| "Connecting local, earth supporting movements, lifestyles and sources in communities around the world." |
Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture, an excerpt
by Ross Conrad
I did not develop my passionate affection for the honey bee early in life. In fact, other than the occasional
sting from stepping on a bee barefooted, or enjoying some honey in my tea, my interaction with the bee
world was extremely limited. This changed during the summer of 1989. After moving to Vermont the
winter of ‘88, I had landed a job at a radio station and was finding it difficult to make ends meet. The rate
of pay at a small-town station was quite different than what I had been used to receiving while working
in Manhattan, and, as a result, I would pick up extra part-time work from time –to time to help make ends
meet. That was the summer I met Charlie Mraz.
Charles was in his eighties and still heated his home with a wood-burning stove, as is the fashion
throughout the state of Vermont. As a result of his advanced years, Charlie hired me to assist him in
stacking the four cords of firewood he had purchased for the upcoming winter. After the work was
completed, I asked Charlie if he had anything else I could help him with. He said he didn’t, but that he
would speak with his son Bill, who might have some work over at the honey house for me... Full Article
by Ross Conrad
I did not develop my passionate affection for the honey bee early in life. In fact, other than the occasional
sting from stepping on a bee barefooted, or enjoying some honey in my tea, my interaction with the bee
world was extremely limited. This changed during the summer of 1989. After moving to Vermont the
winter of ‘88, I had landed a job at a radio station and was finding it difficult to make ends meet. The rate
of pay at a small-town station was quite different than what I had been used to receiving while working
in Manhattan, and, as a result, I would pick up extra part-time work from time –to time to help make ends
meet. That was the summer I met Charlie Mraz.
Charles was in his eighties and still heated his home with a wood-burning stove, as is the fashion
throughout the state of Vermont. As a result of his advanced years, Charlie hired me to assist him in
stacking the four cords of firewood he had purchased for the upcoming winter. After the work was
completed, I asked Charlie if he had anything else I could help him with. He said he didn’t, but that he
would speak with his son Bill, who might have some work over at the honey house for me... Full Article
The Cove: An Insiders Review
I am forever looking for a documentary that is not afraid to be blunt about what is happening to marine
mammals around the world AND one that can do it eloquently and smartly so that people will be
engaged, outraged and emotionally connected. It is a complicated topic and too many legal facts and
figures make people disconnect, so I was very happy to see Louie Psihoyos' The Cove was able to
balance all of that perfectly without being the hands off objective scientist that many documentaries
have become. This is war after all.
That said, The Cove features an activist, Richard O'Barry, who has been working to free dolphins from
captivity (dolphinariums, etc) for years and also fighting the commercial and underground whaling
industries that exist in various countries. Ironically, before he was an activist, O'Barry worked at the
Miami Seaquarium and trapped and trained dolphins, including those used on the TV show Flipper, for
10 years until he realized just how immoral it is to keep dolphins in captivity. So, the documentary
follows him as he attempts to expose the dolphin slaughter occurring in a small village in Japan (Taiji),
a place that (in Twin Peaks style) has a whale museum, is filled with whale murals, and where none of
the villagers know what is going on. He is able to enlist people with money which means... Full Article
I am forever looking for a documentary that is not afraid to be blunt about what is happening to marine
mammals around the world AND one that can do it eloquently and smartly so that people will be
engaged, outraged and emotionally connected. It is a complicated topic and too many legal facts and
figures make people disconnect, so I was very happy to see Louie Psihoyos' The Cove was able to
balance all of that perfectly without being the hands off objective scientist that many documentaries
have become. This is war after all.
That said, The Cove features an activist, Richard O'Barry, who has been working to free dolphins from
captivity (dolphinariums, etc) for years and also fighting the commercial and underground whaling
industries that exist in various countries. Ironically, before he was an activist, O'Barry worked at the
Miami Seaquarium and trapped and trained dolphins, including those used on the TV show Flipper, for
10 years until he realized just how immoral it is to keep dolphins in captivity. So, the documentary
follows him as he attempts to expose the dolphin slaughter occurring in a small village in Japan (Taiji),
a place that (in Twin Peaks style) has a whale museum, is filled with whale murals, and where none of
the villagers know what is going on. He is able to enlist people with money which means... Full Article
Hummus: Don't Fear the Bean Dip, by Cadry Nelson
Before I headed off to a university myself, college towns symbolized adulthood and freedom. To my
underage eyes, the students seemed encased in an aura of “cool.” When it was my turn to move all of
my belongings into a tiny two-person dorm room, the feeling was a mixture of anticipation and
bewilderment, a beginning and an ending.
I spent those first few days clinging to the few people that I knew from my hometown. A friend who had
graduated high school a couple of years before me, Lisa, showed me around the campus and the
downtown area. She took me to a local sandwich and coffee shop that was a favorite called Great
Midwestern, or as it was known by the students, Great Mid.
I don’t remember what I ordered that day, but I know that Lisa had a hummus sandwich loaded with
vegetables. I’d never had hummus before. In fact, outside of Lisa, I didn’t know anyone who’d had
hummus before. The only thing I’d ever heard about hummus was a rumor that it came from the
fungus that grows on corn and some people ate it on sandwiches. I watched with some horror as
Lisa bit into it... Full Article
Before I headed off to a university myself, college towns symbolized adulthood and freedom. To my
underage eyes, the students seemed encased in an aura of “cool.” When it was my turn to move all of
my belongings into a tiny two-person dorm room, the feeling was a mixture of anticipation and
bewilderment, a beginning and an ending.
I spent those first few days clinging to the few people that I knew from my hometown. A friend who had
graduated high school a couple of years before me, Lisa, showed me around the campus and the
downtown area. She took me to a local sandwich and coffee shop that was a favorite called Great
Midwestern, or as it was known by the students, Great Mid.
I don’t remember what I ordered that day, but I know that Lisa had a hummus sandwich loaded with
vegetables. I’d never had hummus before. In fact, outside of Lisa, I didn’t know anyone who’d had
hummus before. The only thing I’d ever heard about hummus was a rumor that it came from the
fungus that grows on corn and some people ate it on sandwiches. I watched with some horror as
Lisa bit into it... Full Article
What Is Health? by Daniel Chong, ND
Have you ever watched a child, so full of energy and a zest for life, sprint endlessly around a playground
with friends? The look in their eyes as they climb the steps of the slide for the umpteenth time or bump
up and down on the seesaw tells you they are doing more than just going through the motions. At that
moment their hearts, minds and bodies are being used to their fullest capacities, and they are
thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.
Have you ever looked around the waiting room of a doctor’s office at the other people patiently waiting
their turn to be seen? The look in their eyes as they sniffle, cough or wince in pain tells you they expect
nothing more than to just go through the motions. It seems as though they’ve been there a thousand
times before. Get sick. Go to the doctor. Get a bottle of pills. Go home.
Using their hearts, minds and bodies to their fullest capacities seem to be the last thing on these
peoples’ minds. All they want to do is feel well enough to get back to work or back home to clean up
and get ready to make dinner. If their really lucky, they’ll feel well enough to do the same thing all over
again the next day. What has happened to us?.. Full Article
Have you ever watched a child, so full of energy and a zest for life, sprint endlessly around a playground
with friends? The look in their eyes as they climb the steps of the slide for the umpteenth time or bump
up and down on the seesaw tells you they are doing more than just going through the motions. At that
moment their hearts, minds and bodies are being used to their fullest capacities, and they are
thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.
Have you ever looked around the waiting room of a doctor’s office at the other people patiently waiting
their turn to be seen? The look in their eyes as they sniffle, cough or wince in pain tells you they expect
nothing more than to just go through the motions. It seems as though they’ve been there a thousand
times before. Get sick. Go to the doctor. Get a bottle of pills. Go home.
Using their hearts, minds and bodies to their fullest capacities seem to be the last thing on these
peoples’ minds. All they want to do is feel well enough to get back to work or back home to clean up
and get ready to make dinner. If their really lucky, they’ll feel well enough to do the same thing all over
again the next day. What has happened to us?.. Full Article
Blueberry Blessings For Your Wild Child, a review of Neil Gaiman and
Charles Vess' Blueberry Girl, by Lichen June
Charles Vess' Blueberry Girl, by Lichen June
Lovers of art and lovers of whimsy,
lovers of words, the magical kind
this is a review for a Blueberry Girl
a tale from Neil Gaiman's mind
A book filled with prayers and hopes for a child
to guide and watch over her play
to protect her from troubles and woes of all kinds
add kindness and delight to her days
Words can be blessings, words can be curses
when spoken with the firmness of truth
Neil's words have intent, filled with love and bright purpose
to protect a child's trust and her youth... Full Article
lovers of words, the magical kind
this is a review for a Blueberry Girl
a tale from Neil Gaiman's mind
A book filled with prayers and hopes for a child
to guide and watch over her play
to protect her from troubles and woes of all kinds
add kindness and delight to her days
Words can be blessings, words can be curses
when spoken with the firmness of truth
Neil's words have intent, filled with love and bright purpose
to protect a child's trust and her youth... Full Article
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Indigenous Rights Long Overdue: Leonard Peltier's Circle for Clemency
introduction by Lichen June, information sourced from www.freepeltiernow.org
On November 5th, 2009 President Obama will host his first annual White House Tribal Summit where
he will hopefully announce his support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. Shamefully, the U.S. was one of just four countries to vote against the UN Declaration two
years ago, and the United States is still following the Bush Administration policies on this.
It is long overdue for the US to recognize and uphold the rights of Native Nations and the human rights
of indigenous peoples. We are all watching to see what action President Obama will take this
Thursday. All 564 federally recognized tribes are invited to send a representative to the event, and
Friends of Peltier is asking all tribal chairpersons take this opportunity to speak to Obama about the
wrongful conviction and imprisonment of Leonard Peltier.
Peltier has been a Native political prisoner in the US for over 30 years. Since 1999 Amnesty
International has been calling for Leonard Peltiers release... Full Article
introduction by Lichen June, information sourced from www.freepeltiernow.org
On November 5th, 2009 President Obama will host his first annual White House Tribal Summit where
he will hopefully announce his support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. Shamefully, the U.S. was one of just four countries to vote against the UN Declaration two
years ago, and the United States is still following the Bush Administration policies on this.
It is long overdue for the US to recognize and uphold the rights of Native Nations and the human rights
of indigenous peoples. We are all watching to see what action President Obama will take this
Thursday. All 564 federally recognized tribes are invited to send a representative to the event, and
Friends of Peltier is asking all tribal chairpersons take this opportunity to speak to Obama about the
wrongful conviction and imprisonment of Leonard Peltier.
Peltier has been a Native political prisoner in the US for over 30 years. Since 1999 Amnesty
International has been calling for Leonard Peltiers release... Full Article
Full Moon Feast: Food and the Hunger for Connection
by Jessica Prentice
Golden Vegetable Bisque
This Recipe comes from Chapter One of Full Moon Feast, Hunger Moon.
"In the deep of winter, when the Earth in the North has been covered with snow and ice for many
moons already, comes the Hunger Moon. This late-winter lunar cycle was called the Hunger Moon
by many peoples in various languages, but always for the same reason--the frozen land yielded
little to eat, and game was often scarce..."
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
2-3 leeks, sliced into rounds and well rinsed
1 small celerey root (aka celeriac), peeled into chunks
1 parsnip, cut into chunks
1 rutabaga, cut into chunks, and/or 1 golden turnip, cut into chunks
1 carrot, cut into chunks...Full Article
by Jessica Prentice
Golden Vegetable Bisque
This Recipe comes from Chapter One of Full Moon Feast, Hunger Moon.
"In the deep of winter, when the Earth in the North has been covered with snow and ice for many
moons already, comes the Hunger Moon. This late-winter lunar cycle was called the Hunger Moon
by many peoples in various languages, but always for the same reason--the frozen land yielded
little to eat, and game was often scarce..."
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
2-3 leeks, sliced into rounds and well rinsed
1 small celerey root (aka celeriac), peeled into chunks
1 parsnip, cut into chunks
1 rutabaga, cut into chunks, and/or 1 golden turnip, cut into chunks
1 carrot, cut into chunks...Full Article
Why Dairy Goats? Goatkeeping Adventures Part One, by Sher June
In these difficult economic times, perhaps you have started thinking about saving money by producing
some of your own food. Perhaps you would also like to control the quality of the food your family
consumes, since so much supermarket food is now processed, genetically engineered, and laden with
pesticides and chemicals. Maybe you would like to make your own delicious gourmet cheeses. If you
are also and animal lover, consider the dairy goat. She will give you all those things and much more.
A female dairy goat, called a “doe,” should produce a gallon to 2 gallons of milk a day. And a yearling
doe should produce 2 to 3 quarts, sometimes more. But although one doe can easily make enough
milk to feed a family, most people keep at least 2 does. Goats are commonly bred once a year at about
7 months after they kid, then milk for about 3 more months, and are dried off for the last 2 months of
their 5 month pregnancy. That way they can give all of their resources to their unborn kids, who get 70%
of their growth in those last few weeks. With this in mind, if a family has 2 or more does, they can
stagger the does' pregnancies to provide a year around milk supply. Also goats are very sociable and
need at least one friend... Full Article
In these difficult economic times, perhaps you have started thinking about saving money by producing
some of your own food. Perhaps you would also like to control the quality of the food your family
consumes, since so much supermarket food is now processed, genetically engineered, and laden with
pesticides and chemicals. Maybe you would like to make your own delicious gourmet cheeses. If you
are also and animal lover, consider the dairy goat. She will give you all those things and much more.
A female dairy goat, called a “doe,” should produce a gallon to 2 gallons of milk a day. And a yearling
doe should produce 2 to 3 quarts, sometimes more. But although one doe can easily make enough
milk to feed a family, most people keep at least 2 does. Goats are commonly bred once a year at about
7 months after they kid, then milk for about 3 more months, and are dried off for the last 2 months of
their 5 month pregnancy. That way they can give all of their resources to their unborn kids, who get 70%
of their growth in those last few weeks. With this in mind, if a family has 2 or more does, they can
stagger the does' pregnancies to provide a year around milk supply. Also goats are very sociable and
need at least one friend... Full Article
Vitamin D and the Swine Flu by Dr. Daniel Chong
No longer needing an introduction, nearly every human with access to the news has undoubtedly heard
of the swine flu (or H1N1) by now. Not one to scare easily when it comes to the media's standard
depiction of the horrors of the upcoming flu season, I have to admit, this time around I am paying much
closer attention to things.
While there is a good chance the swine flu will turn out to be less harmful than even the typical winter flu
(which, by the way, still kills many thousands of people worldwide each year), there is also a legitimate
chance it could turn out to be much, much worse. Some authorities speculate that, if H1N1 turns out to
be as nasty a bug as it could be, this flu season could end up rivaling the Spanish Flu of 1918, when
nearly 1 BILLION people contracted the virus worldwide, 1/2 a billion people got sick, and approximately
100 million people died.
The problem right now is we have no idea how minor or how bad things could become, as we have no
idea yet as to how lethal this strain of virus could become... Full Article
No longer needing an introduction, nearly every human with access to the news has undoubtedly heard
of the swine flu (or H1N1) by now. Not one to scare easily when it comes to the media's standard
depiction of the horrors of the upcoming flu season, I have to admit, this time around I am paying much
closer attention to things.
While there is a good chance the swine flu will turn out to be less harmful than even the typical winter flu
(which, by the way, still kills many thousands of people worldwide each year), there is also a legitimate
chance it could turn out to be much, much worse. Some authorities speculate that, if H1N1 turns out to
be as nasty a bug as it could be, this flu season could end up rivaling the Spanish Flu of 1918, when
nearly 1 BILLION people contracted the virus worldwide, 1/2 a billion people got sick, and approximately
100 million people died.
The problem right now is we have no idea how minor or how bad things could become, as we have no
idea yet as to how lethal this strain of virus could become... Full Article
Do You Believe In Girlwood? A Review of Claire Dean's Girlwood
by Losgunna Blue, age 11
Girlwood is a magical place, but it is about to be chopped down. This sweet and wonderful book by
Claire Dean is about a 12 year old girl named Polly and a living forest that always welcomes her and
calms her when she's upset. Polly's grandmother is a healer who believes in magic, fairies, and
seeing auras. She also teaches Polly about herbs, and shows her this magical woods. When Polly's
older sister Bree disappears, Polly thinks Bree is hiding in that forest, but the only person who
believes her at first is her best friend Olivia.
After an argument at school with a girl, whose father's logging company plans to cut down the forest,
Polly meets a couple of more girls, named Mandy and Brigid, who agree with her about not cutting it
down. Polly, Olivia, Mandy, and Brigid go looking for Bree in the forest. Polly's friends find the magical
part, fall in love with it, and name it Girlwood. But they don't find Bree. Polly has a vision that the trees
are falling, and finds out that the loggers are actually starting to cut down the forest. Will the girls find
Bree and learn why she has disappeared? How will they save the forest before Girlwood gets cut
down?... Full Article
by Losgunna Blue, age 11
Girlwood is a magical place, but it is about to be chopped down. This sweet and wonderful book by
Claire Dean is about a 12 year old girl named Polly and a living forest that always welcomes her and
calms her when she's upset. Polly's grandmother is a healer who believes in magic, fairies, and
seeing auras. She also teaches Polly about herbs, and shows her this magical woods. When Polly's
older sister Bree disappears, Polly thinks Bree is hiding in that forest, but the only person who
believes her at first is her best friend Olivia.
After an argument at school with a girl, whose father's logging company plans to cut down the forest,
Polly meets a couple of more girls, named Mandy and Brigid, who agree with her about not cutting it
down. Polly, Olivia, Mandy, and Brigid go looking for Bree in the forest. Polly's friends find the magical
part, fall in love with it, and name it Girlwood. But they don't find Bree. Polly has a vision that the trees
are falling, and finds out that the loggers are actually starting to cut down the forest. Will the girls find
Bree and learn why she has disappeared? How will they save the forest before Girlwood gets cut
down?... Full Article
Eat Your Vegetables and Other Radical Ideas by Cadry Nelson
Like rubber necking on the freeway when passing a car wreck, there are some things we know we
just shouldn’t do, and yet, it can be tough to fight the urge. These things include going to the grocery
store on an empty stomach, saying “See you next year!” on December 31st, and reading the
comments to articles online. With the anonymity of the internet, people post freely, saying whatever
is on their minds without the usual editing we’d do in our day to day lives. This week I came across
this article on processed meats and how dangerous they are to the health of all humans, but
especially children who are developing their food habits. Teach them the way to eat now, and that
may well be the way they eat the rest of their lives. Researchers have learned that eating processed
meats raises one’s risk of colon cancer.
Judging from the comments, you would have thought the article was telling people to get rid of their
own offspring instead of lunchmeat. When it comes to change, people can be resistant. We are
creatures of habits. These habits get associated with... Full Article
Like rubber necking on the freeway when passing a car wreck, there are some things we know we
just shouldn’t do, and yet, it can be tough to fight the urge. These things include going to the grocery
store on an empty stomach, saying “See you next year!” on December 31st, and reading the
comments to articles online. With the anonymity of the internet, people post freely, saying whatever
is on their minds without the usual editing we’d do in our day to day lives. This week I came across
this article on processed meats and how dangerous they are to the health of all humans, but
especially children who are developing their food habits. Teach them the way to eat now, and that
may well be the way they eat the rest of their lives. Researchers have learned that eating processed
meats raises one’s risk of colon cancer.
Judging from the comments, you would have thought the article was telling people to get rid of their
own offspring instead of lunchmeat. When it comes to change, people can be resistant. We are
creatures of habits. These habits get associated with... Full Article
My First Tiny House, excerpt from The Small House Book, by Jay Shafer
Tumbleweed
It was not until after I thought I had already finished designing my little dream home that I became
familiar with the term “minimum-size standards.” Up to this point, I had somehow managed to remain
blissfully unaware of these codes; but, as the time for construction neared, my denial gave way to a
grim reality. My proposed home was about one-third the size required to meet local limits. A drastic
change of plans seemed unavoidable, but tripling the scale of a structure that had been designed to
meet my specific needs so concisely seemed something like altering a tailored suit to fit like a potato
sack.
I resolved to side-step the well-intentioned codes by putting my house on wheels. The construction of
travel trailers is, after all, governed by maximum–not minimum–size restrictions, and since
Tumbleweed already fit within these, I had only to add... Full Article
Tumbleweed
It was not until after I thought I had already finished designing my little dream home that I became
familiar with the term “minimum-size standards.” Up to this point, I had somehow managed to remain
blissfully unaware of these codes; but, as the time for construction neared, my denial gave way to a
grim reality. My proposed home was about one-third the size required to meet local limits. A drastic
change of plans seemed unavoidable, but tripling the scale of a structure that had been designed to
meet my specific needs so concisely seemed something like altering a tailored suit to fit like a potato
sack.
I resolved to side-step the well-intentioned codes by putting my house on wheels. The construction of
travel trailers is, after all, governed by maximum–not minimum–size restrictions, and since
Tumbleweed already fit within these, I had only to add... Full Article
The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery, A Review by Sher June
This book is phenomenal! Besides offering general information on gardening and variations on the
usual ways to prepare and preserve produce, Carla Emery includes thousands of other exotic and old
fashioned recipes. That alone would be remarkable, but she doesn't stop there. She covers information
on every aspect of farming and homesteading from buying a farm to delivering your own baby---yes, if
you are all alone when you go into labor!
Here is a general idea of what she includes, as well as some of the weirder specifics:
How to get water – dowsing, getting it to your farm, using it, pollution concerns
Living primitively – shelter, backwoods refrigeration, campfire kitchens
Alternative energy – information and resources, using a solar cooker (We have one, they really do work.)
Washing clothes by hand
Quilting
Candle making - paraffin and beeswax
Foraging – also poisonous plants and mushrooms... Full Article
This book is phenomenal! Besides offering general information on gardening and variations on the
usual ways to prepare and preserve produce, Carla Emery includes thousands of other exotic and old
fashioned recipes. That alone would be remarkable, but she doesn't stop there. She covers information
on every aspect of farming and homesteading from buying a farm to delivering your own baby---yes, if
you are all alone when you go into labor!
Here is a general idea of what she includes, as well as some of the weirder specifics:
How to get water – dowsing, getting it to your farm, using it, pollution concerns
Living primitively – shelter, backwoods refrigeration, campfire kitchens
Alternative energy – information and resources, using a solar cooker (We have one, they really do work.)
Washing clothes by hand
Quilting
Candle making - paraffin and beeswax
Foraging – also poisonous plants and mushrooms... Full Article
An Autumn Treat: Squash Ravioli
This recipe for sweet and savory authentic Italian squash ravioli will help you hold onto that feeling of
Indian summer. (In your tummy.) The following is an excerpt from In Late Winter We Ate Pears: A Year
of Hunger and Love by Deirdre Heekin and Caleb Barber. It has been adapted for the Web.
Tortelli di Zucca - Squash Ravioli
Around the elegant northern city of Mantova these ravioli are called Tortelli alla Mantovana, “in the style
of Mantova.” Of course, in Mantova itself they are simply referred to as Tortelli di Zucca, “squash
Tortelli.” A Tortello is a 2-inch-square raviolo, also called a Cappellaccio in some regions. They are
not difficult to make and they are worth all the time and effort.
In addition to the ingredients listed below, you will need either a pastarolling machine (not to be
confused with a pasta-making machine) or (proficiency with) a rolling pin; as much open counter
space as possible; a pastry brush; and a little water. Keep in mind... Full Article
This recipe for sweet and savory authentic Italian squash ravioli will help you hold onto that feeling of
Indian summer. (In your tummy.) The following is an excerpt from In Late Winter We Ate Pears: A Year
of Hunger and Love by Deirdre Heekin and Caleb Barber. It has been adapted for the Web.
Tortelli di Zucca - Squash Ravioli
Around the elegant northern city of Mantova these ravioli are called Tortelli alla Mantovana, “in the style
of Mantova.” Of course, in Mantova itself they are simply referred to as Tortelli di Zucca, “squash
Tortelli.” A Tortello is a 2-inch-square raviolo, also called a Cappellaccio in some regions. They are
not difficult to make and they are worth all the time and effort.
In addition to the ingredients listed below, you will need either a pastarolling machine (not to be
confused with a pasta-making machine) or (proficiency with) a rolling pin; as much open counter
space as possible; a pastry brush; and a little water. Keep in mind... Full Article
Preventing Flu Naturally, by Dr. Daniel Chong
Hopefully after reading my last post, you can see there is a very simple thing you can do to help prevent
yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu (Swine or otherwise) this winter. However, I couldn't
call myself a naturopathic doctor if I didn't have some additional suggestions. While admittedly it is a
huge one, vitamin D is still just the tip of the iceberg.
Since my last post was so long, I will try to keep this one brief and to the point. All of the
recommendations below have general benefits for one or more aspects of your health and well being,
as well as some more specific benefits regarding flu prevention.
Preventing the Flu Naturally (click on each entry for more info on why)
1. Avoid Sugar
2. Avoid White Flour
3. Exercise
4. Eat Raw Sauerkraut... Full Article
Hopefully after reading my last post, you can see there is a very simple thing you can do to help prevent
yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu (Swine or otherwise) this winter. However, I couldn't
call myself a naturopathic doctor if I didn't have some additional suggestions. While admittedly it is a
huge one, vitamin D is still just the tip of the iceberg.
Since my last post was so long, I will try to keep this one brief and to the point. All of the
recommendations below have general benefits for one or more aspects of your health and well being,
as well as some more specific benefits regarding flu prevention.
Preventing the Flu Naturally (click on each entry for more info on why)
1. Avoid Sugar
2. Avoid White Flour
3. Exercise
4. Eat Raw Sauerkraut... Full Article
Lelooska's Living History, Last Evening Performance in 2009
by Lichen June
My class sat in the dim light on low wooden benches. The children shifted and whispered, pulling
blankets closer and staring at red and black designs detailing a giant bird that spanned the main wall
inside the Kwakiutl ceremonial house. Drumming began, joined by native voices, and a cloud of soft
white down blew in a gust over our heads. It drifted down on startled adults and laughing children. And
then Chief Lelooska, the largest man I had ever seen, stepped into the long house wearing a
headdress, traditional button blanket cloak, and a metal ring that hung from his nose. He called dancers
to enter the long house as animals and spirits, to dance around the central fire in giant carved wooden
masks with movable parts that could transform by opening to reveal new faces within. He drummed and
sang and told us stories as old as the cedar trees. In the glimmering light from the fire the shadows of
the dancers loomed and twirled along the walls and the audience was transported through time with the
beauty, suspense, and humor of the Kwakiutl stories... Full Article
by Lichen June
My class sat in the dim light on low wooden benches. The children shifted and whispered, pulling
blankets closer and staring at red and black designs detailing a giant bird that spanned the main wall
inside the Kwakiutl ceremonial house. Drumming began, joined by native voices, and a cloud of soft
white down blew in a gust over our heads. It drifted down on startled adults and laughing children. And
then Chief Lelooska, the largest man I had ever seen, stepped into the long house wearing a
headdress, traditional button blanket cloak, and a metal ring that hung from his nose. He called dancers
to enter the long house as animals and spirits, to dance around the central fire in giant carved wooden
masks with movable parts that could transform by opening to reveal new faces within. He drummed and
sang and told us stories as old as the cedar trees. In the glimmering light from the fire the shadows of
the dancers loomed and twirled along the walls and the audience was transported through time with the
beauty, suspense, and humor of the Kwakiutl stories... Full Article
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
reviewed by Losgunna Blue, age 11
Do you think that one boy can start a garden that changes a whole city? Well, Liam can! Liam was
different from a lot of people in that city. He loved to be outside. One day, in an unusual spot, he
found some little plants and began to take care of them. Liam wasn't a gardener, but he figured out
what the plants needed. Even though winter came, that didn't stop Liam from getting ready for
spring. But don't think he did it by himself, his garden inspired everyone to help. And soon there
were all kinds of extraordinary gardens sprouting up on rooftops, walls, windows, and railroad tracks
over the whole city!
This picture book was written and illustrated by one person, Peter Brown. The pictures are very nice,
they have detail and color, and I could look at them all night... Full Article
reviewed by Losgunna Blue, age 11
Do you think that one boy can start a garden that changes a whole city? Well, Liam can! Liam was
different from a lot of people in that city. He loved to be outside. One day, in an unusual spot, he
found some little plants and began to take care of them. Liam wasn't a gardener, but he figured out
what the plants needed. Even though winter came, that didn't stop Liam from getting ready for
spring. But don't think he did it by himself, his garden inspired everyone to help. And soon there
were all kinds of extraordinary gardens sprouting up on rooftops, walls, windows, and railroad tracks
over the whole city!
This picture book was written and illustrated by one person, Peter Brown. The pictures are very nice,
they have detail and color, and I could look at them all night... Full Article
The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved
by Sandor Ellix Katz, reviewed by Sher June
This book should be read by everyone who eats. Sandor Ellix Katz first takes on corporate agriculture,
extensively detailing how it poisons and depletes our foods and the earth. He then introduces the
alternative food revolution of individuals and communities retaking control of their food and working for
food justice, safety and security. In his own words,” This revolution will not be genetically engineered,
pumped up with hormones, covered in pesticides, individually wrapped or microwaved.... This
revolution is nourishing and sensual. This revolution reinvigorates local economies. This revolution
rescues traditional foods that are in danger of extinction and revives skills that will enable people to
survive the inevitable collapse of the unsustainable, globalized, industrial food system.”
Sandor Katz explains there is much about our food supply that most Americans, happy with our
convenient, plentiful food, don't understand---for instance, the incredible hidden costs of this system.
Billions of dollars are spent annually for gasoline to transport food, often over 1000 miles, to market; for
military costs to maintain control of... Full Article
by Sandor Ellix Katz, reviewed by Sher June
This book should be read by everyone who eats. Sandor Ellix Katz first takes on corporate agriculture,
extensively detailing how it poisons and depletes our foods and the earth. He then introduces the
alternative food revolution of individuals and communities retaking control of their food and working for
food justice, safety and security. In his own words,” This revolution will not be genetically engineered,
pumped up with hormones, covered in pesticides, individually wrapped or microwaved.... This
revolution is nourishing and sensual. This revolution reinvigorates local economies. This revolution
rescues traditional foods that are in danger of extinction and revives skills that will enable people to
survive the inevitable collapse of the unsustainable, globalized, industrial food system.”
Sandor Katz explains there is much about our food supply that most Americans, happy with our
convenient, plentiful food, don't understand---for instance, the incredible hidden costs of this system.
Billions of dollars are spent annually for gasoline to transport food, often over 1000 miles, to market; for
military costs to maintain control of... Full Article
Zoom In: Focus on Executive Review by Friends of Leonard Peltier
A new campaign sponsored by the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LP-DOC) with Friends
of Peltier and the International Peltier Forum
The United States courts have acknowledged that Leonard Peltier was the victim of official misconduct
and convicted on the basis of fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony.
However, the courts have not granted Leonard a new trial.
Attorney General Eric Holder can conduct an Executive Review of the Peltier case and provide a remedy.
In fact, he has said that in the face of misconduct by Department of Justice officials, it's his job to do the
right thing. That's why we've renewed the call for an Executive Review of the Peltier case.
People often ask... "Who are those Peltier supporters, anyway?" We're all just ordinary folks from all
around the world. We're a diverse group, representative of all .races/ethnicities, religions, social
classes, political beliefs, etc. Yet, we have at least one thing in common. We know a grave injustice has
been done to Leonard... Full Article
A new campaign sponsored by the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LP-DOC) with Friends
of Peltier and the International Peltier Forum
The United States courts have acknowledged that Leonard Peltier was the victim of official misconduct
and convicted on the basis of fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony.
However, the courts have not granted Leonard a new trial.
Attorney General Eric Holder can conduct an Executive Review of the Peltier case and provide a remedy.
In fact, he has said that in the face of misconduct by Department of Justice officials, it's his job to do the
right thing. That's why we've renewed the call for an Executive Review of the Peltier case.
People often ask... "Who are those Peltier supporters, anyway?" We're all just ordinary folks from all
around the world. We're a diverse group, representative of all .races/ethnicities, religions, social
classes, political beliefs, etc. Yet, we have at least one thing in common. We know a grave injustice has
been done to Leonard... Full Article
Even MORE Info on the Swine Flu by Dr. Daniel Chong
Well, believe it or not, there's MORE info to talk about here, specifically regarding measures to take
for prevention and treatment of this nasty little flu Specifically, I have added the following
suggestions to the measures I have already mentioned in previous posts:
NAC (n-acetyl cysteine)
* Adults: 600mg twice a day throughout flu season
* Children: 20mg per kg of body weight (1 kg = 2.2 lbs) throughout flu season
* If flu symptoms start, DOUBLE dose and maintain there until symptoms subside.
* Reduces likelihood of getting flu, and is a mucolytic (breaks up mucous) agent, which could be of
particular benefit in the lung congestion that people get with this condition... Full Article
Well, believe it or not, there's MORE info to talk about here, specifically regarding measures to take
for prevention and treatment of this nasty little flu Specifically, I have added the following
suggestions to the measures I have already mentioned in previous posts:
NAC (n-acetyl cysteine)
* Adults: 600mg twice a day throughout flu season
* Children: 20mg per kg of body weight (1 kg = 2.2 lbs) throughout flu season
* If flu symptoms start, DOUBLE dose and maintain there until symptoms subside.
* Reduces likelihood of getting flu, and is a mucolytic (breaks up mucous) agent, which could be of
particular benefit in the lung congestion that people get with this condition... Full Article
MYCELIUM RUNNING: How Fungi Can Help Save the World by Paul Stamets
review by Sher June
When research biologist Paul Stamets suggests fungi can help save the world, he is absolutely
serious. In fact, he contends they can rescue it in several different ways. There are the medicines to be
derived from fungi, probably more than we can yet imagine. Fungi for insect pest control. Fungi can
absorb and often digest toxics from their environments---toxics as diverse as heavy metals, PCB's, oil
spills, and radioactivity. Fungal partnerships can revolutionize our farming methods. And we can heal
the ecosystems of damaged forest lands by introducing selected fungal species into those
environments. Paul Stamets is one of the visionaries of our time. He is revolutionizing the ways we
look at fungi.
This book starts by teaching the basics of mycology. Mycelium are fungal threads that form a network,
usually underground. Mushrooms are just their fruiting bodies. Mycelium are so tiny that one cubic
inch of soil can contain enough to stretch for 8 miles. But mycelial networks can cover as much as
thousands of acres, making certain varieties of fungi the largest organisms in the world... Full Article
review by Sher June
When research biologist Paul Stamets suggests fungi can help save the world, he is absolutely
serious. In fact, he contends they can rescue it in several different ways. There are the medicines to be
derived from fungi, probably more than we can yet imagine. Fungi for insect pest control. Fungi can
absorb and often digest toxics from their environments---toxics as diverse as heavy metals, PCB's, oil
spills, and radioactivity. Fungal partnerships can revolutionize our farming methods. And we can heal
the ecosystems of damaged forest lands by introducing selected fungal species into those
environments. Paul Stamets is one of the visionaries of our time. He is revolutionizing the ways we
look at fungi.
This book starts by teaching the basics of mycology. Mycelium are fungal threads that form a network,
usually underground. Mushrooms are just their fruiting bodies. Mycelium are so tiny that one cubic
inch of soil can contain enough to stretch for 8 miles. But mycelial networks can cover as much as
thousands of acres, making certain varieties of fungi the largest organisms in the world... Full Article