by Jamie on February 26, 2009
Slings and Arrows is a 3 season Canadian television series about a quirky (but not too quirky) theatre company, The New Burbage Theatre. Each season the actors mount a Shakespearian play, along with other events. The plays are luminous; the stagings inspired. We feel the singular exhilaration of live theatre. The writing is smart, dark, witty and heartfelt. The actors love, rage, sob, behave pretentiously and sometimes fail to pay taxes. The humor builds slowly and sneaks up on you-a LOL moment (without the irony.)
Slings and Arrows stars Paul Gross and Martha Burns, very attractive, middle aged actors who happen to be married in real life. All of the actors, young (Rachel McAdams, Sarah Polley) and not so young are terrific.
We are privy to the nuts, bolts and complexity of staging a play, the true passion of so many actors and the grandeur of Shakespeare.
by Jean on February 24, 2009
courtesy of trilatino.net and Michael Schreiber
My marathon training is a reflection of my life. I am always setting goals for myself. Doing well keeps me going. But, a set-back keeps me going more. It seems obvious that after a good run and a feeling of exhilaration that one would go running again. But, I started to notice how after a terrible run and feeling sulky I will, with more determination than before, head out again. Because, I need to prove I can do it. I needed to prove I can tack on an extra mile, run in the heat or up the hills. I am reminded I have some control. In control of how much I sleep the night before and what I eat so I can have a better run. Then I will go out and have the perfect run and everything is right again.
The journey of my career has been similar to my marathon training. I decided to get a PhD in science because, besides liking science, I wanted to set my own agenda with my research. Setting up that perfect experiment, getting a manuscript published and delivering the perfect lecture is an amazing feeling. But, while things are going well I somehow become complacent, the urgency is not with me during the day. Then a manuscript will get rejected, a grant will get a non-fundable score or another professor will make a cutting remark. I will get sulky for a while. Then, with renewed commitment, I will head back to the lab, discuss new ideas with my technicians and graduate students, read all those papers that have been piling up or set up a new collaboration. And the excitement comes back.
Recently, I was sick. I went out on several days for a run. I couldn’t make it up the hills; I could not finish the run. But, like my research it was a reminder to not become complacent. I need to pay attention to the details. So, for me, set-backs are okay. They remind me success is earned. Set-backs remind me I need to work hard to attain my goals.
by Monica on February 22, 2009
Trader Joe’s has always been a favorite for runners (and all athletes). It seems that everytime I talk to someone about what they buy there, I discover something new.
[ I actually once saw Brian Westbrook of the Philadelphia Eagles shopping there...I was amazed to see him read every ingredient label and equally amazed watching grown men in the store grovel over him.]
So here are my 10 favorites: What are yours?
Joe’s Ultra Roast Bay Blend Coffee – this is great, strong coffee that may put hair on your chest.
Soynut Butter -near the peanut butter…tastes great on wheat bread for lunch and SO much less fat.
Frozen Organic Brown Rice Packages…they take 3 minutes, taste great with cooked veggies.
California Walnut Halves and Pieces – great for putting in smoothies and salads
Champagne Pear Vinaigrette – this makes the best salad…especially with arugula, gorgonzola, pears and those California walnuts.
Trader Joe’s Jasmine Green Tea – the answer to the 3pm blues.
Trader Darwin’s Women’s High Potency Vitamin -covering all the supplemental bases daily.
Trader Darwin’s Omega-3 Fatty Acids supplement ODORLESS -for those of you who like your omegas without the fishy burps.
Pizza Margherita with Mozzarella & Grana Cheese - this is a great treat after a long run. My kids love these.
Dark Chocolate Wedges – just one wedge with a small glass of red wine at weeks end- heaven!
by Monica on February 22, 2009
There is an upside to being injured that I had not thought of before now. My skin seems to be on the repair from the weathered/leather runner look I was begining to get after so many miles. So why hasn’t anyone done a runner’s skin care line? It’s been on my mind. So when I was reading the NY times this morning and noticed an add for OLAYFORYOU.com that will ask you questions to personalize your Oil of Olay regime, I had to try it and it was easy. I am one of those people who avoids the department store make-up counter but sits in the Target aisle for long periods of time trying to discern which of the thousands of products would help repair my “running face”. The cold winters and hot summers can be especially brutal on the skin. Have you ever seen a world class runner with great skin? Ok, maybe the beautiful Kara Goucher (but she is only 30 something and the rest of us know that once you hit 40 its a down hill battle!). Oil of Olay also has a new line of products called Pro-V that is now also available at Target (and a $25 rebate online) for $61.50 that again promises revolutionary results. I thought that would be the suggestion on my Olay for You routine but it lead me to the Definity line. I know this is their brilliant way to get us to buy all kinds of products. But from someone who is already in that aisle, I think it was an easy economical way to get some help without having to brave the counter at Macy’s.
