Now that summer's unofficially here, Philly vegans are getting out of the house and trying out new vegan venues (more about that next week!) and also looking for excuses to hang out with other area vegans. Some fun opportunities for that happen this weekend, with the requisite yummy vegan food treats as the main excuse for getting together.

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Tomorrow, June 3rd at the Rotunda (4014 Walnut St; information@therotunda.org) you can get some free vegan ice cream at Animal Activists of Philly's 2017 Ice Cream Social, running from noon to 4 p.m. Organizer Marianne Bessey remarks that despite what you might have heard about June as National Dairy Month, in actuality "it's National Dairy-FREE month for animals, and Animal ACTivists of Philly will be giving away vegan ice cream in West Philly to show everyone how delicious animal-free can be!"

Remember, you don't have to be vegan to enjoy the free treats! You also don't have to NOT be vegan, of course - though in the spirit of the event, maybe bring someone with you who thinks vegan eating is all about raw carrots and righteousness and watch their eyes (and mouth) open!

Then on Sunday, June 4th from 1 to 4 p.m. at Tattooed Mom's (530 South St; 215-238-9880) - which is making its name as the go-to nonvegan venue for social vegans (and hungry vegans) - the infamous Philly Vegan Lady Gang will host a Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale. Yes, it's just happening at this one spot but is part of the Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale launched in 2009 that has helped raise more than $300,000 for a number of animal-related causes. In this case the proceeds will benefit Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.

Organizer LJ Steinig, whom V for Vegan readers may recall as the first winner (2016) of the Vegan MacDown, says "I've never been more stoked for a bake sale" and urges everyone to "stop by Tattooed Mom on the afternoon of Sunday, June 4th, get your arts & crafts on, eat a vegan sandwich & some tots, and then enjoy cupcakes and cookies and more!" The baked goodies will be supplied both by the "Philly Vegan Lady Gangsters" themselves and also by well-known vegan pros such as Soy Cafe, Crust Bakery and Miss Rachel's Pantry. Quite a lineup!

Also, since I noted last year that Lancaster, PA now has something of a vegan scene itself, I'll pass along that also tomorrow, from noon to 5 p.m. (enough time to get to both this and the ice cream social, if so inclined) Lancaster's first annual VegFest will be held at that city's Musser Park (more info: pavegfest@gmail.com or pavegfest.com). It's "a free public event whose mission is to provide information about the benefits of a plant-based diet for health and the benefit to animals" including "speakers, vendors, vegan foods, entertainment, raffle prizes, childrens activities, non-profit organizations, and much, much more!"

Wherever you are when you're out and about this weekend, stop at one or all of these and fill up on delicious vegan food and camaraderie. Raw carrots and righteousness can wait till Monday!

Published: June 2, 2017 3:38 PM EDT

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Weekend social events for Philly vegans? Sweet! - Philly.com (blog)

An Atlanta vegan is one of 10 women from across the country vying to be namedPETA'sSexiest Vegan Next Door.

Arnisha Keaton, 25,beat out hundreds of other entrants to become a finalist, according to a news release.

The winner will get a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, fromHumane Travel. There is also a male category. Out of the 20 contestants, shes the only one from Georgia.

Keaton,a remote train conductor and Army Reserve chemist,went up her chain of command to get animal-free ready-to-eat meals served during pre-deployment training, PETA said.

PETA

Keaton stopped eating meat out of compassion for animals when she was in preschool, but went full-on vegan two years ago, according to the website.

PETA will select the winners based on several factors, includingvote count. Voting ends at noon on June 21, and winners will be notified and announced on June 28.

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Atlanta Army chemist is a finalist in PETA's 'Sexiest Vegan' contest - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Baker Bhava Carr's new cafe sells her signature vegan and gluten-free baked goods as well as vegetarian breakfast and lunch dishes. ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS

The outside of Sweet Alchemy has a front porch and a back patio area for extra seating on a pleasant day.(Photo: ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS)Buy Photo

ESSEX JUNCTION The smell of brown sugar and maplewafts out of Bhavatarini Carr's kitchen at Sweet Alchemy Bakery and Caf as she rushes around to preparefor Saturday's opening. Maple pecan coffee cakes are baking in the oven and molasses cookies are piled up in bags on the counter, bound for a nearby store.

Carr isn't new to the world of baked goods she's been satisfying many a sweet tooth in Vermont for years with Four SistersBakery, her wholesale home business that sells to stores and cafes in the area.But this new venture, complete with breakfast,lunch and her dream kitchen to run,is all her own.

"I'm excited to have a space for people to come and gather," Carr said."Working from home you never get to communicate with the people who are eating your food, and you can't close that circle. I'm excited to get to know my customers and the people of Essex."

The items on the menu are magic tricks unto themselves, with unexpected ingredients masquerading as their more traditional counterparts to make gluten-free and vegan treats. Gone are the flour and butter, replaced with components like pumpkin and chickpeas.

More: Pace gets ambitious at new Burlington restaurant The Great Northern

More: New restaurant opening on Church St.

Trying out new concoctions is one of Carr's favorite things to do.

"Sometimes I get it in one shot and sometimes it takes me a couple of years," she said. "You have to be willing to play around with it. It's half art and half science, but eventually it becomes something you feel. I think it's a really interesting medium to work in."

While all the baked goods will remain gluten-free and vegan, her breakfast and lunch options will be vegetarian and sometimes incorporate flour or butter.

Sweet Alchemy baked goods are also available at a variety of stores and cafes in the area, like City Market in Burlington.(Photo: ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS)

"I'm looking forward to offering a wider variety of things," she said. "One is a sesame ginger blueberry waffle. The sesame is something my mother did growing up and it adds this cool savory note that goes great with maple syrup, I don't know how people couldn't enjoy them."

Her products already fly off the shelves at places like City Market in Burlington. The cookie monster cupcakes and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies have amassed a loyal fan base at Pingala Cafin Burlington, according to Charles Dowling.

"Her stuff is fantastic," said Dowling, a friend of Carr's and front-of-house manager at Pingala.

A chocolate almond lavender cupcake from Sweet Alchemy, made without gluten, dairy or soy products.(Photo: ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS)

Her father especially loves herbutternut squash mac and cheese, which will be on the menu.

"It's so yummy. My father is a huge cheese fan and he can't believe there is not butter or cheese in it, but I can't give away my secrets."

Carr spent severalyears living in India, which helped shape her appreciation for food.

"The way I was raised was that you cook with a mood of reverencethat it's a privilege to be able to cook for people and be involved in that part of their day," Carr said."I try to think about that because I don't want to put a bad mood into what I'm cooking.I'm conscious as to what I'm putting out into the world."

The seating area inside Sweet Aclhemy is open and relaxed, with a perfect view of the dessert counter.(Photo: ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS)

Her life has been a blur these past few months as she moved to a new apartment and readied Sweet Alchemy before its official opening. The long hours and late nights are about to be put to the test when she opens her doors on Saturday.

"Vermont has always felt like home, and the overall foodculture is great," she said."I can create the kind of food I'm excited about and people are interested in it. People care about what they eat and where it comes from here, and I'm glad to be in a place like that."

Sweet Alchemy Bakery &Caf is located on the lower level of The Barns at Lang Farm off Vermont 15 in Essex Junction. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday (hours subject to change).

Sweet Alchemy Bakery &Caf

Address: 43 Upper Main St. Essex Junction

Website:https://www.facebook.com/sweetalchemyvermont/

Phone: 802-662-5905

Contact Abbey Gingras at agingras@freepressmedia.com or 802-660-1875. Follow her on Twitter@abbeygingras.

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Vegan baker opens new cafe in Essex Junction - BurlingtonFreePress.com

DENVER - You dont expect to hear people singing and playing classic songs in an hospital. But on the 10th floor at Presbyterian/St. Lukes Medical Center in Denver, Lee Newman is being treated to live music.

Its being performed by a group who not only sings there, but works there.

Lela Monsoori, Brandt Miller, Angie Appel, Daniel Rule and Sam Helgesonare physicians, nurses and staff members who not only provide patients with medical care, but musical care.

For them, making rounds take on a whole new meaning.

For transplant patient Rick Almond, they are a welcome sight.

"Ive been really sick for a few years here, and liver gave out, and the kidneys started giving out and was close to not making it, Almond says.

As they performed it wasn't hard to tell how much the music moved him. And it's moments like that, that makes them glad they started the group.

We all sort of realized that we were all musicians, says Miller.

Six months ago they began sharing their love of music with their patients between their other hospital duties.

The space in this hospital can be really hard and intense for patients, says nurse Angie Appel. And so we get to come in and bring a sense of lightness and help, and it's so inspiring for me I love it.

Endocrinologist Dr. Lela Mansoori sings with the group as well and says the impact is far reaching.

It releases stress, Dr. Mansoori says. It lowers cortisol and it actually has been shown in several scientific studies to decrease the length of stay to decrease the disease progression and it's just been very beneficial for patients.

In the short term, it's bringing a huge smile to Steve Barbier's face, even as he battles cancer.

It's nice to have a little change of pace, Barbier says. Because i can't go out or anything so yeah they did raise my spirits.

As duty calls, the group gets smaller, but their determination doesn't.

The next stop is Don Grosser's room.

After hearing the group play Brown Eyed Girl, Grosser says, It was wonderful. Wonderful.

It's said that music can touch the soul, and this group is proof that it can do so much more. It's building connection and trust.

To come in and have a relaxing music side of them is really great, Almond says. It just makes it more person to person, more one on one. And its bringing joy to those who play and listen.

Read more:

Medical musicians give unique care at hospital - NBC26 WGBA-TV ... - WGBA-TV

Submitted by Caffrey & Associates 4:34 a.m. ET June 3, 2017

Babcock Ranch is inviting everyone to enjoy twice a week free live music performances at the band shell at Founders Square.(Photo: Picasa)

BABCOCK RANCH Babcock Ranch, the solar powered town being built by Kitson & Partners in Charlotte County off State Road 31, north of the Lee County Civic Center, is inviting the public to enjoy twice a week free live music performances at the band shell at Founders Square, the 13-acre lakefront green in the heart of the new towns downtown district.Tuesday Night Live every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the Saturday Concert Series every Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. offers a mix of performers and musical styles.

In addition to the band shell, Founders Square features a boardwalk on the banks of Lake Babcock, a childrens splash pad, picnic tables, and shady areas for relaxing. Menu and beverage specials will be available at the lakefront Table & Tap restaurant located on the western edge of Founders Square. With its indoor and outdoor dining, beer garden, relaxed outdoor conversation areas set around fire pits, a selection of craft beers, a farm to table menu by Chef David Rashty, and friendly service, Table & Tap has quickly become a preferred destination since opening at the end of February. A towering 80-year old oak tree transplanted from the Babcock property provides a backdrop for the restaurants beer garden.

Tuesday, June 6, soloist Harry Havery will enliven the evening at Founders Square with acoustic renditions of classic hits, rock, and country selections. On Saturday, June 10, the Kindred Spirit duo will present a collection of blue grass and Americana favorites. On Tuesday, June 13and Saturday, June17,the Cody Daniels duo will play multi-genre sets featuring tunes from the 1960s to present.

Soloist Steve Farst will showcase his extensive repertoire of multi-genre selections on Tuesday, June 20. The Mystic River Band ,with their unique brand of Texas red dirt country,will take the stage at the Founders Square band shell on Saturday, June 24and Cody Daniels will round out Junes performance schedule on Tuesday, June 27.

Tuesday Night Live and Saturday Concert Series visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Visit babcockranch.com for performance updates.

Kitson & Partners also invites visitors to experience Babcock Ranchs extensive network of hiking trails and numerous lakes. The new town has been designed to provide an immediate connection to nature on a day to day basis.

As visitors turn east off S.R. 31 and approach the Babcocks signature entry bridge, they are treated to views of a waterscape and the Lake House recreation center. Once across the bridge, the connection continues as visitors make their way down a winding, tree-lined streetscape leading to the downtown district.

The first several miles of what will ultimately be a 50-mile network of nature trails have been completed and are open to all who enjoy an invigorating hiking experience. Hiking gear is available at Curry Creek Outfitters in Woodlea Hall on the western edge of Founders Square. Curry Creek Outfitters also provides fishing equipment and kayak, paddle board, and bike sales and rentals.

Woodlea Hall also hosts the Discovery Center, the focal point for obtaining information about all aspects of Babcock Ranch, including how the new town came into being, Kitson & Partners commitment to preserving and maintaining the environment, how advanced technologies such as solar power, a full gigabyte of fiber-optic connectivity, autonomous vehicles, and tele-medicine have been incorporated in the community, and Babcocks diverse residential product offering.

New model home residences by Homes by Town, Stock Development, and Florida Lifestyle Homes are open in Babcocks Lake Timber neighborhood. Two models by Fox Premier Builders will open later this month.

Babcocks residential product choices include twin villas by Lennar Corp.base priced at$180,000; single-family homes by Lennar base priced at$220,000; single-family residences by Homes by Towne and Fox Premier Builders base priced in the$300s; single-family homes by Stock Development basepriced inthe low-$400s; and single-family residences by Florida Lifestyle and Castle Harbour Homes base priced inthe $500s. All base pricing includes the home site.

The towns Craftsman, Farmhouse, Coastal Gulf Vernacular, Spanish, and Colonial/West Indies architectural styles are derived from the styles found in pre-World War II neighborhoods in Fort Myers, Naples, and throughout Southwest Florida. The homes and their front porches are positioned close to the street to encourage the social interaction and personal connections that are part of life at Babcock.

The Discovery Center, the Table & Tap Restaurant, and Curry Creek Outfitters are open seven days a week. To learn more about the solar powered town, visit babcockranch.com. To learn more about the events, visit babcockranch.com/events.

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Everyone invited to weekly music nights at Babcock Ranch - The News-Press

If you fancy watching the French countryside slide by from the comfort of your cabin, then we have just the getaway for you

TALK about a room with a view Im lying in my cabin, balcony doors wide open, watching the French countryside slide by.

The suns dancing off the water, swifts are darting in silhouette and kids are cycling to school along the riverbank.

This is proper lazy travelling, chugging down the Rhone river from Lyon towards the Med.

My TV maps the A-Rosa Stella river cruises progress, highlighting bridges and monuments along the way.

Another channel shows the live view from the bow of the ship.

France is all there for the taking but I only reach for my camera or nip off for an excursion when something really takes my eye.

And this pick n mix, relaxed attitude runs through all the boats facilities and attractions. Buffet meals replace formal stuffy set dinners, the free bar is open whenever you fancy a pina colada and theres even a sauna at water level with river views.

Weather permitting, try the sundeck and swimming pool or on-deck games. Just learn to duck when youre approaching a low bridge.

This vast vessel was built to fit the Rhone. With just inches to spare, it squeezes through the many locks and bridges we navigate as we slowly descend to sea level.

Inside, its easy to forget youre afloat. Theres no stomach-churning rocking, no rescuing sliding drinks from bar tables on the lean, or wobbling with a plate of food in hand.

This ship is incredibly stable as it uses the latest technology to ensure the smoothest ride.

The only rocking youll get is from DJ Robbie, who runs music bingo nights and plays tunes till late(ish) in the bar.

We also danced to local band Les Gitans, relatives of the more famous Gipsy Kings who, incidentally, live in a series of caravans deep in the Camargue, southern Frances glorious flatlands that open out on to the Med.

Take the 44 Jeep Safari excursion into the Camargue and its easy to see why the band fell in love with this area. Wild white horses roam freely, pink flamingos flock in the sunset and fearless humans race fearsome bulls.

Farmhouses are dotted among the salt flats their curved roofs designed to withstand the cold mistral winds that frequently blow down the river valley.

In the pretty coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer I munch on Camargue bread a local bruschetta with anchovies, olives and tomato for less than 2. Even the wild horses eat like the French, happily nibbling on loaves.

A visit to Avignons broken medieval bridge Pont DAvignon and city wall makes for some cracking photos.

You can also take a lazy bike tour along the river here and through the plum groves.

Or ditch the bike and go on foot through the old cobbled city, spotting the painted trompe loeil windows, overhanging balconies and vast Popes Palace, which housed pontiffs in the 14th Century.

You cant visit the Rhone without sampling some of the great local wine, such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It gets its flavour by growing among rocks washed down the river from the Swiss Alps more than 25million years ago.

Another trip took us past the Ardeche regions lavender and rape fields to visit epic limestone gorges and caves.

Also there is the majestic Pont dArc. Catholics and Protestants used to wage war on this a natural limestone bridge, slinging their enemies into the river below. Now, canoeists paddle peacefully beneath.

Back on board, we sample local oysters and champagne, and later try a set menu in their fine dining area for only 12.

Its a real chance to spoil yourself as is the whole trip.

This was my first river cruise. And I hope not my last. Calling all fellow lazy travellers.

GETTING/STAYING THERE: A seven-night Rhone Route Classic River Cruise onboard A-Rosa Stella is from 1,276 per person.

It includes deluxe accommodation, all meals and drinks, a private VIP home pick-up service if you live within 50 miles of your departure airport, return flights from Gatwick and transfers.

Based on two sharing for an April 2018 departure. Call 0800 440 2797 or see cosmos.co.uk. OUT & ABOUT: Excursions can be booked onboard.

They include: Orange, Gateway to Provence, 36; Bike Tour of Avignon, 19; Avignon City Walking Tour (with a visit to the Popes Palace), 30; Jeep Tour Through the Camargue, 74; Southern Ardeche and Lavender Scent, 56.

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Spoil yourself with a relaxing French river cruise down the Rhone river from Lyon towards the Mediterranean - The Sun

Bumble has changed the way people date, communicate, and discover new places (hey, if you can use Tinder to help make the most of your vacation with local guides disguised as dates, you can do the same with Bumble). The dating app's founder, Whitney Wolfe, recently took off on a long weekend getaway with her sister and a few of her closest friends to experience the best of Las Ventanas, Mexico.

We chatted with Wolfe about her favorite parts of this specific trip which she described as "festive, nostalgic, and refreshing" and a few of the things she can't travel without. Read on and learn from a seasoned globetrotter.

"We had a wonderful time. I cant remember the last time I had a relaxing trip, where I actually put my phone down for more than two hours. Las Ventanas is the most amazing if not one of the best places in Mexico to stay food, service, and hotel are perfect every time. I love Mexico."

"Outside of the hotel that hosted a beautiful dinner on the beach for us, we were obsessed with Flora Farms (actual farm-to-table), the live music, and the best ginger beet margaritas. Ediths is another favorite!"

"It was a mix of very close friends and my sister. Enjoyed being in a relaxing and happy environment with some of my favorite people in the world. We havent all been together outside of work or weddings in years and it was so nice to have the weekend together."

"A phone charger and Elta MD sunscreen for everyday (but really excited about trying Glossiers new sunscreen)."

"The Louis Vuitton roller bag it fits everything and holds up to the toughest of traveler."

"I try to pack my favorite basics, then add on from there depending on location, work/leisure, and the forecast. Always bring a good pair of flats, heels, and tennies. You can never underestimate weather changes, so I suggest always traveling with a versatile light jacket."

"A sailing trip through Myanmar and Thailand its always amazing to be able to experience a relaxing vacation but learn a lot about new cultures at the same time."

"Munich, Germany. I was surprised by how quaint and lovely it is; I fell in love with it. The architecture, design, people, food, and shopping were impeccable."

"Its a place I have been before but would love to further explore: India. I went six years ago with my mother and we fell in love with the country. Id like to go back with my soon-to-be-husband and experience it together as he has not yet gone. Its a magical place and wonderful people. Another place on my bucket list is Tanzania, which I just booked for my honeymoon with my fianc, after our wedding in Positano this Fall. Could not be more excited for both of these trips."

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This is the one thing Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe can't travel without - Travel+Leisure

Amigo Bob Cantisano has farmed in California since the mid-1970s an array that includes tree fruits and nuts, berries, vegetables and olives, plus flowers and nursery stock. The 65-year-old farmer is on hiatus from working the land as he fights cancer, but hes still tending his most important crop: ideas.

Part of that generation who went back to the land and stayed, this ninth-generation Californian started the first natural foods distribution company in California, and the states first organic farm supply, organic farming conference and organic crop consulting agency.

Growing up in the Bay Area, Cantisano he got the nickname Amigo from a high school girlfriend did not plan for food to be a career. Rather, his work evolved around his circumstances. Living communally in and around San Francisco in the late 1960s, he tore up backyards to garden and feed himself and his friends.

Food became a lot more to think about when, on the first Earth Day in 1970, Cantisano realized that environmental stewardship could be responsible farming and eating. Soon he moved out to Lake Tahoe, and started a food-buying club with friends that became a cooperative grocery. Stocking that meant buying a truck, and starting a route picking up from farmers, Cantisano recalled recently; that route eventually morphed into United Natural Foods, one of the largest distributors of natural foods in the country.

The more I explored, I realized there were lots of opportunities, Cantisano said. Gardening turned into farming, and farming sprouted Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, because he and other organic growers needed access to the right materials. So many customers asked how to use the inputs they were buying that, in the 90s, he started the consulting company Organic Ag Advisors, and began formally helping farmers manage their fields and crops.

While Cantisano started the company to serve an obvious clientele, another set of clients has emerged. For more than 20 years, he has worked with conventional growers on transitioning to organic, or just incorporating organic practices into their vineyards, orchards and vegetable farm systems.

Why would a conventional farmer hire an organic advisor? Dig a little deeper into the ground, if you will and this odd business arrangement makes sense. All farmers are stewards of the land. Organic growers say theyre growing soil first, and crops second; their certification requires evidence of soil protection such as crop rotation plans that cycle fields through different plants and buffer from pests and diseases. Cantisano has been guiding conventional growers for big brand names in nuts, vegetables, fruits and more for decades. Clients in the wine industry show a few reasons why conventional farmers are borrowing from organics.

People are interested in quality, and in how long the grapevines are going to survive. It can cost between [$40,000 and $70,000] to replant an acre, he said, so the incentive to keep the existing plants healthy is big. Plus he said, more often than not, the grower sees a better quality grape, and that translates to better quality wine.

The link between food taste and soil health is just beginning to be explored in the food world, but organic farming habits are bleeding into conventional agriculture. Even farming magazines sponsored by petrochemical fertilizer companies have been running stories about crop rotations. Consumer demand for clean food is influencing the purchasing habits of large buyers in the food industry, and Cantisano helps growers produce food according to standards that are getting defined by the emerging market.

As agriculture begins to change, Cantisano sees polarization as a barrier. Small is called beautiful and big farms, both organic and conventional, are vilified. Yet converting large acreages to organic, he said, is key to transforming the food system. Big farms have the efficiencies we need to feed lots of people, he said.

Cantisanos innovations helped shape natural and organic food production in California and beyond. He hopes he can plant this idea: that the demonization of conventional farmers is detrimental to the consumer desire for better, cleaner food. Cantisano sees commonality in all farmers, and has since he began farming.

I was the only organic farmer for about 30 square miles, he said, recalling a time in the late 70s. Everybody around us was conventional, and I wanted to get along with them because they were nice people; I saw them as allies. So Cantisano sought advice on how his neighbors had farmed before the modern, chemical era. They were glad to share the info, he said. They thought what theyd done was too much hard work without chemicals they thought that chemicals were a godsend.

When this elder in the organic farming movement gets to address the next generation at sustainable farming conferences, Cantisano now plants this thought: 90% of what all farmers do is the same.

Talk to us, he urges beginning farmers, telling them to seek the insight of farmers of all stripes. Creating categories of us and them doesnt help anything, Cantisano points out, especially when there are so few farmers left.

Were an endangered species.

Amy Halloran is the author of The New Bread Basket.

food@latimes.com

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At Thao Family Farm in Fresno, an immigrant family has put down serious roots, and spectacular produce

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How this ninth-generation Californian got his start in organic farming - Los Angeles Times

David Lynch may be busy with his Twin Peaks revival on Showtime, but hes still devoted to his cause: teaching Transcendental Meditation.Since starting the David Lynch Foundation in 2005, hes been dedicated to spreading the meditation technique, one that he himself has been practicing since the 70s, throughout the world. OnMonday, Lynch and his foundation will present A National Night of Laughter & Song, a star-studded event to benefit local veterans and at-risk youth.Lynch spoke with Washingtonian about how transcendental meditation has changed his life and how he hopes it will change others.

Why did you originally start the David Lynch Foundation?The David Lynch Foundation was created to get Transcendental Meditation, as taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, to anyone in the world who wants it. We want to end torment, suffering, and negativity, and bring happiness, creativity, love, energy, and inner-peace to people everywhere.

How has practicing Transcendental Meditation changed your life?Even more than you could imagine winning a trillion-dollar mega jackpot.

Why has this cause been so important to you?Because I know what transcending everyday has done for me, and I would like to see others enjoy the same thing.

How did the idea for the event A National Night of Laughter & Song come about, and how did you manage to round up these celebrities to participate?Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Katie Couric, Jay Leno, and the others are strong supporters of the work of the David Lynch Foundation. Many of them have participated in similar benefit concerts at Radio City and Carnegie Hall in New York City. There was a consensus among them that now would be a good time raise the awareness of the benefits of this evidence-based, stress-reducing meditation technique to the leaders of the nation. The response, to date, has been terrific.

What do you hope this event will achieve?Our goals are both educational and philanthropic. We hope the event will clarify for people that TM can play an important role in healing trauma and stress, not only in underserved populations, but for all of us. We also hope the event will raise the funds necessary so thatwe can begin offering the meditation to thousands of young people and adults in the District who would like to learn to meditate, at no cost.I believe the proceeds from the event will go to 10,000 veterans and at-risk youth in DC to meditate.

How and why do you think meditation will change their lives?Transcendental Meditation gets rid of post traumatic stress and torment the same way that light gets rid of darkness. Its time people know about this life saving and life enriching technique.

Why did you choose DC for this event?Many thousands of people have learned Transcendental Meditation in Washington, DC, so there is a lot of support from government and community leaders for our work with veterans, at-risk youth, and abused women and children. We chose Washington so we could begin teaching thousands of young people to meditate throughout the greater Washington area. We have set the same goal for New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, LAin every city in the country.

Can you talk a bit about the new centers youre opening on Capitol Hill?There are already several nonprofit TM centers in the area, including in the District, Alexandria and Rockville. The Capitol Hill facility will be a coordinating office for our work throughout the region as well as an educational center for leaders to find out more about the research and application of our programs.

Why did you decide on Capitol Hill as the place to open them?We live in an epidemic of trauma and stress, and nowhere is that more apparent than for the dedicated men and women who are working every day to keep our government running. A convenient location to allow these leaders to find out more about meditation and its potential usefulness to address these problems seemed both timely and right.

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Why David Lynch Is Opening a Meditation Center on Capitol Hill - Washingtonian.com

Every day it seems theres a new health study out. Something that used to be bad for you is good for you, or vice versa. It turns out most of these newsy findings are not really a big deal: sometimes they only apply to mice, or theyre a blip that doesnt change the overall scientific understanding of the topic. So lets take a look at some of this weeks stories, and see whats big news and what isnt.

The headline: Study: Your Smartphone Addiction May Be Linked to Your Kids Bad Behavior

The story: Weve all seen that neglectful parent checking their phone at the playground instead of playing with their children. On the other hand, many of us have been that parent, and sometimes you just need a break from the screaming so you check Twitter. Is parents smartphone use really harming kids? Seems like a good question to research.

The study involved asking parents how attached they felt to their phone, how often their phone interrupted interactions with their kid, and what kind of behavior problems they had seen in their kid in the past two months. The parents were overwhelmingly white, educated, and heterosexual.

The more interruptions mothers reported, the more behavior problems their kids had. This wasnt the case for fathers, though. Is that because a mother-child relationship is more important? Or just because mothers spend more time with their kids, so they have more opportunities for interruption?

Everything here is self-reported, though: the researchers didnt count interruptions or evaluate the kids, they just gave the parents questionnaires. So maybe the parents of kids who act out are more likely to blame their tech use (especially while taking a survey like this) and answer in line with that theory. Or maybe families who are stressed out for other reasons are more likely to have misbehaving kids and parents who seek solace in their phones. The study really does nothing to tease out those very different scenarios.

The takeaway: Your smartphone use might be pissing off your kid, but you probably already knew that. This study doesnt give us enough evidence to say phones are bad for parenting. But if you feel like youre a slave to your notifications, turn them off when youre with your kidslike you probably already knew you should.

The headline: Boost Your Workouts With Caffeine, Even If You Chug Coffee Daily

The story: We already know that if you drink coffee all the time, a single cup of it wont wake you up. Youve built up a tolerance. We also know that caffeine can help athletic performance: help you run faster or at least keep running longer.

It seems that you can build up a tolerance to some of caffeines super powers, but not others. Thats not news, but there havent been enough studies to fill out a complete picture of what you can expect from caffeine if youre a regular drinker. This new study gives a little more detail.

In the study, 40 healthy male athletes were asked to cycle as fast as they could until they burned 450 calories, which should take about 30 minutes. If they had a caffeine pill beforehand, they completed the test about 3 minutes faster. (The pill contained 400 milligrams of caffeine, same as a Starbucks venti-size black coffee.) And this was true whether they were normally heavy caffeine drinkers or not.

A big caveat: since the experiment didnt include any non-athletes (or, for that matter, women), theres no guarantee that the findings apply to all of us.

The takeaway: Caffeine has lots of different effects on the body, but this study is a big hint that if youre using it to cycle (or run?) faster, you dont need to wean yourself off coffee before the race. Still, 400 milligrams is a lot, so take this tip for a test drive before the big day.

The headline: The Dangers of Meditation: It Can Actually Lead to Insomnia, Fear, and Hypersensitivity to Light

The story: Meditation is better known for helping us to relax and to maintain good mental health. Every good thing has a downside, though, so it makes sense that psychologists and sociologists want to know whether bad things can happen when you meditate.

In the study, researchers interviewed people who do a lot of Buddhist meditation, and who said they could talk about an experience that felt challenging or difficult. Those experiences included hallucinations, feelings of fear or anxiety, pain, and many, many more.

But theres not much to worry about for the average person. The people in the study werent opening up Headspace for fifteen minutes here and there; they were serious, hardcore meditators. Half were meditation teachers. And many said that their bad experiences tended to come after meditating for ten hours a day, for example at a retreat.

The takeaway: Your casual meditation habit is probably fine. If you enjoy it, this study doesnt give you any reason to stop. And if you do get super into Buddhist forms of meditation, and do them for many hours per day, talk to your teacher or to a mental health professional if you start to feel anxiety or have any other problems.

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What to Worry About This Week: Phones, Caffeine, and Meditation - Lifehacker Australia