Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Consciousness & Technology
Derby the dog: Running on 3D Printed Prosthetics
The story of Derby the dog is uplifting all who see it, and positive comments abound beneath the YouTube video that shares the pup's tale.
Watch the video to see how unique, custom 3D printed
prosthetics allow Derby the dog to run for the first time!
While watching this touching video about a handicap foster dog named Derby and the quest to give him better mobility, I was immediately taken back to the saddest day in my early childhood, when I would have given anything for technology like this. That was the day when my dog, Wendy (aka my Best Friend), succumbed to the duel hip dysplasia that strikes many German Shepherds, and was simply unable to stand up.
My brothers and I wept as our Dad told us that we had to "put her down" rather than let her suffer, and my world collapsed. I begged him not to take her away. "I'll build a cart," I pleaded, seeing in her eyes that she was still very present and happy to be with me; that cart would have looked like a makeshift version of the one Derby used before he got his 3D legs. With my panic growing, bionic solutions flew through my young mind, inspired by the #1 TV drama of the time The Six Million Dollar Man...and quickly fell away as I realized we had no money to spend on extras for our big family, let alone animals. Being from sturdy farm stock, my Dad was raised to never let animals suffer, and so he asked if I wanted to go along to the vet. I simply couldn't, at age 8, accompany my best friend to her end and spent the rest of my day under the covers. Today, I'd choose differently, of course.
To me, this video is a hopeful sign that we've come a long way...bionics aren't sci-fi anymore, they're more affordable than ever, and they're also not just for people. What's most exciting, is that we are merging industry and inspiration with our creative applications for technology. Showing this uplifting, real world, money-saving use of the 3D technology with Derby will surely benefit this company in the long run, and that's okay with me...I call it conscious capitalism.
Watch the video to see how unique, custom 3D printed prosthetics allow Derby the dog to run for the first time. I couldn't agree more with one viewer's pithy comment under the video, which simply says "Human beings can be awesome." Yes, we can.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
FILMS OF SUBSTANCE, A FAMILY OF CHANGE
The LIFE CHANGES NETWORK, has released its choices
for the Top 10 Independent Films That Could Change The World. It's encouraging to think of the people who were so inspired to tackle the difficulty indie filmmaking process - from idea, to script, to production, to post, to premiere - to bring us these positive and transformational films.
I love the number one film, "Stand With Me" and your kids probably will, too. All of the proceeds of this movie are donated to help end child slavery worldwide.
If you'd like to "live better" in 2015, then carve out an afternoon to watch one of these films with your family and follow it up with positive action. Discuss what the positive change in your life might be: it could be as simple as clearing the pantry of nutritionless foods, or, selling cookies and lemonade for a worthy cause. Nevermind the initial griping that might ensue with your kids, just keep in mind that is simply their way of trying to gain some control in their lives, and carry on. Stay strong, encouraging and positive throughout the process, and let them take the lead on some of the project. In doing so, you'll be fostering young leaders while also sharing a positive example of parenting and community empowerment. They'll feel good about you, and, hopefully, be happy with their own contribution.
What better gift can any of us give to future generations than to care and to take action?
For more about Life Changes Network, go to: www.lifechangesnetwork.com
Monday, November 10, 2014
LIVE MUSIC
THIRD TIME'S A CHARM
as their third U.S. tour kicks off in the Southwest.
4 shows THIS WEEK in Albuquerque, Sedona, Tempe and Tucson!
4 shows THIS WEEK in Albuquerque, Sedona, Tempe and Tucson!
Q: Hi, gals, it’s great to see you again! So, for those
who don’t know your show, is it safe to call it "an evening of contemporary
music and storytelling?"
A. FIona (laughing): It's been quite a year and there are loads of new stories to tell, so, yes, that description fits nicely.
Q: This is your 3rd time ‘round the U.S., so can you tell us what new treats you have prepared for this tour?
A. Fiona: Well, we both have new albums, which is really
exciting. I’m playing tracks from Signature – Solo, which I just recorded
in hi-rez digital for my audiophile fans. It includes “Grace” a version
of which just charted on a #1 Billboard Album.
A: Trysette: I’ve put together a new solo album of piano
and vocals to replace my 4 track EP Neutral Bay Session, which will be
available exclusively at the shows. I’m also adding brand new songs to
the show, which I've been recording for my full band album due to be released
in March 2015.
Q: Trysette, tell us, how are
the two of you getting on these days? We’ve seen your videos, you know, and one
might sense a bit of artistic "tension" at times. Any video updates in the pipeline?
A: Trysette: Well,
you know, Fiona is back to being “blonde” so it’s very “important” that we
capture that (rolls her eyes). We actually started making a third video
on our last tour, so let's see if we can get something out this time around.
It’s all on me, as usual.
Q. Fiona, are you going to get
stuck with all the driving again, or will you make a stand this year?
A. Fiona: Trysette is actually
a really good driver – but I’m happy to drive and let her “help me” be better
at it. She always has the BEST "advice" on the road. (wink wink).
Q. You gals get a lot of
credit for boosting the opening acts that you choose in various cities. Who’ve
you got for us this year?
A. Fiona: We’ve got TheFinzer/Mahoney Duo in New Mexico and Arizona, and Jeffrey Pine in Colorado.
Both acts are really terrific, we're excited to share them with our fans.
A. TRYSETTE
- Something we really love to do is invite a bunch of students onto the stage
in Grand Junction, CO to sing on one of our songs. These students attend a
workshop with us during the day before the show and we teach them the
harmonies. It's a thrill for them and their parents. This year, I plan to teach
them an indigenous Australian song by the Tiddas. I think they'll enjoy it.
We’d love to do this in other cities, too, by the way, if there are any interested
music teachers out there.
Q. What’s
next, after the tour ends in December?
A. Fiona: Quite a lot of globe-trotting, actually. I have
an L.A.-area show in early December, then Christmas in Vermont, the Grammy's in
February, China in April, presenting at the ZMR Awards in April, and an
audiophile show in Munich, Germany to promote my hi-resolution album Signature
– Solo. Then I'll master Signature – Studio with Bob Ludwig in Portland,
Maine, and perform at The S.H.O.W in Orange County, followed by a small Aussie
tour in September and then Christmas again!
A. TRYSETTE:
I plan to stay on here in the States to finalize and release my fourth album in
March. I’m excited to do some pretty extensive touring to promote it, so maybe
I’ll be back soon!
Q. Sounds good, ladies, have a great trip, we'll see you in December in L.A.!
 |
| www.twograndimyours.com |
***
For more info about Fiona Joy
& Trysette and local tour dates, visit Songkick.
Video Links:
Throckmorton, CA performance of
Trysette’s “ Silky Fingers” 2013
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
WELLNESS
The Right Mix
When Holistic Health Remedies Get the Cold Shoulder
from Traditional Medical Practitioners
Has your M.D. ever made you feel like you're "cheating" on him or her when you reveal that you've taken herbal supplements? I never expected that to happen, but I found out just how narrow-minded my very traditional endocrinologist can be today at my annual Thyroid checkup and blood test.
Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Thyroiditis, which set in after pregnancy. There is also a small cyst on my ever diminishing Thyroid, and I'm on about the highest dose of Levothyroxin Thyroid hormone medicine possible. Despite healthy eating and exercise, I've never been able to return to my pre-pregnancy weight of 130 pounds, and I've struggled with chronic fatigue at times. Then, I met a terrific holistic dermatologist who listened to my whole story, and made a few simple suggestions that changed my life.
What was the advice? She recommended that I take two Thyroid Support capsules by Gaia Herbs in the morning, and another at 2 pm, plus one dosage of Holy Basil at both times. I found the herbs at Whole Foods and on Amazon, and began to immediately feel more alert and energized without any shaky side effects. In fact, I didn't even feel the need for an afternoon coffee or tea boost, and began choosing an afternoon water instead. Over the next month, I noticed a sense of calmness, increased coping ability, and I seemed to be losing inches around my midriff, which seemed nothing short of a miracle. Of course, the midriff is where our body stores "stress fat", so it follows that if we feel less stressed, then our "caveman brain" will begin to let go of the fat it is storing there to "protect" us from some perceived yet unrealistic threat.
Heading into my endocrinology appointment today, I was really excited that after 10 years I finally had something effective to share with my doctor at my annual visit! I imagined that he would thank me, and begin to share this wonderful holistic approach with all of his thyroid patients. Fat chance.
Instead, he listened, made notes, asked the dermatologist's name, and proceeded to tell me that he'll be checking my blood test very closely. In fact, he said, if my thyroid reading came back higher, he would be decreasing my dosage of Levothyroxin. I know it's important to keep my T3 and T4 levels within a safe window, still, it felt like I was being punished for seeking "outside" help.
On the upside, if the vitamin supplements will allow me to take less of a synthetic drug, that is something to celebrate! However, it'll cost me $30 a month more since the supplements are not covered by insurance (a topic for another day!) Still, I'm really liking this more natural path, it just feels right. And, I'm not alone: according to the Nutrition Business Journal, sales of natural products are more than $117 billion annually.
One of the most interesting things that I discovered about Gaia Herbs is their transparent "meet your herbs" program, in which you enter the vitamin bottle's ID# to track the life of your herbs, to see the quality control tests it has passed, and to see who signed off on it. Here, I'll even allow you a peek at my very own "plant intelligence" report.
What is really smart about Gaia Herbs as a company is not only the care that they put into their products, but the time and effort they put into informing their customers and sharing their farming processes. For instance, after watching their gorgeous video (below), I feel even better about taking their herbs...and I have fewer reservations about paying a bit more for them. It's not only smart marketing and good business, it is a positive service for people interested in practicing holistic health and wellness.
I encourage everyone to seek a balance of traditional and holistic medicines, because sometimes one or the other is simply not enough. Keep an open mind -- it can be an incredible healer -- and have the courage to be your own best advocate in any health-related appointment.
To learn more about natural products of all kinds, visit the Natural Products Association, founded in 1935, and look for their round green seal on approved natural products.
Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Thyroiditis, which set in after pregnancy. There is also a small cyst on my ever diminishing Thyroid, and I'm on about the highest dose of Levothyroxin Thyroid hormone medicine possible. Despite healthy eating and exercise, I've never been able to return to my pre-pregnancy weight of 130 pounds, and I've struggled with chronic fatigue at times. Then, I met a terrific holistic dermatologist who listened to my whole story, and made a few simple suggestions that changed my life.
What was the advice? She recommended that I take two Thyroid Support capsules by Gaia Herbs in the morning, and another at 2 pm, plus one dosage of Holy Basil at both times. I found the herbs at Whole Foods and on Amazon, and began to immediately feel more alert and energized without any shaky side effects. In fact, I didn't even feel the need for an afternoon coffee or tea boost, and began choosing an afternoon water instead. Over the next month, I noticed a sense of calmness, increased coping ability, and I seemed to be losing inches around my midriff, which seemed nothing short of a miracle. Of course, the midriff is where our body stores "stress fat", so it follows that if we feel less stressed, then our "caveman brain" will begin to let go of the fat it is storing there to "protect" us from some perceived yet unrealistic threat.
Heading into my endocrinology appointment today, I was really excited that after 10 years I finally had something effective to share with my doctor at my annual visit! I imagined that he would thank me, and begin to share this wonderful holistic approach with all of his thyroid patients. Fat chance.
Instead, he listened, made notes, asked the dermatologist's name, and proceeded to tell me that he'll be checking my blood test very closely. In fact, he said, if my thyroid reading came back higher, he would be decreasing my dosage of Levothyroxin. I know it's important to keep my T3 and T4 levels within a safe window, still, it felt like I was being punished for seeking "outside" help.
On the upside, if the vitamin supplements will allow me to take less of a synthetic drug, that is something to celebrate! However, it'll cost me $30 a month more since the supplements are not covered by insurance (a topic for another day!) Still, I'm really liking this more natural path, it just feels right. And, I'm not alone: according to the Nutrition Business Journal, sales of natural products are more than $117 billion annually.
One of the most interesting things that I discovered about Gaia Herbs is their transparent "meet your herbs" program, in which you enter the vitamin bottle's ID# to track the life of your herbs, to see the quality control tests it has passed, and to see who signed off on it. Here, I'll even allow you a peek at my very own "plant intelligence" report.
What is really smart about Gaia Herbs as a company is not only the care that they put into their products, but the time and effort they put into informing their customers and sharing their farming processes. For instance, after watching their gorgeous video (below), I feel even better about taking their herbs...and I have fewer reservations about paying a bit more for them. It's not only smart marketing and good business, it is a positive service for people interested in practicing holistic health and wellness.
I encourage everyone to seek a balance of traditional and holistic medicines, because sometimes one or the other is simply not enough. Keep an open mind -- it can be an incredible healer -- and have the courage to be your own best advocate in any health-related appointment.
To learn more about natural products of all kinds, visit the Natural Products Association, founded in 1935, and look for their round green seal on approved natural products.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
New Release
Since I am an initiate of the Sacred Sound current, and a Kirtan fan, I found this new book release very intriguing, and perhaps well overdue for a mainstream audience. New World Library has published Sacred Sound by author Alanna Kaivalya, offering practical guidance for starting, developing, and/or improving a mantra practice. The author describes her intention for the book, writing:
“By weaving together chants, tales, and spiritual philosophy, I hope to give you a feeling-sense of how the vibrations are brought to life by the mantra, how the mantra is vivified by the story, and how we are enlivened through the embodiment of the myth and mantra..."
Explore the book and watch the video here!
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