S1.E7 ∙ The Phoenix

Gambling has become almost as common in American society as going to a movie. But at what cost? Who are the real winners and losers? 'River Boat Dreams' examines the personal struggles, the successes and devastating losses of people and communities for whom river boat casino gambling has become the ultimate wager.

An unmarried father struggles against an unjust law that separates him from the daughter he loves.

In his mid-forties, half-white/half-Hispanic musician Chris Rael, who 'grew up white' on the East Coast, searches for and discovers long lost Hispanic family he never knew existed in remote New Mexico. Searching back further, he travels to Spain and researches the family's Jewish roots - they fled the Inquisition from Andalucia to the new world during the reign of Queen Isabella. Featuring Rael, his performance artist wife Penny Arcade, and amazing 92-year-old aunt Ruth Chavez, with original music by Rael.

In a world where many seek answers regarding life on other planets or elsewhere, this dvd and the photos contained herein, provide proof of more, right here and now. This film of 442 unusual Light photographs, taken over decades, has been researched utilizing film, digital, high altitude and underwater photography, all with similar phenomena. 'Light shows' that are meant to Inspire, by appearances of energies that communicate. We are not alone. When we can look beyond our physical eyes for Vision, proof can be seen. When lived this way consistently, it can also be photographed. This is what we have done and put it in movie format. The video can be viewed with a background of music or narration. Enjoy

Shaken by the tsunami and nuclear disasters, a grown daughter returns to her rural Japanese artist community to reconnect with her estranged parents and hometown. Meditative moments at the pottery wheel punctuated by tense family conversations, sudden earthquakes and radiation level readings, "Kasamayaki (Made in Kasama)" exposes the fragility of life and the imperfect nature of human relationships.