Seed is not just the source of life. It is the very foundation of our being. ~Vandana Shiva
Seed is the self urge of life to express itself, in her diverse expression, her abundance, her permanent renewal and rejuvenation. Altering the genetics of a seeds to create GMOs means disrupting the most natural expression of life itself.
A new documentary film that will investigate the dramatic story of seeds, the basis of life on earth. For 12,000 years man has been nurturing and cultivating seeds to form the backbone of civilization. Now, 94% of our seed varieties have been lost and many more are nearing extinction.
Vandana Shiva
SEED unveils a David and Goliath battle for the future of our seeds by examining how five chemical corporations have taken control of seeds through patents, copyrights and genetic modification. These companies are placing ownership on the seeds, literally stealing the genetic material from our ancestors who nurtured these seeds for thousands of years. As Vandana Shiva says “the threat to seed freedom impacts the very fabric of human life and life on the planet.”
SEED will reveal the awe, wonder and hidden beauty of seeds. It will ignite the imagination of audiences, inspiring them to be part of a new movement to help sustain seed diversity. We will unearth the resilience and power that all seeds have to sustain, enliven and enrich our humanity.
Corporations like Monsanto have created a seed emergency, a seed emergency through patents on seeds, seed monopolies, biopiracy genetic engineering and creation of non renewable sterile seeds. Seed monopolies have pushed 250,000 farmers to commit suicide in India. After contaminating farmer’s seeds and crops, Monsanto sues farmers “for stealing their gene”, putting the polluter pays principle on its head, and making it the polluter gets paid principle.
The multidimensional emergency created by patents on seeds and GMOs needs a global collective response. Join the Global campaign on Seed Freedom to stop the corporate hijack of seed and with it, the hijack of our freedom and our future.
Oscar buzz is in the air! In A Distinctive Style magazine, readers will find interviews with this year’s most watched Academy Award Nominees, all vying for a coveted gold Oscar statue.
A Distinctive Style magazine starts with the amiable Hollywood heartthrob, actor, and philanthropist, Brad Pitt who is featured in an exclusive interview about his creative pursuits, and life with Angelina Jolie and their six children. Read his interview on page 42 (CLICK TO SEE INTERVIEW)
Click to see Video
Honest Abe Lincoln leads the nominations with 12 accolades, including a Best Actor Nomination forDaniel Day-Lewis, who portrays the 16th President of the United States. This is Lewis’s fifth academy award nomination; he previously won Best Actor Oscars for his leading roles in the films My Left Foot and “There Will Be Blood.” Read more about Day-Lewis—who recently won the 2013 Golden Globe for his role as President Lincoln— on page 58. (CLICK TO SEE INTERVIEW)
Check out our chat with Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, up for Best Actor for his leading role in Silver Lining Playbook, in which he plays a former high school teacher battling mental health issues.This is Cooper’s first academy award nomination; his interview is on page 36. (CLICK TO SEE INTERVIEW)
Tony-award winning actor Hugh Jackman won the 2013 Golden Globe award for his portrayal as accused convict turned heroic mayor Jean Veljean in the musical-movie adaptation of the “Les Misérables.” He’s nominated for an Academy Award for the same role. An interview with the multi-talented Jackman can be found on page 52. (CLICK TO SEE INTERVIEW)
Anne Hathaway also received a Golden Globe award for her portrayal of Fantine in the “Les Misérables.” Proving she is more than just a pretty face, the actress can add “singer” to her resume now. The spunky brunette, who remains close to her childhood friends despite her success, once co-hosted the 83rd annual Academy Awards and wed actor/designer Adam Shulman last year in Big Sur. Hathaway’s interview in this issue can be found on page 62. (CLICK TO SEE INTERVIEW)
A Distinctive Style continues to bring readers informative, interactive videos, and this issue is no exception. The documentary “Chasing Ice,” featured on page 26, (CLICK TO SEE INTERVIEW) explores the rapidly melting ice caps that affect our precious planet.
Founded in 2007 by Dallas resident Denise Marie, A Distinctive Style—a magazine with heart—is a pioneer in the digital online experience, Their stimulating presentation using hd videos, breathtaking imagery and arousing music, is designed to appeal to the senses, while featuring diverse and prominent topics, in a fresh new way.
Katherine Heigl is helping to save the lives of animals in desperate need
The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation (JDHF) was founded by Nancy and Katherine Heigl to increase awareness of inhumane animal treatment and support efforts for rescue, medical care, training and placement needs in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Heigl’s passion for animals inspired them to form an organization dedicated to animal welfare that would also be a lasting legacy to the compassion, kindness and memory of a beloved son and brother.
Katherine Heigl snuggling with her dog Piper
In 1986, Jason was killed in a car accident. He was fifteen years old. Throughout his brief lifetime Jason loved all animals, especially dogs and cats and monkeys. He lived his life extending compassion and kindness to all creatures great and small.
The mission of The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation is to eliminate the needless suffering inflicted on animals by human cruelty, indifference, and ignorance.
In pursuit of this mission The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation funds a number of programs including an internal rescue group, The Heigl Hounds Of Hope, that focuses its rescue efforts on medium to large dogs from high kill shelters. Support is also provided to non-profit animal rescue / advocacy groups via the Heigl Foundation’s Networking Program, designed to encourage organizations to save more shelter animals in Southern California by helping to offset some of the enormous financial costs associated with animal rescue care. Funding is also given for free spay / neuter procedures for qualified caretakers, for compassion education programs, and to assist with the transport of dogs from overcrowded shelters in Los Angeles to communities where the demand for dogs is high but the supply is low.
To find out more information about the work of the Heigl Foundation and to discover how you can help, volunteer or contribute, please visit the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation web site.
Are your favorite brands failing to take urgent action to eliminate the release of hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and products?
by Chiara Campione—At the start of November, Greenpeace threw down the gauntlet to 15 top Italian and French luxury fashion brands, challenging these companies with 25 ‘uncomfortable’ questions about their supply chains.
Why? Every day another piece of the Amazon is destroyed to clear the way for cattle ranching and the production of leather used to make our shoes, bags and belts. A similar chain of events takes place in Indonesia, where the habitat of the last Sumatran tigers is being trashed to make low-cost paper packaging. While in China, Mexico and other regions of the planet, hazardous chemicals used by the textile industry are polluting our precious water resources.
These dangerous business practices are putting our natural resources at risk and threatening people’s livelihoods and any companies involved should be held accountable for their actions. So we asked these brands to outline what measures they are taking to ensure that their products are not being tainted with forest destruction and hazardous chemicals.
Big brands caught off-trend
When it comes to fashion many consider brands such as Chanel, Prada and Dolce&Gabbana to be real trendsetters within the sector. But have a look at the results of our survey at: www.thefashionduel.com. How disappointing to discover that these brands are failing to take urgent and transparent action to eliminate the release of hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and products. They are also failing to put in place concrete measures to eliminate deforestation from their supply chain.
Other brands, like Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton, have only presented a partial commitment: showing a real lack of ambition to become environmental leaders and dress the growing number of conscious consumers who are looking for fashion with a story they can be proud of.
www.thefashionduel.com
But among these inadequate commitments and ugly truths, there is also some fantastic news. On Wednesday Valentino proved unequivocally that fashion free from pollution and rainforest destruction is not a luxury, but a must-have.
These commitments are just the beginning and must be swiftly followed up by action on the ground to ensure that real change happens where it is needed most to help protect our life-giving waterways and beautiful rainforests.
But it is a fabulous first step and begs the obvious question: if Valentino can do it, why not the rest? Beautiful fashion does not need to cost the Earth.
Join fashion-lovers, activists, models and designers in exposing fashion brands’ dirty little secret and demanding fashion without pollution.
Greenpeace—They say you can tell next season’s hottest trend by looking at the colour of the rivers in Mexico and China. That’s because global fashion brands like Calvin Klein, GAP and G-Star Raw are using hazardous chemicals and dyes to make our clothes. These chemicals poison our rivers, and traces of these hazardous chemicals also end up remaining in many of the garments people buy.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Around the world, a growing movement of people are calling on clothing brands to make fashion that doesn’t cost the Earth. More than 400,000 people have joined the campaign since November, resulting in the world’s largest fashion retailer, Zara, and the world’s largest jean manufacturer, Levi’s, to commit to clean-up their supply chain and products. True People Power in action.
Join fashion-lovers, activists, models and designers in exposing big brands’ dirty little secret and demanding fashion without pollution.
Katie Holmes : ‘accessible luxury’ and ‘free of’ philosophy really speaks to me.
Alterna Haircare announced its official partnership with actress and entrepreneur Katie Holmes as co-owner and first-ever celebrity spokesperson.
“Katie inspired us by gracefully evolving from an actress to a multi-faceted artist, designer and style icon,” says Joan Malloy , President/CEO of Alterna Haircare. “Alterna has been haircare’s ‘best kept secret’ for years, but that is about to change. We’re confident that adding Katie’s natural beauty, gorgeous hair and creative instincts to our state-of-the-art, results-driven haircare collection will be a game-changing combination.”
Launched in 1997 and now owned by TSG Consumer Partners, Alterna has been recognized by beauty and industry insiders for cutting-edge, professional formulations that are ‘free of’ harsh chemicals and formulated with globally-sourced, often sustainable, and organic ingredients.
Katie Holmes for Altera Haircare
“I’m really proud to be a part of this company – not only because the products are incredible, but because their ‘accessible luxury’ and ‘free of’ philosophy really speaks to me,” says Katie. “I love that Alterna uses natural and organic ingredients and stays away from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens. It’s good for my hair and good for the earth, so I feel good using it.”
Over the course of her multi-year relationship with Alterna, Ms. Holmes will be sharing her creative and consumer insights to help the brand continue to grow and expand its devout consumer following around the world, as well as inspire salon and retail partners.
“In many ways, Katie is the epitome of the beauty and health-conscious, stylish, discerning consumer we hope to reach,” says Malloy. “We are so fortunate to be able to tap into her perspective – not only creatively, but as a busy professional, mother and woman on the go.”
Consumers will get their first glimpse at the partnership with the Spring 2013 integrated marketing campaign, which will appear in March women’s beauty, lifestyle and salon trade publications. This will be the largest ad campaign for the company since its inception; the campaign invites consumers to experience the “transformational” power of Alterna products “after just one use” via product sampling.
“I love that Alterna uses natural and organic ingredients and stays away from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens. It’s good for my hair and good for the earth, so I feel good using it.”
“When I first used Alterna, I knew there was something special about their products because of how much healthier, shinier and smoother my hair looked and felt after just one use,” says Katie. “If I had to pick one word to describe what happens to my hair when I use Alterna, it would have to be transformation.”
In support of the campaign, Alterna will be distributing product samples and merchandising materials featuring the campaign image globally across all of Alterna’s distribution channels, including fine salons, specialty beauty retailers (Sephora, Ulta, select Nordstrom, Douglas) and all e-Commerce outlets, including the brand’s own e-Commerce site slated to launch in February 2013.
Regarding the potential for future creative and new product collaborations between Holmes and the brand, Malloy says, “Stay tuned! Katie is now part of the family, and with a great partnership like this, there are no limits.”
Alterna products can be found at Sephora and ULTA stores, Sephora.com, ULTA.com, Beauty.com, QVC and high-end salons worldwide. For more information regarding the Alterna partnership with Katie Holmes as well as new launches from the brand please visit www.alternahaircare.com.
About Alterna Haircare – Alterna Haircare has been a pioneer in the luxury haircare category, offering state-of-the-art formulas that set industry standards since 1997. With a reputation built on expertise, innovative ingredients and results-driven formulas, Alterna defines luxury haircare and continues to be sought after by salon stylists and beauty artisans worldwide.
What an unbelievably unique take on housing and architecture! Dan Philips creates houses that are made from 70-80% recycled materials. The creativity he puts to use is as impressive as the tons of materials he saves from the landfill. You will see decorative details made from eggshells and bottle caps. You will see rooftops made of license plates! You will see water faucets for the bathtub made of a Budweiser beer tap!
His philosophy is that our collective mindset of perfection is what creates all the waste. From the builders to the homebuyers to the marketers- everyone demands adherence to sterile, conventional norms. If a 2x 4 isn’t perfect, it goes in the dump. Dan Philips instead incorporates these blemishes and organic processes.
See all the materials he saves that were headed for the landfill- even vintage stoves! Hear his astute, original and truly amusing take on why we have come to tolerate this level of waste.
In 1998, he and his wife, Marsha, started The Phoenix Commotion, in Huntsville, Texas — a construction company that builds affordable houses from reclaimed and recycled materials. Their mission is to divert landfill waste while creating sustainable housing for single mothers, artists, and families with low incomes. The houses are energy-efficient, cheap and satisfying to build — and wildly, effervescently creative.
In the design process, we have to consider how design linked our social life and people’s perspectives.
There is consideration of his work:
Architecture related to human being and natural life. What human need and consideration of nature in our life. So, Dan Phillips design his architecture be a naturalism and not waste of materials. He was inspired organic texture and humanism.
Industrials revolution started, consumers wasting mass production and materials and also materials price was becoming expensive.
Power of mass media and consumption in our society
A Distinctive Style’s Winter issue features human interest, social awareness, sustainable and organic fashion and this years Academy Award nominees.
A Distinctive Style magazine kicked off the New Year with Brad Pitt. The amiable Hollywood heartthrob, actor, and philanthropist, graces the Winter 2013 cover and is featured in an exclusive interview.
“There is so much passion in this issue, from celebrities, to motivational women who run a horse ranch in Colorado,” says Denise Marie, publisher of A Distinctive Style. “The Winter 2013 issue is full of amazing humanitarians who pay-it-forward—just like Pitt does—by giving back to those less fortunate; individuals who possess a sincere love of family, or go through great lengths to save our environment. Everyone featured brings important social issues to the forefront. It may be tricky for people to see the reasons I have for each story I place, but there is always something humbling behind each editorial.”
A Distinctive Style Winter Cover
Pitt’s latest action movie, Killing Them Softly, directed by Andre Dominik, is currently available on DVD, and you can read more about his creative pursuits, and life with Angelina Jolie and their six children, on page 42.
Also in this issue, we learn about Trashed, a documentary that examines environmental pollution, executive produced by actor Jeremy Irons. The documentary—highlighted in an interactive, introductory video on page 18—is a political “wake-up call” about the ways food is affected by air, sea, and land pollution. We also provide readers with a list of 10 breakfast cereals that most likely contain GMO’s corn—which has been linked to tumors. Bringing readers health-oriented news remains a priority in our publication.
On a lighter side, we chat with Los Angeles-based fashion designer Deborah Lindquist, who up-cycles all sorts of eco-friendly fabrics to create one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories for women around the world. Story on page 64.
Oscar buzz is in the air—the 2013 nominees have been announced! In this issue, readers will find interviews with this year’s most watched Academy Award nominees, all vying for a coveted gold Oscar statue.
Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln
Honest Abe Lincoln leads the nominations with 12 accolades, including a Best Actor nomination for Daniel Day-Lewis, who portrays the 16th President of the United States. This is Lewis’s fifth academy award nomination; he previously won Best Actor Oscars for his leading roles in the films My Left Foot and There Will Be Blood. Read more about Day-Lewis—who recently won the 2013 Golden Globe for his role as President Lincoln— on page 58.
Also, in this issue, check out our chat with Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, up for Best Actor for his leading role in Silver Lining Playbook, in which he plays a former high school teacher battling mental health issues.
“We do many editorials on individuals with all kinds of challenges, and this film brings up a very important topic—mental illness—and how it’s perceived,” says Publisher, Denise Marie. This is Cooper’s first academy award nomination; his interview is on page 36.
Hugh Jackman
Tony-award winning actor Hugh Jackman won the 2013 Golden Globe award for his portrayal as accused convict turned heroic mayor Jean Veljean in the musical-movie adaptation of the Les Misérables. He’s nominated for an Academy Award for the same role. An interview with the multi-talented Jackman can be found on page 52. “Hugh Jackman is a sincere person that truly loves his family over anything else,” says Marie. ‘I think that’s noble.
Les Misérables co-star Anne Hathaway also received a Golden Globe award for her portrayal of Fantine in the Les Misérables. Proving she is more than just a pretty face, the actress can add “singer” to her resume now. The spunky brunette, who remains close to her childhood friends despite her success, once co-hosted the 83rd annual Academy Awards and wed actor/designer Adam Shulman last year in Big Sur. Hathaway’s interview in this issue can be found on page 62.
A Distinctive Style continues to bring readers informative, interactive videos, and this issue is no exception. The documentary Chasing Ice, featured on page 26, explores the rapidly melting ice caps that affect our precious planet.
Founded in 2007 by Dallas resident Denise Marie, A Distinctive Style—a magazine with heart—is a pioneer in the digital online experience, proving that utilizing this medium is not only a green practice, but can actually enhance the reading experience. The online magazine can access a variety of media not available in a traditional print format, and incorporates music as well as video and audio interviews.
Brad Pitt Balances Marriage, a Large Family and a New Film
The nuptials between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie serve as the ultimate realization of Pitt’s lifelong dream of fathering a large family – even if shuttling six children between homes in London, Los Angeles, New York, and southern France can, at times, resemble a covert military operation. Pitt, however, has no qualms about logistics. He lives for his kids.
A Distinctive Style Magazine Cover with Brad Pitt
When asked what life as a movie star father was like, he responded, “I still have to get up at 6 a.m. and make breakfast for six kids. I don’t see my daily life as being that remarkable, except for the fact that I’ve struck the lottery when it comes to my work and the opportunities it’s given me.” “Being a parent of several children is exhausting – no matter what,” Pitt continued. “I’m lucky that Angie has so much energy and [she] never gets down or complains.The only time I’ve ever seen her really tired was after the twins were born. That proved very demanding and made it difficult for her to spend as much time with the other children as she did before. But now that the twins are older, it’s becoming a lot easier for all of us. I mean, when you have a big family, you learn to develop good logistical training and then it’s just like a machine that keeps moving forward,” he laughed.
“I carry on a running conversation with myself about how I’m raising our children, the kind of education I’m giving them and how they seem to be evolving. I want to help them grow up to be independent and aware individuals. The kids are a huge part of my world and I love being an active and engaged father and family man,” Pitt stated.
By Willie Nelson—As I crisscrossed the country on my bus this year, I saw firsthand the impact drought and extremes of weather have had on this land and our farmers. On the Farm Aid hotline, we worked with many distressed farmers seeking help to survive the worst drought in more than fifty years. When extremes of weather like this hit, it’s hard to keep the faith. And yet that’s what farmers do, each and every day.
I am inspired by family farmers. I know you are too. It’s with your help that we’ve grown and strengthened family farm agriculture. Together we have put more farmers on the land and made family farm food more available to all of us.
In spite of the hardships, thanks to Farm Aid supporters like you, family farmers are leading the way to a future of good food. We answer the Farm Aid hotline every day and the greatest number of calls we receive come from folks looking to get started in farming or from farmers who want to learn how to farm more sustainably. This is good news for farmers — and great news for all of us.
With a gift to Farm Aid, you can ensure we keep growing the Good Food Movement and a brighter future for all of us. We need family farmers — they are essential for helping us solve the challenges we face with our economy, climate change, and chronic health conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Family farm food on our tables guarantees the health and strength of our families and communities. The work of Farm Aid depends on gifts from people like you. Please, give a gift today, to ensure that family farmers not only survive extremes of weather today, but grow and thrive into the future.
Larry Hagman, who emerged in the 1960s as the slightly befuddled astronaut in “I Dream of Jeannie,” then became a major star in the 1980s primetime soap “Dallas,” playing evil oil baron J.R. Ewing, has died. He was 81.
Hagman’s cause of death was due to complications related to his battle with cancer according to his family.
Linda Gray, who played Hagman’s on-screen wife on “Dallas” was at the actor’s bedside when he died.
He truly loved portraying this globally recognized character, and he leaves a legacy of entertainment, generosity and grace.
“He brought joy to everyone he knew. He was creative, generous, funny, loving and talented, and I will miss him enormously. He was an original and lived life to the fullest,” Gray said in a statement released through her publicist.
Warner Bros.”Dallas” executive producers Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin, and the show’s cast and crew released the following statement today: “Larry Hagman was a giant, a larger-than-life personality whose iconic performance as J.R. Ewing will endure as one of the most indelible in entertainment history. He truly loved portraying this globally recognized character, and he leaves a legacy of entertainment, generosity and grace. Everyone at Warner Bros. and in the “Dallas” family is deeply saddened by Larry’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and dear friends during this difficult time.”
Hagman inherited the acting gene from his mother, Broadway musical legend Mary Martin. He’d had roles in television programs 20 years prior to “Dallas,” including “I Dream of Jeannie” from 1965-70.
“Dallas,” which debuted in 1978 on CBS and had an astonishing 13-year run, centered on the Ewings, a family of Texas oil barons who had money, cattle, and more scandals and power struggles than the Kardashians.
The original strategy behind “Dallas” was to focus on the newly-married Bobby and Pam Ewing. But Hagman made his role more than the producers had intended, and he quickly became the focus of the program.
When TNT revived the program earlier this year, he was the undisputed power villain.
“All of us at TNT are deeply saddened at the news of Larry Hagman’s passing. He was a wonderful human being and an extremely gifted actor,” TNT officials said in a statement. “We will be forever thankful that a whole new generation of people got to know and appreciate Larry through his performance as J.R. Ewing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.
American actor, director and producer, Larry Hagman, best known for his role as “J.R. Ewing” in the TV series “Dallas,” at a Red Carpet Event for the opening of the new “Dallas” series. Photo by YONY KIM for A Distinctive Style Magazine.
But though he may be best known as a villain, Hagman used his fame to try to give back.
In addition to actively supporting charities like the National Kidney Foundation and, in what might seem an irony, efforts to develop solar power, Hagman just last month announced the formation The Larry Hagman Foundation, to fund education programs promoting the fine arts and creative learning opportunities for economically disadvantaged children in Dallas.
American actor, director and producer, Larry Hagman, best known for his role as “J.R. Ewing” in the TV series “Dallas,” at the Red Carpet Premier for the opening of the new “Dallas” series. Photo by YONY KIM, for A Distinctive Style Magazine
Hagman began his acting career in the late 1950s, but it wasn’t until “I Dream of Jeannie” premiered in 1965 that he found himself a star. He played Anthony Nelson, an astronaut who during a mission finds an unusual bottle, and when he opens it, out pops a genie named Jeannie — Barbara Eden.
Through the series’ five-year run, Jeannie found new ways to make Hagman’s life difficult, as she tried to serve her “master.”
Though Hagman continued to work regularly after “I Dream of Jeannie” ended in 1970, it wasn’t until “Dallas” hit the air in 1978, that he again struck a chord with audiences.
The show was originally only supposed to be a five-episode miniseries, but the show caught on so quickly, that it was extended and eventually became a series that would become the highest rated TV show of all time.
Unlike many TV stars, who find themselves playing variations on the same character over and over, the Hagman viewers saw in J.R. Ewing was worlds away from Major Nelson.
While the astronaut was always at wits end, trying to keep Jeannie a secret and trying to prove to the base psychiatrist that he was sane, Ewing was a man who seemed completely in control of his world, wheeling and dealing, backstabbing and cheating on his wife.
Olive Natural Beauty is on a mission to SAVE OUR SKIN!
You can find them on Indiegogo.com/olivenaturalbeauty until December 15th with the goal of raising $10,000 that will be used to help ONB become certified organic!
Help us Help you Save our Skin!
Right now, Olive Natural Beauty is a one-woman show; handmade, hand packaged and hand labeled by Jess Lauren.
The funds from the campaign on Indiegogo.com/olivenaturalbeauty will be used to produce and distribute the ONB product line (This includes supporting us in the creation, packing, shipping, educating, and EVERYTHING it takes to deliver ONB products to the community), source the highest grade ingredients from organic farms within the U.S., launch new products, and help Olive Natural Beauty become one of under 50 skin care companies in the world to be USDA certified organic!
If successful, HALF of the $10,000 goal will be given away in ONB products to help people everywhere PRACTICE SAFE SKIN CARE!
Donations will be rewarded with choices of ONB Lip Balms, Sustainable Tote Bags, custom ONB products to even a life-time supply of Olive Natural Beauty!!
They also have fun and exciting stretch goals which, if reached, will unlock new rewards for all levels of backers.
In a recent photo shoot, Deborah Lindquist captures country living with her eco-couture apparel.
Designer Deborah Lindquist works with sustainable, organic, and recycled fabrics to create bespoke eco-couture apparel and home decorative accessories.
Deborah Lindquist showcases her fall line in a photo shoot at the country home of Brit girl, Erin Saltman. Surrounded by her loving and attentive animals which include chickens, horses, dogs, and pot belly pigs, she looks just as much at home in her flower gardens and country surroundings as she does in her usual urban setting. She’s a bit eccentric in her wardrobe and her fashion sense is a blend of edgy/femininity with a bit of punkish influence. She wears a combination of eco couture sweaters, bustiers, and evening wear for fall 2012. She certainly has a nice life…..
Erin Saltman
by Deborah Lindquist
Photographed by Kay Greenwood, model Erin Saltman has been one of my favorite models to work with. I’ve known her and her family since she was 8, (Kay, her mom is the excellent photographer who’s work you see here) and she’s been photographed in my clothing and walked the catwalk for me since then. But its been a while. She moved to London so we don’t see each other so often. I was so fortunate to collaborate with the 2 of them twice in September. (Erin is also the shapeshifter in “Into the Wild, a Love Story”) and she willingly put on her toe shoes for the finale! (she’s a 6’2″ ballerina).
Thanks to Monica Garcia for the makeup and hair, Bare Sole for the shoes and Bill Stankay for composing the soundtrack for the video. What a great team!
See the amazing photos in the Fall 2012 Lookbook by clicking on the magazine below. Listen to the soundtrack by Bill Stankay along with photos by clicking the video below:
Despite the threat of shame to her family name she chose to reject the future that had been arranged for her.
I just remember asking myself, ‘Are you going to put up with this for the rest of your life?’
The lilting lyrics from Fiddler on the Roof offer one view of arranged marriages—a happy union of two young people by a villager whose job it is to introduce the soon-to-blissful bride and groom to one another. Such cultural arrangements differ from forced marriages, in which parents decide on a partner for their child with virtually no input from the young person involved. If that person refuses to submit to parental pressure, there is often a penalty to pay.
India Marriage Gone Wrong
Surinder Kaur is an Indian woman with first-hand knowledge of arranged marriages. She recalls, “As early as age 10, I remember seeing my father put a gold bar—about an inch wide and ten inches long—into a safe box. My mother explained it was for my sisters’ and my own wedding dowry one day. Typically, families of the bride begin saving for dowry when the children are still young.”
When the time came, Kaur’s family arranged a suitable match for her. Typically parents choose someone of the same caste and of the same social status. “My match was a little different,” Kaur confides. “My husband was someone to whom I was introduced at a relative’s wedding. After that, my parents and the family elders met with his family, and arrangements were made. It is customary,” she explains, “for the bride to leave her parents’ home to live with her in-laws. In our culture, we are taught from an early age that the in-laws are our ‘real’ parents.”
Kaur describes her wedding ceremony: “Our was a Sikh ceremony held in a Gurudwara (Gateway to God) Temple. Men and women gather in one hall in the temple but are seated separately. Everyone must cover their head with a veil or, turban and remove footwear. The couple sits at the front of the congregation before the ‘altar.’ The Granthi (or priest) reads from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh Holy book). At intervals the couple is made to stand and pray, and then walk seven times around the altar.
My Health Insurance is Organic Food ~Howard Straus
Max Gerson was a German physician who developed the Gerson Therapy, an alternative dietary therapy, which has been proven to cure cancer and most chronic, degenerative diseases. The Gerson Therapy is based on the belief that disease is caused by the accumulation of unspecified toxins, and attempts to treat the disease by having patients consume a vegetarian diet including hourly glasses of organic juice and various dietary supplements. Gerson’s daughter, Charlotte Gerson, continued to promote the therapy, founding the “Gerson Institute” in 1977.
Howard Straus, grandson of Max Gerson and son of Charlotte Gerson, first began using his grandfather’s Gerson Therapy to cure his hereditary enema: thalassemia. His mother founded the Gerson Institute, and he had always been involved in some manner. That was how he discovered that natural treatment could cure cancer.
Howard Straus
At the age of 23, he was engaged to be married, but three months before the wedding, his fiancée came down with her third occurrence of skin cancer. She started the Gerson Therapy. Straus explains how successful the treatment was: “We both went on the therapy and all my little health problems started to go away. I lost 50 unwanted pounds, my adult acne cleared up and my hair started growing back. This was 23 years ago—look at me now, I’m almost 70 and I’m in the best health of my life, which is something that few American men can say at this age. My wife is in the best health ever and to this day is cancer free.”
The basics of Gerson Therapy consist of organic, salt free, fat free, vegan nutrition with the addition of detoxification and vitamin, mineral, and enzyme supplementation. At the clinic, three large vegan meals are provided per day with a wide variety of fresh pressed vegetable and fruit juices. All these tenants serve to restore everything the body lacks.
Jackie Evancho, Glenn Close, Bill Cosby, Paul Englishby among others can be found in the Fall 2012 edition of A Distinctive Style
When you open the Fall 2012 issue of A Distinctive Style you will be greeted by a beautiful cover featuring child singing sensation Jackie Evancho, then you will notice the music of Emmy Award Winner Paul Englishby.
In our cover story with Jackie Evancho you’ll hear how she has handled the media storm since coming on the scene as a contestant on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent. She talks about her acting debut in a Robert Redford film to release in 2013 and tells us how she picked the songs for her newly released album “Songs From the Silver Screen.” You will see highlights from the CD by clicking a link on her page.
Other stories you’ll enjoy in this edition include:
A personal look at 2012 Emmy winner Paul Englishby focusing on his love of music and the success he has had with film and television musical scores.
A preview on “Stories of Change,” a partnership between the Skoll Foundation and the Sundance Film Festival to promote documentary films that promote global awareness and stimulate change.
An interview with legendary film actress Glenn Close as she sits down with Robert Milazzo at The Modern School of Film.
An inspirational profile of Tony Volpentest, a four-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and 2012 Olympic Hall of Fame nominee.
An examination of the fascination with the Mayan calendar and its prediction that the world will end on December 21, 2012.
A look into the “Gerson Therapy,” a natural cure for cancer.
A letter from Bill Cosby on “Why we must put our Children First.”
A review of Lizzie Velasquez’ insightful new book “Be Beautiful, Be You” which relates the power of finding inner beauty.
Of course all of the stories feature the innovative aspects that A Distinctive Style is known for. They are expertly written, have vivid photography and are enhanced with audio and video clips to give you a complete interactive experience.
Flipping through the pages of the Fall issue is like losing yourself in a virtual visual world. For the readers of this magazine, this is truly a magnificent treat for the senses and a perfect way to celebrate the publication’s fifth anniversary.
Those who haven’t seen this issue yet should certainly take a look now by visiting www.adistinctivestyle.com. You will be hooked on the experience!
Join the world’s leading experts in Nutrition and Natural Medicine in this inspiring film about taking your health into your own hands. Learn how you can boost your energy levels, keep excess weight at bay and transform your health through food. www.hungryforchange.tv
The first film in its genre to really empower and provide practical and realistic solutions. Find out what’s keeping you from having the body and health you deserve and how to escape the diet trap forever.
Featuring interviews with best selling health authors and leading medical experts plus real life transformational stories from those who know what it’s like to be sick and overweight.
Learn from those who have been there before and continue your health journey today.
HUNGRY FOR CHANGE exposes shocking secrets the diet, weight-loss and food industry don’t want you to know about. Deceptive strategies designed to keep you craving more and more.
Could the foods we are eating actually be keeping us stuck in the diet trap?
How to navigate your supermarket – what to buy and what to avoid
The real truth behind “DIET,” “SUGAR-FREE” and “FAT-FREE” products
How to overcome food addictions and cravings
Why fad diets don’t work
What food additives to avoid and how to read labels
What is fat and cellulite and how do we get rid of it for good
The most effective detox and cleansing strategies, and
How to eat for clear eyes, glowing skin and healthy hair
Find out what’s keeping you from having the body and health you deserve and how to escape the diet trap forever.
A Monsanto executive told The New York Times that the safety of genetically engineered foods was the government’s problem, not the company’s:
“Monsanto should not have to vouch for the safety of biotech food,” said Phil Angell. “Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible. Assuring its safety is the FDA’s job.”
It was originally founded in 1901 as a company manufacturing chemicals, responsible for agricultural chemicals including DDT, PCBs for industries, components of Agent Orange for the military, and bovine growth hormone. It is now a transnational corporation and leading source of genetically-modified (GM) crops. It is also the largest seed company controlling 27% of the commercial seed market (90% of soy seed market) and providing the technology for 90% of GM crops around the globe.
They claim to be the solution to world hunger. But there’s currently no evidence that GM crops produce greater yields than conventional crops. And many argue there are hazards to both environment and health. Monsanto is fighting against labeling GM foods and is gaining a stranglehold on our food supply all around the world.
Photo from survivalfarm.com
Monsanto infringes upon “food sovereignty” rights. La Via Campesina defines food sovereignty as the right of all peoples to produce and consume healthy, culturally appropriate, sustainably-produced food—and to define and own their own food and agriculture systems.
Monsanto has a history of aggressive investigations and lawsuits brought against farmers in America have been a source of concern for organic and non-GMO farmers since Monsanto’s first lawsuit brought against a farmer in the mid-90′s. Since then, 144 farmers have had lawsuits brought against them by Monsanto for alleged violations of their patented seed technology.
Monsanto has brought numerous charges against more than 700 additional farmers who have settled out-of-court rather than face Monsanto’s belligerent litigious actions. Many of these farmers claim to not have had the intention to grow or save seeds that contain Monsanto’s patented genes. Seed drift and pollen drift from genetically engineered crops often contaminate neighboring fields. If Monsanto’s seed technology is found on a farmer’s land without contract they can be found liable for patent infringement.
Facts YOU Should Know About Monsanto
No GMO Labeling Laws in the USA!
Lack of Adequate FDA / USDA Safety Testing
Monsanto Puts Small Farmers out of Business
Monsanto Products Pollute the Developing World
Monsanto Blocking Government Regulations
Monsanto Guilty of False Advertising & Scientific FRAUD
Consumers Reject Bovine Growth Hormone rBGH in Milk
GMO Crops Do NOT Increase Yields
Monsanto Controls U.S. Soy Market
Monsanto’s GMO Foods Cause NEW Food Allergies
Monsanto’s Roundup is the world’s best selling herbicide, despite industry regulators including the European Commission having known for years that it is linked to birth defects.Some GMO foods have been proven in laboratory tests to… CAUSE: cancer, sterility, miscarriages, seizures and even death!
The growth of GM crops has led to a massive rise in pesticide use.
In the US an epidemic of resistant ‘superweeds’ has been caused by the continual application of glyphosate on crops that are marketed as glyphosate-tolerant crops.
In August 2011, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that glyphosate used on GM crops was found in rainfall and rivers in the Mississippi Basin—jeopardising human health by contaminating drinking water and aquatic life.
New GM crop applications that can resist even more toxic herbicides are now pending approval as well, even though these herbicides are linked to cancer and other serious illnesses and were set to be phased out.
Monsanto and agribusiness in general are increasingly unwelcome wherever they operate. They ruin local agriculture and harm communities with their attempts to dominate food production systems.
As a result of Monsanto’s presence, local seeds are becoming illegal, biodiversity is disappearing, land is being contaminated, and farmers and agricultural workers are being poisoned, criminalized and displaced from their land. Local food producers aiming to feed communities have to compete with huge corporations whose sole objective is to make profits.
We all depend on good food and good food depends on all of us. Do your part to ensure healthy, family farm food for you, your family, your community—all of us.
An Environmentally Friendly Denim Label that Caters to all Lifestyles
Reco Jeans is a fashion forward, eco-conscious denim label that caters to all lifestyles. Our primary aim is to make stylish, sophisticated jeans with a great fit, for all those looking for a quality pair of denim and a willingness to preserve our planet. Wearing Reco Jeans is effortless, as one should not have to sacrifice the planet or your wallet for style.
Our design and marketing teams are a collaborative bunch from all walks of life. We are all vigorously striving to invent and reinvent ourselves as individuals whilst maintaining one common goal. We will continue to combine our diverse ingenuity to create stylish & environmentally conscientious jeans.
Our story begins over twenty years ago in Asia, where two small boys grew up playing together in the factory their families worked in. To amuse themselves, they would use whatever scraps they could find to make all sorts of fantastical creations.
recojeans.com
Years later, after much hard work, determination, and college, these same young boys, now men, had a brilliant idea; To take the same scraps they had played with as children and put them to a new use.
It took years of research and development, but in the end they had perfected the process of upcycling the scraps of fabric into new textiles to make designer, eco-friendly jeans.
Today, even though our operation has expanded to collect production scraps from many different factories, our jeans are still made in the same factory that the two young boys played in so many years ago.
Reco Jeans works with non-profits like The Global Genes Project, a foundation that broadly promotes the needs of the rare disease community, engaging the general public, garnering corporate support, under the “unifying symbol of hope” – the blue denim ribbon.
Getting involved can be as simple as putting on a pair of jeans.
We’re good for animals and animal lovers: Reco Jeans are 100% vegan, meaning they contain no animal products and are not tested on animals.
Not only does Reco Jeans practice fair labor laws within our factories worldwide, but our products are also non-toxic and contain no harmful ingredients.
Dana Arbib and Farah Malik’s lives have long been intertwined with social justice, humanitarian work and accessories. After Farah’s work at a human rights education non-profit organization and Dana’s close connection to her father’s extensive philanthropy work, it was a natural fit that any path they took would be charged with a social edict. Dana and Farah—the former a Libyan Jew and the latter a Pakistani Muslim—decided to put their love of accessories to good use for both the consumer and the artisan. The resulting fashion line, A Peace Treaty, began in 2008 with the goal to highlight the often under-appreciated work of hand-crafting cultures in politically unstable regions of the world.
“When we started in 2008, there was a growing understanding of eco-fashion but still not very much emphasis or attention was placed on the human rights implications in fashion production,” Dana said. “A Peace Treaty is a social business setting up sustainable projects to revitalize cottage industries and family businesses at risk of closing down, but it also imparts knowledge, attitude change and a long-term readjustment within consumer culture and behavior.”
Dana Arbib and Farah Malik
Dana and Farah base their work on a community empowerment approach. By elevating the value of hand-crafting skills and lauding artisans who have been overlooked or have received less and less attention, they are reinvigorating local artisan economies and employing the artisans at wages up to eight times the local wage.
Inspired by Counterpart International’s work to create enduring solutions for local communities, Dana and Farah donate nearly 10% of their profits to Counterpart International (Counterpart). A Peace Treaty has supported medical supplies in the Darfur region of Sudan, coral restoration and, most recently, reconstruction in Afghanistan.
“We chose Counterpart because we were impressed by the legitimate and genuine way in which they carry out work in so many different regions and program areas. With each collection and season, we shift our giving to a specific project and region that usually connects to the country the artisans are from,” Farah said. “Also, Dana’s father has a long history of philanthropy work and he had been directing his efforts to supporting Counterpart’s work. Connecting A Peace Treaty with Counterpart was an intentional act to follow in his footsteps.”
The scarves at A Peace Treaty are not only charged with social responsibility – they are beautiful. A Peace Treaty has been recognized throughout the fashion world including recent highlights in InStyle, New York Magazine and Marie Claire.
“With Farah’s background in International Development and my lineage from a highly philanthropic family, we really have developed firsthand knowledge of what beautiful things certain regions have to offer,” Dana said. “In our increasingly unstable times, it is an absolute promise to ourselves that we help those who live within these unstable regions by supporting their skills and craft.”
Each year, Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews headline a Farm Aid concert to bring together a wide variety of musicians, farmers and fans for one mission: keeping family farmers on their land. Farm Aid is the longest running benefit concert series in America, raising more than $39 million to help family farmers thrive all over the country while inspiring millions of people to learn about the Good Food movement.
Farm Aid 2012
Farm Aid 2012 will be at the Hersheypark Stadium in Pennsylvania on September 22! Please sign up for email updates to get the latest news and action alerts from Farm Aid!
The Mission: Family Farmers, Good Food, A Better America
Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 near the height of the farm crisis to generate awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land. Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors in 2001. Farm Aid has raised more than $39 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep family farmers on their land in order to guarantee an agricultural system that ensures farmers a fair living, strengthens our communities, protects our natural resources and delivers good food for all.
Helping Farmers Thrive
Since 1985, Farm Aid has answered 1-800-FARM-AID to provide immediate and effective support services to farm families in crisis. Now Farm Aid’s online Farmer Resource Network connects farmers to an extensive network of close to 550 organizations across the country that help farmers find the resources they need to access new markets, transition to more sustainable and profitable farming practices, and survive natural disasters.
Taking Action to Change the System
Farm Aid 2012 works with local, regional and national organizations to promote fair farm policies and grassroots organizing campaigns designed to defend and bolster family farm-centered agriculture. We’ve worked side-by-side with farmers to protest factory farms and inform farmers and eaters about issues like genetically modified food and growth hormones. By strengthening the voices of family farmers, Farm Aid stands up for the most resourceful, heroic Americans — the family farmers who work the land. But farmers can’t do this work alone; we all have a role to play in building a family farm food system that protects our farmers, our communities, our planet and our health. Farm Aid’s Action Center allows concerned citizens to become advocates for farm policy change.
With music as our inspiration and farmers as our heroes, Farm Aid 2012 envisions a transformed America in which family farmers and eaters are partners in a thriving system that benefits all.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS GO TO: www.FarmAid.org
Insane Michigan government announces plan to destroy ranch livestock based on hair color and arrest hundreds of ranchers as felons
The state of Michigan has enacted, by law “animal genocide” (the mass murder of ranch animals) on all Michigan farmers. It’s all part of a shocking new “Invasive Species Order” (ISO) put in place by Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This Invasive Species Order suddenly and shockingly defines virtually all open-range pigs raised by small family farms to be illegal “invasive species,” and possession of just one of these animals is now a felony crime in Michigan, punishable by up to four years in prison.
As of April 1, 2012, the state ordered farmers to “destroy” all pigs or the DNR would raid their farms with government-issued rifles, then shoot the pig herds while arresting the members of the family and charging them with the “crime” of raising pigs.
A state-sponsored serial animal killing spree
This is factually true and verifiable through documents, videos and websites. The state of Michigan seriously carried out a mass murder spree of pigs starting April 1.
Finally, the Michigan Swine outrage is breaking into the media, RT America, based in Washington, DC did this excellent video news report on the horrible treatment of farmers by the state of Michigan.
Declaring it pig genocide in Michigan is putting it mildly. Government agencies and the governor (by his inaction), are destroying the fabric of a community and the dreams of their citizens for a business of their own.
By the way, isn’t it about time our politicians started talking about business opportunities? I am so sick of the emphasis on JOBS in the political dialog. Businesses are what we really need, but our politicians seem to want all of us beholden to them for jobs. What about all the business killing regulations? You can’t have jobs if you don’t first encourage business start-ups! This regulatory hostility toward business owners, farmers and ranchers has got to stop!
Think about it. Would you rather be working in someone else’s pork factory, or tending to a few pigs on your own land? Which is going to be the least hazardous to your health? Which potentially could lead to more wealth?
The government is criminalizing the latter, therefore forcing these farmers back into the workforce. They will have to get JOBS to survive. What a Shame!
Make your voice be heard on this! Spread this video far and wide. Only a huge outcry can stop this kind of abuse of power. Wake UP America, THEY will come for your livelihood NEXT!
This ‘miracle oil’ is full of rich properties that boost the elasticity of your skin
Marula oil has many benefits to the skin, but did you know that African women have been using Marula oil during pregnancy to avoid stretch marks for years?
Stretch marks are caused by tearing of the deeper layers of the skin known as the dermis. Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with weight gain or pregnancy. In some people, the skin elasticity cannot keep up with the rapid stretching. This leads to “scar-like” lines known as striae or more commonly referred to as stretch marks.
Marula Oil is the ideal moisturizer. It provides a boost of anti-oxidant and hydration to the skin. It is excellent for dry and sun damaged skin.” ~ Dr. Kaidi
Marula oil provides an excellent balance of moisture and fatty acids to keep the skin hydrated and moist. With high levels of Omega 9 and Omega 6 fatty acids, it improves skin elasticity during pregnancy and helps reduce skin tearing. Good fatty acid balance is important in the overall health and elasticity of your skin.
In addition, Marula oil has higher levels of oleic (twice that of of Argan oil) and as a result is able to penetrate more rapidly. It also has higher levels of stearic and palmitic acid that help trap in moisture. This allows for longer lasting moisture and elasticity. Improved elasticity can preempt the formation of stretch marks.
Marula -The Leakey Collection is 100% natural and has no chemicals or preservatives, which also makes it perfect for a moisturizer as well!
With higher level of antioxidants & omega 9 acid than argan or grape seed oil, Marula assists in providing more advanced protection against environmental stressors and free radicals, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines & other signs of premature aging. Light & powerful, this highly prized oil leaves skin soft & supple with increased elasticity & firmness for healthy, beautiful & age defying radiance.
Suitable for all skin types.
- Omega-rich with exceptional moisturizing benefits for a radiant finish
- Fast absorbing, light, non-greasy texture
- Provides long-lasting hydration
- Naturally healing to reduce inflammation and redness
- Leaves skin soft, supple and glowing
- Can lead to noticeable improvement in skin’s elasticity and firmness with consistent use
- Anti-microbial properties make it appropriate for all skin types
We were told our food was unfit for consumption and demanded that we call off the event...
Written from Quail Hollow Farm by Monte and Laura Bledsoe (see entire letter here: www.quailhollowfarmcsa.com
The evening was everything I had dreamed and hoped it would be. The weather was perfect, the farm was filled with friends and guests roaming around talking about organic, sustainable farming practices. Our guests were excited to spend an evening together. The food was prepared exquisitely. The long dinner table, under the direction of dear friends, was absolutely stunningly beautiful. The music was superb. The stars were bright and life was really good. And then, …for a few moments, it felt like the rug was pulled out from underneath us and my wonderful world came crashing down. As guests were mingling, finishing tours of the farm, and while the first course of the meal was being prepared and ready to be sent out, a Southern Nevada Health District employee came for an inspection.
Community Dinner at Quail Farm
Because this was a gathering of people invited to our farm for dinner, I had no idea that the Health Department would become involved. I received a phone call from them two days before the event informing me that because this was a “public event” (I would like to know what is the definition of “public” and “private”) we would be required to apply for a “special use permit.” If we did not do so immediately, we would be charged a ridiculous fine. Stunned, we immediately complied.
Who gave them the right to tell me what I feed my animals?
We were in the middle of our harvest day for our CSA shares, a very busy time for us, but Monte immediately left to comply with the demand and filled out the required paper work and paid for the fee. (Did I mention that we live in Overton, nowhere near a Health Department office?) Paper work now in order, he was informed that we would not actually be given the permit until an inspector came to check it all out. She came literally while our guests were arriving! In order to overcome any trouble with the Health Department of cooking on the premises, most of the food was prepared in a certified kitchen in Las Vegas; and to further remove any doubt, we rented a certified kitchen trailer to be here on the farm for the preparation of the meals.
The inspector, Mary Oaks, clearly not the one in charge of the inspection as she was constantly on the phone with her superior Susan somebody who was calling all the shots from who knows where.
We were told our food was unfit for consumption and demanded that we call off the event because:
EH Specialist II Mary Oakes
Some of the prepared food packages did not have labels on them. (The code actually allows for this if it is to be consumed within 72 hours.)
Some of the meat was not USDA certified. (Did I mention that this was a farm to fork meal?)
Some of the food that was prepared in advance was not up to temperature at the time of inspection. (It was being prepared to be brought to proper temperature for serving when the inspection occurred.)
Even the vegetables prepared in advance had to be thrown out because they were cut and were then considered a “bio-hazard”.
We did not have receipts for our food. (Reminder! This food came from farms not from the supermarket! I have talked with several chefs who have said that in all their years cooking they have never been asked for receipts.)
The same battle continues. I pray the result of the battle will be the same, that we have been “endowed by our Creator with … life and liberty.”
At this time Monte, trying to reason with Susan to find a possible solution for the problem, suggested turning this event from a “public” event to a “private” event by allowing the guests to become part of our farm club, thus eliminating any jurisdiction or responsibility on their part. This idea infuriated Susan and threatened that if we did not comply the police would be called and personally escort our guests off the property. This is not the vision of the evening we had in mind! So regretfully, again we complied.
The only way to keep our guests on the property was to destroy the food
Bleach is poured on organic food
I can’t tell you how sick to my stomach I was watching that first dish of Mint Lamb Meatballs hit the bottom of the unsanitized trash can. Here we were with guests who had paid in advance and had come from long distances away anticipating a wonderful dining experience, waiting for dinner while we were behind the kitchen curtain throwing it away! I know of the hours and labor that went into the preparation of that food. We asked the inspector if we could save the food for a private family event that we were having the next day. (A personal family choice to use our own food.) We were denied and she was insulted that we would even consider endangering our families health. I assured her that I had complete faith and trust in Giovanni our chef and the food that was prepared, (obviously, or I wouldn’t be wanting to serve it to our guests).
Farm food is destroyed
The battles are started by government officials swooping down on farms and farmers like SWAT teams confiscating not only the wholesome food items produced but even their farm equipment!
I then asked if we couldn’t feed the food to our “public guests” or even to our private family, then at least let us feed it to our pigs. (I think it should be a criminal action to waste any resource of the land. Being dedicated to our organic farm, we are forever looking for good inputs into our compost and soil and good food that can be fed to our animals. The animals and compost pile always get our left over garden surplus and food. We truly are trying to be as sustainable as possible.) Again, a call to Susan and another negative response. Okay, so let me get this right. So the food that was raised here on our farm and selected and gathered from familiar local sources, cooked and prepared with skill and love was even unfit to feed to my pigs!?! Who gave them the right to tell me what I feed my animals? Not only were we denied the use of the food for any purpose, to ensure that it truly was unfit for feed of any kind we were again threatened with police action if we did not only throw the food in the trash, but then to add insult to injury, we were ordered to pour bleach on it.
Farm Food
Now the food is also unfit for compost as I would be negligent to allow any little critters to nibble on it while it was composting and ingest that bleach resulting in a horrible death. Literally hundreds of pounds of food was good for nothing but adding to our ever increasing land fill! At some point in all of this turmoil Monte reminded me that I had the emergency phone number for the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) on our refrigerator. I put it there never really believing that I would ever have to use it. We became members of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund several years ago as a protection for us, but mostly to add support to other farmers battling against the oppressive legal actions taken against the small farmers trying to produce good wholesome food without government intrusion. The local, sustainable food battle is being waged all across America!
Some FDS Agents are actually wearing HAZMAT suits as if they were walking into a nuclear meltdown!
May I mention that not one battle has been brought on because of any illness to the patrons of these farms! The battles are started by government officials swooping down on farms and farmers like SWAT teams confiscating not only the wholesome food items produced but even their farm equipment! Some of them actually wearing HAZMAT suits as if they were walking into a nuclear meltdown! I have personally listened to some of their heart wrenching stories and have continued to follow them through the FTCLDF’s updates.
We would encourage all of you who can to contribute and to become a member of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. They are not only fighting for the farmers, they are fighting for the consumers to have the right to choose. You can find them at farmtoconsumer.org
As I close, I am reminded of the passage written so forcefully by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence:
“He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.”
The same battle continues. I pray the result of the battle will be the same, that we have been “endowed by our Creator with … life and liberty.”
Written from Quail Hollow Farm by Monte and Laura Bledsoe (see entire letter here: www.quailhollowfarmcsa.com
Please Pass This On…We have to Protect our Farmers!
Raw milk goes from cow to jar, and “it’s a completely different milk than pasteurized milk because it’s a living product, and a lot of people consider it a much safer and obviously more nutritional product.” ~ Kathie Nunley
NECN: Lauren Collins, Amherst, NH)—Kathie Nunley started milking her back yard cow, Dixie, 6 years ago. But a jersey girl like her produces up to seven gallons of milk a day, “So we had to offer the extra to our community,” says Nunley. “What we didn’t know is everyone wanted it.”
Even with three cows, Nunley has a wait list of more than 70 raw milk customers as more and more people want to know where their food comes from.
“The closer our food is to the way it started the better off we are,” says long time customer Pinky Rines. “Tastes better, is healthier.”
Raw milk goes from cow to jar, and “it’s a completely different milk than pasteurized milk because it’s a living product,” explains Nunley. “A lot of people consider it a much safer and obviously more nutritional product.”
It’s also a controversial product that’s illegal to sell in most states because, public health officials worry, of the risk for e-coli and salmonella from animal and facility contamination.
Michael Dumond, the Bureau Chief of Public Health Protection at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services explains, “These elements are screened out when we do the pasteurization process which heats milk up 160 degrees and through that process kills off bacteria whereas raw milk does not go through that.”
But Nunley says pasteurization also kills off lactobacillus, a good bacteria that fights off harmful pathogens. Grass fed cows produce raw milk that’s especially rich in lactobacillus.
The CDC reports 2000 people fell sick from diseases linked to raw milk between 1999 and 2009.
“Those numbers are small,” says Dumond. “At the same time, this is probably under reported disease.”
New Hampshire stands to loosen the rules on who can sell raw milk. A bill on the Governor’s desk would allow backyard dairies like Nunley’s to sell up to 20 gallons a day without a license. That cap is currently set at five gallons a day.
Public health officials say the decision to go raw should be an informed one – weigh the risks and benefits and meet the cow your milk comes from.
tap!
Finally, the Michigan Swine outrage is breaking into the media, RT America, based in Washington, DC did this excellent video news report on the horrible treatment of farmers by the state of Michigan.
But Nunley says pasteurization also kills off lactobacillus, a good bacteria that fights off harmful pathogens. Grass fed cows produce raw milk that’s especially rich in lactobacillus.
