She's Off! Roz Savage Starts the 2nd Leg of Her Solo Pacific Row!

Many of you already know about Roz Savage and her quest to become the first women to row solo across the Pacific Ocean with the mission of inspiring people to live happier, more fulfilling more sustainable lives.

She completed the first leg in the fall of 2008, rowing from San Francisco to Hawaii.  On Sunday, she left Hawaii - next stop Tuvalu!   You can follow her adventures on her blog, see where she is using the Savage Tracker and support her efforts with a monetary donation.

She is an awesome inspiration, yet still very down to earth.  Check her out and follow her adventures.  I am.

For your viewing pleasure: Official Roz Savage Video AND (a must see)

Short clip from her solo Atlantic row that shows why she KICKS ASS!

Swine Inspired SARS Memories

With all the recent talk of swine flu, I can't help but remember my trip to China in the spring of 2003.  Facemasks, health questionnaires and eviction from both hotels and entire towns.  Ah yes, good times.

The downside (other than catching a fatal infection) was having thermometers stuck in my ear at the airports, getting the evil eye from the locals who thought I was spreading SARS and difficulty meeting fellow travelers - since there weren't any.

The upside was the kindness of strangers who helped me navigate through the trying times, crowd-free (and virtually people-free) visits to Xian, The Forbidden City and the Great Wall and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  All that and a t-shirt that says "Survived SARS 2003"? 

Pardon me while I check on the price of flights to Mexico.

For details and photos of my SARS adventure, check the April 2003 and May 2003 archives.

Interview Subjects Needed For Documentary Film

Hey All,

I'm working with a team of film makers from Scary Cow and we're looking for interview subjects for a documentary. Read on to see if it's a good match!

Has the economic recession changed you for the better?

Have you been laid off or lost your home to foreclosure? Are you having a hard time making your mortgage payments or paying medical bills or health insurance? Do you see the recession as an opportunity to reassess what really matters, find joy and meaning and make positive changes in how you live your life?

If you have a compelling story to tell, we want to hear from you! We are a San Francisco-based team of filmmakers producing a documentary film that focuses on personal and social transformation in the economic recession. Our goal is to document how people are being affected by the recession and how the choices they make are transforming their lives. By taking a close look at how people are using the recession as an opportunity to “be the change” we will weave a story of hope and perseverance.

Whether you are in the midst of transforming your life, or have already come through the storm and are ready to share your wisdom with others we want to hear how the recession is affecting your family, relationships and home life, your job and money and your day to day habits and choices.

If you are interested in being interviewed and featured in the film, please write to: interviewopportunity@gmail.com. Provide a short synopsis of how your life has been affected by the economy. Share your age and location as well. We will review all submissions and get back to you if your story matches well with what we are looking for. We will shoot all interviews in April on the weekends. We are willing to travel outside of the Bay Area, but not out of state. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD to your friends and communities!

Thanks!