Henry Cruz

Will Outsourcing become the bogeyman?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:04:00 +0000

As we see more small businesses shift toward Globalization -- (thanks to the Internet) -- those smaller Mom-and-Pop Multinationals gotta deal with that sticky question of outsourcing work to stay afloat - (meaning sending jobs outside the US)...

'especially true online, with a need to stay competitive and resulting in a better bottom line with "savings for customers and any shareholders."

As reported in Business Week recently: Lower wages are not the only motivating factor..."the performance of the provider on quality...is much higher than here in the US."

Small businesses -- "from car dealers to advertising agencies are finding it easier to farm out software development, accounting, support services, and design work to distant lands...Sites such as Guru.com, Brickwork India, DoMyStuff.com, and RentACoder also report fast growth."

Hmmm, sounds like the world will live as one after all.

Source: Business Week

Diaries: Hungry For Change!

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:56:00 +0000

Big news -- from nutritionists -- keeping a food diary when you're managing your weight -- actually works.

This latest findings are "part of a weight-loss maintenance trial...'after analyzing the data on weight loss to see which factors made a difference, researchers concluded that the more days a person kept a careful record, the more weight he or she lost." -- in some cases up to twice as much as others who didn't keep a daily record.

My web-partner and I launched an online commnunity to motivate users on Food -- that has a daily-diary: HungryForChange.com,

'which is one option to keep track of what's going in...ultimately, there's no easy fix to dieting...but, all roads lead to making "life-style" changes that include better quality foods going in...and not so much of it.

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Oil Dependent: Blows in the Wind?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:30:00 +0000

'Might take an 80-year-old to show this old hungry dog some new tricks -- 'solving our countries $700 billion-a-year dependency on foreign oil.

T. Boone Pickens' plan suggests replacing gasoline use with natural gas...and eventually with wind... "Things were fine until the price went vertical on us," said Mr. Pickens. He calculates that, spending $140 a barrel for crude, adds up to $700 billion a year...all going into foreign pockets.

The "hurdles to the Pickens plan...include building the infrastructure to dispense natural gas as a vehicle fuel, building new power plants to replace natural gas-fired plants, overcoming possible opposition from oil companies and politicians..."

Funny, that Pickens himself has been investing in vehicular natural gas for years and now has plans to build a massive wind farm in the Panhandle. But he offers "that's not the reason for his campaign."

"I'm 80 years old. I'm worth $4 billion. I don't need to make any more money," he said. Instead, he said, this is about patriotism and his reputation as a man who "sure puts his money where his mouth is." - and maybe a little bit to-do with money...but, at least it's one option on the table to a problem that wont be going away anytime soon.

Source: Hispanic Business

Light of Day?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:50:00 +0000

In the midst of my own "Finish-the-script" screen writing class...

So, I've been reading a few screenplays each week to learn the nut-and-bolts of how to write 'em -- I came across this cool book at the library:

"Screen Plays" - that book examines the whole script to screen process with 25 examples of "how the stories we see in movies get made". It's interesting what ideas get made...and definately worth a look to see how an idea changes when it passed through so many hands.

'Also noticed the business aspects of Hollywood is such "IN"-boy's-club"...and the few outsiders that get "in" feel like they have a won the lottery.

Better life in a game?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:54:00 +0000

Imagine an online science game that saves lives - fold.it -- might do just that!

'Knowing that -- "Proteins" are involved in all of the processes going on inside our body...from breaking down food to power your muscles, to sending signals through your brain that control the body through your blood...might not be all that exciting...but, how about designing new proteins using a computer game?

Basically, "this could be a whole new way of doing science," says one expert...basically, online players -- using 3-D software...players "work on proteins of known shape or one (recently posted) of unknown structure..."

Like farming the worlds science fair...the computer collects -- all the brain power from players...and will apply it to creating new synthesized proteins that can actually help us.

Another example of sharing a brain...where the better players successes translate towards the research...that might actually help in creating new ways to treat viruses.

Source: Seatle PI

When life gives you Duma...

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:10:00 +0000

Just spent 21 plus hours with the book-on-tape version of Stephen King's Duma Key...I wont give away the storyline; but, let's just say the main character has the worst day of his life...and things get worse, and of course things get a bit spooky...

I'll be interested to see the condensed film version. A great story, that starts off slow -- I might have edited it down...but, if you hang in there, it's definitely a worth-while journey.

I'd tip my hat to the King, but I doubt he needs any tips from me -- (his last two novels, received overwhelmingly positive criticism from The New York Times).

The Cruz "Duma Key" Book Review:

**** 1/2 stars
(Four and half stars, out of a possible Five stars)

An Inconvenient Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 06:24:00 +0000

Behind "Happening" director M. Night Shyamalan joke that --

"the quintessential horror film for our time might turn out to be a documentary: An Inconvenient Truth."

-- comes a wave of Green-Panic to the Big Screen...and -- in this funny video clip -- the excesses of being Green:

However, the real hope is that acceptance keeps business markets greener; bringing with it, clean choices for clean modes of transportation...and a wave of more green-inspired jobs.

Slam-outings of celebs from that closet

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:03:00 +0000

This pressuring-celebs to come out of the closet caught my eye...(yeah, slow news day)...

'case you didn't know Perez Hilton gig as the "go to" site for slamming celebs has included forcing working actors like Neil Patrick Harris to "come out" to People magazine...using this defense that he -- (Perez) -- is from a generation that feels that (being out) is a non-issue...so, we all should stand "proud." -- and tell everyone all the kinky things you do in the privacy of your bedroom.

In a perfect world when Perez says "Wentworth Miller --(of Prison Break)...is a homosexual." -- we should all do a collective "yawn" because now we know he's batting for the wrong team -- (or the right team) -- depending on who you're speaking to...sounds peachy, but what if Miller doesn't want people to know who he's banging? -- and isn't Perez robbing money out of Miller's pocket in doing so?

Aside from the financial aspects involved -- that stigma of being a Gay man usually means they will not be offered straight leading roles in Hollywood Films....

I'm one-of-those that thinks its okay to have a "private" life. And that it's none of any one's business unless that person whose business it is wants everyone to know he / she gets down like that.

Source: Perez Hilton

Bring on the Happiness!

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:28:00 +0000

When did it become a duty to be happy? -- 'remember a time when showing up -- and praying everything didn't fall apart -- was enough.

Today everybody drowns themselves in floods-of-endless-distractions -- (setting high expectations) -- to achieve an endless non-stop-parade of happiness...'guess, since I grew up in poverty, we made-do with left-overs and searched into ourselves for the basics: family, friends, music.

Today, I'm okay with small pockets of 'happy-endings' -- more along the lines of distractions from the everyday grind, and I'm good-to-go: reading, traveling, movies, writing, hanging out with friends, and taking walks are enough for me...'a nice dinner and I'm maxed-out-on happy pills.

If you gotta-go-there and drown yourself in an endless-happy-hour --(to fit in with the Jones), here are eight tips -- (thanks to The Happiness Project) -- for making yourself a lot happier in the next hour:

1. Boost your energy: stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better, take a brisk ten-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of “emotional contagion,” if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too.

2. Reach out to friends: make a lunch date or send an email to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is one of the keys to happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Somewhat surprisingly, it turns out that socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts, but also of introverts.

3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: answer a difficult email, purchase something you need, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and cheer, and you’ll be surprised that you procrastinated for so long.

4. Create a calmer environment: clear some physical and mental space around your desk by sorting papers, pitching junk, stowing supplies, sending out quick responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizeable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the “one minute rule”—i.e., never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. An uncluttered environment will contribute to a more serene mood.

5. Lay the groundwork for some future fun: order a book you’ve been wanting to read (important: not something you think you should read, but something you want to read) or plan a weekend excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store, movie theater—whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people than when they’re alone.

6. Do a good deed: make an email introduction of two people who could help each other, or set up a blind date, or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good—this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

7. Act happy: put a smile on your face right now, and keep smiling. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile has a positive influence on your emotions—turns out that just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

8. Listen to your favorite music. Studies show that listening to music is one of the most effective ways to boost your energy and mood (second only to exercise). In fact, in one study, 92% of people felt happier when they listened to music they liked. For an added boost, dance around the room, too.

This Gnarls Barkley music video makes me happy:

Source: The Happiness Project

Its the brain-power, stupid!

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:58:00 +0000

Talking 'bout the Future of the web yesterday, question came up:

Q: 'Aside from this talk of "online video convergence" -- (and business musings -- on trends like co-creating) -- "can you name the next-big-thing online?"

Me: "C'mon, don't be a dummy, one word: Brain-power - 'sorta like that movie 'Field of Dreams' ...'think-it' and they will come." -- to me it sounds like a way-too-obvious-concept...'til, I get hit with the follow-up:

Q: "Brain-Power? - What does that really mean?"

- Think Social Networking sites: And take it a step further and you get the inevitable future of the web. It's not going to be that much different from engaging the people you meet, or the business principle of a peer "master mind" group. Like one big board meeting of the minds.

- Think open source alliances: And you'll see why Web 2.0 future methodologies lies more in "collaboration" and "sharing of ideas," -- exchanging opinions and experiences between peers, all across business, and certainly between business and the consumer. -- 'Kinda like a-big-orgy of like minded folks, 'cept sex is usually not an option.

- Think music "Mash-Up" - or better -- (if you're a geek), think the Borg cube on Star Trek -- and how we'll all be assimilated into one big collective online.

Going with the Borg collective visual - take a few clicks over to the Wiki-World, (that site Wikipedia.com is all about integrating brain knowledge)...except it's not shaped like a cube.

Going with a Smashing-Up concept - take two popular songs from different artists -- to make a new single...mixing the two sounds.

Whatever, the visual, the results are the same: one-big super powered "collective" brain - that utilizes the brainpower of others on that idea to make it better.

The web will become one big voluntary -- or viral Mish-Mash -- that will end up looking like one big information dump -- (sniff at your own risk).

'Not sure the "Wiki-way" has already been influencing how we will do things -- and going to be doing things in the future -- check how we got our latest presidential nomination and get back to me.

'course -- as seen in this video clip -- there are down sides to having "too many cooks" in any kitchen...but, nobody said the future was perfect:

Source: NY Times

Art-house Flicks find a new home?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:02:00 +0000

'Was chatting with my partner on that unstoppable drum-beat of the blurring of media online...sounded something like this:

Me: "You can watch all your fav TV shows online."

Partner: "More and more shows..even cable."

Me: "Add to that the equalizing factor of the web, and you'll get your next new shows starting right here..."

So, why-not throw the "art-house" into this mix of colliding trends...look-y-here:

Announced today: Tribeca Film Institute partnered with Amazon to launch on web: Reframe, a site for INDIE films -- and owners of content that would otherwise be unseen to convert digitally and sell their films. With this service, called Reframe - (reframecollection.org)--

-- "copyright holders will split the profit on digital download rentals and purchases (distributed in Windows Media Player format) evenly. DVD sales will operate under a tiered system, with 40% of $50 and under titles, 85% of $51-$200 titles and 90% of more than $200 titles going to rights holders."

I'm one all for the old-school experience of that dark-shared-experience in room with buttery popcorn to watch my movies...but, this at least gives hope to those niche films that might otherwise never see the light of day.

Source: NY Times

The upside to a Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:25:00 +0000

Where I'm from it's an unspoken-whisper-among-friends that any parades down Fifth Avenue here in the Big Apple -- (where folks get the privilege to sweat for hours behind a barrier to watch Mickey Mouse floats crawl by) -- were designed especially for two-year-old-kids, and folks that enjoy long rides in those short-yellow-buses -

- (but, like a car wreck that you can't turn away from, I do find myself watching some of them on the TV -- using my fast forward button, while noting the faces of badly-dressed-people-with-way-too-much-time-on-their-hands).

Seems, I'm not the only one whispering...apparently frightened "moneyed white people" -- and nearby shops -- along Fifth Avenue were doing some chatting amongst themselves:

"They tell you the day before—they whisper it—‘Don’t come tomorrow,’ a well-heeled regular says. "The clientele starts clucking a few days beforehand, 'This weekend, you know … ’

We live in divided-times, where the richest 1 percent of Americans own 35 percent of all the assets, but there lies the upside to all retards marching down fifth...well, for at least one day...we get the allusion of sharing the same air.

Source: Gawker

Rachaels Wardrobe Malfunction?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:51:00 +0000

Always smiling -- for no reason -- that alone should have clued us off to the evil behind her secret messages...'no human being is that happy.

and then came the scarf..."Absolutely no symbolism was intended," the company said. But, we know better...I'm watching you -- (points fingers to eyes, and back at Rachael Ray).

Source: Associated Press

Survey: that really-really Good Wife?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:32:00 +0000

Are you-one-of-those that harp 'bout how things were better back-in-the day? - 'wishing for simple-times, when marriage had all those hard-to-find things -- like romance, respect and decorum of ye olden' '30s?

This old “marital rating scale,” - (used by marriage counsellors in 1939 to assess the performance of wives) – will spook us modern couples brought up to "believe in the equality of the sexes."

I'm one-of-those that believe: treat-others-the-way-you-want-be treated...'but, go-on and call me old fashion, I like a mate to pay attention in "bed" -- in this old survey women are "deducted points if they are “slow in coming to bed”, “fail to sew on buttons or darn socks regularly” and flirt with other men at parties."

-- hmm, this one comment from a british reader struck me funny: "I am heartened to see so many husbands have allowed their wives use of the computer." - technology will make some folks a bit-uppity.

Source: Telegraph UK

Basic-coming-of-age-road Film...

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:09:00 +0000

I sat in for an advanced screening of Martin Hynes' INDIE-Flick: "The Go-Getter" - (opening June 6th)...'Not much on story here; just your basic-coming-of-age-road-film. However, along the way, the main character meets a bunch of quirky characters -- (included is a scene-stealing cameo played by Bill Duke, who alone is worth the price of admission).

The films strongest point is the visual eye-candy from a well-shot road picture; especially since I didn't feel any sympathy for the script's lead character -- (written with a one-note-self-absorbed-angst that borders right on the edge of self-pretentious B.S.) -- which is a big problem when that annoying character is then in every scene of the film.

More Info: Go-Getter Film site
Opens in limited release: June 6, 2008

Business-101: everyone's a co-creator

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:24:00 +0000

"Everything that becomes digital eventually becomes free. There's almost no stopping it," says Chris Anderson (Wired Magazine) -- I wrote about this idea in an earlier blog: giving it away free online -(where you would make money by later targeting smaller premium customers).

But, now let's move on to the broader Future of Business online --

(noting successful examples as a foundation for the building blocks of the future: Google, Wikipedia, craigslist, and various free shareware software...).

This trend, let's call it an "evolution" -- (or "revolution" -- depending on which side of the fence you sit on) -- leaves the happy-online-user no-longer-willing-to pay for information-content -- (think of it as a Wikipedia-business-model to wrap your brain around it...or using every one's brain-power to make our next set of fancy new toys).

Welcome to "Co-create" - that new buzz world you'll be hearing about if you wanna stay in business; 'the success of all new businesses will now depend on more "consumer-oriented" experiences to survive...

"The idea is that...companies no longer invent new products and services on their own." claims Fortune Magazine. "They create them along with their customers, and they do it in a way that produces a unique experience for each customer."

Bottom line: No longer can business shove a one-size-fits-all..."The whole user experience is co-created." -- or rather driven by the brain-power-of-the-masses; and then made unique to each individual customer...'guessin BK's most famous slogan had it right when they said: "Have It Your Way."

Source: Fortune Magazine

here's a 101-video, with Wikipedia's founder Jimmy Wales:

That Library is closing?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 25 May 2008 17:21:00 +0000

Here's a novel idea: let's open a chain of store's it'll be like a big coffee shop with a lot of reading material...

call it "Barnes and Noble" -- yeah, it seems that plan ain't working out so good. I know, I know...it's supposed to create a welcoming environment; but, if folks can sit all day and read, why would they buy that book afterwards?

After some serious hurting, B & N now got a management team to study the "feasibility" of a possible Barnes & Noble-Border's combination...so, they can both go out of business together.

Fact is less folks are reading books; the price is another thing, what's the incentive to pay $20 for the new paperbacks?

Worse, B & N charging $25 "memberships" so we can save 10% on a book...I'd get that management team working on getting the next generation to slow down and read more, and actually enjoy reading more - (to ensure future customers).

Main things effecting the book-slump is technology -- aside from gearing us all to move faster and get-it-now...

how 'bout the fact that Barnes and Noble can't hold a candle to something like Amazon.com where you can find almost any single book I can think of, and always at prices cheaper than B&N. More so, since they added the ability to buy used books from other dealers through their website.

What I'm reading: Mary Monroe's "In Sheep's Clothing" - okay, the book cover art sucks...but, it has a strong opening, with a likable female protagonist. I'll report back when I'm done reading it...'got any good books of note, drop me a line (leave a comment)...always looking for something new.

Resource: CNBC News

Growing up pharming...

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 25 May 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Might be time to say no to a world of "pampers," -- and that endless supply of happiness...or as my Dad would say: Man-up to the real world out there.

Talking about a new survey that suggests "15 percent of high school seniors" are using prescription drugs (such as amphetamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, and nonheroin opiates like Vicodin and OxyContin) -- "to get high" -- and those numbers are getting larger, and younger...forming "teen pharming parties." -- to share their pills.

Know thy child. "Parents are and continue to be the most influential purveyors of information on topics of great importance," says one expert. "Peers are more influential with what kids wear and where they go."

Nothing wrong with reiterating "the values of the household." -- but taking it further and "knowing your kids' friends and their parents" -- and their availability to drugs...

yeah, you want to give sense of space and individuality...however, "Parental monitoring is important for kids of all ages"

One writer suggests teens are way too coddled - (read article) Offering a trend in the way today's kids are becoming more "insensitive" -- because parents are babying teens, and keeping all negative comments to a minimum...showering them in a non-stop "happy hour."

No surprise then, those young adults now expect the same treatment from the real world...a world full of happy-hugs...without taking any real-responsibilities for their own actions.

Above happiness, should be a solid foundation on "how-to-handle adversity" - (and how their actions effects others around them).

Source: U.S. News, Greenwich Time

Too much butter on that popcorn?

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sat, 24 May 2008 15:59:00 +0000

'Love adventure films, and while this one -- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- plays right to the audience...as an homage to all those 50's B-movies it's a safe film you can take your kids to...but, like eating Chinese food, I felt hungry for more an hour later. Die-hard fan's of this series will be scratching their heads asking "why" -- they waited 20 years for this...but, new fans will eat up this as a way to kill two hours.

Harrison Ford is great, like an old friend you didn't know you'd missed; Shia LaBeouf didn't seem like he fit into this story -- maybe a last minute add on that if added should've been developed.

All the Sci-fi aspect -- which to me would have given this bite, was way-to-watered-down for the masses.

There's a big fear in big movies that audiences can't handle a meaty Sci-Fi story...so instead they sugar coat it and keep things moving...'don't get me wrong, this movie does move.

You will not be bored, just don't expect the earth to move and you'll be fine...

Oral Report: playing with numbers!!

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:24:00 +0000

little doubt -- when talking 'bout the teen-evolution -- Our Kids are growing up faster...A combination of Constant Peer pressure -- exposure to the internet, etc. etc...steps up the end game: the race to get that cherry-popped.

One US researcher claims - "Our research shows that this supposed substitution of oral sex for vaginal sex is largely a myth," says this study.

Guessin' no substitution for the main course...Once those flood gates open, it's on, banging from all ends...at least in theory.

The study found 55 percent of 15- to 19-year-olds have engaged in heterosexual oral sex, 50 percent have engaged in vaginal sex and 11 percent have had anal sex.

Both oral and anal sex are much more common among teens who have already had vaginal intercourse than among those who haven't, suggesting that teens initiate a range of sexual activities around the same time, rather than substitute one for another,

Source: United Press International

Tanning-Lines of Commerce

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:45:00 +0000

When Artist push the limits, it's called a social statement...

What about this new Liquor ad -- for "Cabana Cachac" - leaving little to the imagination...except a killer tan-line:

That company, in defense, offered: "it has an art feel to it that is very relevant." - hmmm, but will anybody really notice the bottle of Cachac?

Source: Women's Wear Daily

Balance it all out...

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:13:00 +0000

I've been trying to do more reading and writing...'things are good, and generally I'm a feet-on-the-ground-type-of-person...'but, from-time-to-time...I get those brief moments when...

Life slips out-of-control...'found a few tips for Well-Balanced Life - (sharing a few here, adding my own three cents) -

My solutions are basic, surround myself with good people, challenge the brain - (usually by reading, thinking, listening to various types of music)...other's can be even more basic

- Tip: Manage Your Time Better

Having effective time management skills will allow you to spend more time with your family and friends....Then here are a few steps to help you improve your skills:

Prioritize your time by rating tasks in the order of importance and urgency then direct additional time to activities that are most meaningful to you.

Deal with procrastination by using a day planner, breaking large projects into smaller ones, and setting short-term deadlines.

Keep a record of how you spend your time, including work, family, and leisure and make adjustments accordingly.

Save time by focusing, concentrating, and realizing when it’s time to delegate responsibilities to others.

Don’t over or under commit yourself or commit to anything that’s not important to you.

* (I'm a big believer in setting realistic goals for time management; but, I am the ultimate procastinator so this is a good one to tackle).

- Tip: Evaluate Your Lifestyle

You may not realize this but in most instances our behavior and lifestyle choices greatly affect whether or not our life is balanced. To get things into perspective examine your beliefs to reduce conflict between the life you believe you live and the life you really live.

This does not bring balance directly to your life, but it can interfere with the way your body deals with stress in edition to other issues. If your perception is different from your reality try to:

Balance your personal, work, and family needs according with your other obligations.
Get to know yourself by spending some quality time with you. This will help you to find your sense of purpose in life.

Don’t drink or smoke and make sure you get enough sleep. These are major stressors to your body and cause you to feel “out of balance.”

Yes your doctor was right—you need moderate exercise several times a week and a balanced diet for a physical and mental strength. Think about it … how do you feel after you eat a Big Mac? Enough said!

Do something for someone else and expect nothing in return. This will help boost your “feel good” endorphins!

* (Wow, doing something for somebody else...weird huh, and "expect nothing in return"...is an very against this new-gen of me, me, me...I'm gonna try that one).

- Tip: Change Your Thinking

When an event triggers negative thoughts, this may cause you to feel out of balance. Usually when this happens you experience fear, insecurity, anxiety, depression, rage, guilt, and a sense of worthlessness or powerlessness. These are all emotions that trigger your mind and body to disconnect and cause you to react instead of act.

When issues such as these come up the best way to get your self back into a safe zone, where you feel you are in control is change your way of thinking and act (not react) on the problem. To change your way of thinking start by:

Ridding your mind of any irrational thoughts. This will help you avoid exaggerating the negative thought, anticipating the worst, interpreting an event incorrectly, and will eliminate unnecessary stress.

Learning to solve your problems by identifying all aspects of the issue. Then instead of putting it off find ways to deal with it immediately.

Changing your communication style so that you communicate in a way that makes your views known without making others feel put down, hostile, or intimidated. Poor communication causes a lot of issues that otherwise would never have surfaced.

* (This is harder then it seems, after you reach a certain point in life...stepping outside of your "comfort zone" - talking differently, or clearer is so basic...but, I definitely see where it boosts brain functions up a level).

In the meanwhile, speaking of well-balanced, enjoy Pitbulls' Anthem:

* (my editorial comments were put here, but the helpful tips came from another website, see Source right below)...got some other good Well-balanced tips for a better life, add them here by leaving your own comments!

Source: Divine Caroline

Spending "Summer" with Najera....

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:20:00 +0000

Before things got Ugly - (the ABC' series "Ugly Betty") - there was that INDIE film: "How the Garcia Girls spent their summer," which opened this weekend - (as with smaller films, it took years to make it to the big screen, but it's finally seen the light of day)...so, show some INDIE-luv and plunk down your cash to see it.

Big Shout out to the funny Rick Najera, who nails the one-handed butcher 'Jose Luis' in that same film.

Najera, a-god-in-the-making among Latino's: "award-winning actor/writer/director/producer, (MADtv, In Living Color) often referred to as the 'Latino Tyler Perry'" - is also pretty funny in that "Ceasar & Chuy" cartoon series:

-- Much love, I'll be watching what's next, so should you!

Sympathy for the Demons

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:37:00 +0000

Reading 'bout the legendarily-out-spoken Eszterhas, (known for being one of Hollywood's highest-paid screenwriter) -- ironically, happens to be responsible for some of the worst films to come out of the studio system: Basic Instinct, Showgirls, and Flashdance...) - 'gotta wonder how so many bad films get 'green lighted in Hollywood, I did.

I'm cheating by listening to the unabridged book-on-tape of "Hollywood Animal"

But, in Eszterhas defense, he's a great conversationalist, and offers an honest and interesting insight into his world: how old School Hollywood really works - or doesn't, in this case -- (since most of ya'll don't bother reading books, Slate Magazine offered up the Books most salacious-Hotpoint's here).

Eszterhas, way before his time, his lifes story is a modern "object lesson" in the perils - (and financial benefits) - of the now Brand Name Economy. Creating a brand name in a flawed system -- that runs on fear and greed to get films made: It's easier for studios to drop millions to make bad movies with people they have heard of...then working with untried newbies.

I spoke earlier 'bout how emerging media is changing how films will get made -- (click here)

It was Eszterhas, who in the 90's, invented the celebrity screenwriter. "He's a run of the mill screenwriter who created a myth that he was an idiosyncratic rebel," offers Entertainment Weekly critic Owen Gleiberman.

A self-promoter, that's pure Hollywood - Those contridictions:

an exaggerated sense of importance...

who also considers himself a great artist. "This is Eszterhas' tragedy and the dark side of his celebrity." Says Slate Magazine. "When he writes sensationalist schlock, he gets the attention he craves. When he writes moving, interesting drama, he doesn't. So schlock it will be."

Stern's right to be funny, sorry Dolly...

noreply@blogger.com (Henry Cruz) — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:23:00 +0000

"I would never have such vulgar things come out of my mouth. They have done editing or some sort of trickery to make this horrible, horrible thing." Said Ms. Parton.

Stern Prevails here: 'Case Closed, move on.

Last time I checked this is still the USA, and we have something call the First Amendment...which gives performers the right to talk smack about public figures, in whats obviously a parody here.

Dolly's hiss-y-fit does work out as some free PR for Sirius Satellite Radio -- (reminding folks Howard Stern is still out there on the radio...albeit way out in outer space);

Had Parton ignored the bit, most people would have probably simply forgotten about it and Stern would have moved on...

Actually, if Parton's really so upset, she should hire her own comedy writers and splice up sound bytes from the "Private Parts" audio book...'making her look even more stupid in this case - (if that's even possible).

The real damage here is that -- (in this era of 24-hour News programming), folks made this into a news program -- ('gotta respect Fox's art of distraction here, avoiding the real problems in the world):