Excercises to Loosen Up After Prolonged Sitting

The Films of Charles and Ray Eames

Charles Eames and Ray Kaiser Eames

Charles Eames and Ray Kaiser Eames

Charles Eames 

 Ray Kaiser Eames

The OOP six-DVD box set of "The Films of Charles and Ray Eames" currently commands a stout "collectible price" online, but I managed to wrangle up a set via auctions of individual programs (sans box) at a great overall price today. I can't wait to watch them!

Balthus and his Cat

Balthus

Balthus

Balthus

Balthus

Balthus

Balthus

Gordon Pembridge: Hand-Turned and Hand-Carved Wooden Bowls

 Gordon Pembridge

 Gordon Pembridge

 Gordon Pembridge

 Gordon Pembridge

 Gordon Pembridge

 Gordon Pembridge

 Gordon Pembridge

 Gordon Pembridge

Hand-turned and meticulously carved wooden bowls by Gordon Pembridge...

Born in beautiful Kenya and now based in picturesque New Zealand, artist Gordon Pembridge has been lucky enough to have a lifelong relationship with nature. As a painter and woodworker, Pembridge often looks to his surroundings for inspiration, which has culminated in an oeuvre that incorporates elements of natural history and portrayals of local wildlife. A prime example of such work is Pembridge’s striking series of hand-painted, carved wooden vessels.

Each work of art is created through a woodturning process -- a sculpting technique that employs a lathe to shape the timber. Once Pembridge has achieved his desired shape, he meticulously hand-carves the wood into ornate, fern-like patterns, which he then paints and decorates with foliage, animals, and other natural motifs inspired by his two homes -- Kenya and New Zealand. Brightly colored and featuring elegantly intricate incisions, it is hard to believe the sculptures are crafted entirely out of wood.

In addition to woodturning and painting, Pembridge also dabbles in a myriad of other forms of art, including photography, graphic design, illustration, and engraving. Though his mediums may vary, his love of natural history remains a consistent muse throughout his work.

Foodie Factoids: Wine and "Brett"

Alexander Calder: Mobiles

Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder

Sonwai (Verma Nequatewa): Contemporary Hopi Inlaid Gold Jewelry

Sonwai

Sonwai

Sonwai

Sonwai

Sonwai

Sonwai

Sonwai

Sonwai

Sonwai

Soil Microbes and Serotonin Production

Did you know that there’s a natural antidepressant in soil? Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance under study and has indeed been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. 

The bacterium is found in soil and may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier. Studies were conducted on cancer patients and they reported a better quality of life and less stress. Lack of serotonin has been linked to depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar problems. The bacterium appears to be a natural antidepressant in soil and has no adverse health effects. These antidepressant microbes in soil may be as easy to use as just playing in the dirt. 

Antidepressant microbes in soil cause cytokine levels to rise, which results in the production of higher levels of serotonin. The bacterium was tested both by injection and ingestion on rats and the results were increased cognitive ability, lower stress and better concentration to tasks than a control group. 

Gardeners inhale the bacteria, have topical contact with it and get it into their bloodstreams when there is a cut or other pathway for infection. The natural effects of the soil bacteria antidepressant can be felt for up to three weeks if experiments with rats are any indication. So get out and play in the dirt and improve your mood and your life.

Weighted Blanket Therapy