You’ll rarely hear me kvetch about the prevailing dairy culture in America. Mostly because I am lactose intolerant and vegetarian/pescatarian and have been for most of my life. I understand that my body naturally leaning toward a certain way of life does not make me better, funnier, cooler, smarter or more hip than you. If I believed this, I’d live in Silverlake and have a Skrillex hairdo. Much ado about nothing, back on track… well, Harvard did a nifty li’l renovation to the Food Pyramid (remember that piece of shit?) …and guess what? Milk, not unlike Ding Dongs, is a product to use sparingly.

Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, says of Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate, “The greatest evidence of its research focus is the absence of dairy products… based on Harvard’s assessment that ‘…high intake can increase the risk of prostate cancer and possibly ovarian cancer.’  The Harvard experts also referred to the high levels of saturated fat in most dairy products and suggested that collards, bok choy, fortified soy milk, and baked beans are safer choices than dairy for obtaining calcium, as are high quality supplements.”

In 2005, the book The China Study revealed that milk may be useless at preventing osteoporosis.  In addition, the author asserts:
“People who ate the most animal-based foods got the most chronic disease… People who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest and tended to avoid chronic disease,” says Dr. Campbell.

Now, I’m not saying you need to become Orthorexic, but if you’re ready to give milk or your Lactaid supplements the high heave ho, here are some tips to feel a li’l less freaky deaky.

P.S.: Here is a pic of a super-popular McDonald’s food item. Guess what it is? 

Source: GGA

Anti-aging pill Protandim at S.F. Detox Center

Alma Holistic in San Francisco gives a radical new face to skincare

By Darrah Le Montre

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/12/11 – Whether it’s the anti-aging miracle pill, Protandim or microcurrent, a newly developed non-invasive, facelift treatment, Alma Arciniegas the founder of San Francisco’s Alma Holistic Center is pioneering ways to make sure you reflect the virtues of youth – from the inside out.

Read more at Hollywood Today.

Alma Arciniegas, founder of Alma Holistic

Excited to be the new lifestyle writer for Alma Holistic, an incredible detox and Naturopathic center in the heart of San Francisco!  Their menu of services includes facials, massage, waxing and more!  They are also groundbreaking in a surgery-free, non-invasive cosmetic technique that equals a face lift (without the creepy side effects, scars or risks of the regular one!)  In fact, they are the pioneers of this procedure.

Founder, Alma Arciniegas is a maven of good health (this chick juggles wellness coaching, colon hydrotherapy and facials based on Ayurvedic medicine).  She’s accompanied by an on-staff Naturopathic doctor, Dr. Horowitz.  (Psst: Naturopathic medicine integrates standard medical diagnostics with a variety of natural medicines and traditional methods of healing. Naturopathy treats a range of conditions, from infertility to insomnia; depression to diabetes; anxiety to allergies.  All the while  focusing on the rhythms of nature and a preventative outlook.)

As you guys know, I have been interested in the holistic lifestyle since I was ten-years old, forcing my family to implement a recycling center in our kitchen (my father quickly nixed this).  Then, as a teenager, becoming veggie at age 15, and subsequently learning more and more about the benefits of eco-friendly living, non-cruelty in all areas of one’s life (Ahimsa), and communicating honestly with myself and others.  It’s true, balance and peace can permeate, until drama and b.s. just aren’t worth the energy (if you can help it!)  Save the theatre for Lady Gaga.

I truly believe we all can not be held to the same standard – given various economic backgrounds, social status, geographical landscapes, and on and on.  However, all of that said, my feeling is that if we each do what we can, including recycling!, we can and will make a change in this heal-able world.  Be the change you wish to see in the world is not just about outward appearances.  I think that if you become who you wish to be, treat others how they wish to be treated, your life and the life of others will inevitably change.  Like a ripple effect.

Sermon aside, I will keep you in the loop of my lifestyle writing for this company, and if you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to write me.  Gotta run.  Breaking Bad, ya know.

Q & A with Nobel Prize Winner Doris Lessing (Literature) for ‘12 Most Influential Women in History’ for Singles Magazine, Korea

Writer’s Note: Lessing was almost 90 years old when we spoke and coupled with a bad phone connection (me in L.A., her in the UK) plus her irritation at my personal questions, this proved to be a challenging interview!  In the end, she hung up on me!

By: Darrah de jour

Ddj- In recent years, ‘golden singles’ have been one of the most discussed phenomenon in Korean media. ‘Golden singles’ is the term used to describe women with professional careers who prefer to stay unmarried and enjoy the freedom to date men and spend their time for themselves. But in Korea, at least to some people, equality between the two sexes means the end of the concept of family as they know it; and to many – men and women alike – ‘golden singles’ are people who ‘failed’ to get married. We’d like to know what you think about this and the importance of marriage.

DL: A lot of women who don’t get married are perfectly happy.  There’s nothing wrong with it at all.

Ddj- A dilemma single Koreans face in life seems to come from the fact that people are not free from the eyes of millions of beholders. There are too many ‘standards’ to meet; people are not allowed to fail! Would you have any advice/suggestions for ones who want to break free?

DL: Live as if the standards don’t exist.  Do what you want.

Ddj- Do you feel that you’ve done what you’ve wanted?  Lived how you’ve wanted to?

DL: Yes, I’ve done what I wanted and it’s worked very well.

Ddj- Do you believe that the rights of women in the modern world are truly being enhanced? Did you witness some significant progress? Do you see any sector that needs to be ‘opened up’ for women?

DL: Yes, there’s been a lot of progress, things are far better than they used to be.  They are much better where I am, I’m not sure about your country.

Ddj- What do you think the word ‘freedom’ means for women?

DL: That’s a silly word. Freedom. If you are referring to the chapter in my book The Golden Notebook titled “Free Women” it was meant in an ironical sense.  Because the women in the story were far from free or behaving as free. They were continually making decisions as if they were not free.  As if they were bound to something else.

Ddj- What do you think people are bound by?

DL: Oh, bound by all kinds of societal ties.  They make decisions as if they were not…as if they were bound.

Ddj- What ideas and thoughts do you want your readers to have after reading your books? Is there anything that you aim to ‘provoke’?

DL: At the very least, criticism of society.  I don’t write in order to change ideas.  I sort of write as I see I have to.  Not trying to change anyone’s idea.

Ddj- What advice would you like to give to single women who will be mothers in the not-too-distant future?

DL: That’s an extraordinary question.  My advice is, when they have a child their lives are changed completely. Nothing they’ve heard will represent what actually happens. Words cannot adequately describe it.

Ddj- Tell me about your latest work The Cleft.  What was your inspiration for that?  Had you carried the idea for awhile and it developed slowly, or was it something that came to you suddenly?

DL: I developed it over a time, especially recently.  It’s an anti-war book.  When I wrote the anti-war novel, it was because of war continually springing up everywhere.  The latest Israel/Gaza one.  Anyone who has lived through a war knows it’s a terrible thing.  If everybody did, they’d think twice about starting one.

Ddj- In Alfred and Emily, you rewrite a life for your mother where her talents are recognized and her funeral is attended by hundreds.  If you could rewrite your own life, what would be different for you?

DL: I would have been happier as a traditional farmer.  I was brought up on a farm.

Ddj- Really, I find that fascinating.  So you think you would have had more peace?

DL: Peace?  What makes you think I’m interested in peace?  (Laughs.)  I think I would have been happier doing that then the way things have gone.

Ddj- More than being a writer?

DL: Yes.

Ddj- Famed Author Jane Smiley has said that because of your novel The Golden Notebook, she believed at age 20 that “a woman could write about anything.”  Is there anything you wouldn’t write about?

DL: Never crossed my mind.  Why would it?  You know this country has a long tradition of women writers, dating back to the 17^th Century.  Women have been writing about everything.  And they should.

Ddj- Did you ever think that in your lifetime, you would witness the son of an African man becoming president of The United States?

DL: No.  Never would.  It’s an extraordinary, wonderful thing.

Ddj- What strides do you think Barack Obama will make to better the United States?

DL: Well he couldn’t have made it worse!  You know, the U.S. has had this bad presence for four years.  He’s got something of a job to put things right.  So much is hoped for from him.

Ddj- What impact, if any, do you think his presidency has on closing the gap for a woman to become president?

DL: Well, we nearly did with Hillary Clinton.  I think she would’ve made an excellent president.  But, it’s a matter of luck.

Yoga in Heels

By Darrah Le Montre

Celebrities need these expert instructors like oxygen and now the rest of us are catching up - Powerhouse yoga teachers and their eco-mats are taking on L.A.

“She is responsible for my spiritual and physical strength,” says Jennifer Aniston of wellness expert Mandy Ingber, who helped her get through a devastating divorce from Brad Pitt.

To read the full story, visit LA2DAY.COM.

‘I’m Just A Girl’ singer puts family first but struggles to find words to tell her tale

By Darrah Le Montre, staff writer

The tortured singer will rise again.

Los Angeles, CA (RPRN) 6/11/09 — “It’s one thing when you have an infant, but when you have this two-or three-year-old going, ‘Mommy, what’s the deal?’ It’s harder. Kingston’s whole thing is, ‘I need, I need.’ He is insane right now,” singer Gwen Stefani says.

To read the full story, visit Rush PR News.

The God Conundrum, Part 2: What Drives Faith

By Darrah Le Montre, staff writer

LOS ANGELES CA (RPRN) 05/07/09 — The idea of faith has long inspired works of poetry, acts of love and acts of destruction. While personal wars are fought to defend the honor of a woman and the maintenance of a relationship, political wars are ignited with the goal of securing land and changing power structures. They are wrought with religious fervor that destroys far more than it evangelizes.

To read the full story, visit Rush PR News.

The God Conundrum: Scientology

By RushPRnews staff writers

LOS ANGELES CA (RPRN) 4/30/09--In the breakthrough documentary “Scientology: Inside the Cult” shot in the mid-90s, filmmakers in Britain explore a curiously growing religion based on the writings of a man known best for his works of fiction. A religion that many consider to be a cult. No doubt Scientology is sprouting up with a vengeance; especially with the helping hand of Hollywood star Tom Cruise, a devout Scientologist for the last 20 years. But he’s not the only one. Actor Giovanni Ribisi and his sister Marissa are supposedly members of the church. “Dharma and Greg” actress Jenna Elfman is reportedly a follower. So is actress Leah Remini of the hit TV show, “The King of Queens.” It is speculated that Juliette Lewis and Will Smith belong to the church. And the list goes on.

To read the full story, visit Rush PR News.

Healthy Eating for Your Family in a Time of Stress-filled Excess

By Darrah Le Montre, staff writer

LOS ANGELES CA (RPRN) 04/24/09 — Childhood obesity is a preventable epidemic. However, this costly problem is one that afflicts families across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “16 percent of children (over 9 million) 6-19 years old are overweight or obese — a number that has tripled since 1980. In addition to the 16 percent of children and teens ages 6 to 19 who were overweight in 1999-2002, another 15 percent were considered at risk of becoming overweight.”

To read the full story, visit Rush PR News.

Earth Day serves as a catalyst for Hollywood celebs and fashion plates alike to wear their ethics on their sleeve, and everywhere else. From Stella McCartney to Payless. Be-gone Birkenstocks, hello eco-couture!

By Darrah Le Montre, staff writer

LOS ANGELES (RPRN) 04/17/09 -Earth Day is April 22nd and there’s no wiry excuse left not to pitch in with a daily good deed to aid the environment. Not only is it karma-licious, but it’s trendy too. The conundrum of trading in smart fashion sense for do-gooding is long gone. In part, thanks to cutting-edge designers with a conscience.

Lucky for us, designer Stella McCartney is no stranger to ethical threads. With her no holds barred, no-fur policy she makes it possible for ladies to rock the red carpet or the city streets without fear of a drive-by flouring from a local PETA practitioner.

Popular Stella items include the Organic Cotton Voile Top, Organic Oversized Cotton Knitted Cardigan, and the Cloud Print El Mer Shift Dress. Check out her unique spin on sportswear, Adidas by Stella McCartney, and moniker scent, so patchouli is no longer the only signature of a chic consumer with a conscience. Visit, STELLAMCCARTNEY.com.

Beth Doane, founder of Andira International and the Andira Rain-Tee Collection, offers a Rescue an Animal Program through her charity Merazonia, which rescues trafficked and abused Amazonian animals. Find out more about it on RAINTEES.com.

For those on a budget, and in this economy – who isn’t – Payless Shoe Source announced plans to launch a first-ever affordable green footwear line. According to ECOSHOESOURCE.WORDPRESS.com, the national shoe-seller will release the green footwear line early next year. Eco Shoe Source also reports that Payless has “signed an agreement with Summer Rayne Oakes, Discovery Network’s Planet Green fashion and beauty expert to serve as the green footwear brand’s Eco Consultant.”

Lynn Hasselberger, founder of myEARTH360.com is a mom with the Midas touch and a golden Rolodex.
Her Hollywood ‘09 Gift Bags by Distinctive Assets contain reusable water bottles, bookmarks manufactured with carbon neutral paper, 100% beeswax candles and vegan chocolate truffles among other things. A stand-out item in these bags – which are made from fibers extracted from a banana plant relative, is a recycled belt made from truck tire inner tubes! Leonardo DiCaprio and Sheryl Crow are committed environmentalists, both of whom have received Lynn Hasselberger’s Hollywood ’09 Gift Bags and support her cause. And she also sells Beth Doane’s RainTees.

Hasselberger’s innovative way to get her eco-friendly message to stars and civilians alike is housed on her website as well as in her gift bags. myEARTH360.com has adorable and enviro-conscious T-shirts for women and children, called “Rain Tees.” According to the website, “Rain tees are a 100% organic” and “designed by youth living in endangered rain forests across central and South America.” For every Rain tee sold, “a child involved in Kids Saving the Rain Forest, Costa Rica will receive a tree they can plant to replace one that has been destroyed.” The “Loro Perico Rain Tee,” available on myEarth360.com, goes for $37.99 and features endangered Amazon love birds kissing inside a painted feather. Quite a steal, considering you’re also buying a Costa Rican child a new tree. For that, you may just go to heaven.

Another celeb on the forefront of environmentalism is Woody Harrelson. An avid eco-warrior, the actor has a website called VOICEYOURSELF.com, with many golden tips on lightening your carbon footprint. He was also featured in the Sundance Audience Award-winning film “Fuel,” out now in select theatres. “Fuel” explores how bio-diesel can change our dependence on foreign oil, and aid the planet.

If you’re anything like this reporter, you adore the designs south of your ankle. And why shouldn’t they be as ethical as your cotton dress or recycled belt? For the latest trends in cruelty-free fashions for the feet, try Kim Kardashian’s monthly shoe club, “Shoe Dazzle,” which features a vegan stiletto sandal called, “Artemisa.”

Perhaps this Earth Day, you and your loved one can garner a cool new pair of recycled shoes and walk to the nearest theatre for a matinee showing.

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First appeared in Rush PR News.