My significant other was born in raised in the South where BBQ is a form of art, hunting and fishing are "normal," and "everyone" eats meat.  Now, he is a vegan (sometimes, on a bad day, a vegetarian).  However, he still loves the taste of, well, meat.  So, we've worked really hard to continue to give him the taste he craves without any of the cruelty endemic to the meat industry.  For more on that, click here.  We also make sure we get enough plant-based protein to support an active lifestyle.  As Lightlife explains, "Many plant protein sources, including soy, legumes and quinoa, are complete proteins, which means they contain all nine essential amino acids.  There's no difference between these protein sources and animal protein!"  Here are some top picks for healthy, meaty, cruelty-free noshing:

1.  BACON
Oh yeah.  We know.  The taste of bacon is ... pretty universally loved but, then again, humans are also supposed to taste delicious and we prefer our piglets alive and well, so we get our bacon fix from these two piglet-approved providers:

Upton's Naturals BACON Seitan.  These strips look like bacon and fry up deliciously.  One of my favorite things about this brand is that they donate a portion of their proceeds to "keeping happy pigs happy" at Farm Sanctuary.  This means, we get to enjoy the crispy delicious taste of bacon while HELPING pigs and our own health ("real" animal bacon is NOT good for your health, just in case you didn't know.  More here).  Instead, we get protein and veggies withOUT the nasty nitrates, cholesterol, oil, antibiotics, and, of course, cruelty.

Sweet Earth Hickory and Sage Benevolent Bacon.  This is for people who like a little more spice, kick and marinade to their bacon.  It's "smoky, saucy, savory" good.  Brilliantly, their frozen bacon can be thawed and stored unopened in the fridge for SIXTY DAYS.

2.  BURGER
Beyond Meat wins my favorite burger award.  It's the burger of Ripple milk.  Ripple is the only non-dairy milk alternative I've found that looks, tastes, smells, etc., like - and is virtually indistinguishable from cow's milk.  Likewise, Beyond Meat burgers look, taste, smell - are virtually indistinguishable from hamburgers made from a  cow's body.  I know because I grew up eating meat.  My significant other and I both kind of freaked out the first time we ate Beyond Meat burgers because we thought they had to be "real" meat.  I re-read the packaging ten times just to reassure myself I was not eating an animal.  The Beyond Meat burgers look like raw beef in the package and, in Whole Foods, I've found them in with the meat-meat section and I bet you money someone took them home, having no idea they were eating vegan.  They sizzle up from red to cooked-burger color in about 5 minutes in the frying pan.  Add mustard, red onions,  some of the above-referenced ethical "bacon" and you'll be in heaven.

3.  SAUSAGE
After bacon, what's more fun than sizzling sausage patties for breakfast?  Our top vegan picks for a sizzly deliciousness that's cruelty-free, protein and iron-packed are:

Lightlife Gimme Lean meatless Veggie Breakfast Patties.  These tasty patties provide 6g of veggie protein a patty.

Yves Veggie Breakfast Patties (vegan).  Yves is for people who like their sausages a little softer and less "crispy" and their patties have 5g of protein each.

For more breakfast ideas, click here and here.

4.  PEPPERONI
Love pepperoni pizza?  We have found a meatless pepperoni that even my meat-loving significant other proclaims is BETTER tasting than "real" animal pepperoni.  It's hands-down delicious:  Lightlife Smart Deli Veggie Pepperoni slices.  They have 8g protein per serving and they are incredible.  Just buy some, put them on a pizza with a little vegan mozzarella "cheese" and bake it and eat it and you will never go back to animal pepperoni again.

5.  MEATY KABOBS
Our favorite cruelty-free kabob meat is Sweet Earth's curry recipe Seitan.  It has an unbelievable 28g of protein a serving, is low fat, sustainable, cholesterol-free, nitrate-free, antibiotic-free, and, obviously, cruelty-free.  The seasoning is lovely and these are savory, juicy and tender in a stir fry or on kabobs.  I love them with a bit of coconut oil and shiso leaves.  These show off as very "fancy" party appetizers and are great for entertaining as well.

6.  CHICKEN, STEAK AND PORK STRIPS
Our favorites are Smiling Hara Hempeh (1) miso ginger strips and (2) smoked salt and pepper steaks.  These strips can be fried, baked, etc., like strips of chicken or pork in a stir fry or on their own.  You can put them in tacos, quesadillas, on sandwiches, in salads, and even in vegan sushi rolls.  They're tempeh made with soybeans and hemp seeds.  They're gluten free and full of protein (18g per serving).  No cholesterol or cruelty (they're vegan, of course).  The miso ginger seasoning in the miso ginger one is, just, well, heavenly.

There are MANY many more vegan meat alternatives that are healthy, tasty and ethical.  These are just a few of our favorites.  If you have any recommendations, please feel free to message me and I'll update this post with more!

A little while ago, I blogged about how nickel allergies from ingesting foods high in nickel can cause dermatitis.  The responses were overwhelming so I figured I'd add another post about skin barrier creams that protect your skin from topical contact with various heavy metals, like nickel, that may cause a rash or other allergic reaction.  

One great way to protect your skin is with barrier creams.  These work by creating an invisible barrier on the skin to protect you from (light) contact with various heavy metals.  According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, barrier creams have been studied and aid in binding with nickel and preventing its absorption into the skin.  See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047925/ ("Binding Agents and Barrier Creams" sub-heading).  Somewhat scarily, "Nickel is the most common sensitizing agent worldwide. Allergic contact dermatitis due to this metal represents great morbidity, as well as cases of systemic allergic contact dermatitis, which can be misdiagnosed as adverse drug reactions, delaying the correct diagnosis and leading to inappropriate treatment."  See id.

So...barrier creams.  How do you find one that is effective, simple, cruelty-free, and kind to your skin?  Research and try them!  I looked high and low and found one I really like:  Skintifique is a cruelty-free, ethical French skincare line that is specifically formulated for people sensitive to heavy metals.  I purchased and tried (1) Cleanser P; (2) Moisturizing Lotion HP; and (3) Protective Cream HPS. 

My favorite is the cleanser, which is cool and calming and removes even waterproof eye makeup with ease.   I actually put some in a small spritz bottle and carry it with me because I find that, in addition to removing makeup and cleansing, it serves double (or triple!) duty as a refreshing toner and a makeup setting spray as well. 

The lotion is great for daily moisturizing and as a protective barrier against pollutants and irritants.  You can read more about what it does here.  It is heavier than I am used to, so I find a little goes a long way, however, if your skin is extremely sensitive, you may want to use more.

The cream is fine.  Like the cleanser and lotion, it is calming and cool.  I actually find the lotion more pleasant to use than the cream, which for some reason, feels a little powdery to me.  If you have oilier skin, though, you'll probably love the cream.  It gives the skin a matte look.  The cream is also in a much smaller container so it goes fast!  I carry the cream in my purse for moisturizing and protecting my hands after washing.

The website offers a free full-sized product to try if you've never used their line before and I recommend using the freebie on the cream because it's the most expensive.   You can also order packs together for ease, efficiency and discounts, depending on your specific skin concern - there is a Nickel Allergy Pack, an Eczema and Dermatitis Pack, a Tattoo Pack (!), and a Discovery Pack.  My favorite two products are the Cleanser and Lotion and, if I had to pick just one, I'd pick the Cleanser because it is just so versatile.
​
https://www.skintifique.me/#skaid=BETI1704

A little while ago, I blogged about how nickel allergies from ingesting foods high in nickel can cause dermatitis.  The responses were overwhelming so I figured I'd add two more posts, one about the only nickel allergy cookbook I could find and one about skin barrier creams that protect from topical contact.  The second one will be coming soon.  For now, though, more on food!  Charity Bratz has a severe nickel allergy - as in, she will die if she consumes too much.  Pretty intense stuff.  She and her mom co-wrote what might be the world's only comprehensive cookbook for nickel allergy sufferers.  I have a copy and, although it is for meat eaters, I was able to modify it for a vegan and vegetarian diet by substituting applesauce for eggs in the baking; vegetable oil for butter; and mushrooms and/or eggplant where the recipes called for meat (chicken, etc.).  It actually cooks up really well like that!  I thought it would be neat to interview Charity about her experiences with the allergy and her diet and how the cookbook came about.  To my delight, she obliged, so here is her story:

Q.   Can you tell readers a little about your background and what inspired you to write a cookbook for those who suffer from nickel allergies?
To start with, I’ve moved a lot over the years. I lived in Canada when I was little, in a town that had a nickel mine. We moved to Wisconsin when I started elementary school and I was your typical kid. I had my ears pierced when I was old enough, and that’s when we found out for sure I had a nickel allergy. I had to wear jewelry that was nickel free so I wouldn’t rash. I had other issues that didn’t come out until we were researching nickel foods and reactions to them. I thought it was normal for everyone since it was normal to me. For instance, my mouth would get ripped apart whenever I’d eat chips. I would get blisters that would burst as I ate, and I’d have skin hanging down in my mouth. We lived in Pennsylvania and a few more places in Wisconsin, where I got my degree in teaching. It was during my college years when things started going horribly wrong. I reacted to my tetanus booster, finding out it was the suspension I had a problem with. I can’t have another one of those or I could die. I had my first severe allergic reaction. My throat was swelling up and my mom had to hold my head back to get an airway while the ambulance came. It took two hours to stabilize me, and about a month before I could walk without getting winded and tired. I had two more severe allergic reactions after that, to what seemed like completely different food items. The allergist couldn’t figure it out, but required me to carry two epipens because the reaction was so severe. When I graduated from college, I went to Japan to teach English and French to high schoolers for a year. I had a reaction the second night I was there in Tokyo. They debated whether they should send me home or not, but I made it through the reaction and stayed. I had two more severe reactions while in Japan, which led to my decision to leave when the year was up. We still couldn’t figure out my allergy and I was risking death every time. I had several more before moving to Alaska to teach in a remote village along the Alaskan Highway. I taught a multigrade classroom for four years, and it seemed like I would always get very sick. I didn’t have another severe allergic reaction until the last year I was there, but it was a bad one. I was in Fairbanks when it happened and had to drive myself to the hospital (about 5 minutes away, luckily). I went for allergy testing again, and this time the allergist suggested that I look into a nickel allergy since all the foods I reacted to were high in nickel. For the first time, I had answers, and was tested for a nickel allergy. The patch test showed a severe reaction to nickel, leeching over to the ones around it. I also found out I’m allergic to gold at the same time. The allergist gave me a list of forty foods, both good and bad, to follow. With my reaction being so severe, I wanted to avoid high nickel foods and be safe, but a small list like that doesn’t give you a whole lot of options. After days of poking around the internet and finding contradictory lists, I decided to go research-based. I went to the FDA website, which had tested 300 foods and their nickel levels. When I cross referenced it to what the allergist had given me and found the range to look at, I started compiling a list of foods to eat, moderate, and avoid. I had to eliminate quite a few foods from my diet, and it wasn’t perfect. I had another severe allergic reaction that year, and I was not close to a hospital. My tongue was so swollen I was choking. I had to stab myself with an epipen, then a few more times along the 56 mile drive to the hospital. Apparently Jelly Beans are out. The main problem with my type of allergy is that it’s continuous, meaning when the medication wears off, I go back into it until what is setting it off (the nickel in my system) goes back to normal. This can take days, and makes it trickier to treat. I moved to North Dakota to teach second grade in the oil fields. I researched as much as I could on my allergy to live normally, and discovered there is very little out there in way of recipes. My mom and I started creating recipes so I could figure out how to use things like rice flour without it becoming a disaster. The gluten free recipes didn’t help much because a lot of ingredients used in gluten free products are high in nickel. Through my trial and error with the list, I had more severe allergic reactions, one of which to artificial almond flavoring that swelled my tongue up. I had been given some emergency prednisone pills (they help with swelling) and Benadryl from my allergist to stop these reactions faster so I don’t die. I took them, but didn’t realize how high a dose the pills were. I started swelling again the next day when they wore off, so I took another one, and another half pill the day after. Well, it was too much, and they had to catch me at the ER as I collapsed from a tachycardia. What a lot of people don’t realize is that some of the medications you take for these reactions can be just as serious as the reaction themselves, and you have to be careful when taking them. After a year in North Dakota, I decided to move back to Wisconsin to be closer to family and to seriously start work on The Nickel Allergy Cookbook. We had enough recipes that we were coming up with to make a cookbook, and since there is nothing out there for nickel sufferers, decided to publish it so there was. It took two years to kitchen test all the recipes and to put together the cookbook. We took our own pictures for each of the 188 recipes, and had the books printed locally. What kept us going was hearing from people we met that they suffered from nickel allergies and would love to have a cookbook to use. It’s their stories that motivate us to continue with the business we created called Low Nickel Enterprises and pursue selling the cookbook to those that need it.
Q.  In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge (and way to overcome it) for those who suffer from a nickel food allergy?
Personally, I think the biggest challenge today for those who suffer from a nickel food allergy is figuring out what information is helpful and what is misinformation. Just because someone types something on the internet doesn’t mean it was based on research, and those false assumptions can kill someone with a reaction as severe as mine. The main question is how do you sift through it all to find the facts that will help you? Really, the best way to do this is to research, find credible sources, look at the studies, and see if there are multiple studies saying the same thing. Approach any topic with a bit of skepticism, and make sure if it is a food you want to try that’s supposedly low in nickel, that you take a small dose during a low nickel week (a time when you haven’t been eating moderation foods). Nickel allergies need more research, and if we can spread the word that there is such a thing, maybe more people will take the initiative to do that research. 
Q.  What tips do you have for dining out with a nickel allergy or going to friend's homes for meals and other social gatherings?  
The biggest issue with dining out is that you don’t know everything that is in your food. That can be dangerous for someone with a nickel food allergy, and that meal you thought was low nickel could be your last. Nickel allergies are so tricky that it is not safe to eat out or to eat meals at social gatherings. The safest thing you can do is to make your own food and bring it with you. Only eat from what you brought, and watch that it doesn’t get cross contaminated. Even the most well meaning relative can still get the cooking process wrong and raise the nickel level, and it’s the person with the nickel allergy that will suffer.
Q.  When faced with an unfamiliar (yet delicious looking) food and unable to determine any easy resource regarding its nickel content, are there any safe ways to "test" the food to see if it can be safely consumed?
The problem with nickel food allergies is that some people can have a low tolerance and others a high tolerance, making it easier for someone with a high tolerance to do what I’m proposing. If you have a high tolerance, and you’ve been eating low nickel foods (so the level in your body is low), then it would be fine to take a small nibble of the food and wait about 10 minutes to see if you react. You need to know your body and how you react so you know when you’re reacting. For me, my first sign when it’s a less severe reaction is that my sinuses on my face start to swell and fill. So, if I start to get the sniffles, I know it’s too high in nickel. If you’re fine after the 10 minutes, you can proceed to take a little more and wait. Then try a little more, and wait. Of course, with nickel allergies, you need to remember the motto “Everything in moderation.” Eventually there is a point where it will be too much, and your body will react. This is the same process they use sometimes at the allergist’s office, and seems to be safer. Of course, for someone like me with a low tolerance, it’s a gamble whenever you do this. When I had the imitation almond flavoring, I only had a couple of drops in the batter mixture for four waffles, and after two bites, my tongue swelled up. You just have to debate whether the food you’re trying to add into your diet is worth the risk. For me, it’s safest to just pass it up.
Q.  The no/low nickel diet creates some serious challenges when trying to get complete nutrition - especially for vegans and vegetarians.  For those who don't consume animal meat or milk, especially those who do so for moral and ethical reasons, making animal products completely not an option for them, do you have any nutritional tips? 
The thing to remember about nickel allergies is that it is a restrictive diet to begin with. I have trouble myself with getting the proper amount of nutrition into my diet. Protein tends to be an issue since it’s almost entirely restricted to animal products and byproducts. Iron is hard to get since most leafy greens are out, and even taking nutritional supplements like I’ve had to, are not always enough. You need to balance in your diet different vitamins and minerals, and some of the vegan and vegetarian options are too high in nickel to do. I would highly recommend talking to a nutritionist to find out which foods you could go heavier with that are also a low nickel food. For vegetarians, I would suggest going heavy on the milk and egg products, since those are some of the only foods that have a nickel level of 0. They are freebies, which means you can eat as much as you like without having your nickel level go up. The only other foods that we found are like this are beer and wine, not exactly the healthiest of foods. There are some foods that I’ve personally added because they are vitamin superfoods, such as a kiwi a day. It gives me so much extra vitamin a, c, and potassium that they’re worth eating often. Make sure you don’t ignore your nutrition when going on a restrictive diet. 
**Note from interviewer:  eggplant and mushroom can be substituted for meat in the recipes and also have a nickel score of 0.  For more on the health benefits of eggplant, click here.  For more on the health benefits of mushrooms, click here.  You can also substitute vegetable oil for butter, rice milk for dairy milk, and applesauce for the eggs when baking.  Apples also have a nickel score of 0.**
Q.  Do you have any positive or funny stories to share relating to the making of cookbook and/or its publication?
Well, my mom would always get on my case about taking a picture and writing down the recipe whenever I’d make something new. This would happen frequently, and my answer would always be, “Well, I didn’t do that yet because I was hungry. I ate it!” I’d always have to remake the recipe a second time to make it so we had SOMETHING to put into the cookbook. The funny thing was that I would purposely not do this with a few I really liked, so I’d have the excuse of making it over and over and over again so I could eat more of it. Let’s just say the custard recipe is now a complete perfection. The other funny one was when we were doing multiple recipes in the same day, and would have to take a hard look at the pictures afterwards to figure out which recipe it was from. I know my mom will never let me live it down, but some of our recipes came about by accident. I tried to make some scones, not realizing they should be thicker than how I was making them. After baking, we realized my mistake and ended up with a cookie instead. Tasty, but a complete accident. Sometimes things turn out different from what you expect, but it tastes just as good. 
Q.  We know you're a nickel allergy sufferer, however, we also know you're a lot more than just your allergy!  You're a daughter, a self-taught cook, and the co-author with your mom of perhaps the world's only cookbook for those who suffer from nickel allergies.  Can you tell us a little more about you, Charity, aside from your nickel allergy?
To start with, I love to travel. I lived in Japan for a year, the best time of my life, and saw so many unique and extraordinary things. I went to France during my college years for a month with a family from Germany. Since I was studying French, it was great to really experience the culture first hand and see things like the stones of Carnac, the palace of Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower. After I was in Alaska, I went on a vacation by myself for a month and a week in Europe, spending time in Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. It was a great time, and easy enough to cook in youth hostels. You meet a lot of different travelers in those places. I’m an avid reader and love my home library of over 1,000 books, especially when I get to read my picture books to kids. I also like to write and am slowly putting together a fiction ebook novel based in disaster and suspense that I hope to eventually publish. I’m an aunt to my newly born nephew this past year, and have enjoyed spending time with him. I like to draw and paint, and have dabbled in gardening (trying to overcome my black thumb). I’m hopelessly addicted to tv shows, but find the time to get out and go for a walk or bike ride around town. I’m in the process of taking the leap into home ownership for the first time, and should be in my new home by the end of May. And, most importantly, I love strawberries. ;)
Q.  Last but not least, what does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful.  Be Beautiful" mean to you?  
A person with a nickel allergy should focus on being healthy for them. If you feel better, then you look better, and you will be better. 

If he were still alive, today would have been my grandfather, Raymond Betit's birthday.  I think of him often and miss him.  He was the glue that held a large extended family together and pretty much personified "family man" to me.

He did many great things in his life, from serving his country in battle in World War II to testifying on behalf of the FBI in a trial that made news headlines; from being one of the first in his family to achieve a college degree to starting his own business.  His achievements have been recognized and honored by everyone from the Knights of Columbus to the Catholic church.  Of all these accomplishments and honors, however, the accomplishment Raymond would consider his greatest was his role as the quintessential family man.

Raymond recognized long before it was mainstream to do so that one's family was not just those people who shared a bloodline; it was also those people who shared traditions, culture and, most of all, a desire to do good.  To that end, Raymond strove not just to provide the best possible life and opportunities for his beloved wife and daughters, but also to serve his town, Bennington, his church and his community.  Everyone who knows Ray, knows the door to his and his wife's home was always open; everyone was welcome in this home, regardless of race, color or creed.  Ray spent his life dedicated to this larger notion of family, to educating, caring for and serving his community.  He believed that life wasn’t about being a war hero or a star witness for the FBI or even the world’s best dad—which his daughters will assure you that he was!—it was about more than that; it was about being a peacemaker, a facilitator. . .in the most humble terms, a servant. 

Ray was the glue that held together many different personalities and viewpoints and strove always to provide a common goal, a common purpose, an all-encompassing love and acceptance.

He took great joy and pride in his daughters and grandchildren, in surrounding himself with an ever-growing family.  As a wise person once said, ‘No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet’ and Ray was no exception! 

We lost the physical presence of this great family man on Wednesday, January 19th, 2011.  A man who cared deeply about, and worked steadfastly to protect and nurture, his faith, his family and his community.  Ray must have rejoiced in returning to the arms of his wife, a woman he loved beyond all measure.  His only regret, perhaps, would have been that he was unable to welcome, in person, his first great grandchild when he arrived that summer in 2011.

I like to think that Raymond’s spirit—his sense of family dedication, selflessness and loyalty— remains with us to inspire, to encourage and to love us.

I got called in for a voiceover audition that called for a woman who was relatable and personable "with a hint of an Asian American accent."

Pardon my French, but what the #$%^&*(*&^% is an "Asian American" accent?  By definition, isn't that just "American"?  I am Asian American.  I was born in the United States and both of my parents were born in the United States.  We are native English speakers and our English is as unaccented as it can be - I guess it's regionally accented, in the sense that we're from the Northeastern portion of the United States and we're urban dwellers so we don't have southern accents or midwestern twangs, but what does that have to do with being of Asian descent?

If they mean an ASIAN accent, that's still weird because Asia is a REALLY BIG PLACE with a ton of languages and dialects and accents.  There is no "Asian accent" that I am aware of.  There's definitely no "Asian American" accent.  That's like saying an "African American accent."  WTF would that mean?  Or a "White American accent" - ain't that the same thing?  We're all Americans with some cool ancestry, whether it be Asian, African, European, whatever.  Thinking an "Asian American" sounds like she has, say, a Filipino accent better mean you also think a "White American" sounds like he has, say, a German accent.  This is just dumb.

The audition was for a huge corporation that should know better.  I got to the studio and was promptly surrounded by Asian American women, all of whom, like me, spoke unaccented American English.  The one sitting next to me, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as it turned out, asked me if I saw the "accent" description, which promptly launched us into a discussion of exactly why Asian American actors are relegated to these bizarre and meaningless stereotypes and why we are sent out for roles that don't even make sense - for example, me and the Philly girl should just go for ANY American voiceover job.  Nobody can SEE us.  Our racial background won't disrupt any racist's listening pleasure.  They'll have no idea we're of Asian descent, listening to our pretty voiceovers.  
​
Auditions like that also put native English speaking Asian American actors at a huge disadvantage.  We are getting put up against non-native English speakers who actually have authentic accents from various parts of Asia.  How can we compete with that with our popcorn and bubblegum American English?  We should be reading for the "regular" American roles...but only the white people are in that room.

Or are they?

Because, after the audition, I walked home and, the more time went on, the more riled up I got.  I contacted my (wonderful) agency and explained because I am a native English speaker and my English is American English, I am concerned that I am not going to be competitive against actors who are actually non-native English speakers so could I read for the other role - the "regular" American role?  They immediately said yes without any argument whatsoever and booked me back into the studio within the hour.  So, maybe half the battle is just...asking.  

But now we'll see what casting thinks.  Because if the ad agency thought it was brilliant to tell agencies to give them actors with a "hint of an Asian American accent," there's no telling how they're going to make this casting decision.

On the bright side, it did motivate me to write my own monologue for another audition, which went swimmingly well:

A Hint of an Asian American Accent
A 2 Minute Monologue
By Jennifer Betit Yen
 (c) 2017

Oh buckle up, Buttercup.  I’ve got one for you.  Yesterday, I got an audition.  They said they wanted someone “personable” and “relatable.”  I was like yay!  I’m personable!  I’m relatable!  So, I go over to the casting office and I read over the sides and they’re cool and I go into the studio and I do my read and I’m feeling good!  Feeling great!  And the casting director says, “That was wonderful, but we’ll need you to do it again, this time, with just a hint of an Asian American accent.”
 
                                                                                                                     …
 
What.  The.  Fuck.  Is an “Asian American accent”?  I mean, hello!  I’M Asian American so my accent must be as authentic and genuine as you can get!  But I didn’t say that, of course.  I just said politely, “I’m so sorry.  What do you mean exactly?”  He said, "You know, like you’re from Asia.”
OH.  Because all Asian Americans are from Asia.  No.  No, we’re not.  I was born in New York City.  My parents were born in New York City.  One of my parents?  Not even Asian.  My grandparents were born in New York City.  But at this point, the casting director is getting all annoyed and impatient and he says to me, “Just do an Asian accent!”  And I wanted to be cool.  I didn’t want to be the high maintenance actor.  But now I’m thinking, WHAT IS AN “ASIAN ACCENT”?  Because, Asia?  REALLY BIG PLACE.  Full of countries and languages and accents.  And just because I am of Asian heritage does not mean I know them all.  Plus, isn’t this all just a little racist?
SO, you know what I said?!  You know what I did?!
I did my “Five dollah!  Chinee medicin’!” accent.  Yeah, I totally compromised all my values and principles…
I think he liked it.
Fingers crossed for a call back!
​(c) 2017
May not be reproduced or disseminated without author's written consent.

Recently, I discovered that nickel FOOD allergies can cause systemic dermatitis (read: rashes, eczema).  Just as a side note, nickel is a carcinogen listed by OSHA as a toxic metal.  See ​https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalsheavy/nickel.html.  

Nickel is found in high concentrations in beans, nuts, seeds, soy, legumes, chocolate, and leafy greens like kale and spinach.  This can particularly impact you if you are vegetarian or vegan since most of you will drastically up your intake of just those foods since they're terrific vegan sources of fiber and protein (assuming you're not allergic to nickel, that is).  At first, a nickel allergy can lead to complete and utter panic especially for those of us for whom, ethically, eating meat is just not an option.  It's also easy to be overwhelmed by the new long list of high nickel foods.  Also, cutting out dairy (low nickel) was the best thing in the world for my face.  It made my skin so much clearer insofar as breakouts so there's no way I'd ever go back to dairy.  It took 4 solid months of no dairy before I saw the results so, if you're trying to go dairy free for your skin, have patience and stick with it!  But, back to the nickel...

I posted on social media about nickel causing systemic dermatitis but seeming like a near impossible diet for vegans and was shocked by the number of messages I got in response, almost all from people suffering from eczema/dermatitis who wondered if they might have a nickel food allergy.  Some of them were self-treating and had found relief by ingesting a lot of Vitamin C, which makes sense because Vitamin C binds to nickel and prevents the body from absorbing it.  I mentioned this to a dermatologist friend and, to my horror, she said, "What?!  Nickel isn't in food!"  I showed her NIH, FDA and American Contact Dermatitis studies (links below) showing nickel consumption can cause systemic dermatitis and she was flabbergasted.  This was a common theme among the dermatologists I spoke to.  Although they treat patients with eczema and rashes all the time, they're just putting band aids on the wound by dousing their patients with steroid creams which just keep symptoms at bay instead of actually locating and addressing the source of the problem.  You can go to an allergist and a dermatologist and, rather than communicating and sharing information, they're so highly specialized, they can't see beyond one thing - the symptom - which is all they treat.  They're like the story of the 3 blind men and the elephant.  If you haven't read that story, click here.   Maybe someone else has an awesome physician who is way better than the myriad of doctors I spoke to and, if you do, please let me know who they are!  

At any rate, a very kind woman who works with a colleague of my husband's found and gave me what I believe is the only no/low nickel cookbook in the world (love her!).  The link to the cookbook is in the Resources section, below.  Using that, the American Contact Dermatitis Society research, an Italian study, an FDA publication, and an NIH study, I created a list of no/extremely low nickel foods.  I find it easier and less overwhelming to focus on what you CAN eat, rather than what you can't.  Since it is really difficult to locate resources for vegans who have nickel food allergies, the general advice I list below is for them.  Here is a brief (kind of) synopsis of what I found.  I'm not a doctor and this isn't medical advice.  Everyone is different and you know yourself and your body best so do your own research and seek professional advice for any health problems.  That being said, here are some general tips and tricks - ranging from food to skin care to makeup - that I hope you find helpful:

ACNE?  BREAKOUTS?  CUT OUT THE DAIRY

I'll be honest.  I thought it was a myth that eating dairy caused blemishes.  I never had true acne but I would definitely get breakouts and, as anyone who breaks out knows, they're super annoying!  Dermatologists I went to gave me drying topical creams and cortisone shots into a blemish as a means of last resort but they didn't really help.  Last year, I did a lot of research into how horrible, inhumane and unsafe the dairy industry is and went dairy-free cold turkey.  It was NOT easy.  I used to eat a lot of cheese and I love lattes.  However, I found great substitutes and stuck with it.  And, yes, you have to cut out goat milk, too.  It's all dairy, not just cow milk.  One unintended but very welcome consequence was that my face became much clearer.  It took about 4 months for me before I saw the results, so have patience and stick with it.  If you want to go low nickel, you're going to want to avoid no-dairy "milks" made from nuts or soy.  Your best bets will be (white) rice milk and coconut milk (coconut is a fruit, or, more specifically, a "drupe," not a nut).*  My favorite "milk" for taste and consistency is Ripple, which I cannot give up.  It tastes, looks and acts just like cow's milk.  It is made from pea protein.  I have no negative reaction to it but some people with severe nickel allergies might because peas can have a lot nickel in them depending on where they're grown, the soil, etc.  So, if you have a nickel allergy or just want to cut out heavy metal foods, cut them out and then test yourself with Ripple and, if there's no reaction, yay!  You're good to go!  More at http://ripplefoods.com.

*Please note:  the co-author of the Nickel Allergy Cookbook, Charity Bratz, contacted me regarding coconut and advised that, "Coconut, which while not being a nut, still has a high level [of nickel]. Check out http://dietgrail.com/nickel-in-food/ , which mentions coconut itself, but the coconut milk may test lower."  Ms. Bratz, who has a severe and life threatening nickel allergy, has done a tremendous amount of research into foods safe for nickel allergy sufferers so, if your allergy is severe, take it from her and be cautious with coconut!

NO NICKEL?  LOW NICKEL?  

1.  WHAT DO I EAT?
First, the bad news and then the good news.  The bad news is if you want to avoid high nickel foods, you have to avoid some serious nutritional powerhouses, like beans, granola, leafy greens, nuts, raspberries, oatmeal, seeds, soy, and whole grains (also avoid chocolate, citric acid and garlic).  Nooooo!!!!!!!

The good news is it's do-able with a few substitutions and you may even end up a little healthier.  Basically, whenever you were eating soy or whole grains, substitute eggplant and/or mushrooms.  For example, instead of that processed soy veggie burger from the frozen foods section (not really all that great for you anyway), make a portabella mushroom "burger" with stir-fried onions in olive oil.  Instead of beans and brown rice, make a stir fry (or bake) strips of eggplant, summer squash and zucchini in olive oil with fresh raw tomatoes.  And so on.  Second, take a chewable or powdered vitamin C (500mg) immediately before, during or right after meals to prevent absorption of the nickel.  Be sure to stay well hydrated.

Here is a list I created of "good" foods and a sample one day menu.  If you guys like it and enough people request them, I'll add more recipes.  I also have skin care and makeup recommendations at the very bottom for people with topical nickel intolerance.

THE "GOOD" FOODS
apples (including apple juice and apple sauce)
bagels (plain only, not whole grain - sorry)
baking soda
bananas
basil
beer (YAY!)
​beets
berries EXCEPT raspberries
black pepper
boiled potatoes (no peels)
bok choy
brussels sprouts
cabbage
chives
cinnamon
coffee (YAY!)
corn
corn tortilla chips
corn tortillas
cornmeal
cornstarch
crushed red pepper
cucumbers
dill
eggplant
eggs *not vegan
flour (white rice flour)
grapefruit
grapes
green onions
honey
kiwi
maple syrup
milk- white rice milk
mirin (Japanese rice wine for cooking)
molasses
mushrooms
nutmeg
okra
olive oil
onions generally
oregano
pears
popcorn (air popped)
raisins
red onion
rhubarb
rice flour (white rice and sweet white rice)
rice paper wrappers (like for spring rolls; again, white or sweet white rice)
salt
strawberries
summer squash
thyme
tomatoes (raw)
turnips
vanilla
vinegar - apple cider vinegar
vinegar - balsamic 
vinegar - rice
vinegar - white
wine (YAY!)
zucchini

SAMPLE ONE DAY MENU
Breakfast:
*  Mixed berry bowl (no raspberries)

*  Corn flakes cereal with (white) rice or coconut milk

*  Coffee with (white) rice milk or coconut milk

*  Glass of water with 1/8 t water-soluble L-ascorbic Vitamin C powder
According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society, you must take the Vitamin C immediately before, during or immediately after eating because it must be in your stomach at the same time as the food to bind to the nickel and prevent its absorption

Lunch
*  Bok Choy salad with apple cider vinegar and chopped up apples

*  Grilled portabella mushroom "burger" with onions, cabbage and tomatoes if you want them

*  Glass of water with 1/8 t water-soluble L-ascorbic Vitamin C powder

Mid Morning and/or Mid Afternoon Snacks
*  Air popped popcorn with truffle salt and olive oil

*  Corn tortilla chips with homemade tomato and basil salsa

*Grilled brussels sprouts with olive oil, sea salt and cracked black pepper

Dinner
*  Sliced raw tomatoes with fresh basil and balsamic vinegar

*Veggie spring roll appetizer of green onions, cabbage, cucumbers, summer squash, and zucchini in rice paper wrappers

*  Grilled vegetable stir fry of sliced eggplant, mixed mushrooms (I love Maitake and Cremini), summer squash, zucchini, onions, and diced peeled potatoes in olive oil.  See here for another sample stir fry recipe.
​
*  Glass of water with 1/8 t water-soluble L-ascorbic Vitamin C powder

*Glass of wine or bottle of beer if you want one 

2.  WHAT SKIN CARE DO I USE?
Skintifique is a cruelty-free, ethical French skincare line that is specifically formulated for people sensitive to heavy metals.  I purchased and tried (1) Cleanser P; (2) Moisturizing Lotion HP; and (3) Protective Cream HPS.  I was a little bummed by how small the size of the cream was, but it's all pretty good.  My favorite is the cleanser, which is cool and calming and removes even waterproof eye makeup with ease.  The lotion and cream are fine.  Like the cleanser, they are calming and cool.  I actually find the lotion more pleasant to use than the cream, which for some reason, feels a little powdery to me.  The website offers a free full-sized product to try if you've never used their line before and I recommend using the freebie on the cream because it's the most expensive and you'll either love it or not.  I am sticking to the Cleanser and Lotion, which I like a lot.  
https://www.skintifique.me/#skaid=BETI1704

If you want a clean, safe, cheap body moisturizer you can get from your grocery store, a tiny bit of plain old olive oil will always work in a pinch!  Just avoid Italian olive oil (which is often mixed with other oils and not actually olive oil).  Here's a good link to resources for "real" olive oils:  /www.mamanatural.com/virgin-olive-oil-scam-fraud/  My favorite is Trader Joe's Spanish Olive Oil.  I also like California Olive Oil.  Just keep in mind, olive oil doesn't offer the same protections against nickel content that the Skintifique lotion is formulated to provide.

3.  WHAT MAKEUP DO I USE?
Omiana is a cruelty-free, ethical and eco-friendly cosmetics line developed for people who want "clean" makeup as free from chemicals as possible.  I purchased the powder foundation, anti-redness concealer, a lipliner, and some eyeshadow.  I am still waiting on the products so I will update this after I try them.  
https://www.omiana.com

4.  OTHER SOURCES OF NICKEL
You can test the metal around your home with a quick and easy nickel test (available at https://nonickel.com/collections/solutions-for-nickel-allergy and you can buy them in some Walgreens).  I was horrified to discover my bathroom sink faucet and pipes were nickel.  That kind of replacement is extremely expensive, however, if you have a serious nickel allergy, well worth it for your health and well being.  Additionally, check things like doorknobs, which can be quickly and easily replaced, and jewelry.  You can use Nickel Guard (or regular old clear nail polish) to coat, for example, a doorknob that you can't replace but that is nickel and is causing you to suffer an allergic reaction.  Just keep in mind, you'll have to re-coat it periodically to keep it safe and it doesn't work on things you get wet, like your sink faucet, for example.

5.  RESOURCES
1.  Nickel sensitization and dietary nickel are a substantial cause of symptoms provocation in patients with chronic allergic-like dermatitis syndromes, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4388878/

2.  No Nickel Cookbook
https://thenickelallergycookbook.wordpress.com/about/
This cookbook, written by a mother and daughter team, is comprehensive and easy to follow.  It is for meat eaters, which I am not, however, I found that if I (1) substituted vegetable broth where their recipes called for meat broth and (2) substituted eggplant and/or mushrooms (especially portabellas because they're so hearty) wherever their recipes called for chicken, beef or other meats, and, (3) in baking, substituted applesauce for eggs, it was not too difficult to convert the cookbook into a vegan cookbook and even easier to convert it to a vegetarian one.  If you have questions about how to do this, just message me here and I'll do my best to help!

3.  Non Dairy Milks
Read my blog post about this here.

4.  Skin Care
Skintifique is a cruelty-free, ethical skin care line for people with metal sensitivities.  I particularly recommend their cleanser and lotion.  Take advantage of the one free full sized product to try offer on their website.
https://www.skintifique.me/en/

5.  Makeup
I'm giving Omiana a go.  I'll update this after I've tried their products consistently over a period of time.
https://www.omiana.com

6.  Nickel Test Kit
You can carry it around to test jewelry, pipes, door handles, whatever.  You can also get a nickel "guard" to cover said items (but you'll have to re-apply periodically and it doesn't offer much (any) protection for items that get wet frequently, like a faucet):
https://nonickel.com/collections/solutions-for-nickel-allergy  

7.  "Low-Nickel Diet Scoring System for Systemic Nickel Allergy," The American Contact Dermatitis Society Journal, Vol 24, No. 4, July/August 2013 - http://journals.lww.com/dermatitis/Abstract/2013/07000/Low_Nickel_Diet_Scoring_System_for_Systemic_Nickel.9.aspx

8.  Italian study of nickel content in common foods:  www.torrinomedica.it/studio/alimenti/nichel/en/Nickel_Foods_Cont.asp

NOTE:  I have also been researching ethical, cruelty-free, environmentally-friendly household products that are free of heavy metals, such as laundry detergent, hand soaps and the like.  Please let me know if you want me to add in this information.
​

My latest kick is heavy metals and/or toxic or potentially problematic metals found in food.  One example is nickel, which is a carcinogen listed by OSHA as a toxic metal, although it's primarily only an issue for most people if inhaled.  See ​https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalsheavy/nickel.html.  

A growing number of people are allergic to nickel - possibly due to increased exposure to it from cell phones, iPads and the like, and it can cause rashes and other dermatological problems.  It's in a  LOT of foods, particularly...sorry everyone...chocolate.  See, e.g., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3667300/.  

To actually eliminate nickel and other metals from your diet is virtually impossible, however, you can keep them to a minimum.  Here is one of my favorite nickel-free/low nickel recipes from "Garden to Table":

BOK CHOY MUSHROOM STIR FRY
Ingredients:
2 t olive oil
1 cut thinly sliced onions
1/2 c chopped red bell pepper
3-4 cloves minced garlic
1/2 t grated ginger
1 lb. coarsely chopped bok choy
1/2 lb chopped mushrooms - pick your favorite or try a variety of different kinds!
2 t fresh lemon juice

Directions:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add onions, pepper, garlic, and ginger,  Stir fry about 1 minute.  Add boo choy and onions and story fry another minute.  Add lemon juice and stir fry 3-4 more minutes.  Enjoy!

This is a vegan take on Better Nutrition's Paleo-friendly, gluten-free Quiche Dijon and it's scrumptious!    

Ingredients:
4 baked sweet potatoes or garnet yams, cooled
8 t Chia seeds mixed with 16 t water (let the seeds soak 5-6 minutes before using)
1 T dijon mustard
3/4 hot sauce (if you want)
1/2 t sea salt
1/4 black pepper
1/2 cup shredded Yves Vegetarian "pepperoni"  (optional)
1/4 c finely chopped baby kale
2 T finely chopped green onion

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 F

Slice off the top of each potato and scoop out the middle, leaving enough inside to let the potato hold its shape  (set the scoops aside to use later as a mashed sweet potato side dish for tomorrow's dinner)

In a bowl, mix the chia and water, mustard salt, pepper, kale, and, if using, the hot sauce and Yves Vegetarian "pepperoni."   Spoon the mixture into the potatoes and top with green onion

Bake 30 minutes.

​ENJOY!!

When subtracting actually adds to the whole.  That is what the G20 faces today.  Based on the views of the current administration in the U.S., it may be time for the G20 to become the G19.
 
According to the BBC, the G20 leaders – the ministers representing the world’s twenty largest economies – left their two day meeting after publishing a communiqué in which climate change and the G20’s long-standing pledge to protect free trade were excluded.  The changes were due to the new U.S. “president,” who has vowed to slash environmental protections and support isolationist policies that draw to mind those of the 1930's which we all know worked out so well for the world back then...
 
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble said the meeting had reached an impasse when it came to the issue, and added that his counterparts could not "force partners" - read the United States - "to go along with wording with which they don't agree".
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-39315098
 
Schauble’s comment was merely the polite way of saying that our current administration is again acting like a petulant child.  A common refrain from the “president” and his aides is that he knows best what works best and what does not work best in politics (even though he has literally the least experience of any president in our history on such topics).  Unfortunately, he rarely does know what is best and the world can tell.


When Germany’s Angela Merkel visited the White House, our so-called president refused to shake her hand.[1]  It was another humiliating moment for Americans, highlighting our continued loss of standing in the world and the fact that our representative to the world is an arrogant bully who represents all the worst things the U.S. has to offer – greed, cruelty, short-sightedness, and an unearned sense of entitlement.  He lacks all the things a respectable leader should have – intelligence, gravitas, grace, thoughtfulness, commitment to country and people, or the ability to negotiate and dialogue in a meaningful and substantive way.  In his first 100 days in office, the so-called president has proposed to increase defense spending by $54 billion while cutting money from more than 18 other agencies. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency would see its budget cut by over 30 percent, the departments of Agriculture, Labor and State would be cut by over 20 percent, and he proposes to eliminate support for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting entirely, among other things.[2]  The general rule of thumb is if it’s something that will protect the planet, animals and people, it’s a red light.  If it’s something to create or support war, avarice or isolationism, it’s a green light. 
 
The current U.S. “president” is creating a country that will be poor on all fronts – one with an uneducated, unhealthy and isolated populace.  One that will impose severe import taxes on its citizenry in a country which imports practically, well, everything, while exporting very little other than the entertainment and innovation that the “president’s” policies intend to stifle and eliminate.  This means two things for other world leaders: the current U.S., if it continues under the present leadership, is not and cannot be the leader of the free world.  It is rapidly losing all respect and standing and will continue to drastically decline under the current administration.
 
While it is understandable that other world leaders, such as Ms. Merkel, are trying hard to do the right and professional thing and work with the U.S. “president,” it is like trying to work with any other illegitimate bully – like Korea’s Kim Jong Un or the Philippine’s Rodrigo Duterte – virtually impossible.  So, world leaders should recognize there is a power void and they need to consolidate and work together to fill that void in a way that maintains the principles Ms. Merkel has talked about recently – liberty, freedom of speech and of the press, free trade, environmental protections, and collaboration across borders.  The rest of the world can and should move on without us.   The current U.S. will not just hold everyone back, it will do so in a way that imperils the health and future of generations.  The bully that leads us will only continue to lie to and disrespect other world leaders and countries, delegitimizing us as a country and any agreements he enters into on our behalf with the rest of the world.
 
World, sadly, you may not need us anymore.  We have money (but that may change soon), showbiz (and that may change soon, too) and innovation (that will definitely change soon if our "president" is allowed to continue, unchecked), but that’s about it.  You need to step up, fill in the void, get together and forget about the angry, blustery little U.S. “president” for now.  Save the world.  If you have to leave us behind to do it – and you probably do – that’s ok.  
 
It’s time to stand up for what is right.  It’s time to disregard the bully and move forward without him.  It’s time for G19 and an agreement that reflects a respect for and support of free trade and environmental protection.  
 
Let’s just be honest:  the U.S. “president” has abdicated, through his words and actions, the position of the leader of the free world.  That title goes to Angela Merkel now and every decent leader who values the continuation of democratic principles of justice should rally around her.
 
[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/03/17/angela-merkel-donald-trump-handshake/99310398/

[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/03/16/trumps-first-100-days-what-the-budget-reveals-about-trumps-priorities/?utm_term=.a9148de0df73

I am constantly on the lookout for luxurious body products that are not just effective, but actually healthy and good for you; cruelty-free, vegan, organic, and, of course, that smell wonderful.  As you can imagine, finding this type of product can be a bit like finding a unicorn.  Well, I found a brand that actually does it all.  It’s handmade in tiny batches in the founder’s kitchen using only premium, organic butters and oils that smell delicious, look beautiful, make your skin feel amazing, and actually improve the health of your skin – not just its appearance. 
 
This winter did a number on my skin and I was getting rough, red, irritated spots which were driving me crazy.  I happened to be at a health food store in Manhattan and a pretty glass jar caught my eye, promising a body butter made of organic avocado butter, meadowfoam and green tea (all ingredients whose many health benefits I am familiar with) that was vegan and cruelty free.  I picked it up and a delicious vanilla scent sold me at once.  I bought it and tried it the next day.  The body butter turned from a soft, ultra light mousse in my hand to a sultry oil on my arms and legs.  I smelled wonderful and my skin was so soft.  The patchy dryness vanished.  I was hooked.
 
A few weeks later, so impressed by the product was I that I tracked down the founder and creator of the brand - Cyrah’s Au Naturale – to see if she’d tell me her story.  She obliged and it’s so neat, I have to share it with you:
 
Mom, Businesswoman and Nature-Lover
Shellaine Plunkett, the creator of Cyrah’s Au Naturale, is the proud mama of a 9-year-old daughter, a businesswoman and a nature lover.  About 4 years ago, she began experiencing strange rashes and had trouble breathing.  Doctors told her she had allergies, however, none of the medications they gave her - from allergy shots to Benadryl - worked.  Shellaine, a native of Jamaica, who grew up a nature lover surrounded by grass and trees, had never had allergies before and, with Western medicine failing her, began to seek holistic remedies.  She spent years researching oils, butters, natural remedies, nutrition, and ways to take care of the body in a “clean,” chemical-free and holistic manner.  Over time, she discovered the only way to guarantee purity of products and ingredients was to make them herself.  Because her daughter, Cyrah, loves being her mom’s little sidekick and helping to make the products, Shellaine decided to call them after her.  Cyrah’s Au Naturale was born.
 
Starting Up
There was a lot of trial and error in the beginning, including a day when the top of a bottle of essential oil came loose and the entire bottle emptied into the Shea Butter Shellaine was melting, ruining her entire batch of lotion.  Another time, the lid came loose off the blender, covering Shellaine, her daughter and the entire kitchen with avocado butter. 
 
To Shellaine, the most important aspect of her products is their integrity.  She will not use an ingredient that is not organic.  Being “natural” is not enough.  When I asked about this she reminded me that “So-called natural products can contain synthetics.  I will not put synthetics in my products.”  All her ingredients must be responsibly and ethically sourced, cruelty free, organic, and of the highest quality or she just won’t use them.  These are the products she puts on her skin and her daughter’s skin so, she explains, they must be pure and safe and healthy. 
 
The products are all plant-based and she uses essential oils as natural preservatives.  Some of Shellaine’s favorite go-to ingredients are tea tree oil, Vitamin E and Rosemary, all of which preserve the product and are good for the skin.  Although the products come in a range of fragrances, the fragrances are created through infused essential oils, not chemical perfumes.
 
Cyrah and the Brand Mentality
Shellaine’s little girl, Cyrah, is the inspiration for these organic, holistic bath and body luxuries.  Cyrah, a sparkly-eyed, energetic 9-year-old, particularly loves the lotion bars she makes with her mom – a pretty-shaped solid bar that “gives you a massage as you use it!” 
 
To Shellaine, the business is an opportunity not just to create and market a great product that is good for people, the planet and animals, but a way to bond with and teach her daughter.  They create the products together and test them out together.  “The business means so much to me because I’m doing it for her,” Shellaine explains, referring to Cyrah.  “This is something for her to have one day to call her own.  A legacy to leave for her.”
 
The Products
Right now, Shellaine (with Cyrah’s help!) makes every single product personally.  She manages to keep her price point low by doing it all herself based on a passion for authentically organic and pure products.  Currently, there are eight Cyrah’s Au Naturale body and hair luxuries and Shellaine plans to add soaps to the offerings by March 2017:
 
For HAIR
1.  Hair Fix Shellaine’s very first concoction and the one that turned Cyrah’s Au Naturale from a hobby into a business: an organic hair butter made with essential oils which enhance the healing properties in of the Shea butter.

2.  Peppermint Oil for the Hair This is Shellaine’s best selling product.  It’s good for men and women (for men with thinning hair, the peppermint oil is really great for reducing build up on the scalp that can lead to clogged, irritated hair follicles and hair loss!). 

3.  Hot Oil Treatment Crafted with deeply penetrating essential oils that repair, restore and revive dead hair, this heat activated, triple enriched formula conditions and soothes the scalp and hair.  And it’s only $10(!!!!)

For BODY
1.  Whipped Body Butter My personal favorite.  The vanilla infused fragrance will make you want to eat it.  Shellaine said it moisturizes for 24 hours, however, I think it actually works for longer than that.  It’s AMAZING.

2.  Body Oil Cold-pressed oils handmade to order for use in a hydrating massage or as a moisturizer.  Shellaine uses jojoba oil, avocado oil, bergamot, rose, lavender, lemongrass, orange, lime, and tangerine oils to make these delectable oils.  The rose one has actual dried organic rose petals in it and is as pretty as it is healthy and effective.

3.  Lotion Bar This is the one little Cyrah uses every day because it is a quick, easy and mess-free hydrator.  Shaped like a little flower, the lotion bar is too cute for words.

4.  Hand Salve This is packaged in a tin for easy use and you can rub it on your elbows, knees, feet – anywhere your skin is rough and needs some TLC.  It smells like soft, bright, happy citrus.  This one is vegetarian as opposed to vegan because it contains beeswax.

5.  Body Scrubs Crafted with raw Shea butter for deep hydration and the finest Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee grounds and organic brown sugar for gentle but effective exfoliation and cold pressed oils, this one is particularly good for folks with eczema or cellulite (the coffee grounds!!!  I’ve blogged about their benefits in this area before!).
 
Wonderful Products Made by a Wonderful Human Being
One of the nicest things for me is using a wonderful product that I love while knowing at the same time it is sustainable, cruelty-free and organic.  It’s practically a miracle when I can add that I had the honor of personally meeting the product’s creator and discovered she is such a genuine, kind, nice human being!  I couldn’t recommend her or her products more!

A couple of years ago, I slipped a disc in my back.  The pain was frustrating and the doctors basically told me to rest and try to keep the inflammation down.  This led to a ton of research on my end about various ways to keep inflammation at bay.  That, in turn, led to lots of conversations with people – old and young – who suffered from injuries leading to increased inflammation, arthritis and other conditions that would benefit from anti-inflammatory regimens. 
 
Now, inflammation in general is not a bad thing per se.  It can help our immune systems fight off disease and even help us repair damage so some short term inflammation IS good.  It’s the chronic inflammation that is worrisome and can cause harm to our bodies.  I collected a few general bits of advice here that seem to work for the majority of people I spoke with in healthily keeping that chronic type of inflammation at bay.  Obviously, this is not medical advice and you should consult a doctor you know and trust for any medical condition.  With that caveat, here goes:
 
The Top Three DO’s
 
1.Eat:
TURMERIC
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory.  It’s a spice and you probably know it best from Indian foods.  Read more about turmeric and its health benefits here.  A little trick is that mixing black pepper with turmeric boosts your body’s ability to use and take advantage of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory qualities.  Read more on that here.
 
So, toss some turmeric and black pepper into your stir fry, stew, salad, smoothies, whatever!  I even add turmeric to melted dark chocolate, stevia and shredded coconut for homemade chocolate sweets to munch on.
 
BLACK CURRENT OIL
You can get black current oil supplements at most heath food stores.  One I like is from “Health from the Sun” and is available from Swanson Vitamins here.  Black current oil gives you lots of omega 3and 6 fatty acids and gamma linolenic acid.  The gamma linolenic acid can particularly help with skin issues like eczema.  More info here 
 
KALE and SPINACH
Dark leafy greens are a tremendous source of Vitamin E which a lot of studies suffest plays an important role in protecting the body from chronic inflammation so eat your salad.  I now eat a small salad BEFORE every meal, even breakfast.  It helps me to make greens an automatic part of my diet at least three times a day.
 
BEETS
Beets are not only anti-inflammatory, they’re anti-cancer so yay!  My new favorite thing is beet noodles – spaghetti-like noodles made entirely of beets.  You can get them at a growing number of health food stores or make your own.  Example here.  I also make a “Beet The Detox Salad” I’ve blogged about before that’s delicious, filling and healthy.  I’ve also re-printed it below.
 
GINGER
Another nifty spice, ginger can also curb nausea if you’re sick or pregnant or on a boat in tumultuous seas.  Add some ginger to sautéed veggies, rice dishes, stews, soups, and even desserts for a little kick of healthy deliciousness.  I also grate ginger and melt it into dark chocolate with shredded coconut, stevia and turmeric for a tasty sweet to have on hand (yeah, I know.  I mentioned that already in the turmeric section, above).
 
TART CHERRIES
Tart cherries also help soothe muscle soreness, prevent insomnia and help deal with jet lag.  I’ve used them to combat jet leg whenever I travel long distances for years, however (see my blog post here).  I only learned that they also help fight inflammation more recently.  Careful if you drink cherry juice only because there is a not insignificant amount of natural sugar so just keep it in mind if you’re watching your weight.  I dilute a little pure tart cherry juice with seltzer water at night for a yummy spritzer that also helps you sleep better.  See more cherry info here.
 
Dried “Just Cherries” are easy for carrying around and snacking on (perfect for travel) and, of course, fresh cherries are the best.  You can also throw them in smoothies, pies, tarts, salads, and all that jazz.  
 
2.Exercise
Moderate and consistent exercise is so good for you on every level.  Here is a cool study that looked into which types of exercise improve inflammation issues the most (https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/what-kind-of-exercise-improves-inflammation-the-most).
Just make it part of your routine.  It may suck at first but, if you force yourself to do it consistently, it will become routine and then you will start to love it.  Really.  You will.
 
3.  Use Healthy “Green” Beauty Products
A lot of personal care/beauty products contain inflammatory agents (dyes, fragrances, etc.).  Source your beauty products from companies that put customer health first.  “Natural” doesn’t really mean anything in terms of advertising.  It’s more of a marketing ploy.  I mean, plutonium is “natural” and you sure don’t want that in your moisturizer, right?  So, look for companies that are well known, endorsed by ethical and sustainable watch groups that you know and trust and that have ingredients that are ones you recognize. 
 
My top three favorite awesome skin care go-to’s (for the stuff I can’t make myself) are;

1. Acure, a sustainable, organic and very effective beauty brand  (https://www.acureorganics.com @acureorganics)
2. acuderma e, fabulous vegan skincare line that I adore (http://dermae.com  @derma_e) and
3. I also recently discovered a local New York brand called Cyrah’s Au Naturale, which I found in Health Nuts (@TheHealthNutsNY).  I bought the Vanilla Whipped Body Butter.  Not only does it smell good enough to eat, but it turns from this super soft mousse in your hands to a sultry oil on your body!  Cool, right?  If you’re not convenient to New York City, no problem!  They’re available on Etsy too at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CyrahsauNaturale

 
The Top Three DON’T’s
 

1. Sugar– sorry, but no.  Avoid it.  Use honey, stevia or even a little fennel powder for sweetness but not sugar. 
2. Saturated Fat – always bad.  For so many reasons.  How to avoid it?  Pretty much by avoiding overly processed food and fast food.  Your body will thank you.
3. Meat.  Especially red meat.  Not good.  Stay away!

 
My Favorite DIY Body Balm for Calming Soreness:
 
Mix:
coconut oil
1/2 t cayenne pepper
2 drops peppermint oil
 
Rub it directly onto wherever is stiff and achy.  I tried this and, again, tingly and nice sensation but the cayenne is a little messy (don't wear white clothes while you do this) and it didn't provide amazing relief so...maybe try it and see how it works for you.  I get the sense if you're someone who likes Tiger Balm (it doesn't work for me), this would be good for you.
More DIY balms here (http://jenniferbetityen.weebly.com/ethical-is-beautiful-be-beautiful-a-blog/more-uses-for-coconut-oil-as-a-skin-therapy). 
 
My Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Recipe:
 
Beet the Detox Salad
Beets are rich in butane, a natural digestive system helper (which is also fantastic for liver cleansing and digestion – bonus!).
Makes 4 side servings.
Ingredients:
 
1 large beet, coarsely grated
 
1 large carrot, coarsely grated
 
1 large apple, diced
 
2 tbsp almonds, chopped
 
2 tbsp flax, hemp, perilla, or pumpkin seed oil
 
2 tbsp lemon juice
 
4 cups mixed greens
 
Optional additions:
 
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsely, finely chopped
 
2 garlic cloves, minced
 
1/4 tsp gray sea salt or pink rock salt
 
Directions:
1.Toss all ingredients, except for the mixed greens, together in a large bowl. Mix in optional additions if using. You can make the dressing up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
2. Divide mixed greens between 4 plates and top with apple mixture
 
More recipes here 
 

Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, the Film Lab has commissioned a special project to highlight the works and voices of amazing new filmmakers across the country.  I am thrilled to be able to use this blog to help.  This innovative project involves sharing the works, stories and voices of diverse filmmakers using their art in ways they feel will effectuate positive social change.  The featured artists have independently created works and are committed to sharing and collaborating with other like-minded artists. 
 
This is our final segment for this project and, as our finale interview, I'm delighted to be able to share the insights of director Katherine Filaseta.  It was a privilege being able to share the interviews of all these tremendous artists and I wish we could have interviewed many more!  Thank you to all who applied and please feel free always to share your works and ideas for collaboration and connection on the Film Lab's Facebook pages at: Film Lab, AAFL TV and 72 Hour Shootout.  Now, back to Katherine:

1.  Please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work.
 
My name is Katherine Filaseta, and I am currently a director working in NYC. I really have no formal filmmaking background; my education was all over the place, from music to biology to international studies to acting, and what I think drew me to filmmaking was how it is probably the only place where all of these interests I have can smoothly overlap. That’s really what I enjoy doing and pride myself on with my work, as well: combining music, dance, camerawork, and other storytelling methods to tell a single, cohesive story.
 
2.  What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why?
 
The hardest part about being a filmmaker for me, personally, is convincing myself that this is a valid way to live my life. I definitely come from a supportive family that offered me a lot of privilege, but in such a way that they encouraged me to go into academia or medical school and at this point would be happiest if I took really any 9 to 5 job that comes with a W2 and health insurance. On top of that, I never grew up seeing women in the film industry on TV or in other media. So I have a lot of self-doubt because of this and sometimes feel like I’m trying to do the impossible, but at the same time just the fact of knowing that I am doing what I love with my life despite society’s invalidation is a huge reward. That, and hearing about hatred towards my work. I think within art, the more extreme feelings you can generate the more you’ve succeeded, even if those feelings are sometimes negative, so it always makes me happy when I see total strangers complaining about what I’ve made - it means they care enough to complain!
 
3.  How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work?
 
In my work, emotional truth is the most important thing to me, and as a woman, I just naturally find it easiest to be truthful when the story I’m telling centers around women. It’s also tough, though, because as a straight cis able-bodied white woman, I feel an obligation to use the privilege I do have to help tell stories that are being told even less frequently than mine. So I’ve recently been working within stories that are truly mine with characters who are more intersectional, and then adding authenticity by working with diverse writers and actors (and other crew members when possible) who contribute their truths to my stories.
 
I also have very personal, although not first-hand, experience with things like inter-cultural adoption and disability in my family, and I struggle to find the ethically right way for me, an able-bodied white woman, to tell these other stories that are still very much mine, and that I know my sisters aren’t going to write/direct for themselves. It’s been tough figuring out the “right thing” to do as a minority storyteller who, compared to so many people, holds a lot of privilege. I don’t know that I’ll ever really figure out how to perfectly balance that in my work, but I am trying.
 
4.  What are the best and worst things that have happened to you, within the context of race or gender issues in entertainment, and what did you learn from them?
 
Along the lines of what I was talking about in the last question, I had a pretty negative situation recently when I was trying to source other people’s stories for a short script I was writing that was set in India, a place I am in no way from, even though I have spent a lot of time studying and living there. Because of this, I used social media to ask for stories from people who were from India, and received a lot of backlash along the lines of “why should YOU tell our stories?” Of course, because it’s the internet, it quickly got much nastier than that, and it put me in a difficult place because I was asking for these stories with the intention of gaining authenticity, and in the end it felt like I ended up just making things worse. I definitely am handling this particular situation the wrong way, because I’ve put the script on pause ever since then, but I guess what I have taken from the situation is just that it’s impossible to please everyone, especially in situations that involve things that people are as sensitive about as their own culture/race/gender. Of course I always will strive to do what is the most truthful and ethical in all of these situations, but it’s still probably going to make people upset, and it’s important to understand as soon as possible that this will regularly be a side effect, so that I can engage in those conversations while not losing confidence in myself and the stories I want to tell.
 
6.  As you know, AAFL TV promotes works that seek to effectuate positive and constructive social change through the medium of film.  Do you think filmmakers have an obligation to create diverse and/or morally and socially conscious content?  Why or why not?
 
I don’t think it’s an obligation of all filmmakers to create diverse/moral/socially conscious content, per se. Everyone’s story is valid, and there are people out there who just are not going to be able to tell stories that are both truthful and socially conscious. I personally feel that obligation, but I don’t think art that doesn’t is invalid as art. However, I do think that if someone makes content that isn’t socially aware, they need to be open to conversations and criticism about it.
 
7.  What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
 
This was said by the brilliant Victoria Alonso at the NYWIFT Muse Awards 2015 (the full speech is also something all women in the industry should watch): “The reason why we’re not there is because we walk in with fear because we don’t have everything together. Men walk in, have 50% of it, and they own a seat at the table. We walk in with 99.7%, and we doubt that .3%. Stop it!”
 
I know that advice is specifically directed towards women, but it’s the best words of advice that I’ve ever heard or followed. If we want to succeed as a group, it’s important to start by walking into a room and owning it as if we were all white men. Before we even get to a point of calling ourselves successful, we all know so much - so we should give ourselves credit for what we do know.
 
9.  What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
 
Going to film festivals as a filmmaker is always fun. When you’re in front of the camera you have people constantly talking about how beautiful you are (both in real life and through the camera), but when you’re behind the scenes, life is generally much less glamorous - so it is always fun to go to a festival and feel glamorous for a change. It’s also just nice to relax with a few drinks while you watch those first crowds of people appreciating the product of all your hard work.
 
10.  What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
 
Honestly, the most obnoxious things I experienced were in “film school” (in quotations because it was just a very short three-month evenings-only class). Maybe some of my peers were more non-committal because it was a short-term class, but on my first ever directing project, I had an older man in my group show up five hours late to set with no communication that he was running later than 15 minutes. As soon as he showed up, he started giving creative input and generally starting all sort of conflict trying to take control of my project, which was both irritating in itself and felt like it was one of those situations where he thought even his five-hours-late opinions would always be more valid than the woman’s pre-prepared ones. Since I’ve been out of school, though, I’ve been involved with organizations like New York Women in Film & Television and Asian American Film Labs; by being a part of these groups, I’ve always had the opportunity to choose to work with people who realize that we’re all struggling to work towards the same goal, and as such, I’ve had very few obnoxious experiences.
 
11.  What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
 
I don’t necessarily have a five-year plan, but I should at least have some fun projects coming out in the next year or so. I’m currently in the final stages of post-production for a horror short; my first experience even consuming horror as a genre was in preparation for this film, so it was a fun experiment for me. After that, I’m in pre-production on a script for a short film that I’m directing, about an Indian-American girl graduating from college and grappling with her goals for herself vs her parents’ dreams for her, which will include some Bollywood-esque storytelling aspects that I’m super excited to play with. Then I’m also finishing up my own screenplay, my first serial script, about all the crazy behind-the-scenes drama and unique characters that go into making even just one night of an international film festival appear to run smoothly.
 
12.  What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
 
I think within art, to be ethical you just have to be truthful. What has been true about my life is that it has been a liberal bubble filled with diverse people, but if what is true about your life is that everyone is a rich white man wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, that is still ethical and can still make a really interesting and beautiful story - and is still even a story that I might be interested in directing. Scripts from either bubble that rely on offensive jokes, cheap stereotypes, and/or one-dimensional characters whose whole personality is based on their appearance, on the other hand, would fall in the realm of ugly and unethical. To me, being ethical doesn’t necessarily have to mean I am telling a story that has a moral objective of any kind; it just means making sure my stories include a variety of three-dimensional characters that real people can actually relate to.
 

Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, the Film Lab has commissioned a special project to highlight the works and voices of amazing new filmmakers across the country.  I am thrilled to be able to use this blog to help.  This innovative project involves sharing the works, stories and voices of diverse filmmakers using their art in ways they feel will effectuate positive social change.  The featured artists have independently created works and are committed to sharing and collaborating with other like-minded artists. 
 
I'm delighted to be able to share the insights of fabulous filmmaker Kevin Chew!  Like the last several featured artists, Kevin has competed several times in the 72 Hour Shootout, consistently placing among the top films.  Listen to a few words from Kevin here and read on to hear what he has to say!

1.  In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work 
Actor turned filmmaker and stay at home Park Slope Chinese American Dad.  I love everything about movies so I've devoted my life to it.  Acting credits include The Blacklist, Step Up 3D, Blue Bloods and Caesar's Palace Atlantic City commercial where I met my wife on set.  Award Winning 72 Hour Shootout films include "One Chinese Dude," "My Two Faces," and "Good Morning America."

2.  What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why? 
The lack of Asian roles limits my opportunities so it's a privilege just to be able to get an audition.  And when you get the role, that's when the fun begins.

3.  How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work? 
It's an obstacle that I try to make something positive out of.  

4.  What are the best and worst things that have happened to you, within the context of race or gender issues in entertainment, and what did you learn from them?   
The best and worst thing is getting cast for a role without auditioning for it.  Being the token Asian is sometimes the only way in.

5.  If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be?
 Make your own path because no one else is going to do it for you.

6.  As you know, AAFL TV promotes works that seek to effectuate positive and constructive social change through the medium of film.  Do you think filmmakers have an obligation to create diverse and/or morally and socially conscious content?  Why or why not?
They need to represent the reality of the world.

7.  What are the biggest challenges you face as a filmmaker and how do you deal with them (please list only non-criminal means of dealing with said problems)?
Having no budget is a challenge so I try to use it as a strength.

8.  What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
Being resourceful can unlock your creativity.

9.  What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
 Seeing my character's name on my dressing room door, having a stand in, stunt double and a translator and getting to shoot a gun on "The Blacklist"

10.  What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
 Meeting one of my heroes and realizing that he's kind of an ass.  Maybe he was drunk?  Maybe I was kissing his butt too much?

11.  What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
 Apply for late nite tv show writer.

12.  What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
It's the world we live in!

Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, the Film Lab has commissioned a special project to highlight the works and voices of amazing new filmmakers across the country.  I am thrilled to be able to use this blog to help.  This innovative project involves sharing the works, stories and voices of diverse filmmakers using their art in ways they feel will effectuate positive social change.  The featured artists have independently created works and are committed to sharing and collaborating with other like-minded artists. 
 
I'm delighted to be able to share the insights of filmmaker and actor Tyler Ham Pong.  Like Christina (the most recent prior featured artist), Tyler has competed several times in the 72 Hour Shootout, consistently placing among the top films.  Listen to a few words from Tyler here: https://youtu.be/UthXHnxPNgU and read on to hear his insights:  

1.  In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work.
When I was 19 years old, I moved to the States from Canada to pursue acting. I was also interested in the storytelling process, so I honed my writing skills and produced theater on a shoestring. Later, I picked up a cheap flip cam and learned how to shoot and edit film, also on a shoestring. I think it’s important for an actor to branch out in that way. Learning about the mechanics of film definitely helped inform my performance.

2.  What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why?
For me, the most challenging aspect is business. I never expected to spend as much time on marketing, networking, etc., and it can be huge drag when I just want to be creative. Alternatively, the most rewarding part of when all that business pays off and I can finally focus on creativity. But you know, it’s back and forth.

3.  How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work?
When writing, I try to be conscious of giving my characters depth that transcends race and gender, but it’s also very important for these characters to affected by their life experience. Even if it’s not on the surface, these factors are always in consideration.
 
4.  What are the best and worst things that have happened to you, within the context of race or gender issues in entertainment, and what did you learn from them?
Being mixed ethnicity, some people don’t realize that I’m half Chinese and may say something derogatory. I’ve been in situations where I tell a person I’m half Chinese, and they respond with something like “Oh, but you don't have slanty eyes.” Nevertheless, I’ve found amazing support from the Asian American film community, who help others obtain a better understanding of the Asian American experience the larger and louder we become.

5.  If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be?
Don't dream it, be it.

6.  As you know, AAFL TV promotes works that seek to effectuate positive and constructive social change through the medium of film.  Do you think filmmakers have an obligation to create diverse and/or morally and socially conscious content?  Why or why not?
Film has always held a mirror to society, whether it be on purpose or inadvertently. If you tell a story that expresses your truth, it will always have an impact of social change.

6B.  What are the biggest challenges you face as a filmmaker and how do you deal with them (please list only non-criminal means of dealing with said problems)?
Some of the biggest challenges are being heard and seen. I deal with them by creating my own opportunities and working hard to be noticed, whether I'm sending out e-mails or going beyond my field to expand my professional knowledge. I'll either come back to center, or find a new center.

7.  What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
Get as much hands-on experience as you can. I made one of my first movies on a flip cam. Sound was non-existent, so on my next film I rented sound gear. Lighting was terrible, so on my next film I borrowed someone's soft boxes. Etc., etc.

8.  Does your advice change at all if I ask you to focus on women and/or minority filmmakers?  If so, why and how.
Not particularly. But depending on what type of movies you make, you have to know your audience and know how to reach them.

9.  What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
Whenever I look back at my work, I think about what I could have done better. So I think the most fun is the creative process. After everything's said and done, I want to apply what I've learned and make something else.

10.  What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
I once filmed in a diner and the owner refused to turn off the music. He claimed that the sound system was "n*ggery... it doesn't work." After he left, we asked one of his staff to turn off the music and he did. This moment has and always will make me emotional. There are people who enjoy being part of the problem, and it's hard to change anyone's mind directly. Social change is a collective effort and it's important to find collaborators you trust and believe.


11.  What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
Anything and everything.

12.  What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
There is always an underlying tone of ethics in art. You may agree with the message or not, but as long as it creates discussion, you've added to an ongoing dialogue.​

Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, the Film Lab has commissioned a special project to highlight the works and voices of amazing new filmmakers across the country.  I am thrilled to be able to use this blog to help.  This innovative project involves sharing the works, stories and voices of diverse filmmakers using their art in ways they feel will effectuate positive social change.  The featured artists have independently created works and are committed to sharing and collaborating with other like-minded artists. 
 
I'm delighted to be able to share the insights of writer and director Christina Jun.  Christina has competed several times in the 72 Hour Shootout, consistently placing among the top films.  Listen to a few words from Christina here and read on to hear what she has to share:

1.  In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work.
After earning my B.A. in creative writing, I moved to NYC to pursue a career as a theatre actor. I was fortunate enough to work with theatres like the Miami Theatre Center, the Goodman and the New American Theatre. Simultaneously, I wrote and directed a number of films, which earned screenings at multiple festivals including the Asian American International Film Festival and HBO's Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. Two years ago, I made the switch to directing and writing full time. I am currently an MFA candidate at USC’s School of Cinematic Art and recently completed the theatre directing summer workshop at the Yale School of Drama. I current reside in Los Angeles.
 
2.  What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why?
I think the most challenging aspect tends to result in the most rewarding aspect of my work. Because my films are often Asian American or female centric, a lot of hurdles can arise in the process. Everything from casting to distribution is more difficult because you have to dig a little deeper to find the right collaborators and platforms. But the most rewarding aspect is when you’ve completed the film without making any compromises and having kept the integrity and your intention for the story intact.
 
3.  How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work?
Race, gender and diversity are the driving forces behind everything that I do and this exists in my work in two ways. First, because I’ve been in the industry both on and off camera, I am acutely aware of the lack of representation in both areas. As a result, I make it a point to find the appropriate voices to tell each story that I am working on. For example, if it is a female-centric story, then both talent on and off camera will reflect this.
 
Ironically, the second way race, gender and diversity plays a role is the blatant opposite of this: complete color blind casting and hiring.  When a story is nonspecific to any gender or race, I cast and hire the best, most talented cast and crew regardless of their ethnicity, sexual preference or gender identity. What happens as a result of this is a gathering of unique and diverse artists that strengthen the story in ways that I could never have pre-planned if I had sought out a specific cast/crew based on gender or race.
 
4.  What are the best and worst things that have happened to you, within the context of race or gender issues in entertainment, and what did you learn from them?
By 2012, I had been a professional actor for roughly 4 years.  Though I had worked on several theatre productions and commercials, it was evident that in a majority of them, I played stereotypical Asian characters like, the manicurist or the concubine. The auditions I was called in for were no different. In the rare case that I auditioned for roles that were not Asian or Asian American specific, I usually didn’t book it. I remember often questioning my own talent and wondering if I would ever be good enough to play anything but stereotypes.

Then in that summer, AAPAC NYC released an article (read it here) with a statistic that reflected a mere 3% of the roles in the past five Broadway theater seasons went to Asian American actors. This works out to 54 roles of the 6,639 that were cast.
 
This was the best and worst moment of my career. I realize for the first time how dire the situation really was. I think before seeing the numbers, it was more of a vague feeling rather than a concrete understanding. But it made me realize that first, I wasn’t the problem but rather the industry that I was trying to maneuver in. Secondly, it made me realize my true goals as an artist. It became evident that this brick wall I was up against was a battle that a majority of Asian and Asian American actors were fighting and that as a writer and director, I could do something about it. That was the beginning of my shift from working on-camera to behind the camera full time.  
 
5.  If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be?
If you’re in this business, you’ve clearly chosen a life of art and expression over practicality. So, DON’T COMPROMISE and never let the current shape of the industry dictate your voice and vision.
 
6.  As you know, AAFL TV promotes works that seek to effectuate positive and constructive social change through the medium of film.  Do you think filmmakers have an obligation to create diverse and/or morally and socially conscious content?  Why or why not?
Yes, because film is not purely entertainment. The portrayal of communities and people in film/TV directly contributes to the society that we live in. For example, I played a Chinese character in a theatre production in Miami where there is little to no Asian community. After a show, a Caucasian woman approached me with her adopted 3-year-old Vietnamese daughter and asked if she could meet me as she has never met an Asian woman in person before. The mother was concerned that because of the lack of an Asian community in Miami, her daughter would never have a tangible access to her culture. I believe Film and TV have the power to bridge this void and absence of identity and culture in our society. With authentic representation, Asian and Asian American culture and people would be more accessible to our society and stereotypes and misconceptions would be eradicated.
  
6B.  What are the biggest challenges you face as a filmmaker and how do you deal with them (please list only non-criminal means of dealing with said problems)?
I think like many independent filmmaker, financing and exposure is the biggest challenge. But as an Asian American, female filmmaker, I believe the industry is making a great effort towards inclusion. So there are countless grants, labs and initiatives available that will support you in cultivating your vision.  

7.  What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
Take everything with a grain of salt. Every rule that you learn may not work for you. So definitely take the time to understand how things are done but don’t forget to figure out how they can work for you.
 
8.  Does your advice change at all if I ask you to focus on women and/or minority filmmakers?  If so, why and how.
I would also add that though the feeling of being disadvantaged or marginalized because of your gender or ethnicity is completely valid, what you do with it is completely up to you. It’s important to understand the current state of the industry that you are a part of but never let that be a reason to be discouraged. Rather, let it be the motivation behind the stories you tell: so you can change the game rather than be its prisoner. Every time someone tells you your Asian American centric story isn’t relevant because it’s niche and has a limited audience - instead of giving up or compromising your vision, let that be the reason why you tell that story. So that through it, you can broaden the audience and make Asian American stories mainstream.
 
9.  What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
I think I have the most fun when I am directing on a set where there is great artistic chemistry among the cast and crew. Because though I believe what we do is vital to the progression of our society, at the end of the day, we are doing what we are most passionate about: storytelling. So, it’s important to enjoy the process and not take it too seriously.  
 
10.  What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
I often find myself in conversations with straight Caucasian men about the difficulties of being a minority woman in the industry. They counter the conversation by saying that they wish they were a woman or a minority so they could have a specific voice. These are, hands down, the MOST OBNOXIOUS experiences I have on a regular basis. Because this solidifies the misconception that they are not participants to the issue at hand. That discrimination, stereotypes and just the sheer lack of representation is our battle alone. When in fact, it is an issue that everyone should contribute to, in fixing.
 
11.  What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
As a director and writer, the subject and story are what attracts me most. Because of this, I find myself drawn to a variety of projects including fiction film, documentary and theatre. In the next few months, I will complete a short film, begin production on another as well as start development on a full-length play. 
 
12.  What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
It means to not compromise your integrity or your vision. Often it’s tempting to accommodate or abide by how the industry currently is because it’s easier to not make waves. But standing by your beliefs and acting on them in a steadfast way is vital to the growth and progression of both the industry as well as our society.

Want to learn more or connect with Christina?  Check out her SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Website: www.ChristinaYRJun.com
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user7779014
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stinajun/

​Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, the Film Lab has commissioned a special project to highlight the works and voices of amazing new filmmakers across the country.  I am thrilled to be able to use this blog to help.  This innovative project involves sharing the works, stories and voices of diverse filmmakers using their art in ways they feel will effectuate positive social change.  The featured artists have independently created works and are committed to sharing and collaborating with other like-minded artists. 
 
I'm delighted to be able to share the insights of the incredible director and editor, Allan Tsao.  Allan first contacted us to share the story about a narrative he wrote for his feature directorial debut, ‘Reawaken, ' a crime drama set against the backdrop of a post-earthquake Haiti about a suicidal prison guard and a displaced teenage mother who reluctantly unite to rescue her infant daughter from a notorious gang of kidnappers (think ‘City of God’ meets ‘The Professional').  
 
Unlike the classic tale of ‘Pocahontas’ or ‘Avatar,’ Allan wanted the protagonist to go through the inverse transformation from longing for a new life in a foreign land (America) to re-discovering the love and appreciation of his roots in Haiti. Allan chose Haiti after his close friend and a producer of the project, Michel, a Haitian filmmaker and photographer, was kidnapped (yes, KIDNAPPED!) by the gangs of Cite Soleil, one of the most dangerous slums in the Western Hemisphere.  At the time, Michel was working as a cameraman for the UN, filming a campaign against Gun Violence and made a wrong turn one day. The gangs accused him of spying with the camera and kept him captive for 2 hours while they interrogated him. As surreal an experience as it was, ironically, it was also Michel's film background that saved him. He mentioned to the gangsters he was in a film that they were actually fans of and some of them recognized him and let him go. But about a year later, a couple of Michel's family members were also captured by  gangs from the same slum. Luckily, no one was harmed and he got them back after paying a ransom.  Later, the 2010 catastrophic earthquake destroyed Michel's homeland and the death toll was in the hundred thousands. 
 
As an Asian-American, Allan admits he's " not exactly the poster child of what a Haitian voice would look like nor do I have any personal connection to the land and its people.  And indeed, I was hesitant to tackle a story in a setting so far removed from my own, but art is about inclusion and really at the heart of this Haitian story is a human story of survival, identity and redemption that blurs the line of color and culture. It is a story that demonstrates my passion for sharing tales of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and my belief that the personal can be social."
 
It’s estimated that there are 40 million slaves in the world today. That's more than any time in history and the majority are women and children but boys and men are impacted as well. As Allan notes, "Most people probably don’t know that child kidnapping since Haiti’s earthquake is a great contributor to this horrifying issue and, as Allen explains, some of our charitable contributions get into the wrong hands that breed this perpetuating problem."
 
Currently, Allan is working on an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds  to get to Haiti in January.  He told me that more than 75% of the funds will go to the people of Haiti.  Here is what more of what Allan had to say:
 
1.  In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work
 
 I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and immigrated to the States when I was six. Grew up in New York. Went to NYU and studied film and television. Work professionally as an editor and in the process of getting my first feature film off the ground as a writer/director. I would consider myself, at the moment, an editor by practice, a director by art.
 
2.  What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why?
 
I would say the most challenging aspect of film is just having your voice heard. In a noisy world where there are many voices and so many outlets for voices to be projected, how does my voice set apart from the next person? What makes my voice unique that people want to take the time out of their day to listen? 
 
3.  How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work?
 
I think my feature script speaks a lot of my views on diversity. As an Asian-American, I am not exactly the poster child of what a Haitian voice would look like nor do I have any personal connection to the land and its people.  And indeed, I was hesitant to tackle a story in a setting so far removed from my own, but art is about inclusion and really at the heart of this Haitian story is a human story of survival, identity and redemption that blurs the line of color and culture. It is a story that demonstrates my passion for sharing tales of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and my belief that the personal can be social.
 
4.  If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be?
 
 Network. This business is really about who you know. 
 
5.  Do you think filmmakers have an obligation to create diverse content?  Why or why not?

 I don’t necessarily think filmmakers have an “obligation” to create diverse content for the sake of diversity.  I think filmmakers have the obligation to tell stories that are true and genuine. And if such stories are diverse, don’t be afraid to have your voice heard even if you feel it might not be popular. 
 
6.  What are the biggest challenges you face as a filmmaker and how do you deal with them?
 
 Biggest challenge is to get others to believe in what you’re selling. To have them join your movement. To want to be a part of your team even if it means they have to abandon their own ship. But at the end of the day, it’s about putting out good quality of work. The rest will follow.
 
7.  What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
 
 I think so many filmmakers get caught up in the art of filmmaking that they forget to take into consideration the business side of it. Like any industry, the work you put out there still has to be sustainable.
 
8.  Does your advice change at all if I ask you to focus on women and/or minority filmmakers?  If so, why and how.
 
No.
 
9.  What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?

 When I shot my short film, ‘Ghost Soldier.' it was the last day of shooting and we were getting ready for the aftermath of an explosion scene. Had a fog machine running and someone forgot to close the door to the soundstage and the fog seeped out into the hallway. Someone, who wasn’t part of the crew, thought it was smoke and pulled the fire alarm. Five trucks showed up, the fire marshall, evacuated every NYU building on West 4th Street. My actors were all still in their Marine gear, bloodied. We caused quite a ruckus for that one shot but that’s the filmmaking. Can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. 
 
10.  What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
 
 I haven’t necessarily experienced anything directed specifically towards me but, of course, diversity in film is something minorities struggle together. 
 
11.  What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
 
 Getting my first feature film off the ground. In the process of assembling a team, building traction for the script and attaching a named producer/actor.
 
12.  What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
 
To me the phrase is about embracing all stories that blur the line of color and culture. 

This past Christmas, I received a tank top that said in bright white letters: “I’m not always a bitch.  Just kidding.  Go fuck yourself.”  For some reason, that made me think of the “I’m sorry” issue that’s been in the news and all over the social media of some of my friends – you know, the one about how American women tend to apologize more than American men and should stop doing so.  Some women I know I know have even said to me, “I would normally apologize here but I’m not going to because, you know, women apologize too much so I am not going to say I am sorry.”  Hey, uh, what was the point of that whole statement?  If you did something wrong, say sorry.  If you didn’t, don’t.  If you think you might have, you probably did, so say sorry.  Unless you’re an ass.
 
Look, women may very well say “Sorry” more than men.  SO THE FUCK WHAT? What is wrong with being fucking nice?  What is wrong with saying fucking sorry?  I think that instead of reading the statement, “Women say sorry more than men” and immediately thinking “Well, men are always right so women shouldn’t be saying sorry so much!  Bad women!”  We should, instead, consider the fact that maybe MEN should be saying “Sorry” MORE.   Maybe the world would be a lot easier and nicer if we said sorry a little more often, if we took responsibility for our choices, accountability for our actions, admit it when we’re wrong so we can learn and grow from our errors.   Maybe it would be cooler if, instead of shoving people out of our way and not apologizing, we at least throw a “Sorry” over our shoulder as we barrel down the street.  Or, we could all act like total brats who couldn’t give a shit about anyone but ourselves.   From a utilitarian perspective, which is better?  From a “Who would I want to live with/near/in the same neighborhood as?” perspective, which is better? 
 
Is this an oversimplification of some gender issues?  Maybe…but maybe not.  Kind of depends why you were planning to say or not to say sorry.  Come on, if you’re saying you’re sorry for everything in the world when (a) these things aren’t your fault and (b) it’s become a verbal tic, yeah, then STOP IT already.  But a basic apology when the time calls for it is just basic common courtesy.  Or should be.
 
That’s it.  I am not going to go into a whole argument on gender and culture and the sexist attitudes that keep us all down (women and men because sexism is a human issue – news flash!).  I am just going to say that just because a majority of men do something, it doesn’t mean it’s good or right or that it’s anything we other humans should necessarily want to emulate.  Likewise, just because a majority of women do something, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad or wrong or something we should avoid doing.   Me, I’m going to be super nice to nice people and I am going to do justice to my new tank top when dealing with non-nice people.
 
Someone told me recently women tend to smile more than men, too.  I did not think, “Wow, gee, if women tend to smile more than men, then it must be a sign of weakness and stupidity and I should just stop smiling right away.”   But, I bet someone did. 

​Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, the Film Lab has commissioned a special project to highlight the works and voices of amazing new filmmakers across the country.  I am thrilled to be able to use this blog to help.  This innovative project involves sharing the works, stories and voices of diverse filmmakers using their art in ways they feel will effectuate positive social change.  The featured artists have independently created works and are committed to sharing and collaborating with other like-minded artists. 
 
Last week, it was an honor to share the insights of musician and aspiring filmmaker Sean Lea and, this week, the fifth featured artist of What's Your Story? is Myra Sito Velasquez, a New York based, award winning playwright, filmmaker and director.  I have met Myra before!  In fact, I've even had the privilege of working under her direction as an actress in one of her amazing plays (read about it here), which made it a special privilege to speak with her for this project.  Here is what she had to say:
 
1   In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work 
I am an independent filmmaker and playwright of Chinese, German and Mexican heritage born and raised in Tokyo.  NYC has been my home now for over 30 years.  My first film MOTHER’S BLOOD centers around my mother’s strange habit. The film is the winner of the Lawrence Kasdan Best Narrative Film Award among others. Some of my other works are: KUNG FU GRANNY, winner of the Best of the Fest Golden Honu Award among others, my award winning feature screenplay DIANA, a coming of age story set in 1970’s Tokyo, and most recently the play THE ASTONISHING JOURNEY OF MABEL LI AND THE MYSTERIOUS WAYS OF LORD BA THA ZA. This play is a Eugene O’ Neill Finalist and was also a selection of MU Theater’s New Eyes Festival. 
 
 2.  What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why? 
The most challenging aspect is that as an indie filmmaker, I wear the hats of producer, director and writer which somehow always extends to set design, props, craft service and then some. On KUNG FU GRANNY, I had a producing partner named Sunah Kim. The workload that was lifted off me as a result was heaven.  PR is another aspect that I find challenging. I’m simply not good at it. As for the rewards, it’s hugely fulfilling to actualize projects that are deep to my heart that also resonate with others. And artistic recognition by way of awards and/ or a rich film fest circuit: awesome! 
 
3.  How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work? 
The protagonist of my award winning feature screenplay DIANA is a 12 year old girl of mixed heritage who, from all that she observes in the world around her, is convinced that men are the superior sex and that the “best” race is white. The challenges she faces are ones that I too faced at that age: how does a child, neither white nor male, make her way in a world which seems to tell her that she is a lesser being? As for my film KUNG FU GRANNY, while it is an action comedy, it was borne out of my displeasure at the shabby treatment of older people as well as my hunger to see more Asian female heroines. Re: casting, because much of my work is set specifically in an Asian milieu -- ( e.g.my play THE SOLDIER is set in 1930’s military Japan) --my cast has been generally all Asian. However, my playThe Astonishing Journey of Mabel Li and the Mysterious Ways of Lord Ba Tha Za does not have to be an all Asian cast. As this play is a fairy tale in a make-believe land, the more the cast reflects the world in all its wondrous diversity: great!
 
4.  What are the best and worst things that have happened to you, within the context of race or gender issues in entertainment, and what did you learn from them?   
My film THE LOVERS is about a Japanese man and a Chinese American woman whose passion for each other forces them to confront the dark legacy of the Japanese invasion of Nanking in 1937. It’s ultimately a story of love and hope transcendent but all the same, the subject matter was highly challenging for me. I was also highly aware how sensitive this subject is among Asians. To cut to the chase, no Asian American festival took the film. One Asian American festival went so far as to say my film was the worst of the worst. This was one rejection letter I wish I still had especially because shortly after, I received the notification that the film was an official selection at the academy award qualifying Palm Springs SFF followed by another and another, including the prestigious 26th Mill Valley Film Festival and NonViolent FF. The film is not perfect by any means --I see many things I’d like to change -- but I believe it could have generated a rich dialogue among the Asian community and the lack of support was disappointing. Lesson here being that everyone has their own agenda & issues and not to take things personally.  I’m delighted to share that one prominent person of Asian descent swift to support the project was none other than Iris Chang, author of the groundbreaking bestseller “The Rape of Nanking”. She is a hero to me on so many levels. 
 
5. If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be? 
Keep to your vision and integrity and do your best. 
 
6. As you know, AAFL TV promotes works that seek to effectuate positive and constructive social change through the medium of film. Do you think filmmakers have an obligation to create diverse and/or morally and socially conscious content? Why or why not? 
As an artist, I am uncomfortable with the word “obligation” as it feels like a straitjacket. Having said that, I strongly object to any work that promotes hatred and cruelty against any race, gender and animals. 
 
7.What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers? 
Choose your cast and crew well. Don’t rush this part! You want the drama to be in the film not on set. Also, do your best to have as thorough and tight a pre-production as possible and have a great editor in place. 
 
8. Does your advice change at all if I ask you to focus on women and/or minority filmmakers? If so, why and how.
No, it does not.  
 
9. What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry? 
 Pure bliss when -- on one of my shoots -- the harmony, focus and dedication from my DP, cast and crew was so palpable, you could taste it. Our location was gorgeous too, so that added to the luminous vibe of it all. I was on Cloud Nine for weeks after. 
 
10. What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry? 
“Your film is the worst of the worst.” The other is festival related. I’d promised that my film would be the premiere of a certain festival but then got into another great fest in which I was a contender for Awards. When I asked permission to screen at that festival, the guy said : ”But that would mean your film won’t be a premiere at our fest as you said!! I mean we’ll still screen your film, but....” Which had me immediately making nice, reassuring him that I would not enter the other festival. This pleased him. I subsequently discovered how utterly inconsequential the premiere factor was at that fest and to this day, I still get unhappy when I think how I missed out on the other--( and that possible award!!)-- because of the weird, power play snotty attitude of that guy. Lesson here being: if your film is a short, don’t get too wound up about “premiere.” 
 
11.What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz? 
I am working on a new play based on a short story. It’s my first adaptation, very much enjoying the process. 
 
12. What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything? 
What it says to me is: Try always to walk the higher ground. Be honest, kind and compassionate. Make the world a better place. Hatred, violence and cruelty is never the way to go.