On one of our recent roadtrips, Andrew and I were listening to ABC national radio. I was enthralled by the lunchtime conversation: Standing for her Convictions: the campaigns of Vida Goldstein

Despite Vida Goldstein being the first woman in the British Empire to nominate for parliament and the first woman in Australia to earn her living as a political activist, I had NEVER heard of her!

It infuriated me that such a woman, or an Australian (of any gender) of such standing, for that matter, has been shamefully omitted from the national curriculum.

In an effort to pursue one cultural agenda, generations of Australians have been denied the opportunity to experience the rich, progressive and unique tapestry that is true Australian history.

As I listened to the story of Vida Goldstein’s life and the many plights she championed, I was alarmed at how many of them still remain.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. George Santayana (Spanish born American Philosopher, Poet and Humanist)

The further down the road I traveled, the more I realized the number of parallels between Vida’s world and our own. And I wonder how far have we really come in over 110 years.

The concerns of Vida’s day were changing at a rate that can be compared to the transformation we are now experiencing, with different theories about the nature of society, work, education, and gender. Poverty, for instance, was seen as a problem in need of a solution, with a debate that’s still raging.

Born the first-child, to devout Christian parents, on 13 April 1869, Vida Jane Mary Goldstein developed a strong social conscience. Her mother, Isabella (née Hawkins) was a very beautiful teetotalling heiress, a suffragist who worked for social reform. Her father, Jacob became heavily involved in charitable and social welfare causes, working closely with the Melbourne Charity Organization Society, the Cheltenham Men’s Home, and the Women’s Hospital Committee. [Goldstein, Vida Jane Mary (1869 – 1949)'] Australian Dictionary of Biography online edition.]

Although Jacob was an anti-suffragist, he strongly believed in education and self-reliance and so engaged a private governess (a suffragist) to educate Vida and her three sisters. Vida later attended the Presbyterian Ladies’ College (1884 – 1886). An education that no doubt came in handy when the family fortune was affected by the depression of the 1890s, and Vida and her sister Aileen, ran the Ingleton co-educational preparatory school in St Kilda.

‘Education’ is a consistent theme that resounds throughout Vida’s life, and I can relate to her compulsion to inform and to be informed.

I should make it very clear from the beginning. I AM NOT a feminist. I do, however, respect those who work to empower women and appreciate the efforts of women (and men) whose suffrage activities highlight that women are equal to men and therefore entitled to the same rights.

In an era characterised by a remarkable polarisation of the sexes; when women’s participation in political life was incredibly limited, with no voting rights, unable to stand for election, all women could do was agitate for change. Vida was initiated into public life in 1891 when a suffrage bill was before the Victorian parliament and her mother recruited the 22-year-old to collect signatures.

It came to be known as the “Monster Petition” when women from all around Victoria managed to collect 33,000 signatures.

Vida later said that this was a great learning experience for her, as she had to learn to argue why women should have the vote when she was door knocking.

In 1899, Goldstein became the first full-time paid organizer for the United Council for Women’s Suffrage at 30 shillings a week. Considering the kind of work Vida would have been doing, 30 shillings seems very fair compared to the average weekly male wage which was approximately 43 shillings a week. [ABS]

While the difference in the kind of work, men and women perform has certainly narrowed, pay differentiation and employment opportunities remain an issue in 2012.

By the turn of the century Vida was heavily involved in forming progressive leagues, such as the Women’s Federal Political Association, which was a network of suburban groups that debated matters of citizenship and women’s rights. These topics were the main features of the monthly journal, the Australian Women’s Sphere, which Vida edited for five years.

She soon became a popular public speaker on women’s issues, orating before packed halls around Australia and in 1902, the same year that Australian women were granted the right to vote in federal elections, Vida made her first trip overseas.

Acknowledged as an influential spokesperson, Vida Goldstein was invited to be the Australian delegate to the International Suffrage Conference in Washington DC, where she was elected Secretary and gave evidence in favour of female suffrage before a committee of the United States Congress. This gave her an international reputation.

While touring the USA, Vida’s associations made the most of her influence:

• The Victorian government asked Vida to investigate the methods of dealing with neglected and delinquent American children.
• The Criminology Society asked her to report back on the US penal system.
• The Trades Hall Council asked her to look at American unions and report on their effectiveness.
• Then the NSW branch of the National Council of Women nominated her as their delegate to attend a conference of the International Council of Women.

Upon her return, Vida gave lectures about her American tour to full halls throughout Victoria – charging admittance and enthralling audiences with her accounts and expertise in matters of social welfare.

At 34 years old, Vida did what no other women had done; she stood for election to the Senate in 1903, as an Independent with the support of the newly formed Women’s Federal Political Association.

Vida was the first woman in the British Empire to stand for election to a national parliament. She saw it as an opportunity to set an example and demonstrate how women were socially capable of being a politician.

“As soon as my candidature was announced, the enemy prophesied a physical breakdown, and humiliating insults from men at my meetings. From all accounts I stood the racket of the campaign better than most of the candidates. After one month’s work, the voices of many were tattered and torn; mine was as fresh and clear the night before the battle as it was when I started skirmishing three months previously.”

Vida failed to secure the Senate seat, winning close to 5% of the total ballots (about half the number of votes of the leading candidate), but she did succeed in changing perceptions of women in politics.

Undeterred, the loss prompted her to concentrate on female education and political organisation, including the National Council of Women, the Victorian Women’s Public Servants’ Association and the Women Writers’ Club.

In 1909, having closed the Australian Women’s Sphere journal in 1905 in order to dedicate herself more fully to the campaign for female suffrage in Victoria, she founded a second newspaper – Woman Voter. It became a supporting mouthpiece for women’s rights and emancipation and later promoted her political campaigns. [Lees, Kirsten (1995) Votes for Women: The Australian Story St. Leonards: Allen & Unwin, p. 146]

She actively lobbied parliament on issues such as:

• Equality of property rights,
• Birth control,
• Equal Naturalisation laws,
• The creation of a system of children’s courts, and
• Raising the age of marriage consent.

All issues that remain in contention today, around the world.

Defiant, she stood for parliament again in 1910, 1913 and 1914; her fifth and last bid was in 1917 for a Senate seat on the principle of international peace, a position that ultimately, lost her votes.

In the hope that her experience would help them with their battles for the vote, Goldstein visited England in 1911, at the behest of the Women’s Social and Political Union.

Her lectures drew massive crowds, from around the country and was touted as “the biggest thing that has happened in the women movement for sometime in England”. [Alice Henry (1911) Vida Goldstein Papers, 1902-1919. LTL:V MSS 7865]

Seen as an expert, Vida was also put in charge of the foreign contingent of a huge demonstration of 40,000 women. It would have been an amazing site to see, the procession of so many women, congregated and all dressed in white with the suffrage colours of purple, white and green.

Her trip in England concluded with the foundation of the Australia and New Zealand Women Voters Association, an organisation dedicated to ensuring that the British Parliament would not undermine suffrage laws in the colonies.

Women did not receive the right to vote in the United Kingdom (including Ireland) until 1918 and it took another 2 years for the USA to follow.

In 1915 Vida formed the Women’s Peace Army and became chairman of the Peace Alliance. An ardent pacifist, before and throughout the Boer and First World Wars, uncompromising in her position, Vida founded this antiwar group shortly after the futile loss of life at Gallipoli. She rigorously campaigned against conscription for the 1916 referendum, organizing a procession; the very first time that Australian women marched in a peace demonstration.

At the end of the First World War, Vida retreated from public life, although she wrote articles campaigning for a number of public causes. In 1919 she accepted an invitation to represent Australian women at a Women’s Peace Conference in Zurich and spoke out against the atomic bomb during WWII.

In the last decades of her life her focus turned more intently to her faith and spirituality. She became increasingly involved with the Christian Science movement – whose Melbourne church she helped found.

Despite many suitors, Vida never married and there is no suggestion of any intimate relationship. She lived in her last years quietly with her unmarried sister Aileen and her widowed sister Elsie. She died of cancer in South Yarra on 15 August 1949 at the age of 80, and, in line with her beliefs, she was cremated.

Vida Goldstein’s death passed almost unnoticed, and it wasn’t really until the 1970s with “Second Wave Feminism” before she was recognized as a pioneer suffragist and important figure in Australian social history.

Whether you agree with all the aspects of her politics or not, it is figures like Vida, who are a source of inspiration for many female generations.

Whilst I do not necessarily agree with all of Vida’s campaigns, I respect her tenacity, energy and skill in carving out a role for herself in Australian politics, when other women had previously only sat on the sidelines.

I think her great contribution was leading by example. Showing that a woman could be innovative and daring and demonstrating all that could be achieved, by sticking to her convictions and without compromising her femininity, in a time when questions were being asked about what did constitute womanliness.

It goes to show that the media has not changed in over a century as they still insist on commenting on the female advocate’s fashion rather than the substance of her policy:

“Miss Goldstein presented a very pleasing appearance on the platform at Avoca. She was graceful, prettily gowned, and wore a most becoming hat. — The Ararat Advertiser, 27th October 1903.

Vs.

“What I want [Julia] to do is get rid of those bloody jackets! It’s not even fashion…they don’t fit! You’ve got a big arse, Julia!” Germaine Greer Q&A

At least the media of the day noted Vida’s oratory skills and ability to communicate her ideas.

“She is nice to look at and absolutely delightful to listen to. The quick, eager way she has of rising to answer questions has its charms, for you see there the enthusiasm. Her smartness at repartee is a rare gift. Her composure when signs of disturbance appear and the way she has of getting off a slap at the other side, without in the least descending from the pedestal she as a lady stands on, are worth seeing and hearing.

— West Gippsland Gazette, 1st December, 1903.

With the scapegoat appointments and inevitable downfall of Bligh, Kenelley and Gillard, it seems as though female politicians in roles of true leadership, are as much of a novelty now as they were at the turn of the Twentieth Century. So how far have we really come?

Honestly, I believe we have come leaps and bounds and I do not believe the above-mentioned women can even be considered in the same league as Vida Goldstein. Vida’s views and actions were incredibly radical and unlike so many politicians of our day, she managed to holdfast to the courage of her convictions; communicate her agenda through positive media coverage, and compel those least likely to listen, to at least come and hear her.

Few politicians today can boast such a balance of their principles between their party’s short-sighted, vote-chasing platforms and a well orchestrated but genuine public image.

A remarkable example of an enfranchised woman of her time, I love Vida’s passion for sharing ideas to a less than receptive audience, a young and attractive woman talking about the sorts of things that a great many men thought women shouldn’t bother their pretty “little” heads with.

You cannot help but admire her commitment to social justice, social change and gracious contempt for authority.

As editor of The Woman Voter newspaper, Vida was annoyed by the War Precautions Act and having to submit all her copy to the censor before publication. When Prime Minister Billy Hughes introduced even more severe censorship, Vida rebelled by publishing “Mr Hughes says we may have a free press” in spare spaces of the journal.

Now in Australia in the Twenty-First century there can be little doubt freedom of the press and the expectation that you can freely speak your mind is under threat.  The Gillard Government’s media inquiry, the Finkelstein Report, threatens not only our freedom to speak, but to listen and make decisions for ourselves. Learn more by clicking here.

The recommendations of the Finkelstein Report would only catapult us back into the Dark Ages, when we are standing on the edge of an exciting frontier in information and education.

It is figures like Vida Goldstein who speak out about oppression and social justice who should be featured heavily in our national curriculum to demonstrate the true pioneering nature of our citizens and the importance of learning lessons from our past.

The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support the rights of people you don’t agree with.

- Eleanor Holmes Norton

CELEBRATE Vida and all her achievements by sharing this on the facebook walls and Twitter Feeds of all those women you admire and respect!

CELEBRATE Vida and all her achievements by sharing your stories of inspiration and of characters you admire.

In the Spring of 2011, a number of Army Reserve soldiers of the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment (9RQR), along with 37 Indigenous students committed a week of their school holidays to participate in a 102km walk, over 5 days, from Kilcoy to Cherbourg.

The inaugural 2011 walk was organized by Yalari.org to commemorate the original journey completed in 1902 by Aboriginal people who were forcibly relocated to the Cherbourg community.

I was privileged to have exclusive access to interview the organizers and participants and capture some of their insights, expectations and highlights of the commemorative experience.

Their stories are enlightening, humorous and inspirational.

Learn more about Yalari by clicking here.

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Antelope Canyon is located in Arizona on Navajo land.
 
It has been formed by flash flooding over the years, that has eroded the sandstone.
 
Rainwater, especially during monsoon season, runs into the extensive basin above the slot canyon sections, picking up speed and sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways. Over time the passageways are eroded away, making the corridors deeper and smoothing hard edges in such a way as to form characteristic ‘flowing’ shapes in the rock.
 
Flash flooding is still a danger to visitors today with the last major flash flood occurring in 2006.
Tourists may only visit the canyon with a guide because of this flood danger.
 
There are two sections of the canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon (also called The Crack) and Lower Antelope Canyon (also called The Corkscrew). The Navajo call the Upper Canyon Tse’ bighanilini, meaning “the place where water runs through rocks.” The Lower Canyon is called Hasdestwazi, meaning “spiral rock arches.”
 
The canyons can both be found within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation, in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. There are entrance fees for both canyons, and these fees provide the Navajo Nation with much needed income.
 
Photography within the canyons is difficult due to the wide exposure range (often 10 EV or more) made by light reflecting off the canyon walls.**
 

Brisbane City Council hosts Diwali Festival of Light (Deepavali/Devali) 2011 in King George Square, City Hall.

For Hindus Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.

Diwali (also spelled Devali or Deepavali in certain regions), popularly known as the “festival of lights,” is a festival celebrated on the one new moon night, between mid-October and mid-December for various reasons.

 
The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
 
Amavasya, the third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.
 
Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala.
 
It is on the fourth day of Diwali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
 
Diwali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come.
 
Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and is the last major celebration before winter. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.
 
There are two legends that associate the worship of Lakshmi on this day. According to the first legend, on this day, Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the oceans, Samudra manthan.
 
The second legend (more popular in western India) relates to the Vamana avatar of the big three Vishnu, the incarnation he assumed to kill the demon king Bali. On this day, Vishnu came back to his abode the Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi receive the benefit of her benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being.
 

I first learned of Albert Kahn by watching the acclaimed BBC4 television series, The Wonderful World of Albert Kahn.

As an idealist and an internationalist, Kahn believed that he could use the new autochrome process, the world’s first user-friendly, true-colour photographic system, to promote cross-cultural peace and understanding.

A sentiment I whole-heartedly agree with.

Kahn used his vast fortune to send a group of intrepid photographers to more than fifty countries around the world, often at crucial junctures in their history, when age-old cultures were on the brink of being changed for ever by war and the march of twentieth-century globalization.

These privileged men documented in true colour the collapse of both the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires; the last traditional Celtic villages in Ireland, just a few years before they were demolished; and the soldiers of the First World War — in the trenches, and as they cooked their meals and laundered their uniforms behind the lines.

Amazingly, they took the earliest-known colour photographs in countries as far apart as Vietnam and Brazil, Mongolia and Norway, Benin and the United States.

Such pioneering feats make me green with envy and wishing I was born in an era when there was still so much of the world and technology to explore.

At the start of 1929 Kahn was still one of the richest men in Europe. Later that year the Wall Street Crash reduced his financial empire to rubble and in 1931 he was forced to bring his project to an end.

Kahn died in 1940.

His legacy, still kept at the Musée Albert-Kahn in the grounds of his estate near Paris, is now considered to be the most important collection of early colour photographs in the world.

Until recently, Kahn’s huge collection of 72,000 autochromes remained relatively unheard of; the vast majority of them unpublished. Now, a century after he launched his Archives of the Planet project, the BBC Book The Wonderful World of Albert Kahn, and the television series it accompanies, have helped bring Kahn’s inspiring imagery to a mass audience for the first time and putting colour into what we tend to think of as an entirely monochrome age.

Inspired by Albert Kahn – here is a sample of the faces I met on my travels through Cambodia.

Natalee-Jewel has entered this years National Geographic Photographic Contest.

Her submission, entitled The Spirit of Laughter, was a special moment captured of 2 bashful girls giggling in hysterics as they celebrate the completion of a 102km Yalari commemorative walk to the Aboriginal community of Cherbourg in Queensland, Australia.

In the background are 9 RQR Army Reserve soldiers and Yalari.org volunteers who completed the trek with 37 Indigenous students to commemorate the walk done in 1902 by Aboriginal people who were forcibly relocated to the Cherbourg reservation.

To see the image click here. We are grateful for your “Likes” and “Tweets”

See if you can spot the moment in the video Exercise Yalari 2011 – Faces of Cherbourg below:

Your support is always appreciated. Thank you.

Top 10 Tips for Preparing Your Home for a profitable Sale.

Street appeal is a PRIORITY. You probably don’t realize just how many sales you lose before potential buyers even get to the front door. Buyers more often than not, do a “drive by” before an open house. You need to make your home stand out from the crowd! Look at your home from a buyer’s point-of-view: stand on the footpath or across the street and really look at your home.

• House numbers: Ensure your house number is visible from the road – buyers can’t view your home if they can’t find it!
• Colour: Paint the door a bright colour, plant pots of colourful flowers/plants.
• Simplicity: Minimize you knick-knacks to maximize your return. Don’t deprive your home of its soul but accept that the garden gnomes have to go!
• Prune: Trim branches, remove old palm fronds and manicure your lawn.
• Social Conscious: With a growing concern for environmental sustainability plant trees that require less water consumption. You can also appeal to your busy buyers who prefer low maintenance gardens.
• Hide & Seek: Emphasize the architectural elements of your home. Highlight features and downplay negatives. Put away the wheelie bins and tidy-up your letter box. Position plants to augment, but not hide exterior features.

Your landscaping needs to be attractive, neat and welcoming. Pique buyers’ interest, making them curious to see what’s beyond the garden. For more information about how to get a professional looking garden click here:

Don’t just hide stuff in cupboards, under the stairs, or in drawers. Potential buyers are interested in all nooks and crannies – they will open EVERYTHING! Your kitchen cupboards and underwear draws, I have even seen them open the fridge?! Not only does clutter make rooms look smaller, mess suggests to buyers that there is insufficient storage.

When (not IF) you sell, you are going to have to pack it all up anyway. Why not pack it now?

B) Karma-credits. Relish in the cathartic experience of passing on your less used wares to your local charity.

C) Simply pack your possessions in boxes, label and seal them storing them in the garage (not the spare room) ready for the removalist.

D) Have fun & earn some cash – have a garage sale. Or…

E) A combination of all of the above.

One Man’s trash is anothers treasure!

While it’s important for you to become emotionally detached, remember you want to help your buyer make an emotional decision. Creating a warm friendly space helps buyers feel comfortable and visualize where their own furniture can be placed. Be objective and ruthless but don’t strip your home of all character.

Depersonalize and streamline your photographs and artworks; tone down bold decorations, but pack away the china doll and teddy bear collection. If you choose to re-decorate to sell, use neutral, light, modern colours that will not offend. There is an art to striking a balance between neutralizing and depersonalizing your home without leaving the place looking and feeling sparse, empty and unloved.

The market rewards property owners that place a high-value not only on tidiness but particularly cleanliness. While you are scrubbing the floors:
• hammer down any loose nails;
• fix squeaky floorboards with talcum powder; and
• fill any dints.

Make the most of your views and let in the natural light by:
• cleaning the glass windows and doors;
• oil hinges and
• repair broken fly screens;
• wipe down walls with a soft cloth and a little sugar soap;
• use sample pots of colour-matched paint to touch up damaged areas; and
• stick down lifting wallpaper.

Scrub your bathroom and kitchen:
• whiten tile grout;
• replace washers on dripping taps; and
• remove built up stains and lime scale from glass screens, toilets, etc.

You should be able to eat off every surface!

Getting top dollar is a great motivation to finally complete all the little things that never get done around the house. Remember the buyers’ psychology – they are looking for any excuse to discount your asking price. The more apparent imperfections are, the more ammunition to justify markdowns.

• Add a mirror to a dark room to help it appear larger and lighter.

• Dry or steam-clean curtains, carpets and rugs removing imbedded odours, especially if you have pets.

• Remove cigarette paraphernalia

• Empty cat littler trays before your open house and either wash your dogs or arrange for a friend to mind them, particularly since you will have numerous strangers browsing through your property.

Sometimes we can become desensitized to our own odours. If you are unsure of how your property smells, ask your agent or a brutally honest friend to tell you the truth.

While you are busy sprucing up everything in front of you, don’t forget to look up! Potential buyers, sure don’t. Dust away old cobwebs and replace blown light bulbs. Remember to think like a buyer. If a light does not turn on – is it the bulb? Or the electrics?

It is worth investing in any ceiling repairs, it may not cost as much as you think, but buyers consider cracks and discolouration warning signs of greater structural problems. You don’t want your buyers to be running around claiming the sky is falling as an excuse to reduce the price.

Potential buyers look, listen to and feel what is under foot. New floor coverings are considered to be an expensive outlay for new homeowners, so don’t let inferior floor coverings cost you the sale.

If your carpets hold unpleasant odours, get them cleaned. However, the average clean will not help if they are dated, wearing thin or covered in impossible stains. Pull them up. Do not, however, over capitalize on refurbishing your floors.

Polished concrete, quick-click floorboards or simply a stylish rug are cost effective alternatives to expensive tiles and hardwood timbers. Otherwise compromise and make improvements to your homes appearance with out breaking the bank, such as re-carpeting only ‘comfort’ rooms i.e. bedrooms and lounge.

Do not be tempted to scatter rugs throughout, to cover your floors imperfections. Having lots of rugs just adds to clutter and draws attention to the quality (or rather lack of,) of the flooring.

You don’t need to refurnish your entire home, stand in the entrance to discover each room’s focal point. Where is your eye naturally drawn? The elegant fireplace, the Bay-window? Decide what your room’s attributes are and emphasize their features by deliberately placing furniture to enhance not hinder.

Not sure what the space’s highlights are?
Consider your audience. What’s the most likely demographic of buyers interested in your property? Young families; elderly couples; avant-garde professionals? Appeal to their needs; demonstrate the versatility of a room: transform a boring storage space into a nursery, study or even foldout guest room.

Dress rooms with a subtle but consistent theme by carrying through colours, textures and/or patterns. Furnishings such as cushions, throws, lampshades and matching frames are simple and inexpensive items that can continue a theme from one room to another.

Know that less is more and continuity is key.
You don’t want the buyers imagination to be disrupted by incongruence. Put things where they belong. Who wants their dinner party guest tripping over the exercise bike? Give new life to older pieces; re-define them if you have to. Your favourite antique chaise lounge that has been crowding up your modern media room would instead be a fantastic signature piece and help create a peaceful reading nook in the master bedroom.

If it is all too hard you can hire contemporary furniture or even an interior designer to help you get the ultimate look for your home.
CONTACT Impressions to learn how they can dress your rooms to ensure a quick and profitable sale.

Whether it is professional decorators, tradies, contractors or agents, you want someone who really knows what they are doing. Finding the best people for the job will not only save you time and money, but make you money by generating quicker and more profitable sales.

If you’re working with a real estate agent, you’ll want one who can really sell. Someone who understands current market forces, knows your neighbourhood intimately, who is enthusiastic about your property and ultimately, someone who is trustworthy. Buyers lose confidence in agents who play games and act deceptively, providing misleading information or simply don’t return phone calls.

Do your due diligence. Shop around, research the reputable agencies and most successful, reliable agents in your area, ask them the kind of questions buyers ask, and ensure they are working for YOU, not the buyer and not just themselves.

And lastly but perhaps, most importantly…

Before potential buyers even do their “drive-by” or get to your door, your home maybe eliminated from their search based on the first impression provided by your marketing team. Buyers predominantly and increasingly are using the internet to find property. Quality photographic presentation is more important than ever. Buyers do not want to waste time, using external and internal photos to narrow their search and determine which homes make the open-house cut. If your homes internet marketing material does not “wow” them, the next property is just a click away!

Ensure your agent hires a professional photographer and does not use the sale of your home as the subject for their photographic hobby.

A professional photographer will know the best angles, aspect and lighting to promote your property. Buyers appreciate both interior and exterior shots by day as well as dusk. Don’t be tempted to publish too many photographs. Be selective and only post the shots that really present your property in its best light, sparking the buyer’s curiosity, thus securing an on-site inspection.

Depending on your budget and time constraints, consider whether you wish to invest in traditional photographic marketing material or if you also want to take advantage of technologies such as virtual tours.
Ask your Agent or Real Estate Marketer about your marketing options or to discuss your photographic and marketing needs contact Impressions Real Estate Marketing directly by clicking here.

Your first step in investigating any potential food allergy or intolerance is speaking with your trusted family GP or naturopath, who should ensure your symptoms are not caused by any other illness.

They will initially try and diagnose the problem by asking you questions regarding your diet and lifestyle and whether you have noticed if symptoms are worse at any particular times, so take note at the time of your symptoms and have the information ready for your practitioner.

The medical profession varies in its attitude and approach to the treatment of allergies. I saw 3 different “doctors” (General Practitioners) before I was properly diagnosed. So it pays to get a second, if not a third opinion, if you feel you are not been taken seriously or if their approach is not holistic and well-informed.

You may need to be referred to a special hospital unit or clinic for further investigation or you may be advised to speak with a dietician, if dietry changes are to be considered.

There are various ways to test for allergies and not all of these methods are recognized by medical professionals as providing reliable results.

THE RAST (RADIO ALLERGO SORBENT TEST)

This test has been used to identify acute allergies when there is an immediate reaction. It measures the levels of IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibody in your blood.

THE SKIN PRICK TEST

By gently placing a few concentrated drops of the suspected allergen on the patients skin, the area is then pricked and the allergen seeps in. Signs of a reaction are then observed. This can be somewhat un reliable for food allergies as often reactions can be delayed by up to 24 – 48 hours.

THE HOMOEPATHIC VEGA TEST

In this test, an electrode is placed on an acupuncture point or held in the hand. Samples of allergens are placed on the connected machine and it reads for reactions.

EXCLUSIONS & CHALLENGE DIETS

Arguable the most effective method for testing your sensitivity to foods, the exclusion of suspect substances from your every day diet, waiting to see if there is any improvement, and the re-introduction of the food can take weeks and requires strict commitment. ** COMING SOON ** Click here for more information regarding exclusion and elimination diets.

Strictly speaking, the word “allergy” should only be used to describe a specific response caused by an over-reaction of the immune system.
 
An intolerance, however, is a broader term describing any unpleasant reaction to an offending substance.
 
Sensitivity can be used as a generic description covering both allergy and intolerance, although none of these should be confused with food aversion, which has psychological derivatives.
 
There are many different causes of food intolerance, which may be linked to the behavior of various enzymes or bacteria in the body. Lactose (milk sugar) intolerance is not an allergic reaction but occurs because the person can not properly digest the milk due to a lactase enzyme deficiency.
 
Specific components of food can also cause reactions, such as caffeine in tea, coffee, chocolate and cola can bring on palpitations and erratic bowel movements.  Amines found in chocolate, red wine and cheese can also trigger migraines.
 
As apposed to intolerances, the reactions of acute allergies are generally severe, immediate and can be life threatening. Reactions to peanuts, fish/seafood, eggs and even sesame seeds have been known to be fatal. Gone are the days when little bags of peanuts were served on aircraft before take-off. Too may people and in particular, children were seriously affected.
 
Acute reactions to milk and wheat tend to be less severe and can be delayed by 12 – 48 hours after ingestion, which can hamper efforts to diagnose the cause.
 
After an initial attack, you should be aware and try and avoid the suspect food.
 
Once confirmed, it is important to stay clear of the allergen and always carry appropriate treatment with you.  This should be prescribed by your GP or naturopath and will depend on the severity of your reactions. you may require a steroid inhaler, antihistamine tablets or if severe even emergency adrenaline for anaphylaxis/anaphylatic shock.
 

Allergic reactions, intolerances and sensitivities can take many forms, make life frustrating and prove difficult to pinpoint.

Although they are not thought of as an illness, they can sometimes make the sufferer feel extremely uncomfortable and unwell.

Depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms, the problem can be either a mild, short-term irritation or a more serious, long-term condition, such as coeliac disease.

I am luck, I do not suffer from coelic disease but I am allergic to a particular protein in wheat and cow’s milk. I am also highly intolerant to potatoes and slightly sensitive to other night-shades. This combination has made eating (in and out) complicated and incredibly limited. One benefit: it has highlighted the overwhelming amount of wheat, diary and starch-based fillers that exists in our everyday food. And I am grateful for at least reducing these in my general intake.

Once you have investigated your symptoms and tracked down the causes of your reactions, you can adapt your your diet to be nutritionally balanced while excluding anything suspect to which you are sensitive.

CAUSES & REACTIONS
An allergy is a reaction that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, causing irritation, disability and sometimes even fatality.

A substance that causes an allergy is called an allergen and can be anything either ingested, inhaled or that touches the skin, that causes an adverse reaction.

Our immune system usually defends us from harmful foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria that otherwise might cause illness. In the person suffering from allergies, however, the system believes that the allergen is damaging and reacts to it accordingly. A special type of anti-body called IgE (immunoglobulin E) is produced to protect from the threatening substance.

“Mast” cells in our body then release other chemicals, the most commonly known as histamine, which join the IgE antibodies in fending-off the invaders.

The result is an allergic reaction, with its associated symptoms.

The site of the reaction depend on the location of the mast cells, and is often in places such as the nose, skin, lungs or intestines.

Typical allergic reactions and their symptoms include:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Hayfever
Asthma (coughing & wheezing, breathlessness)
Runny & blocked nose
Hives & skin rashes
Eczema

It is not known exactly how many people react badly to certain substances, since many cases are mild enough to go undetected or may be misdiagnosed.

Allergies, in general are on the rise and this may be a consequence of aspects of contemporary living, such as increased air pollution, the over use of chemicals, additives, preservatives and pesticides.

It has also been suggested that because modern medicine has reduced our risk of infection from “naturally” harmful foreign invaders, such as bacteria, our immune systems are now inadequately challenged, leading to a reaction, in genetically susceptible people, to ordinarily harmless substances.

There is a strong genetic link with allergies, for example, if someone in your family, particularly a parent, has an allergy to something, it is likely that this susceptibility may be passed on.

Greater awareness and recognition of allergies may also be a factor in our perception of the problem.

The onset of an allergy or intolerance can occur at any stage in life and the culprit substance may be something that had previously been tolerated.

The most serious symptoms took affect when I was 29 years old and I had never experienced any sensitivity to wheat, diary or potato before this time. In fact, potato was (and honestly, still is) my favourite food and while I did not overdoes on any of the perpetrators, I did consume them regularly.

It has been a relief to learn that such sensitivities can also be outgrown and either through periods of exclusion or certain treatments, troublesome symptoms can also completely disappear.

The Australian Body Art Carnivale is Australia’s premier body art event, attracting artists and spectators from across Australia and overseas.

Amazing artworks and music are performed all weekend and along with a sensational Sunshine Coast Street Party, with multi-cultral food stalls and local produce and craft markets.

The Carnivale was a ‘A Festival of Colour’ centred around body art in its many and varied forms.

It is nothing short of phenomenal to watch the human canvases take shape during the competitions.

For artists the carnival presents an opportunity to showcase their creativity, experience the amazing atmosphere of the Carnivale and compete for over $16,000 in cash and prizes.

The Australian Body Art Carnivale is held annually in Eumundi, the dates for 2012 are from Saturday 12 May and Sunday 13 May.

The 2012 theme is “Under the Sea”, providing an absolute wealth of inspiration for artists.

When renovating it is imperative to create a budget, monitor, re-asses where necessary and stick to it as much as possible.

1. Be realistic!
Extensively research the value of products and services (get at least 3 quotes per trade) and consider worst-case scenarios. KNOW the value of your property before you buy it and be conservative with estimates and your selling price. Don’t under-estimate your time-frame.

2. Work backwards.
With all the knowledge you have accrued researching your particular market you should have a comprehensive understanding of what your property is worth now and what it will be worth once the renovations are complete. Knowing this, deduct the expenses (calculated as accurately as possible) from your potential selling price and consider if your plans are even worthwhile. Consider the time, effort and opportunity costs of investing in the renovation to realize a decent profit.

3. Don’t forget to build in a contingency buffer of at least 10%.
This is to ensure you are covered for unexpected emergencies – which ALWAYS arise. It is important to note that you can not control EVERYTHING. Sometimes mother-nature doesn’t have your schedule in mind and projects can be delayed through no fault of your own. It is better to be strict with your budget than to have to abandon the entire project due to failing funds.

4. Keep it Simple
Every new property presents the opportunity to be over-ambitious. The skill lies in discipline and self-control. Whether it be your colour scheme or your landscaping the more simple your design is the easier it is to keep to budget and to widen your target market appeal.

5. Marry your Budget with a Schedule.
Work FAST! Time is Money. Aim to complete all projects within a realistic time-frame. Consider everything that must be done and what order it needs to be done in. Delegate who is responsible for each task and assign them of their duties. Keep them in the loop. Let them know what your expectations are of them (quality standards and timings). If plans change, inform everyone down the chain. You can’t afford to be the weakest link

By analyzing your schedule you can plan for necessary equipment and save money by not having to double up on machinery. Try and co-ordinate your contractors and machinery (e.g.bobcat, scaffolding, etc.) so they optimize their time and reduce the number of site visit call-outs.

6. Know Your Limitations.
When considering all the actions that need to be taken to reach your end goal, consider realistically what you can and can’t do. Don’t be afraid to hand over the reigns on jobs you simply do not have the time or skill set to complete to the highest quality. It may seem expensive to bring in a professional, but it will save you on frustration and credibility come inspection time. A quality finish can mean all the difference in making a real profit or not.

By being honest with yourself and recognizing what you are and definitely not capable of to begin with, you can project a more accurate budget and factor in the costs of contractors.

7. Familiarity can breed contempt.
It’s always nice to work with people you know and like, but sometimes using the same tradespeople for every job can make them a little complacent. They may take liberties they wouldn’t otherwise. It can be useful to keep them on their toes by at least rotating teams. If you have worked with a contractor before, be sure to let them know that they have not automatically got the job this time round – that you are getting quotes and will seriously consider hiring their competitor.

8. Never Pay Retail.
For your initial budget it is wise to cost products and services at retail prices. But that doesn’t mean you should PAY retail. When renovating, I NEVER pay retail. It could be as simple as buy when the stocktake sales are on; bidding at auctions (on and offline); using vouchers, trade cards or loyalty programs; or simply asking “Is this your best price?” – Get creative and NEVER pay full ticked price. Those extra pennies you save on one item can allow you to splurge on something else – if you just have to have it!

One of my favourite things to do on the weekend is just drive around my suburb, look at the style of homes, the latest trends, what other renovators are up to and most of all… check out garage sales. Some of my best bargains have come from garage sales. After all…

9. Buy in Bulk.
Included in your initial cost analysis should be an outline for all the materials required to complete the project. By outlining all the inclusions you can see, when and where all your materials are needed. Having calculated your mass requirements, you are in a better position to negotiate with suppliers. You don’t always have to buy the same exact product, often suppliers are just happy that you are buying in full from them, rather than going elsewhere.

Also, Buy your TIME in bulk. When hiring equipment, often you can get a better deal from companies who do not trade on the weekend. By picking up late on a Friday or early Saturday and dropping it back first thing on the Monday, you maximize time and value.

10. Build Relationships.
Arguably the most important factor in budgeting for a reno. Often, it is not what you know but who you know and by establishing lasting, positive relationships with your contractors, suppliers, agents, lawyers, accountants – everyone you meet, you can save $$$ and maximize profits.

I have saved thousands and made tens of thousands by talking to agents at open houses; knocking on neigbour’s doors; asking questions; getting recommendations and referrals; chatting and befriending repeat-business owners, discussing win-win outcomes with vendors/buyers. Call in favours and don’t be afraid to ask for mates rates.

It is important to remember all these people make up your team. You are leading and managing a team, the more smoothly the team runs the easier it is to keep to budget.

To ensure a successful renovation and maximize profits I stick to a tried, tested and proven formula and apply the following essential rules of renovating:
 

Cherie Barber and partner Steve Tolle didn’t set out to swap being a mortgage broker and marketing manager for a renovating business. But when they took on a one-off renovating project and made $270,000 after four months of working just weekends, they realized they’d be crazy not to.

They began slowly doing one project at a time, which meant inspecting properties each weekend and lots of labour on their building sites. Now they’re able to work on up to three projects at once and the rewards are everything they hoped for.

“We can live life as we please, work when we want and where we want” Cherie Barber

Cherie and Steve have worked out a formula for selecting houses and renovating for maximum profit, making an average of $300,000 per house.

Cherie says the secret is:

• Knowing the market
• Keeping costs down
• Working to tight timelines; and
• Driving hard bargains with contractors and suppliers

Cherie has extended the business to teach others how to make money out of reno and present “how to” workshops all around Australia.

Click here to find out where and when you see Cherie LIVE for FREE and learn all her latest hints, tips and strategies!

Cherie also offers 2-day courses with take-home study kits (DVDs, Manuals, Discounts and after-sales support) which show people how to identify money-making suburbs and properties with potential.

Click here to learn more about Cherie and where you can next see her LIVE!

There are no set rules or career path in the arts, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything you can do to improve your chances of achieving your dream career.

1. Engage with the Industry

If there’s something to read, watch, listen to , see or otherwise participate in it’s got something to do with your chosen field, do it!

With the creation of WordPress, Facebook and Myspace it is so much cheaper and easier to establish your own profile online. Showcase your portfolio and join and “like” relevant groups through Facebook and Twitter.

2. Find a Mentor/s

It can be useful to have a mentor who has been there, done that. The relationship you ave with your mentor can be formal or informal, long-term or short-term, face-to-face or remote e.g. via email/skype, etc. What matters is that your mentor is someone with professional and personal integrity, who is happy to share their experience and doesn’t see you as competition.

3. Be Professional

Whether you like it or not, being an artisit is like being a small business. Once you’re a rock star you can probably get away wth turning up late and behaving badly, but while you’re on the way you need to be as professional as possible. If you get an opportunity, don’t blow it by thinking it’s cool to be a slacker. In the long term, getting your head around things like tax, marketing and managing a small business can save you time, money and hassle.

4. Persistence… Determination… Motivation

Whatever you want to call it, you need it. No-one ever got their record listened to/their painting exhibited/ the lead in that play by sitting around wishing it would happen. Know what you want to achieve and get on with it.

There will be bumps along the road, but stay focused and true to yourself.

5. Network

It’s true; in the Art World – who you know is just as important as what you know. How many job ads have you seen in the papers that say “Major Label seeking New Artists for Recording Deal”? None, right?

You need to make sure people know who you are, what you can do and what you want to achieve.

If the idea of networking fills you with dread, try this technique:

Don’t hammer a new contact with info about you, instead, focus the conversation on them. Ask lots of questions about what they do and their interests. If it seems natural, ask them if it’s okay for you to have their contact details. If it seems appropriate, follow up a week or so later with a ‘nice chatting to you the other week, thought you might be interested in checking out my…..’ phone call or email.

Networking is a great way to build a support base of people who know and respect you and believe in what you’re trying to do.

Don’t forget to network, online. When you exchange details with a new contact – ask if they use social media. Connecting with them through outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc. are great ways to learn more about their interest and for them to see yours.

6. Keep Learning

Did you know that makeup artists who also have hairdressing skills get more work?

Education doesn’t finish when you leave school/college/uni. Actively seek out new learning experiences and keep your mind open to new ideas. What are some complimentary skills you could use in your toolbox?

Refine your craft and work on always improving what you do.

7. How Great are YOU?

if you don’t believe in yourself, how are you going to convince other people to believe in you?

Confidence is key. Consider all you have already accomplished and how the skills you have and even the less successful experiences have equipped you with knowledge.

8. Play Nice

More important that who or what you know is HOW people know you. If they know you to be an exceptionally talented artist but a pain in the neck to work with, it may cost you more than you realize.

People like folk who are easy to get along with. If you had to decide between a really talented artist who is greta to work with nd an equally talented artist who is difficult to work with , who would you choose? Lose the attitude and don’t burn bridges. Building positive relationships is important. You never know which one of these annoying people in your drama class is going to end up as a famous festival director?!

Be nice to people on your way up, because on your way down you’re going to need their help.

9. Get Experience

The creative industries are ripe with opportunities to gain experience – volunteering, student placements, work experiences, extra-curricula activities and DIY are all great ways to develop your skills, meet and impress industry folk and enhance your CV. You wont get “discovered” by hoping, wishing and reaming but you WILL get discovered by getting out there and making stuff happen. Put on a gig, organise an exhibition, start an art show review blog. Activity creates opportunity. Don’t be scared about making mistakes – everyone does – just recognize the things that went wrong as feedback/advice/tips about the right way to do things in the future.

10. Expose Yourself Professionally

First impressions count, so ensure you present yourself and your portfolio professionally. If you are not confident creating your own website, and can not afford to  pay a professional web designer you may be able to find a web designer or web developer who is just starting out themselves and would like to showcase their talents. This is a win-win situation as you can help promote the designer by building their portfolio while showcasing yours.

If you are a control-freak and/or just want to try your hand and let your online creative juices flow check out free platforms such as WordPress or Blogger. And don’t forget Youtube or Vimeo. Create your own FREE dedicated channel and consider the creative ways you can display your work and boost your online profile. Once you have uploaded your videos don’t forget to share them with your friends online through social media and post them on your website/Facebook Fanpages.

For more focused exposure take a look at forums such as Red Bubble or Flicker.

For real-life examples check out the following:

WORDPRESS

http://irem.com.au (A free wordpress.org site – only cost is the domain name registration and hosting. Can’t afford hosting and domain name registration? Establish your site with wordpress.com – the only downside is that your URL is not completely personalized)

YOUTUBE

http://www.youtube.com/user/IREMdotCOMdotAU

Soy is not a miracle health food. It is a rip-off and dangerous.

Don’t believe the hype, soy is about BIG, BIG profits, not about your health. In traditional Asian cultures they do NOT use the kind of soy foods that are being promoted now. They only used fermented soy and in small amounts.

Soy is a bean. Nothing more. To make soy food and soy milk it is highly processed. So it’s a 100% man-made food and as usual such foods are junk.

The finished processed soy products have a lot wrong with them. They are even promoted on TV as increasing the female hormone levels for middle aged women. So even if you believe the advertising, do you really want to be eating something that has female hormone effects?

If you are lactose intolerant, or allergic to cow’s milk (like I am) there are a number of viable, affordable and even healthy alternatives to both cow-derived and soy milk, such as; almond, oat, rice or goats milk.

Whenever I am out and having a coffee with friends, I always ask the Brewister if they have almond, oat, rice or goats milk. More often than not, they do not, but i believe by always asking I help raise awareness, as often the Brewister or cafe owner will ask me why?

I explain about my personal allergies and about the evils of soy. Some of my regular cafes have even changed their buying/selling habits and have stocked alternatives to soy/milk.

Don’t forget to ask your local cafe to stock a soy/milk alternative.

If you insist on sticking with Soy please ensure you only buy certified organic, Australian-grown Soy bean milk that is GMO-free!

HERE IS A LIST OF WHY SOY IS BAD NEWS:

• It contains high levels of phytic acid. These block the assimilation of minerals in the body. The phytic acid is not neutralized during the processing of soy foods. This is bad enough on it’s own.
• Soy leads to deficiencies in calcium and Vitamin D due to it’s mineral blocking actions.
• Soy interferes with normal protein digestion in the body due to its trypsin inhibitors.
• The soy phytoestrogens (the so called good factors) disrupt your bodies endocrine functions and cause infertility. They are also anti-thyroid agents that can cause thyroid problems and potentially cancer. It’s like taking female birth control pills. Do you really want a flood of a female hormone like substance in your body?
• Soy protein is full of damaged and denatured proteins from the complicated processing process.
• Soy contains high levels of aluminum.
• The use of soy milk instead of real milk or tufo instead of real meat means you are replacing nutrient dense foods with nutrient poor foods. Just like eating too much sugar or white flour this provides the body with calories but vary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Soy is going to be responsible for a lot of health problems in the future.

Here is some more information, I have had passed onto me regarding the dangers of Soy:
 
This “Health Food” Makes You Fat and Unhealthy – by Shin Ohtake, author of Max Workouts
 
It’s kind of crazy to think that soy products have really only been around in the U.S. food industry since the early 1990′s, unlike many of the Asian countries where it’s been a food staple for thousands of years.
 
So what made soy become so popular so fast here in the U.S.?
 
Well it certainly wasn’t coincidence. Like in most industries, if you follow the money…it’s a pretty good bet that you’ll end up at the truth. And soy is no different. Soy is cheap to cultivate and when consumed in whole “fermented” forms it has real health benefits.
 
Notice the terms “whole” food and “fermented”…see that’s key.
 
It’s bad enough that whole foods have become foreign in vast majority of North American diets, but throw in fermentation…and you’re looking at a population smaller than people living on Easter Island that would even take a second look at consuming soy in this form.
 
Fear not however, if there’s profit to be had, we can make anything palatable…or at least edible…sort of.
 
Which is why almost all soy produced in US is processed and converted into two prosperous commodities – soybean oil and soy protein.
 
See…now we can get the benefits of whole fermented soybeans without having to inflict our palates with foul smelly fermented foods. We all win..right?
 
Uhhh…NO
 
Here’s the problem:
 
Processing anything is bad and it’s no different for soy. Soybean oil is heavily refined and most have trans fats in them, making them one of the unhealthiest oils around. And unfortunately, it’s in pretty much all processed foods.
 
Soy protein is the other culprit and it’s also processed, although not as heavily as soybean oil. All possible health benefits of soy are completely taken out in the course of processing, making it a pretty poor source of protein.
 
But this is where the confusion and conflict begins. The FDA claims that soy protein is very healthy and they recommend consuming 25 g of soy protein a day to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
 
I know…once again more conflicting information…I don’t blame you for wanting to tear your hair out with frustration.
 
Okay…before you take FDA’s recommendation, let’s take a little closer look at the relationship it has with the soy industry
 
According to Soy Food Association of North America, the sales of soy food products exploded from 300 million dollars in 1992 to 4 billion dollars in 2006. It only took just over a decade to make soy one of the world’s most cultivated crop. In fact, the soy industry is growing so fast that in order to keep up with the demands, it’s clear cutting forests (yep…deforestation) to make more room for soy farms.
 
But that’s not enough…there’s too much at stake here…too much money to be made. The soy industry wants it all and nothing’s going to stop them…not even mother nature. Enter…GMO – genetically modified organism. Soybeans that are genetically modified to grow faster, bigger and be resistant to pretty much anything you throw at it.
 
In the U.S. about 90 % of all soy used is genetically modified (GM). GM soy is resistance to toxic herbicides and pesticides, which is great because they can keep pumping out soybeans without worrying about crops being destroyed by insects. Sounds dandy, except these toxic chemicals are being passed down the food chain into to animal feeds and you guessed it…you and I, the consumers.
 
I won’t get into the tyranny of the Big Agra (ie. Monsanto) in the farming industry as a whole, but getting non-GM foods have become alarmingly difficult and our right to get natural whole foods is diminishing quickly.
 
So what does any of this have to do with the FDA?
 
Well, it just so happens that the executives that run Big Agra, which produce both the GM seeds for soy as well as the toxic chemicals that they spray the crops with, coincidentally happened to serve on the board of execs on the FDA as well. It’s like a merry-go-round of execs just switching seats. Conflict of interest? Oh right…this is politics…profit and power over human rights and safety.
 
According to stats between 2000 – 2007 there were more than 2700 new soy-based foods that were introduced into the commercial market. And it hasn’t slowed down one bit. One of the biggest reason for the continual push for soy-based products is the FDA. It’s been unequivocally supporting soy as a healthy source of food since the very beginning. So, yes I think it’s fair to say that FDA is committed to the success of the soy industry and so far it’s been wildly successful.
 
That said, I’m not saying that the study done on the soy proteins reducing heart disease was false. It’s pretty easy to manipulate studies to get a desired outcome anyway, and knowing the intimate relation FDA has with the soy industry, I think it’s best to take (all) FDA’s recommendation with a grain of salt.
 
Health facts about soy:
 
Soy has many detrimental characteristics to your health:
 
Soy contains anti-nutrients which hinders the ability of digestive enzymes needed to for proper digestion.
 
Soy contains phytates (phytic acid) like nuts, which prevent absorption of certain important minerals like zinc, magnesium and calcium.
 
Soy is full of isoflavones which are phytoestrogens. They’re plant compounds that resemble human estrogen and have been known to disrupt endocrine function. It’s also been linked to infertility and breast cancer.
 
Soy also contain goitrogens which block the synthesis of thyroid hormones. So if you have thyroid issues, it’s definitely not recommended.
 
These are just the negatives health effects soy has in it’s natural state. Now combine that with the effects of genetic modification (GM) and you’ve really got a mess on your hands.
 
What effects genetically modified soy has on your health?
 
GMO is fairly new, so currently there’s only one published human study and a few published studies conducted on animals.
 
Although companies that produce GMO products claim that it’s completely safe for human consumption, all the studies done on animals fed GM soy have had seriously negative outcomes including infertility and even death – infant mortality.
 
The process of genetic modification in soy involves placing a gene from a bacteria that produces protein that’s completely foreign to humans. And if that doesn’t sound bad enough, the one human fed study done on GM soy, found that the gene inserted into the genetically modified soy transfers into the DNA of our gut bacteria and continues to function.
 
This means that even years after you stop eating GM soy, there’s a real good chance that foreign protein will still be produced in your gut. Sounds like a premise from a cheesy sci-fi movie…only it’s actually happening!
 
So what can we do about this awful situation?
 
First and foremost assume that most soy products are genetically modified, especially those meat and dairy substitutes like soy burgers, soy dogs, soy cheese, even soy milk.
 
Make sure to stay away from anything that has soybean oil in it, which shouldn’t be hard to do if you’re avoiding processed foods.
 
It’s best to stay away from so-called healthy foods with soy protein in them such as vegan protein bars, soy chips, soy nuts, and believe it or not…even tofu.
 
Tofu has been the go to source of soy protein for many vegans, however the negatives health factors outweigh the positives, so it’s best to avoid them.
 
As I mentioned in the very beginning of the article, soy is not bad for you as long as it’s prepared properly. And the key to getting the health benefits of soy is fermentation.
 
All whole soybean that’s been fermented is good to eat. The key is fermentation. The fermentation process takes out most of the negative health effects listed above. Although it doesn’t completely eliminate it, in fermented form the benefits outweigh the negatives.
 
Here’s a list of fermented soy foods that I recommend:
 
Tempeh – Fermented, firm textured, soybean cake
Miso – Fermented, salty, soybean paste usually used for soup stock
Natto – Fermented soybean with sticky, slimy texture often consumed with rice
Soy Sauce – Fermented soybean in liquid form used as condiments in many Asian dishes (not all brands are fermented, only the highest quality… also limit heavy use due to extremely high sodium levels)
 
So there you have it. The story of soy is heavy on politics and falls well short of being the panacea of health that it’s claimed to be. GM soy is just the tip of the iceberg, and it’s very frightening. Our body’s were meant to eat real whole foods…period. The consumption of processed foods have wreaked havoc to our health and now engineered food is about to over take our food supply.
 
Our best defense is knowledge so we can make the right food choices for the benefit of our own health, as well as the health and well being for our future generations.
 

14 Reasons you’re gassy and how to avoid it.

2kgs can be added to your waist due to constipation, so feast on fibre daily.
Fibre helps remove waste from your body, preventing it from sitting in the bowel. And remember to drink plenty of water, so the fibre can swell up and do its job efficiently.

70% of women experience increase fluid retention before their periods, according to a study at Melbourne’s Monash University. This full feeling is caused by hormonal changes and thanks to gravity, the water tends to accumulate in your legs and ankles. try elevating them, or put an ice pack around your your ankles. Skipping salt and eating potassium-rich banana can help banish the bloating.

2300 Milligrams of sodium per day is the recommended level for adults, so choose products with reduced amounts. Excess sodium slows down your kidneys, making them work harder and retain water.

REDUCE CERTAIN CARBOHYDRATES
Starches, such as potatoes, corn, noodles, pasta, bread and pastries are either broken down in the large intestine, generating gas, or stored in the body as glycogen (glucose in the form of a starch), which has a high water content. Limit these carbs in your diet and increase serves of lean proteins and vegetables.

HAVE A MASSAGE
Deep tissue or lymphatic drainage massages can help by moving excess fluid out of the tissues and letting them drain properly.

MUNCH ON fresh vegetables like cucumbers, celery, eggplant, and herbs such as parsley, cardamom, fennel, and corriander, as they all have natural diuretic effects.

20 MINUTES of daily excercise causes the body’s metabolic rate to rise. It makes your organs work harder, thus making your bosy sweat, which inturn excretes water and salt, making bloating subside.

CHECK FOOD LABELS for natural thickeners, such as carrageenan and xanthan gum which can generate gas.

CUT OUT fizzy drinks and whipped cream – the gas from both can blow you up like a balloon.

DON’T sit for long periods of time. If at work, take regular breaks (at least every hour) to stretch your legs and abdomen.

2-2.5 Litres is the amount of water you should drin ka day. Water balances your body’s salt-to-water ratio, making it easier for the kidneys to filter excess salt and fluids. When your water intake isnt enough, the body releases antidiuretic hormones causing it to retain surplus fluid.

STOP GULPING AIR! Swallowing air while chewing, eating to quickly, smoking, sucking lollies and drinking from a straw or norrow-necked bottles can contribute to excess bloating.

SHUN FRUCTOSE. Fructose is a sugar that can be found in most vegetables and fruits as well as the food sweetener corn syrup. It’s poorly absorbed by the intestine, so it lingers behind, allowing bacteria to ferment and produce gas.

SEE THE DOCTOR if you can’t beat the bloat, in case there is an underlying medical problem.

I was already blown away with the FREE numerology reading I received from Mike Madigan. But when I got the below extended reading as a complimentary gift, I couldn’t believe how generous and not to mention accurate his reading are. The post below is simply for my records and for my friends to laugh at!

If you would like your own FREE reading just click here.

I’ve been looking a little deeper at your numerology chart Natalee-Jewel, and here is what I have found:

I see you floating in a sea of endless time – great vistas and a feeling of lifetimes behind and ahead of you. I get the feeling of urgency with you Natalee-Jewel, things that must be done, lessons that must be experienced. I sense the rhythm of life, the cycles we all experience.

From your “1″ Life Path in combination with your “1″ Soul Urge, I get the impression that you have a pleasant personality, and are generally liked by others. You can be easily hurt at times, and as a result are more careful with displaying your feelings than you used to be.

Natalee-Jewel, I sense that you are a very busy person who is always on the go. The more you have on your plate, the better. At times you wish you had less to do, but you would be totally lost if you woke up one morning and found nothing at all to do! This couldn’t happen, of course, as every time you get a space you seem to fill it up very quickly. You’ll be just as busy in late life as well … in fact you won’t get time to grow old, you’ll just simply keep on growing!

Having said that, it’s not surprising you need a break after this past year. Let’s face it – we all need a little breathing space now and again to re-charge our batteries. Remember to take time to smell the roses!

Natalee-Jewel, you have had a few worries recently about money, but you know you have the power to solve them. While it’s been a bit of a bumpy ride financially these past couple of years, the next 18 months or so will be a lot easier.

Looking at your Personal Days and Personal Months, you should be pleased Natalee-Jewel … it shows that shortly you will receive
some pleasant news. It is nothing momentous, but is sufficient to raise your sights and hopes. It is good news.

I sense a period early on in your life – teenage years perhaps – when you felt misunderstood, as if you couldn’t really get close to anyone, as it you are walking on the outside of life. These feelings very occasionally reoccur.

You are a very special person Natalee-Jewel. The experiences you undergo are all for a very special purpose, one I’m sure you are not aware of yet. Nevertheless, you are progressing in exactly the right direction. Your timing is good and you are learning from every experience. I don’t know if you believe in reincarnation, but I get the feeling that you are a highly evolved person, as if you have lived many times before. In time you will have much to offer
the rest of us.

Romantically, it has not always been easy, and your outlook on life has changed because of this. The future is much easier in this regard than in the past.

Natalee-Jewel, you have sometimes wondered if you have made the right decisions at times, and it looks as if you have. You work best when you make your own mind up on things, though it is useful to ask other people for advice before you make your own mind up.

I see some travel in your future, and several new horizons beckoning. Your progress in this world has not always been as fast as you would like, but I can see significant growth in the future. You tend to feel you have a lot of unused capacity, and that people don’t always give you full credit for your abilities.

I can see you happy and productive in your old age, surrounded by friends and family. You are of above average intelligence, and will keep on learning all the way through life.

I just received a FREE Numerology Reading that I think is pretty damn accurate!

If you want to learn a little more about me read the report below. Or if you just want your own FREE report get it now by clicking here!

What a Number ’6′ Expression Says About You

Now, Let’s Examine Your Soul Urge (also known as your “Heart’s Desire”)