Please Donate to the “Wendy Albano Kitty Fund”! If there is anything in this world that would make Wendy happy it would be to give every kitty a change to live and to be loved!
Give | The Humane Society of Tampa Bay
humanesocietytampa.org

Give | The Humane Society of Tampa Bay

humanesocietytampa.org

Please share your  intern tips with me ?? – and if you are interesting in being on the team come on in -

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Enjoy a “Suite” Spring Break at the Sandpearl!
Everyone deserves a “Suite” Spring Break!  Leave winter behind and escape to the warm beaches of Clearwater, Florida and the Sandpearl Resort!   The perfect family getaway. The Sandpearl Resort is offering $150 off our One Bedroom Suites for select weekdays in March.  Our suites offer an elegantly appointed, separate living area with a queen size sleeper sofa, full kitchen and dining area for four. The bedroom includes a king size bed and a deluxe over sized bathroom. Enjoy an array of amenities including two flat panel TVs, two furnished balconies & much more.   Book now and take advantage of this special offer.
500 Mandalay Avenue * Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 * 1877-726-3111 * http://www.sandpearl.com/

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We lost a beautiful person, friend, mother and so much more

Please and Thank you for your love and support   Https://sites.google.com/site/wendyalbanofamilyfuneralfund/

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Almost 50% of American adults have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL, placing them at risk for cardiovascular disease – elevated cholesterol is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease.¹ Elevated cholesterol is also associated with increased risk of several cancers.²

A high nutrient diet is by far the most effective method of reducing cholesterol while avoiding side effects. A dietary intervention study using my recommended eating style found that LDL cholesterol was reduced by 33% in just 6 weeks. Similar six-week interventions using low-fat vegetarian, Mediterranean, or other diets have not been nearly as effective.^3-6

Statin drugs are also not as effective for reducing cholesterol as an excellent diet coupled with exercise. After six weeks of taking cholesterol-lowering statin medications, cholesterol levels decreased by 26% – almost as much as a high nutrient diet, but statins have harmful side effects compared to the healthful side effects of a high nutrient diet.⁷ Statins are associated with liver dysfunction, acute renal failure, cataracts, diabetes, and impaired muscle function.⁸ In contrast, not only will a high nutrient diet lower cholesterol, it will also decrease heart disease risk by improving other factors such glucose levels, blood pressure, and body weight.

The safest and healthiest strategy for reducing cholesterol starts with a high nutrient, vegetable-based diet with plenty of raw and cooked green and non-starchy vegetables.^9,10 In addition, follow these guidelines for healthful cholesterol levels:

• Eat berries and pomegranates. The antioxidants in berries and pomegranates, such as anthocyanins and punicalagin, are especially effective in improving both LDL and HDL cholesterol.^11,12
• Avoid processed foods and fast food. These foods are calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods that promote weight gain. Furthermore, refined carbohydrates and trans fats – common ingredients in processed foods – are known to increase heart disease risk dramatically.^13,14
• Eat at least one ounce of raw nuts and seeds daily. Nuts not only reduce total and LDL cholesterol, but also aid in weight control, reduce the glycemic load of the diet, and reduce heart disease risk by 35% when eaten regularly. Nuts and seeds have a variety of heart healthy nutrients, including plant sterols, antioxidants, minerals, and arginine.^15-18
• Limit your intake of animal protein to at most 6 ounces per week. If you have heart disease or significantly high cholesterol, avoid animal products altogether. Animal protein consumption directly increases heart disease risk.¹⁹
• Eat beans daily. Beans are packed with resistant starch, soluble fiber, and phytochemicals which help to lower cholesterol – a pooled analysis of 10 trials found that consuming beans regularly significantly reduces total and LDL cholesterol.²⁰ Plus, a 19-year study found that people who eat beans at least four times a week have a 22% lower risk of heart disease than those who eat them less than once a week.²¹
• Have 1 Tbsp. of ground flaxseed each day. Flaxseeds contain beneficial omega-3 fats, lignans, flavonoids, sterols, and fiber. Clinical trials show that daily flaxseed consumption reduces total cholesterol by 6-11%.²²

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The Loft Cinema in Tucson Collaborates with FILM FORWARD Initiative for Second Year

FILM FORWARD Workshops Scheduled at Tohono O’odham Nation Recreation Center and The University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona — FILM FORWARD: Advancing Cultural Dialogue, an initiative of Sundance Institute and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, takes place in Arizona from February 27 through March 1, 2012. In collaboration with The Loft Cinema, FILM FORWARD presents screenings of six films as well as personal appearances and workshops with filmmakers from three of the titles at a variety of community locations in Tucson and Sells, Arizona.

“Film has the power to not only entertain but engage us in stories that transcend cultural differences and geographic boundaries,“ said Sundance Institute Executive Director Keri Putnam. “Together with our FILM FORWARD collaborators at The Loft Cinema, we hope that this collection of films and events sparks imaginations, inspires cross-cultural dialogue and opens up a real exchange of ideas and issues.”

The films to be screened as part FILM FORWARD are: The Green Wave, On the Ice, Beginners, Grbavica, Somewhere Between and Unfinished Spaces.

Filmmakers for three of the films, Ali Samadi Ahadi (The Green Wave), Andrew Okpeaha MacLean (On The Ice) and Mike Mills (Beginners), will be in attendance to participate in Q&As, moderated discussions, workshops and meet-and-greet events with the Tucson and Sells communities. All three films will screen at the Loft Cinema in Tucson and also in Sells at the Tohono O’odham Nation Recreation Center. On The Ice will be followed by a discussion on Native voices at the Recreation Center. Two workshops will be presented in Tucson at the University of Arizona: Documentary Filmmaking, Social Media and Arab Spring with Ali Samadi Ahadi following his screening of The Green Wave and Mike Mills will lead a student Script to Screen workshop on how to transition from a short filmmaker to a feature filmmaker; clips and short films from Mills’ body of work will be presented and discussed after a screening of his feature film, Beginners. There will also be a screening of On The Ice followed by a special moderated discussion for the local refugee community at the Grace St. Paul’s Church.

Sundance Institute’s Meredith Lavitt, Associate Director, Film Forward and Owl Johnson, Manager, Native American & Indigenous Program will be in attendance. Rocco Landesman, the Chairman of the NEA, will be a guest at several of the Arizona FILM FORWARD events.

A consortium of local Arizona cultural and government organizations will be supporting the FILM FORWARD initiative in Tucson including: Arizona Commission on the Arts (NEA), Arizona Department of Education (Indian Education Program), Gila River Reservation, Arizona State Museum, Tucson Pima Arts Council, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, The University of Arizona and Pima College.

Official venues in Tucson are: The University of Arizona, Tohono O’odham Nation Recreation Center, Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson Chinese Cultural Center and Grace St. Paul’s Church join The Loft as official Tucson venues for FILM FORWARD.

The films participating in the FILM FORWARD program represent a powerful exploration of universal themes that provide an avenue for greater cultural understanding. All 10 films collectively illustrate coming-of-age stories, explore identity and reveal the transformation process, both political and personal. On The Ice navigates the rocky landscape of adolescence; The Green Wave depicts the challenges and resourcefulness of a country and people in conflict; Beginners explores the relationship between father and son and the endurance of love; Unfinished Spaces shows the collision between art and politics; Grbavica reveals the scars of war as a mother and daughter struggle through post-war Sarajevo and ultimately the strength of family; Somewhere Between follows the story of four Chinese-American girls struggling with their Identity as they grow into young women. FILM FORWARD mirrors the diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints it promotes, underscoring the importance of mutual understanding and respect for other cultures and traditions that is at the heart of cultural exchange.

All FILM FORWARD screenings in Tucson and Sells are free and open to the public. A full schedule of screenings and events as well as a complete list of outreach partners is available at http://www.sundance.org/filmforward/destination/arizona-2012/ and http://www.loftcinema.com/.

2012 FILM FORWARD Films

Beginners / USA (Writer/Director: Mike Mills)
Beginners imaginatively explores the hilarity, confusion, and surprises of love through the evolving consciousness of Oliver, whose life is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover. 

Grbavica / Bosnia and Herzegovina (Director: Jasmila Zbanic)
Grbavica explores the painful long-term effects of war on a Bosnian woman and her daughter as they struggle to make a life in post-war Sarajevo. Removing the veil from the ultimate taboo of the war in the Balkans: the use of rape as a weapon, the film reveals that the post-war denial of this war crime is as devastating as the crime itself. 

The Green Wave / Iran (Director: Ali Samadi Ahadi)
When the ultra-conservative populist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was confirmed to the office of President in Iran following the June 12, 2009 elections, the ensuing protest demonstrations were broken up with brutal attacks by government militia. This documentary-collage, makes use of Facebook, Twitter, personal videos and blog posts to illustrates the dramatic events behind this revolution.

On the Ice / USA (Director: Andrew Okpeaha MacLean)
Two Alaskan teenagers deal with guilt and a web of deceit after accidentally killing a friend in a fight that got out of control. With their future in the balance, the two boys are forced to explore the limits of friendship and honor.

Somewhere Between / USA (Director: Linda Goldstein Knowlton)
This film tells the story of four teenaged girls adjusting to life in the U.S. after their Chinese birth parents are forced to part with them due to rural poverty and China’s “one-child” policy. The film provides an intimate look into the lives of teenage adoptees as they come to terms with their unique identities.

Unfinished Spaces / USA (Directors: Benjamin Murray, Alysa Nahmias)
Fidel Castro invites three exiled architects back to Cuba to finish work on an art school they started 40 years ago. Featuring intimate footage of Fidel Castro, the documentary offers a remarkable view into Cuba’s past, present, and future.

Upcoming FILM FORWARD Tour Dates

China: March 14-22
India: March 15-23
Imperial Valley: May 1-4
Morocco: May 6-13
Colombia: July 9-14
Puerto Rico: August 22-26
Oklahoma: September 6-8
UNESCO, Paris: September dates tbd

The Loft
The Loft Cinema is a nonprofit, community-supported cinema that honors the vision of filmmakers, celebrates ideas and promotes the appreciation and understanding of the art of film. It is a mission-driven, membership-supported nonprofit arts organization founded in November 2002, serving the greater Tucson area and all of Southern Arizona. The Loft’s signature events are screenings with filmmaker Q&As, with more than 450 film industry professionals and scholars visiting the theatre to date. The Loft screens new independent American and foreign films and documentaries, along with classic art films, interactive events including a monthly short film contest, sing-a-longs and cult favorites. Every year The Loft has dozens of community partners working to create community and raise awareness of a myriad of issues.

FILM FORWARD
FILM FORWARD is an international cultural exchange program designed to enhance cross-cultural understanding, collaboration and dialogue around the globe by engaging audiences through the exhibition of film and conversation with filmmakers. FILM FORWARD is an Initiative of Sundance Institute and The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Federal Partners
The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) bridges the interests of American federal agencies and the private sector, supports special projects that increase participation and excellence in the arts and humanities, and helps incorporate these disciplines into White House objectives. First Lady Michelle Obama is the Honorary Chairman of the PCAH.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), an independent federal agency, provides support for documentary films, digital media and other educational programs in the humanities through competitive grant programs. The NEH is the nation’s leading supporter of research, education, preservation and public programs in the humanities.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The IMLS works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.

Sundance Institute

Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, Sundance Institute is a global, nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to nurturing artistic expression in film and theater, and to supporting intercultural dialogue between artists and audiences. The Institute promotes independent storytelling to unite, inform and inspire, regardless of geo-political, social, religious or cultural differences. Internationally recognized for its annual Sundance Film Festival and its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, film composers, playwrights and theatre artists, Sundance Institute has nurtured such projects as Born into Brothels, Trouble the Water, Son of Babylon, Amreeka, An Inconvenient Truth, Spring Awakening, Light in the Piazza and Angels in America. Join Sundance Institute on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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North Kingstown, Rhode Island— For years, nutritional consultant Joy Feldman focused on helping an international clientele, primarily made up of adults, achieve better health through nutrition. But Feldman says she’ll never forget the day a few years ago when she was struck with the inspiration to shift her focus to helping children learn to eat right—and the idea for how to accomplish that.

According to Feldman, “While walking through the airport for a very early morning departure, I was surprised when I saw young people buying and eating candy, sugary treats, donuts, drinking sodas and neon-colored liquids and consuming all sorts of unhealthy things. Bear in mind, it was extremely early in the morning and I was shocked to see what these children were eating for breakfast. Not fifteen minutes later, I saw those same children in various stages of meltdowns, tantrums, misbehavior, and general chaos. It was at that point I knew that I wanted—and needed—to help teach children make healthier food choices.”

Feldman, a mother of two and award-winning author, said that the airport incident gave her the idea for a book just for young children. In conjunction with National Nutrition Month this March, Feldman will celebrate the nationwide release of her newest book, Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?  A children’s picture book designed to teach and inspire children to make healthy food choices, Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? explains why the phrase “you are what you eat” may be truer than children think.

 But simply writing the book, at least in Feldman’s mind, wasn’t enough. Passionate about helping children not just learn the basics of good nutrition, but also making children want to make healthy food choices, Feldman is launching an extensive nationwide tour of schools to share the message. Feldman, who dons a whimsical, colorful, custom-made donut hat, which has earned her the moniker The Divine Duchess of Donuts, will appear in front of school children and youth groups across the country. In addition to reading from Is Your Hair Made of Donuts, Feldman invites children to take part in healthy food taste challenges, juices fresh fruits and vegetables, and gets children involved through her interactive learning program. Over the coming months, Feldman will share her message about the importance of good nutrition with thousands and thousands of children as she travels across the country.

Feldman says that the silly whimsical hat and funny story is just the vehicle for delivering a serious message: “Today’s children are bombarded with unhealthy food choices. According to statistics, the average child sees approximately 20,000 advertisements a year for foods that can be classified as junk food. Reports of skyrocketing childhood obesity and health problems only underscore the seriousness of the message. Feeding children well is an important step towards creating good health, inspiring these children to have healthy lifestyles and reducing the nation’s exploding healthcare costs from diseases associated with modifiable behaviors. The truth is that when we eat better, we feel better. And when our children eat better, they feel better. It is crucial that something be done to teach children the importance of good nutrition. My sense was that presenting that information to them in a fun and lighthearted way was the way to make an impact.”

For more information, visit:  www.isyourhairmadeofdonuts.com  Joy Feldman received her undergraduate and graduate training from the University of Pennsylvania, pursued her law degree from the University of Miami, and  later went on to receive her certificate in biochemical nutritional balancing science. A nutrition expert and author of the award-winning Joyful Cooking in the Pursuit of Good Health, Feldman is passionate about inspiring and teaching persons both young and old the value of healthy foods. Joy Feldman lives in Rhode Island.

Members of the news media wishing to request additional information about Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? or author Joy Feldman are asked to contact Maryglenn McCombs by phone – (615) 297-9875, or by email –maryglenn@maryglenn.com.

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“Apple consumers want real action to improve workers’ lives, not more spin”

Washington, DC—This morning Apple announced more details of its partnership with the Fair Labor Association. The announcement came just a few days after consumer advocacy groups SumOfUs.org and Change.org delivered over a quarter of a million petition signatures calling on Apple to address abysmal working conditions in its supply chain in time to produce an ethical iPhone 5.

“This new announcement shows the pressure is working — more than a quarter million people have joined our call for an ethical iPhone 5 and Apple has clearly heard us,” said Taren Stinebrickner-Kauffman, Executive Director of SumOfUs.org.  But instead of actually solving the problem, they’re trying to whitewash it — hiring a business-funded group with a long track record of serving as a corporate mouthpiece. Apple consumers want real action to improve workers’ lives, not more spin. We’re not going to be satisfied until the workers who make our iPhones have safe and healthy working conditions.”

Coverage of Ethical iPhone Campaign:

AFP: Petitions Protest Apple Working Conditions in China

Washington Post: Petition Calls For “Ethical” iPhone 5

CNet: Ethical iPhone Petitions to be Delivered to Apple Stores

SumOfUs petition link: http://sumofus.org/campaigns/ethical-iphone/

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SumOfUs is a global movement of consumers, investors, and workers all around the world, standing together to hold corporations accountable for their actions and forge a new, sustainable and just path for our global economy.

http://sumofus.org/about/

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2012 Health Getaway Ritz Carlton
Amelia Island, Florida

August 19th – 25th, 2012

Come join us for Dr. Fuhrman’s 6th annual Health Getaway.

Take advantage of our Early Bird Special!
Save $200 for non-members and $250 for Platinum & Lifetime members!

Enjoy inspiring lectures, delicious gourmet nutritarian food, and exciting excursions in the most wonderful tropical setting Florida has to offer.

Click here for more information
or to register for this life changing event!

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