Interesting Information: April 14, 2015
Chickenpox and Shingles
BOUGHT, the movie, is sharing some of its out-takes with those who signed up for getting further information.
This little video/interview discusses chickenpox and shingles.
Books/Recipes: NOURISHING BROTH, Sally Fallon Morell and Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD
Books/Recipes: April 14, 2015
NOURISHING BROTH
The “nourishing” genre of food/cookbooks has been enriched by one: Sally Fallon Morell and Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD’s NOURISHING BROTH.
You may recall that Sally Fallon Morell wrote NOURISHING TRADITIONS with Dr. Mary Enig, who fought the good fight to show how dangerous trans fats and vegetable oils are and how good for you saturated fats from healthy animals are. And you may recall that Jennifer McGruther recently published NOURISHING KITCHEN and has a great web site that is a constant resource–as is the Weston A. Price Foundation’s web site.
So, you cannot read this blog for long without knowing I am a big fan of and great believer in real, homemade bone broths. Of course I ordered this new book anyway–and it is chock full of the science of bone broths, of why they are so good for us. And, of course, the book tells you all the ins and outs of making bone broths and how to use them in all sorts of soups, stews, sauces, gravies, and so forth.
After reading the book, I have been defrosting my stored bone broths and heating a cup full for breakfast–instead of drinking tea. I add raw milk and salt if needed, and am thinking of adding a beaten raw egg, such as you might find in a Chinese or Greek egg soup. I am finding I have no need for coffee/tea after this gorgeous drink–one that feels good right down to my toes. And look, ma, no sugar/honey in the morning. Many cultures drink a hot bone broth soup for breakfast–while we are eating and feeding our children a nutrient nightmare of sugared cereal. It didn’t take me but one morning to realize what I had been missing.
One of the many things that Morell and Daniel point out is that with the advent of fake bouillon cubes (which have no meat in them and are the beginning of the dangerous excitotoxin MSG), we lost the nourishment we were getting from bone broths that were the base of much of the food we ate. Bone broths build…bones. Bone broths are full of gelatin (if made right) and lots of minerals and good fats–all mixed up in a hearty hot broth.
So, in a restaurant, if you encounter a “homemade soup,” ask if the soup is made from bones/meat in the kitchen or if a “base” is used. Avoid the base soup as it is all made from fake products.
Here’s a little video of Kaayla T. Daniels talking about bone broths and bones:
Turkey Tracks: April Update
Turkey Tracks: April 13, 2015
April Update
Where does the time fly to?
I am never sure, beyond the certain knowledge that it’s moving really fast…
As you can see from earlier posts, I’ve just returned from an exciting few days of classes and viewing at the April MQX show in Manchester, NH–with friend Gail Galloway-Nicholson.
Here’s our favorite quilt from this show–and I’m sorry that I did not get the quilter’s name.
I can appreciate the glorious work in this quilt, but for myself, I shy away from trying to make something with so, so much work in it. I prefer a quilt that can be used and loved and washed. Thus, I was much more drawn to this Bonnie Hunter quilt–Texas Tumbleweeds–done in a different colorway than what Bonnie did:
Bonnie Hunter is part of the American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine’s 2015 4-patch challenge. And as you know, I’ve been making these “Bonnie” blocks right along. About 10 days or so ago, Bonnie showed how she was going to set her blocks. Bonnie used aqua, and I’ve chosen a limey green:
I’m working on the Coastal Quilter’s UFO challenge–due in May–so I’m making these blocks as a kind of leader/ender project at the moment.
And waiting to see how Bonnie is going to set them…
Look what I found along the front walk way today…
Snow drops! Aptly named…
Quilting Information: MQX, Manchester, NH–Jenny Pedigo and Helen Robinson Quilts
Quilting Information: April 13, 2015
MQX, Manchester, NH–Jenny Pedigo and Helen Robinson Quilts
I appreciate modern quilts, but am not drawn to making them.
However, the Jenny Pedigo and Helen Robinson (sisters) display of quilts at this spring’s MQX show was really fun to see. And I certainly enjoy the sense of “style” and the lovely quilting seen in modern quilts.
I attempted to take a picture of most of the quilts shown. Or pieces of these quilts anyway. Those of you who have ipads or iphones can enlarge the pictures to see the fine detail of the quilting.
And, there is at least one book from these two amazing women.
Note that modern quilts often play with the juxtaposition of straight lines and curves.
And note the use of grey here, which is very “big” right now.
Here’s my favorite:
These quilts are GRAND! So fun.
Quilting Information: MQX, Manchester, New Hampshire, April 2015
Quilting Information: April 13, 2015
MQX 2015
I am just back from the Machine Quilters’ Expo, held in early April in Manchester, New Hampshire.
I took four classes and really learned so much. The teachers were Judi Madsen, Judy Woodworth, and Angela Huffman.
I used to free-motion on my domestic machine a lot. But when I got my long arm, I settled into making the kind of quilts I love the most: big and scrappy. Those quilts really look their best when quilted with an even, overall pattern. Thus, I’ve been using pantographs most of the time.
However, I do not want to lose my free-motion skills. And I do make some quilts that would look great with more custom quilting.
So, I have a goal of improving my “front of the machine” skills this year.
Angela Huffman does it all. She spent her time teaching us how she works. She uses free-motion and templates. She taught us so many patterns that I will definitely be able to use. Her web site is http://www.quiltedjoy.com.
Modern quilter Judi Madsen’s work is so beautiful. Here are some examples–which she broke down and taught us to do. (Of course it takes practice.) Quilting at this level often involves layering two wool battings to get the trapunto effects. AND, lots of marking on the quilt, a straight ruler, and MATH.
Judy Woodworth is more of a traditional quilter, but I think she can do anything she wants to do.
Here she urges us to just have fun and experiment.
Books: Book Club Book List for 2015-2016
Books: April 13, 2015
Book Club List for 2015-2016
We met, we discussed, we chose…
There are 6 of us and each of us brings 5 book suggestions to the group–and the group chooses 2 of each member’s 5 books.
It works well…
Here’s our new list, which runs to April of 2016.
The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, Deborah Rodriguez
From the author of the memoir Kabul Beauty School comes a fiction debut as compelling as real life: the story of a remarkable coffee shop in the heart of Afghanistan, and the men and women who meet there — thrown together by circumstance, bonded by secrets, and united in an extraordinary friendship.
The People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks
An ambitious, electrifying work that traces the harrowing journey of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, a beautifully illuminated Hebrew manuscript created in fifteenth-century Spain.
Leaving Before the Rains Come, Alexandra Fuller
Memoir about the unravelling of a twenty-year marriage that began in Africa.
All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
Tackles questions of survival, endurance, and moral obligations during war time. Called a “vastly entertaining feat of storytelling” in a NY Times book review.
Still Life with Breadcrumbs, Anna Quinlan
Brilliantly written, powerfully observed, a deeply moving and often very funny story of unexpected love.
Sparta, Roxana Robinson
Conrad is a Williams graduate who flies back home to the United States after four years in Iraq to face the weird vagaries of his homeland. At only 26, he sees American life with new eyes — or are they old eyes, those of a damaged warrior.
The Homesman, Glendon Swarthout
A haunting novel. A haunting movie. Many of the women on the prairie frontier go mad and have to be taken back to civilization–a journey of danger in many ways.
French Hats in Iran, Haydar Radjavi
Presents a series of mini-tales that features characters such as: the elderly father who works in the Tabriz bazaar and runs his household according to unbending religious precepts; the resourceful mother who finds ways to enjoy such forbidden frivolities as music; the female playmate who marries at the age of nine; and, more
Big Little Lies, Liane Moriarity
A brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive.
The Sandalwood Tree, Elle Newmark
A sweeping story that expertly blends fiction and history as the author weaves together two stories which take place in two tumultuous times in Indian history. One story recounts the events of India’s First World War also known as the Sepoy Mutiny; the other takes place during the 1940’s as British rule was coming to an end in India.
Euphoria, Lilly King
The story of three young, gifted anthropologists in 1933 caught in a passionate love triangle that threatens theirs bonds, their careers, and ultimately their lives. Set between World War I and II and inspired by events in the life of revolutionary anthropologist Margaret Mead, Euphoria is an enthralling story passion, possession, exploration and sacrifice.
Wild From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, Cheryl Strayed
Memoir. Movie. Powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.
Interesting Information: Testing for BPA and More: Which Bottled Water is Best?
Interesting Information: March 27, 2015
BPA: Which Bottled Water is Best?
Shane Ellison, or “The People’s Chemist,” is a brash young man, yes, but one who does some really good work with chemistry issues.
He spent some time recently testing BPA levels in bottled water–the BPA would have come from the plastic container.
Here he shares which bottled water is best–if you are going to drink bottled water.
I have several essays on the bottled water issue on this blog under the Mainely Tipping Points Essays. That issue is fascinating, actually.
Testing for BPA and More: Which Water is Best? – The People’s Chemist.
Interesting Information: East Coast is Blue on the World Weather Map
Interesting Information: March 27, 2015
East Coast is Blue on the World Weather Map
I thought I’d share this weather map since it illustrates how “blue” the United States East Coast has been in January and February 2015.
It’s a visual representation of what we in Maine have been living through this winter. In Maine, February broke the cold records.
The map also gives, I think, a clear picture of the warming world–something we might not realize if we’re living in a “blue” place.
Interesting Information: Annotated Bibliography for Vaccine Information
Interesting Information: March 27, 2015
The mandatory vaccine issue is heating up in Maine. And across the nation, 132 or so bills to mandate vaccines or to place hurdles in the way of opting out are being proposed. If not stopped, you could be prevented from sending your children to school, from traveling on any public transportation, from entering a hospital, and so forth–if you are not “fully” vaccinated.
Since the Supreme Court ruled that vaccines are “unavoidably dangerous,” mandating them for anyone at any time is not democratic.
I put together this annotated bibliography that I hope will help make your vaccine choices more informed.
Annotated Bibliography for Vaccine Information
Many people today have questions about vaccines. The government-sanctioned vaccine schedule now calls for now about 70 vaccines for children and more are in development. States are removing vaccine exemptions and suggesting vaccines be made mandatory for everyone.
What’s the history of vaccines with regard to disease eradication?
Are vaccines safe for everyone? What are the risks? Which vaccines are safer than others and which might be more necessary than others?
Are vaccine damage statistics reliable?
What’s in vaccines? Is mercury still in some vaccines?
Do vaccines provide life-time immunity?
What is “herd immunity” and is it a viable concept when applied to vaccines?
Can a person vaccinated with a live virus infect others?
Are childhood diseases dangerous for healthy children if contracted before puberty?
Are there unintended consequences to our current vaccine policy?
Is it ok for a society to “sacrifice” some children for the “good” of others?
Do we own our own bodies or not?
Whose answers are “right”? Who can one trust? The following is a SHORT annotated bibliography that some have found helpful for making informed vaccine decisions:
* * *
Documentary: THE GREATER GOOD surfaces both pro and anti-vaccine views and is being shown all over the country to medical audiences. Good web site.
Documentary: BOUGHT explores how the market (Wall Street) has “bought” our food and our health systems. Vaccines and GMOs are discussed. Good web site.
VACCINE ILLUSIONS, immunologist Dr. Tetyana Obukhanych (Harvard and Stanford work credentials) warns us that vaccines are not safe, that our vaccine policy has dangerous unintended consequences, and that the field of immunology has been highjacked by the market. Immunologists don’t really know how our immune systems work, but that question is not being explored. Instead, immunologists are being paid to develop more and more vaccines. Easy download, easy to read and understand.
Dr. Yehuda Shoenfeld, the pro-vaccine Israeli scientist whose books on immunology are taught all over the world, recently pointed to aluminum in vaccines as producing seriously harmful allergic reactions. This article has links to Shoenfeld’s work: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/attacking-ourselves-top-doctors-reveal-vaccines-turn-our-immune-system-against-us.
***National Vaccine Information Center, Barbara Loe Fisher, nvic.org, has solid information on vaccines, including how to vaccinate more safely. Don’t miss “The Vaccine Culture War in America: Are you Ready?”
Leslie Manookian, THE GREATER GOOD, has a summary piece on vaccines: “The Ongoing Debate.” It includes studies about vaccine-caused autism. Published in the journal Wise Traditions in July 2012. http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/vaccinations/
This press release contains links to studies showing those vaccinated with live virus vaccines “shed” disease so can infect others: http://www.westonaprice.org/author/lmanookian/
DISSOLVING ILLUSIONS: DISEASE, VACCINES, AND THE FORGOTTEN HISTORY, Suzanne Humphries, MD, and Roman Bystrianyk, allows readers to trace the history of 14 contagious diseases, to compare published opposing vaccine statements, and to draw their own conclusions. A complex, dense book, but reviewer Martin Cadbury Michener, PhD, wrote: “If you are a practicing MD or an informed parent with doubts, you have struck gold.” Book graphs are at the book web site in color. Humphries has a vaccine web featuring videos.
THE AGE OF AUTISM, Dan Olmsted and Mark Blaxill, who argue that damage in the 1964-65 congenital rubella epidemic might not have been the disease at all, but caused by the remedy: a vaccine for mothers containing mercury, which has since been discontinued. Olmsted and Blaxill also point to vaccines as one cause of autism.
VACCINE EPIDEMIC: HOW CORPORATE GREED, BIASED SCIENCE, AND COERCIVE GOVERNMENT THREATEN OUR HUMAN RIGHTS, Louise Kuo Habakus and Mary Holland. The title is descriptive.
Louise Habakus runs the fearless parent web site. Here’s her answer to an MD who recently wrote to her on her Facebook page suggesting that the unvaccinated costs us money when they get sick with a disease a vaccine could have prevented: “Vaccination: Is It Time to Pull the Wool From Your Eyes?” http://fearlessparent.org/vaccination-is-it-time-to-pull-the-wool-from-your-eyes/ The article is introduced by Kelly Brogan, MD.
The “Vaccines Uncensored” web site has been done by a doctor who wants to remain anonymous since the penalties for even suggesting vaccines might be a problem are harsh. Google the site with the title and click on it—typing in the web address results in a “site under construction” message. There are many many good quotes from responsible medical people on this site.
VACCINES: ARE THEY REALLY SAFE & EFFECTIVE?, Neil Z. Miller (2002), an “oldy but goody” by a medical research journalist trying to decide about vaccines for his children. Looks at individual vaccines. Good historical graphs.
“What the news isn’t saying about vaccine autism studies,” Sharyl Attkisson http://sharylattkisson.com/what-the-news-isnt-saying-about-vaccine-autism-studies/Award winning Author of STONEWALLED, which covers how industry has shut down reporting questioning vaccine safety.
THIMEROSAL–LET THE SCIENCE SPEAK: THE EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF MERCURY–A KNOWN NEUROTOXIN–FROM VACCINES, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The title says it all.
Interesting Information: “7 Super Healthy Foods and Superfoods You May Not Know About”
Interesting Information: March 25, 2015
“7 Superfoods”
The Mercola post below lists 7 “superfoods,” a list which starts with BONE BROTHS.
And there is an additional listing of 7 unfamiliar foods that are also deemed “healthy.”
7 Super Healthy Foods and Superfoods You May Not Know About.
Louisa Enright's Blog 