At a time when more mom-and-pop stores of all types are closing because people are spending less money, businesses that are staying afloat are finding ways to earn your business and help you save money. During this downturn in the economy, we are even seeing big business disappear. For those that are going strong and still operating, they are changing with the times. They are offering huge incentives and benefits to customers. (more…)

Are any of you having trouble trying to find a good yoga studio? We know that when it comes to buying things or looking for services, the best source is often a friend’s recommendation. But what if your friend knows nothing about your area and has never been to a yoga studio in your city? If that’s the case, there are several things you could try, but it’s going to take a bit of effort. (more…)

I recently read an article in the LA Times about an ongoing battle of California prison inmates’ constitutional rights and their ability to get taxpayer-funded yoga rooms in the prison facilities.
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Ok, so it’s been a while since I took a Yoga class…I know, so bad (like 3 years bad).

Looking for a Yoga studio can be very time consuming, especially with the amount of studios in my area – Los Angeles. There’s just a lot of “stuff” around.

Something as simple as deciding where to eat can drive you nuts… (more…)

When I was growing up, I loved Nintendo. I was in love with my console. Whether it was Street Fighter II or Final Fantasy, I would log hours on end gaming. My mom hated it (even as she would unsuccessfully challenge me to a match of Street Fighter) and would often say, “video games are good for nothing.” Well…a lot has changed since 1991. Gaming consoles became an integral part of my generation’s life. Instead of shedding consoles as we grew up, we just bought different games. (more…)

Change is on the horizon. That much is evident. This past Tuesday marks not only a change in the American regime, but a fundamental shift in the way this country is viewed from the outside, as well as the inside. Barack Obama’s election brings hope, and with it, an understanding that that hope must be buried in firm socio-economic platforms to see any tangible results. Obama himself stated that it might even take more than one term to achieve real, meaningful change. As a side note, one could make the argument the charismatically savvy democrat has started his re-election campaign before he even sets foot in the Oval office. Get ready America. This is definitely a man with a plan. (more…)

For those of you who have been following my blogs, you know that during my recent visit to Japan, I decided to find a yoga studio so that I could continue to practice my yoga.

This particular yoga studio that I went to has two practice rooms on the 3rd and 5th floor of a building in downtown Sapporo. It’s actually located in the center of downtown, so there were many people in business suits and work clothes. (more…)

Here I was, back in Sapporo, my hometown, and at the yoga studio. I deliberately arrived 15 to 20 minutes before class so that I could get accustomed to the environment. Immediately, a receptionist came and asked if I was there to sign up to become a member. I told her that I couldn’t decide at the moment but would consider it. But she persisted, suggesting that I might be interested in joining because otherwise I’d have to pay $30 for a single class. (more…)

Before leaving for Japan, I searched the Internet to find some yoga studios and classes in my hometown so that I could practice while I was there. Since my hometown, Sapporo, is one of the biggest cities in Japan, you can imagine how many studios I had to choose from. There were so many studios and classes available that I couldn’t decide which one to attend. (more…)