Michigan Football Review...

An indepth pictorial review of the Michigan Field Goal Unit.

Nutritional Book Reviews

Knowing that I'm not the only one trying to mind what I eat, instead of eating whatever comes to mind, I thought I'd share some thoughts on some "nutritional" books I have read lately.
One book is called Eating Mindfully by Dr. Susan Albers. It was recommended to me by a nutritionist. Honestly, if you like reading stereo instructions, you will LOVE this book. Dr. Albers takes Buddah's discourse on the four stages of mindfulness and applies them to food. When we eat we should be mindful of our mind (isn't THAT redundant), mindful of our thoughts, mindful of our body and mindful of our emotions. Basically, it's striving to be aware of when and why you are eating. Are you eating without thinking? Eating only when scared? Judging your eating habits and or others? On and on it goes...with self-help exercises to go along with it.
If you didn't have an eating disorder before reading this book, there's a good chance you might after reading it. Phew. I felt totally incompetent and unprepared to do anything when I finished. I also found myself arguing against the logic that it's all on me. I know that I'm not perfect. If I put that much emphasis on myself, I know I would be doomed to fail.
Another book that says basically the same thing, but with a positive spin is French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. Mireille suggests that we fall in love with our food and only accept the best quality. She also suggests that you slow down and enjoy your food. Don't read or watch TV while eating...make every bite like it may be your last. She also recommends lots of water and walking for exercise. Of course, she also suggests eating nothing but leek soup one week-end a month, but what can I say, she's French.
My friend Monica was telling me about a time that she and her husband were in a car accident in Europe. They were taken to a hospital in Paris where everyone spoke English. Monica spent about 10 days recovering in the hospital, during which time she ate only hospital food. Now this hospital had a gourmet restaurant in it...so good that people off the street would come in and eat. Monica was having wine with meals, rich food, and the good stuff -- butter. She complained to her doctor that they were going to have to roll her out of the hospital. No, no no -- he said. When you prepare your food with natural ingredients, you will be fine. It's when you start adding in all of the pre-packaged foodstuff that things don't go so well. A nurse went on to explain that because of a chain of events, most French families now had both parents working. Because there isn't as much time to prepare food, the French are turning to pre-packaged meals and take-out. Result? Their obesity level is rising. Hmmmm...
I can't help thinking back to Daniel and what a role-model he is. No, not in the lion's den, but clear back in chapter one:

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you." Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

Daniel 1:8-16

The Borne Ultimatum

Friday night, the 'rents and I went to see "The Borne Ultimatum." In a summer where every other movie seems to be the third in the series (Shrek 3, Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At Worlds End, Spiderman 3, Oceans 13), I have to say that this might be the best out of the bunch.
It contained enough history of 'The Borne Identity' and the 'Borne Supremacy' that you didn't need to see either of them to follow the plot. Like the first two, it was fast paced and action packed. Jason Borne is a sympathetic hero who you root for the entire way through.
Two things really stood out to me in this movie. The first was the cinematography. Many scenes are shot as if you are eavesdropping on a conversation or looking over someones shoulder, instead of having a direct viewpoint. It gave me the feeling of being part of the movie, instead of being a passive observer.
The second thing I loved were all of the different locations. It's like a whirlwind tour of Europe and New York. What is most impressive, is that they scenes are shot in public places. I watched a mini-documentary on the making of 'The Borne Ultimatum' on HBO. They don't stage these public places with extras. They just shoot the film and hope no one walks up and asks Matt Damon for his autograph. Consequently, you truly get a taste of what living there is like. Bustling crowds, kiosks full of merchandise, tickets and turn stiles are all things that I don't have to deal with on a daily basis, but it's nice to "go home" for a little while, even if it is only in a movie.
The only advice I have for this movie, is sit towards the back. There is so much action, that you might get a little motion sick if you sit to close!
'The Borne Ultimatum'? Definitely worth your money.

Ocean's 13

In keeping with my new blogging resolution, here is an honest girl's opinion of Ocean's 13:

After trying to arrange to see this movie with several people, I finally gave up and treated myself yesterday. I ended up at the Easton AMC where, in case you didn't know, you can get in for $4.00 before noon. Who knew? Also, they've started a new concession gimmick where you can mix and match three items off a certain list for $7.50. Included on the list is 32 oz. popcorn, 16 oz, pop, bottle of water, regular sized candy bar and icees. So, I was in a pretty good mood even before the movie started, cause I felt like I was being thrifty (although not as thrifty as going to the $1.00 movies on half price night!)

The basic plot is that a bunch of cheaters are trying to cheat another cheater. It was better than Ocean's 12, but not as good as Ocean's 11. There was enough twists and toys to make it fun, but yet there was still some predictability.

But to be honest, when the cast includes names like George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, I'm not really going for the plot. Ladies, it's not just a piece of eye candy, it's an entire eye candy store!

Why do guys just get better with age? Remember when George Clooney used to be on "The Facts of Life" with a perm and overalls? Remember when Brad Pitt used to have bit parts on "21 Jump Street" and "Growing Pains?" Remember baby faced Matt Damon, when he won an Oscar for "Good Will Hunting" and took his mom to the show? Wow, they've come a long way. In fact, they've come so far, that for a few hours, I forgot all about their political views and how much I disagree.

Ellen Barkin was also in the movie. She had a really cute hair cut that made me want to cut my hair off. It was a blunt cut bob that flipped out on the one side. We'll have to wait and see if I can pull that one off.

What have I missed?? Al Pacino and Andy Garcia also star, but they didn't do enough for me to mention them before now. Although, now that I think back, Al Pacino's character is building a casino, and it's gorgeous! I'm not usually drawn to Asian inspired decor, but this was very rich looking. It gave the entire film a feeling of sophistication.

I know that I could give a rating...4 stars, 3 1/2 stars, etc., but really, what does that tell you? Nothing. In a capitalistic society, people can say a lot, but ultimately, you find out how they feel by how they spend their money. So, for my reviews, I'm just going with a simple "worth the price of admission" or "not so much."
Ocean's 13? Definitely worth it.