Pretend were playing charades and youre told to mime meditation. What pose do you go into?

Youve almost certainly put your hands out, palms facing up, with your first and second fingers touched to your thumb, into an approximation of whats called lotus pose.

The pose has become linked to meditation in popular culture: search a stock image database for meditation and almost all the results show lotus pose; and last year when I learned to meditate, people all had the same assumption of how I sat while I did it. Like this? theyd ask, pulling a quick lotus.

According to my meditation instructor Rory Kinsella, lotus pose or padmasana, from the Sanskrit is the traditional meditation pose used for centuries in India and other parts of Asia.

But in the modern-day West, where meditation is becoming increasingly popular, most of us are used to sitting in chairs. Sitting cross-legged on the floor is at best unfamiliar, and at worst uncomfortable.

Fortunately, theres no law demanding beginner meditators sit in lotus pose. The primary purpose of meditation is stress relief and that can be achieved by positioning yourself however you like (with a few caveats).

Most modern, westernised schools of meditation say a chair is fine and that finding a position where you are comfortable yet alert is what is most important, Kinsella says.

Well, for starters, you should avoid meditating lying down, because youll probably go to sleep. (You might still nod off if youre sitting upright, but youre more likely to snap out of it.)

According to Kinsella, popular Buddhist and mindfulness practices suggest meditating while sitting in a chair, or on cushion on the floor if you prefer, in a comfortable yet alert position.

The idea is to create a balance of relaxation and focus, he says.

He advises sitting in the middle of the chair with your legs uncrossed and your feet flat on the floor. Your hands can rest in your lap or on your thighs. Your back should be straight to allow ease of breathing and blood flow and you can rest your back for support if you need. (This video from Andy Puddicome, founder of the meditation app Headspace, explains more.)

Other popular schools of meditation including Vedic and transcendental prioritise comfort and relaxation and meditators are encouraged to sit comfortably in a chair, with their back supported but head and neck free, Kinsella says.

The only hard rule is no slouching, but only because it doesnt suggest youve got your head in the meditation game.

Your posture should reflect your intention for the practice whether it be cultivating focus or relaxing and de-stressing, Kinsella explains.

Kinsella speculates the lotus pose is linked to meditation because its so recognisable the equivalent of a film establishing youre in Paris with a shot of the Eiffel Tower. Its also a more evocative way to illustrate meditation than the more practical day-to-day poses.

A picture of someone sitting unremarkably in a chair with their eyes closed doesnt tell as good a story as the lotus, Kinsella says.

But just because the pose isnt necessary for beginner meditators doesnt mean it serves no purpose or that its wrong it might prove useful for some advanced or traditional meditators, particularly those embarking on lengthy meditation sessions.

The lotus is said to allow the body to be keep still in the same spot for long periods, say Kinsella. It applies pressure to the lower spine and blood is directed from the legs to the abdominal region to aid digestion.

Rory Kinsella teaches Vedic meditation and hosts a 45-minute introduction to meditation talk every second Monday at 6.30pm in Bondi Junction, Sydney, for $12.

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No, you don't have to sit in lotus pose to meditate - 9Honey

Shares ofAshram Onlinecom Ltd. (ASHRAM.BO) is moving on volatility today-4.92% or -0.06 rom the open.TheBSE listed companysaw a recent bid of1.16 on1100 volume.

Deep diving into thetechnical levels forAshram Onlinecom Ltd. (ASHRAM.BO), we note that the equitycurrently has a 14-day Commodity Channel Index (CCI) of -142.82. Active investors may choose to use this technical indicator as a stock evaluation tool. Used as a coincident indicator, the CCI reading above +100 would reflect strong price action which may signal an uptrend. On the flip side, a reading below -100 may signal a downtrend reflecting weak price action. Using the CCI as a leading indicator, technical analysts may use a +100 reading as an overbought signal and a -100 reading as an oversold indicator, suggesting a trend reversal.

Ashram Onlinecom Ltd.s Williams Percent Range or 14 day Williams %R currently sits at -100.00. The Williams %R oscillates in a range from 0 to -100. A reading between 0 and -20 would point to an overbought situation. A reading from -80 to -100 would signal an oversold situation. The Williams %R was developed by Larry Williams. This is a momentum indicator that is the inverse of the Fast Stochastic Oscillator.

Currently, the 14-day ADX for Ashram Onlinecom Ltd. (ASHRAM.BO) is sitting at 35.85. Generally speaking, an ADX value from 0-25 would indicate an absent or weak trend. A value of 25-50 would support a strong trend. A value of 50-75 would identify a very strong trend, and a value of 75-100 would lead to an extremely strong trend. ADX is used to gauge trend strength but not trend direction. Traders often add the Plus Directional Indicator (+DI) and Minus Directional Indicator (-DI) to identify the direction of a trend.

The RSI, or Relative Strength Index, is a widely used technical momentum indicator that compares price movement over time. The RSI was created by J. Welles Wilder who was striving to measure whether or not a stock was overbought or oversold. The RSI may be useful for spotting abnormal price activity and volatility. The RSI oscillates on a scale from 0 to 100. The normal reading of a stock will fall in the range of 30 to 70. A reading over 70 would indicate that the stock is overbought, and possibly overvalued. A reading under 30 may indicate that the stock is oversold, and possibly undervalued. After a recent check, the 14-day RSIforAshram Onlinecom Ltd. (ASHRAM.BO) is currently at 29.47, the 7-day stands at 21.05, and the 3-day is sitting at 3.53.

By Journal Contributor

Link:

Ashram Onlinecom Ltd. (ASHRAM.BO) Moves -4.92% - Union Trade Journal

} Greek Potato Stew

Kalamata olives, plump tomatoes, oregano, olive oil and garlic flavor the potatoes in this potato dish. All is turned into a saucepan with the potatoes and simmered until tender and the stew is flavorful. Six servings.

Black beans mingle with onions, peppers, garlic, cornmeal, and spices in this tasty taco filling. Try it in burritos or as a dip for tortilla chips. No black beans? Red, pink, or pinto beans are great subs.

This tofu recipe is completely gorgeous. Tofu is soaked in vegetable broth, then breaded with flour, sage, and cayenne, and deep fried. Serve with a relish or a dip of some sort (I love this with plain yogurt mixed with eggplant brinjal).

This vegan-friendly recipe combines the flavors of arame seaweed, tahini, and kale in a soba noodle dish with a spicy, nutty flavor.

Shepherd's pie is pure comfort food, and this vegan version will satisfy the taste buds of the vegetarians in the crowd.

Layers of polenta, tofu, bananas, avocado, and mango salsa combine for a surprising and simple meal.

Seitan is a meat substitute made from wheat protein (gluten). It makes a terrific substitute for chicken in this vegan curry recipe. Serve over hot rice or with naan, if desired.

A thick tomato-based sauce is cooked up with hints of garlic, onion, parsley, and basil, and layered with a tofu and spinach filling.

Zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers and onion are marinated and then sauteed. Serve with tortillas or rice, if desired.

Handpicked recipes, party ideas, how-to articles and cooking tipswith gorgeous, full-page photos to inspire you. Get a full year for $7.99.

Your favorite veggies stir-fried with a mild garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

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Abundant spices make this better than any restaurant curry I've tasted.

Chickpeas are simmered in a fragrantly spiced curry sauce mixture and garnished with fresh cilantro.

This recipe calls for broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and green beans, but you can use any of your favorites. The vegetables are stir fried with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve over your favorite rice.

This curry is full of veggies: sweet potato, eggplant, spinach, zucchini, red and green bell peppers, carrots, and onion. It's mixed with blanched almonds, chickpeas, raisins, and spices. Serve with brown rice or couscous.

Convert a comfort food classic into a tasty meal that's totally vegan.

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This is my own adaptation of an Indian recipe. It doesn't look like much, but it is surprisingly yummy. Serve this for dinner over hot rice or a diced baked potato. Pair with carrots, cauliflower, or a fresh sliced tomato for a full meal.

This is a quick and easy way to make a well balanced, delicious meal. Broccoli, red bell pepper and mushrooms are sauteed with tofu in a savory peanut sauce. Serve over your favorite rice.

Black beans mingle with onions, peppers, garlic, cornmeal, and spices in this tasty taco filling. Try it in burritos or as a dip for tortilla chips. No black beans? Red, pink, or pinto beans are great subs.

Pasta tossed with a quickly cooked sauce of tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, corn, black beans, salsa and taco seasoning.

This delicious lasagna recipe calls for a vegan tofu mixture instead of cheese.

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A quick delicious Indian-style curry with spinach, chickpeas, onions, and/or whatever veggies you have. I have added cauliflower, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to this recipe in the past. All were very good. Serve with nan, pita or rice if desired.

This ones pretty straight forward. Brown rice, black beans, stewed tomatoes, a bit of onion and oil, and in about fifteen minutes you have a hearty, delicious meal. Serves four.

This tofu recipe is completely gorgeous. Tofu is soaked in vegetable broth, then breaded with flour, sage, and cayenne, and deep fried. Serve with a relish or a dip of some sort (I love this with plain yogurt mixed with eggplant brinjal).

This recipe brings the authentic flavor of India into your kitchen. It's a delicious combination of red lentils (masoor daal), ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, onion and cumin. Serve over plain or spiced rice.

See how to make a classic curried lentil stew with tomatoes and garlic.

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Kidney beans simmered with onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste and rice. You can substitute black beans, if you prefer.

Lightly seasoned avocados and diced onions are spread on toasted tortillas and served with cilantro and jalapeno sauce.

Shepherd's pie is pure comfort food, and this vegan version will satisfy the taste buds of the vegetarians in the crowd.

Fresh herbs are sauteed with garlic in olive oil, then cooked with garbanzo beans, zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes. This can be served either as a main dish or side dish. If you like, you can add raisins or pine nuts to the garbanzos in the beginning.

Baked squash are stuffed with Brussels sprouts, carrots, beans, and rice.

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Good rice, beans, and tomato dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

This recipe makes enough dough to fit an 11x7 inch dish - top and bottom. Perfect for all your savory pies.

I hate tofu but love tempeh and this sandwich is tangy and tasty. My boyfriend and I eat this all the time. It's great because it's vegan for him and I still like it (even though I'm not a vegetarian).

These burgers can be baked, grilled, or fried. Great served on a bun with avocado, lettuce, sour cream, and cheese.

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Vegan Main Dish Recipes - Allrecipes.com

When changing your diet, it may take time to explore new foods and develop a routine.

There are lots of different products to choose from experiment with various flavors and brands to find your favorites.

Opposing cruelty can be as easy as substituting marinara for meat sauce, opting for bean burritos instead of chicken or beef tacos, and trying some of the many delicious and convenient vegan products that are available.

When I met my first vegetarian, he told me he had not eaten meat for fourteen years. I looked at him as if he had managed to hold his breath that entire time. Today I know there is nothing rigorous or strange about eating a diet that excludes meat.

Mock meats, made from plant protein, come in a wide range of textures, shapes, and styles: burgers, hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ground meat, meatballs, breaded cutlets, deli slices, unchicken salad, and more!

Dairy alternatives, made from soy, rice, nuts, seeds, and plant starches, include milks, cheeses, butter, mayonnaise, sour cream, yogurts, frozen desserts you name it!

Its best to sample as many products as you can. You might dislike certain soymilks and veggie burgers, yet think others are great!

With the right substitute ingredients and a little experience, youll discover you can still enjoy your favorite meals. Vegan twists on most any familiar recipe can be prepared using seitan (or wheat meat), homemade cheezes, and other meat and dairy alternatives. Youll find countless vegetarian recipes on the Internet, as well as a huge selection of vegetarian cookbooks.

Beans are a good source of protein and relatively inexpensive. Youll find an array of heat-and-serve options at most supermarkets, and a number of recipes for bean-based dishes in our online starter guide, including hearty soups and a chili made with textured vegetable protein, which also costs less than ready-made faux meats.

While nearly all supermarkets carry tasty, cruelty-free fare, natural food stores and co-ops are great places to explore your vegetarian options. Besides all the ready-made products, you may discover unusual grains, beans, or other ingredients youve never tried. In fact, by becoming more conscious of what they eat and by experimenting with new foods and recipes, many people find themselves with a more diverse diet after becoming vegan!

Vegan selections can be found at many fast-food chains such as Chevys, Dennys, Little Caesars, Papa Johns, Subway, Johnny Rockets, and Taco Bell as well as at most Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Thai, and other ethnic restaurants. If a menus vegan options appear to be limited to a house salad or steamed vegetable plate, dont panic! There are usually dishes that can be veganized with minimal effort, or the chef might be happy to whip up a special animal-free entre for you, so dont be afraid to ask!

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What Do Vegans Eat? - Vegan Outreach

Lancasters first VegFest will celebrate a lifestyle that eliminates the eating of animal products, and it will feature only vegan food.

But the free event, set for Saturday, June 3, in Musser Park, isnt only for vegans, VegFest organizer Courtney Kokus says.

I think this event is pretty much just like any other community event, says Kokus, a freelance marketing professional. Musser Park is beautiful, and theres going to be amazing food from great local vendors.

VegFest is something that is nationwide, Kokus explains. A lot of cities, including Philadelphia, Bethlehem and Washington, D.C., have held vegan festivals.

The name VegFest is an independent name that anyone can use, Kokus says. Its a community within itself. There are both indoor and outdoor festivals and expos all over the country that use the name.

I have attended quite a few VegFests, from California to Pennsylvania, Kokus, a California native, says, and I always thought that Lancaster would be a really great place to hold one. The community here is so receptive to these kind of events.

Until she started promoting the event, Kokus says, I did not realize how many vegans and vegetarians were in Lancaster. Its amazing.

Kokus has been planning VegFest for a few years. But taking care of a new baby and an older child came first. This year, she realized the time was right. I just decided to go for it, she says, and gathered some vegan volunteers from around the region.

Her mission is to provide a fun day for everyone attending, she says, while providing information about the benefits of a plant-based diet both for peoples health and for animals welfare.

In addition to vendors serving vegan food, Kokus says, VegFest will feature speakers, along with businesses and nonprofit groups promoting their vegan-friendly products and services.

Well have bands and fun activities for the kids, says Kokus, who has been a vegan for about eight years. Were looking for a face painter, and there will be a (childrens) craft station hosted by Art Matters Studio in Lancaster.

Courtney Kokus is organizing Lancaster's first VegFest vegan festival to be held at Musser Park.

Vegan food will be in the spotlight, of course. Kokus has assembled about 10 food vendors from Lancaster County and other areas of eastern Pennsylvania.

Hilary Mace, chef-owner of Lancaster catering company The Scarlet Runner, says her company will serve at least a couple of different dishes at the festival.

Were doing a vegan burger we have been working on, Mace says. Were going to be doing a veggie taco, she adds. Itll probably be a tofu scramble with black beans, smoked corn and salsa verde.

Im not sure what other surprises Ill throw in there. Obviously, everything is vegan, and a lot of it will be gluten free, as well.

Mace says she will also be serving drinks and vegan snacks, including corn cakes with avocado salsa.

Srirupa Dasgupta, a partner in Upohar Ethnic Cuisines of Lancaster, says her company will bring its food truck to VegFest and serve three vegan hot ensemble meals international dishes served over rice or couscous.

She says Iraqi sanbusa baked turnovers filled with lightly spiced mixed vegetables will also be served, along with chai with soy milk.

COB Vegan Baked Foods, based in York County, will supply a variety of vegan cupcakes, doughnuts, cookies, tarts, brownies, cereal bars, lemon bars, whoopie pies and granola.

Delinda Jensen, who co-owns the Wilkes-Barre-based Mother Nature food truck with her son, Kyle, says they will sell a variety of foods at VegFest.

We do a flash-fried garlic chutney chickpeas as a snack, Jensen says. And we will be selling chickpea hoagies with curry sauce, topped with raisins, toasted coconut and peanuts.

The Jensens will also serve a vegan pulled-pork-style panini, made from seitan (wheat gluten), with coleslaw, and a barbecue chicken vegan-patty sandwich.

Also, well be serving a spinach wrap, Jensen says. It will have vegan cream cheese, vegan salami, hummus, red onions, peppers and other veggies, topped with a chutney sauce.

Other vendors include ZWild Vegans, a bakery based in York; the local Urban Olive food truck; and The Sacred Kitchen, an Indian food vendor from Maryland.

A farmers market area at VegFest will feature food from regional businesses such as Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative.

The first Lancaster VegFest will be held June 3 in Musser Park.

Animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society, Woodstock Sanctuary, and Animal Advocates of Central Pennsylvania will be represented, as will wellness organizations and businesses that specialize in vegan clothing, solar products and more.

There will also be speakers and live music throughout the day, Kokus says.

At noon, a vegan athlete and recipe developer who writes the Knead to Cook blog under the name Robin Runner, will talk about her favorite vegan food substitutes.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware-based chef and health coach Gretchen Hanson will do a cooking demonstration and talk about how to maintain a plant-based diet.

Finally, at 3 p.m., vegan activist and artist Ryan Phillips, of Williamsburg, Virginia, will appear with his adopted minipigs, Pumpkin and Charlotte. Phillips will talk about life with the pigs and compassion for animals.

On the music stage, Caroline Rose will perform at noon; Kozma at 1 p.m., The Mellowells at 2 p.m. and Sleepy Limbs at 3 p.m.

The Lancaster event, Kokus says, falls under an umbrella organization she calls Central Pennsylvania VegFest.

Initially, I was thinking we were going to do this (festival) in other cities, Kokus says.

She intends for the VegFest in Lancaster to be an annual event.

But, eventually, were going to do one in York and one in Harrisburg, she says. A lot of the volunteers are from York and Harrisburg, so I figured we might as well combine forces and expand the event.

One of my goals after this, Kokus adds, is to help local restaurants form more and better vegan options, and help them market that. Its to help local vegans just have more options.

She says Lancaster could become the next vegan hub, like Philly. We have such great local chefs here.

Kokus reminds those considering coming to VegFest that they dont have to be vegans to enjoy themselves.

Id say to have an open mind and come check it out and have some fun, Kokus says. You might learn a few things about the vegan lifestyle if youre interested in that. But (besides) the vegan message that we have, its going to be a really fun event for our community.

See the rest here:

Lancaster VegFest brings vegan food, music, speakers, kids' activities to Musser Park June 3 - LancasterOnline

"Youre vegan? How arent you dead? Its a question that Elizabeth Tighes 12-year-old son is asked more often than shed like. But as a vegan raising her children to follow a plant-based lifestyle, its not one that particularly suprises her.

In the past decade, veganism has gone from a niche subculture to a lifestyle advocated by celebrities including Beyonce and Jay-Z. In the decade following 2006, there was a 350 per cent spike in people going vegan in the UK. And Tighe, a 32-year-old artist,mother of four from Herefordshirewho runs the veganwebsite ForkingFitis among them. She, like other devotees, sees this way of living as kinder to both animals and the environment. And scientific evidence backs up their claims that a plant-based diet is inarguably healthier for the average person.

Still, vegans arent a particularly liked bunch in some circles. Theyre seen as preachy, pushy and self-righteous. Although vegans might argue thats just not true, and if meat-eaters feel that way its the fault of our guilty consciences. And vegan parents in particular are scorned. Last year, an Italian politician called for a law to be introduced to prosecute vegan parents who impose their reckless and dangerous eating behaviour on their children. Parents found to be feeding their children, er, only plants, should be handed a six year prison sentence, according toItalian Politician Elvira Savino.

But some vegan parents admit that they too werent huge fans of vegans, until they actually went plast-based themselves and realised vegans aren't really fussed about what other people are eating.

Elizabeth Tighe says her children are free to ditch veganism if they choose to

To be honest I always thought vegans were loud and in your face, trying to shovel their views into you - quicker than a tofu sandwich, says Tighe. Yes some are, but on the whole I have met so many peaceful people who have changed to veganism for many different reasons.

Janet Kearney, a 36-year-old from Ireland who runs the Vegan Pregnancy and ParentingFacebook groupand lives in the New York City suburbs with her husband and theirchildren Oliver, four, and Amelia, nineteen months, like Savino believed that raising children to be vegan was cruel and wrong. That was until she watched Earthlings: a documentary known as the veganiser.

Elizabeth Tighe

When I was pregnant, a friend stopped eating all animal products, she tells The Independent. I thought she was insane, and was probably going to end up in a hospital from such a restrictive diet.

I would have been the first person to question a vegan persons ability to parent properly, but I think that has a lot to do with the misinformation out there. We don't hear about the thousands of parents who are raising vegan kids, only the ones who abuse their children or starve them. So it's obviously going to get people alarmed when that's the only connection they have to vegan kids.

Look at it this way, she goes on. We as parents want the absolute best for our children, we want them to be happy, and most of all, as healthy as they can be. The vegan parents that I know spend a great deal of time ensuring that their children are eating healthy, the same as parents who feed their children meat and eggs. We find killing animals to be cruel, and wrong. That's why we don't do it.

Janet Kearney's children Amelia and Oliver. Kearney says that she thought raising a child as vegan was cruel until she tried it herself

The biggest misconception is that vegan parents are hippies, who want everyone to live on dry toast and walnuts, says Kearney. "It couldn't be further from the truth. Most vegan parents are shouting at their kids to get off the back of the couch and stop hitting their siblings. They go to work, come home and make dinner."

But is a vegan diet safe for growing children? Earlier this month, Professor Mary Fewtrell, the chairman of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition warnedparents that getting avegan diet wrong can cause"irreversible cognitive damage and, in the extreme, death.""Our advice is that if parents pursue a vegan diet for their child, they must seek and strictly follow medical and dietary advice," she added.

However, dieticians agree that a vegan upbringing can be healthy if, like with any diet, the correct nutrients are eaten.

Compared to adults children require higher levels of nutrients and vitamins, including A, C, and D, which all youngsters should take in supplements until age five. And as milk and other dairy products are an important sourceof calcium,veganparents should be careful to give their children foods fortified with the mineral. Plant-based sources of riboflavin - found in fish and meat - and iodine - found in dairy and meat - should also be eaten, as well as vitamin B12 supplements.

A vegan diet needs careful consideration and planning to ensure a wide variety of nutrients and energy are consumed as some essential nutrients are primarily found in animal products, says Susan Short, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association (BDA), tellsThe Independent.

Clare Thornton-Wood, BDA spokesperson andspecialist paediatric dietitianat Healthcare On Demand,adds that breastmilkcan help parents nourish young children as there are no veganinfant formulas on the market, as Vitamin D is derived from sheeps wool and soya is not recommended for babies under six months.

Jenny Liddle, a 43-year-old living in Somerset where she runs a PR agencyhas been a vegan for 18 years and has been vegetarian since birth. Sheate a plate-based diet when she was pregnant. She said having a person growing inside of her made her think even more carefully about what she puts in her body. To her surprise, she found her calcium levels were higher than the average person when she was pregnant because she ate calcium-fortified plant milks and a wide range of foods.

However, Liddle says she accepts that were never going to be able to achieve a 100 per cent vegan lifestyle. That doesnt exist yet. Her childrens health, rather than any ideology, is always her priority.

Ian and Jenny Liddle, who have accepted that parents can't be vegan 100% of the time

If I hadnt been able to breastfeed I could have secured a vegan source of pumped donor breast-milk. And if this hadnt been possible then I could have used a formula. I feel that its very important to go ahead with this, even though current formulas contain vitamin D3 from sheep. If you think of formula as a food for a medical purpose, you can appreciate that its necessary for the survival of the baby due to breast-milk being unavailable."

"Sometimes theres no practical or possible alternative. But I feel taking vital medicine does not mean Im no longer vegan or my child is no longer vegan and The Vegan Society recognise that.

And Tighe, Liddle, and Kearney all stress that being vegan is something they dont force on their children, although they do actively educate them about why eating eating animal products might be bad for their health and the environment.

My children would never even think of the idea that our pet ducks, chickens or cat being are food. It would upset them," says Kearney. "They're their best friends, in much the same way people would never look at their pet dog, and think of a Sunday dinner."

"We take a very gentle approach to explaining veganism to our children. I don't want to them frightened or worse, thinking their friends or family are horrible people because they still eat animals. It's a fine line to walk."

"I just support my children and their choices," chimes Tighe. "I make sure they feel comfortable to change their minds about vegansim if they wish. They are all quite passionate about veganism now. I'm not sure what is more poignant than a four year old asking you,why would you love one animal but kill another?

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The vegan parents who are bringing up meat and dairy-free children - The Independent

By all indications, it would appear that Twin Citians are living in a vegan golden age.

Think about it. There was last years debut of the runaway success story that is the Herbivorous Butcher. Then theres last months opening of J. Selbys in St. Paul, a plant-based restaurant that was so flattened by its enthusiastic opening weekend response that it had to close for a few days to regroup (its back open).

Now comes the news that Colin Anderson, the entrepreneur who launched the Twin Cities first vegan croissant pop-up in April, has already landed a brick-and-mortar home for his Eureka Compass Vegan Food. Even better: hes not limited himself to dairy-free laminated dough pastries.

After receiving a warm welcome at his pop-up last month, Andersons original plan was to start slow by tapping the kitchen of a St. Paul pizzeria during its otherwise dormant nights.

But in the interim, opportunity knocked: Eden Pizza quietly went out of business. Now Anderson plans to use the space located at 629 Aldine St. in St. Pauls Hamline-Midway neighborhood -- for a series of vegan-focused dining options. He already has plenty of plans for his one-man, 12-seat show.

Im really inspired by Japanese sushi counters, where theres one chef behind the counter, and hes doing all the food preparation, and talking to the guests, said Anderson. Thats what Im looking to do here.

In the mornings, the place will operate as a bakery counter, showcasing his vegan croissants, along with scones, muffins and other baked goodies. A limited-menu lunch could include a pair of entrees and a pair of salads.

Itll be a constantly rotating menu, he said. Ill be looking at whats available, and what looks good at the farmers market.

Monday and Tuesday dinners are another component of the plan. Anderson will use a ticketed model to sell prepaid reservations for a $40, five-course, family-style suppers.

The first will focus on that lowly but mighty staple of the world, rice, he said. It might include spring rolls with rice noodles, or a roasted biryani, or a simple tapioca rice pudding, or different pilafs, maybe using Minnesota wild rice, even though, yes, its a grass.

The point is, its an evolving business model. Theres a pizza oven there, so Ill probably be doing pizza at some point, he said. Maybe something like, Hey, its Friday, stop by for a classic New York slice, and a soda, for five bucks.

To demonstrate his butter-free baking prowess, Anderson is offering a two-day pop-up that will focus on pain au chocolat and croissants filled with raspberry preserves and cashew-based cream cheese, at $4 a pop (they're pictured, top). Hot, right out of the oven,said Anderson. Hes got two dates lined up: 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 27.

Meanwhile, if all goes as planned including a Kickstarter campaign with a $25,000 goal Anderson hopes to have the facility up and running by mid-July.

Original post:

A vegan bakery (croissants!) and restaurant is landing in St. Paul - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Folks who work near Houstons East End will soon have a new spot for morning fuel-ups and quick lunches when Giant Leap Coffee makes its debut.

The brand new coffee purveyor will open inside Headquarters, the 35,000 square foot co-working space at 3302 Canal Street. The shop will serve up freshly-roasted beans from Houstons own Amaya Roasting Company, locally-brewed kombucha, and cold-pressed juices. For those times when something stronger than coffee, a small selection of draft beer will also be on offer.

As far as food is concerned, Giant Leap will pair with popular eateries to provide breakfast and lunch options, though no official line-up has been established just yet. Great Leaps founders are currently in talks with a number of local spots, like El Topo and Pat Greers Kitchen, to provide grab and go options.

Giant Leap Coffee is expected to make its debut at Headquarters before the end of the summer.

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Giant Leap Will Bring Coffee & Vegan Fare To Houston's East End - Eater Houston

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A project in Cornwall is helping combat loneliness experience by people with dementia.

Side by Side, which is run by the charity, Alzheimer's Society, matches volunteers and people who have dementia, based on shared interests.

Helpers give up what time they can spare to accompany the dementia partner on activities ranging from football matches, strolls and garden centre visits to simply having a chat over a cup of tea or on the phone.

"I am currently supporting a person to play bowls every week," said one volunteer, who asked only to be named as Lesley. "This is a hobby they love but gave up many years ago. They decided to restart it with my help as a volunteer through Side by Side."

She said that the training given by Alzheimer's Society and the experience of supporting somebody made her feel fulfilled and more confident.

"I have enjoyed everything about volunteering, but I especially enjoy seeing the person's smile when I see them at the start of our time together and their laughter and enjoyment whilst sharing their activity is a wonderful thing," said Lesley.

In Devon, combating isolation is a key aim of Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance (PDAA) which involves more than 60 organisations and businesses working together. The pioneering initiative has attracted interest from other countries including China, Japan and Italy and led to Plymouth being named the Dementia Friendly City of the Year in 2016.

Outside the city, five parishes around the Yealm river have come together to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.

"People living with dementia in a rural community also have problems such as lack of transport which can add to the sense of loneliness and isolation," said Ian Sherriff, who is chairman of the PDAA.

Alzheimer's Society is particularly keen to hear from people living in Newquay, St Austell and south-east Cornwall who want to support Side by Side. Contact John Naismith through john.naismith@alzheimers.org.uk or on 01752 608 911 for more details.

For information generally about dementia go to Alzheimer's Society website or call the national helpline, 0300 222 1122.

To mark Dementia Awareness Week, world-leading researchers working on the set of diseases at the University of Exeter are offering their insights.

Dr Jo Thompson Coon and Dr Rebecca Whear say research shows that gardens and mealtime music in care homes can improve lives for dementia residents.

Spending time in a garden or outdoor space can be relaxing and calming for residents, their families and staff.

A key finding was a "promising impact" on the level of agitation in care home residents with dementia who spend time in a garden.

Families valued somewhere pleasant to meet that stimulated interest and conversation, and staff said residents found the gardens calming.

Research also shows that playing relaxing music at a mealtime when agitated or aggressive behaviour can occur tends to have a particularly long-lasting effect, beyond that of the mealtime itself.

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The rest is here:

Side by Side to combat dementia in Cornwall - Cornwall Live

Rising stars on the music stages, a greater variety of local food and art vendors, a courtesy parking shuttle bus and a new New Orleans-bred beer sponsor are all on tap for the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, which returns to the banks of Bayou St. John this weekend.

The free event takes place Friday through Sunday and features nearly 40 bands, with performances on four stages on grounds that parallel the placid bayou.

The acts include national rock group Cracker, Cupid the creator of the popular Cupid Shuffle song Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, blues guitarist Chris Thomas King, and Tank & the Bangas, which saw its profile rise this year when it was featured nationally on the NPR "Tiny Desk Concert" series.

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Prior to taping a Tiny Desk concert earlier this year at National Public Radio headquarter

Im happy that we can change up our programming and give our fans something different this year, said Jared Zeller, the producer of Bayou Boogaloo and the president of MotherShip Foundation, the nonprofit that launched Bayou Boogaloo in 2006.

Zeller noted that the festivals food scene will once again highlight Mid-City restaurants but also welcome a few newcomers, like Gonzos Smokehouse & BBQ, Tru Vietnamese Caf, ZKaya and Js Seafood Dock, with their chargrilled oysters.

Festgoers can cool off with frozen coffee, fruity lemonade and refreshments from the Root Beer Float Float, presented by Friends of Lafitte Greenway.

Zach Strief, an offensive tackle for the Saints, will pour beer on Sunday at the Pals Lounge beer booth. Strief is an investor in Port Orleans Brewing Co., which launched this month in New Orleans and will be on hand for the Boogaloo.

A new brewery builds a reputation one beer at a time. At the latest brewery to emerge in New

Artisans will sell handcrafted jewelry and home dcor items in the sprawling marketplace.

New family-friendly activities, such as yoga, a puppet show and a performance by the Singing Beats take place near the kids stage.

The third annual Paddle Battle ($35), a 6.12-mile kayak and canoe race, kicks off Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Pets on a leash are welcome. The Canal Street Veterinary Hospital will provide water bowls and a shaded area so pets can escape the heat.

To make the growing festival more accessible, organizers have added a shuttle bus and parking lots. Last years Bayou Boogaloo attracted more than 35,000 people, eager to listen to live music and dine on festival fare, all while relaxing near the water.

Our event is unique because of its location and our relationship with Bayou St. John, said Zeller. Its a memorable experience for most people.

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What: the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo

When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 19

11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.Saturday, May 20

11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, May 21

Where: N. Jefferson Davis Parkway (on the banks of Bayou St. John), between Dumaine Street and Lafitte Avenue; Parking information available on http://www.thebayouboogaloo.com

General admission: Free; Canopy Club VIP tickets are $250 for the weekend and can be purchased from the website.

Read more:

At free Bayou St. John festival, more reasons to boogaloo - The Advocate