Infectious Diseases Movie Reviews

My library of Alexander related books pretty much includes everything in print including all FM Alexander's original books and I have been a student for a number of years yet this really stands out.

Perhaps its the advantage of the medium (video vs book) or perhaps Jane is just a particularly skilled educator. I think it is perhaps a mixture of the two as I do have other videos which I havent found anywhere near as useful as this.

I think Jane has gone as far as possible to explain the technique without actually being there in the room with you and being your teacher.

Many videos bypass this potentially difficult area and avoid the "how" bit and are really just introductions giving you enough detail to decide whether you want to contact a teacher - this is perfectly understandable given the nature of the subject but Jane has taken a risk here I think she has managed to achieve the very difficult balance between reaching a wide audience and the responsibility of an educator.

I cant recommend this enough.

I would add...

I feel this DVD is absolutely fantastic !!! If I could give 6 stars I would .

I can see why one reviewer said this DVD is worth many books - I am not saying I would give up my entire library of books for this one DVD, but it comes quite close !!

Jane's video is the nearest thing I have seen to something which could either reduce the number of lessons you require or perhaps help someone who has had lessons but has lapsed. Even if your teacher is fantastic I would still say Jane may have something for you here in this video.

I believe a total beginer should still seek 1-1 lessons ( at least 10 and preferably 30 or more ). If you live at the North Pole or something then perhaps you should proceed alone with the help of this DVD (be careful to really listen) but for anyone else I would say that an attempt at "self teach" even with this DVD is an unwise choice unless you really dont have an alternative. It took FM Alexander 9 years to work this all out for himself - a teacher can help you make the journey in weeks.

As an actor and singer, I've had several dozen Alexander Technique lessons over the years, and I learned more from this video than from all the lessons combined! I think a book is the poorest place to start, because you don't get any demonstration the way you do here.

The Alexander Technique is a way of life: to profit from it, you must add awareness of how you use your body to your daily routine. This is what an Alexander teacher will try to teach you in series of lessons. This video, however, makes it EASY to do so because of Jane Kosminsky's incredible explanations and the demonstrations.

As anyone who has had Alexander lessons knows, you may come into a lesson feeling like you were just run over by a truck, and emerge from the lesson feeling weightless, floating instead of walking. A great way to feel, but oh, how elusive!! One difficulty I had as a student was how to get that "just out of an Alexander lesson" feeling without having to go to a lesson. I think this video will help someone accomplish that, particularly with the "self lesson," which no Alexander teacher ever showed me.

I too would love to see a sequel to this video! It deserves way more than the 5 stars I'm giving it!!

I have suffered with neck and back pain for a few years. Before my injury my posture was outstanding. I developed a slouch after I was injured because I got used to resting the weight of my upper body on my leaning elbows because the pressure of being upright hurt so badly. Now that a few years have passed and my back and neck muscles have become stronger, I have retained the habit of slouching. I decided to see if this would relieve some of the additional pain I felt. The technique is quite easy to master but the difficulty lies in breaking old habits like slouching. It really helped me a lot, especially with the neck pain. I would recommend this for anyone suffering medium to mild back pain. If your pain is so severe you have trouble with everyday tasks or functioning I highly recommend the "The Back Pain Book", get an electric massager with a long enough handle to massage the muscle spasms away and also floating in a swimming pool (get a cheap membership at the YMCA!) will relieve the pressure causing the pain. Other items I found helpful in my recovery are "The Back Pain Book: A Self-Help Guide for Daily Relief of Neck & Back Pain"
by Mike Hage, Robert G. Addison, "AM Yoga" with Rodney Yee and "Stress Relief Yoga" with Suzanne Deason.

I am an active woman of 62 and stretching is vital in keeping my body able to do each activity I ask of it. The "a.m. & p.m. stretch" DVD of Madeleine Lewis has made this necessary stretching a pleasure. Her wonderfully soothing voice, her flowing movements, her obvious knowledge of the body encourages me never to miss my morning & evening routines. I feel no important muscle has been neglected and I feel confident that Madeleine is helping me do a really good thing for myself. I especially appreciate her gentle reminders to breathe, check my posture, and persevere. The beauty of the mountains surrounding her is a wonderful bonus and instills feelings of peace and tranquility that I take with me into my busy day. Nature is very important to me so I truly look forward to the visual aspect of this DVD. I'm looking forward to more of this kind of work from Madeleine Lewis. Thank you GAIAM and especially thank you, Madeleine!

This is definitely one of the most effective stretching videos I've ever used. It moves very quickly, but doesn't seem rushed. With 4 kids, I rarely get more than 25 minutes to myself, so I need something that provides a good head-to-toe stretch in a minimum amount of time.

The scenery is fantastic--especially the bright mountaintop sunrise for the a.m. program. Madeline Lewis is pleasant and very "down to earth" (no new age "yoga speak").

My only criticism (and not enough to give it less than 5 stars): There are one or two postures in each program that are uncomfortable if you have low back pain. I've practiced yoga long enough to know how to modify them, but instructions either aren't given or they aren't given until you're already in the posture.

This is a great program for all levels--easy enough for most beginners, but still worthwhile for those who are already pretty active.

This is a great DVD. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and the stretches are relaxing and invigorating at the same time. The instructor does an excellent job reminding you to keep proper form and proper breathing. I am an advanced exerciser and found that this DVD was a great addition to my routine. I really felt like the lower back, hamstrings, and the entire upper body were opened up and stretched. You even stretch the wrists in the PM Stretch, which is often a neglected part of the body. Very basic, but very effective. Beginners to advanced exercisers would benefit from using the DVD.

This is a must for those who want to better understand the inner workings of the soul. Wayne Dyer gives a no frills talk that gets you thinking. Simple yet powerful. It's an easy call, buy it and enjoy it many times.

No need to buy his books when you can absorb all he has to teach in video on the two tapes.His idealism is intoxicating and realistic.If you have the spiritual capacity to (which many people don't have)to enjoy a tape like these your on the right path to making the best of your plight given to you and maybe changing it.

On my bedside table a tiny smooth stone sits quietly. The word "Believe" is engraved in the beautiful mustard colored stone. When I see this stone I remember to believe in the future and to have faith in my dreams.

To me, Wayne Dyer's words are like smooth stones that "speak out" wisdom. I want to put them all in the pocket of my soul and carry them with me wherever I go. The wisdom is then ready for me to toss into the pool of my own consciousness. The ripples can then move through my life and awaken my soul to move towards enlightenment.

In the first video: "How To Get What You Really, Really, Really, Really Want," you will literally be on the edge of your seat hanging on every word you are hearing. His presence, even on video, is very powerful and awakens something deep inside of you. The craving for truth can be a very powerful emotion which draws us to those who have truth. Wayne has researched truth through the ages and speaks confidently from a wealth of knowledge and personal experience.

Everyone wants to find meaning in life and Wayne explains how we can get what we want by first wishing, then desiring (asking). We then move to a point where we use our "will" to show "intention." In the final stage we develop a passion for life and for our purpose. We simply become what we think we can become.

In this first video I felt that I was a student who was ready to learn and the teacher appeared! You will feel inspired by this wonderful journey of spiritual discovery.

In the second video: "Improve Your Life Using The Wisdom Of The Ages," Wayne explains how "highly functioning" individuals are too busy "being" to worry about what people think of them. They are not controlled by the opinion of others.

I was so captivated by his every word. He explained the philosophy of how people through the ages have all believed in a world beyond the physical and that they have felt spiritually connected to this world.

Wayne also gives an introduction to his book: "Wisdom of the Ages: 60 days to Enlightenment." This is a book filled with quotes and passages from 60 "masters" of life. They did what they loved and loved what they did. They chose to advance confidently in the direction of their own dreams. They lived their lives by cultivating their own garden. They had no concept of failure and lived their lives with enthusiasm. These teachers had profound wisdom to share and Wayne Dyer researched their lives and their writings and then wrote a message to us about what he though they would want us to know in this day and age. He also tells a wonderful fable about a cat in this video.

Do you want to feel blissful in your life? Is there someone in your life who causes you to react in a negative way? Do you want to find the path to peace? As you walk the path of enlightenment with Wayne Dyer, pick up the smooth stones of wisdom along the way. Put them in your pocket. You never know when you might need some inspiration once you get back to walking your own path in life.

It has always been my theory that when you seek out truth and find it, you will know it for what it is.

All three of these are quite tastefully done. The intro's seem somewhat dated as the actors set the mood by putting a cassette tape into an old tape deck but hey, no big deal. Photography is quite good with attention clearly paid to what is in the background and setting up shots accordingly. Not for prudes, there is shameless frontal nudity in the massage videos with plenty of touching and finger penetration in Ultimate Massage. For a little comic relief, listen for the doorbell in Ultimate Massage; must've been filmed at someone's house.

I found the exercise video a bit lame. I guess I expected more nudity and the exercises seem kind of hokey. My wife watched it with me though and said she thought they would be harder (the exercises, that is) than they look. Oh, and check out the dude with the giant rip in the back of his shorts.

5 stars for each of the massage videos.
4 stars for the exercise video.

The "Ultimate Massage" video is like opening the door to a sensuous sharing of sensations. In the privacy of your own home you can enjoy life in it's most pure essence..., touch. This is an adventure for couples who desire greater intimacy with each other.
"Ultimate Massage: the Art of Sexual Touch" video has the structure of real time with a couple who are having a bedroom date at Christmas. When he arrives home in his business suit she greets him in a little red sheer teddy. They kiss passionately then go to the bedroom where she puts the video on. They sit embracing on their bed and watch the video.
A sexy saxophone soundtrack begins. There is a brief introduction by Psychologist Dr. Bernie Zilbergeld who is has been a leader in the fields of human sexuality and sex therapy for over 25 years. The massage continues and Dr. Zilbergeld narrates, "Erotic massage is a way to wake up the sensual self. This is not foreplay. The goal is not intercourse or orgasm. The goal is to experience pleasure. Good massage needs preparation: set aside time, make a date with your partner, and prepare the space."
The real time couple starts to relax. She removes his tie. They kiss. The erotic massage continues as does Dr. Zilbergeld's essential directions on how to make the most out of this by appealing to all your senses. "Gather your sensual toys together. Relax. Massage is communication with touch, so save words for another time."
All of the elements are included: taste, touch, smell, sight, and sounds. It is clearly demonstrated to you how to arouse your lover with feathers, scarves, and skin to skin sensations. Directions are delightful to follow with graphic imagery that invites your participation. The tight view of the camera on key erogenous zones together with the music ranging from full orchestra to piano solos to new age runs the spectrum of soft to climactic.
A unique parallelism is created by having several couples: a few couples to demonstrate fearlessly and the one real time couple to watch them demonstrate on video. The beauty of this design is that one may well share the uncertainty of new beginnings with the real time couple as well as their actual point of relaxation and ultimate climax. "Ultimate Massage" is the complete explicit version.
Continuity is strong throughout. Between the seductive music selections, clear narration, great photography and romantic settings you'll find yourself easily in sync with the pleasure discovered and shared. This is a must see for all couples regardless of where you may be in that relationship with your significant other. Leave no stone unturned, no zone untouched, especially that of your lover's. Even those who consider themselves experienced may find new territories and ideas here. Not a single spot is missed. Dr. Zilbergeld has been a guest on hundreds of radio and TV shows including Donahue, Oprah, Today, Charles Gordin, CBS Morning News, and Sonya Live. He is the author of the famous best seller "Male Sexuality" and its successor, "The New Male Sexuality." He gives lectures on various aspects of sexuality, as well as courses for professionals and lay people alike.

Regina Woods
Editor-in-Chief
Eros the Erotic Entertainment Magazine

Reviewed by Jenne
I'm not entirely sure what I expected from this video as I settled down to watch it with my Hubby a couple of evenings ago. I've always been hesitant about watching so called instructional videos but you know me I'll try anything once. I think I half expected to see perfectly coiffured women with towels wrapped around themselves as burly male masseur's attended to their every whim and showed me how my Hubby could do the same, what we actually watched was a deeply erotic, sensual and strangely relaxing film.
The whole tone of the film is well set from the beginning, as we watch a woman busy herself lighting candles as she prepares to surprise her Hubby. This couple will feature prominently within the video and unlike most adult films I could actually identify with this couple. Her Hubby enters the room and she turns on the VCR so they can watch the same film as we are. At this point the film fades into the couples TV set and we're transported to another view, the same view as they are watching.
What follows is a short introduction by DR. Lonnie Barbach, not so long that it's boring, but just enough to set up the mood for what is to follow. She explains that massage is about more than a means to an end and that by setting aside time for yourself as a couple you can probably do more for your relationship than going out for an expensive evening. I personally loved the fact the emphasis of the whole film was the simple pleasure that you can receive by simply touching or being touched by your partner, something that many of us and, yeah that includes me are apt to forget.
The massage itself was broken into two parts, the back and front of the body. Firstly with easy to follow instructions, that neither Hubby nor I felt insulted our intelligence, the VCR couple take us through some simple techniques followed by a complete back massage. As they finished we are transported back to our couples room and they begin to massage each other, using the techniques, like us they have just watched. The main difference between this film and most adult films was the couple actually looked like they enjoyed the experience. Oh, I should probably mention here that throughout the whole film both couples were naked, not a towel in sight thankfully.
After watching them give each other a deeply relaxing massage, yes you could tell that from the video-)) You're transported back to the VCR couple as they begin to show us the moves that accompany a great frontal massage. It was great to have a clear visual reference as we listened to the instructions and it made repeating the moves latter much easier. Then we move back to our bedroom couple and once again they put into practice what they have just learnt.
What's it all add up to?
This is an extremely couple orientated with the emphasis firmly put on enjoying each partner and enlivening your senses as far as sex is concerned. If your looking for a wild sex movie then this is not the movie for you but if on the other hand you are looking for a film that you can safely watch with your partner and learn something at the same time this is a must have.
With easy to follow and clear instructions regarding the actual do's and don'ts when it comes to giving and receiving a massage, and yet don't make you feel like a kindergarten all add up to make this a pleasurable learning experience for both partners. Hubby and I were both surprised by how much we both learnt and enjoyed this video and let's just say the massage oil is no longer relegated to the bottom of the night stand and is always within easy reach -)) Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks!!

I will rate this with 5 stars.. After walking out of work one day because I just couldnt take any more of the office politics, and my partner being pushed to his limits by my always negative attitude I realised that it was time to do something about my stress levels.

I did a bit of a search here and found this DVD - it was brilliant,even after the first run through I found it did so much for me. All of a sudden I was starting to see a little bit of light through the thick mud. A friend of mine had recommended meditation and the scientific magazine that I read had noted that meditation does the equivalent for the brain as going to the gym does for your body - it keeps it fit, but I didnt think it would be this good!

So total thumbs up to the creators and now, after purchasing the Gaiam AM/PM meditations DVD a week or so ago as well and the AM/PM Yoga Meditations CD.. I am set. My days are much nicer and I look forward to them more. Thanks Gaiam for helping me find that happy life again.

I recently purchased this dvd, and another meditation dvd from Yoga Zone. This dvd is superior in every aspect. The instructor, Maritza has a strong accent, but you will find that her instructions are very clear, very focused, and very helpful. The dvd is divided into three parts. The first part is a gentle easy yoga stretch session; the second session is a body scan-meditation segment; and the third is a seated meditation segment. The photography (all done in Hawaii) is gorgeous and very well done. In addition, the dvd has a menu which allows you to pick the different segments you want to try, an introduction, a "personal trainer" option which allows you to switch to a separate segment showing you how to do a particular movement, and an interview.

I'm a high-stress guy, which is probably why I received this DVD as an early Christmas present. I took one look at the cover and cringed, but I'll be the first to admit that I could use a lifestyle change. Soo...

I started using the DVD on a daily basis about two weeks ago, and it has begun to have a very real effect on the quality of my life. I spend about 40 minutes in the morning before I start my work-day with the DVD. The first 15 or so minutes are spent loosing up the body with a number of light yoga stretches, and then I use the first of two meditation programs which is called a "body scan". It's a meditation program that really puts you into a state of deep relaxation. It doesn't make you sleepy (though it might if you performed it in the evening), on the contrary, I always feel rejuvenated by the end of the routine.

I haven't moved to the second program yet, but I plan to next week. It's a seated meditation program that is meant to help you refresh and focus your mind. I honestly can't wait to get started!

This DVD took me by surprise. Do yourself a favor and buy it. Even if you don't get anything out of the meditation program itself, the production of the DVD is outstanding. It's like a trip to Hawaii. A very, very, relaxing trip to Hawaii.

1 had given up on losing weight and wanted to have my stomach stapled becausei had run out of options my kness are bad my back is and i weigh over 300lbs.browsing i wanted to give it to god and just was looking for something to lift me up and found this dvd spiitual guide to weightloss and boyafter a week my pants wwere a little less snug and i was making better discions about what i ate now down 20lbs i review it daily just for inspiration god and this dvd is giving me the power to beat this weight thing. thanks so much

This is no diet but a really easy change of lifestyle for the better. I am so inspired by this I watch it all the time over and over. Chumley is so nice and kind. I never did ask Jesus to help me because I didn't think I was good enough, but I did and it worked and I don't feel bad about that. This show is not about fast stuff, but simple and slow, easy does it. I love it. I Cant say enough good on this.

This program works. No gimmicks. I have followed Norris's advice for many years, and get his daily emails from his website ... and use the message posting board. I lost 30 pounds and am keeping it off forever. I have his book, Joy of Weight Loss, and now am happy he did this new one about food and simple movement. Losing weight is a JOY, and I also found God to be very helpful, where nothing else worked before on me.

I'm a big fan of Bill Douglas's work. When I began looking into Tai Chi, I first picked up Bill's Book and thought it was great. It explained things in very simple terms and defined the ideas very well. I've been mostly working on my Tai Chi alone do to my crazy schedule & lifestyle and its is difficult at best. As soon as I saw this DVD set I grabbed it right up and it has reinvigorated my playing. Bill has single handily opened the doors of Tai Chi to millions around the globe and we are all in great debt to him. I couldn't be happier with this DVD, or recommend it with more enthusasum.

I practice outside, so don't use the DVD daily, but sure is nice to review and refine movements or check out the next movement whenever I feel ready to! Have tried other styles on VHS, but this version and the way it is presented, is MUCH easier to pick up, and very relaxing. Still have a way to go, but now I can improve on movements and correct breathing by reviewing even the earlier lessons. Our instructors say, "It took the Chinese 400 years to develop T'ai Chi, so we have plenty of time to get it right." Always thought I'd like to learn T'ai Chi,
THANKS Bill!

This certainly a keeper. Your presentation and delivery as well as your calm personality helped sent the message across. You definitely have your own unique style and approach of the subject and I respect you for that. You are presenting Tai-Chi in Yang style of your lineage and respect you for that too. (Dr. Paul LAM certainly earns his credit in gifting humanity with his TaiChi for Arthritis and TaiChi for Diabetes).
As a fellow Tai-Chi practitioner, I observed that you can take Bill's forms and add (fighting) visualization and may lower the (bending of) knees (2-levels more) to fill anyone's desire. But certainly Bill has shown and led us the way in using Qi-Gong and Tai-Chi to benefit one's health (aren't we all tired of aggression and fighting?). ...

Thanks for such a wonderful insight into soothing a baby! The little one obviously enjoyed the attention and I look forward to giving my daughter (only a month to go now) the same kind of attention. I watched it first and then my husband and I watched it together. I suggested he get used to massaging by rubbing my feet while we "both" enjoyed the DVD together ... good suggestion - huh??? hehe. Seriously though. This was [money]well spent and I intend to buy it for several of my friends who are pregnant and will be having baby showers. It a very unique gift and I'm sure they will enjoy it as much as I do.

As a nurse and a massage therapist, I highly recommend this to those that are beginning or are into the practice. You'll have a complete understanding of what you need to know if you're beginning and a it's a good refresher course for those in the business. I firmly believe that massage IS THERAPY - NOT just rubbing the skin. Many patients come to me with sincere problems that require a knowledge of the body, the skeletal system and the muscular system. This will help you help your client. Be aware and care! Your clients will love you for it.

This is professionally done and definitely worth five stars and a #1 rating. Thanks for the update 2.0 version. The money I spent on this DVD is well worth the money and the convenience of watching it my living room without having to go out to a classroom and find a babysitter for my little one makes it so convenient!

Again, thank you!

Just as relaxing as you'd think it would be. I bought this for my mom, who loves just sitting and staring at the waves when we go to the beach, and she enjoyed it very much. The scenery is gorgeous, and switches to show four different beaches.

This DVD is highly addictive! Whether trying to wind down at the end of the day, need help falling asleep, want to do some deep breathing or stretching excercises or you are simply folding laundry, you'll want the soothing sounds of the ocean and tropical breeze with you! Your virtual vacation starts with a comfortable beach side cove on the first day and changes scenery to other, more robust landscapes of waterfalls and coastline. Each scene fades in and out slowly and soothingly...never any startling voice overs or music. Excellent video footage and amazing audio makes this virtual vacation seem so real!! I'm ordering another Wave vacation today!

This wave series has it all.Lapping waves,large waves,waterfalls rainforest mountains and birds.Day one starts with a calm ocean and birds chirpping with waves in the distance.Every once in a while a wavelette occasionally goes around a rock.Day 1 ends with some very large waves the biggest I've seen in the waves series and a surfer riding them.Day 2 starts with a waterfall in the rainforest with birds chirpping.On shot 2it returns back to the ocean with lapping waves and mist.Day 3On shot 5 or 6 their's a beautiful night seen under the moonlight with waves lapping.Day 4 has huge waves toward sunset.And another night seen shows lapping waves on the beach under the moonlight toward the end.Day 5 has some huge waves on shot 3 and also some lapping waves on other shots.Day 6 starts with 5 very beautiful waterfalls running down a mountain and ends with the ocean again.This is a quiter zenlike vacation than the other 3 but because ofthe Waterfalls and occasinal large waves I love this one.The sound and beauty of these waterfalls is so peaceful and serene on dvd.Dvd features are chapter search,previews of the other vacation series,and loop play.If you like ocean waves,waterfalls,rainforest,birds and mountains this is the dvd for you.I highly recommend Hawaiian zen along with Hawaiian dreams,California dreams and California zen.

I am happy to say that I was presently surprised by this video. They actually made it so you can actually use it, enjoy it and follow along. It is NOT just a platform for the massage therapist (or the Dr. in this case)nor is it the usual poorly shot "massage class" that drive me crazy.

It includes a lot of acupressure and meridian information during the massage which I know is backed by over 100 years of history but I am still in the converting stage - or I would have given it a perfect 5 stars.

I would say this video is a best bet for anyone who embraces alternative medicine or chinese medicine, or anyone who is looking for a relaxing, feel good routine - it tends to rejuvinate me. Perfect for stress fiends like me. No experience is required.

I was given this video as a gift. I would not put myself in the alternative medicine crowd, so I was at first a bit skeptical about the links to acupressure. However, this video is put together so well! It is not heavy on Chinese theory and very practical. I have now watched it at least 25 times. The first few times watching the video, I was just using the techniques and ignoring the theory references, later I became more curious and actually learned a fair bit.

Amazon does not yeat have the other videos in the Holomedica series so I tried one from Amazon's most popular myMassageVideo. Big mistake! (Don't believe the reviews) The comparison of the two videos was like comparing a National Georgraphic special against a local cable access education program. Holomedica's video was that much better. I'll wait for the others next time.

I picked up this video on the recommendation of my friend who is naturopathy school and am ever so grateful I did.

This video gently walks you through almost a full body massage including acupressure points in about 60 minutes. What really makes this video so incredible is that the pacing and use of a narrator allows for enough time so I can massage myself during the course of the video. The video includes helpful hints on how to find the perfect massage spot which is essential for acupressure.

I use this video when I come home from work to re-center myself. I accredit it for my increased energy and sense of calm. And even better...I don't have to beg my husband for a massage anymore-I always got the short end!