Why Photography

Have you ever looked at an old family photo and were instantly brought back to that time and place (figuratively speaking, of course and assuming you were there when it was taken)?  For example, here is one of me that was shot many years ago by my mother at Roslyn Park, NY.  Whenever I look at it, I vividly remember that day.

Besides beautiful memories for you, others will remember how you looked at that time.  Imagine what else it can do for you.  For example, for women, if it is done right, it can celebrate your unique beauty, tell your story, give you more confidence in yourself, help you feel more feminine, more empowered, sexier, and perhaps see a side of yourself that you never knew existed.  That sounds like a lot, but if you know someone (or if you've had a session done to perfection) who has been changed by a glamour/beauty portrait, you'll know it's true.

You probably have seen magazines covers and photos and thought, "wouldn't it be nice if I looked like that!"  Well, every woman is beautiful and with the right photographer and makeup, she can.  Many top models look just like someone you would see walking along and not really notice, at least not until they've had their makeup professionally done, the right lighting and pose, and the right photographer shoot their photo.  Here is a photo of a young woman who became a model and was on the cover of several magazines, including Elle.  I shot the top photo (a snapshot - unplanned and not posed) at Venice Beach.

Here she is on the cover of Elle (not shot by me):

Can you look like a magazine cover?  Most likely.  How would that make you feel?  Wouldn't it be nice to show your kids when they grow up, and your grand kids?  The photo below of my mother was shot by me in the 1970s - she had done her own makeup.  I may be biased, but I think she could have been on a magazine cover in this photo.

The point is - a well done photo can do wonders for your life and how you feel about yourself.  Not to mention how your children and grandchildren and other family members will remember you.

Pro or Anti Vaccine - Neither. Pro Freedom of Choice - Yes

I realized I didn't quite finish my last post.  What did I leave out?  The reason for the post.  Which is this - to balance what you most likely have been hearing in the media (even on Jimmy Kimmel!).  They report all the benefits of vaccines, but none of the downsides.  Both sides slant the statistics in their favor.  For example, before the measles vaccine in this country, measles cases had dropped 98%.  They say the vaccine reduced measles by 99%.  The only conclusion I can come to if both these statistics are true is that the vaccine reduced the remaining 2% by 99% since 1966.  Would the same have happened without the vaccine?  Would measles have been wiped out without the vaccine?  We'll never know.

As far as adverse events related to vaccines - that gets complicated.  How many are there that go unreported (how many know how to report it)?  How many connect an adverse event to the vaccine?  How many are actually caused by the vaccine?  How long might it be before there is an adverse event?  Is the 108 deaths reported from measles vaccine actually caused by the vaccine?  Is it coincidence?  Or is the actual number much much higher?  How about less serious side effects, such as life long brain damage?  What long term negative effect may it have on your immune system?  Why are the makers of vaccines not liable for damages from the vaccines?  And if they are as safe as reported, why have $2.8 billion been paid by the government (the taxpayers, but not the drug companies) to settle claims?  I'm sure there are many more questions.  The point is, there is ample reason for doubt and many reasons everyone should have Freedom of Choice.  Wasn't this country founded on that concept?

Years ago, when I co-owned a vitamin/health food store in Santa Monica, I studied for and received my masters degree, and took all the courses for the PhD degree in holistic nutrition (but never wrote the thesis).  I wanted to learn the truth about this subject.  What I learned was the same thing as with vaccines - there is no way to know the truth, as everyone disagrees about the benefits of this or that and everyone's body reacts differently to different substances.  It may work or not work, it may do harm or do good.  Unfortunately, with vaccines, you don't know until after the vaccination.  I posted all those links so you can get educated about both sides of the argument and then make an informed decision.  

The Pros and Cons of vaccines parallels the pros and cons of vitamins and supplements.  If you listen to the media, most of the time they say you don't need them.  If you learn about vitamins and supplements, and take them, you'll realize they can do wonders for you.  They have for me.  It is my Freedom of Choice to take them or not - I choose to take them.  They work for me!

To Vaccinate or not to Vaccinate, That is the Question

And the answer is ........... it should be up to you (and no one else).  It should be an informed decision.  Rather than me, or someone else, telling you what to do, here are links where you can get the facts, because what's in the media is misleading, wrong, or worse.  For example, many media reports have said vaccinations cause no harm.  But if you go to this government site you'll see that they do.  Close to one vaccine injury claim compensated every two days for the past 25 years - $2.8 billion in settlements, paid by the government (the makers of the vaccines are not liable - if vaccines are so safe, why would they need to be protected from liability?).

So when you have some extra time, check out a link every few days (bookmark this page), get educated about scientific studies and vaccines, and then you can make an informed choice.  And never forget how important your health is to you and your loved ones.

Here are the links:

The first three are about studies and how and why they are unreliable.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/11/lies-damned-lies-and-medical-science/308269/2/

http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/most_medical_research_is_flawed_says_leading_medical_editor

https://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/magazine/article/?article_id=53345

The rest of the links are about vaccines (some from government websites).

http://vaccines.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005206

http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/government-pays-damages-to-vaccine-victims-flu-shot-most-dangerous-with-gbs-and-death-settlements/

http://vaccineimpact.com/2015/zero-u-s-measles-deaths-in-10-years-but-over-100-measles-vaccine-deaths-reported/

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/10/measles-disneyland.aspx?e_cid=20150210Z1_DNL_NB_art_1&utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20150210Z1_DNL_NB&et_cid=DM67220&et_rid=837355024

http://www.smartvax.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66:increase-in-usa-vaccine-schedule-vs-other-countries

http://www.westonaprice.org/press/studies-show-that-vaccinated-individuals-spread-disease/
http://vaccineimpact.com/2015/arizona-cardiologist-responds-to-critics-regarding-measles-and-vaccines/
http://www.morganverkamp.com/august-27-2014-press-release-statement-of-william-w-thompson-ph-d-regarding-the-2004-article-examining-the-possibility-of-a-relationship-between-mmr-vaccine-and-autism/
http://vaccineimpact.com/2015/richard-moskowitz-m-d-the-case-against-immunizations/

Speaking of being informed (this is from the American Medical Association):

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/code-medical-ethics/opinion808.page

Here is a link to get a copy of a book on health by Mahatma Ghandi:
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40373?msg=welcome_stranger

I started researching vaccines when someone called people who don't vaccinate, "callously stupid."  I don't resort to nor like name calling and thought that remark was, well, callous, because it was wrong.  So I nicely tried to tell her the reasons for those who don't want to vaccinate, but she didn't want to hear it.  I explained how the tobacco industry used the same tactics as pro-vaxx people use.  She claimed it was not the same - but see this Chart! (Skip all the ads - just check out the article and chart.)  I told her how studies can, and are, flawed to show what the researcher wants to show.  She said no, they don't do that.  What could be the possible reason (read the 3 links above for those reasons).  I told her from zero to four people had died from measles in the last 10 years, and 108 died from the vaccine for the measles.  She said that was BS (spelled out in large caps) and told me to do MY research.  I had done it, and gave her the link to the CDC website and VAERS, where she could verify what I said - don't know if she did.  I suspect there are many others out there who believe what the media and their doctors tell them (keep in mind, the same drug companies that make vaccines also donate money to the medical schools the doctors go to, and fund doctors research projects).  If you do your research, you can learn the truth about things.

I started researching health 38 years ago when I was diagnosed with nervous stomach, but given no answers on how to get rid of the problem.  I discovered it was my diet (mostly caused by sugar in junk food) and changed it, then added supplements.  The problem went away, as did my allergies, headaches, colds, flu, and more over the years.  Doing independent research pays off.

I hope whatever decision you make regarding vaccines (or anything else, for that matter) is the right one for you.  May you live long and prosper....and be healthy.

Health Reports from the Media

Who do you believe?  How do you tell fact from fiction?  Here's what I do, and why (also known as doing my research so I can make informed decisions based on facts, and definitely not on media reports):

1.  I look for the motives in what the media reports.  For example, because pharmaceutical companies advertise with TV, magazines, etc., which brings in millions (billions?) of dollars for these media, would it make sense for them to tell you in the news that the drugs might be bad for you?  How about vitamins and supplements that compete with drugs?  Most stories will be negative about those because they compete with drugs.  The drug studies they report tell you how amazing the drugs are.  The facts are that prescription drugs kill over 100,000 a year (possibly much higher), plus probably millions of adverse events, and many times these side effects are worse than what you're taking the drug for.  Vitamins - no deaths reported in the past few years.  There were thousands of studies showing the benefits and safety of vitamin C.   There was one negative study which contradicted all the positive studies and guess what?  That was the one that made the news.  (Note:  Vitamin C has been extremely beneficial for me.)

2.  Research, research, research (aka due diligence).  Eliminate the variables - money, flawed studies (unfortunately, that's about 90% of them), etc.  When the person reporting has little or no monetary gain to be made, or is not selling the product they are studying, it will more likely be an honest study.

3.  I go to certain websites to start my research - mercola.com, HSIonline.com, www.orthomolecular.org, Life Extension Foundation, and others.  If they provide links to CDC, VAERS, etc., I check those.  It was in these two links I found that measles killed either zero or 4 people in the last 10 years, but the measles vaccine killed 108.

4.  Beware of scare tactics.  For example, about vaccinations - things to think about - if 90% of people get vaccinated, why would anyone worry if you didn't, unless the vaccine didn't always work, and if that's the case....  Keep in mind, if you do get vaccinated for measles, for several days after vaccination, you can pass the measles on.  So someone who can't get the vaccine for medical reasons should not be exposed to a person who just got vaccinated for a period of several days.  Also ask why vaccine makers are not liable if something should happen to the person vaccinated.  You take all the risk, the drug company takes all the money and no risk.  They have no liability for vaccinations.  They don't have to worry about what might happen to you if they mess up.  Why?  Please go to this site for more information and the truth about the measles vaccine:  National Vaccine Information Center,  Informative article with 34 references and several other links where you can verify what is written.  When you read this and then hear what the media reports, you'll understand why you should NEVER believe the media without reading the actual facts.

5.  After I started taking supplements that they say don't work, my health improved dramatically.  Of course, they'll say it's the "Placebo effect."  Even if that was the case, I wouldn't care, but I know it's only that on occasion.  In the Feb-Mar 2015 of AARP, there is an article written about heart disease, which says, "Don't take dietary supplements," written by a doctor, of course.  He tells you to take drugs instead.  Further he says, "There's no way to know what's in them....and there's little scientific evidence of any benefits."  If you do your research, you'll find these statements are false, with a few exceptions (for fly by night off brand brands).  He said to avoid coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E, and fish oil (all excellent supplements for heart support)!  Must be because you might not need the drugs if you take those supplements.  He mentioned a new drug called LCZ696 for heart disease (not yet approved).  Before you decide on whether to take it, read this article about what it may do:  LCZ696.  About the coenzyme Q10 he said to avoid - read this article, also written by an M.D. - Co-enzyme Q10 (BTW, I've been taking it for over 10 years).

In the same magazine there are at least 6 full pages of drug ads.  The doctor who wrote the article is on the AARP advisory board.

In my 20 years of working in and owning retail vitamins stores, I've talked with over 30,000 people.  I can say without a doubt that vitamins and supplements work.  They are not a replacement for a healthy diet, but a supplement to one, which I've talked about in other posts.  One of the best sites you'll find about what a health diet consists of?  Go to foodbabe.com.  Or follow the diet of the Hunza (all natural, organic, fresh whole foods with no chemicals).

Is the Media Effective?

Unfortunately, too many believe what they see, read, or hear on TV, radio, magazines, etc.  Since 1990, there have been 329 deaths, and 6,962 serious adverse events related to vaccines - go to link above for what some of those events have been.

Some other things I've read relating to vaccines - if you've been vaccinated for a particular disease, and then get the disease anyway, it may be worse than had you not been vaccinated.  Getting a disease, such as measles, gives you life long immunity to that disease.  Getting vaccinated does not.  And some disease are worse (more dangerous) if you get them as an adult.

An example of Media Speak - Unvaccinated children put vaccinated children at great risk because vaccines work so well they make vaccinated children immune...unless there are unvaccinated children around in which case the unvaccinated children cause the vaccinated children to revert to unvaccinated status which is bad.  And that's where measles comes from.

Venice Beach Photos at the Paddle Tennis Courts

It's the weekend, so thought I would head out to the beach and shoot some photos.  I ran into Paula, and knowing that I would only get good photos, because that's what happens with her, I shot a bunch.  Normally I would be playing some sets, but injured my wrist, so shooting photos is the next best thing.

It's nice to be able to go out to the beach in February - certainly can't do that in the Northeast this Winter.  It was in the low to mid 60's here and I was chilly, the cool breeze coming off the ocean.  Can't imagine what it's like there, where I grew up.  Of course, we have the drought out here in So Cal - just heard on the weather report that the land in So Cal has risen about 6mm (1/2 inch) because of all the loss of weight from being down trillions of gallons of water.  Anyway, here are some of the photos:

The Legend - Bill Brothers 

This last photo is of Paula and me, taken by Denise

And this will be all for today.  Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Valentine's Day, 2015

Hope everyone who visits here is having, or has had, a happy Valentine's Day.  Just because this day comes only once a year, what do you think you should do on all those other days?  Here's an idea, sort of like what I do with ice-cream....What?????  I only eat ice-cream on holidays, plus my birthday.  So my idea is to do the same and treat all holidays like Valentine's Day, because once a year just isn't enough.  Maybe even on some obscure holidays.

Because this day is also a good day to take photos of those you love, here are a few tips, mostly for photographing women, although can apply to guys, too.  Don't face elbows straight at the camera.  Show the fingers relaxed, and hands from a side view rather than the back of the hand.  If you show hands in a fist, they may look amputated.  Same if you crop photos at the joints.  Want longer legs?  Point the toes, which also give the calves nicer shape.  Focus on the eyes.

It's always a good idea to write ideas down when you think of them, otherwise when you need them, you'll have forgotten.  This just happened to me on this blog.  I had a bunch of ideas for today's blog when I woke up, and thankfully remembered a few things, but not some others.

About health and love - I think each is as important as the other.  This is why I feel each should be practiced every day.  If you've followed this blog, you know that I promote health through diet, exercise, and supplements.  Why?  Well, here's one reason:  Two days ago, I started to feel like some virus was trying to get me.  Started with a scratchy throat.  I started taking Cyclone Cider and Oil of Oregano every few hours, upped my vitamin C, plus took a supplement with a mushroom complex, golden seal, etc., and the virus never progressed, and is now almost gone.  Growing up I never knew about these things, and when I felt as I just had, I would be sick for 1 - 2 weeks.  Now I didn't even miss playing several games of paddle tennis.

Photography and Health - Part III

Health goes hand in hand with everything you do.  For me, that's photography.  To get the best images, I need to be at my best....and need need my subjects to be at their best, too.  The benefit is that you'll not only get better photos, have more energy, and you'll be happier and enjoy life more.

In my last post, I talked about what has worked for me to get and stay healthy.  And most likely something very similar will work for you.  What I'm going to say in this post may shock you, but you can check any facts online if you think they are wrong.

FACT 1 - Properly prescribed prescription drugs kill over 100,000 people a year in the U.S.  Because cause of death may be listed as something else (heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, etc.), even though a drug was actually responsible, that number may be much higher.  Imagine if terrorists killed that many people in the U.S. every year.  The U.S. allows these companies to advertise these drugs on TV - only one of two countries to allow it (the other is New Zealand).

FACT 2 - Every prescription drug has a list of 70 - 75 or more side effects.

FACT 3 - The last 60 years of cancer research has not diminished cancer, other than what has been accomplished through less people smoking.  In fact, other than stopping smoking, rates may be increasing.

How many times have you gone to your doctor and had your doctor tell you what changes you could make in your diet and lifestyle to prevent some malady?  Or do they just tell you what drug to take?

FACT 4 - Doctors and pharmaceutical companies only make money if you are sick.  If you and everyone else gets well, they've lost their customers.  What do you think they will do?  Think very carefully about this - it could literally be the difference between life and death, or between being well and being sick.

And finally, for this post, please click on this link to understand why most of what you're told by doctors and pharmaceutical companies is wrong - it may help you feel healthier and it literally may save your life:  Lies, Damned Lies, and Medical Science - from the Atlantic magazine..  It's a long article (2 very loooooong pages) - but a definite must read.

Wish you all the best of health and happiness, and if you are getting photos done, hope they are better than you ever expected.