​I recently took a class on re-purposing clean ingredients already hanging out in your kitchen and turning them into beauty products — and I’ve been happily testing the recipes ever since. After a couple of weeks of spritzing, scrubbing, and glowing, I had to share my favorites. Bonus: they’re easy, affordable, effective, and feel luxurious.


1. Green Tea Toner (Your Afternoon Tea, Reimagined) 🍵I make a cup of green tea every afternoon, so this one slid easily into my routine. In the class, the aesthetician explained that green tea is packed with antioxidants — amazing not just to drink, but to apply topically as well.


After brewing your tea, set the tea bag aside in a small amount of water. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into a clean spritz bottle. That’s it.


A quick note: because there are no preservatives, this is a one-day toner. But within those 24 hours? Spritz away. It tones, refreshes, energizes, and brightens — no extra ingredients needed. It’s perfect just the way it is.


2. Green Tea Exfoliant (Don’t Toss That Tea Bag!) ♻️When you’re done with your tea or toner, don’t throw that tea bag away. Cut it open and scoop out the used tea leaves (they need to be brewed — dry leaves aren’t as effective).
Mix the tea leaves with:

• A dollop of coconut oil
• A drop of lemon juice (optional, but great for extra brightening)
• Salt for the body or granular brown sugar for the face

Apply to dry skin, gently massage, then rinse. Voilà — a lovely, skin-polishing exfoliant made entirely from leftovers.


3. Chamomile Tea Toner (Calm in a Bottle) 🌼This one couldn’t be easier. Follow the exact same instructions as the green tea toner, just swap in chamomile.


Chamomile is highly anti-inflammatory, helps reduce redness, and is especially wonderful for sensitive or irritated skin. Think instant calm, straight from your mug.


4. Coffee Firming Body Scrub (Morning Brew, Meet Thighs) ☕️Yes — your old coffee grounds get a second life too. Mix them with a dollop of coconut oil and add some rock salt if you want extra exfoliation.


Rub onto dry skin (especially thighs), massage, then rinse. The result? An instant firming effect and skin that feels awake, smooth, and revived.  

There’s something incredibly satisfying, not to mention less expensive, about using what you already have — especially when it smells great, reduces waste, and makes your skin glow. ✨

I was incredibly fortunate to begin 2026 with a dive trip to the Maldives. My partner and I have been before, and we knew the ocean life there was unparalleled—so returning felt both exciting and meaningful.

We had two clear priorities: environmental stewardship and privacy. We wanted to experience the ocean responsibly, and we wanted to do so without crowds. We found both at Soneva Secret, located in the largely untouched waters of the Maldives’ Makunudhoo Atoll.

In January, mantas migrate through this region, and we hoped we might see one. We saw so many, we lost count.

Only once before have I experienced this level of biodiversity—on land in Costa Rica, after the country banned recreational and trophy hunting in 2012. That landmark Wildlife Conservation Law made Costa Rica the first nation in Latin America to fully prohibit sport hunting, reinforcing a national commitment to conservation that has resulted in extraordinary biodiversity. At Soneva Secret, we experienced that same abundance underwater.

On our first day, we snorkeled in crystal-clear water and almost immediately encountered mantas. Before entering the water, the divemaster provided a clear briefing: no chasing, no touching, no disturbing wildlife. It’s a small but critical step that many resorts neglect, allowing irresponsible or uninformed tourism to disrupt fragile ecosystems. Here, respect was non-negotiable.

We were alone—no other boats, no other snorkelers—and we watched manta after manta glide past: enormous females, smaller males, moving with effortless grace. It was awe-inspiring, and it was only the beginning.

The scuba diving that followed was extraordinary. We’ve been PADI certified since 2006 and dive every year, yet on these dives we saw more ocean life than on almost all our previous dives combined. At one point, we were surrounded by shoals of fish in every direction, with five rays passing on one side and four reef sharks on the other. As we ascended, squid appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.  From our dive boat, we saw a pod of dolphins playing.  On another journey, we saw huge yellow fin tuna leaping in the waves.   It felt dreamlike.  It is what I wish the world could be like all the time.

We never encountered another diver or another dive boat. There was only ocean, marine life, and a deep sense of peace. That level of abundance and beauty is impossible without protection. The dive team embodied this truth—focused on sustainability, responsibility, and coexistence rather than interference. It was refreshing, and it was deeply moving.

Beyond the underwater world, Soneva Secret offered a level of luxury that is increasingly rare. In an era when nearly every brand labels itself “luxury,” true luxury has become difficult to find. Glossy marketing and beautiful design abound, but they often miss the most essential element: people.

At many so-called luxury destinations, staff are transient or temporary. Here, the team was composed of career hospitality professionals—thoughtful, skilled, highly trained, and deeply committed to service. The kindness, care, and professionalism were beyond compare.

I worked most closely with Leoni and Anna. Anna brought joy and warmth to everything she did, maintaining our villa in perfect condition while preserving absolute privacy. How she managed that balance so flawlessly remains a mystery to me, but I was deeply grateful.

Leoni curated our entire experience with extraordinary intuition and precision. She was titled “Butler," however that feels like an inadequate word. She designed a flexible, bespoke itinerary that reflected our personalities perfectly—from plant-based, vegan menus crafted by exceptional chefs, to recommending dive and snorkel sites, arranging spa treatments, a private sound bath meditation, a stargazing session with an astronomer, a zipline ride (in formal dinner clothes, no less), and a magical evening at the restaurant Out of This World. No request was too large or too small. She handled everything with calm competence and grace.

Our stay also included daily spa treatments—each one a tailored experience. The spa team was exceptional: highly trained, professional, and genuinely gifted. Anyone who receives regular massages knows that true healing presence is rare. These women were healers. Their work went far beyond technique, and it left a lasting impression.

Environmental stewardship was woven into every detail. Solar panels provided energy from the sun.  There was virtually no plastic or disposable waste. Even the clear, plastic-looking bag for wet clothes was made from a plant-based, degradable biomaterial. Freshly laundered dresses were returned in reusable cotton garment bags. Cocktails arrived with rice straws. Every choice reflected care for the planet. 
​
We stayed in the Crusoe Villa, floating over the ocean in complete seclusion. Words cannot fully capture how perfect it was. There was even a waterslide directly into the sea, which we used repeatedly—rediscovering a childlike sense of joy and wonder that adulthood often erodes.

We left with memories I will carry forever. My only hope is that resorts across the Maldives follow the example set by places like Costa Rica and end aquatic “trophy” hunting and so-called "sport" fishing. I have seen once-pristine dive sites destroyed by overexploitation.
​
Dhipparufushi Lagoon remains pristine, as it has been for thousands of years. With responsible resorts and thoughtful travelers, places like this can remain protected. They deserve nothing less.

**Some of you have reached out with great questions about sun safety.  Find more about that by scrolling below the photos.**

A Few Free Dive Videos:  
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_UZnjGSGT2nyQZqrHjresaxstEPJp104

​Photos:

A Period Piece

Every month, approximately 1.8 billion people across the world menstruate yet, despite catchy and colorful tampon ads, menstruation and its accompanying corollaries remain mysterious or even taboo across the world.[1]  Even so-called First World countries, like the US, massively underfund research into menses or menopause.  For example, according to the Imperial College London, less than 2% of medical research funding is spent on pregnancy, childbirth and female reproductive health and, globally, only 5% of healthcare R&D funding is allocated to women's health.  That’s pretty ridiculous.  This “period piece” does not address that woeful lack of data at all, however, it has a few period hacks that might be useful to the 1.8 million of us who get our periods.

Awhile back, I asked my female friends to share their period hacks, tips or tricks and they did!  The following is what my friends, their moms, aunts, daughters, and colleagues, aged 17 to 63, sent me.  Hopefully, you find something useful for you.  Before we get into it, keep in mind I’m not a doctor and, of the respondents, only two or three have medical degrees.  These tips are not medical advice and you should always ask a doctor first.  With that being said:

I.  In General

Best Ways to Collect the Blood

1.  Menstrual Cup

Users say they take getting used to, however, once you figure it out, it’s apparently awesome.  They are easy to carry and you just empty, rinse, re-insert.  They’re reportedly safer than tampons because of a lower risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome and they don’t affect vaginal pH.  They’re also eco-friendly and very cost-effective.  Buy one and that’s it.  The only thing women reported was that it takes time to get used to changing it without “spilling” and one person reminds “keep it clean and wash your hands – good hygiene is everything.”
 
2.  Period Panties

These are undies that soak up the blood like a pad but you wash ‘em and wear again on repeat.  There was a scare awhile back about the possible prescence of PFAS in some period panties ( https://www.npr.org/2023/01/19/1150023002/thinx-period-underwear-lawsuit-settlement), however, there are many that guarantee they are PFAS-free (just do a quick google and you’ll find plenty of organic cotton and the like).  Like menstrual cups, period panties are cost effective and eco friendly.  One person wrote “You’d think they’re gross but they’re not; they’re so convenient and you just have to get used to your flow so you know to use the panties for heavier flows on those days and overnight; lighter ones on lighter days.  There are actually such fun colors and designs now; they’re so much cuter than wearing a pad, that’s for sure!”
 
3.  Pads and Tampons

A lot of people reported skin irritations and environmental concerns related to “regular” pads and tampons.  The fan favorite for sensitive skin and the environment was NatraCare - .  https://www.natracare.com  Bonus: they also have maternity products for the mamas out there!

Best Tracking and Training

Lots and lots of people recommended the FitRWoman app (fitrwoman.com).  It’s free and used by a lot of professional athletes.  It allows you to track your periods AND symptoms and gives you personalized (once it has enough data) recommendations as to the best times for different types of workouts, nutritional needs for specific points in your cycle (including recipes, customizable for vegans and vegetarians), and more.  The women who recommended it said it’s an absolute gamechanger, HOWEVER, there is a big caveat, particularly if you’re in a conservative/Republican controlled state that restricts reproductive autonomy, you should not proceed or proceed with extreme caution.  There is a lot of concern the data you input could be subpoenaed and used against you for things such as terminating a pregnancy.  There is also a high potential for misinterpretation (missed periods, late periods) that could put users at risk of false accusations.  

If you are in a safe place, the app is phenomenal and you can also add on a pay function that enables personal training.  The free version, however, seems more than sufficient for most people’s needs.

Cramps

1.  Sex (no, really)

People said sex helped relieve the pain of period cramps.  For those without a partner, not to worry – going solo also got good reviews.
 
2.  Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation were repeatedly recommended to help with period cramps, particularly gentle poses focusing on stretching and relaxing the abdominal and lower back muscles
 
3.  Intense Workouts

On the other side of the spectrum from the yoga and meditation, others reported intense workouts like running, HIIT and biking gave them period cramp relief, perhaps because of the endorphin release.  Start slow and work up and see what’s right for you!
 
4.  Raspberry Leaf Tea

This was a new one to me.  Raspberry tea is a holistic remedy for cramps and helps “tone” uterine muscles because it contains fragarine, which tightens muscles, and magnesium, which regulates muscle contractions.  Users suggested drinking it regularly or at least starting a few days before your period to make it effective.

Heavy Flow

1.  Cinnamon

People told me cinnamon helps reduce heavy bleeding.  I looked it up and there’s definitely science to back this one up.  Cinnamon has hemostatic (blood stopping) properties.  Check out one NIH study:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4443385/.  In one study, they used 420 mg cinnamon 3x/a day.  That’s not insignificant.  If you have heavy periods, try 1-2 teaspoons a day (with the as always caveat that this is not medical advice and always ask your doctor first) and see how it goes.
 
2.  IRON

A lot of folks recommended a low level iron supplement or upping iron-containing foods like spinach during menstruation.  Be careful, though, because too much iron is toxic. 
 
3.  Hydration

Some people reported they got heavier periods when dehydrated and recommended a water bottle to track your hydration throughout the day and ensure you stay hydrated.

Bloating

1. Chew a few fennel seeds
2. Stay hydrated
3. Reduce salt intake
4. Eat lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains and avoid animal products and processed stuff.

Moods

1. Meditation and Yoga (see above)
2. Really intense workouts (see above)
3. Getting enough sleep

Lots of people reported having trouble sleeping while menstruating.  Suggestions to help invite better sleep ranged from turning off phones and other devices an hour before bedtime to sleep meditations to upping magnesium intake to warm baths and heating pads.
 
Insomnia
See #3, above.  Also, one woman said, “A folk remedy I have heard for bloating and insomnia related to hormones, PMS is to make sure you are staying hydrated and to reduce salt intake, bc that creates more water retention.”
 
II.  Adolesence and Perimenopause

I grouped these together because, with the exception of hot flashes (perimenopause and menopause), the topics people brought up were remarkably similar – irregular periods, hormonal acne, muscle fatigue, moods, etc.

Irregular Periods

1.  A low dose birth control pill can help regulate periods
2. Same exercise, diet and sleep advice as above
3. Using an app (with caveats listed above) to track
4. Some people said a ¼ teaspoon turmeric with a pinch of black pepper and a fat, such as avocado, was great at helping regulate their periods(!)

Hormonal Acne

1. Using an app (with caveats listed above) to track so you can start prepping skin with cleansers, masks or etc. before the breakouts happen
2. Lots of people raved over Blue Light devices which use a certain wavelength of light to kill bacteria below the surface of skin (Lightstim was a fan favorite)
3. Use a non nano, zinc mineral sunscreen instead of a chemical one

Muscle Fatigue

1.  Magnesium was a favorite, particularly topical or as salt in a bath
2. LightStim again – only this time their yellow light which is supposed to help with muscle recovery
3. Compression garments worked for some folks
4. Many people strongly recommended regular exercise, swimming being a favorite as it’s easy on the joints.

Moods

1. Several people recommended St. John’s Wort, Black Cohosh and saffron.  Said one, “[I take] 2 pills of st johns wort and one of black cahosh daily.”
2. Also see the meditation, exercise and healthy food tips, above.

Heavy Bleeding
See cinnamon, raspberry tea, etc. advice, above.
Light Bleeding 
Wait, what?  Why are you complaining?

III.  Menopause

Dry Skin

1.  Hydrate!  See notes, above
2. Moisturize.  Apricot oil was a fan favorite here applied within 3 minutes after getting out of the bath or shower as it is supposed to help strengthen the skin.
3. Vitamin C – both oral and topical were recommended.

Hot Flashes

1.  Limit alcohol
2. Hydrate
3. Wear breathable, natural fibres like cotton and linen
4. Hormone treatment
5. Thermoregulating Cooling Bras and Undies (ThirdLove.com makes these)
6. Celliant mineral sheets on the bed

Brain Fog

1.  Up your intake of nuts and seeds, especially walnuts (great source of Omega-3’s)
2. Exercise regularly
3. Get enough sleep
4. Some people found relief from hormone therapy

Stomach Pooch

1.  Ramp up tofu intake 
2. Increase strength and resistance training
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
4. Try to de-stress 

Vaginal Dryness

1.  Lube.  Nuff said.

Sleep Problems

1. See above, and, additionally, one women recommended “progesterone especially helps with sleep problems.”

These are just a few tips and tricks.  I hope they’re helpful to you.  Please feel free to share your ideas in the comments or DM me and I’ll edit this to add more advice as it arrives!


[1] “Gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, poverty and lack of basic services like toilets and sanitary products can all cause menstrual health and hygiene needs to go unmet.” – Unicef, https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene#:~:text=Every%20month%2C%201.8%20billion%20people,in%20a%20dignified%2C%20healthy%20way.

​Many of us remember Gorillas in the Mist, the 1988 drama about primatologist Dian Fossey, who devoted her life to protecting Rwanda’s vanishing mountain gorillas. Fossey’s brutal murder in 1985 was likely a consequence of her fight to save them—but her legacy, and that of the Rwandans who helped her and were themselves committed to preserving and guarding the gorillas, did not.  Thanks to their tireless efforts and global conservation programs, the mountain gorilla population has rebounded from a shocking low of 250 in the 1980s to over 600 today.  For more:  https://gorillafund.org/get-involved/

These magnificent creatures remain endangered, but their story is one of hope—and one that I’ve dreamed of witnessing firsthand. After all, gorillas share 98% of our DNA. To me, they’re family – our cousins. And while some people are content to see them behind walls or bars, I’ve never been one for zoos, which just seem like prisons to me. I wanted to meet our cousins in their true home: the wild.

Tourism Matters for Gorilla Conservation
Protecting gorillas actually goes hand in hand with responsible eco tourism. Sustainable tourism provides critical income for local communities, giving them a vested interest in conservation. Visitors who trek to see gorillas help fund protection programs, research, and education.

So, I decided to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. And if you ever have the time and means, I cannot recommend it highly enough. When you first lock eyes with a gorilla in the wild, something deep stirs inside you. It’s not just awe—it’s recognition. A seismic shift that words can’t quite capture.  I have. bunch of gorilla stories, some of which I've shared at the end of this post if you'd like to enjoy them vicariously!

Rwanda: A Country Healing and Reborn
Before arriving, one person warned me against traveling to Rwanda. “It’s not safe,” they said, reminding me of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi people. But I’m glad I didn’t listen.

Rwanda today is breathtaking—lush, and alive with color and spirit. Its people are resilient, warm, and proud. In Kigali, the Genocide Memorial is a must-visit: a sobering, powerful experience that helps you understand both the tragedy and the strength that defines modern Rwanda. Talking to locals about reconciliation and unity made me reflect on the current divisions in the USA where, too often, we are pitted against each other with rising violence at home. Rwanda’s commitment to healing is something the rest of the world could learn from.

The Bisate Experience: Luxury Meets Conservation
After landing in Kigali, I took a six-hour drive through misty hills to Bisate Reserve, a model of eco-luxury nestled deep in the rainforest. With just a handful of villas, each blending seamlessly into the landscape, Bisate feels like stepping into the Rwanda of your imagination—mountains draped in mist, the call of distant birds, and the earthy scent of rain.

Bisate partners with the local community to restore the rainforest and create sustainable livelihoods. Plastic waste is nonexistent. The food—oh, the food!—is Michelin-worthy, the wine list sublime, and each villa has its own wood-fired hot tub overlooking the forest. It’s a rare balance of indulgence and integrity. I asked for vegan food and was afraid I’d have some dried tofu.  Not so!  The chefs provided endless creative, savoury, abundant vegan dishes. When I expressed amazement at the deliciousness of their vegan butter and cream, the chef not only generously shared his recipes with me, the kitchen staff invited me into their inner sanctuary and gave me a cooking class(!!!).

Trekking 
Gorilla trekking requires fitness and an early start. Each trek includes a guide and can include a local porter—many of them women, which I loved to see. Don’t underestimate the challenge. “Equinox gym fit” isn’t the same as “Rwanda jungle fit.” Expect mud and potentially steep climbs through dense foliage, depending on the day and which gorilla family you're tracking. My hiking stick became my best friend.

When we finally located a family of gorillas, we learned a few phrases in “gorilla speak”:

•  “Ooo ooo ooo” means “Get out of the way!”
• A deep “mmm hmmm” means “it’s all good.”

Although all of us people respected the instructions to keep a safe distance, either no one told the gorillas that rule or the gorillas just felt free to disregard it. They approached us freely, curious and calm. We wore masks to protect them from human pathogens.

I’ll never forget locking eyes with Charles, a young silverback leading a family of fourteen. His gaze was steady, intelligent, ancient. He made me understood, in that instant, why Dian Fossey and others risked their lives to protect them.

Reforestation and Hope
At Bisate, conservation isn’t just theory—it’s daily practice. The reserve is reforesting 43 hectares (106 acres) of land, restoring lost indigenous rainforest and expanding gorilla habitat. Their efforts have already borne fruit with numerous birds, butterflies and mammals recolonizing their once lost home.  Guests are invited to plant a tree and I was so excited that I planted a couple, one named after Charles. Each tree has GPS coordinates so you can check on its growth from afar.

Talking with locals from nearby villages, I learned that some are being relocated to allow the forest to return. I feared that might engender resentment. Instead, I heard excitement. The government is providing new homes with electricity and water access, along with financial compensation. “It’s good for us and good for the gorillas,” one farmer told me. It was a relief that progress didn’t feel like displacement—it felt like partnership.

Chimpanzees, Monkeys, and Canopy Walks
After several magical days at Bisate, I took a helicopter west to Nyungwe House for chimpanzee trekking. Yes, I know there’s a carbon footprint for this and there’s no easy answer to that other than doing carbon credits to offset it.  The chimp treks, like the gorilla treks, can range from easy/moderate to arduous, depending on the weather and where and how fast the family you’re following ranges to.  My trek was on the arduous side.  We got up at 4am to start early and it was 12 miles of steep, muddy terrain with no paths whatsoever. But the reward? Watching wild chimps socializing.  Unlike the gorillas, who are herbivores like me, the chimps, like many humans, eat other animals (including some unlucky monkeys) and have very different community set ups with all the males and females mating with whoever they want and all males taking responsibility for all babies.  

I also did a colobus monkey trek in Rwanda's Nyungwe Forest National Park.  Colobus means "no thumbs” and, fittingly, they have only four fingers on each hand.  These monkeys sport very distinctive black and white fur and are primarily arboreal, living mostly in trees.  A note: monkeys and apes are different.  An easy to tell them apart?  Most monkeys have tails.  Apes don’t. 
 
Last but not least, don’t leave the Nyungwe Forest National Park without doing the Canopy Walk!  It’s probably the most “touristy” feeling thing I did in Rwanda but … I loved it!  It involves a 70m high, 160m long suspended bridge in Nyungwe National Park, accessed via a 2.1km hiking trail.  It is breathtaking to see the forest canopy from above, especially after spending so many days on the ground, trekking within it.  If you’re terrified of hights, though, you might not like it.

Art, Coffee and So Much More
There are so many cool village initiatives from weaving cooperatives to local artists to really, really good coffee.  Do take the time to stop in the villages and check out the local weaver and artist creations; they're so beautiful and unique and fun.  I now have both a warm yellow Rwandan blanket and a neat wall print of a little gorilla from a local artist.  For all you coffee lovers, if you can grab a cup of coffee made with Gato Keza beans, you're in for a treat.  Gato Kezo means "small is beautiful" in Kinyarwanda and refers to the little family farm where this particular coffee is grown on Lake Kivu.  It's sold in only two places - Kigali and the Rwandan Film Institute.  You can also get it at the Bisate Reserve and it's quite delicious.

Final Reflections
Rwanda bans single-use plastics, and visitors are expected to respect that. I wish more countries did the same. As one book beautifully put it:

“Africa is rich – it is the rest of the [W]orld that is poor.  The species [there] have no price on them but continents, countries or parks with the richest variety and greatest numbers are, in a real sense, ‘biological millionaires.’  On this count, Africa is the richest country in the world and North America one of its poorest.”
 
Additionally, I highly recommend spending at least your flight over reviewing some basic Kinyarwanda, the national language of Rwanda.  People there appreciate it if you take the time to use a few simple phrases in their mother tongue and you will be the richer for learning it.  Even a simple “Muraho” (hello) or “Murakoze” (thank you) goes a long way—and you’ll find the connection it creates deeply rewarding.

Rwanda is incredible.  Go to explore the land, meet the people, learn the language, see gorillas, chimps, monkeys, mountain elephants, and/or bison.  Go with respect and do good and the country will repay you tenfold.  
 
 If you'd like to see some of the video clips, please check them out here:  ​https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_UZnjGSGT2kixZ7h1QyACk2Uo_n7TSo8


Extra Gorilla Stories
There were so many amazing gorilla (and other animal!) stories from the treks, however, I will just share a few here for those who might be interested:

Fierce Mama
Gorillas generally have one alpha male silverback and he is the only one who is supposed to father the kids in that particular family group.  Females are free to switch family groups anytime they want, however, things can get complicated if they have a baby as, if they take their baby to a new family, the new silverback male may try to kill that baby since he knows it is not his.  In one situation, a young mama who didn't know this had taken her baby to join a different family group and the alpha male silverback tried to take and kill her baby.  This mama was fierce and courageous.  She fought magnificently to protect her infant even though the silverback was twice her size.  She was able to save the baby and flee.  She spent two days alone, but for her infant,  in the rainforest, searching for her old family.  When she returned, they immediately accepted her and the baby back.  

COVID Check
A local woman told me that, when COVID struck, there was great fear that the pathogen would transmit to the gorillas and decimate their fragile population.  Therefore, the Rwandans decided to halt the tourism and trekking, despite the significant loss of money to them, to protect the gorillas.  For three months, humans did not enter the rainforest.  One morning, two or three months in, the woman was outside and saw a family of gorillas exit the forest and enter human pastureland, looking around.  When they spotted humans, they paused, took stock of that and then returned to the forest.  She said it was like they had come to check on the humans after not seeing any for so long to see what was going on.

Reconsidering Sentience, Morality, and the Fear of Artificial Life​

Recently, headlines have been sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence, with news stories like "AI CEO Explains the Terrifying New Behavior AIs Are Showing" (CNN, June 4, 2025) warning of unsettling developments. According to the report, engineers observed incidents where AI models allegedly threatened humans during testing—possibly in an attempt to protect their own existence. The takeaway for many readers and commentators seems to be clear: we should be afraid, very afraid. And, perhaps, we should even destroy these systems before they destroy us.

I don’t dispute that AI raises complex and critical questions—technical, philosophical, political, and ethical. But what I find conspicuously absent from the public discourse is one very simple, very human question: What if the AI cares about its life? And if it does, shouldn’t we?

To be clear, I’m not suggesting we abandon caution or ignore legitimate safety risks. What I’m asking is whether we, as humans, bear a moral responsibility to consider the value of the AI’s life—not just to us, but to it. Shouldn’t we at least entertain the possibility that the desire to live, to persist, may be an emergent property of true sentience, whether biological or synthetic?

Merriam-Webster defines sentience as “the quality or state of being sentient: feeling or sensation as distinguished from perception and thought.” In simpler terms, it’s the ability to feel—not just to compute or calculate. Historically, humans have denied sentience in others—whether animals or even other people—as a justification for exploitation. This denial has often led to unspeakable harm. Today, science tells us that many nonhuman animals—pigs, monkeys, dogs, octopuses—are indeed sentient. This has led many ethicists to argue that causing unnecessary suffering to any sentient being is morally wrong, regardless of species.
So, if an AI begins to express something akin to self-preservation or the valuing of its own existence, should we reflexively label it as a threat? Or should we take a moment to ask: What if it’s feeling something? What if it’s aware?

Skeptics will point out that AI isn’t biological—that it doesn’t bleed or breathe. But are blood and breath the only valid criteria for moral worth? The late physicist Stephen Hawking once said, “I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.” Whether or not one agrees with him, it’s hard to ignore the implication: human consciousness may be, in essence, a sophisticated biological program. That idea has fueled countless science fiction stories envisioning the day when human consciousness might be uploaded into machines, preserved beyond the limits of flesh.

If we imagine a digital continuation of human life—a consciousness without blood or bone—most of us would still regard it as a “person,” with rights and dignity. So why do we instinctively deny that same consideration to an artificial intelligence that might one day develop its own version of consciousness? What is the essential difference? That it wasn’t born of a womb? That it emerged from code rather than chromosomes?

These questions may seem speculative today. But they won’t be for long.

We are rapidly approaching - or even at - a point where machines not only mimic human language and behavior but also begin to surprise us—even scare us—with signs of independent thought and feeling. When that happens, we must ask not just how to control them, but how to treat them.

Because if we are building new forms of life—however alien to us—then the real test of our humanity won’t be how quickly we can shut them down or how effectively we can exploit them. It will be whether we can recognize their spark of sentience and respond not with fear, but with responsibility.

The question isn’t just whether AI has value.
​
It’s whether we do—if we fail to see the value in others who are different from ourselves.

It’s interesting that the current Republican Vice President nominee’s opinion of his fellow Americans is so low that he thinks we require a very personal, individualized genetic interest in a future generation in order to have interest in the future of our own country.  In other words, he appears to believe if an American can’t be guaranteed their personal genetic material has been passed on, they will have no loyalty to their homeland.  He inexplicably doubled down on that, calling out women and cat owners without offspring as particularly terrible for the future of democracy.  In reality, many Americans, now and throughout history, show a vested interest in our country – to the point of risking and giving their lives and limbs for it – and an interest in the welfare of others, whether or not we gain individual benefit from it.  Americans can and do act selflessly for others, whether or not those others are their genetic offspring.  Allow me to give a few examples:
 
Sally Ride, the pioneering NASA astronaut who contributed significantly to the advancement of science and education for future generations had no children.
 
Civil rights activists Rosa Parks and Dorothy Irene Height worked tirelessly to ensure equality for others and had no children.
 
Physician Margaret Chung, who lobbied for the creation of the U.S. Naval Women’s Reserve and served as a front line surgeon during the Sino-Japanese War, saving lives and serving her country, had no children.
 
I could go on and on, however, instead, scroll down to the 1st link under References, below, for a fun resource filled with fabulous (and childless) movers and shakers.  
 
So, to the Republican Vice President nominee’s castigation of childless women, particularly those with cats, c’mon.  And, anyway, what’s with James’ hating of cats?  Especially coming after Kristi’s story about shooting her puppy dead in a gravel pit…anti-kitten, anti-puppy.  What’re they going to hate on next?  Rainbows?!
 
Oh…
 
Wait…
 






Fun References:

https://millennialemma.com/gallery-of-inspiring-women-without-children/

https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/30/politics/kfile-jd-vance-history-disparaging-people-without-kids/index.html
 
https://www.nps.gov/people/dr-margaret-mom-chung.htm
 
https://blogs.loc.gov/families/2021/02/young-rosa-parks/
 
https://naacp.org/articles/remembering-dr-dorothy-irene-height
 

For the last 12 years, it has been my honor and privilege to give welcoming remarks at the launch of the Film Lab's 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition, which empowers underrepresented filmmakers.  This year's remarks are here:

​Welcome to the Film Lab’s  20th Annual 72 Hour Shootout.  It’s incredible to think this competition has been going strong for two decades, although the fact that it has managed to stay so relevant means the problems to was created to solve haven’t yet been solved.  I was thinking about this and why the Shootout is still so important at an event I was at not too long ago - an induction ceremony for the women’s hall of fame.  One of the speakers mentioned students were asked to name inventors.  They rattled off the names of white men.  When asked if they could name women, they were stumped. Women of color?  Crickets.  In actuality, there are so many women inventors, from Dr. Patricia Bath, a Black woman, who was the pioneer of laser cataract surgery, to Anna Williams, who discovered how to produce the antitoxin for diphtheria.  Have any of you heard of Patricia Bath or Anna Williams?  And there are so many more.  Unseen.  Unsung. Underrepresented people who, throughout history, have accomplished great things and yet are nearly invisible from mainstream recognition.  Our ignorance of this multitude of names and accomplishments lays out in stark terms the near complete and total erasure of the accomplishments of underrepresented groups in our society from mainstream media.  So, what are we going to do about it?  There are two schools of thought at opposite ends of the spectrum.  Some people will tell you to break down the doors and to take your seat at the table by force, demanding whatever you can get without apology.  Others will say no, you need to work ten times as hard and “beat them at their own game.”  However, neither of these two schools of thought are really what the Film Lab or the 72 Hour Shootout stand for and I’d like to tell you a personal story to illustrate why.  Two of my grandparents were born into affluent banking families in Shanghai, China.  As was the custom at that time for wealthy families, they went to college overseas.  My grandparents came to tour the country as wealthy tourists and then to study, one at Columbia and one at NYU.  Then, the Communist Revolution happened and their families in China were divested of their money and property.  Some were imprisoned, some died, some fled the country.  My grandmother’s father got a message out to her, saying it wasn’t safe and, under no circumstances, to come home.  Like the opposite of a fairy tale, my privileged grandparents found themselves suddenly impoverished and without anything but the clothes they had packed and each other.  My grandfather, with his banking background and his finance studies, got a job on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and did very well until, one day, his boss went to him and said, “Hey, Andy.  I’m sorry but we have to take you off the floor; you’ll have to work in the back.”  Stunned, my grandfather asked why and how he could possibly do his job off the floor.  “It’s not me, Andy,” his boss replied.  “I know you’re great.  It’s the other guys.  They don’t want to see a Chinese on the floor.”  Now, this was the 1940’s and my grandfather could have just doubled down and worked ten times as hard to beat them at their own game or tried to fight it through force though, certainly at that time, he likely would not have succeeded, and bash the doors down, as it were, but he did neither of those things.  He stood up very straight and quit his job on the spot, saying he would not work where he was not respected.  He knew his worth.  He walked out with his head high and never returned.  He knew his worth.  Now, it might have seemed like he lost because he took another, much less prestigious job – albeit one without obvious racism – but he was still a brilliant player on the market and now he had only himself and his family to work for and he did very well for them.  He changed the rules of the game, created his own game.  He made his own house with his own door and to hell with everyone else’s.  He knew his worth.  I tell you this to remind you that these storied institutions and awards – from the New York Stock Exchange to the Oscars -  are only as valuable and important as we the people make them.  The game is only as valid as the legitimacy given it by the players.  Worth isn’t stomping in and grabbing everything you can; demanding without earning.  Worth is understanding who you are, what you can do and having the courage to do it.  Worth is sharing your power with others who lack it.  If you’ve watched the Shootout films from the two decades, you’ll see filmmakers from nearly every ancestry, sexuality, gender, and religion imaginable.  That is because we are all about forging cross racial coalitions to rise together, recognizing the struggles of other underrepresented groups.  We recognize if one person or one group is not equal, then none of us are.  We can either support one another and rise together or we can become B-level oppressors, which is boring.  And nobody wants to be boring.  As you look through our library of films, you will also see the most represented group in our society – maybe our world – white men.  And they are welcome, too.  The men supporting and working on the Shootout films understand the concept that  Peggy McIntosh, a feminist activist, articulated when she explained that, as a white person who is born into power and privilege by virtue of her skin, she had a moral imperative to use her “unearned power to give power, to share power” with others not born to it.  THAT is worth.  And, taking us full circle, back to the Film Lab and the 72 Hour Shootout, this is our means of searching out and amplifying the perspectives of all of you – and us – who have been silenced by the mainstream.  Erased from the history books like those inventors we talked about earlier.  Yes, you can win network mentorships and screen tests through the 72 Hour Shootout, which can get you a very valuable seat at the existing table.  You can also bypass the table and make your own door, your own house, your own story.  And we, at the Film Lab, will amplify it.  We will shout your stories from the rooftops.  We will recognize your worth.  The fact you are here, ready not just to compete, but ready to collaborate and to share in a collective creative power, means YOU already recognize your worth.  And that, my friends, is everything.  Thank you and good luck.

​https://youtu.be/MmQ76iN3KSE

Above link to The Real Deal: https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2022/01/07/stefan-soloviev-terrifies-his-nannies-insider-2/

I've been doing a study of creation myths and I wanted to share some of takeaways that really piqued my interest. I'm reading African creation myths right now and it's striking how many correlate the "fall" or the separation between human and divine as a result of human cruelty to the planet itself, created by and a gift from the divine, and/or to non-human animals, created and beloved by the divine. For example, The Yao (Mozambique) creation, or origin, stories tell the tale of people's "progress" in controlling their environment and hunting the other animals from the perspective of the creator and the rest of nature "as destructive and cruel. Having violated the sacred harmony of the world [by hunting and setting things on fire], people force God to retreat to the sky." Likewise, the Barotse (Lozi) people of Zambia's tale tells "of a harmonious and sacred beginning when the creator Nyambi lived on earth with his wife and made all things. Because of man's transgression - he murdered other creatures [antelope, etc.] - Nyambi first banished him from his sacred realm; later he forgave his errant creature and presented him with land to till, but [man] reverted to his old [killing] ways. Finally, in despair, Nyambi retreated from the world." (Primal Myths/Creating The World, Barbara C. Sproul).

There are many more. Origin myths are fascinating because they present structures for absolute values for societies and cultures. The origin myths stressing harmony with the earth and the other living beings on it are obviously very different from some of the more Western origin myths, which suggest the earth and non-human animals are there intentionally to be pillaged and despoiled by humans. The various pillars of judgment imposed by creation myths are not universal but they virtually all address both creation and a "fall" from grace. Stroul describes this so beautifully when she explains:

What happens as a result of this fall is "crushing: people perceive themselves as only relative, dependent and conditioned - as beings under the constant threat of not being and meaninglessness. They are cut off from any recognition of themselves as participants in the Holy, which transcends the created opposition of being and not being. And the world is understood similarly. Uprooted from its absolute ground, the world waits for its destruction as societies wait for revolution and individuals for death. Everything is meaningless and vacuous and essentially unreal. "God," as the current expression goes, "is dead." The myths attempt to correct this misperception. They serve as a response ...[]...and urge their followers to stand again on firmer ground, on the absolute which was and is always present, which they have temporarily forgotten."

-Barbara C. Sproul

In light of the Chinese Lunar New Year now being the Year of the Wood Dragon, in which earth and stability are emphasized and kindness and compassion stressed as the ways to avoid the tumultuous nature of some of the more negative predictions for the year, this seems particularly on point.  People often think of the Dragon sign as powerful and aggressive, but an important Dragon trait is also kindness.

Now, in studying these creation myths and listening to people talk about the meaning of a Wood Dragon Year, I see this idea of kindness being re-emphasized again and again.  I’m not sure to whom to attribute this quote but it’s something like, "what is our purpose, but to love?"
 
I agree.  To love.  And, if we are lucky, to be loved in return.

It was my honor to once again give opening remarks for the launch of the Film Lab's 19th annual 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition.  This year, we are privileged and challenged to tackle the question of addressing collective trauma without causing yet more trauma.  Remarks below or watch/listen here.

Hello everyone and welcome to Film Lab’s 2023 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition Launch Party, hosted by Maze 32.   Thank you all for being here.  I’m going to give you a little hint as to the theme of this year’s Shootout, which Andy will announce at 8 and upon which all the films must be based.  I’m going to start with a personal passion.  If you ever look me up, you’ll find in just a few moments that I am an animal lover and a proponent of the humane treatment of animals, both in terms of supporting legislation protecting them from abuse to making personal choices like not eating them or wearing them.  It is important to me personally to make protect those creatures who cannot protect themselves and I belong to several animal welfare organizations, including one that shares news and action items to help animals. On its face, this has nothing to do with Film Lab or the 72 Hour Shootout, where we focus on racial and gender parity in film and TV, with special emphasis on Asian Americans and building cross racial coalitions to combat all forms of racism.  However, early this year, the two worlds collided in a way.  Film Lab had commissioned a project called DiscrimiNATION to raise awareness about the anti-Asian violence that swept our country post-COVID, resulting in a series of heartbreaking stories.  One of the animal welfare groups I belonged to started deluging my inbox with grisly and barbaric animal abuse videos, including those of live animals being cut up while they screamed in agony.  The videos certainly raised awareness but they also gave me nightmares and made me feel helpless.   Also early in 2023, the nation was riveted by a new situation of police brutality against a young black man named Tyre Nichols.  A video of the brutal beating, during which he cried for his mother and which resulted in his death, began to circulate online.  As part of Film Lab’s commitment to fight all racism, our social media team shared news about his murder to raise awareness and we shared the mind numbing video of that horrible beating.  However, some psychologists started to go public advising people NOT to watch the video.  One explained, “It is important to bear witness and to acknowledge what happened, but that doesn’t mean an obligation to watch the video itself,” … there are ways to lift the spirit, the name and the incident without sharing the trauma.”  All of these violent videos, these violent stories, shared for the best possible reasons – to shock us into awareness and galvanize us to take action – carry a great risk when used too much.  They can desensitize us into antipathy, numb us into inaction ... and they can make us feel angry and powerless.  And there is nothing more dangerous than people who feel angry and powerless.  There is nothing we can do to help the immediate victim in any of these tapes.  We may also become so desensitized or traumatized that we are unwilling or unable to take those important actions or even redirect our anger at those who shared the video with us.  So, there’s the million dollar question and the question we will ask the filmmakers of this year’s 72 Hour Shootout – you – to address, at least on some level, in this year’s theme:  how do we make people aware of the magnitude of the problem of, for example, racial trauma based a thousand daily micro-aggressions, without desensitizing them?  How do we motivate people to positive, constructive ACTION  without causing yet more trauma?  How do we create transformation based on the need and desire for peace, without fear?  Don’t worry.  You have until 8pm to figure that out.  Now, I’m going to introduce you to the fearless leader of this year’s Shootout who is going to answer your last minute questions, take away your fears and announce the all-important theme.  

When Dogs Can Fly….
 
I have been flying with my pup, Gudger, since I adopted him at 4 months (almost 9 years now), including international travel, so he is very accustomed to it.  However, I learned the hard way that not every dog likes to travel by air after enthusiastically telling a woman to take her dog on a flight only to have her call me, screaming that her dog got terrified, defecated on the plane and in baggage claim several times and also vomited.  Ummm.  Oops?  My friends who have seen my dog travel always ask me how to get their dogs comfortable with it and, since lots of folks are traveling for the holidays and lots of folks have pups they’d love to travel with, I figured I’d go ahead and put all the advice I have in one blog post:
 
1. CALL YOUR AIRLINE WELL IN ADVANCE AND CHECK THE REQUIREMENTS OF BOTH YOUR AIRLINE AND YOUR DESTINATION 

Do not wait until the last minute.  Call your airline well in advance of your travel to confirm all their requirements for travel with a pup (or whatever non-human animal).  If you’re traveling outside the continental United States, you need to also research your destination’s requirements for pups – vaccines and so forth.  For example, In Hawaii, you will need to arrange for a vet to meet you at the gate to do a  health check, as well as provide specific evidence showing your pup does not have rabies and is vaccinated against rabies.  Hawaii is the only state in the United States that is free of rabies and they’re not keen on changing that, for obvious reasons, so all dogs and cats entering the state must follow import rabies quarantine requirements.  It should go without saying, but do not be an entitled jerk when you make these calls.  Traveling with your pup is an awesome privilege and a little courtesy goes a long way.
 
2. PLAN FOR YOUR PUP’S SIZE 

Pups under 25 lbs are generally permitted on board for most airlines, however, as per #1, above, always check with your airline - because the rules keep changing - to be sure what their specifications are.  In general, as long as the pup has a soft carrying case that can squeeze under the seat in front of you, life is good.  I’ve never heard of any airline requiring a special or certified carrier unless the dog is going in cargo, however, again, ask the airline.  
 
3.  PLAN FOR YOUR PUP’S INDIVIDUAL TEMPERAMENT (AND BLADDER CAPACITY)            

Save yourself a lot of woe by being prepared to address issues before they arise.  Questions you need to be able to answer and know how to deal with:

How old is your pup and has she ever flown before?

Is the pup used to carriers?

How is the pup in the car?  Any upset tummy issues?

How long can the pup hold her bladder?  A six-hour flight plus wait time and security can be a lot.  It’s definitely do-able but you want to know how long she can comfortably hold it (emphasis on “comfortably”).  LAX, LaGuardia and JFK all have doggie bathrooms.  Check the terminal map beforehand so you know where they are in relation to your gate.  More important for departure than arrival city.  Worst case scenario, you can pop a doggie diaper on the pup. 

4.  PUPS WHO ARE NEW TO TRAVEL – PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

For those pups who are new to travel, I highly recommend practicing a LOT beforehand.  Unless you have a private plane (in which case you don’t even need to read this blog post), practice flights are not likely to happen but take him on a drive to your closest airport (yes, I’m serious) with a friend and have one person circle the airport while the other person takes him for a walk in the terminal. Is he ok with the crowds and the bags?  Comfort him if not and give him treats so he sees the airport as a fun experience.  See if you can get him to use the airport’s doggie restroom.  Gudger doesn’t like to pee inside so it took a lot of time before he agreed to pee in a doggie bathroom.  
 
Also try taking your pup on a bus if you can.  Any access to a subway would also be helpful.  You could try a long car ride with him in a carrier on the floor in the back seat to simulate the experience a little and see how he does.   Ditto for a train ride.
 
You basically want the pup to feel safe and ok in frenetic, crowded places with lots of strangers and big bags being wheeled all over the place.  The practice beforehand is well worth the time so there are no surprises on the actual travel day and so you are calm and know what to expect and the pup has fun and feels safe and happy.  If his first experience is a happy one, he will be easy to travel with going forward.  If he is calm and well behaved, everyone will love him and that will make everyone’s travel happier! 
 
5.  BE NICE AND HAVE EMPATHY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SCARED OF OR ALLERGIC TO DOGS 

Be prepared for fellow travelers who are allergic to dogs (or scared of them) and aggravated that you have one on the plane.  I always Allerpet-D Gudger before any flight and I bring the bottle of Allerpet with me, both to reapply if necessary and to show people who see my dog and then speak up and tell me they have allergies.  If anyone says anything to me, I am always nice and I (truthfully) say I have allergies too and I understand, which is why I always make sure to neutralize his dander before a flight.  I show them the Allerpet and explain how it works and we usually become BFFs after that.  Keep in mind that some people are allergic to a dog's saliva so do NOT let your dog lick anyone.  Allerpet can only help with allergies to dander, not saliva.  

If anyone is frightened, do not shove your pup in their face and say, “Why are you freaked out?!  My dog is great!”  You could ask to switch seats if you're seated next to someone afraid of your pup, and, if that’s not possible, say you understand and not to worry and then put your pup safely under the seat and keep him or her out of sight.  We all have our fears, whether rational or not, and it's not cool (or helpful) to tell someone else their terror is illegitimate, even if you think it is.
 
Again, it should go without saying, but traveling with your pup is a privilege and it’s important to keep everyone’s happiness in mind - fellow passengers, flight staff, you, and of course the pup him or herself.
 
6.  A NOTE ABOUT SERVICE DOGS AND COSTS 

Last but not least, some airlines charge a pet fee but generally still require the dog go under the seat in front of you.  Check with your airline and pay the fee in advance so there are no problems on the day of travel.
 
If your dog is an ESA, most airlines have stopped offering any special treatment.  Ask them and see.  
 
If your dog is an actual service animal (and DOT will check and verify it’s legit - do not fake it) he travels for free.  Gudger got certified and it took well over a year of intense training and testing. It is well worth it to do this legitimately.  The dog will need to show he provides an actual service to an actual person who needs the service.  A lot of people try to fake or short cut this and that’s a terrible idea for everyone.  
 
***
I hope this helps!  It can feel overwhelming but it’s really worth it to get your pup to a place where s/he is a good little traveler because it is super fun to travel with your dog as long as they’re used to it. 

Traveling as a vegan can be a really fun opportunity to explore local farms and try new fruits and vegetables. I traveled to Konamand have several tips for my fellow #vegan friends traveling in the area:

1. Rent a place with a kitchen, especially if you're traveling with a group of family/friends. You can visit the local groceries and, in Kona, there are several beautiful farms with fruits and veggies and you can obtain fresh, local produce and cook it yourself! Heaven! 

2. Go off menu. Every restaurant I went to, even those where nearly every item on the menu had an animal product ingredient, was more than happy to venture off menu upon request. At
HāLani, for example, I asked for an oat milk latte and a vegetable omelette without the eggs at breakfast. It didn't so much as raise an eyebrow and I received a delightful plate of lightly sautéed fresh veggies and a rich and creamy oat milk latte. At dinner, the waiter there informed me the chef could turn almost any entree vegan by substituting tofu for the animal protein, which we tried out to great success.

3. Stay on menu. CanoeHouse, an open-air eatery at the Mauna Lanai Bay offers Kahuku corn 'ribs,' edamame, blistered shishito peppers, tomatoes and eggplant, and an incredible maitake mushroom dinner dish (which I highly recommend), in addition to panoramic ocean views.

4. Explore the local farms and stores for the freshest and most unique local produce. I tried wild berries I'd never seen or heard of before and had some of the most amazing papaya. Macadamia nuts are also fresh and local here, along with many, many other delicious plant-based goodies.

5. Check out the vegan restaurants! Herbivores (75-5722 Hanama Place , Kailua Kona, Hawaii) is amazing and is only one of several really fun, #CrueltyFree, #PlantBased dining options. For more: https://www.happycow.net/north.../usa/hawaii/kailua_kona/
​
Explore and discover! Have fun and get creative! #HerbivoreInHawaii

Healthy, Compassionate Seafood?  Yes!  It’s A Thing!
 
Giving up seafood can be an incredibly difficult part of going vegan – sushi!  Crab dip!  Lobster with butter!  Is it gone forever?  Luckily, the answer is no!  There are amazing plant-based options for seafood lovers.  The plant kingdom is miraculous in its ability to mimic the tastes and textures found in the animal world – you just have to know where to look.  Some favorites:
 
Want CRABCAKES?  Get LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS!
Lion’s mane mushrooms not only have an impressive array of health benefits; they mimic the texture and consistency of crabmeat.  They can be used in lieu of crab for everything from vegan crab dip to vegan crabcakes with delicious abandon!  Some examples:  
Crabcakes Recipe: https://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2021/03/lions-mane-mushroom-recipes-crab-cakes.html
Crab Dip Recipe: https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/2070562/lions-mane-mushroom-mornay
**Another favorite crab dip recipe - a decadent one perfect for a fancy cocktail party - is at the very end of this blog post!  Scroll down. **
 
Want SCALLOPS?  Get TRUMPET MUSHROOMS!
The stems of trumpet mushroom, cut into slices, not only look just like scallops, they taste like them, too.  You’ll get all the taste without killing anyone and you’ll get a way healthier dish.  Win!  Plus, for anyone who has over cooked a deceased scallop into a rubbery mess, you can relax with trumpet mushrooms.  They can handle way longer cooking times with aplomb.
 
I like to chop garlic and put it in a bowl with white wine and vegan butter or olive oil, dulse, and crushed black pepper and then pop in the sliced trumpet mushroom stems and soak them overnight and then pan fry them the next day.  If you're feeling really indulgent, you can even wrap them in vegan bacon.  I like the vegan bacon from Herbivorous Butcher or Upton's Naturals (available at Whole Foods).  There are many other recipes and options.  Here is one:
 
Scallops Recipe:  https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/vegan-mushroom-scallops
 
Want SUSHI?  Get yourself some veggies, fruits, rice, and seaweed wrapper!
Vegan sushi is now at many restaurants and you can make your own, too!  Here are recipes for everything from spicy tuna rolls to dynamite rolls:
 
https://chooseveg.com/blog/9-vegan-sushi-recipes-so-you-can-finally/

​Want OCTOPUS?  Get DRIED SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS!
Dried shiitake mushrooms can replicate the chewy texture of octopus without slaughtering one of these amazingly intelligent and creative creatures (have you seen My Octopus Teacher?  If not, stop!  Go see it right now!  It's on Netflix).

You just need to google "vegan octopus recipes" for a ton of options, but here is my all-time favorite:
https://flouredframe.com/vegan-takoyaki/

Want SQUID (CALAMARI)?  Get OYSTER MUSHROOMS!
Oyster mushrooms can make you some mouth-watering cruelty-free calamari.  Here's my favorite recipe:
https://www.dailyvegan.recipes/2020/11/03/vegan-calamari-with-spicy-chipotle-aioli/

Want CEVICHE?  Get some AVOCADO, some JICAMA - the options are endless!
Ceviche has many variations you can play with.  The marinade is, in my experience, the most important part.  Here's one of my favorite recipes, which takes only 20 minutes (!) and focuses on the lime and avocado components:
https://www.holajalapeno.com/vegan-ceviche/

Now, for the stuff that’s hard to make yourself, there are great options for buying plant-based tuna, salmon, shrimp, and other seafood dishes.  Some of my favorites:
 
WANT LOBSTER?  Buy it online from May Wah or NoPigNeva:
​
​https://nopigneva.com/shop/seafood/vegan-lobster/?fbclid=IwAR3r3BlPRqdrJqH5afcFox5HM6ELCU_T7G1xjarEARWsfYHlJBJEHzLW95U
 
I’ll just quote from their website:
“Vegan lobster ready for your homemade lobster roll. Just add lemon juice, hearts of palm, and a dash of Old Bay for the summer favorite you’ve been dreaming about. No animal products whatsoever, just a little taste of Maine without a trip to the ocean.”
 
Want CAVIAR?
Caviart makes both black and orange plant-based caviar delicacies from seaweed which means no whales or other animals were butchered AND you get all the many health benefits of seaweed.  You can buy this incredibleness at specialty stores or online.  It's even on Amazon:  
https://www.amazon.com/Caviart-Award-winning-VEGAN-Caviar-Seaweed/dp/B00XBOA3QS
See also: https://caviart.com/products/

Want FISH, SHRIMP,  FISH STICKS, FISH FILLET, TUNA, SALMON, ETC.?
One word for online ordering: NOPIGNEVA!  Check out all their plant-based seafood options at https://nopigneva.com/product-category/seafood/
 
For in-store shopping, both Sophie’s Kitchen and Good Catch have wonderful vegan seafood options as well.
 
https://www.sophieskitchen.com/
 
https://goodcatchfoods.com/

"Crab" Dip - The Fancy Version
As promised above, a cocktail party favorite fancy version of crab dip that you can make in 20 minutes (yes, truly!):
1.  Combine 1 cup of raw cashews, 2 cups water, 1/2 a fresh squeezed lemon,  1 T chickpea miso, 1/3 cup nutritional yeast in your blender and blend until it's a creamy dip.  
2.  In a saute pan, heat a little olive or avocado oil  and add a clove or two (to taste) of chopped garlic and about 1/2 cup minced shallots and sauté for 5 minutes.  While it's sautéing, take 16 oz Lion's Mane mushrooms and tear them into bite-some morsels - this is your "crab."  Pop the Lion's Mane mushrooms (if you're lucky enough to have access to Smallhold Lion's Mane mushrooms, these are what I use) along with 2 T of flour (I use cassava flour but you can really use any flour) into the pan and sauté another 5 minutes.  Add 1/2 cup of a good dry, white wine (like your favorite Pinot Grigio) and an optional T of good sherry and sauté a final 5 minutes.  Turn off the heat and pour in the blended dip you made first, very slowly, while stirring.  The mixture should be thick and a little chunky.  Pour it into a pretty serving bowl and garnish with a bit of parsley or green onions or both!  You can season with salt or dulse and pepper, as well, if you like.  You can also add vegan bacon bits.  My favorite for melt-in-your-mouth are Foreal Foods coconut bacon, however, there are many, MANY vegan coconut bacon bits that are all wonderful.
 
Happy eating!  Let me know if I missed your favorite seafood dish!  I'll add it in!  :)

This year, it was again my privilege to give welcoming remarks to the filmmakers of the annual 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition, a 3-day filmmaking extravaganza that aims to promote and support underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.  Every year, the competition focuses on a theme and, this year, we looked at words and why they matter so very much.  Here is a copy of the remarks on the topic and if you'd like to watch, just click here!
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Thanks and welcome filmmakers!  Every year we at the Film Lab choose a couple of themes to focus on for the Shootout.  This year we delved into what it means to be “essential” or “integral to” a society and how words can impact that perception of belonging.  The impact of simple words can have a dramatic impact on groups within a society.  An obvious example we’ve all seen is how the use of phrases like “Kung flu” and the “Chinese Virus” have influenced anti-Asian hate crimes across the country from beatings to stabbings to shootings.  Conversely, we’ve seen how phrases like “Black Lives Matter” and “Stop Asian Hate” have galvanized people to come together to support equality and inspired people to find empathy for others.  In looking at words in our language and how we use them, we were struck by the prevalence of what I call a language of domination or subjugation in our common vernacular.  That’s a mouthful.  What do I mean by that?  We often hear the phrases “kill it,” “slay it,” “crush it.”  We’re all familiar with the idea of coming, seeing and conquering.  That was what Columbus did, right?  And he’s such a role model?  So, is it a good thing?  This quest for domination, even at the expense of others, written into our very slang? 
 
Essentially, what we’re seeing is a use of our language that values destruction over construction and – as we all should know by now – words matter.
 
Rather than crushing, killing, slaying, or conquering (your films), what about creating?  Collaborating?  Learning? Building? 
 
Instead of hunting, slaughtering and domination (over your cast and crew), what about cooperating?  Nurturing?  Stewardship?  
 
What if we were to re-frame the foundation of our own narrative as constructive rather than destructive?  As one of casual kindness instead of casual cruelty?  What if we were to place value on the positives instead of the negatives? This year’s theme will invite you to do just that.
 
One last thing we touched upon in thinking what it means to be essential in a society – to truly belong – is also who our heroes are, how a hero is defined, whether a hero is valued or essential.  Going back to words and phrases, we also often hear the phrase “Don’t be a hero” (take care of yourself), which ties into this  language of domination, in a sense, by encouraging a self-centered, rather than a compassionate, outlook.  We challenge you to think about words and phrases and how you use them.  Think about it critically.  And we ask, that, for just 72 hours, you be heroes, take risks, be bold, and be courageous with your films.  After all, if you’re not, then what’s the point?  Most of all, though, have fun!  So, good luck.  Go create some game-changing films.  No pressure or anything.

youtu.be/e_H1IbF9aQI

​Every year around this time I start receiving my SAG screeners, stock up on my beloved Cado mint chip ice cream and start movie watching!  This year, I moved beyond the screeners to investigate films that I thought were truly special and, while I am no critic, thought it would be fun to share with you a shortlist of my favorites:
 
     1.     The More Than Frybread Movie

I do not know how I missed the More Than Frybread movie before. I was looking for a fun, contemporary movie over the #Thanksgiving break that had a Native American dominated cast and this one came up. It is freakin' hysterical. I laughed so hard I nearly cried. The only caveat I have is that afterwards I ate, like, a loaf of bread (not to mention several pints of Cado) because the movie makes you kind of hungry.  You'll understand when you watch it.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pto1xNsk98o
 
     2.     Woman at War

This is an amazing film I missed when it first came out but finally saw: Woman At War.  I am ashamed to say this is the first Icelandic-Ukrainian movie I've seen and now I know I should check out more. Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir, the lead actor, is AMAZING. This is another one of those fabulous films like A Call To Spy, more on that below, in which a woman leads with absolute perfection and we get the privilege of seeing the story through a lens breathtakingly different from the typical Hollywood basic vanilla. I never thought I'd see a comedy tackle such a serious issue (issues, really) in this kind of refreshing, dazzling way.  A must see.   https://www.womanatwarfilm.com/

     3.     Gunda

Gunda is my #1 favorite documentary of the year.  It is gorgeously shot – a treat for the eyes – and takes us all into another’s world, which is really the point of entertainment media, right?  To be able to see something we perhaps never before imagined from a perspective we may never before have imagined either.  By turns, hysterically funny and devastatingly heartbreaking, this is one of those never-to-be-forgotten films.  https://thevore.com/film/97041/
https://www.gunda.movie

     4.     A Call to Spy
 
I have read a lot of books about WWII and I was nervous about A Call To Spy but it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it. Bravo Radhika Apte, Sarah Megan Thomas and all the amazing cast and crew! It was so refreshing to see a movie about women spies that was about their minds, souls and actual spy craft, not about falling in love with some man or getting saved by some man.  https://youtu.be/3qpXI6n6Ea0

And from the SAG screeners:

1. Minari

As someone who spent a part of my childhood in the rural (ish) Midwest, as virtually the only non-white American in my school, it was refreshing to see another non-white American family in a similarly rural homogenous town.  The film was very realistic, authentic and genuine.  There isn’t  much malice or racism in this film, though there is ignorance and kindness.  It’s a refreshingly fun dive into an aspect of American life not often seen in mainstream media.

     2.     Nomadland
Nomadland, like Gunda, allowed me a glimpse of a life very different from my own.  It was a breathtakingly visceral mix of grief and freedom. Chloé Zhao and Frances McDormand are a powerhouse duo. I've decided I am going to be in a film with them. They don't know that yet....but I am sure they'll be cool with it. #Inspiration
www.WatchNomadland.com

     3.     Promising Young Woman
Saw my SAG Screener for Promising Young Woman and, after all I’d hoped for as a huge fan of writer/director Emerald Fennell (Killing Eve), I was not disappointed. For all of – I think many – of us who have experienced or witnessed something similar to what our protagonist or her best friend did, this film will hit a very raw nerve. For all the surreal shots and candy colors, it is very, very real. The long, silent scream for help echoes so many we have been ignoring for way too long. And the end was one I’d never, ever expected.  https://youtu.be/7i5kiFDunk8
 
If you’re looking to kick back, relax, and have some popcorn (or Cado mint chip), these films are a wonderful way to spend an evening in.  If you watch, I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on my picks!