MATTHEW GOODE/ “BRIDESHEAD REVISITED”

A heartbreaking romantic epic, “BRIDESHEAD REVISITED” tells an evocative story of forbidden love and the loss of innocence set in the pre-WWII era. In the film, Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode, “Match Point,” “The Lookout”) becomes entranced with the noble Marchmain family, first through the charming and provocative Sebastian Marchmain (Ben Whishaw, “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”), and then his sophisticated sister, Julia (Hayley Atwell, “Cassandra’s Dream”). The rise and fall of Charles’ infatuations reflect the decline of a decadent era in England between the wars. Academy Award-winner Emma Thompson co-stars as Lady Marchmain.

RALPHIE MAY

www.AddisonImprov.com

www.RalphieMay.com

Ralphie May is on stage, at the Addison Improv beginning tonight. For ticket information call 972-404-8501 or log onto www.AddisonImprov.com

Veteran comedian Ralphie May’s popularity exploded after the success of the first season of  NBC’s hit reality series,  “Last Comic Standing”. Long-time fans of Ralphie’s stand-up were joined by countless new fans when America thought he was robbed of the winner’s title. Despite the show’s outcome, Ralphie’s special brand of comedy  combines the familiar elements of hip-hop and topical comedy with a dash of southern down-home flavor and quick wit making Ralphie May one of the most popular comedians in the country. His first DVD, appropriately titled “Just Correct,” went PLATINUM! Released on February 10th of 2004 by Melee Entertainment, a division of DreamWorks, the collection has been described as “fresh and very, very funny.” The DVD also includes footage of his USO Tour to Iraq where he could be seen swimming in Saddam Hussein’s pool.

His special brand of humor and incredible timing has allowed him to cross social, cultural, and ethnic barriers and has earned him roles in such films as FOR DA LOVE OF MONEY and GAS, to name a few of several independent productions. Ralphie has worked as an actor, writer and producer on ESPN's Mohr Sports starring Jay Mohr and had four appearances on CBS's The Late Late Show w/ Craig Kilborn as well as eleven appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live.  He has been seen on Tough Crowd, The Man Show and MTV’s Bash as well as in guest-starring roles on numerous television shows including NBC’s Whoopie. In an appearance on The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno he received a standing ovation, the first comedian in 10 years to receive this honor. The New York Times raves, “Ralphie is  phenomenal...”The Washington Post describes his comedy style as a “Tour de Force.” At the age of seventeen, Ralphie entered a talent  show, to which the winner would get to open for Sam Kinison. A dream  came true... Ralphie won the contest and after the show, Sam turned to  Ralphie and said, "That was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my  life."

A long way from that first night opening for Sam Kinison, Ralphie’s 2nd DVD/CD just recorded in Knoxville, Tennessee April 2006.  “Girth of a Nation” is scheduled for release in the fall of 2006. His new Comedy Central Hour Special will also air in the fall of 2006. Ralphie is currently touring the Nation’s finest Theatres and Comedy Clubs.

JOSEPH HARBERG/ CURRENT ENERGY

www.CurrentEnergy.com

Joe Harberg is principal partner of Current Energy, creator of the world's first energy efficiency store, located in the Knox-Henderson area and the first Texas company to receive the Energy Innovators Award from the

U.S. Department of Energy. An expert on all things energy, Joe and his team make recommendations on ways residential and commercial customers can save money on utility bills by reducing energy consumption.

You can hear Joe each Saturday from 3pm-4pm on his efficiency radio show on KLIF 570 am.

If you have questions for Joe you can email him at AskJoe@currentenergy.com  or    www.currentenergy.com/gmt

BOOKMARKS LIBRARY/ NORTHPARK CENTER

www.NorthparkCenter.com

Bookmarks is a kid-friendly, families welcome, fantastically fun place to read, listen, giggle and learn. The first children's library to be located in a shopping center in the United States, Bookmarks is nestled between NorthCourt and CenterPark in NorthPark Center, the largest shopping center in North Texas.

Bookmarks will offer a five-thousand item collection of materials for ages 0-12, including books, audiobooks on MP3, DVD's, CD's, parenting and grandparenting items. The location will also have free wireless internet access and laptop computers for children.

8687 North Central Expressway, Suite 1514
Dallas, TX 75225

NORTH TEXAS LUNG & SLEEP CLINIC

www.ntlsc.com

North Texas Lung & Sleep Clinic, PA

2801 S. Hulen Street, Suite 600

Fort Worth Texas 76109

791 E. Southlake blvd,

Suite

Southlake, Texas

www.ntlsc.com

817 731 0230

JOY WEAVER/ ETIQUETTE EXPERT

www.justaskjoy.com

Joy Weaver, president of PROTOCOL Enterprises, Inc., specializes in corporate and social etiquette training. Ms. Weaver develops and teaches programs that lead to business and social success. She conducts classes for major corporations, non-profit and civic organizations, as well as individuals ranging from children to Fortune 500 executives.

In addition to her regular segments on ABC's Good Morning Texas and the CBS/11 Early Show, Ms. Weaver is nationally published and appears regularly to discuss etiquette issues on numerous television and radio shows. Ms Weaver has also been featured nationally on ABC's “The View,” and The Early Show, in the Associated Press, and USA Today.

Ms. Weaver is also the author of the book, “ Just Ask Joy . . . How to be Socially Savvy in All Situations.” Her book, which is highly endorsed by Zig Ziglar, provides easy to read lists of “Power Tips and Faux Pas to Avoid” for a wide variety of common social and business situations. If you have an etiquette question, “Just Ask Joy. . . The Etiquette Expert.”

Ms. Weaver is a corporate etiquette and international protocol consultant certified by the Protocol School of Washington DC. Her training also includes years of research and study as well as certification from Leticia Baldrige's Business Etiquette Program.

Protocol Enterprises Inc. is based in Dallas, Texas. The company has been serving clients across the country since 1999.

The Manners of Body Language

Shaking hands – use the web-to-web technique, no wimpy or finger tip handshaking or bone crushing handshakes. The double-hander is a favorite for sincerity.

Eye contact – we are sending different messages when we look others in the eyes, verses glancing around the room while they are talking--one shows interest and respect while the other says just the opposite.

Smiling –mention a few that all have a language of their own.

Facial expressions – When we openly express our emotions on our faces, those emotions are unmistakable. Sadness, surprise, fear, & anger.

Listening – nodding, smiling, and eye contact are only a few ways to let a person know you are interested and listening. Faux pas include circular hand motions to speed up the conversation, quick head nodding as if to say hurry up or looking over their shoulder during the conversation are only a few.

Personal space – is at least 18” apart. There are only certain people we let past our personal space.

Hugging, back patting & air kissing – this is most often cultural and even regional within the U.S.

Hand gestures and nervous gestures– The okay sign, peace sign, and thumbs up have diverse meaning in various cultures. Without even realizing, we tap our foot,  jiggle keys, or play with our hair as nervous gestures. sincere smile, fake smile, tight lipped smile, grin and the sideways–looking up smile, just to Body gestures -  arm crossing can send different messages; you are either closed, comfortable, or cold. If you are touching your chin, you are probably intensely listening or thinking. Crossing legs, hair tossing,or  finger pointing - all can be attention getters.

Clothing statements – The clothes we wear speaks for 55% of our first impression and says a great deal about our profession, our intensions, and our sincerity.

I-20 ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER

www.i20animaler.com

5820 W. I-20
Between Green Oaks & Little Road
Arlington, TX 76017
817-478-9238

Things You May Not Realize Are Toxic to Your Pet

Moldy Food – especially dairy products

Grapes and raisins

Bread Dough

Homemade Play Dough

Liquid Potpurri

Hair Mousse

Fabric Softeners

Batteries

Mothballs

Pennies

Paintballs

Avocados

Macadamia Nuts

Onions and Garlic

Items Surprisingly NOT Toxic

Birth Control Pills (unless they contain iron)

Silica Gel Packets

Glow-in-the-Dark Sticks and Jewelry

Super Glue

Blue Toilet Bowl Water

Bars of Bath Soap

CASEY THOMPSON/ SHINSEI

www.shinseirestaurnat.com

When Shinsei (pronounced Shin-say) opened its doors to great buzz in June 2006, the attention was due in large part to the husbands of its two owners – two of Dallas’ most famous chefs.  Almost two years later, Shinsei is still creating a buzz.  But this time around, the acclaim is Shinsei’s and Shinsei’s alone.  Today, Shinsei, which has been bustling since day one, is a hip, yet meditative sushi bar and pan-Asian restaurant that is a delight to the senses and the toast of Dallas. 

Shinsei owners Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun are the wives of Dallas super chefs Dean Fearing and Kent Rathbun.  Dean has been one of the nation’s premiere chefs for more than 20 years and currently owns his own restaurant, Fearing’s, at The Ritz Carlton Dallas.  Kent is executive chef and proprietor of Abacus in Dallas, Jasper’s in Plano and Jasper’s in Houston.

Along the way, Shinsei has received numerous, flattering reviews; its owners have been dubbed “Shushi chicks” by the press, and it now boasts one of America’s top chefs.  Last fall, Casey Thompson, Shinsei’s Executive Chef, became a household name when she was a finalist on Top Chef, Bravo’s wildly successful, nationally broadcasted hit reality TV series. 

With diners now routinely waiting up to two hours on the weekends, Lynae and Tracy are in the process of expanding Shinsei’s current location (7713 Inwood Road), which is scheduled for completion summer 2008.

Shinsei’s “Transformation”

Shinsei was an idea that owners Lynae and Tracy had been cooking up for some time.  For years, the Fearing and Rathbun families dined at local favorite Yamaguchi’s, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar.  The women always said that if Chef Tetsuji Yamaguchi ever sold his restaurant, they’d buy it and create their own.  In 2005, that’s exactly what they did.

With limited restaurant experience, it was a real risk for both women.  But they had a vision, and they decided to see it through.  They named their new restaurant Shinsei, which in Japanese means rebirth or new beginning.  They hired architect Jessica Stewart and interior designer Greg O’Neal to help make their vision a reality – a seductively-lit, serene yet lively Asian-inspired atmosphere.

Together, they transformed the two-story location into a vibrant, yet meditative sushi bar and restaurant that is a delight to the senses.  Brown and green tones throughout the restaurant evoke serenity, as does its perfect compliance with Feng Sui. Shinsei’s stunning array of lily pod plates on the walls emote style.  The works of local artists Mindy Collins and the late Scott Barber, which are displayed throughout the restaurant, add to its aura.

 While waiting to be seated, the sexy yet energetic loft bar and lounge, located upstairs, is the perfect setting for diners to enjoy premium sake, sip on the signature Shinsei Sangria (a divine mixture of Sauvignon Blanc, vodka, sake and fruit) or make a selection from the well-stocked wine list. 

Shinsei’s “Top Chef”

With their vision in place, Lynae and Tracy focused next on hiring their chef.  Dean Fearing recommended Casey Thompson.  Casey had worked closely under Dean for four years at The Mansion on Turtle Creek.  There she worked her way up from the prep station to sous chef.  After meeting with Casey, they had their chef.  The husbands initially consulted on the menu, but Casey has clearly put her stamp on Shinsei.  Shinsei’s menu has been described as “an intriguing blend of Asian and American dishes.”  Starters include jalapeño peppers stuffed with coconut chicken, battered and fried, and then served with a yellow curry dipping sauce.  Other selections include the surf and turf tataki – Kobe beef and tuna served with Chinese broccoli salad.

A favorite among the soup and salad selections is the crispy fried calamari rings served on salad with hearts of palm, sliced banana and green mango dressed with cane sugar vinaigrette.

Among the entrée selections is the much talked about tender-grilled beef tenderloin, which is served with a shiitake black bean sauce and wasabi dumplings.  The menu also features a traditional miso black cod, which is complimented with garlic toasted bok choy and corn sake soup.

The perfect end to an evening at Shinsei is a selection from its unique dessert menu, which has been created largely from the recipe collections of family and friends.  Barbara’s cinnamon chocolate cake with green tea ice cream was a favorite of Tracy’s mom.  Also on the menu, Lynae’s famous oatmeal cookies, a recipe passed down from her grandmother.  And by the way, coffee at Shinsei is served in a French press.    

“Chef Elvis”

As if its owners, chef, menu or décor were not enough, Shinsei also features Dallas’ top sushi chef – Shuji Sugawara.  Known to many of his fans as Chef Elvis (you have to see his hair to understand why), Shuji has been serving up spectacular dishes to adoring customers in Dallas for more than 20 years. 

Among Shuji’s specialties is Elvis’s tuna tartare, a mixture of sesame-laced tuna, jalapeno and cucumber served on a crisp wonton wrapper.  Also known for his excellent sushi rolls and shashimi, the Hawaiian shashimi is a succulent mix of Kona Kampachi, hibiscus vinegar and Maui onions.

For more information about Shinsei or reservations, call 214.352.0005 or visit the Shinsei Web site at www.shinseirestaurnat.com.