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| Best Beach in Baja! |
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| No not Cabo-Cabo has dolphins in confinement now for human entertainment...taken from wild.. for $$ |
I'm using this blog as a tool to be able to more effectively communicate with all the customers/friends
I've met along the way. Growing to now four locations with Native Foods, working on growth plans and the next cookbook, my
communication with all of you gets limited and when you limit communication to a Gemini, well it can be rough, so I'm thankful
for this information age we are in! Now even if I have a few moments at midnight and a small story to tell I can do
it! I'll try not to bore you ;-)
Sept. 24, 06
Killer Spinach (and now dairy again..and again..)
In addition to the spinach there was also some children ill from drinking milk...read on
to see why we shouldn't be feeding cows grain.. Karen Dawn from Dawnwatch sent this piece from the New York Times. Karen's
emails keep us informed of newsworthy topics in the world. Subscribe to her updates go to http://www.dawnwatch.com:
This week, America shunned spinach after some was found to carry a deadly strain of E.coli bacteria. The
Thursday, September 21, New York Times, however, included an op-ed, by Nina Planck, author of ''Real Food: What to Eat and
Why," who suggests that the spinach farmers are not the culprits.
In the piece titled, "Leafy Green Sewage" (pg
A31)Planck writes:
"Indeed, this epidemic, which has infected more than 100 people and resulted in at least one death,
probably has little do with the folks who grow and package your greens. The detective trail ultimately leads back to a seemingly
unrelated food industry -- beef and dairy cattle.
She explains that E. coli O157:H7 is different from most E.coli which
is harmless to humans. She writes:
"Where does this particularly virulent strain come from? It's not found in the intestinal
tracts of cattle raised on their natural diet of grass, hay and other fibrous forage. No, O157 thrives in a new -- that is,
recent in the history of animal diets -- biological niche: the unnaturally acidic stomachs of beef and dairy cattle fed on
grain, the typical ration on most industrial farms. It's the infected manure from these grain-fed cattle that contaminates
the groundwater and spreads the bacteria to produce, like spinach, growing on neighboring farms."
And she discusses
"the contamination of ground water, flood water and rivers -- all irrigation sources on spinach farms -- by the E-coli-infected
manure from cattle farms."
She writes:
"The United States Department of Agriculture does recognize the threat
from these huge lagoons of waste, and so pays 75 percent of the cost for a confinement cattle farmer to make manure pits watertight,
either by lining them with concrete or building them above ground. But taxpayers are financing a policy that only treats the
symptom, not the disease, and at great expense. There remains only one long-term remedy, and it's still the simplest one:
stop feeding grain to cattle."
And she concludes
"California's spinach industry is now the financial victim of an outbreak it probably did not cause,
and meanwhile, thousands of acres of other produce are still downstream from these lakes of E. coli-ridden cattle manure.
So give the spinach growers a break, and direct your attention to the people in our agricultural community who just might
be able to solve this deadly problem: the beef and dairy farmers."
You'll find the full piece on line at http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/21/opinion/21planck.html . It addresses a danger of factory farming from the standpoint of public health but does not mention animal
welfare. Most cattle, fed on corn, live pathetic lives. Contrary to the images we remember from childhood of animals
grazing in meadows, those raised for beef and milk today live in disgusting feedlots, often knee-deep in their own manure,
with no protection from the elements. In 2002 the New York Times Magazine ran a cover story, 'This Steer's Life,' in which
Michael Pollan documented the life of a steer from birth to death. That piece is available on Pollan's website at
http://www.michaelpollan.com/article.php?id=14 . It is well worth reading.
Popeye Power
Sept. 2, 06
Saw the Poltz Master at Pappy 'n Harriet's what a blast! You must see Steve
Poltz some time in your life http://www.stevepoltz.com. He makes you feel good 'cause he loves what he does sooooo much and he is soooo talented. He sang a jingle for Native
Foods that I'll try to get him to record and download it.
That evening I became eclectically engaged with my creative side. Watch for Fellini's
Dream Salad and the Jamaican Jerk Steak with Coconut Rice and Yam Chips on the upcoming specials. Oh yeah and the Grilled
Veggie and Seitan Club...club sandwiches NOT seals!
And what is up with that O Canada? The largest slaughter of wild animals in the world at point
blank range and with a club yet so you have to keep bloody beating them? At least use a gun, but I guess 'dem bullets are
waaayyyyyyyyyy too much money and don't got no money 'cause don't got no fish 'cause the seals keep eatinem. Ok now I understand.
Sing inbetween doing your work in the world!
August 19, '06
If anyone reading believes in the power of positive affirmation and healing then help me send
one of my best boyfriends Barry Manilow a pain free and healing vibe as he is going in for hip replacement surgery! Ouch and
he's young for that.. I try to get him to eat more to get some fat on those bones so they don't rub off :-)! But
that man is all about the music and I think he forgets about food sometimes! In honor of his loving kindness through thoughtful
music and support of Native Foods....sending love and healing vibrations...............
Fanilow Power
August 17, 06
It's Megan's birthday, one of my best friends since we were 7 years old..Happy Birthday
Megan!
I'm getting some movies in this summer and I'm passing on the info...
Myself and a group of Natives will be attending a Steve Poltz show in Pioneer Town next Thursday
eve at Pappy and Harriett's..The show is FREE and you should come if you can! Some of you may remember the Poltz Burrito that
was named after Steve eating late night greasy meaty burritos while on the road touring. I went to elementary, junior high
and high school with Steve. He's funny and like family. A nice way to destress from the revolution for an eve.. Google Steve
and Pappy and Harriett's.
Shall we dance?
Full Moon in August
So howling at the moon with friends and dogs, the discussion came up about the pit bull ban in
Denver, Co. and another sad and unfortunate mauling in California. Yes pit bull owners in Denver, that had their canine lovers
for any length of time, even 10 years and up, had them taken from their homes and were killed by the local government. Isn't
that a trip...?So are pit bulls the bad guys (dogs) or is it the people that owned them....what's going on?
Local business owner of healthy dog food in Palm Springs (near Native and a Native customer)
and veterinarian for over 20 years in Brea, CA. has something to say about it:
It is painful to hear
yet another news report on a dog mauling that seeks to capture more sensationalism by emphasizing the breed of the dog. While
it is sad and tragic to hear about dog attacks, the truth is that any breed or mix breed of dog has the potential to inflict
these injuries and several popular breeds such as the Doberman, Rottweilers and German Shepherds have also been singled out
as “vicious” breeds in the past. Certainly, no rational person would suggest that we exterminate all dogs belonging
to a particular breed! What often fails to be reported is the lack of good judgment, ignorance and irresponsibility
by the owners of these dogs. All of which are critical factors leading up to dog behavior problems. The truth
is that most dog bites can be prevented! Information on how to prevent dog bites is available on the HSUS website: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/stay_dog_bite_free/index.html
Furthermore, the reader who felt so compelled to post this article
to warn us dog owners, has apparently bought into more of the Pit Bull hype
by reporting that Pit Bulls have “locking jaws.” Nowhere in the scientific literature can this claim be
found or documented. This kind of hysteria further promotes breed discrimination and waves of public panic. As a veterinary
professional in private practice for the past 20 years, I find this type of “news” reporting to be a knee jerk
response and irresponsible. Worst yet, many well deserving dogs shall remain homeless in shelters, condemned to die simply
because they are the wrong breed, despite the fact that many of these dogs could successfully pass a temperament test if only
given a chance. Innocent until proven guilty—not a chance!
For dog owners wanting reliable information about
the dangers of breed discrimination, please visit http://www.roverlution.org
Respectfully yours,
Dr. Paula Terifaj, DVM and proud owner of Miss
Piggy, American Staffordshire Terrier. Also referred to as a Pit Bull, a slang term.
Founders Veterinary Clinic, Brea CA
What is Vivisection?
Vivisection is defined as the act or practice of performing experiments on living
animals.
Meeting with friends last night the topic of vivisection came up. We discussed the monkeys used
at UCLA and one person in the party some years ago interviewed a researcher that used and eventually killed the monkeys and
had asked him why? The researcher responded that the monkeys didn't feel pain anyway and the interviewer pulled up his research
grant and asked him why then is he using them for pain research, it wouldn't make sense? The researcher then
stumbled on his words.
There are reasons why they keep using animals to use for research even though many reactions
are different with in human to animal. For example tylenol will kill a cat. Also in the science world publishing is a must
and it keeps rolling over from previously published data and previous experiments which are all done on animals. So the change
to non-animal research becomes revolutionary and thus harder to procure funding as a researcher as they would be
changing "the flow" of the research and would the "funders" be willing to fund?
Personally I can't believe that God (or whatever spiritual deity or energy field) would make
torture and killing the only means for helping people. There is no way in my heart of hearts I feel this could be, and as
even the medical/scientific community is finding that.. the heart rules!
So let's get some primate dog tags to show support for the lovely creatures at UCLA that are
still being used for research..go to
Learn more about vivisection, be informed.
Use your heart wisely...
Patty Shenker's Birthday Weekend, Aug. 5-6, '06
An ode in Haiku:
Friend to all creatures
What great honor to know her
Life becomes brighter!
Summer Breakfast
Along with fresh peaches, organic cornflakes and a drizzle of agave with some rice milk another
great thing we had this morning was the tofu scrambler on Ezekial sprouted wheat toast spread with the whipped Earth Balance.
Now here's the special treat...instead of using sea salt on the tofu scrambler, just before you eat, sprinkle on a little
white truffle salt and some freshly chopped summer chives.
Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day...
A Hot August Night
Green Your Gas...
Now it's August!
Have you seen the Future of Food? It's on dvd now and I suggest you do if you are wondering about
the importance of organic food, what it is and why it matters that you support and eat organic. So make a nice giant organic
summer salad with all kinds of good things in it, grab a couple of bottles of organic wine and/or some iced summer tea and
show the dvd to some friends one hot summer night. It'll wake you up and energize you. If you have kids and you don't watch
it you are really in trouble!
In Summer Love
July "06 still
Hey do you know about Zaadz? Brian Johnson started it and as every amazing Gemini should be in
the communication business, he certainly is. What he has started has the potential to be profound and I mean this because
by gathering together via the communication tool called the internet, we have a chance to make the world better (and we need
to hurry!), so sign up and become a communicado commando.... http://www.zaadz.com It's kind of like a my space for the mission.
Peace to ya.
July ' 06
Just returned from Aspen Colorado where I was awarded the Carrot Award from the Aspen Center
for Integral Health's Healthy Gourmet Fest. It started off with their Summer Health Symposium. I was really impressed with
Dr. Mimi Guarneri, the Director of Scripp's Center for Integrative Medicine. She's a cardiologist
and her study of the heart is amazing check her out at http://www.drmimig.com. Also if you want to know more about Aspen Center for Integral Health check out http://www.acih.org .
Also attending the Chef Award's dinner was Mark Reinfeld from the Blossoming Lotus in Hawaii.
We were the two vegan chef's attending. Mark is a kind and cool soul I'm sure we will be working together in the future...go
to Kauai, Hawaii http://www.blossominglotus.com .
The trip to Aspen wouldn't have been complete without heading up to the 12,000 ft. mountain top
and sitting in on a Buddhist monk's blessing. This Tibetan monk goes around to all of the mountain tops in Colorado giving
blessings. Words have no meaning at times.
As the crow flies...many blessings.
Beginning of July '06
Saw Mariza at the Hollywood Bowl! Have you heard of her? Well she's world phenomena, a huge success in
Europe and you should hear this voice. She's from Portugal and sings the Portugese "fado" musico. Holy wow! Check her out
http://www.mariza.com Listen to "Ha uma musica do Povo" and really turn up the volume.
Meu Fado
Nov. 12, 05
This is about the dog I rescued from this inhumane
shelter in Cathedral City, Ca. (city next to Palm Springs). For 10 years it existed with no hot water ever for cleaning for
the animals or for humans washing their hands for any reason. Indian Wells, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage removed their Animal
Control operations and paid this place to take care of their "animal problems." They should have checked that they had hot
water at the very least before they paid with tax payers dollars you think?
The experiences some good soul friends and I had dealing with the kill mentality
there was horrific. I adopted a cute little guy named Mikey after I was told I didn't want that dog as he was a fear biter.
The compassion of the employees were definitely not overwhelming if existing at all. Mikey ended up with bad distemper and
after a month of intense love and caring I had to euthanize him...this was the ode to Mikey:
Also found myself loving the work of Nathan Winograd so anyone wanting to get
involved in changing the kill ratio of their local shelter should definitely check out http://www.nokillsolutions.org
My dog
Is spiritual when he walks backwards
When he wobbles
He stands for his rights
Which
are shakey in today's world
So goes the fight
To stop the old cliché
That to kill is just o.k.
Because there
are other lives to save
When I walk forward
I will try to be as spiritual as
My dog
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