We start many stir-fry meals with this chicken bamboo shoot soup, which cooks in just a few minutes. There are many recipe variations, but we like the addition of cornstarch to thicken the soup and give it a rich, golden color. I got the recipe from Grandma’s old cookbook.

3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 can bamboo shoots
6 oz. chicken breast
1 tab. soy a sauce
1 tsp. grated ginger
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tab. cornstarch
2 tab. water
Cilantro


In a large saucepan, bring broth, soy a sauce, and chicken to a boil over medium heat. Let cook for 20 minutes. Shred chicken. 

Add ginger, bamboo shoots, and pepper.

Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually stir into broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Serve immediately. Top with cilantro if desired

​Philip receives a visit from his late brother's former girlfriend and old wounds are re-opened. Heavily pregnant, Melissa believes her unborn baby belongs to Ronnie, five years after his death.

Fourteen-year-old Joe is the only child of Jeanette and Jerry -- a housewife and a golf pro -- in a small town in 1960s Montana. Nearby, an uncontrolled forest fire rages close to the Canadian border, and when Jerry loses his job -- and his sense of purpose -- he decides to join the cause of fighting the fire, leaving his wife and son to fend for themselves. Suddenly forced into the role of an adult, Joe witnesses his mother's struggle as she tries to keep her head above water.

​Full of misgivings, a young woman travels with her new boyfriend to his parents' secluded farm.

​While pursuing a suspect one night, Chicago Police officer Sharon Pogue (Jennifer Lopez) nearly becomes the victim of a fatal ambush until a mysterious stranger, Catch (Jim Caviezel), intervenes, disarms the assassin and saves Sharon's life. A concerned citizen who just happened to pass by at the right time? But Sharon and Catch have met once before. As the two fall in love, they discover the truth about each other and are forced to deal with the secrets from their past.

A man leads a double life with a family in Buenos Aires and another in Mar del Plata; The women band together to take revenge for years of secrets and deceptions.

​While searching for her missing mother, intrepid teen Enola Holmes uses her sleuthing skills to outsmart big brother Sherlock and help a runaway lord.

After 1,000 first dates, he's still single. So's the lawyer he hires to sue his dating app. All evidence points to romance.

​American Murder: The Family Next Door is an American true crime documentary film directed by Jenny Popplewell. The film tells the story of the 2018 Watts family murders, which took place in Frederick, Colorado.

​A young man is devoted to protecting his loved ones in a town full of corruption and sinister characters.

​Tech experts sound the alarm on the dangerous human impact of social networking.

​The Eyes of Darkness is a thriller novel by American writer Dean Koontz, released in 1981. The book focuses on a mother who sets out on a quest to find out if her son truly did die one year ago, or if he is still alive.

If you join Fitbit, the default goal we set for each member is the magical number of 10,000 steps a day (you can also choose to customize your goal). And while this may not be the first time you’ve heard that goal, it might be more meaningful, and motivating, to understand its origins.

The Japanese first started using the 10,000 steps a day number, as part of a marketing campaign (!) to help sell pedometers. Since that initial campaign however, medical experts around the world have agreed that 10,000 is a healthy number for which to aim.

10,000 steps a day is a rough equivalent to the Surgeon General’s recommendation to accumulate 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. It should be enough to reduce your risk for disease and help you lead a longer, healthier life. The benefits are many: lower BMI, reduced waist size, increased energy, and less risk for Type II diabetes and heart disease. In fact, a study of the 10,000 steps a day method conducted in 2010 reported conclusive health benefits.

10,000 steps daily is approximately 5 miles. Unless you have a very active lifestyle or profession, you probably don’t reach 10,000 steps on a given day without putting some effort into your activity. This could be a lifestyle change such as walking to work, or the addition of an exercise routine to your day.

Another reason to do it? For most people, it’s convenient, free and simple to reach with just a little change to your daily routine. Working towards a 10,000 step a day goal? Good for you! 

​Under-appreciated and overburdened moms Amy, Kiki and Carla rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for moms: Christmas. As if creating the perfect holiday for their families isn't hard enough, they'll have to do it while hosting and entertaining their own respective mothers when they come to visit.

​A whirlwind Christmas romance builds as cynical Dash and optimistic Lily trade dares, dreams and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations around New York City.

​A widow and her children move to her estranged aunt's farm in Texas after the sudden death of her husband, and begin to fall in love with country life.

​Adam and Marklin's 5-year relationship has gone from a passionate flame to a simmer, forcing them to reconcile with each other's shortcomings while their friends endlessly search for love in New York City.

​After one too many drinks, two parents come up with an elaborate plan to hide their ever increasing financial difficulties from their daughter and judgmental social circle.

​An ageing California pig farmer whose property is on the brink of foreclosure makes a last-ditch trip across the border to sell his prized hog.

​Mary (Sara Lazzaro), Joseph (Vincent Walsh) and 7-year-old Jesus (Adam Greaves-Neal) embark on a journey from Egypt to Nazareth after the young boy miraculously brings someone back to life. When King Herod (Jonathan Bailey) orders the death of the child, Roman centurion Severus (Sean Bean) starts to pursue the family across the desert. As Mary and Joseph worry about his safety, Jesus' natural curiosity allows him to understand more about the world and his remarkable powers.

​Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp couldn't anticipate that they would be sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. In the aftermath of the storm, Tami awakens to find Richard badly injured and their boat in ruins. With no hope of rescue, Tami must now find the strength and determination to save herself and the only man she has ever loved.

​A teenage escapee (Vanessa Hudgens) provides a critical break in the case, as an Alaskan detective (Nicolas Cage) hunts a serial killer who has been preying on women for 13 years.

Well for those of you unfamiliar with this one, chicken and sweet corn soup is basically egg drop soup made with extra chicken, and corn.  And when made with my favorite broth, which is seasoned lightly with ginger, garlic and sesame oil, this simple soup is incredibly flavorful and delicious.  And when thickened with those beautiful egg ribbons and loaded up with classic chicken soup ingredients?  Well, I’m convinced that this soup is about as comforting as it gets.

6 cups good-quality chicken stock 
1 chicken breast
2 large tomatoes
2 tab. sesame oil
1 tab. soy sauce
1/2 sesame oil
3 tab. Sherry or Chinese cooking wine
1/4 tsp. pepper
​1/2 tsp. salt 
3/4 cup green peas 
1 tsp. cornstarch
1  egg white, beaten

Mince or grind the chicken and mix it with the salt and cornflour.  Whisk the egg until lightly frothy, then add ground chicken mixture and combine well.  

Plunge the tomatoes into boiling water for 30 seconds, then refresh in cold water.  Peel away the skins, remove the seeds and chop the flesh into small dices.  

Bring water to a boil and add in the sesame oil, wine, soy sauce, tomatoes, peas, seasonings, and stir to combine.  Then drop use two teaspoons to make chicken nugget balls and drop in. Taste the soup, and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Last year I took the plunge and downloaded the Headspace app.  Does it work?  I can say an outstanding, "Yes!"  Originally, I paid for the promotional yearly rate after trying the app for several weeks free.  

It only took a few weeks to attain better, more thorough nightly sleep, calmed jittery nerves, and a more focused daily outlook on life.  In fact, it worked so well that I gladly paid the usual yearly fee when it was up.  I just couldn't be without it!  My daily sessions after coming home from work were gladly anticipated and rigidly fit into my schedule so that I can maintain that balance.  

The history of meditation is deep, stretching back to before the beginning of the Current Era. Without going too far into the weeds, it's important to understand the difference between meditation as part of Hindu and Buddhist traditions on the one hand and secular mindfulness meditation on the other.

Headspace doesn't purport to offer enlightenment or to explain the concept of Samsara — the endless cycle of suffering, death and rebirth that is at the center of those Indian religions. Instead, the app aims to teach "the essentials of living a healthier, happier life." 

Though the principle of the practice is very similar — watching your breath — the underpinnings of each are drastically different. Headspace is based in modern science, while Buddhist and Hindu meditation is based on the writings and teachings of various spiritual leaders.

In many ways, Headspace feels like Buddhism-lite. It's got all the flavor of spiritual meditation with none of the religious underpinnings. That's not a huge surprise, as one of the app's founders is an ordained Buddhist monk. His goal with the app is to bring meditation to people who might not have tried it otherwise.

Headspace boasts, "Any time, any place, anywhere. On your mobile and tablet, you can listen to Headspace on the go and download sessions to use offline. On your computer, you can play any session, any time."

It's a new year, and I've been out of the gym since March due to COVID.  This is unlike me as I believe my energy resources directly correlate with my health initiatives.  I have been going to the gym for 35 years never missing a beat on Saturdays or other school-related days off.  This has been the first time I've put my membership on hold.

But with the breeze of initiative that invades us during the New Year, I've found several uncomfortable incidents beginning that I haven't experienced in a long time.  First, pain sprang up in all my joints these last two months.  It seems that the gentle stretching and lighter weight workouts prohibited this.  I felt bloated.  Yes, bloated all over my body, in fact.  It felt as if my body built its own damn and was holding in the waters.  Sleeping became a problem as my overactive central nervous system found new circuits to entertain.  And then the all out pounds gain was the culmination of the process.  I was done.  It was time to incorporate my health back again regardless of the pandemic scare.  

Planet Fitness offers a memberships starting at $10.00 a month.  You can't beat it.  If I don't feel like going there's no fear of wasting valuable cash.  Best of all, they updated their app so you can do at home workouts.

On the Planet Fitness App you can access our exclusive training series, powered by iFit.  You'll find six fun and motivating series, led by some of the best trainers in the industry.

• Beginner Cardio Series & Intermediate Cardio Series
• Beginner Strength Series & Intermediate Strength Series
• Beginner Dumbbell Series & Intermediate Dumbbell Series

It's designed for beginner and intermediate levels - there's a series for everyone! As you progress in each series, workouts will become more challenging - and even more FUN!

Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisers and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, invites everyone to break free from 2020 and get moving in 2021 with a special offer to join for $0 enrollment, then $10 a month with no commitment from January 1 – 7. As we get back into our fitness routines in the New Year, Planet Fitness wants everyone to stay active and healthy in a clean, safe and comfortable environment. 

In reflecting on 2020, Planet Fitness set out to understand how Americans feel about New Year’s resolutions and which ones are most top-of-mind moving forward. The Judgement Free Zone® commissioned a national study*, which identified that more than four in five (84 percent) of those surveyed plan to make at least one resolution in 2021, with fitness and overall health and wellness being key priorities. Additional survey insights include:

• Fitness is Essential. Nine in 10 (91 percent) Americans with a resolution in mind are setting one specific to fitness in the New Year. Among those doing so say it’s because they want to be healthier (72 percent), feel better about themselves (61 percent), reduce stress (54 percent), look better (53 percent) or make positive changes in their lives (53 percent).
• Balanced Approach to Exercise. More than half (54 percent) of those with a health and wellness resolution would like to stick with a fitness routine, even if it’s just exercising a few minutes a day to help improve their health and wellness.
• Addressing the Mental and Physical. One in two (50 percent) of those with a health and wellness resolution are making one specifically about balancing their physical and mental health needs.
• Putting the Past Behind Us. As the proud partner of “Good Riddance Day” in New York City’s Times Square this year, organized by The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment, Planet Fitness also asked what people wanted to say “good riddance” to in 2020. The majority (88 percent) of Americans have at least one thing on their list. Among them, nearly two in three (65 percent) want to say goodbye to political or election-related conversations, 62 percent are eager to forget about the toilet paper crisis of 2020 and 41 percent of parents want to say “good riddance” to remote schooling.
• Maintaining Optimism. There was some good that came out of 2020, and 89 percent of Americans have at least one thing from this year that they want to hang onto heading into 2021. Among them, nearly two in three (63 percent) want to continue to cherish the little things and not take life for granted. And among those planning to make a resolution, more than two in five (44 percent) are making one because they need something that will bring them happiness.
• Keeping it in Perspective. More than half (51 percent) of those planning to make a resolution are determined to not be so hard on themselves in 2021, giving them leeway and permission to get through these tough times without judgment.

“Motivation is one of the biggest obstacles to fitness and after such a difficult year, it’s more important than ever to break free from 2020 and start 2021 with hope and optimism. We encourage everyone to get moving and experience all the physical and mental benefits that exercise offers,” said Jeremy Tucker, chief marketing officer at Planet Fitness. “Planet Fitness will continue to provide a safe and Judgement Free environment for our members to support them on their fitness journeys and help them achieve their goals. We invite everyone into our spacious fitness facilities to see how committed we are to our members’ well-being in a clean and welcoming environment.”​

Planet Fitness offers extremely low prices and a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free environment, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more. Planet Fitness’ top priority has always been keeping its members and employees safe. New and returning members alike will see first-hand the enhanced safety and sanitization protocols at its well-ventilated and spacious clubs, such as:

• Touchless check-in (simply download the free Planet Fitness App, answer the COVID-19 wellness questions and scan your digital key tag to check in at the front desk)
• A crowd meter on the Planet Fitness App that allows members to check the club capacity in real-time before leaving the house
• Increased sanitization every 20 minutes to continually clean and sanitize high-touch areas, with cleaning stations available for member use – just look for the yellow flags throughout the floor
• Social Fitnessing™ in which some cardio machines and equipment are marked out of use so members have ample space and separation for physical distancing
• Requiring masks except while actively working out and in accordance with local restrictions
• Employees receiving daily temperature checks and personal protective equipment, including having to wear a mask at all times

I know you're thinking right now, "I just can't fit anything else into my schedule."  But trust me, when you go, you'll be reaping the rewards of revitalization and more energy to get through the day.  

​Stuck in a time loop at Christmastime, a family man who hates the holiday starts to learn valuable lessons about what's truly important in life.

​A young woman travels to Europe to stay in a beautiful castle for the holidays at the invitation of an estranged relative, and finds herself falling for a dashing prince.

​When their plans for an exotic vacation fall apart, unmarried couple Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) must spend Christmas Day trudging around to a quartet of family get-togethers. While Brad counts the hours till he can escape the onslaught of crazy relatives, Kate begins to wonder about her own choices and ponders whether her family members are so crazy after all.

​Detective Mackenzie Bennett is hot on the trail of Carson, a suspected diamond thief, and goes under cover to catch him in the act. While working, Mack not only falls for Carson but begins to suspect that he's been framed.

​Longtime friends and local radio hosts Maggie and Jack fake it as a couple for their families and listeners in hopes of getting their show nationally syndicated.

​Perpetually single Johanne -- tired of the constant comments on her relationship status -- starts a 24-day hunt for a boyfriend to bring home for Christmas.

​Fed up with being single on holidays, two strangers agree to be each other's platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way.

​With his carefree life on the line, a wealthy charmer poses as a ranch hand to get a hardworking farmer to sell her family's land.

​A woman, who escapes the city in favour of her small hometown, finds herself falling for a rancher, but he's not what he seems.

​A busy single parent is unaware that the handsome man she just met is actually a country superstar who is trying to escape the chaos of fame.

​When Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with boyfriend Kevin, it's up to her double, Princess Stacy, to get these star-crossed lovers back together.

​Congressional aide Erica Miller lands at a beachside Air Force base, where she clashes with Capt. Andrew Jantz over his pet project -- Operation: Christmas Drop.

​Combining your body’s Paleolithic needs with modern nutritional and medical research for complete mind-body wellness • Provides sustainable diet strategies to curb sugar cravings, promote fat burning.