A Distintive Style with Fran Drescher & Ed Bagley, Jr

$ran cDrescher TURNING PAIN INTO PURPOSE

GOING GREEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

fintwone $isher WARD OF THE STATE TO SCREENWRITER

Patrick Cornee CONTEMPORARY PAINTER

Paul JYewrnan DEFINIATION OF A LEGEND

fifro Celatto CONTINUING THE TRADITION OF MURANO GLASS

SEASON GIVING CHOOSE A CHARITY OR GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK ALL YEAR LONG A DISTINCTIVE Style.com

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Toranj

By ANGEL JENKINS MORRIS

Nineteen-year-old Toranj Kayvan has caught a bug the shutterbug, that is.

Originally from Tehran, Iran, Kayvan moved to Canada in 1995. Ajunior high elective course and a contest through North Vancouver's Artist for Kids sparked her photographic interest.

"I was selected to work with international photographer Albert Normandin, along with a local designer, salon and models. After my literally 'eye-opening' experience, _ I knew I had the shutterbug," Kayvan said. "To this day, a photo that I took during this workshop is my most popular among online watchers despite it being from my first photo shoot ever."

Visible at www.toranjkayvan.com. Kayvan's hobby has also become a side business.

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"The internet has served

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as an amazing tool for me share my photos with others. I have received many great responses on websites like Deviantart.com, Flickr.com and particularly Facebook," Kayvan said. "I now get hired by aspiring models working on their portfolios and local designers needing photos to market their work."

A love of fashion and fairytales gives Kayvan's work an ethereal feel.

"Since I was 9 years old I would spend my time watching fashion TV and sketching my own couture creations. I continue to have an interest in fashion and design and discovering photography gave me another position and perspective in the fashion world, and I love it," Kayvan said. "I have also always been a fan of fairy tales and I like to implement that softness in my photos which helps to mix fashion and artistic photography."

The self-taught photographer currently studies social sciences at university but also has an interest in law and communications. She hopes to someday combine all of her loves into a successful career.

"I secretly hope that this will open doors for me and allow me to fully express myself in the fashion, art and photography world."

Kayvan's work may also be viewed at toranj.deviantart.com

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Australian Environmental Artist John Dahlsen's journey from contemporary abstract painting and drawing to environmental artist has taken him to new creative heights. Born in Sydney, John studied at the Victorian College of the Arts, and for the last decade the Australian artist has become one of the most recognized and awarded artists of our time.

In the early 80's a fire destroyed John's art studio including most of his artwork and supplies. While this incident wasn't the reason for ~~iQO John's transition to environmental artist, it did have a profound impact ~~iS. 1B'~ on him. John told us that although it was a devastating time for him, .OOO'li.~W~ it causing him to turn inwards and re-evaluate his life and rethink his . _ i!! life's priorities.

Dahlsen's shift from abstract painting to environmental artist actually occurred in the 90's when a trip to the Victorian Coastline to collect driftwood for furniture making turned into a clean-up project that would prOVide John with an endless supply of items to create his art. Each trip to beaches around Sydney turned out vast amounts of ocean debris for John to take home and create new works of art out of.

Among the debris John finds plastics, styrofoam, rope, thongs (flip-flops) and driftwood.

To other beach folk these objects may have been worthless discard, but to John it was an opportunity to use his creative vision to recycle the objects he found into art. John recycles plastic bags and transforms them into contemporary landscapes and abstract assemblages, thongs become sculptured towers he calls Environmental Art Totems. Other environmental assemblages include wall art made from driftwood collected from Australia's beaches.

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."/

By Surinder Moore

06

Some of John's recent works include seascapes and landscapes, images that he encounters on a daily basis. He paints, he tells us, with a sense of urgency ... as if to capture these images before they become yet another victim of global warming.

Another one of Dahlsen's genius sculptures took form with his creation of Environmental Purges made from by products of everything plastic. They represent everything and nothing John tells us. The plastic in its petroleum state has survived years of evolution to get to this point and then regarded something worthless ... societies throwaway. But like all of his works, John breathes new life into the objects giving them a second chance to be something.

John Dahlsen is internationally known and has been recognized many times over for his artistic vision, including winning the prestigious Wynne prize at the Art Gallery of NSW (New South Wales) in 2000, and he was also selected as a finalist in 2003 and again in 2004. More recently John won the Sulman Award at the Art Gallery of NSW. John Dahlsen has also given many lectures on his environmental art. His audiences are worldwide and include participants in seminars and environmental symposiums. He also speaks are many corporate events and universities. John's concern about environmental issues in relation to the effectiveness of art relaying an important and urgent message about our planet and global warming are the main topic of his lectures.

John's work has been exhibited at many galleries and museums around the globe. To learn more about his work or about scheduled lectures and exhibits, please visit www.johndahlsen.com.

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By ANGEL JENKINS MORRIS

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BEGINNINGS Born to a teenage mother in an Ohio State prison, Antwone Fisher immediately became ward of state.

He never knew his father and found out years later that his father was murdered in the prime of his life.

After spending the first couple of years of his life with a loving foster-family, Antwone was transferred to a new foster family, the Pickett's. The Pickett's appeared to be well-to-do community people but the fact is their home would create a nightmarish existence for Antwone for years to come.

UNWANTED Day after day Antwone suffered new levels of cruelty and humiliation in the Pickett's household, where three other foster children were also living. Mrs. Pickett had her favorite amongst them and would make certain that the others felt unwanted. One example of her cruel behavior stands out in Antwone's memory when he was about 4 years old. It was Christmas time and there were many gifts piled under the tree but like previous years there were no gifts tagged with his name. Antwone had learned how to lick his wounds and continue on though, and found other things to do to distract himself from the neglect. Caseworkers made several notes about Antwone's behavior in his case file, several of these are detailed in Finding Fish, but the Pickett's were never investigated.

INVISIBLE By the time Antwone turned 17 he had decided he could no longer tolerate the abuse, and was living on the streets of Cleveland. When I asked Antwone about his experience as a homeless teen he told me "I saw everyone and everything, but no one saw me, no one noticed me ... people can't believe that a young boy could be homeless.. .it's easier to look away." Antwone used writing, mainly poetry, as a means of escape from his harsh reality. Years later he would go on to publish a best selling book titled "Who Will Cry For The Little Boy?' a collection of poems including poems he had written during a short stay at an orphanage.

Antwone's life on the streets came to an end when he enlisted in the Navy. This gave him an escape from homelessness and a 0 portu . plore new places for the t 11 In tim twOne e vy Psychi A DISTINCTIVE Style.com

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emotional difficulties. Williams quickly came to know how and why the troubled young man ended up in the Navy. During one session with Commander Williams suggested to Antwone the idea of searching for the family he never knew.

PIECING A LIFE TOGETHER Antwone took Commander William's advice and began searching for his family with only one piece of the puzzle - his birth fathers name, Edward Elkins. He ordered an Ohio phone book that turned out to have hundreds of Elkins listed, but as if gUided by ancestors that had long since passed away, Antwone picked one number from that list and dialed it. A woman by the name of Annette Elkins answered. She turned out to be his fathers younger sister, and of course, Antwone's Aunt. Within a few months of that miraculous phone call Antwone met many new family members, including his mother Eva Mae.

A STORY TO TELL A short time after Antwone completed his service in the Navy he found a job as a security guard at Sony studios in Hollywood. It was during this time that his passion for writing allowed him to complete his first screenplay for the Antwone Fisher movie. Through a strange twist of events the script landed in the hands of Academy Award winning actor, Denzel Washington. Denzel already knew Antwone as the security guard at Sony, but what he didn't know was the script was Antwone's personal story. Denzel would not only play the part of the Navy Psychiatrist, but the Antwone Fisher movie became Denzel's directorial debut.

NEW WORKS Antwone has just completed the script for Training Day 2 and written a new book due out in 2009 titled ''A Boy Should Know how To Tie a Tie" inspired by Reverend Pickett. Antwone told me "He (Rev. Pickett) would always wear a tie and I would try to see how he tied it but I never did learn how to do that." The book will serve as a guide for fatherless young men to learn basic skills a father would teach his son. Antwone's poetry will also be published in a soon to be released book by award winning poet, professor and activist Nicky Giovanni. Antwone continues his work as an advocate for abused and neglected children and has given numerous speeches at events focusing on child protection.

A SUCCESSFUL MAN When I asked Antwone about his successes which include receiving the NAACP Image Award in 2003, and a nomination from the Writers Guild of America in 2002, he humbly told me "they are just awards, I set them on my mantle piece and sometimes I feel like it's not even my name on the name plate."

He went on to tell me that he believes his bigger purpose is helping children and teens that have experienced abuse.

Antwone also touched a little on the things that held him together when he was at the lowest point in his life... "I imaged myself loved, I imagined myself as somebody." He went on tell us "I used to see families together and I dreamed of having a family of my own someday."

That dream has come to fruition and has quite possibly given Antwone his greatest sense of purpose and belonging ... his own family, a wife of ten years, LaNette, and two daughters.

To read more about ne Fisher, to pu as~ his books or find 0 bo en~ments A DISTINCTIVE Style.com

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PRECIOUS GEM THE NEW WAVE OF GREEN TRANSPORTATION

WATCH

VIDEO

GloDal Electric: Motorcars (GEM), a DaimlerCIi~ysler. company, lias Deen in operation for almost ten years. [ocate in Fargo, North Dakota; GEM路 manufactured its first vehicle in April 1998, a 48-volt GEM vehicle that accommodated two passengers and had a top speed of 20 mph. Less than two months later, a significant breakthrough occurred in the market as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designated a new class of motor vehicle, the low-speed vehicle, also known as the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). The low-speed vehicle class allowed GEM vehicles to be driven on public roads if they met certain safety criteria such as having safety belts, headlamps, windshield wipers, and safety glass. GEM vehicles always come equipped with these safety features making them a benchmark in the industry.

a

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Review:: GEM vehicles are classified as low-speed vehicles, or neighborhood electric vehicles, and are street legal in most states on public roads posted at 35 mph or less. With a top speed of 25 mph, GEM vehicles have a range of up to 30 miles on a charge and are great for traveling around neighborhoods, city centers or job sites. GEM vehicles are battery-electric, operate on a 72-volt battery system and plug into a standard 11 O-volt outlet. What makes GEM vehicles so unique is that they can be recharged anytime, anywhere a 11 O-volt outlet is available and recharge in approximately six to eight hours 3 •

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While most questions coming my way used to be about performance issues, now they're all about fuel economy and hybrids. Funny how an extra buck or two at the pump changes things.

Toyota is the current leader in hybrid sales, offering an ever-expanding lineup (including its Lexus brand) of cars and SUVs that sip less fuel.

The Prius has been a popular seller, often commanding long waits. Research showed that many hybrid buyers want the world to know they are being "green" and thus want their hybrids to have distinct styling. The Prius certainly succeeds there.

With a tall roofline, the Prius allows its occupants to sit higher, while keeping a short overall length (about three inches shorter than a Corolla). It also facilitates inclusion of a highly practical, box-shaped cargo area when rear seats are folded . • Inside, seating is generous for four, tight for five. The seats are comfortable for commuting duty.

They lack adequate side bolsters for hard cornering, but that's okay because the cornering limits on the Prius are quite modest anyway. My tester had leather; I'd stick (pun intended) with the standard cloth because it holds you in place better when cornering.

Toyota's hybrid system allows for driving in electric-only mode as long as your right foot adopts a light touch. Encounter an incline, go past about 40 mph, or push a bit further on the accelerator, CMld' e gas engine kicks in. Driving the Prius is a different kind of fun, as you see how long you ~p the gas engine from engaging via the in-dash LCD display. ca ~1l9

department, sluggish steerir1g response and low grip 65-series tires hinder l~•.:rhe cOlftp(omises demanded by the Prius are clear. Just relax, tak-e it easy,

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:fewer c.()/Tl~(olTlises. It looks iike a regular Camry. And it's

Toyota Prius Hybrid

Camry's are available with a 158 horsepower 4-cylinder, 268 hp V-6, and the Hybrid's 147 hp 4-cylinder plus its 45 hp electric motor.

Both Prius and Camry Hybrid come with CVT automatic transmissions, to optimize the power/economy levels.

The complete redesign in 2007 turned out a much more sophisticated and stylish looking Camry, with design cues hinting at a few other upscale makes.

Its interior is nicely styled as well, and with optional leather I suspect some who sit in one will wonder why they would need a Lexus ES 350. There are differences, natura~y, but the first impression of a loaded Camry Hybrid is that of a mid-luxury sedan.

For an "economy car" this hybrid is pretty quick, registering a 0-60 time in the high-seven-second range. With greater weight and more power, it also registers fewer mpg than the Ptjus. In return, though, you get a more comfortable, refined, faster, better handling car, with more availabl luxury features.

The Prius is EPA-rated at 60-city, 51-highway mpg. In my normal mix of city, freeway and mountain driving, I averaged 42.7 mpg. In the Camry Hybrid, EPA..rated at 40'city, 38-h'ighW!lY, I got 36.2 mpg. The Prius with leather, rear back-up camera and much more totaled $29, s~~'l including delivery. The Camry, also loaded to the hilt, totaled $30,667.

Since bybrids typically add $3,000-5,000 to a ear's sticker pdce, you an c~~~ of gas savings it will take for you to offset the higher pr~ce. For .some, th of the Prius and 600 mile range of the Camry Hybrid wilt do the rli'~ ....IY.... ~ abd with eithe one of these Tdyotas, you'll at least be 6 ppinglj~~.

Michael is a life-long auto enthYsiast Hv {I sent 0 michael@globalbrand.com.

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ADISTINCTIVE Style MAGAZINE

11

contact information | 518 282 4532 | adistinctivestyle.com | info@adistinctivestyle.com contributing writers suzanne b | zoé greenwood| gloria attar| billye johnson graphic designers danielle smallwood | eric thayer | maythe carpentino editor-in-chief surinder moore | senior editor angel morris creative director danielle smallwood publisher denise marie

cover story

Spreading the word, around the world, about the importance of early detection.

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38

“I'd like to be remembered as a guy who tried — tried to be part of his times, tried to help people communicate with one another, tried to find some decency in his own life, tried to extend himself as a human being. Someone who isn't complacent, who doesn't cop out.”

contents

08

“I imagined myself loved, I imagined myself as somebody.”

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46

Award Winning Actor, Ed Begley Jr. is Playing a New Role These Days.

Many painters of my generation create without research. I think it’s important to be a relfective painter.

24

32

“I prefer the feel of the earth to things made by man.”

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Luxurious, colorful scarves and shawls become

works of art.

A

lice Berry has worked exclusively as an independent clothing designer for more than 25 years, earning her degree in fine art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Distributing her clothing and scarf line wholesale, she sells to boutiques and museums across the u. S. and internationally. Currently she is creating a line of separates, jackets, tops and simple well fitting bottoms that will answer the call for interesting and well designed garments for women not currently well served in the marketplace. The fabrics and textures of interest to her as she is developing this new line are natural, ecologically sound when possible, and unusual fibers and as well as shapes and cuts she's known for.

An expression of her of art and her interpretation of fashion, Alice Berry has developed a style that hinges upon the relationship between color and light, amid the play of texture, sheerness, and composition. Luxurious, colorful scarves and shawls become works of art. Pieced silks, jackets made of all kinds of fabrics and leathers, art shawls from a variety of fabrics, including chiffon, wool, cashmere, and the most interesting textures and colors; all are individual pieces that can stand alone or migrate easily into any wardrobe.

Concentrating on color relationships amid the play of texture, sheerness and light, Alice Berry assembles fabrics for scarves, clothing and window treatments that are both incredibly functional and dynamically pleasing to the eye.

For over 15 years Alice's clothing and scarves have been worn to make a unique statement. More information about Alice Berry is available on the Web at www.aliceberry.com.

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•

e

promotion. However, designers and models are some of the most prominent contributors to charity event and benefits. As a designer I've contributed countless hours and garments to benefit fashion shows and silent auctions. I believe it's really important to give back to the community that supports my business. As a fashion designer I've done benefits for my two favorite women's organizations, The Houston Area Women's Center, The Rose Breast Cancer Organization. However... my own efforts pale in the light of the umber famous fashion and beauty houses. These respected big names give back in a huge way to organizations like Unicef, Breast Cancer Org., and Aids Foundations. They don't need to ... but they DO. Using their fame to raise millions for these charities.

This Fall CHANEL, Moschino, Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartneY,Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace, to name just a few, have teamed up with UNICEF to create a series of adorable dolls as part of an exhibition at the Petit Palais in Paris, to run from November 18 to 23.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Frimousses de Createurs event.

The exhibit is raising funds for UNICEF's vaccination programs dedicated to vaccinating under-fiveyear-olds against the six most deadly childhood diseases: tuberculosis, measles, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. This charitable venture has vaccinated over 31,000 children so far! Last year the event enabled the creation of 250 centers in Darfur and raised 220,000 euros. That's no small chunk of change!

Then there's MAC. This make up giant has done more to benefit AIDS programs than all other events combined. Mac has set aside a dedicated division for fund raising ... VIVA GLAM. Every cent raised goes to the MAC AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. MAC VIVA GLAM VI spokesperson, Fergie, announced 11 new grants from the MAC AIDS Fund aimed at preventing the spread of HIV among young people, ages 15-24, who account for about half of all new infections. The $2.5 million MAC AIDS Fund's Global Youth Prevention Initiative is being funded exclusively from sales of Fergie's VIVA GLAM VI Special Edition Lipgloss.

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The new Youth Initiative grantees will contribute to a new portfolio of programs that will reach diverse groups of at-risk youth worldwide. Some grant recipients are experimenting with innovative approaches to HIV prevention, including online and sport-related methods. Some using MAC's contribution to extend already successful programs to reach a wider group. Grant recipients include six U.S. based organizations and four groups working in India, Africa, Canada and Mexico. Mac and it's spokespeople like Fergie, Eve and Dita Von Teese are truly dedicated to making a difference.

So ... next time you're out shopping, think about purchasing from designers and beauty houses that contribute to the greater good of our planet. Then you too will be helping make a difference. Aloha 'till next time my Fabulous Fashionistas!

PS ... I'd love to hear from those of you who believe in giving back. Tell me about your favorite charities and upcoming events.

Gao fer Nowl YOUR TEXAS Tropi-Couturier...

Suzanne B www.tropicouture.net MizB_Fashion@adistinctivestyle.com A DISTINCTIVE Style.com

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TURNING

PAIN

You probably know Fran Drescher from her role as the sassy, out-spoken nanny, in the hit T.v. series, "The Nanny." Last month Fran talked to us about her latest role as a woman on a life saving mission to make sure every woman diagnosed with Cancer is diagnosed during Stage 1, when it's most curable.

Fran's own experience with cancer took her two years and eight doctors before she was accurately diagnosed with Uterine Cancer.

Fortunately her cancer was detected in stage 1. But that didn't discount the fact that her experience to get properly diagnosed was painful to put it mildly.

She gave us a detailed account of her struggle to get a clear diagnosis in her book, Cancer Schmancer, which became a New York Times best seller.

On the seventh year anniversary of her cancer diagnosis, Fran launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, a day which also marks the number of years she has been cancer free.

The Cancer Schmancer movements main purpose is to ensure we are educated and equipped with information about what we need to look out for, or as Fran's describes it "the earliest warning whispers" and what we need to be asking our physicians to avoid misdiagnosis.

Fran told us that misdiagnosis and mistreatment is rampant in our medical world, and sadly this leads to l diagnosis in the late stages when it is too late to treat cancer. The Cancer Schmancer movement is mainly centered around women, Fran tells us "women are a necessary component of the family," she goes on to advise "we need to take better care of ourselves ... we put all our effort into taking care of our families and putting them first, but if A DISTINCTIVE Style.com

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INTO

PURPOSE

Cancer Schmancer.

BY SURINDER MOORE

Movement

we're neglecting our health we may not be around for them."

The Cancer Schmancer Movement is a members website which serves as an informational resource as well as a place to donate to the cause. Anyone can sign up and become a member at no charge.

The website is loaded with a wealth of information about cancer and includes up-to-date news on fundraising activities and the latest about legislative changes in health care that everyone who has come in contact with Cancer, directly or indirectly, will want to know. The Cancer Schmancer website gives a "straight-talk" approach to educating us about a serious and complex issue. Perhaps one of the most important things the website offers is a "cheat sheet" of symptoms and signs we all need to pay attention to.

There are more then 78,000 new cases of gynecological cancers diagnosed each year in the United States alone. Uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers, being the three most common. Each cancer can differ in symptoms and the risk factors may vary too. Here are a few important questions women need to be asking themselves to determine the level of risk they may be facing ...

Are you not getting screened regularly with a Pap test? • Do you smoke? • Did you start menstruating at an early age? (before age 12) If you answered "yes" to these question the risk factor for developing cancer may be higher for you. The questions above are just a few from those listed on the Cancer Schmancer website. There are several other life saving questions and symptoms listed on the site too. Here are a few others that Fran urges women to pay attention to ....

Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or gas Abdominal swelling or discomfort Pelvic pain or cramping Bloating or a sense of fullness, even after small meals

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If you're experiencing these symptoms and they are lasting more than 2-3 weeks, you need to schedule a gynecologic exam immediately. The Cancer Schmancer site also advises us about the specific tests we need to ask for once the appointment with a gynecologist is scheduled. First request a Pap smear test, ask to have a CA 125 blood test, and for a transvaginal ultrasound. Taking charge and being proactive with our health by making sure you get the proper tests now could mean early detection - early detection leads to a better chance at treating the cancer and beating it!

The truth of this unfortunate matter is, too many women are being diagnosed when cancer is in its late stages. In fact over 70% of the women diagnosed with cancer are already in Stage 4 which means, in most cases, it's too late to treat. By paying attention to our bodies and taking measures to ensure that we are getting the necessary tests, and asking our doctors the right questions will increase our chances of early detection in its most curable stage ... Stage 1.

During the last couple of months, Fran has won the support of Designer Anne Fontaine who is donating 10% of all nationwide sales to the Cancer Schmancer Movement, in honor of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

When we mentioned earlier that Fran Drescher is on a mission, she's taking the lawmakers of our land head on, lobbying Congress to make changes in the health care system in support of cancer patients nationwide. More recently Fran Drescher began her first tour after being appointed U.S. Public Diplomacy Envoy.

... eer 'Sehlllane

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Movem~

'N .c.anCerSc.'N:'Cl8n

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or call 1-800-994-9662 Her tour will travel around Europe and will set off in Romania, which incidentally is the birth country of her grandmother. During the trip her main focus will be spreading the word about the importance of early detection. She will also meet with politicians, foreign ambassadors, and be making several guest appearances on talk shows across Europe to create awareness about cancer, and the preventative measures women need to take to give survival a chance.

Fran will also be speaking at many schools and universities while on tour. Her message is simple, "we need to listen to our bodies" and about the importance of taking note of our health and educating ourselves about the signs to look for.

Fran also advises us of everyday things we can do to prevent exposure to cancer causing carcinogens and other toxic elements that damage the cells of our bodies. Fran said "we need to be more selective about the household cleaning products we use ...why not go back to the plain old white vinegar, baking soda?" She continued to tell us to "use products that are eco-friendly ... don't use plastic bottles or containers in your microwaves. We also need to watch what we put close to our bodies ... our Blackberries and our cell-phones." Fran is a huge proponent of eating organic and also advises us to watch what we put in our bodies posing the question "do you really want to eat a strawberry that's soaked in pesticides?"

One message that came across clear while talking to Fran is that we all need to "listen to our inner voice and follow our instinct." She told us "cancer is the great equalizer, it can strike anyone ...the vice president of a huge corporation or the cashier at your local grocery store, so it's up to each of us to be proactive with our health and our bodies." With the election just days away Fran urges us to make a vote that will count the most - "Vote for YOU!" To learn more about how you can get involved with the Cancer Schmancer Movement, to donate or purchase items vitis www.cancerschmancer.org.

Contact The National Women's Health Information Center for information on health insurance coverage or free clinics.

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By ANGEL JENKINS MORRIS

Born in Venice in 1963, Celotto began working with glass at 14. He learned from one of the greatest living glass masters, apprenticing with the legendary Lino Tagliapietra for a dozen years. Today he continues to produce some of the world's most beautiful art glass from his own studio.

With the help of a translator, Celotto recently conducted the following question-and-answer session with AO/STlNC-Tl1Iff.- STYL-ff.-/V1A-GA-zlNff.-.

A O/STlNC-Tl1Iff.- STYL-ff.-: You are considered a

youngster in the industry. What challenges have you faced in bUilding your own glassblowing career?

AF~O

UUJTTO: For most of the history Murano glass studios have been owned by a few families who handled the marketing and selling of the glass made in the furnaces. This situation gives the owners a great deal of control over what the artist produces.

This can cause problems when the artistic vision of the artist differs from that of the person who is solely interested in profits from sales. In order to be able to have complete control of my production I had to open my own studio. It has been difficult to manage the making of my pieces and managing a business.

AOS: How have you overcome these challenges?

AC,: I have had to find good people to work with me in the studio.

I have mainly found friends that I have worked with in the past to come to work in my studio. Then I have to trust them to handle important parts of the business that I prefer not to do.

AOS: Is there a particular entity that most inspires your craft?

AC,: I think much of my inspiration comes from my childhood

memories. I was born on the small Island of Burano, which is very close to Murano. All of the houses on Burano are painted different colors, so I was always surrounded by this. The old buildings and church steeples all have such interesting shapes to me.

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Did you know that 85% of all disease is rooted in the body's response to stress? De-stress today by: The mere menti0l'!. of "the holidays" can cause a stress reaction in the body. Too many parties to attend, gifts to buy, kids home from school, relatives (some of whom you ' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' do not get along with), food, noise and at the..cend you ./ collapse from exhaustion and wonder, 'where did the spirit of the holiday go?' ';--~ ;¢/ _. ~ l' The following ideas may alleviate some of your holiday stress and keep the spirit,~li\le wjthin;.tne~ ? season and you. . '" ,.- ~ ~ -«"::4<.. if p/{'-1) Keep your regular routine. If you take a yoga class every Thursday night after worK, do not skil3 it just to attend an office party. Do both. Your presence will only be missed for a short while and you will keep your integrity and commitment to your health.

2) Don't accept every invitation. More parties with more food and alcohol mean ever-expanding waistlines. Do you really want to spend an extra five or six hours at the gym, working that off?

3) Make instead of buy. Homemade gifts come from the heart and they can be as simple as a cookie mix in a canning jar to as complicated as a handmade china cabinet. Handcrafted gifts are imbued with your energy and love you have for the receiver.

4) Recycle. We've all had something in our house that someone has envied and commented on every time they have visited. So take the thing they love, wrap it up and give it to them. Chances are they will treasure it always, and you will get visitation rights!

5) Buy throughout the year instead waiting until the end of the year. People's tastes generally remain the same and you probably could have most of your holiday shopping done by the time the season rolls around. Shop throughout the year and it will save you hours of frustration and stress later.

6) Cut down on the number of gifts you buy for each person. When I lived in Italy, most families only gave one, maybe two, gifts. The time families spent together yvas more important than any gift they received.

7) Only make the food you need. We have all come away from f~mily gathering with containers or plates of extra food. Again, think of the gym time, and make and take less.

8) Ask people what they would like to receive instead of trying to guess whether or not Uncle Evan looks good in pink.

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f>aw;c~ot"'hi~ contemporary painter While an interview of a French-speaking subject by a Texas-bred writer has its challenges, artist Patrick Cornee proves his work needs no translation.

"The typical customer for me is a lover of beautiful things of life; those looking for something unique and exceptional, no matter where they're from or what language they speak," Cornee said of those who buy his work.

Regardless of their native tongue, customers often call his work, "original, special and entertaining." Producing some 40 to 60 pieces a year, Cornee primarily works in oils on canvas for the "very subtle variations in tone" the medium allows.

Born in 1962 in Toulouse, Cornee discovered a love of drawing and painting when he was 5 years old. "When I was a child, the spontaneous conception of an imaginary character revealed my sensibility and taste for artistic creation," Cornee said. "There was something magical in me that I can't explain, but I still remember my first work of art."

Cornee, who lives and works in Mougins, said his current work is still influenced by a childlike attitude. "I fill my paintings with love and some mystery. They have the power to give joy and happiness to those who wish to contemplate them," he said.

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by Angel Jenkins Morris

Cornee offers landscapes, portraits, still life and nudes, as well as contemporary art at his website, corneegallery.com. His work can also be viewed at exhibits in Asia, France, Europe and the U.S., per his online exhibition schedule.

While the artist said he is "inspired everyday by life itself," he admits to moments of uncertainty. "There are periods of doubt every day, but I erase it by working even more. The challenge is the essence of my work, I do not try to overcome it, I live with the challenge," he said.

Certain guidelines help Cornee overcome such difficulties, however. "Many painters of my generation create without research. I think it's essential to be a reflective painter. To work with composition and balance. To present art with equilibrium," he said.

While Cornee notes "Art is an endless fight and the battle is never finished nor won," he encourages struggling artists not to give up: "You must hear and believe that small voice inside that says, 'Go on! You are good at this!'"

No matter what language that voice speaks.

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Advocate for Change: One Kit at a Time :;.. ~~,;;, ...

By Christine Cristiano

~

Inspiration can strike any time and Del Harley can attest to that. Awaken from a good night's slumber, a vision danced through her head that would change her life's direction.

"I called my dear friend Mel (Melanie Monroe) and after hours and hours of conversation and thought, we molded CHANGE... a starter kit." Del Harley offers. Harley is adamant that her company motto, "educate, activate, motivate, and change" speaks volumes about their product line and goal to support and promote change throughout the world.

A Starter Kit for Change is a trendy line of eco-friendly 'green' merchandise that is recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, organic, or plantable. The hottest selling item, the distinctive totes, are handmade from recycled materials and fabric remnants. Each tote is beautifully lined and adorned with velvet appliques and proclaim, "You must be the CHANGE you wish to see in the world."

"We wanted something that appealed to people and wanted it to be cool. It has many uses including a book bag, or beach bag. The original reusable bag was for groceries and can hold 2-3 regular plastic bags of groceries, but our larger size can hold even more.

Harley points out that "all the tote bags are hand cut and handmade and the doves are made through an ironing process. The extra step is worthwhile and memorable. The bags are a work of art according to customers." Harley adds that all the totes are different and this is one extra reason not to use paper or plastic.

The original 'CHANGE a starter kit' includes a booklet, Arbor Day plantable seedling, gratitude cards, Sudoku booklet, journal, recycled pencil and fair trade hot chocolate. All items are conveniently housed shipped in a recyclable box and come equipped with a charity donation envelope for

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Action Against Hunger. All paper products included in the kit are made from recycled paper and the journal is handmade using shavings from the Lokta bush. The process doesn't require the trees to be cut but rather the wood is shaved off the branches.

"We decided to include a Sudoka booklet in the CHANGE starter kit because Oxford University conducted a new study and reported that you can regenerate new brain cells and the way to do it is to stimulate certain areas of the brain. Sudoka is one way of doing this - it is a 'green' way of generating (human) power, it is entertaining and doesn't involve TV. Instinctually, we knew we wanted to include it in the kit. " Harley explains.

As for the product criteria, Harley explains that they start each search for products with the same intent. "The products have to be as kind to people and the earth as possible. We ask questions and often certifications are already in place making our job easier. Fair trade has a federation for example. We try to weigh all the options in each decision. Almost every choice involves paying more but the feeling you get making the right choice more than makes up for the price!"

Harley goes on to explain the reasons behind the inclusion of a postage paid charity envelope for Action Against Hunger. "It is New York based charity and we love them. Most of the money they receive goes towards food: 90- 94 cents out of every dollar. We decided to put a donation envelope in the kit so there is no more excuses for not donating. We also donate 10% from sales. There is an old Buddhist saying, "Once you see, you can't unsee."

Qfyou only knew IWhat wouldyou do Qfyou only knew IWhat couldyou do Qfyou only knew ~Del Harlry

Presently, Change - A Starter Kit are sold online allover the United States and six other countries and the future looks promising for Del Harley and partner, Melanie Monroe. Future kits include environmentally friendly starter kits geared towards infants, pets, and an array of other specifically geared kits.

"We have no specific demographic as we think the kit would be an awesome education tool for youngsters as well as a super cool gift for anyone else. My "grams" loved it and she's 80! Finally, we are at a place of growth and are really reaching out there for help with that in any form new ideas, alternative marketing, new business strategies or financial. I don't have an exact science for that and am open to most ideas!"

For more information on CHANGE a Starter Kit and the rest of the product line visit: www.starterkitforchange.com.

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Depending on one's age or consumerism, Paul Newman was synonymous with the best of everything.

To some, he was the consummate actor, the man whose face graced his self-named food products or the philanthropist who dedicated himself to helping children fighting serious illnesses. He gave to the world a legacy of hope and standard for caring.

His acting brought subtle nuance to each role. He not so much crafted a character as inhabited the very soul of those heroes or rebels he played. While he was known for his powerful good looks and icy blue eyes, he never traded on those traits. Instead, he embraced the darker sides of some roles or the humorous charm of others. When he could have dominated any movie or television screen or commanded complete attention on the stage, he chose to step back and let other actors shine.

The private Paul Newman was the father to three children - Scott, Susan and Stephanie - by his first marriage to jacqueline Witte in 1949. Scott died in 1978 from a combination of drugs and alcohol. He turned his grief into action by creating the Scott Newman Foundation to create anti-drug instructional films for children.

In 1953, he was the understudy in the Broadway hit "Picnic." His fellow understudy was a talented actress, joanne Woodward. They met again in 1957 when he was cast to play Ben Quick in "The Long Hot Summer" opposite joanne's Clara Varner. In 1958, they married. Throughout their 50-year marriage, they would perform together. In 1968, Paul directed joanne in "Rachel, Rachel" for which she won the Oscar and he the Golden Globe.

He and joanne had three daughters, Melissa, Nell and Claire, each following briefly

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,

When it comes to Paul Newman, Merriam- Webster's Dictionary may have said it best. a person or thing that inspires FAMOUS: la: widely known b: honored for achievement 2: excellent, first-rate SYNONYMS: renowned, celebrated, noted, distinguished, eminent, illustrious LEGEND:

in their famous parent's acting footsteps. Nell Newman is the founder and president of Newman's Own Organics line of foods.

The Newman's Own line of foods is said to have started as joke between neighbor and friend, writer A.E. Hotchner. Paul was known among his friends for his classic oil and vinegar salad dressing, a treat he bottled for Christmas p,r ents. The joke grew into a serious business as the line of foods e pa ded to saUCl:es, smacks elZerages and eve wre dressings. P ~I ~~a i<I~ t t tHe Gm y way Cl:O I路 Ide having his face on the lamels was t give tl:l ,rocee<:ls away to cant.

The Hole in t 'e Wal Ga 9 Ca pras reated i' 1988 to provide a respite fa ehr dre11 feed with serio"U:?ol""'life-threate11ingrillnesses.

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The goal was a al ow tnese chili:lren to forget aoout being patients and return to being kids again. The camps have grown over the years benefiting from more than $250 million in donations from the profits of Newman's Own and Newman's Own Organics.

Racing brought out another side of Paul Newman. While filming "Winning" he became enamored of racecar driving. The NewmanHaas Indy racing team won eight series championships, including his first professional win in 1982. In 1995, he celebrated his 70th birthday by competing at Daytona.

In later years, Paul Newman stepped out of the spotlight and concentrated on the charities that meant the most to him.

"I'd like to be remembered as a guy who tried - tried to be part of his times, tried to help people communicate with one another, tried to find some decency in his own life, tried to extend himself as a human being. Someone who isn't complacent, who doesn't cop out."

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"I w~SVt I co 01 Y'ecClLL w~tVt cLClY'~tl1 tVte ~V\<\-'PI.<.Lse tVtClt cOV\<\-'PeLLe~ V\<\-e to VteL'P bY'~~ tVt~S CClV\<\-'P ~I/\,to be~~. l'~ be 'PLeClse~ ~f I cOI.<.L~ ClI/\,Ml.<.lI\.Ce Cl V\<\-ot~ve of Loftl1 'P1.<.r-pose. I'Ve beel/\, Clccl.<.Se~ of COV\<\-'PClSS~OI/\" of ClLtY'l.<.~sV\<\-, of ~evot~ol/\, to CVtY'~st~ClI/\" HebY'ew, Cll/\,~ MosLeV\<\- etVt~c, bl.<.t VtoweveY' ~es'PeY'Clte I 'IV\<\- to CLCl~V\<\- OWIl\.tY'SVt~'P of 'I Vt~gVt ~~eClL, I CClI/\,Mt. I WCll/\,te~, , tVt~I/\,R., to ClCR.MWLe~ge LI.<.CR.; tVte cVtCll/\,ce of ~t,

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- Paul Newman

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Twenty years ago, Paul Newman put plans in motion to ereate a special camp for children faced with serious medical conditions. Named after the hideout used by Butch Cassidy and the Sun a ce Kid, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps provide children around the globe with a chance to be a ohild instead of a medical statistic.

Since the firs camp was established, the Hole,in the Wall family has grown to 10 camps with additional global 'Partnerships in Africa and Asia. To date, over 135,000 children have benefited from the p1ay-filled atmosphere combi eel with top-notch medical care. While some children can attend the camps, many others still get the opportunity to enjoy the activities in the hospital through The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps outreach program.

The seed money and major support for the camps comes through the profits from Newman's Own and Newman's Own Organics (run by daughter Nell Newman).

Contributions have now exceeded $250 million. Other national and regional companies have also contributed funds and supplies to operate and maintain the various camps.

The camps can't run on money alone. In addition to the highly skilled staff members, dedicated volunteers ensure the campers have the best experience possible. Over 10,000 volunteers ranging from 19 years to seniors either worked directly with individual camps or helped with fundraising and public awareness projects.

To keep the legacy of Paul Newman's efforts strong and growing, you can make a donation at: www.holeinthewallcamps.org through The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps Web site.

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Holiday 2008

WEAR ART NOW Joseph Gatto brings new meaning to the relationship an artist has with the things he creates. His purpose: To keep earths treasures out of the landfill of the mind and of the earth. His passion: Recycling what was once considered dead and gone and breathing new life into it through his unique craftsmanship. oseph's life as a jewelry craftsman began at the age of 16 when his teachers and school counselors recommended that he attend trade school instead of traditional college because

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"he was too slow for college." This actually worked in Joseph's favor when he landed in a jewelry making class.

The class teacher quickly recognized Joseph's eagerness and creativity and asked him to assist with class preparation tasks. The teacher also invited Joseph to use the equipment to

develop his own pieces if there was free time after class. Unfortunately class work and preparation for two sets of classes left no time for Joseph to indulge in creating his own work, so he LEfT: Most of the jewelry Idesign for women is for the index continued to be the attentive student, learning his fioger. This aUows 001 ooly the craft and went on to complete his SA in Art Education,

top ofthe design to he seen but

and later his MA in Design from California State University Los Angeles.

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Joseph was 22 yrs old when he was drafted into the army. It was during his service that he learned,

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thing exotic about the index finger with abeautiful piece of

through his military friends, of the places he always dreamed of traveling to. His dreams would become reality when he visited Europe in 1961, and later traveling to Japan where he visited many ancient Zen temples. In 1965 Joseph recalls a phenomenal journey to Egypt. Upon landing in Egypt, Joseph was approached by young boy asking him what he could do for him. Joseph asked where he could find Scarab

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RIGHT: This piece combined dental met~. aByzantine stone and ab~nne shell. The random arrangement of hammered gold and gold crowns activates the space around the hand in exciting ways and breaks with the tradition~ concept of what aring should be.

by Surinder Moore

(stone beetles used in ancient Egypt as a talisman and ornament symbolizing resurrection) and other antiquities. Within fifteen minutes the young boy returned with handfuls of scarab. Joseph's meeting with the young boy led him to another important connection - a meeting with one of the original diggers of the Egyptian tombs. It was this link that took Joseph on his first digging adventure.

One of Joseph's first discoveries was a completely intact human skull and few marble beads and buttons. From that moment he was hooked and continued his travels collecting miniature sculptures and artifacts that would otherwise be cast aside and abandoned as trash. It was around this time that Joseph also taught jewelry making. Having also built up a vast collection of rare finds by this time he decided to start mounting them and creating jewelry pieces.

With his first collection of jewelry completed Joseph approached a storeowner in Los Angeles. The response was not what he expected, the storeowner told him that they don't pay more then $22.00. The visit with the store wasn't all bad though, they referred Joseph to a local craft and folk museum. The owners of the museum admired Joseph's for his respect for earth and nature, and his goal to keep the things he finds in circulation through his creations. Joseph was not only accepted by the museum but became one of their

ABOVE: My bracelets represenl the curvalure uf Ibe earth wurn uexllu the wrist.

Above tbe wrisl is the frag~e euviroumenl seen from ouler space and wbal we do 10 Ihal environmenl comes back 10 us in many ways. The weighl ofthe bracelet is a constant reminder Ihal the earth is frag~e and debcale and is receptive to our respect and pro路active responses.

"B rt is the only thins that we all have in

common,

the only vocabulary that we share"

top sellers.

Joseph told us "art is the only thing that we all have in common the only vocabulary that we share. No matter where you are in the world ... line, color, shape, form ... is something we all know." He goes on to share "we all enjoy aesthetics ... humans need to have a sense of balance and aesthetics." Joseph describes his works in

LEFl: The slone on Ihis ring is from IeI'Armana, acity in ancient Egypt. The artwork done allhal time was considered the finest synonymous to the Renaissance in Europe. The heauty ofIhe stone and the respect for the animal on its face encouraged adesign thai embraces bolh as when greeting afriend.

LEIT: Turquoise is beautiful and when broughllo the surface ofthe earth for us to enjoy the slones are bke snowflakes. No twu alike.

The rings are designed wilh contemporary architects in

mind with their equaUy beautiful statements in stone.

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JOSEPH GATTO I make jewelry. Precious metals, gold silver and platinum are combined with culturally diverse antiquities as beautiful objects that are aesthetically challenging, kinetically pleasing and wise economic investments. comparison to furniture designers saying "they extend the life of a tree through the furniture they create."

Now age 73 Joseph has created a multitude of unique jewelry items. He told us that he never repeats any design he has seen because the design is part of the artists experience, it's something only he or she has created based on his or her life experiences."

If I was to just copy another artists painting it would just be a copy of the artists work ... not my experience," Joseph tells us.

Using near extinct woods and rare materials Joseph also wants people to know that when they wear one of his created pieces they are walking around with his philosophy about respecting the environment.

To see more of Joseph Gotto's work please visit: http://www.angelfire.com/art2/wearartnow/

BOTTOM: This ring can he worn horizontaUy or vertically. It features asmaU porcelain head from Japan. The laminated wood and suhtle grain are symholic of the kimono worn by the Japanese. Apiece of blue lapis inside the band of the ring provides subtle coloration without detracting rom the beautiful, sensitive face.

ABOVE: Pro Life. Pro Choice. The small porcelain dolls are joined at the hip. They are silent with expressionless faces as though witnessing events beyond their control satisfying pohtical mandates as they enter or exit the adult world which itself is out of control.

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"If I was to just copy another artists paintins it would just be a copy of the artists work... not my experience/II Here are some of Joseph's designs and the extraordinary stories behind them ...

LEFT: Who said global warming does not work? This bracelet is acomment ou the pollutiou emanating from the automobile whose solitary riders, with radios blasting, numb the pain ofaslow death to themselves, animals, and the environment with the noise pollutiou of political figures who breath the same air. The blue stones represeut the cars on the freeway with the billowiug smoke rising to the atmosphere. Carved liues, descend to the wrist of the wearer, reminding us that what we do to the environment is returned to us many times over.

ABOVE: This ring is asalute to the tsunami victims of ayear or so ago, as well as the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Asmall boy holds on to abranch for dear life, while the branches of the tree blow and bend around him. It is part of the environment series of rings, bracelets and pendants that Ihave been working ou for 50 years.

ABOVE: This ring comments on the inability of men of war to recycle life. When life loses its value it becomes disposable as with the aged who are coufined to retirement homes in an attempt to sanitize our culture. The disposable youth who fight our wars are like dolls who can couvenieutly be stored in toy boxes uutil they are ouce agaiu picked up to play with on another day. Men of war playiug with childreu's dolls.

Children playing with adult dolls.

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Award winning actor Ed Begley Jr. is playing a new role these days ... Environmental Activist!

Last month we had a chance to link up with Ed and talk about his successful new TV show "Living with Ed" and how he is taking action for a greener, healthier planet!

ADS: So we understand you have an electric car. How is that working out for you?

&: I have been driving electric cars since

1970. They all work exactly the same way - electricity is stored in a set of batteries mounted on the car. The electricity from the batteries turns an electric motor that turns the drive shaft.

My current electric vehicles include my 2002 Toyota RAV4 EV (you can see me picking it up at http://www.electrifyingtimes.com/rav4evetic.html) and my new 2008 Phoenix Motorcars SUT (www.phoenixmotorcars.com). made right here in Southern California. The Toyota has a range of about 80 miles, while the Phoenix has a range of about 130 miles.

ADS: How often do you need to re-charge them?

&:

I charge them at night in my garage on the solar power I make on the roof of my house. It's a very clean way to travel.

ADS: Your home is equipped with solar energy. Does it work well for you?

&: It works amazingly well. I first installed it in 1990, and with a few upgrades and repairs since then, the system continues work beautifully.

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At this point in time, given all the efficiencies and upgrades I've done to my home as far as insulation and such, the solar is providing almost 100% of my power needs. I'm using almost no grid power at all now, even with a family of 3, two on-site businesses and two electric cars.

ADS: What are the savings each month in terms power your home?

&: If I didn't have solar, I would probably be using $300 to $ 500 a month in electricity. And I live in a small home. The savings can be even greater depending on your home size, level of home efficiency, and geographic capability to make solar power.

The key is to first conserve and make your home as efficient as possible. Then, when you do get solar power, you don't need as large a system to provide your power needs.

Conservation should always be first before Production. A kilowatt saved is much cheaper than a kilowatt produced. That's what I did and now it's really paying off.

ADS: You also have a line of environmentally friendly household products called Begley's Best. What ingredients do these products contain?

&: Begley's Best cleaners are all natural, non-toxic and totally biodegradable. They are made from extracts of pine, de-acidified citrus, maize, fermented sugar cane roots and olive seeds .

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of utility costs by using a solar energy to

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ADS: How do Begley's Best products stand up to regular household brands in terms of effectiveness?

tA: With the exception of some really nasty clean ups, Begley's Best can handle almost every household cleaning chore quite well. For tile, showers, porcelain, counter top, cupboards, linoleum, plastic, wood, leather, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome and colorfast fabrics, it works great. You can use the concentrate for laundry, and the spot remover for carpet and upholstery clean up. Overall I've been very pleased with how well it works.

ADS: Where can we buy Begley's Best Products?

tA: You can buy it at Whole Foods Market, many fine independent stores, and also on line at www.begleysbest.com.

ADS: You have also talked about cutting back on eating meat - How does that help the environment?

tA: It's been widely publicized over the last several years how much additional energy, water and other resources it takes to raise livestock on a parcel of land as opposed to growing fruits or vegetables on that same land. By using our resources to grow fruits and vegetables, we can save a lot of energy and water. There are of course other health benefits to eating less meat, which I subscribe to.

ADS: What small changes can each of us make in our homes and in our lifestyles to reduce the harmful impact to our planet?

tA: There are so many. Get out of your car - a day or two a week or month - walk, ride a bike, take public transportation if it's available near you. That is a huge thing we can all do. Change out your lighting from regular incandescent bulbs to CFL or LED. Weather-strip your windows and doors and add additional insulation to make your house more energy efficient, use Energy Star appliances and unplug electronics when not in use to save on phantom power. Get a programmable thermostat and use it, recycle and buy recycled products. Compost and do some home gardening or get involved with a community garden or support your local farmers market.

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Use water saving showerheads and faucet's and run full loads of dishes and laundry. These are all cheap and easy things that everyone can do to make a difference right away.

ADS: Can you tell us about your successful TV show "Living with Ed"? What is it about?

&:

Living With Ed is sort of a window into my life and how my wife and I compromise on things.

I think that people have responded to it because we're not preaching or trying to force things on people. The viewer gets to watch what I do and how my wife reacts to it and get a good laugh off of our qUirky lifestyle. If people are learning stuff from it, then that's a bonus. It's sort of a "Green Acres" for the new millennium. I've enjoyed doing it and look forward to doing some more. We have lots of projects planned around the house for later this year, so I hope we can

film them - there's sure to be some disagreements on how things get done - it should be funny!

ADS: What's next for "Living with Ed"?

&: Well, if the network wants to do some more, we'll get to see a house remodel that we're working on. It will include some room additions and a rainwater / greywater recycling system. We're also going to do a bit of traveling to various places, which is always a compromise.

To check out more about Ed and for a program schedule for the Living with Ed show, visit www.livingwithed.net.

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Glff GIviNG: r~ ~/~N/V1~A-J- WAY Being green is becoming more and more popular these days, but it is often overlooked during life's special occasions. Granted, gift giving can be fun, but it often proves to be one of the most environmentally wasteful traditions practiced today. By changing a few of our buying habits prior to these fun times, we can make any gift giving occasion have less of an impact on the environment. ~ ~~t::,/: ~F

GlffWMF

By wrapping your presents in a hemp gift wrap, you will maintain the traditional style of wrapping paper, while helping to save the forest. Depending on where you purchase your paper, you will find that some stores hold a limited variety of prints, while others will offer a wide range of choices. Hemp gift wrap contains a blend of hemp and other recycled fibers, which are then typically colored with a vegetable based ink. ~ ~~t::,/: 100% 610~MOA-eu- ~ee:oNS

Though it can be somewhat hard to find, there are places that sell 100% biodegradable ribbons. These allow you to add that final touch to your gifts without having to worry about the extra garbage left behind. These ribbons are often made from cotton or another natural material and then colored with a vegetable based dye. ~ ~~t::,/:

ChTTON (;Iff 54GS

The most readily available green wrapping product on the market today is the cotton gift bag. Since they are easily reusable, they can help to protect the environment again and again, well into the future. It also eliminates the need to use wrapping paper and tape, which will save trees and keep unnecessary waste from ending up in our landfills. Once the bags wear out (which is often after several uses), they are completely biodegradable. ~ ~~t::,/: ~eu- SHOFFING 54GS

Instead of wrapping your gifts in traditional wrapping paper, consider packing them in a reusable shopping bag. After they've fulfilled their purpose as a gift wrap, they can help the environment by keeping plastic shopping bags from ending up in the garbage. With the number of styles constantly increasing, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a bag suited to anyone's personal tastes.

Green liVing no longer has to go on hold just because it's gift giving time. Simply by using more environmentally friendly products during life's special occasions, we can make gift giving a greener experience for everyone involved. That is something both the environment and the people living within it, can appreciate now and well into the future.

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FROM THE SENIOR EDITOR It ain't easy being green.

And during an economic recession, doling out the extra cost associated with green products can be harder than ever.

But this Christmas, A Distinctive Style Magazine encourages you to consider the cost of the alternative. Shoppers who don't invest in our planet today, will pay for the decision tomorrow.

That may be why a survey by Plow & Hearth - a national catalog, retail and Internet eco-conscious company - shows that in spite of tough economic times, more and more shoppers are thinking green this Christmas.

The national telephone survey of 1,001 consumers shows that half of Americans intend to shop for environmentally-friendly gifts this year, with two-thirds of those willing to spend 10 to 25 percent more on products that are good for the globe.

"It's heartening to know that even during a period of financial uncertainty, Americans will still go the extra mile to protect the environment," said Plow & Hearth President Tim Hopkins.

Some people are more likely than others to go green this season: 路 Women (55%) are more apt than men (45%) to purchase green products. 路 Middle-aged (56%) and younger (54%) Americans are more likely than their older (40%) counterparts to purchase eco-friendly gifts. 路 Those in the West (57%) are more likely than Americans in the South (51 %), Northeast (49%) and the Midwest (42%) to buy green gifts.

Thirty-four percent of Americans reported that money is the biggest factor in deciding on whether to make an environmentally friendly purchase. One in five says it's because they are stuck on old habits (21 %) while others blame their lack of knowledge of options (l 3%), available time (l0%) and convenience (7%) as reasons for not going green.

Featuring Gifts that Give Back, this issue of A Distinctive Style showcases businesses whose business is saving not only America, but the world. Some of the finest one-of-a-kind products and global organizations grace these pages, from eyewear to jewelry to a website that let's you personally invest in impoverished communities.

You'll feel good about giving this year, knowing your gifts can positively impact the planet. Join us in proving it's not only easy being green this Christmas ... it's essential.

Angel Jenkins Morris is a freelance writer in Dallas, Texas, whose favorite color is - you guessed it - green.

She can be reached at senioreditor@adistinctivestyle.com or AngelMorris@hotmail.com A DISTINCTIVE Style.com

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~AIN

lAIN ING RADI TION

The first Thanksgiving was organic and eco-friendly. The food was grown organically, and cooked food was cooked over open fires. The celebration was held outside, in the healthy, open air. Without cooking your meal over an open flame outdoors, there are still ways to make your Thanksgiving meal more eco-friendly. One way is serving a feast of organically grown vegetarian dishes.

Through the years, vegetarians have managed to have very nice Thanksgivings without meat. While you can make or buy tofu turkeys [1), there are many other vegetarian main courses that are just as traditional.

Native Americans grew what they called "The Three Sisters", which are corn, beans, and squash. These were all planted in the same hole, with the corn providing a trellis for the beans, and the squash leaves covering the ground to prevent weeds. "Three Sisters Stew" [1) is a traditional vegan Thanksgiving main dish, made from three of the very crops that were part of the harvest celebrated on the first Thanksgiving Day. A corn pie, or even a vegetarian chili can be a nice main dish as well.

With pumpkins being native to the Americas, pumpkin pie is a traditional Thanksgiving desert. Pumpkin soup, or a pumpkin stew with other vegetables, can make a wonderful main course. If pumpkin isn't right for you, sweet potatoes will do nicely. Side dishes that can be made with these two traditional Thanksgiving vegetables include breads, casseroles, and relishes.

Cranberry is a very popular traditional Thanksgiving food, but if you aren't serving a meat substitute, how do you use it? Cranberry jellies and relishes can be used as a spread. Cranberries can be a tasty addition to whole grain or corn bread. Mix cranberries into a coleslaw with apples, nuts and raisins for a dish that requires no cooking. Winter squash, such as acorn and butternut, may have been a part of that first Thanksgiving.

These can be prepared in casseroles, or stuffed with dressing, for a main dish.

What would Thanksgiving be without dressing? Corn bread, wild rice, or potato bread dressings are popular. Combining other vegetables, like sweet potatoes, pumpkins, nuts, cranberries, or applies, into the dressing adds additional flavor. To flavor your gravy without turkey drippings, there are vegetarian chicken broths and granules available that contain no animal ingredients. These can be used with whole grain flour to prepare delicious gravies for your brown and wild rice.

Breads, of course, are a traditional part of the Thanksgiving meal. Cornbreads, whole grain, and sprouted seed breads are all possibilities. Soy or nut butters are widely available substitutes for dairy butter.

You can see that creating a traditional, yet eco-friendly, vegetarian Thanksgiving meal is not difficult. It can, in fact, be a delicious and healthy experience for everyone, while also helping the environment.

[1] Sources for Recipe Ideas: vegkitchen.com A DISTINCTIVE Style.com

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Charlie Chaplinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thanksgiving Day Meal & Dedication

WATCH VIDEO

WATCH VIDEO

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grow len cbildbood me loJe of kindred, a.

-Laura Ing lis Wilder

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For good or bad, the upcoming holiday season promises to be quite differe'nt from those that have gone before.

From those struggling to make ends meet every day to those perched at the top of the economic ladder, everyone has been feeling the pinch as the economy has hit a rough patch. No matter where you find yourself and your personal economy this holiday season, you can make a difference by choosing gifts that give back.

Giving the gift of charity is a great way to celebrate the true nature of the holiday season while helping those less fortunate. No matter what your personal circumstances there are always people who are having an even harder time. Bringing some light into their lives will give you a warm feeling and provide a positive example for your entire family.

Giving a gift that g}ves, back is also a great way to set a positive example for your children. We often hear that kids today are spoiled and narcissistic, and a great deal of that self absorption may stem from the instant gratification culture in which they live. These days it seems even the youngest children simply have to have the latest electronic gadget, whether it is the latest iteration of the iPhone or the newest MP3 player. Teaching kids to delay their gratification and focus on the needs of others provides a valuable and long lasting life lesson.

So many of us in today's society have more than we need, while others have little or nothing at all. Ask yourself if your family members and friends really need another gift basket full of gourmet cheeses, or another sweater. Then consider the many charities whose mission is to help the disadvantaged improve their lot in life. When you look at things in these stark terms the choice is really a simple one.

There are many wonderful ways parents'and others can choose gifts that give back. Whether you choose to make a donation in a family memb~rs name to their favorite charity or give a gift membership in a charitable organization your gift will continue to give long after the wrapping paper and tinsel have been put away. So this year wh solve to creat~ a hew family tradition'. Give the gift of char' choosE! aifls that witf give back all year long!

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ABOUT ECO-L1BRIS Eco-Libris is a green business that works with book readers, publishers, authors, bookstores and others in the book industry to balance out the paper used for books by planting trees. More than 20 Million trees are cut down annually for virgin paper used for the production of books sold in the U.S. alone. Eco-Libris aims to raise awareness to the environmental impacts of using paper for the production of books and provide people and businesses with an affordable and easy way to do something about it: plant one tree for every book they read, sell or publish. Customers also receive a sticker made of recycled paper for every book they balance out saying "One tree planted for this book" and can later display these stickers on their books' sleeves. Publishers can use our logo in their cover designs to indicate one tree is planted for that book.

Eco-Libris partnered with three highly respected US and UK registered non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with local communities in developing countries to plant these trees.

These trees are planted in high ecological and sustainable standards in Latin America (Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, Belize, Honduras) and Africa (Malawi), where deforestation is a crucial problem. Planting trees in these places not only helps to fight climate change and conserve soil and water, but also benefits many local people, for whom these trees offer many benefits, such as improvement of crops and additional food and income, and an opportunity for a better future.

In its first year of operation Eco-Libris balanced out 50,005 books, which results in 65,865 new trees that are being planted with our planting partners in developing countries.

HOW WE DO IT

o You decide how many books you want to balance out with Eco-Libris More than 30 Million trees are cut down annually for virgin paper used for the production of books sold in the U.S. alone. That's definitely a problem - trees are one of the most valuable natural resources we have. They literally form the foundations of many natural systems and provide us with numerous benefits (carbon dioxide absorption, soil and water conservation, avalanche control, desertification prevention to name a few). ___- - 7

@ Eco-Libris is providing you now with a simple and affordable way to do something about it.

All you have to do is to choose how many books you want to balance out with Eco-Libris, pay for it online, and a tree will be planted for each of these books.

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@) Eco-Libris works with its planting partners to plant your trees in developing countries Our planting partners are organizations that work in developing countries. Their planting and conservation activities are an integral part of their efforts to help local communities in these countries move towards a sustainable future. We make sure that your trees will be planted where they provide significant value for both the environment and the local communities, who are very much involved and play an important part in the planting projects.

6

You receive an Eco-Libris sticker for every book you balance out The Eco-Libris sticker, which is made from recycled paper, is designed for you to put on the cover of the books you balance out, to show your commitment to sustainability and responsible use of natural resources. We hope you show off these books and inspire your family, friends and colleagues to take responsibility for their books as well.

Planting trees is the first step towards sustainable reading.

We encourage you to explore a few more.

We would like to see more (and eventually all) books printed in an environmental friendly manner on recycled paper. If virgin paper is being used, then it should only be from certified forests. You can help make this happen by writing publishers and encouraging them to do the right thing. Also, you can help by spreading the word - tell your family and friends about Eco-Libris and about the way books should be produced.

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Plant a tree for every book you read.

For every tree planted, you will receive ___ an Eco-Libris sticker to display on your book's sleeve, proudly showing your commitment to the environment.

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!

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GIVE THE WORLD A GIFT THIS HOLIDAY WITH

Oxfaln Alnerif:a lJnwrapped "Sheepish" about giving another useless gift? Oxfam America offers unexpected ways to surprise your loved ones and make a difference in the fight against poverty.

Pick from more than 50 gifts: a sheep, a can of worms, planting 100 trees, a bicycle, or a goat. Here's how it works: You choose the gift. Your loved one receives a card. Your gift helps someone in need. Check out the entire collection at:

oxfamamericaunwrapped.com.

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NEW EYES FOR THE NEEDY Bringing Vision to the US and the World New Eyes for the Needy has been going green since our founding in 1932. For the first 60 years, New Eyes collected used eyeglasses so that gold frames could be melted down. The revenue from the gold was used to purchase new prescription glasses for poor children and adults in the u.s.

Even after gold frames became a rarity, New Eyes continued to receive hundreds of thousands of pairs of gently used glasses from individuals, civic organizations, religious groups, manufacturers and opticians allover the country. From those ongoing donations, our overseas recycling program was born. To date, New Eyes has distributed more than 6,500,000 pairs of used glasses to indigent residents of developing nations through large charities and small medical missions.

The two programs have combined to give clear vision to 7,000,000 people in the U.S. and 56 countries around the world.

New Eyes also recycles donations of jewelry (costume and estate), watches, silver, crystal, china and giftware in our re-sale showroom, which is known as Fabulous Finds. Fabulous Finds is totally volunteer run and responsible for generating more than $50,000 in revenue for our u.s. eyeglass program last year.

New Eyes accepts donations of cash, glasses, jewelry, giftware and hearing aids (these can also be recycled) throughout the year.

Visit our website at

www.neweyesfortheneedy.org for information

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about our programs and how you can make a huge difference in the life of a poor, vision-impaired child or adult by supporting New Eyes for the Needy.

IMPACT: HOW YOU CAN HELP Glasses from New Eyes for the Needy directly impact a person's life.

Because of New Eyes, children can succeed in school, seniors can remain independent, and adults can find employment.

New Eyes for the Needy relies on the support of thousands of individuals and organizations across the United States to fulfill our mission of improving the vision of the less fortunate. How can you or your organization have an impact?

Make a cash donation. Each $60 donated to New Eyes purchases a pair of eyeglasses for an American in need.

Recycle. Donate your used eyeglasses, hearing aids, jewelry and giftware.

Sponsor a collection drive in your community, school, place of worship, or office.

Volunteer as an individual or a group to sort and test used eyeglasses or proVide administrative support.

Participate in our U.S. program as a social service agency, optical dispenser or provider of free eye exams.

Distribute glasses from New Eyes to poor people in developing nations.

Shop at Fabulous Finds, the jewelry and giftware showroom benefiting New Eyes for the Needy. Proceeds from the showroom help purchase new eyeglasses for the poor in the U.S. Join our mailing lists to learn more about New Eyes for the Needy. www.neweyesfortheneedy.org

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Christmas

By ANGEL JENKINS MORRIS

Change the wo

If the ghosts of commercialized Christmases past are haunting you, it's time to give serious thought to how you'll spend Christmases future. The ChristmasFuture Foundation is not only changing the way people spend, it's changing the world.

Launched Nov. 5, 2007, ChristmasFuture is a website that allows people to spend holiday dollars toward the eradication of extreme poverty. "People are thrilled that this new way to give is being brought into the world. The reason it is gaining so much momentum is that it is something that people already want - most of us feel that we already have enough so we'd like to somehow share with others that don't have as much," Jay Baydala, CFF founder said.

The process is simple: Visit www.ChristmasFuture.org, and choose online gift cards for friends and family.

The gift recipient chooses from a database of povertyeradication projects and then allocates their gift toward a project that interests them. This new way to give puts the power of change into everyone's hands.

"Go to the website and hit the GIVE button - send someone a gift card or invest in a project yourself.

Alternatively you can build awareness by using the Tell-a-Friend button or joining a Facebook group. Lastly, if you are a teacher or a parent you can download our free curriculum and teach the young people in your life about extreme poverty and global citizenship," Baydala said.

Approaching its first anniversary, CFF's success has exceeded Baydala's expectations: $92,000 toward 28 different projects impacting about 38,000 people in the developing world in 10 different countries. Also - 600 students in North America learned about extreme poverty from the free curriculum, and approximately 2,000 people experienced the holiday season a bit differently by giving a new kind of gift.

One such person was Barbara Peyton of Canada, where CFF headquarters is based and a local radio station has an annual Christmas $10,000 prize giveaway. Each year's winner chooses from a variety of prizes valued at that amount.

"As a bit of a social experiment the radio station decided to offer that the winner could choose one of the prizes or give $10,000 to a charity of their choice. Most people in the organization thought that there is no way the winner would choose that option. They even had an internal bet

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Future

rid... for good. about it," Baydala said. "The promotions manager believed that the winner would give the cash to a charity instead of taking diamonds or a sun and fun getaway ... Well, the winner did choose to give it to charity, and she chose to give it to ChristmasFuture." Radio Station Lite 96 employees said the gift surprised them in a positive way. ''The fact that the winner chose so unselfishly really impacted the employees at the station.

They were all talking about it and seemed somehow encouraged that there is goodness in the world. It was as if there was a little glimmer of light in the darkness that they assumed to be everywhere. A little hope returned. A little spark," Baydala said.

Peyton had just come back to North America and was overwhelmed with the opulence of the season. She said she was tempted to take that getaway prize and leave Calgary's -30C cold-snap.

Instead she impacted someone else's life for the better.

"It was amazing to hear how everyone was better off and affected toward good. That's how it happens; the goodness is infectious ... they call it the virtuous cycle as opposed to the vicious cycle. Everyday people can change the world this easily - with a simple choice to do Christmas a bit differently. Everyone else around them is affected - for good," Baydala said.

In communities of the developing world, ChristmasFuture projects are related to health, education, economy, agriculture, infrastructure, gender, water and sanitation, and community development. Donations are giving people opportunity to achieve economically sustainable lives and a vision for their future.

"Five percent of what we spend during the holiday season is enough to change the world for good. One out of 20 gifts you get or give is what it would take," Baydala said. All donations go directly to Christmas Future projects, with the organization raising overhead funds separately.

Baydala encourages people to consider giving just $5.

"Poverty ends when we have a different dream about what the world should be like. If we can dream a new dream where we all have enough, where we all have abundance, that is when the world will change and poverty will be no more," he said. "And this all comes down to the simple choices of everyday people - the $5 philanthropists."

It's time to start shopping for Christmas - and for the future - like never before. "It's possible. It's easy. It's safe," Baydala said of shopping at ChristmasFuture.org. "We'll show you how the world changes because of your choice to do Christmas a bit differently this year."

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PRESENTS FOR PURPOSE Every Gift Benefits A Cause

ABOUT US Presents For Purpose specializes in stylish and meaningful apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts that give back. Whether shopping for yourself, or for a gift, your purchases pull double duty by putting a smile on the face of someone you know- and also on someone that you don't!

OUR STORY Alayna Kassan and Cynthia W. Dressel met in 1999, after each had successfully fought Hodgkins Disease, a form of Lymphoma Cancer. Both women became active volunteers in conventional fundraising and advocacy settings, anxious to give back to the community that helped them in their time of need.

In time, they began developing unique ways for friends and family to continue

to support the cause. In 2002, they designed their first retail collection, and the line of trendy crystal watches qUickly sold out. $20,000 of profits was donated to the Lymphoma Research Foundation and Presents For Purpose was born.

In 2005, internet marketing professional Leslie B. Weissman joined the Presents For Purpose team. Inspired by her childhood friend's two time struggle with breast cancer, Leslie shares the team's enthusiasm to make a difference.

Today, Presents For Purpose works with dozens of wonderful charities that help people live healthier, happier and safer lives, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and invaluable awareness for their work. At Presents For Purpose, everyone has the opportunity to shop in style and make a difference!

www.presentsforpurpose.com/

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The Presley Charitable Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to improving people's lives with real solutions Created by Lisa Marie Presley in August 2007, the first endeavor of The Presley Charitable Foundation will be Presley Place-New Orleans; a transitional housing facility for homeless families.

The • • • • • •

you can help

make real change.

foundation provides the following services: rent-free housing child day care career and financial counseling family management guidance and other tools to help them break the cycle of poverty; regaining self-esteem and independence.

The first Presley Place in Memphis, Tennesee is a multi-unit apartment property. It is one of several such properties or "campuses" in Memphis that are part of the outstanding Estival Communities program, created and managed by the Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA). Presley Place-Memphis opened the doors to its first residents in July 2001 and will serve as the model for Presley PlaceNew Orleans.

Thank you so much for supporting the Presley Charitable Foundation! Any amount you donate will be used wisely to help those in need ... And remember - PCF is a 501 c3 charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent provided by law.

See more information and to donate go to: www.presleycharitablefoundation.org/donate

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4,500 CHILDREN WILL DIE TODAY FROM WATER RELATED DISEASES.

WATCH VIDEO

WHY WATER. Right now, 1.1 billion people on the planet don't have access to safe, clean drinking water.

That's one in six of us.

WHO WE ARE. charity: water is a non profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. We give 100% of the money raised to direc;t project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest Reed. We also work to raise awareness of the water crisis through events, fundraising exhibitions and other public awareness campaigns.

YOU CAN HELP. Donate, volunteer or help us spread the word.

1. donate 2. get involved 3. wear charity

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World Vision Building a better world for children What is World Vision World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

What Does World Vision do?

World Vision provides emergency and hunger relief, long-term community development programs, agricultural development assistance and leadership training. The organization also educates the public on poverty- and justice-related issues and advocates on behalf of the poor and children in crisis.

We are committed to the poor We are called to serve the neediest people of the earth; to relieve their suffering and to promote the transformation of their wellbeing. We stand in solidarity in a common search for justice. We â&#x20AC;˘ seek to understand the situation of the poor and work alongside them.

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We seek to facilitate an engagement between the poor and the affluent that opens both to transformation. We respect the poor as active participants, not passive recipients, in this relationship. They are people from whom others may learn and receive, as well as give.

The need for transformation is common to all. Together we share a quest for justice, peace, reconciliation, and healing in a broken world.

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For more information, please visit:

www.wC1~vi5iC1l1.C1...t

Just ~ive.org The destination for online charitable givingâ&#x201E;˘

JustGive.org offers a last minute, meaningful way to give in the true spirit of the season with a donation that can make a difference. Creating a special gift of goodwill that has lasting results.

Remember a loved one by donating in their memory to a favorite cause.

Make a JustGive Charity Wish List with your favorite charities and suggest friends and family make a donation in your honor.

Through JustGive.org, givers can:

In difficult times - Give for basic needs As the economic crisis deepens, household budgets ar.~ stretched and food prices skyrocket, more and more families struggle to put food on ,. the table. Recent estimates state that near,ly 35 million Americans, including 12.6 million children, are food insecure (with low or very low food security).

Customize a donation as a gift by selecting a specific charity that is personally meaningful to the recipient and make a donatiol() in their name. JustGive will send~n ..â&#x20AC;˘ email to the rE~: cipient with your personal !J1essage.

Purchase a gift certificate in the recipiert's name. The recipient then comes to JustGive and redeems it to any of the nearly 1.5 million charities in our database.

Create a gift basket with a cause-related theme, giving to four charities in that area of concern (minimum $10 to each charity).

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JustGive makes it easy to offer support to the many charities providing food for those who need it. You can identify the charity of your choice by going to our website.

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TM

of~ 00 World of Good Development Organization aims to eliminate poverty and structurally improve the quality of life for artisans in very low income craft producing communities around the world. We achieve this by partnering with businesses and non-profits to build a stronger fair trade crafts movement in the United States, promoting clear transparent international standards for fair trade crafts, and investing in economic and social development projects in craft producer communities.

World of Good, Inc. was founded in 2004 to create sustainable, enterprise-based solutions to global poverty alleviation. Through a series of strategic relationships with online and offline retail partners, we create opportunities for thousands of marginalized artisans around the world to gain access to a rapidly growing segment of consumers who are looking to make informed, educated, and socially-responsible decisions when they shop.

World of Good was started in Berkeley, California by Priya Haji and Siddharth Sanghvi, two friends who graduated from the University of California Berkeley Business School. Priya, who is now World of Good's CEO, travelled around the world in her first year out of Haas, meeting with small artisan producer groups allover Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Inspired by what she saw, and convinced that she could help figure out a way for them to gain more, better, and faster access to the U.S. consumer market, she came back and convinced her friend Siddharth to quit his tech job and start World of Good.

That was four years ago. Since then, and in keeping with our original mission to create new distribution channels for our artisan partners overseas, we have grown to become nationally distributed company-both online and offline-and are currently supporting the work of artisans in more than 70 countries around the world.

Visit us online to make a World of Good!

www.(]ti.ti...al짜(]~.cam

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Holiday 2008

For more than 45 years, World Wild Life has been protecting the future of nature. The largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of 速 innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.

WWF's mission is the conservation of nature. Using the best available scientific knowledge and advancing that knowledge where we can, we work to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth and the health of ecological systems by:

WWF

protecting natural areas and wild populations of plants and animals, including endangered species; promoting sustainable approaches to the use of renewable natural resources; and promoting more efficient use of resources and energy and the maximum reduction of pollution.

We are committed to reversing the degradation of our planet's natural environment and to building a future in which human needs are met in harmony with nature. We recognize the critical relevance of human numbers, poverty and consumption patterns to meeting these goals.

GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL HELP PROTECT THE FUTURE OF NATURE What are you giving this year? What f you could give a gift that could help save some of the world's most endangered animals from extinction? Right now pandas, tigers, polar bears and other animals you care about are at risk from habitat loss, poaching, pollution and climate changes. These are serious, global challenges - and that's why WWF is working on creative effective global solutions, together with scientists, governments, local groups and supporters like you.

When you give a gift of a symbolic adoption, your donation will be used to fight threats like habitat loss and poaching, faced by the animal you choose and other critically endangered species, while also supporting WWF's worldwide conservation efforts.

ADOPT AN ANIMAL AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

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Holiday 2008

THE STEWPOT

In 1975 the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas launched The 5tewpot, a food program organized by the associate pastor and members of the church in response to the many homeless and hungry that came knocking on their church door. In recent years the Stewpot has turned into much more then a food program, mostly due to the discovery that the homeless require more then food, they needed help getting their lives back on track. Almost three decades later the Stewpot has been transformed into a resource center for at-risk individuals, and is helping rebuild lives through the various programs it offers.

The Stewpot provides many services to at-risk individuals including counseling for drug and alcohol addiction, youth programs, a voice mail service for potential employers to contact job applicants, bible study classes and medical services. Last month we visited the Stewpot to talk to them about . ~ ~ their art program, a popular program that .~ has allowed participants to express themselves through various artistic mediums and has also been a source of therapy too.

The Art Program Director, Cynthia Brannum gave us a private tour of the art facility. We really didn't know what we'd expect to see, but what we found were many talented individuals who have turned their hard-knock experiences into something beautiful for us to see.

While touring the facility we saw a multitude of paintings, sketches and crafted items that wouldn't look out of place alongside better-known artist's work at national galleries. One such artist, Cornelius Brackens, came to the art program in October 2006 in circumstances he describes very passionately as "with art in my soul and nowhere to go." Cornelius' work has a common theme we quickly became familiar with while touring the facility. Each piece of his art told a story. There are scenes of church ceremonies, various depictions of Christ and "life" themes

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Holiday 2008

REBUILDING LIFE THROUGH ART~

each of us can identify with.

Cornelius has shown his work at several galleries. In Dec. 2006 and Dec. 2007 his work was displayed at the Bradshaw Gallery in a group showing of Stewpot artists. While visiting the Stewpot we were fortunate to see Brackens diligently working on a custom piece for one of the many people who have become collectors of his paintings. One painting entitled 'Jesus, While On Others Thou Art Calling, Do Not Pass Me By" is part of President and Mrs. George Bush's private art collection.

Another incredibly talented artist named Charles Williams had several pieces displayed around Stewpot. Williams' passion for art began at the young age of 4. His creative ability would land him a job as a cake decorator in his adult life, but in 200S life threw Charles a curve ball and he ended up at the Stewpot. He has become a popular member of the art program and his work has received much media attention, not only because of his extraordinary ability, but because he has managed to make his way out of homeless ness through the sale of his artwork.

Charles has been recognized for his work and as a result won numerous awards including the Keith Bailes Eagle Watch Art Contest; a National art contest that is judged at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Charles took 2nd place for his work entitled "The Professor." More recently Charles's art was displayed at the Texas and Neighbors Regional Art Exhibit, at the Irving Arts Center where he took home the 3rd place award.

When we asked Cynthia Brannum why she thinks the art program has become so popular, she told us "the program allows participants to experience their own creativity and ability...to bring something into this world ... to learn and understand more about art and improve their lives." She went on to tell us that the best part of her job at the Stewpot is watching the individuals regain stability in their lives and grow artistically.

Up Coming Events 13th Annual Art Show at The Downtown Public Library.

Stewpot Art Show at the Bradshaw Gallery - Opens Sunday, December 7th from 1:30 pm to 4pm. The exhibit will run from Dec. 7th to Dec. 29th. The gallery is located on the 4th floor and will be open during regular Library hours.

Wish List Items Frames, acrylic paint, yarn, stretched canvas, drawing pads & other art/craft supplies and monetary donations.

If you would like to find out about purchasing some artwork, offer your support or volunteer your services contact Cynthia Brannum, Art Program Director at 214-746-2785 ext. 235.

By Surinder Moore

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Holiday 2008

Seventh Generation wants you to understand the importance of ingredient transparency, what it means for the health of your family as well as the impact it has on the planet. Seventh Generation has

always believed in showing the world what's inside and now we want you to do the same.

WATCH VIDEO

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Holiday 2008

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Holiday 2008

One thing that's apparent throughout Akiane's paintings is the strong biblical theme. There is a depth to Akiane's art that gives you the impression that there's an undeniable bond between the artist and her creator - a bond that only they are privy to. When asked how she knows what to paint she simply stated, "I just wait to see what God shows me."

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To read more about Akiane or to purchase her artwork or her books, visit

www.akianeart.com

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Holiday 2008

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Holiday 2008

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Holiday 2008

Shaw Treatment Body Care Products

MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Kari Dunlop, founder glindagirls.com

After successfully completing her Masters in Animal Nutrition in 1999 and having scored her dream job at a world class zoo tending to over 5000 animals, Michelle Shaw never imagined what 'dreams may come.'

Necessity Is the Mother of Invention As a lifetime sufferer of eczema, Michelle spent many sleepless nights itching and scratching, applying prescription topical creams with dangerous amounts of cortisone. Enough was enough. A new approach was needed.

Michelle began to treat her skin as she would any of the exotic animals she worked with.

Researching ingredients that could feed and nourish her skin, she searched the globe and discovered a variety of natural fruit, nut and vegetable oils that had incredible benefits for her condition. Her itch was gone, the Wildly popular Shaw Treatment Body Butter was born and Shaw Treatment was launched on Earth Day 2004.

It's a Whole New World ... with Shaw Treatment Becoming more aware of the great needs of others around the world, Michelle positioned the company as a socially responsible enterprise donating net profits to the 'Ryan's Well Foundation'- an amazing effort started by a 6 year old boy and $70.00 Passion. Purpose. Possibility and Paraben Free!

Shaw Treatment has expanded their product line to include cleansers, soaps, exfoliators, shampoos and conditioners. Skin friendly, animal friendly, earth friendly, paraben-free, SLS free and contain no petroleum by-products - Shaw Treatment is

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not only good for you - it's great for the planet!

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Making the world a better place - for every decision they make, every product they design and every dollar they share.

For more information and to Shop Shaw Treatments www.glindagirls.com/shop/1

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More information about Ryan's story and the amazing work this wonder kid is doing can be gleaned at www.ryanswell.caj A DISTINCTIVE Style.com

Holiday 2008

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$50 Beyond appreciating the beauty of this special necklace, each person is reminded that they improved and touched the life of someone else in need. Obligato is Portuguese for something ........,-if that one cannot live without. Water is something that we cannot live without. Each necklace purchased provides 10 people in Africa with clean water for a year. www.dianawarnerstudio.com

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-;p,,,.~ÂŁ u~ ecoklrooks $2.0

This group of menopausal women with 'zest' have cooked up 3 bestselling cookbooks raising over $800,000 in the fight against cancer. After putting on an uber-successful fundraising dinner for a friend, the pot was stirred and the end result was a community cookbook that included a collection of over 250 of their own family favorites. Now that is mmm mmm good! www.glindagirls.com/shop/4

s~ 0.(. I..tJVe. ~ I..tJve.l....ipsl:Ack. $2.0 CARGO is changing the face of beauty by planting new seeds for eco-friendly beauty with this lipstick tube made entirely out of corn - a renewable and abundant resource. The outer carton is made of flower paper embedded with real flower seeds. Simply moisten, plant, and wait for a bouquet of wild flowers to grow!

Eleven of the lip hues were designed by top actresses, who individually collaborated with CARGO to create their ideal lipstick shade. Two dollars from the sale of every shade is donated St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.beauty.com

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Holiday 2008

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Trees ,-~ O\.rtis $5.'1

Give-A-Tree Cards do something more than other greeting cards. They help replant our national forests. With every $5.95 donation, you'll receive a Give-A-Tree Card to give to someone. Every card honors the recipient with a tree planted in a national forest that has been devastated by insects, disease, and wildfires. www.arborday.com

The color of love: The PlantLoveTr"coliection features 20 sheer and glossy lipsticks that you can feel good about on every level.

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5% of the net procee~s are donated to Penn State University's Honeybee Research Facility, a world leader in honeybee research. The Honeybee Research Fund supports the research, education and outreach efforts in the areas of honeybee biology, health, pollination services and finding a solution for Colony Collapse Disorder. Packaged in a beautiful gift box printed with soy ink, the candle is clean-burning and non-toxic with 100% cotton wicks. The recycled glass can be reused as a drinking glass. www.danielleandcompany.com

Tt..e. -/leArL of lh.e. ~12eJ.. 'J),-e.ss +0'- LJOI'IW\. 1">er.(wM.e- $2..1. '1 '1 Developed by master perfumers at the illustrious fragrance house Givaudan, RED DRESS is a textured, floral musk composed of Mandarin, Freesia and Bergamot on top with mid-notes of Rose Petals, Jasmine and Linden Blossom.l 00% of the net proceeds ($ 5 per bottle) are donated to the American Heart Association. perfumania.com/help.aspx?help=GoRed To keep up on the latest and greatest gift giving opportunities that provides many happy returns - sneak a peek at www.beautyandfashiontech.com/tag/charity

RED DRESS

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Holiday 2008

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Holiday 2008