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"If we are to teach compassion for all life
in this world, and if we are to carry on a real campaign against cruelty, and against the destruction of our environment, we have to begin with reaching children." ~ Betsy Seeton |
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Hong Kong, China (CNN) – An average 30-year old who’s eaten three meals a day since birth has consumed more than 30,000 meals to date. Even if you’ve only eaten half that much you have to admit this: you’ve let some of that breakfast, lunch or dinner go to waste. And it turns out we’re all to blame for this gut-wrenching fact: 30% of all food produced in the world each year is wasted or lost. That’s about 1.3 billion tons, according to a new report by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. WATCH VIDEO  This is one more wake up call for me to be more mindful. In some ways, the news does not shock me. In other ways, it just hits me in the gut. Hopefully, this will make us all more conscious and we can all work at being better.
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“Follow the wisdom provided by nature. Everything in moderation – sunlight, water, nutrients. Too much of a good thing will topple your structure. You can’t harvest what you don’t sow. So .. plant your desires, gently nurture them, and they will be rewarded with abundance." ~Vivian Elisabeth Glyck  Tree Bark - photos by Betsy Seeton   NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS EYES by Katie Alves - Link to her website: http://katiealves.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=96#/d3dz7uh  UNKNOWN PHOTOGRAPHER  PHOTO by Betsy Seeton Watching birds has become a part of my daily meditation.  Born Free USA Field Project Updates FEATURED PROJECT: Ethiopian Wolves  Published 05/18/11
STRAIGHT FROM BORN FREE WEBSITE: In an attempt to prevent the looming extinction of the Ethiopian wolf, one of the world's rarest carnivores, Born Free USA has waged an extensive campaign to vaccinate them against rabies. (We also have arranged for hippopotamuses in Kenya, who are threatened by starvation due to persistent drought conditions, to be provided with supplement food.) One of the most beautifully patterned and handsome of wild dogs, the Ethiopian wolf is down to only a few hundred animals, although that is more than there were a few years ago when it was listed as critically endangered. The species still officially is listed as being at risk, particularly from a new threat, rabies, a fatal and transmittable disease that was brought into the region by domestic dogs, which in turn were brought by people. Please consider making a donation to help us do all we can to ensure the long-term survival — and growing repopulation — of the Ethiopian wolf. Read updates about our Ethiopian wolf project. See the Ethiopian wolf project's photo gallery. Photo Credit: Russell Watkins/Department for International Development From the photographer's blog: "I took the photo (below) in Pakistan’s Sindh province in towards the end of last year. I was there for the Department for International Development, looking at how humanitarian aid from the UK was helping some of the 20million people who were affected by the unprecedented monsoon flooding." Read more from Russell's blog about this photo: http://developingpictures.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/the-spider-trees-of-pakistan/ Photo Credit: Russell Watkins/Department for International Development CLICK IMAGE TO SEE MORE SPIDER WEB PHOTOS  SPIDER WEBS COVERING TREES IN THE AFTERMATH OF 2010 FLOODS IN PAKISTAN An unexpected side-effect of the flooding in parts of Pakistan has been that millions of spiders climbed up into the trees to escape the rising flood waters. SOURCE: http://triggerpit.com/2011/04/03/spiderwebs-pakistani-trees-2010-floods/
Photo credit: Russell Watkins/Department for International Development I took this photo on Mother's Day, 2011. Click here for more photos.  Dear Mom,
There’s no bond quite like that between mother and child. You know me in ways no one else ever will. You also see in me all the things I can still become and continue having faith that I can do and be whatever I want, no matter what my age. You are my biggest fan, my mentor, my confidant, my hero, my turn-to person when my world comes crashing down and the first person I call to tell when things are going great. The comfort that comes from our friendship, the confidence that your faith in me instills, and your unquestioning support of whatever I do, is irreplaceable. The kind of there-for-me that you are is the very essence of what makes a great mother. I wear your unconditional love and support around me like a big hug every single day. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I’ve probably said it before ... you are my angel on earth. Thank you for always, always being at my side and having my back. No one is in my corner quite the way you are. I treasure you, mother, and love you more than life itself. You are an amazing soul ever ready to learn something new, always open to differing opinions, and so compassionate and kind. You have always taught by example. I hope you break 100 with good health and a strong mind. There’ll never be a day in my life when I won’t need you. I'm here for you too. I hope you know that. Happy, Happy, Happy Mother's Day. You make the world a better place. Love, Betsy This is a two year old plus report, but it's news to me. My radar is turned up these days as I become more aware of the toxins and pesticides in our food and all around us.  CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE By Rachel Cernansky, Planet Green
Source: Care2com Everyone knows formaldehyde exists, but not everyone knows they probably come into contact with it on a daily basis, if not several times a day. So here’s a list of some of the more surprising places you might find this “probable carcinogen,” which can have multiple adverse effects on the body. Children’s Bath Products A 2009 report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 23 of 28 baby products tested contained formaldehyde. The Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database has all kinds of baby shampoos and soaps listed as potentially containing formaldehyde. Hair Products Including a highly popular hair-smoothing treatment, the “Brazilian Blowout.” Hair gels and other personal products also contain formaldehyde.Nail Polish The Environmental Working Group also lists several brands of nail polish and other cosmetic products that contain formaldehyde. Toothpaste Formaldehyde is just one of many highly-questionable ingredients in many major toothpaste brands. (Triclosan is another.) Soap and Body Wash Products like liquid soap, including dish soap, and some body washes also contain formaldehyde. And Around the House Formaldehyde is often an ingredient in glue commonly used for woodworking, veneer and some lamination work. It’s also said to be in some insulation, plywood, and other building materials. Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-surprising-places-formaldehyde-hides.html#ixzz1LF1ld1B5 MILLIONS AGAINST MONSANTO: CAMPAIGNING FOR HEALTH, JUSTICE, SUSTAINABILITY, PEACE AND DEMOCRACY5/1/2011   http://www.organicconsumers.org/whole_foods_unfi.cfm Straight from: http://www.organicconsumers.org/whole_foods_unfi.cfm Perpetrating "Natural" Fraud Consumers are confused about the difference between conventional products marketed as "natural," and those nutritionally and environmentally superior products that are "certified organic." Retail stores like WFM and wholesale distributors like UNFI have failed to educate their customers about the qualitative difference between natural and organic. A troubling trend in organics today is the calculated shift on the part of certain large companies from certified organic ingredients and products to so-called "natural" products. With the exception of the "natural" meat sector, where there are limited voluntary guidelines, there is no definition of "natural." In the majority of cases, "natural" products are greenwashed conventional products, with "natural" label claims neither policed nor monitored. Whole Foods and UNFI are maximizing their profits by selling quasi-natural products at premium organic prices. Organic consumers are increasingly left without certified organic choices while organic farmers continue to lose market share to "natural" imposters. It's no wonder that less than 1% of American farmland is certified organic. READ MORE  click to read the articles posted above   CLICK TO GO TO http://www.organicconsumers.org/transitions/index.cfm Cancer in a Bottle?
In 2008, the Organic Consumers Association exposed a problem which particularly threatens women - a large number of leading conventional as well as "natural" and "organic" brands of shampoos, lotions, cosmetics and household cleaning products which contained the carcinogen 1,4-Dioxane. Included in the list of products were several Whole Food's 365 brand products and many products in the UNFI catalog. While several dozen companies have committed to eliminating the 1,4-Dioxane, neither Whole Foods, nor UNFI, have endorsed OCA's Coming Clean Campaign, nor have they called on the USDA to crack down on blatant labeling fraud in the organic personal care and cosmetics sector. READ MORE Methyl iodide is employed by farmers to fumigate the soil before the planting of strawberries. Many strawberry owners insist that its use is critical to producing and harvesting the fruit. I read, "Methyl Iodide's approval was rushed through in the closing days of the Bush administration (in 2007), ignoring concerns from more than 50 eminent scientists--including six Nobel Laureates in Chemistry." I don't know if that's true ... but I'd like to find out. I also read: "The science is in. An immediate withdrawal of methyl iodide from the market is the best strategy for preventing adverse effects from this highly toxic pesticide," said Dr. Susan Kegley, Consulting Scientist with Pesticide Action Network North America. Unless U.S. EPA wants to see more groundwater contamination, increased numbers of late-term miscarriages in women who live or work near methyl iodide applications, more thyroid disease, and more cancers, they need to get this dangerous chemical off the market." If this is true, why is there even a debate about banning this pesticide? I don't want it used near any food I buy. I don't want it used where any food that any friend or family member eats. Here's another quote I read: "Methyl iodide causes late term miscarriages, contaminates groundwater and is so reliably carcinogenic that it's used to create cancer cells in laboratories. It is included in California's Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer. The pesticide poses the most direct risks to farm workers and neighboring communities because of the large quantities that would be applied to fields and its tendency to drift off site through the air. Use of methyl iodide is anticipated to be similar to methyl bromide and could top 6-10 million pounds a year in California alone." I'm tired of being exposed to "acceptable levels of toxins" .... I find the whole concept outrageous! If this is an issue that concerns you, please click on the image below and make your voice heard. Or Google Methyl Iodide and do your own research. Email me and I'll send you some articles and info!  I received this email notification today. It's the first time I've heard of these "sissy camps". The ignorance, fear and closed minds of humans never ceases to amaze me.  STRAIGHT FROM ALLOUT.ORG:
Tell Malaysia's Prime Minister to shut down the anti-gay boot camps immediately Last week, Malaysia rounded up 66 male students with “feminine qualities” and sent them off to get “fixed” at a government re-education camp. These kids were taken out of school to be brainwashed out of a fear that they “could end up gay or transsexual”. Even worse, the Malaysian Prime Minister is refusing to act and shut down these “sissy camps”. Next week we have a major opportunity to let Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak know that the world is watching and he must shut down these camps immediately. On May 6th, he will be in the media spotlight as he heads to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit hoping to build international credibility - and he needs to hear from us. Will you join the growing chorus of Malaysians and people around the world demanding that the Prime Minister shut down these anti-gay boot camps? If we can quickly get to 10,000 signatures, activists will deliver our letters directly to the Prime Minister at the summit next weekend: www.allout.org/malaysia Malaysians have been up in arms since news leaked about the camp2 - and even some government officials are speaking out. The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, has said the "boot camps" violate Malaysian law3, and a broad coalition of civil society groups are demanding that the government shut them down. Instead of responding to the overwhelming demand to shut down the re-education camps, the government has ignored criticism, and instead launched a public relations campaign to portray the camp as a wholesome outings. Schools should be a safe space where children can learn and develop without fear of recrimination for being themselves, not a place to be "profiled" and sent away for re-education. Please sign the petition now, and activists will deliver our letters directly to the Prime Minister at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit next weekend. www.allout.org/malaysia All best and All Out, Andre, Erika, Guillaume, Jeremy, Joseph, Prerna, Nita, Oli, Tile, Wesley and the rest of the team at All Out PS - We have only a few days to make sure our voices are heard. Stand with Malaysian activists and ask Prime Minister Razak to shut down the camps. www.allout.org/malaysia All Out is bringing people together in every corner of the planet and of every identity - lesbian, gay, straight, transgender and all that’s between and beyond - to build a world in which everyone can live freely and be embraced for who they are. SOURCES: 1. Besut boot camp for 66 sissies http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/16eff/Article/ 2a. ‘Sissy boot camps’ should be abolished, say rights group http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sissy-boot-camps-should-be-abolished-say-rights-group/ 2b. Boot camp in Malaysia for effeminate boys slammed http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/20/malaysia.effeminate.boys/?hpt=T2 2c. Letter: Terengganu Education Department, are you not listening? http://komunitikini.com/east-coast/terengganu-education-department-besut-boot-camp-sissy 3. ‘Sissy boot camp’ violates law, says Shahrizat http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sissy-boot-camps-violates-law-says-shahrizat/Our mailing address is: Purpose Foundation224 Centre St, 6th FlNew York, NY 10013 The story of a brutal attack on Renee Polis is all over the news along with a video that went viral, showing the hate crime in action. I couldn't even finish watching the video that was filmed by an employee at the McDonald's where the attack took place. The video shows Renee, a transgender woman, being repeatedly kicked and punched supposedly because she was going to use the women's restroom.
It's heart wrenching to hear about stories like this of humans being so full of anger, hate and judgment. I find the whole idea of hating someone for being transgender or gay an example of the lowest form of human and one that brings a dark cloud over all of humanity. The people who did nothing to intervene share in the darkness and the crime, while people like Vicky Thoms, a true hero in my mind, because she tried to defend Renee against her attackers, shines a bright light of hope. Huge kudos to Vicky Thoms. I would like to shake her hand and offer my thanks for standing up against the ignorant thugs. Community rallies around victim of McDonald’s attack By Baltimore Sun The family of a transgender woman who was attacked in a Baltimore County McDonald's last week thanked the woman who stepped in and tried to help, as more than a hundred supporters gathered at the Rosedale restaurant Monday night. The rally drew together representatives of transgender, civil-rights and faith-based communities in a call to action to stop violence against all people. "I'll never forget you for this," Renee Polis told Vicky Thoms, who was hit in the face as she stepped between Chrissy Polis and the two teens who were caught on video punching and kicking Polis, and dragging her by her hair until Polis appears to have a seizure. READ THE FULL STORY |
By Betsy Seeton
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"If we are to teach compassion for all life in this world, and if we are to carry on a real campaign against cruelty, and against the destruction of our
environment, we have to begin with reaching children." -- Betsy Seeton  Email Betsy FOR ALL
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