Oppose Tom Vilsack's Confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture

Despite a massive public outcry, including over 20,000 emails from the Organic Consumers Association, President-Elect Obama has chosen former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to be the next Secretary of Agriculture.

While Vilsack has promoted respectable policies with respect to restraining livestock monopolies, his overall record is one of aiding and abetting Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) or factory farms and promoting genetically engineered crops and animal cloning. Equally troubling is Vilsack's support for unsustainable industrial ethanol production, which has already caused global corn and grain prices to skyrocket, literally taking food off the table for a billion people in the developing world.

The Organic Consumers Association is calling on organic consumers and all concerned citizens to join our call to action and block Vilsack's confirmation as the next Secretary of Agriculture. Please help us reach our goal of 100,000 petition signatures against Vilsack' nomination. Sign today!

Your email will be sent to your Senators and the President-Elect's office. For more information, check out our alternative candidates for Secretary of Agriculture and six reasons why Vilsack is a terrible choice.
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/t/8516/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1783

Celebrating A healthier life and planet in 2009

So come join us for our New Year's luncheon
Tues. the 27th
place: Wheeler Farm, barn

Time 11:15 a.m
Bring a fun raw healthy dish from God's garden
to serve 8-10, and a serving utensil and recipe.

We will be featuring Affluenza (Hard to Find PBS Documentary) There is something we can each do to be aware of our world.

Over a decade ago, John Javna wrote a small book entitled "50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save the Earth." He published it himself, and to his surprise, it sold 5 million copies. It gave readers hundreds of ideas, from taking a cloth bag to the store to installing low-flow shower heads. In the new version (Hyperion, $12.95), Javna takes a different approach.

The organic food movement is an example. There's a growing conviction that eating organic is better for our bodies and better for the planet: fewer pesticides and less synthetic fertilizer to pollute rivers and streams. But buying only organic food is expensive and a huge commitment.

Javna suggests starting small. Decide you will spend $25 a week on organic food. If you have small children, you may want to begin with organic milk, and include soft fruit such as strawberries, tomatoes, apples, grapes and peaches, which retain higher levels of pesticide residues. for more information on things you can do check out his suggestion at

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/lifestyle/green/sns-green-kitchen-appliances-cleansers-food,0,4841761.story.

74% Decrease in School Violence with food Changes

Appleton Central High School is committed to total student success. Non-chemically processed foods, low in fat, salt, sugar, and fresh fruits and vegetables are a basis for the program. Fresh water is available throughout the day. Objectives of the program include having the students gain thorough knowledge of the integral role a healthy diet plays in maintaining the body and mind. Students are exposed to the understanding of the possibility of an improved quality of life that each person can achieve with increased energy and stamina, and understanding the important role that good nutrition and physical fitness play in preventing life-threatening diseases.

http://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/ACA/Promoting%20Healthy%20Lifestyles-CMYK-FINAL2.pdf

http://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/ACA/phys%20health.htm

Healthy School Lunches

An Apple (Peel) a Day Really Will Keep Docs Away

Researchers Recommend Apple Peel for Cancer Protection

Apple peel may be more nutritious than apple flesh for people trying to keep cancer at bay, according to researchers at the Cornell Institute. Cornell researchers claim to have identified a dozen compounds called triterpenoids in apple peel that either inhibited or killed cancer cells in lab cultures.

"We found that several compounds have potent anti-proliferative activities against human liver, colon and breast cancer cells and may be partially responsible for the anti-cancer activities of whole apples," said Rui Hai Liu, Cornell associate professor of food science. He and his colleagues analyzed the peel from 230 pounds of red delicious apples and isolated their individual compounds. They then tested the pure compounds against cancer cell growth.

Previous Cornell studies have shown that apples appear to fight cancer cells in the laboratory and reduce the number and size of mammary tumors in rats.

This latest research has led Cornell scientists to suggest the triterpenoids may be doing much of the anti-cancer work."Some compounds were more potent and acted differently against the various cancer cell lines, but they all show very potent anti-cancer activities and should be studied further," said Liu.

Liu and his team have also previously identified compounds called phytochemicals - mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids - in apples and other foods that appeared to have similar anti-cancer properties and inhibit tumor growth in human breast cancer cells.

"We believe that a recommendation that consumers eat five to 12 servings of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily is appropriate to reduce the risks of chronic diseases, including cancer, and to meet nutrient requirements for optimum health," concluded Liu.Researchers at Cornell also believe that apples could fight the neurodegenerative disease Alzheimers disease.

Apples remain one of the most popular fruits going. European consumers crunch their way through about 45 pounds of apples a year, compared to U.S. consumers, who eat about 20 pounds of apples per year. Source: NutraIngredients Europe; Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

A movie in the right direction

While raw planet foods are the highest in nutrition many people including many of our own family members still like meat now and again, it was comforting to read the following report that was published about foods from cloned animals.

In Washington, D.C., September 14, 2007 – The Center for Food Safety (CFS) today welcomed an announcement by Smithfield Foods, Inc., the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer, stating that the company is not moving to produce food from cloned animals, and is taking a cautious approach to the new technology. Smithfield previously funded the pig cloning company Prolinia, and continued to support cloning after Viagen, the leading pig cloning company, acquired Prolinia in 2003.

In a statement issued recently, the company announced "Smithfield Foods is not planning to produce meat products from cloned animals. The science involved in cloning animals is relatively new. As thoughtful leaders in our industry, we will continue to monitor this technology."

“It is very encouraging when a company that has pushed for this technology now says that they agree with our concerns about this untested science,” said Joseph Mendelson, Legal Director of the Center for Food Safety. “Source: http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org

So why organic?

One of the founding principles of the organic movement is the belief that there is a direct relationship between the health of our bodies and the health of the soil in which our food is grown.

Organic growers use organic matter to build and maintain the health and sustainability of their soil. The manure, mulch, compost, and other organic matter applied not only provide the nutrients for healthy, productive plants, but tilth is improved, the soil holds water better, and plants aren't as susceptible to plant diseases. Organic matter also provides food for the microorganisms that break down the organic matter that nourishes the soil.

Conversely, when toxic, chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides are used to grow food, the all-important microorganisms living in the soil are killed, the soil becomes depleted and starved of organic matter, water supplies are poisoned by chemical run-off, and the age-old rhythms of nature that build soil are destroyed. Synthetic, chemical residues are a burden on the environment and on our bodies. So why organic?

It's simple: healthy soil = healthy bodies.

Creativity to inspire people to take action

Free Range Studios

We're a group of people determined to use technology, design and movies to make the world a more just, sustainable place.

We use our creativity to inspire people to take action for what they truly believe in like protecting the environment, standing up for human rights and calling for social justice.

Are you interested in putting more back into the world than you are taking out too?

Be our friend www.myspace.com/freerangestudios Website: http://www.freerangestudios.com

Grocery Store Wars -Free Range films-

A Vote for Your Health

Just a Reminder: Voting Ends Midnight Tonight, December 31, 2008

Change.org (Obama Public Opinion Site) lets You Vote for Health Freedom as a Priorty Issue. We Have Moved Health Freedom from 98th place to 27th place. Voting Ends Tonight. We Need 1200 Votes to move into the Second Round. For more information go to (http://www.change.org/ideas/view/health_freedom)

The individual retains the right to say what goes into or is done to his/her body or their children's. Vote for all of these here. This includes choice of: practitioner (AMA approved or otherwise), vaccination (without coercion by schools, etc.), raw food (without coercion by bureaucrats), small farm source (without coercion by ag. dept., NAIS, etc.), pure food (without requirement for or secrecy of source, GMO, irradiation, chemical treatment), natural food and supplements (without restriction by patents, Codex Alimentarius, FDA, etc.).

"Personal freedom, health freedom, civil freedom, and the freedom to learn, share information and think your own thoughts free from harassment, inhibition or interference. Oh, yes, I urgently wish us in the US all a return to to the Constitutional form of Government which protects and directs a free society.

2009 CAN be a year of decisive forward movement for freedom - all freedom - if we join hands and hearts, ignore the distractions and disinformation (which indicate just how effective we are!), focus on committing ourselves to taking back our legitimate power and using it for making our voices ring loud and clear in the halls of power, in our homes and hearts.

Happy New Year!

Yours in health and freedom,
Dr. Rima
Rima E. Laibow, MD
Medical Director
Natural Solutions Foundation
www.HealthFreedomUSA.org

Related organizations:
http://www.healthfreedom.net/
http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/
http://www.whitakerhealthfreedom.com/
http://www.mercola.com/
http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?page_id=219

December Pot Luck Planned

The December “POT LUCK” Luncheon will be held at 11:25 a.m Tuesday December 30^th at our regular meeting place. (Wheelers Farm Main party barn.) Come and join the fun.

Bring a creative raw food dish to serve 8-10 people, and a serving utensil. Plus the recipe for the food you bring or e-mail it in advance to Gary Parker at turbop@byu.net

We welcome new comes.

Merry Christmas

At this time of year I am so grateful all the many friendships I have made this past year.

This year has been wonderful.

We have fun sharing great food and new ideas for health and greater well being. And its great to be on the Journey with so many great people. The New Year will be filled with great times.

And if you have ideas or suggestions on ways to improve our luncheons or meetings please let me know.

Helen Steiner Rice said it will in her poem, Let us Keep Christmas in Our Hearts

If we lived Christmas

each day as we should

And made it our aim

to always be good,

Then we’d find the key

to meaningful living

That comes not from getting

But unselfishly giving.

And we’d know the great joy

Of peace upon earth,

Which was the real purpose

Of our Savior’s birth…

For in the glad tidings

Of the first Christmas night,

God showed us the way

And the truth and the light.

May God Bless you, and may you have a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year

Love, Ande

In the future will this be the only way to Eat?

Fun foods for December

Sharing new ideas and recipes support us all in adding more nutritional, and whole foods to our diets gives us the leading edge in creating greater health and longevity for life.Here is just one of the many recipes that are available in a vast network of resources.

Coconut Breakfast Cakes

Originally published in Ani's Raw Food Kitchen by Ani Phyo

2 cups whole flax seeds or 3 cups flax seed meal (ground flax seeds) (I used the ground flax)
2 Tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 cup agave or maple syrup (I used agave)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup water

Put the flax meal, coconut oil, agave, salt and water in a large bowl and mix well. Form four balls and flatten into a "pancake" shape, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

To serve, top with sliced fruit like bananas and/or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. Drizzle with syrup or a pat of margarine. These will keep for four to five days in the fridge. Makes 4 servings. Optional: Mix blueberries or walnuts into your breakfast cake mixture.

November’s Luncheon a great Success

November Guest

Our November luncheon on Tuesday the 25th and you won't want to miss it. Put on your creative hats and bring a dish with a thanksgiving or Holiday season flare. These dishes will help us all be more prepared for the up coming holiday season. This I'm excited and thrilled to have as our guest my friend Vicki Talmage.

Vicki,inspired to regain and permanently overcome her own health issues, through research, body cleansing, and whole foods has created a system to simplify diet, thought patterns and lifestyle; assisting herself and thousands of people over the last 28 years to take accountability for their health, improve their lifestyles, and embrace peace, prevention and vitality as a priority in their daily lives.

She lives her program, and has experimented on herself by integrating into her own life whole vegan foods for the last 28 years, and for the last 16 years she has been living and creating menus and recipes for eating only raw-living foods. Vicki is an educator. She has been speaking publicly for the last 30 years.

This is the core of her work. For the last 15 years she has been teaching these principles in bi-monthly classes in Salt Lake City, Utah, Las Vegas, Nevada, and throughout California. She has taught seminars on this subject all over the world, and is currently teaching about raw-living food production in third world countries, to create a self-sustaining environment for people to grow and produce high-quality foods for themselves and their communities.

Vicki owns and manages Vitae Health, her body cleansing clinic in Midvale Utah. She is a Lifestyle Management Coach and has been educating and working one on one, and in seminar groups, with all varieties of people and myriads of health issues throughout the world. Her premise is; Clean the filth and toxins out of the body every 3 months;
Kill the parasites and fungus, Feed the body cellular building foods at least 50% of each meal;
And the body has the wherewithal to heal itself and regenerate.

Vicki experiences this health, vigor and vitality everyday as she joyfully lives her life as the mother of 7 children and the “Nana” of 6 beautiful grandchildren.

For more information about Vicki check out her website http://vitaehealth.com

See you soon, ANDRA