do not warm up
  the instrument each day.
  
  6. Find daily creative challenges. Each day find a
  way to make sure you are challenged creatively. Remember,
  to work out a muscle, you have to challenge that
  muscle, so remember to challenge your acting muscle
  on a daily basis. Work on a new monologue, challenge
  yourself with cold reading material that forces you
  to work against type, put on the mantle of a new
  character...sit down and force yourself to find
  new challenges...as you rise to the challenges, you
  will find new enthusiasm for your acting goals.
  
  7. And finally, HAVE FUN. Find ways to have fun...
  We're here in Hollywood and there are so many ways to
  enjoy life here. This is a place where people come from
  all over the world to enjoy life, so take a little time
  and find the parks, find the hiking trails, go to the
  beach, shop on Melrose, go to concerts, etc., find
  ways to rejuvenate your creative self through enjoyment
  of outside activities.
  
  All the best,
  
  Jack
  
  Visit our website at http://actorsite.com
  
  Sign up for our mailing lists by going here:
  http://www.actorsite.com/lists.html

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_do_we_do_it_all_staying_fit_as_an_actor.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/wow_huge_selection_of_free_gifts_for_writers.mws hnasc 2006-11-21T08:11:39-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/wow_huge_selection_of_free_gifts_for_writers.mws

  I have several movie scripts sitting around in my mind, gathering dust.  Do you also?  When I came across this free offer, I subscribed immediately.  What did I have to lose.  This professional writing coach is offering over $3,500 in free writing tools.  I got the following and you can too, free!

   

  free novel writing software

  free lifetime access to writer's circle

  a guide to ebook publishing

  ebook compiler

  the writer's 12 step inspiration program

  writer's success secrets

  great ideas for fiction

  mugging the muse

  how to structure a short story

  the art of writing

  the complete guide to self-publishing

  how to write a book in 28 days

  and more......

   

  If you are a writer or want to be a writer, this is an amazing collection of free tools.  The only requirement is that you subscribe to a free newsletter, also filled with great information and resources for writers. 

   

  check out the freebies here

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/wow_huge_selection_of_free_gifts_for_writers.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/pilot_season_in_los_angeles_how_to_guidelines.mws hnasc 2007-01-22T10:01:12-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/pilot_season_in_los_angeles_how_to_guidelines.mws

  Acting Resources: 

  Free Online Acting Class

   Spiritual Cinema  and Higher Awareness Creativiy Course

   

  From the Blogmaster:  Pilot season is not when the airports train pilots....at least not in Los Angeles.  Pilot season is that crunch time, between about January 5 and April 1, where writers who have created new tv show ideas create what is called a first episode, or "pilot", to show to studio execs, when they pitch their new show.  It used to be that pilots were the easiest way to break into show biz because the new writers and producers typically had less cash to spend than the more established folks but now, seems like it's harder to get on a pilot than it used to be.  Here is another great article from Jack Turnbull at Actorsite.  If you are in L.A.  check out his website (link below).  Good resource.  Enjoy...here's Jack  (p.s. this information is the copywritten property of the author):

   

  Dear Readers,
  
  We are going to try to flag you on the PILOTS that are out there
  as we learn about them.
  
  It's good for an actor to download sides from these projects and
  practice them so that you get a feel for the writing of 2007
  projects (more on how to use this material later).
  
  Since we have many sources of information, I want to let you know
  that we will provide as much info as we can, but it's up to
  YOU to do your research and learn the beats and rythms of the
  shows.
  
  
  It's also UP TO YOU to develop a relationship with the casting
  offices that are doing these shows. OUr members with strong skills
  and who are READY to book a pilot have found it helpful to build
  relationships through Actorsite workshops and Scene Fiestas.
  
  
  That way, when your representation sends in your headshot,
  or when you send it in yourself, casting ALREADY knows who
  you are and is comfortable introducing you to their producers.
  
  Good sources of additional information:
  
  http://thefutoncritic.com
  
  Http://imdb.com
  
  http://ask.com

   

  (Put in the name of someone connected to the
  project, like the writer or producer or director and you'll get
  additional information on their creative endeavors.
  
  So here are a few pilots casting this January...We'll keep adding to
  the list as time goes on. we've included links for more information
  for our MEMBERS ONLY. All actors can act on the information in
  this newsletter, whether you are a member or not.
  
  To join: http://www.actorsite.com/cgi-bin/ppsignup.pl
  
  THE UNTITLED JON FELMAN PROJECT
  
  THE UNTITLED DAN SCHNEIDER PROJECT
  
  THE BILL ENGVALL SHOW
  
  NEW ANSTERDAM
  
  THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES
  
  =========================================
  
  HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION!
  
  =========================================
  REMEMBER, IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT THE WORK!
  
  1. Download the sides from Showfax and practice the scenes
  to get a feel for the writing and style of the project.
  If you can get a copy of the script, that's even better.
  (If you can't find the material, ask on the ACTORSITE LA ACTORS
  FORUM, someone might have it.)
  
  2. Make TWO copies of the sides and bring them to your
  ACTORSITE WORKOUT or to your acting class or coach and work them,
  work them, work them, so that you have a great feel for
  how this writer/producer(s) put together their dialogue
  and how they construct their scenes.
  
  3. Practice the scenes varying the elements of speech.
  Since TV is usually quick paced, make sure you PICK UP
  THE PACE and can hit the emotional marks quickly. For films,
  BE SENSITIVE TO THE MATERIAL and work it MANY DIFFERENT WAYS
  so you are directable.
  
  4. Think about how the project is shot and how the project
  will  "feel' to the viewer. Use this to plan your performance
  of the material. Again, if you can do this SEVERAL different
  ways, you are directable. If you "lock in" to one way, you are
  "wooden" and not directable.

  
  5. Use this material to inspire you to GREATER CREATIVE PROJECTS
  of your own. Take a character you like and take their thoughts
  and write a 100 word monologue for them, so that you more
  fully get "into" that character.
  
  
  AND, IT'S ALSO ABOUT THE MARKETING!
  1. Send a postcard to casting to talk about HOW BUSY you are
  and HOW SUCCESSFUL and IN DEMAND you are in this competitive
  world of HOLLYWOOD.
  
  2. Contact your representatives and make sure they have submitted
  you for this project and make sure they know how important
  it is for you to be seen for projects of this calibre.
  
  3. IF you see a character that is right for you in the
  SIDES on Showfax, then DROP OFF a headshot/resume at the casting
  office or MAIL using CLEAR ENVELOPES. MAKE SURE you put a sticker
  on your headshot suggesting that they see you for that
  specific role.
  
  4. In PILOTS and FEATURES, there are TONS of roles that are
  cast quickly, so if you don't see a role you are exactly
  right for, then send over a headshot/resume and PARTICULARLY
  if the CASTING DIRECTOR/ASSOCIATE/ASSISTANT know you and are
  familiar with your work, they may call you in to read for
  one of the roles not listed, OR, they may see you in one
  of the roles listed and call you in for that.
  
  5. This is a "REMIND ME WHO YOU ARE" business and Casting
  personnel need to be reminded who you are. If you are not
  right for a role, you aren't called in and your headshot goes
  in the trash (you still REMINDED them who you are). But if you
  ARE exactly right, you are HERO to casting since you become
  one of the "finds" that casting can show their producers!
  
  Make yourself a HERO to casting by reminding them who you are!
  
  MOST IMPORTANTLY,
  
  1 Use this information for INSPIRATION! Hollywood is not
  about personal fulfillment. It's about MANUFACTURING FILMS AND
  TELEVISION SHOWS. Don't take it personally if you don't get
  called in on the role YOU pick. Remember the ROLES PICK YOU.
  The fact that they write this material for someone like you should
  let you know that you are on the RIGHT TRACK and heading to
  success!
  
  2. If you WORK HARD on the material and use it to INSPIRE YOU
  to DO MORE COMPELLING ACTING PERFORMANCES, then you will have MORE
  SUCCESS down the road...KNOW THAT AND FEEL SECURE that
  this HARD WORK WILL PAY OFF!
  
  3. The fact that they are producing SO MANY projects should
  help keep you motivated as you work your way into the conciousness
  of HOLLYWOOD. Remember, if they don't know you, they can't hire you...
  
  
  
  4. Get to the ACTORSITE WORKOUTS and STAY SHARP...if you are
  
  out of practice, then you will definitely NOT be sharp!
  
  
  
  IF YOU FAIL TO PREPARE, YOU PREPARE TO FAIL!
  
  
  
  NOW GET BUSY!
  
  
  
  All the best,
  
  
  
  Jack

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/pilot_season_in_los_angeles_how_to_guidelines.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/loving_again_after_you_lose_love.mws hnasc 2007-07-03T11:07:02-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/loving_again_after_you_lose_love.mws

  If you've ever lost the love of someone you thought you'd be with forever, you know what it means to feel as if you will die of a broken heart.  How do we ever survive losing someone we believe is our soulmate and the one we are meant to spend our lives with?

   

  This article about love, loving, and surviving when love is gone, may be helpful if you are dealing with the pain of the loss of a deep love relationship

   

  www.askahealer.com/is-love-real.htm

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/loving_again_after_you_lose_love.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/why_are_so_many_people_coughing.mws hnasc 2007-07-03T11:07:40-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/why_are_so_many_people_coughing.mws

  I got this info from the great folks over at Native Remedies.  Visit their site through any of the links below to read more informative health care articles.

  Given the fact that we are blissfully enjoying the warmth of the summer season (for those of us located in the northern hemisphere anyway) you would probably think that it’s unusual to hear the hacking cough of a nasty winter cold, right? But recently it seems that everywhere I go I hear more and more people coughing.

  There was no news of a cold or flu epidemic, so there was no way to really pinpoint what was going on, but it piqued an interest. As our team researched ‘coughing’ and ‘breathing problems’, there was one thing that was quite evident – there is an incredibly large number of people in America and around the world suffering from chronic lung disorders.

  Although there are millions suffering from mild forms of asthma or occasional bouts of bronchitis brought on during the flu season, there are more than 600 million people worldwide suffering from COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. What’s more, this is a disease that many people don’t know a thing about!

  When we discovered that this unfamiliar condition was not only the 4th leading cause of death amongst Americans, but that more than half of those cases were likely preventable by diet alone (Read our article on Second Hand Smoke, Diet and Chronic Lung Disease), we knew we had to raise COPD awareness.

  I don’t want to give away the contents of the entire article, but one interesting thing we found out is that many environmental pollutants are a contributing factor for COPD. This lead into some research on toxicity and an entire article dedicated to the beneficial nature of eating organic foods (Read our article on The Danger of Pesticides), as well as the 12 most polluted foods you should only purchase from an organic source and the 12 least polluted that can be purchased from a regular source (Read our article on Twelve Organic Produce Items to Reduce Your Pesticide Exposure by 90%).

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/why_are_so_many_people_coughing.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/natural_remedies_articles_special_focus_on_detoxing.mws hnasc 2007-07-18T10:07:45-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/natural_remedies_articles_special_focus_on_detoxing.mws

  Note from blogmaster: I'm happy to bring you this special announcement about the health care articles database at one of my favorite companies.  As a wellness counselor, I often refer people to the excellent informaion on this site.  I hope you enjoy reading the articles and also, check out the very limited special sale going on, note about that at end of blog post. 

   

   At Native Remedies, we use education as a powerful tool to encourage emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing. To achieve optimal health levels it is necessary to understand what living a healthy lifestyle truly means. A healthy life doesn't only mean avoiding fast food and squeezing in a little exercise; it encompasses a keen awareness, smart decision-making, and an overall active lifestyle.

  We are faced with lifestyle choices everyday that can either contribute to or detract from your good health. With toxins all around – air pollutants and even chemicals in the foods you eat – making good choices can greatly minimize how much these toxins actually affect you.

  With more than 600 million people worldwide dealing with chronic lung disease as a result of cigarettes and air pollution, and environmental agencies globally reporting the dangers of pesticides in foods, it is time to seriously evaluate how diet and lifestyle affect your health.   You can learn how to stop smoking for good with tips you gain from our health care article on the subject.

  To find out more about this topic and the natural remedies that can help you achieve optimal health, just read our featured articles.  Dozens of health care articles to help with your wellness goals, including several on detoxing the body, a hot topic this time of year.

  You can also check out our article on Detox Herbs for Effective Internal and External Cleansing Plus, How a Detox Homeopathic Kit Can Help in Detoxification.  

  Start making the right decisions for your future health today with the help of Native Remedies.

  Related articles:  Detoxing heavy metals

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/natural_remedies_articles_special_focus_on_detoxing.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/should_you_be_afraid_to_take_your_vitamins.mws hnasc 2007-07-26T09:07:49-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/should_you_be_afraid_to_take_your_vitamins.mws

  Note from blogmaster:  I have my own feelings about the way the FDA will pass drugs right and left that end up killing hundreds of people and then go on a rampage to remove an herb that has "possibly" killed one, due to massive overdose or contamination of product.  There is a vast imbalance existing between what the FDA approves and does not approve and the difference is money.  Hope you enjoy this lively discussion on the safety of health supplements, courtesy of Ira Marxe over at Good Health Supplements. Does he have an axe to grind?  Well, it could be said so since he's in the supplement business.  It could also be said that the axe is worth grinding.   I happen to agree that, given the staggering number of deaths due to prescription drugs each year, herbs and vitamins are much safer overall.   Are vitamins safe?  Should you be afraid to take your health supplements?   Health Care Article Written by Ira Marxe

  It never ceases to amaze me how successfully fear is used to run our daily lives. We are bombarded with fear generating advertisements on radio, television, the newspapers and magazines.

   

  If you don’t buy it in the next 12 hours, you will lose it forever. If you don’t buy this food or that food, you get a heart attack.

   

  Pictures are painted for your imagination of what will happen to you if you don’t get your doctor to prescribe this drug or that drug and then there are books written by so called experts with book titles designed to frighten you into buying their book because if you don’t, the knowledge you will miss could cost you your life!

   

  One such book was recently written by Dan Hurley who is the health and medical writer for the New York Times. When you read his book, you have to ask yourself, is Mr. Hurley more interested in making big bucks from the sale of his books then he is in providing us with honest information about nutritional supplements?

   

  Can those who believe what he writes bring big trouble upon themselves because giving up or shying away from nutritional supplements can negatively impact their health and lives?

   

  The title of Dan Hurley’s book is “Natural Causes: Death, Lies and Politics in America’s Vitamin and Herbal Supplement Industry” (Broadway Books). In the book he accuses the industry of just about everything short of causing the black plaque.

   

  He states on the cover that the industry sells products that are “untested, unproven, and often tragically unsafe.” The book is intended to be disturbing (that’s what makes it sell), and creates concerns especially for people who take supplements regularly.

   

  But should we really be worried based on the information in Mr. Hurley’s book? I think not.

  Hurley’s vitriol is mostly aimed at the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994.

  Here is what Hurley says about this act, "Breathtaking in its dimension, DSHEA would end forever the simple legal dichotomy between 'food' and 'drug' to create a third, hermaphroditic category that was both yet neither: the dietary supplement. And beyond the usual suspects -- vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids -- the law would permit the manufacturers to define a product as a 'dietary supplement' merely by saying so, no matter if it were artificially derived."

   

  This statement, however, in far from correct.

   

  Here, for example, is an excerpt taken straight from the FDA Web site: "The provisions of DSHEA define dietary supplements and dietary ingredients; establish a new framework for assuring safety; outline guidelines for literature displayed where supplements are sold; provide for use of claims and nutritional support statements; require ingredient and nutrition labeling; and grant FDA the authority to establish good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations."

   

  Funny, but this appears to be the exact opposite of what Dan Hurley is saying.

   

  Hurley goes on to say that DSHEA turned the clock back 100 years when it comes to regulation of these products, which he also refers to as remedies "redolent of the snake oil era."

   

  He picks the act apart, suggesting it lets anyone sell anything, regardless of how ineffective or even dangerous it might be, and says the industry doesn't have to answer to potential side effects or dangers (called "adverse events") experienced by consumers because the industry is not required to report these events to the government.

   

  I don’t believe this! Where did he get this information from or did he just invent it to sell books?

  Far from deregulating the industry, DSHEA elevates FDA industry regulations to nearly match the heavily regulated food industry.

   

  The FDA now has new controls which include its ability to ban supplements, oversee good manufacturing practices, review health claims and hold manufacturers responsible for mislabeled or unsafe products.

   

  The DSHEA also requires manufacturers to supply the FDA with adequate safety information at least 75 days before introducing any “new dietary ingredient” that was not in the food supply before the passage of the DSHEA, and yet another government agency, the Federal Trade Commission, regulates all dietary supplement advertising.

   

  Given these regulations, does this sound like the DSHEA has weakened the laws governing nutritional supplements? I think not.

   

  Hurley offers many ideas for cleaning up the supplement industry, ideas that are already in place.

  For example: Hurley calls for better labeling, but DSHEA already requires dietary supplements to list the name and quantity of each ingredient and to identify the part of the plant used for herbal supplements.

   

  Hurley calls for FDA regulation of manufacturing standards. Yet, currently, good manufacturing practice regulations are modeled after current food regulations. Furthermore, the FDA inspects dietary supplement plants.

   

  Hurley also states that manufacturers of supplements do not have to report adverse events caused by their products to the FDA.

   

  Hurley does not do his homework. In December 2006, a bill was passed amending the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require manufacturers, distributors and packers of nonprescription drugs and dietary supplements to report serious adverse events to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

   

  Here are some interesting statistics for you: In 2005, the FDA received more than 300,000 serious adverse event reports about drugs. In the same year, it received just 500 reports regarding dietary supplements.

   

  Compare the relative safety and efficacy of vitamins and herbal supplements to further statistics: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are responsible for about 16,500 deaths annually.

   

  Prescription drugs, in spite of extensive testing, cause more that 106,000 deaths annually. You rarely hear of a death caused by nutritional supplements.

   

  Hurley demeans the efficacy of such vitamins as vitamin E, and blatantly omits a Harvard study of over 87,000 nurses in the age range of 34 to 59 that found a 41% reduction in heart disease risk among those who took at least 100 IU of vitamin E supplements for at least 2 years.

   

  A study of almost 40,000 male health professionals ages 40 to 75, found a 37% lower risk of heart disease among those who took daily vitamin E supplements of at least 100 IU for more than two years.

   

  A National Institute of Aging study of 11,000 elderly people found that those who used vitamins C and E supplements had a 53% reduction in mortality from heart disease and a 42% reduction in death from all causes compared with non-users.

   

  There are many other half truths and ignored studies in the book.

   

  It is unfortunate that because of the size of his following and the position he holds in the New York Times, so many people will take this to heart and believe what he written.

   

  Tragically, creating the fear that will keep people from buying nutritional supplements can cause some people their lives.

   

  From my point of view, Dan Hurley’s reports can no longer be trusted regarding health matters. That is most unfortunate as Dan Hurley’s reports reach a wide audience.

   

  Ten years ago I had congestive heart failure. Had it not been for nutritional supplements, I might be dead today.

   

  We have horrendous health problems in the US today which will not be resolved until our medical profession begins looking for answers in nutritional supplements and not in drugs.

   

  My best wishes for you good health and longevity.

  Ira Marxe

   

  Advertisement:

  "Discover How Drinking Purified, Invigorating High pH Ionized Water Helps You Reverse Aging, Alkalize and Detoxify Your Body and Saves You Money At The Same Time..."

  ---

  Health Disclaimer: The information contained in this or any GHS related articles or materials are not intended to take the place of personal medical advice from your health care professional. Any action taken based on the contents found in this or any GHS related articles, materials or information is at the sole discretion of the reader. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals as necessary on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Any information or opinions provided here or in any GHS related articles, materials or information are believed to be accurate and sound, however no GHS personal or associates will be held responsible on behalf of any reader who fails to consult appropriate health authorities with respect to their individual health care, and the author or publisher of any information is not responsible for errors or omissions.

  This Health News Monthly is in no way sent unsolicited. You're getting this newsletter because you are a current Good Health Supplements client.

  GHS Health News Monthly is Copyrighted © 2007
  AntiAging Life Extension Dot Com, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
  No part of this publication may be reproduced without
  express written permission from the publisher.

  Good Health Supplements™ products are dietary supplements
  and are in no way intended to diagnose, treat, cure
  or prevent any disease.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/should_you_be_afraid_to_take_your_vitamins.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_cleanse_for_parasites_in_children.mws hnasc 2007-07-26T06:07:05-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/how_to_cleanse_for_parasites_in_children.mws

  Note from blogmaster:  If you are familiar already with the Hulda Clark protocol with parasites, this article may provide more info about dosing for children.  If not, it may hold no interest at all.  Info provided by Herbal Remedies USA

   

  Q: Subject: Hello I was wondering what the difference is in dosage/instructions for children (I have on age 3 1/2 and one age 7) with the 20 day Parasite cleanse. Many thanks

   

  A: Dear Customer, Per Dr Hulda Clark's website she states the following safety for Dr. Hulda Clarks Parasite Kit for children:The Parasite Program for Children Black Walnut Tincture Extra Strength (BWT) Children follow the same parasite program as adults through day 5. On day 6, instead of 2 tsp., take the following:

   

  Age---------------BWT----------Niacinamide*

  Under six months---1/4 tsp.---50 mg

  Six months to five years---1/2 tsp.---50 mg

  Six to ten years----1 tsp.----100 mg

  Eleven to sixteen years----1 1/2 tsp.----500 mg

   

  The niacinamide (not niacin) is to help detoxify the alcohol in the tincture. You may crush it and put it in a spoonful of honey, if necessary. Occasionally a bit of niacin gets into the niacinamide tablet and causes a hot flush. It is harmless and soon passes. Even though the parasite program is very beneficial children, who tend to pick up parasites more often than adults, it should not be continued on a maintenance basis due to the alcohol content (alcohol free Black Walnut Hull Caps can now be used). Have children deparasitize twice a year, or whenever ill. In case of childhood cancer, however, a much more vigorous program should be followed. Dosages should be increased until vital signs improve, up to 16 tsp., if necessary. For advice on taking a 16 tsp. dose, see Tapeworm Disease on page 31. Wormwood and Cloves Increase dosage one day for each year. For instance a four year old would follow the adult program until day four, then stop. Again, it is not advisable for children to be on a maintenance dosage of wormwood and cloves. Taking them during their routine deparasitizing, or when ill, is best. In case of childhood cancer, it is not necessary to use increased dosages, as with Black Walnut Tincture. are both safe for expecting mothers and children as well. All my best, Thank you for your interest in Herbal Remedies.com and the opportunity to serve you. Heather *

   

  The statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this Web site or in emails is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care.

   

  You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding you or your child's condition. Informational material and representations have been provided by the manufacturers of the listed products.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/how_to_cleanse_for_parasites_in_children.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/?entry=136 hnasc 2007-08-01T09:08:25-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/?entry=136

  Note from blogmaster:  If you are familiar already with the Hulda Clark protocol with parasites, this article may provide more info about dosing for children.  If not, it may hold no interest at all.  Info provided by Herbal Remedies USA

   

  can you use herbs with prescription drugs?  Especially in the case of children, whose livers cannot process as much as an adult liver, and whose stomachs may be more delicate, check with your doctor if your child is on any type of medication before doing a parasite cleanse.  Although herbal parasite cleanses are usually no more drastic than the prescription drug route to take care of the same problem, other drugs may interact so check with doc.  to read more on using natural remedies and prescription drugs together, go to www.askahealer.com/prescription-drugs-and-natural-remedies.htm

   

  Q: Subject: Hello I was wondering what the difference is in dosage/instructions for children (I have on age 3 1/2 and one age 7) with the 20 day Parasite cleanse. Many thanks

   

  A: Dear Customer, Per Dr Hulda Clark's website she states the following safety for Dr. Hulda Clarks Parasite Cleanse for children:  The Parasite Program for Children Black Walnut Tincture Extra Strength (BWT) Children follow the same parasite program as adults through day 5. On day 6, instead of 2 tsp., take the following:

   

  Age---------------BWT----------Niacinamide*

  Under six months---1/4 tsp.---50 mg

  Six months to five years---1/2 tsp.---50 mg

  Six to ten years----1 tsp.----100 mg

  Eleven to sixteen years----1 1/2 tsp.----500 mg

   

  The niacinamide (not niacin) is to help detoxify the alcohol in the tincture. You may crush it and put it in a spoonful of honey, if necessary. Occasionally a bit of niacin gets into the niacinamide tablet and causes a hot flush. It is harmless and soon passes. Even though the parasite program is very beneficial children, who tend to pick up parasites more often than adults, it should not be continued on a maintenance basis due to the alcohol content (alcohol free Black Walnut Hull Caps can now be used). Have children deparasitize twice a year, or whenever ill. In case of childhood cancer, however, a much more vigorous program should be followed. Dosages should be increased until vital signs improve, up to 16 tsp., if necessary. For advice on taking a 16 tsp. dose, see Tapeworm Disease on page 31. Wormwood and Cloves Increase dosage one day for each year. For instance a four year old would follow the adult program until day four, then stop. Again, it is not advisable for children to be on a maintenance dosage of wormwood and cloves. Taking them during their routine deparasitizing, or when ill, is best. In case of childhood cancer, it is not necessary to use increased dosages, as with Black Walnut Tincture. are both safe for expecting mothers and children as well. All my best, Thank you for your interest in Herbal Remedies.com and the opportunity to serve you. Heather *

   

  The statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this Web site or in emails is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care.

   

  You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding you or your child's condition. Informational material and representations have been provided by the manufacturers of the listed products.

   

   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/136 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/are_your_prescription_drugs_really_safe.mws hnasc 2007-08-01T09:08:50-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/are_your_prescription_drugs_really_safe.mws

  Health Alert:

   

  Do you take avandia for diabetes?  If so, you should be aware that there is a growing concern over the link between avandia use and increased risk of heart attack.  If you are taking avandia for your diabetes, and you are also taking insulin, your risk may be even greater. 

   

  Please contact your doctor and fully discuss the benefits of continued use of this prescription drug against the risks. 

   

  Fully inform your doctor if you have heart issues, chest pain, or have any reason to believe your heart may be adversely affected.

   

  More information on prescription drug safety:

  www.askahealer.com/are-prescription-drugs-safe.htm

  More information on diabetes-related complications:

  www.askahealer.com/diabetes.html

  More information on heart health:

  www.askahealer.com/arterial-plaque-clogged-arteries.htm

   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/are_your_prescription_drugs_really_safe.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/ok_not_for_everybody_but.mws hnasc 2007-08-31T11:08:56-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/ok_not_for_everybody_but.mws

  OK, this information will not be for everyone.  However, if you are on a conscious spiritual path and have been troubled with negative energies, you'll want to read what this article has to say about spiritual protection:

   

  http://www.askahealer.com/spiritual-protection.htm

   

  I have a personal perspective on the subject of evil in the world and how it may impact those of us who are walking a path of good.  You may or may not agree but it may still be an interesting read.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/ok_not_for_everybody_but.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/jesco_white.mws hnasc 2007-09-29T09:09:19-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/jesco_white.mws

  featured for actors:  ramp up your acting skills

   

  I just came across these videos about Jesco White when I auditioned for a part in an upcoming film about him, which is being directed by Dominique Murphy as we speak.  I think they are filming part of it in London and part in West Virginia.

   

  Jesco is known as the Dancing Outlaw.  He's certainly a unique individual.  I would have loved the chance to play his mom in the film but apparently, most of the roles have been cast at this point in time. 

   

  Anyway, Jesco got himself off drugs by dancing.  He says when your dancing you aren't doing anything else. 

   

  There is a video about the wild way of life that Jesco grew up living, and I came across it somewhere but can't find it now.  Also, he's on youtube in a bizarre interview having to do with threatening his girlfriend over her "sloppy eggs" and I hope that it's in jest.

   

  A truly unique individual and surprisingly humble.  Intriquing story.  I can't wait to see the movie and still have all appropriate appendages crossed that I might yet get that call.

   

  celebrity memorabilia

   

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/jesco_white.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/hollywood_on_strike.mws hnasc 2007-10-23T01:10:22-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/hollywood_on_strike.mws

  related resources:

  soothe nerves for better auditions and

  increase creative focus for stronger acting choices

  
  
  Is your FEAR more REAL than your GOALS?

  An opinion piece by Jack Turnbull of actorsite.com

  
  
  Because of the threat of labor actions this year and next,
  
  many times we become paralyzed by the "fear" that our world
  
  is coming to an end...
  
  
  
  It's not, believe me. In fact, many in the industry believe
  
  that this labor action will just be a blip on the screen of
  
  the big picture.
  
  
  
  A career is a MARATHON, not a dash, so it's important to
  
  not let the FEARS that we have on a daily basis, affect
  
  our long range GOALS.
  
  
  
  Each day, when you wake up, are you GOAL driven or are
  
  you FEAR driven...
  
  
  
  BEING GOAL DRIVEN IS POSITIVE!
  
  
  
  BEING FEAR DRIVEN IS NEGATIVE!
  
  
  
  Do you get PARALYZED when it comes to pushing your
  
  career forward?
  
  
  
  Sometimes when you are driven by your
  
  GOALS, you constantly visualize achieving those goals
  
  and they are fresh in your mind and REAL and almost
  
  touchable so that you constantly can push forward and move
  
  and build and feel the progress every single day...
  
  
  
  Then suddenly, because pursuing a creative career becomes
  
  such a struggle and requires energy just to keep going, you
  
  find that your FEAR overcomes your GOALS in your mind, so
  
  that your FEAR is more REAL than your GOALS...which become
  
  pushed to the side while you are PARALYZED by FEAR.
  
  
  
  In my own personal situation, I have found this to happen
  
  to me on a regular basis every few months and I have to
  
  get up and push myself to PUT MY GOALS BACK INTO THE FRONT
  
  OF MY MIND, so that the FEAR, which is there to protect
  
  me, does not become more REAL than my GOALS.
  
  
  
  Here's how you can get yourself back on track:
  
  
  
  1. Sit down and list your goals. BE sure to include the changes
  
  in your goals as you grow and learn and find new goals to explore.
  
  
  
  2. Sit down and list your fears. Be sure to be honest with
  
  yourself and open and up front as you list them. Don't pull
  
  any punches.
  
  
  
  3. Next, make a list of the ACTIONS you can take NOW that
  
  will get you moving towards your goals. Make a list of
  
  ACTIONS that you can take LATER, too.
  
  
  
  4. Now, TAKE THOSE ACTIONS and gain confidence in yourself
  
  as you move gradually towards your goals.
  
  
  
  5. Then weigh and study the results. Did you move forward?
  
  Are you inching your career forward? Are you no longer as
  
  paralyzed by fear?
  
  
  
  6. Now repeat the POSITIVE ACTIONS that will move you forward.
  
  
  
  It's important to take at least ONE POSITIVE STEP, every single
  
  day!
  
  
  
  All the best,
  
  
  
  Jack
  
  
  
  ================================
  
  SOME POSITIVE ACTIONS TO TAKE:
  
  ================================
  
  
  
  FIRST: Make sure your Actorsite membership is up to date.
  
  To Join, go here: http://www.actorsite.com/cgi-bin/ppsignup.pl
  
  
  
  KEEP YOUR ACTING MUSCLE IN SHAPE: At the Actorsite, we provide FREE WORKOUTS
  
  at the HIGHEST LEVELS for our members. If you take the time to participate, you'll
  
  find your confidence soars and your skills become more marketable.
  
  We have over 10 member events(AT NO CHARGE) Each week, so it's up
  
  to YOU to participate.
  
  
  
  Build your reel. Take all of your work and get it edited into
  
  a professional reel. The Actorsite EDITLADY will help you put
  
  your reel together. Many who have used the EDITLADY report bookings
  
  STRAIGHT FROM THE REEL! So make your appointment today.
  
  http://editlady.com .
  
  
  
  And, of course, Take an Actorsite Casting Director Workshop.
  
  You'll find that the level of actor at the Actorsite is superior to
  
  say the least, and you'll be energized by your fellow actors and the energy they
  
  put off...Remember, it's great to belong to a group of MOTIVATED
  
  ACTORS!
  
  
  
  Submit Youself for ROLES: Take and send a headshot to projects on your own.

    Here's more information: http://actorsite.com/freepages/envelopes.html

   

  related resources:

  soothe nerves for better auditions and

  increase creative focus for stronger acting choices

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/hollywood_on_strike.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/life_while_you_wait.mws hnasc 2008-08-02T06:08:46-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/life_while_you_wait.mws

  Performance without rehearsal.
  Body without alterations.
  Head without premeditation.

  I know nothing of the role I play.
  I only know it's mine. I can't exchange it.

  I have to guess on the spot
  just what this play's all about.

  Ill-prepared for the privilege of living,
  I can barely keep up with the pace that the action demands.
  I improvise, although I loathe improvisation.
  I trip at every step over my own ignorance.
  I can't conceal my hayseed manners.
  My instincts are for happy histrionics.
  Stage fright makes excuses for me, which humiliate me more.
  Extenuating circumstances strike me as cruel.

  Words and impulses you can't take back,
  stars you'll never get counted,
  your character like a raincoat you button on the run
  the pitiful results of all this unexpectedness.

  If only I could just rehearse one Wednesday in advance,
  or repeat a single Thursday that has passed!
  But here comes Friday with a script I haven't seen.
  Is it fair, I ask
  (my voice a little hoarse,
  since I couldn't even clear my throat offstage).

  You'd be wrong to think that it's just a slapdash quiz
  taken in makeshift accommodations. Oh no.
  I'm standing on the set and I see how strong it is.
  The props are surprisingly precise.
  The machine rotating the stage has been around even longer.
  The farthest galaxies have been turned on.
  Oh no, there's no question, this must be the premiere.
  And whatever I do
  will become forever what I've done.

  ~ Wislawa Szymborska ~

  
  (Poems New and Collected 1957-1997,
  trans. S. Baranczak and C. Cavanagh)

  Web version: www.panhala.net/Archive/Life_While_You_Wait.html

   

  Mary's Poems and Art

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/life_while_you_wait.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/scabies_mites_are_not_extinct.mws hnasc 2008-09-14T02:09:54-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/scabies_mites_are_not_extinct.mws

  Most people never think that they might catch scabies.  Some people don't even know what scabies is but this little bitty mite can wreak havoc on the skin.  You normally won't actually see the scabies mite either, you'll just see the raised, red places where the mite has burrowed under the skin. 

   

  Terrible itching and red lines of irritated, raised skin continues as long as the mites are living in your skin.

   

  If you have any type of unexplained itching accompanied by a rash or red places, please see your dermatologist.  You could have scabies.

   

  The good news is that there is a company that offers safe, effective and natural treatments for scabies as well as for ringworm and other skin parasites.

   

  Though scabies is not an std, it is sometimes contracted through intimate contact with someone who is infected.

   

  Learn about nodular scabies, norwegian scabies, how you catch mites and what to do about them

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/scabies_mites_are_not_extinct.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/energized_water_as_a_spiritual_tool.mws hnasc 2009-02-18T10:02:40-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/energized_water_as_a_spiritual_tool.mws

  Energized water lives up to it's name....kinda.

   

  Ausome Water is a spiritually energized frequency tool, designed to assist you in reaching a stronger connection to your Highest purpose and life.

   

  Pretty big ideas.  To some, pretty strange ideas.

   

  One thing we can agree on is that we die without water.  We can go without food for a long time but we can't go without water.  It is vital to all our cellular activities.

   

  Structured water has been around for a long time and so have energized waters.  This one is new and I decided to try it because I have noticed differences in my health when using alkaline ionized water and other structured or catalyzed waters such as Willard Water or Prill water so I thought, why not see if it can make a difference on a spiritual level too?

   

  In just seven days on Ausome Water, I got an answer.  It can make a difference, a big difference.

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/energized_water_as_a_spiritual_tool.mws http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_importance_of_a_healthy_lymph_system.mws hnasc 2009-02-18T11:02:15-05:00 http://hnasc.mindsay.com/the_importance_of_a_healthy_lymph_system.mws

  How Healthy is Your Lymph System?

   

  If you have a sluggish colon, sluggish digestion, bad circulation or any of those type things, simply moving more can help you.  Regular exercise helps all the systems of the body function better.

   

  However, there is one system of the body that absolutely depends on movement to function because, unlike the colon, blood and digestive organs, it cannot selfclean.  That's the lymph system.

   

  Your lymph nodes go through your entire body and when that system gets congested, your entire body is a little sick.  The more congested the lymph system, the more your entire body suffers.

   

  So how do we keep the lymph system healthy?  So glad you asked.

   

  Rebounding for lymph drainage  * How Your Lymph System Works

   

  One sign that the lymph system may be overloaded is that you can develop swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, under the arms or in other areas.  If you notice swollen lymph nodes, please see your doctor to rule out other serious medical conditions.  If no medical conditions have yet manifested, then please consider rebounding and other regular exercise as well as lymphatic massage to help you get your lymph system back in shape.Natural remedies for swollen lymph nodes

   

  One condition that often affects the lymph system is called Glandular Fever.  Please read more about that here:

  Glandular Fever Symptoms

  ]]> http://www.mindsay.com/comments/hnasc/the_importance_of_a_healthy_lymph_system.mws