by contributor, Nik Tyler
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• BOLD NATIVE (http://www.boldnative.com/store/)
I am so happy to report that “Bold Native” is available on DVD! This awesome narrative indie film about a young man’s epic journey as a member of the ALF (Animal Liberation Front) has every element you could wish for in an exciting, groundbreaking film; it’s packed with adventure, suspense, romance, horror, humor, drama and an undeniably powerful message about freedom. I guarantee this movie will be a hit with anyone on your gift list. The DVD also has some truly kick-ass and eye-opening extras, featuring interviews with “Bold Native” supporters, Russell Simmons, former NBA star, John Salley, and “Skinny Bitch” author/activist, Rory Freedman. Not to mention, you’ll get to see me sporting a pretty gnarly beard in my scene!
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• EARTHLINGS (http://www.earthlings.com/)
A mind blowing documentary by visionary director, Shaun Monson, that changed my life, profoundly. It’s the ultimate gift to give any “Truth-Seeker” on your gift list. Narrated by Joaquin Pheonix, with music by Moby, this film documents in detail all the ways in which our society exploits animals. Earthling’s is an amazing gift to humanity, and one of the most powerful films I have ever seen. So, lets get more DVD copies out there into the world!
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• SKINNY BASTARDThese “diet” books by the incomparable Rory Freedom are gonna’ rock your world! Everyone on the planet should own a copy. They’re funny, witty, compelling and filled with a vast array of information that will transform your diet for the better. I have yet to meet someone who has not been positively affected by reading these books. So, if you want to give someone in your life (or yourself) the gift of good health, this is the gift you must give!
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• SPORK ONLINE (http://www.sporkonline.com/)
Do you have friends or family members who love to cook? Don’t know how to cook? Or even hate cooking?! Then this is the gift for them… and the coolest part is it keeps on giving! The lovely ladies at Sporkonline (adorable, fun-loving, vegan chef sisters Heather and Jenny Goldberg) are going to show you how much fun you can have in the kitchen, while being kind to your body, the animals and the planet. Gift a friend, family 
member or yourself with a 6 month or yearly membership to their uber-cool website, where every month there’s a new entertaining, informative virtual cooking class jam packed with “lifelong skills towards healthy, compassionate cooking.”
member or yourself with a 6 month or yearly membership to their uber-cool website, where every month there’s a new entertaining, informative virtual cooking class jam packed with “lifelong skills towards healthy, compassionate cooking.”.
• THE CONSCIOUS COOK (http://www.talronnen.com/cookbook/)This cookbook featuring the recipes of acclaimed celebrity chef, Tal Ronen (who cooked for OPRAH!), is an incredible guide to gourmet vegan cooking; illustrated with gorgeous pictures, your mouth will start watering even before you get out the ingredients. This is a must-have cookbook for anyone who wants to cook healthy and hearty meals that look just as good as they taste! Get ready to have a work of delicious art displayed on your dining plate.
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• SEA SNAX (http://www.seasnax.com/web/)
Obviously, there is nothing traditionally holiday-esque about Seaweed, but I am obsessed with this product, and I think they’re a must-have at this year’s holiday feast. Sea Snax, an awesome company I discovered at my local Whole Foods this year, has a delicious assortment of seaweeds that are “lightly roasted with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt”. These tasty and totally nutritious (low in calories, very rich source of minerals) snacks are great on their own (tear em’ up and eat em’ like chips), or throw in some quinoa and avocado and wrap em’ up into a nori roll that is sure to please. Sea Snax also has a terrific Seaweed Salad Mix that is a unique addition to all salads and soups.
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• A SCENT OF SCANDAL (http://www.ascentofscandal.com/)
This is a fantastic gift idea for anyone who digs candles that smell so great you want to eat them! I currently have four of these delicious candles in my apartment, one burning in each room – they are just that freakin’ awesome. With humorous and scandalous names for each candle like “One Night Stand”, “Crazy Bitch”, “Threesome”, “Walk Of Shame”, “Rehab”, “Morning Wood”, “Stoner”, “Hot Mama”, “Sugar Daddy“, there is bound to be a special candle for every special person in your life. Some of my personal favorite scents are ”Hanukakah Bush” (pine tree fragrance), ”Santa’s Pole” (candy cane fragrance), “Rough Patch” (pumpkin fragrance) and “Cougar” (boyz’ n berry fragrance). Oh, yeah, and did I mention, these candles are totally vegan (soy wax) and eco-friendly (metal free, all cotton wicks)?! There’s no poor, overworked (and eventually dead) bee’s beeswax in these babies… plus, they burn between 30-35 hours.
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• VAUTE COUTURE (http://www.vautecouture.com/)
Have a fashionista on your gift list? This is your one-stop shop for all things fashionable, eco-friendly and cruelty-free. Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, the designing genius behind this rad fashion line has created a stunning collection of coats and cool message tees for both men and women that are sure to make a strong and stylin’ fashion statement by whoever sports them. I wear her “No Animals Are Harmed In The Making Of This Boy” message tee everywhere I go – not only is it comfortable and a great fit, but I get to wear a shirt that has a truly unique message that makes people think. So for anyone on your list who wants to look good, but also wants to change the world with the clothing they wear, this gift is a perfect fit..
• GIFT DONATION:
Last, but certainly not least, I recommend giving the gift of a donation to an awesome charity this year. The holidays are about living in gratitude and being generous and loving, so please give, give, give & love, love, love!
Here are some wonderful organizations that I love to support:
Farm Sanctuary (http://www.farmsanctuary.org/get_involved/honor.html)
Mercy For Animals (https://www.charity-pay.com/mfa/donation.asp)
Action For Animals (http://www.afa-online.org/donate.html)
Band Of Mercy (http://bandofmercy.org/donate.htm)
So there ya’ go, Discerning Brutes! My 2010 Holiday Gift suggestion list. Thanks for checking em’ out and I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and an extraordinary New Year!
I’ve been a fan of Mauk Family Farms products for a while now. This company makes some really delectable Flax Seed crackers (my favorite flavor is “Garlic Onion”) as well as two other great products called “Wheat Free Crusts” (brown and golden flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, celery seed, garlic, onion, red bell pepper, parsley, sea salt & water) & “Breakfast Crusts” (pumpkin seeds, black/white sesame seed,golden flax seed, garlic, onion, dulse flakes & sea salt). They have no grain or gluten and are rich in Copper, Magnesium & essential fatty acids. These crusts are totally addictive and perfect on their own… or try one of my favorite combo’s and spread on some creamy coconut oil and you’ll be in total ecstasy!!
In addition to their delicious crackers, 2 Moms also sell raw Granola which rocks! Not your typical granola, a little more chunky, you can break it into little pieces and eat it like a breakfast bar. The two flavors I’ve tried, Blueberry & (Gluten-free) Gojiberry are free of refined sugars (substitute Agave) and instead are jam-packed with a ton of healthy ingredients (buckwheat, coconut, a plethora of seeds/nuts and more!!), all of which have been soaked & sprouted to perfection; chewy, crunchy, semi-sweet and utterly delicious, countless textures and flavors awaken your taste-buds and take em’ on one helluva’ wild joy-ride!
gourmet pre-packaged snack line has an array of delicious cookies, chips & granola! One of my favorites is the “Salt & Pepper Crawkers”; made from an array of delicious veggies (kale, celery, parsley, carrots, to name a few), walnuts, flaxseeds, rosemary & garlic. These crunchy and peppery delights are just as addictive as potato chips, but they’re a healthy version! Plus, all of Kookie Karma’s products are free of most common food allergens (gluten, corn, soy, dairy, baking soda/powder, sulfites, preservatives, sugar & wheat). I also dig Kookie Karma’s cookies; their “Raw Banana Bread” is like a slice of banana bread in cookie form; light, moist & subtly sweet, it’s the perfect delicious treat! There are also 7 other flavors: “Cherry Cashew”, “Raw Lemon Fig”, “Holistic Chocolate Chip”, “Holistic Carob Chip” (with a hint of coconut) and “Holistic Choco Lot”, all of which create an awesome roller coaster ride for your tastes buds!! So, I guess it’s obvious that I am a big fan of Juli’s company and I believe that whatever you are doing right now, it would be better if you had a Kookie Karma snack there with you; so don’t waste any time, check out Juli’s terrific site: 
I am obsessed with Lydia’s Organics raw products, especially her “Green Crackers” made of sprouted sunflower seeds, sprouted flax, collards, celery, kale, spinach, garlic, onions, 8 other veggies & Himalayan crystal salt. I also dig her “Sunflower Bread” which is a combination of sprouted sunflower seeds, sprouted flax, carrots, celery, parsley, basil, dulse, herbs & Himalayan crystal salt. Both these crackers have a unique and satisfying taste and texture that makes it hard to put the bag down before it’s empty! Try adding some Coconut oil on top, and you’ve got an extraordinary raw, vegan dessert that is nutritious and delicious! You can find Lydia’s amazing organic raw creations at several stores across the country (Whole Foods & Co Op’s for sure!) or you can shop directly on Lydia’s site: 
very zen, healing sanctuary has been a fixture in Santa Monica for years and I would always pass it by with a curious eye. But a few weeks ago, I finally went inside and I am so happy I did!
