Posted by Elena del Valle on October 4, 2013
Your Bones book cover
Photos: Praktikos Books
Fifty-six million Americans suffer from bone disease or have low bone mass, according to National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) data released April 2013. The Foundation numbers point to 9 million adults in the United States estimated to have osteoporosis. Another 48 million have low bone mass (indicated by T-scores between -1.0 and -2.5), and are at increased risk for osteoporosis and broken bones, according to the Foundation’s study titled The 2010 Burden of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass among Residents of the U.S. Age 50 and Older.
Osteoporosis is held responsible for 1.5 million fractures a year costing sufferers of the silent condition pain, quality of life loss and in some cases eventually death. When there are catastrophic fractures as many as 20 percent of patients die, and 50 percent of survivors require long term nursing home care.
For years, doctors have prescribed potent medicines that they promised would alleviate or eliminate the problem. Lara Pizzorno, MA, LMT, managing editor, Longevity Medicine Review, and Jonathan V. Wright, MD, who holds degrees from Harvard and the University of Michigan, believe a natural path can lead to healthy bones. In Your Bones How You Can Prevent Osteopororosis & Have Strong Bones for Life-Naturally (Praktikos Books, $12), a 496-page soft cover updated and expanded edition published March 2013, they explain how readers can turn brittle bones strong.
Pizzorno, the lead author, and Wright start out by outlining why biophosphonate patent medicines should be the last alternative for osteoporosis patients; and how conventional medicine aggravates the problems it promises to solve with prescription medicines that are not naturally occurring. Next, they address the risk factors that may lead to osteoporosis and low bone mass, also known as osteopenia. The authors dedicate the remainder of the book to what they believe is the best way to achieve healthy, strong bones with nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.
In Chapter 7, for example, they outline the role of vitamins and minerals such as B, D, C, K and calcium, magnesium, zinc, strontium as well as studies to support their arguments. They address issues relevant to supplements and safety and provide examples of foods high in each of the vitamins and minerals. They also discuss the role of hormones, weights and exercises in bone building. The extensive book includes tables with listings of foods and their nutrient values, and appendices with information about bone lab tests and vitamins and minerals.
Lara Pizzorno, lead author, Your Bones
Pizzorno is co-author of Natural Medicine Instructions for Patients, and editor of The World’s Healthiest Foods: Essential Guide for the Healthiest Way of Eating. Wright, according to his bio, has been at the forefront of natural biomedical research and treatment since 1973. The authors live in the Seattle, Washington, area.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on September 27, 2013
Contagious Optimism book cover
Photos: Cleis Press
Optimist David Mezzapelle believes his ability to anticipate good results before they take place is part of the secret to his success in life. He anticipates rewards or Life Carrots in challenging situations to help him overcome them and move forward.
In Contagious Optimism Uplifting Stories and Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking (Viva Editions, $16.95) Mezzapelle and 65 others share stories, outcomes and advice meant to be uplifting.
The 405-page softcover book published this year is divided into eight sections: Talent; Goal Analysis; Turning Envy and Jealousy into Something Positive; Relationships; Business and Careers; Maturing and Staying Young-Health, Fitness and Relaxation; Need Help Getting Somewhere?; and You Have Arrived! At the end of each story there is a short summary of the take away concept within an easy to find box.
David Mezzapelle, editor, Contagious Optimism
Mezzapelle was the founder and director of marketing of Goliath Technology before it was sold in 2007. He launched JobsOver50.com. Today, he dedicates his time to consulting projects and serving on boards.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on September 23, 2013
Foyle’s War DVD set
Photos: AcornTV, RLJ Entertainment, Inc.
Tired of the same old predictable TV programming? Acorn TV, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. brand, now offers United States online audiences prime British television through online streaming and on DVD and Blu-ray products. Subscribers to the website pay a fee to watch a rotating selection of programs online at Acorn.tv. The website is compatible with computers, Roku, iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, and Google TV. Offline watching is possible with Acorn’s DVD sets available from retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn.
Honeysuckle Weeks and Michael Kitchen from Foyle’s War
This year’s releases include: Jack Irish starring Guy Pearce, BBC’s The Syndicate, The Fall starring Gillian Anderson, North & South starring Patrick Stewart, Falcón starring Marton Csokas, Jack Taylor starring Iain Glen, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Doc Martin Special Collection, Helen Mirren’s Prime Suspect and Smiley’s People on Blu-ray. Also on offer Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently, Tales of the City: 20th Anniversary Edition, and Foyle’s War, George Gently, New Tricks, Murdoch Mysteries, Midsomer Murders and Vera.
Foyle’s War premieres on PBS September 2013
Foyle’s War premieres its new season on Masterpiece Mystery! on PBS on September 15, 22, and 29. Acorn TV will offer each new episode the day after it airs on PBS, as well as all previous episodes. The new episodes will also become available on DVD and, for the first time, Blu-ray from Acorn beginning September 24. The recording will feature the complete United Kingdom broadcast edition. It will also include a recap of the first six sets, four behind-the-scenes featurettes, and introductions by writer and creator Anthony Horowitz. They retail for $49.99. The trailer for the new season is available at youtube.com/AcornMediaUS.
Guy Pearce is Jack Irish, an Australian investigator
Australian accents rule in the Jack Irish series which is based on the brooding antihero of Australian writer Peter Temple’s award-winning novels. Irish, played by Pearce (Iron Man 3, Memento, L.A. Confidential), is reeling in the wake of his wife’s murder. The former lawyer now a part-time private investigator and debt collector stars in two feature-length mysteries. Acorn is due to release the new series on home video October 1, 2013. Until then Acorn TV is the only way for American viewers to see it.
Based in suburban Washington, D.C. and founded by Peter Edwards, Acorn Media Group has grown from a one-man basement documentary production and distribution operation in the mid-1980s into an independent media company operating on three continents. The Acorn Media Group consists of four divisions. With its Acorn label, Acorn Media U.S. distributes British television programming to consumers in North America.
Its Acacia label offers a line of original health and wellness programming. Acorn U.S. also offers documentaries on the Athena label. Acorn Direct is a direct-to-consumer division offering DVDs, digital downloads, and other quality products in North America through its Acorn and Acacia catalogs and e-commerce websites. Acorn Media U.K. and Acorn Media Australia distribute comparable lines of DVD titles to consumers in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
Click to buy Foyle’s War: Set Seven
Jack Irish: Set 1
Posted by Elena del Valle on September 20, 2013
Pemba talks to sherpas on the radio
Photos, video: Robbie Ryan, IFC Films
On August 1, 2008, eleven mountaineers from international expeditions died on K2, said to be the second highest mountain in the world. Three others were seriously injured. It was the worst single accident in the history of K2 mountaineering. Following that day, many wondered why the athletes risked serious injury or death to reach a place inhospitable to humans. Questions about the events and decisions that led to the accident lingered. Unsung heroes were brought to light by some of the survivors.
The Summit, a 99-minute film, rated R and produced in 2012, explores the complex questions that arose that day. It was filmed on location in Ireland, Switzerland, Pakistan, Spain, Serbia, Nepal, Italy, Holland, Norway and Sweden. It features, according to promotional materials and a trailer (no review copy was made available), reenactments based on the testimony of the survivors. It is scheduled to open October 4, 2013 at the Lincoln Plaza, 1886 Broadway, and Sunshine, 143 E Houston Street, in New York City. The following week the film is slated to open at theaters nationwide. Scroll down to watch a film trailer.
A scene from The Summit
Although the climbing season at K2 usually runs from June to August, in 2008 poor weather made the mountain inaccessible. By the end of July, ten groups of climbers were waiting for an opportunity to scale the summit. Some of the people had waited for almost two months before attempting to reach the top of the mountain. Many lost their lives in the attempt.
The film is Winner of the 2013 Sundance Film Festival Editing Award and 2013 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize Nominee. It was produced and directed by Nick Ryan, written by Mark Monroe and edited by Ben Stark with the support of investment incentives for the Irish Film Industry from the Government of Ireland.
Posted by Elena del Valle on September 13, 2013
The Power of Latino Leadership book cover
Leadership specialist Juana Bordas thinks Latino leaders are powerful, distinctive, and offer lessons that can inform other leaders. In The Power of Latino Leadership Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, $19.95) she strives to outline the principles and practices of how, she believes, Latinos lead.
The 261-page softcover book is divided into five main parts and thirteen chapters.
In the book, peppered liberally with Spanish language words, Bordas includes comments from a few politicians and nonprofit Latino leaders. She also shares sayings she hopes illustrate Latino culture, and even notes on how, in her opinion, the Spanish language itself influences and reflects the Latino worldview.
Bordas is president of Mestiza Leadership International. Prior to that she was vice president of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership’s board, and trustee of the International Leadership Association.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on September 9, 2013
Danielle Nierenberg, cofounder, Food Tank
Photo: Food Tank
A podcast interview with Danielle Nierenberg, cofounder, Food Tank, is available in the Podcast Section of Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations, HispanicMPR.com. During the podcast, she discusses how Family Farming Can Feed the Worldwith Elena del Valle, host of the HispanicMPR.com podcast.
Danielle is an expert on sustainable agriculture and food issues. She recently spent two years traveling to more than 35 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America meeting with farmers and farmers groups, scientists and researchers, policymakers and government leaders, students and academics, and journalists collecting their thoughts on what’s working to help alleviate hunger and poverty, while also protecting the environment.
Her knowledge of global agriculture issues has been cited in 3,000 major publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, International Herald Tribune, Washington Post, BBC, and The Guardian in the United Kingdom. Danielle served as director, Food and Agriculture Program, Worldwatch Institute. She also worked for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic.
To listen to the interview, scroll down until you see “Podcast” on the right hand side, then select “HMPR Danielle Nierenberg” click on the play button below or download the MP3 file to your iPod or MP3 player to listen on the go, in your car or at home. To download it, click on the arrow of the recording you wish to copy and save it to disk. The podcast will remain listed in the September 2013 section of the podcast archive.
Posted by Elena del Valle on September 6, 2013
Big Data book cover
Photos: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
The recent revelations of government surveillance of United States citizens electronic and phone communications via National Security Agency programs has brought the issue of data collection at a mass level to the foreground. Other government programs such as police department vehicles photographing random vehicles as they drive around and the United States Postal Service program that photographs all mail and opens some mail for inspection have come to light recently. Privacy advocates draw attention to the lack of regulations for the use and storage of all that data and the potential harmful effects and unintended consequences it might bring.
Add that to data the private sector gathers on its own employees and consumers for marketing and sales purposes, often without their knowledge, from public and private sources such as credit reports and social media pages and it’s enough for reasonable people to be wary. In Big Data A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier (Eamon Dolan/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $27) suggest that big data gathering and analysis is transforming the way we see people and the world in a revolutionary way.
Kenneth Cukier, coauthor, Big Data
In the 242-page hardcover book, they share with readers insights on the interesting and alarming impact they believe electronic surveillance is having on our lives from business to government, science, safety and privacy, and how we think and view patterns and the world. From employee monitoring via GPS tracking to player scouting and the business search for efficiencies that drive profits big data is changing the way we do things.
Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, coauthor, Big Data
They point out that data compilation should be more than cold hard facts and information. There should be a space for human intuition, serendipity and common sense, they say; adding that “What is greatest about human beings is precisely what the algorithms and silicon chips don’t reveal…” because it can’t be captured in data.
The less glamorous worrisome side of data gathering concerns privacy in a setting in which notice to individuals, consent, opting out and anonymity are almost no longer possible, they point out. Between government surveillance and commercial tools like apps personal data is used, sold, and repurposed for use by others in ways that were not thought about when the data was gathered. Predicting consumer behavior based on data could lead to dangerous and even amoral uses.
Mayer-Schönberger is professor of Internet governance and regulation at the Oxford Internet Institute at Oxford University. Kenneth Cukier is data editor at The Economist.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on August 29, 2013
Infinite Progress book cover
Photos: Byron Reese
Our future is rosy. So much so that ignorance, disease, poverty, hunger and war will end thanks to technology and the Internet. The power of technology to transform our lives will be so profound as to usher in a new golden age. So believes Byron Reese founder of several high tech companies and head of research and development for another.
In his book, Infinite Progress: How the Internet and Technology Will End Ignorance, Disease, Poverty, Hunger, and War (Greenleaf Book Group, $25.95) he explains his thinking.
It took Reese six months to write the book, in the evenings. It was originally much longer, he explained by email.
“The book is aimed at a general audience. I suspect that optimists will be more inclined to read it than pessimists,” said the author in response to questions about the target audience for his book and the response he has had so far to the idea of a future golden area brought by technological advances. “People have responded enthusiastically. There are many people who want to believe in a better tomorrow, but the relentless negativity of the media has caused people to call it into doubt. I wrote the book as a case to defend the optimistic viewpoint.”
Byron Reese, author, Infinite Progress
The 295-page softcover book, published March 2013, is divided into an Introduction and seven sections: An Optimist’s Reasoning in Five Easy Premises, The End of Ignorance, The End of Disease, The End of Poverty, The End of Hunger, The End of War, and In Conclusion.
He says in the chapter about poverty that technology is able, without limits, to raise standard of living worldwide. Machines will do more of the labor that doesn’t require human capabilities, allowing people leisure time and abundance.
If we look at history, he says, technology and free enterprise will inevitably lead to wealth even for the poorest people in the world until poverty, as we define it today, ceases to exist. Reese is chief innovation officer at Demand Media in Austin, Texas.
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