HERMÈS SAYS IT'S ALL GOOD

WITH JANE BIRKIN NOW

 In July, Jane Birkin publicly asked Hermès to remove her name from the brand's bestselling handbag, upset by the inhumane practices of a crocodile farm associated with the French luxury house. On Friday, Hermès issued a statement reinstating its commitment to enforcing ethical regulations with its suppliers, noting that the 68-year-old actress "is satisfied by the measures taken by Hermès":

"Following the heartfelt emotion expressed by Jane Birkin and her request for explanation, Hermès in agreement with her reiterates its firm commitment in the ethical treatment of crocodiles in its partner farms.

Hermès reasserts its commitment to implement best practice in the farming of crocodiles, working with professional crocodile farmers and their attached local communities. This is in strictest compliance with international regulations.

In consultation with local regulatory organizations and associations, Hermès is resolved to evolve its current recommendations to support the development of best standards for the entire profession. In the United States, the document of reference is the Best Management Practices for Louisiana Alligator Forming. We demand that these Louisiana practices be the reference applied by all our suppliers in the U.S.A., Texas included."

In July, PETA released a graphic video of alligators being inhumanely slaughtered in Winnie, Texas, a factory that supplies Hermès with skins that could be used to produce the Birkin bag. CEO Axel Dumas addressed Birkin's concerns with an immediate investigation. Friday's statement from Hermès noted it as an "isolated regulatory," assuring that "an audit carried out in July 2015 showed that all practices on the site are compliant. Any further irregularity will lead to Hermès immediately ceasing relations with this farm."

But PETA (an Hermes shareholder) is still wary of the allegedly mended ties. PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk has responded to the reports:

 Jane Birkin is a good person, and we think she has been given false assurances by Hermès that it gives a hoot about animals or that what PETA witnessed was – so conveniently – an aberration in the way that it factory-farms and slaughters crocodiles and alligators.

The appalling conditions that PETA exposed are not an "isolated irregularity" at all. In the month that PETA's investigator was employed at the Lone Star Alligator Farm's abattoir in Texas, no inspectors were on site nor was there any mention of inspections, casting grave doubt on Hermès' assurances that it conducts monthly inspections. Had Hermès personnel looked, they would have seen alligators crowded into dark, filthy pits full of alligator waste and grossly inhumane methods used to kill the reptiles – yet nothing was done about it.

We believe Ms Birkin will come to realise that her good name does not belong on a bag made from the cruelly obtained skins of factory-farmed wildlife. 

Posted by tammyduffy at 12:01 AM EDT

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Since former Loewe Creative Director Stuart Vevers took the helm at Coach in 2013, the brand has been shedding its accessible, Middle America image in favor of one that's much more youthful, edgy and higher-end. Coach joined the Fashion Week calendar in February 2014, presenting a spring collection full of covetable outerwear and accessories — and followed it up with an even better offering for fall. And while those presentations helped get the attention of the fashion crowd, relatively few pieces have actually made it into stores. With the creation of a luxury line, we're hoping that will change.

The show, set to take place on the Chelsea High Line, will stream live on Coach's website. Viewers will be able to purchase the spring 2016 collection's saddlebag, designed by Vevers to honor Coach's 75th anniversary next year.

It's exciting news, but whether the new luxury line can help reverse Coach's falling sales remains to be seen.

Posted by tammyduffy at 2:42 PM EDT

Updated: Saturday, 12 September 2015 2:43 PM EDT

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GIVENCHY STAGED A POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO NEW YORK CITY AT ITS SPRING SHOW

The venue opened just before sundown, and what awaited guests beyond the metal barricades was a well-planned, multi-sensory experience, orchestrated by artist Marina Abramović. She aimed to create something "respectful and humble" for the somber occasion, beginning with a wooden and scrap metal set constructed of only recycled materials. Performance artists were suspended on platforms against the skyline, as was a monk, whose live chanting set the pre-show mood. After the sun had fully set — a consequence of waiting for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West to arrive an hour after the scheduled start time — a gong signaled the start of the 88-look show, which wound a runway the entire length of the pier. 

A female vocalist provided the soundtrack, which began with the traditional Jewish song "Shalom Aleichem," or "peace be with you," followed by music from a mix of cultures and religions. The clothing was a celebration of Tisci's "greatest hits" from his decade at the house in a clean palette of black and white. A main focus was lingerie-like lace dresses — many that were draped or tied around the body — which had that Gothic (yet romantic) feel the designer is known for. To toughen up these sheer, delicate looks, Tisci incorporated plenty of menswear-inspired suiting pieces — some structured, others done up in fluid silk — and heavy embellishments in the form of metal hoops and chains, hanging pearls and textured leather.

Along with a selection of menswear, the drama really came out halfway through the show when a series of couture-like looks (many of which recalled Tisci's past Givenchy Couture collections) walked the runway. There were voluminous black ballgowns, dégradé feathers, cascades of fringe, impeccably layered paillettes, intricate embroidery and patchwork — each the result of painstaking attention to detail. In true Givenchy fashion, these were topped off with conceptual beauty looks, including sparkling, tribal facial jewelry, lace masks and warrior-like metal headbands.

 Link Below are photos from the show

 http://fashionista.com/2015/09/givenchy-spring-2016-new-york?utm_source=Fashionista&utm_campaign=741e2ad475-Fashionista_Daily_September_14_20159_12_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4bdacaea8a-741e2ad475-393658509#&gid=ci01d8665b30022a83&pid=givenchy-rs16-2775jpg

 The casting was predictably stellar, with Tisci muses like Mariacarla Boscono, Candice Swanepoel, Jamie Bochert, Lakshmi Menon, Raquel Zimmermann and Kendall Jenner appearing in the lineup. As the models took their final walk, a haunting version of "Ave Maria" rang out, allowing the audience to soak up the final moments before Tisci took his bow.

In an industry where exclusivity is the name of the game, the powerful vibe of togetherness at the Givenchy show was touching — especially on the anniversary of the biggest tragedy in recent American history. On Friday night, it didn't matter if you were a seasoned editor in the front row or one of the curious fashion fans that lined the standing section; each guest was an equal witness to this phenomenal display of respect and hope for New York City, as well as to one hell of a beautiful show. The runway could have been easier for the models. There were several who fell during the show.

Posted by tammyduffy at 2:25 PM EDT

Updated: Saturday, 12 September 2015 3:25 PM EDT

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 Children Are Victims In Divorce

There’s no denying that a woman’s relationship with her father is one of the most crucial in her life. The quality of that connection – good, damaged, or otherwise – powerfully impacts dads and daughters in a multiple of ways.  A father’s effect on his daughter’s psychological well-being and identity is far-reaching. A daughter’s sense of self, for instance, is often connected to how her father views her. A girl stands a better chance of becoming a self-confident woman if she has a close bond with her father.

While divorce can be problematic for all children, it poses unique challenges for girls, in part due to a tendency they have to crave emotional closeness more than boys do. She may feel that if her family is broken, she is broken. Due to a delayed reaction to divorce or a “Sleeper Effect,” a girl might go undercover, and develop an increased sensitivity to loss that may go unnoticed.

Why is the father-daughter relationship so vulnerable to disruption after a parents’ divorce?  Dr. Linda Nielson, a nationally recognized expert on father-daughter relationships, posits that that while most daughters of divorce are well adjusted several years after their parents’ divorce, many have damaged relationships with their fathers. Unfortunately, if the wound is severe, a girl may grow into adulthood with low self-esteem and trust issues.

Dr. Nielson also found that girls tend to spend more time with their mothers (and less time with their dad) after their parents’ divorce. In her extensive research, Dr. Nielson found that only 10 to 15 percent of fathers get to enjoy the benefits of joint custody after the family splits.

Daughters who have a strong relationship with their father are more likely to be self-confident and mature – possessing a purpose in their lives. A daughter’s relationship with her father is the first one that teaches her how she should be treated by a man. But Dads often lose touch with their daughters after a family splits up and they don’t always know how to reconnect. I know firsthand about this loss because I experienced it with my own father and fortunately was able to heal the rupture in our relationship.

Why is the father-daughter bond so vulnerable to disruption after divorce?

• Girls tend to spend more time with their moms after divorce (and less time with their dads).
• During early adolescence, a girl tends to feel distant from her dad and she may resent her stepmom or his girlfriend. Meanwhile, she may tend to have an intense, complicated relationship with her mom (confidant, too close, lots of conflict and love).
• Mothers and stepmoms don’t always understand the importance of the father-daughter bond so they may not encourage it.
• Dads don’t always know how to connect with their daughters around activities that are mutually satisfying so they start spending less time together.
• If the father-daughter bond is severely damaged it can cause daughters to have trust and intimacy issues in adult relationships. It may push them to pick romantic partners who are all wrong for them because they set low standards.

The truth is that girls go through many changes during adolescence and at this pivotal time, they may become more distant from their dads. There is also more tension between mothers and daughters – even in intact families.  Divorce often intensifies issues between family members. The good news is that it’s not too late for fathers and daughters to connect.

10 Tips for fathers with daughters of all ages:

• Express loving feelings: Hugs, praise, and suggesting activities are ways to do this.
• Connect through notes: Texts, emails, or a postcard or letter if you are away.
• Idle chats: Ask her questions or exchange small talk while you are driving in the car,  helping her with homework, cooking, or a doing a project together (puzzle, decorate her room).
• Special dates: For younger daughters, a visit to the zoo or the park are possible ways to connect and relax together. Throw in a picnic or ice cream cone too! For teenage or young adult daughters: Take her to lunch, the gym, or a wonderful movie – ask her for ideas!
• Include her in vacation plans: Ask her where she wants to go (with limits).
• Find ways to help her to build self-esteem such as encouraging her to develop interests and recognizing her strengths. It’s okay for her to abandon these interests when she decides to check new ones out. Try to be accepting of her need for independence as she reaches adolescence. She still needs your approval but requires a little space to explore and grow.
• Encourage her to spend close to equal time with both parents. Be flexible – especially as she reaches adolescence and may need more time for friends, school, jobs, and extracurricular activities.
• Be sure not to bad-mouth her mother – even if she complains about her. For instance, mothers and daughters can experience more tension during adolescence and you can serve as a buffer. Keep in mind that her mother is still her model and so saying negative things about your ex-spouse will hurt your daughter and may spark a negative reaction.
• Attempt to help her repair any father-daughter wounds. If your relationship has been damaged and she doesn’t want to connect, you may want to seek professional help from a divorce coach or therapist.
• Be patient and persistent in showing your daughter you want to spend time with her. It’s never too late to develop a stronger father-daughter bond or to reconnect while you’re still alive! Don’t let your fear of rejection of the past prevent you from enjoying a positive bond with your daughter.

10 Tips for daughters of all ages:  

• Be honest about your relationship with your father and any wounds that exist.
• Let go of self-blame and forgive yourself (for whatever you told yourself) and your dad.
• Give up the dream of a perfect connection with your father.
• Look at ways you may have accepted relationships that were not healthy for you to fill the void your dad left (dating unavailable men or ones who are all wrong for you).
• Examine your relationship with your dad and attempt to reconnect if there have been any wounds. He may be able to help you be your best self.
• Be patient and have realistic expectations.  After all, it may take time to reconnect if your relationship is damaged or distant.
• Invest your time in something that interests your dad – such as attending a sporting or work event with him if you have the opportunity.
• Express your needs clearly and calmly. This could be verbally, a letter, or release (“I release you from not being more active in my life, even if I don’t know why or it hurts”). You may decide not to share your letter with your father, but this step can still be therapeutic.
• Accept that people usually do the best they can and attempt to be more understanding of your father and his situation.
• You may want to seek professional help to deal with your wound with your father if your relationship doesn’t seem to be improving.

If fathers can remain an integral part of their daughter’s life after divorce, a loving bond will help them get through rough patches in life.  Likewise, even the most troubled, overwrought , baggage-laden relationship is not without hope – if not of reconciliation, then at least of the daughter finding a new way of seeing her father that might help her to make sense of the forces that shaped him and his actions.  In most cases, It’s not too last to connect with your father or your daughter, even if you haven’t done so in some time.  

 All daughters benefit from a close bond with their father. It is never too late to heal fractured relationships and for love and forgiveness. Fathers can be an integral part of their daughters lives even if they live apart or have had limited contact in the past.

Posted by tammyduffy at 5:31 PM EDT

Updated: Saturday, 12 September 2015 11:52 AM EDT

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She stated in the conference," We have a health crisis in Hamilton Township in the form of opiate addiction, we need to be proactive."She went on to say, "We need to release the "Not in my backyard", mentality of the current administration.

Amy Inman has put together a multi-step plan to help combat heroin and it is completely free of charge. She is a passionate advocate for this program. So passionate, she herself is certified to deploy Nalaxone. She encourages every parent, administrator, school nurse, addict and teenager to get certified as well. This will give someone who is struggling a chance at life. She actually demonstrated to all of us how easy it is to deploy Nalaxone. 

Residents of Hamilton can go online to register for the certification class at:

http://overdosepreventionagency.com/training-registration/

This link above will allow you to register for a class to become certified in the deployment of Nalaxone.  You can use the pull down menu in the link to select a day and time that works best for you. This course is completely free and you will receive a certification for deployment of Nalaxone.  The class only takes 35 minutes.  You then are certified to save lives.  After you register you will go to TOPAC (The Overdose Prevention Agency Corporation). Their office is located at 1540 Kuser Road, Suite A-2 in Hamilton, NJ 08619. Their phone number is 609 581- 0600.

Lay people who administer the drug are protected from civil and criminal liability.  If you are an addict, and are high and with a friend who OD'd, call 911, you are protected by the OPA law (Overdose Prevention Act). The Legislature finds and declares that encouraging witnesses and victims of drug overdoses to seek medical assistance saves lives and is in the best interests of the citizens of this State and, in instances where evidence was obtained as a result of seeking of medical assistance, these witnesses and victims should be protected from arrest, charge, prosecution, conviction, and revocation of parole or probation for possession or use of illegal drugs.  Additionally, naloxone is an inexpensive and easily administered antidote to an opioid overdose.  Encouraging the wider prescription and distribution of naloxone or similarly acting drugs to those at risk for an opioid overdose, or to members of their families or peers, would reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths and be in the best interests of the citizens of this State. It is in the best interest of Hamilton residents to do this.

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the State of New Jersey. The opiate and heroin epidemic is claiming the lives of the residents of New Jersey. It has had catastrophic consequences for both addicts and their families.

In February, when Inman accepted the nomination for Mayor from the Democratic party, making an impact on the heroin epidemic was one of the many reasons she said yes to the nomination. Upon accepting her nomination, she immediately called John Mincarelli from Recovery Advocates of America to discuss what we could do on a municipal level to assist in the heroin epidemic.  John introduced her to Project Save, which is having an amazing impact in Gloucster, NJ.

One of the most significant initiatives associated with Project SAVE is the SAVE Advocate which entails having a New Jersey Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in this Municipal Court Room.

When those suffering from such addiction are arrested for these crimes they often appear in Municipal Court where there are seldom available resources for dealing with those suffering from addiction.

The absence of such a drug court program in municipal court often leaves defendants, family members of those suffering from addiction, and even the Judge with few options regarding treatment or assistance.  The Project SAVE Advocate will be present in the Gloucester Township Municipal Court to assist defendants suffering from addiction, their family members, the Municipal Prosecutor, and the Judge with providing information about available treatment programs.

The SAVE Advocate also serves as a resource for the Gloucester Township Police Department in providing information about treatment programs to individuals who need assistance and information regarding substance abuse for themselves, a friend, or a loved one.

The illicit use of prescription drugs has created an epidemic throughout the United States and even more significantly in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area of the Mid-Atlantic Region.  The Gloucester Township Police Department understands that heroin addiction is no longer a problem facing cities and is now in the backyard of suburban communities like Gloucester Township. Amy Inman wants to make an impact on Hamilton's opiate and heroin epidemic.

"It takes a village to raise a child", said Inman. "The municipal government has a social obligation to keep the public informed and to implement ideas that will keep its residents safe.  The consequences of this epidemic are many."  Crime, family dysfunction, and physical/emotional abuse, are just a few of the many tragic results of the disease of addiction.    It is well known that such drug addiction and abuse cause crime.  Desperation leads many to commit acts that perhaps they would have not engaged in if it were not for the power of illicit substances.

The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 2014 Report entitled Confronting New Jersey’s Drug Problem, herein referred to as the “2014 GCADA Report” found that drug overdose death is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.  The revelation that the new leading cause of accidental death are drug overdoses demands a comprehensive nationwide response similar to what has been enacted to combat motor vehicle accidents and other health crisis such as AIDS.

The measures in the Project Save action plan focus police efforts and practices in the three critical areas of law enforcement SUPPRESSION, PREVENTION, and INTERVENTION in an effort to effectively combat this epidemic both now and in the future.

Posted by tammyduffy at 4:41 PM EDT

Updated: Thursday, 3 September 2015 5:05 PM EDT

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Heroin Found in Apollo Park in Hamilton 

By Tammy Duffy

Imagine walking your dog in the park and you stumble across empty bags of heroin with heroin residue in them along with a half dozen of unused needles.  This is exactly what Hamilton Township Council candidate, Joann Bruno, found during her morning walk today.  She was walking her white German Shepard, Dino, in Apollo Park in Hamilton township, Mercer County when this happened. What if Dino had ingested the residue found in the heroin bags?

If a dog comes across a bag of heroin and they puncture it with their teeth, they will deteriorate rapidly. You will need to immediately take your dog to the emergency room. In the emergency room they will pump the animals stomach and give them an antidote, like Naloxone.

Naloxone is a synthetic chemical that interferes with the binding of opiate drugs to specific nervous-system receptors (an opoid antagonist). It thereby reverses the effects of opiates. Naloxone isn’t just used to reverse the effects of inadvertently-consumed opoids. It also counteracts the effects of properly-used opoids that are used to relieve pain (morphine, hydromorphone, buprenorphine, butorphanol, etc.), or to induce vomiting (apomorphine).

Sometimes pets don’t show the responses that veterinarians would like to pain-relieving drugs (including decreased respiratory rate and blood pressure, sedation, etc.) and their best interests are served by reversing the opiate with Naloxone.

Pet owners or drug addicts that leave their drug laying in parks should be charged with animal abuse and drug possession. When a pet is exposed to heroin or other illegal drugs, it makes for an ethical quandary for the overseeing veterinary practitioner in dealing with the legalities of the case.

If you suspect or know that your pet has been exposed to or consumed a toxin, immediately contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital. Additional resources include the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680).

Posted by tammyduffy at 3:14 PM EDT

Updated: Thursday, 3 September 2015 3:23 PM EDT

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Physical or Bodily Signs of Heroin Abuse

Heroin causes a number of affects on the body.  It causes the body to release histamine (think of why you take antihistamines: for runny nose, itchiness), it slows down the body, causes constipation.  Heroin withdrawal largely shows the opposite effects from heroin use.

• Persistent hacking cough (common if heroin is smoked)
• Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Extremely small pinpoint pupils
• Eyelids and arms/legs appear to be heavy
• Cuts, bruises or scabs from skin picking (heroin causes the body to release histamine which leads to itchy skin, which may be scratched to point of causing a sore or scab)
• Infections or abscesses (from injecting)
• Sores on nostrils or lips (from smoking)
• Nosebleeds (from snorting)
• Burn marks on fingers or mouth (from smoking)
• Dark circles or puffiness under the eyes
• Flu like symptoms: fever, achy, vomiting, always cold
• Runny nose or constant sniffing (from the release of histamine heroin causes)
• Needle marks on arms or legs – could look like small bruises or red dots
• Constipation (when using heroin), or diarrhea (when withdrawing)
• For women, loss of menstrual cycle

Behaviors That May Indicate Heroin Abuse

• Sudden changes in behavior or actions such as poor school or work performance, being expelled or fired
• Movement is slowed or uncoordinated
• Disoriented
• Extreme alertness/jitteriness followed by suddenly nodding off
• Excessive or sudden sleeping
• Itchiness, picking at skin (histamine release from heroin)
• Speech somewhat slurred, garbled or incoherent
• Very little motivation, apathy, no interest in favorite activities
• Hostility toward others
• Lying or other deceptive behavior
• Avoiding eye contact
• Lack of hygiene and disregard for physical appearance, may not shower or bathe, repeat wearing of same clothing
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Spending a lot of time with new friends and/or alone
• Wearing long pants or long sleeves (to hide needle marks) even in very warm weather
• Suddenly wearing sunglasses frequently or inappropriately

Indirect Warnings Signs of Heroin Use:

• Large increase in mileage on the car used by your loved one (showing trips to purchase drugs)
• Missing prescription pills (or entire bottles), especially Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone) or codeine
• Missing money or valuables or frequent requests to borrow money, particularly with nothing to show for it
• Needles or syringes (check sock and other drawers)
• Tiny orange caps from syringes
• Spoons with burn marks (used to heat the heroin in water prior to injection)
• Aluminum foil or gum wrappers with burn marks (used to smoke heroin)
• Missing shoelaces (used to tie off injection sites)
• Rubber straps or bands (used to tie off)
• Straws (used to snort), especially with burn marks (used to smoke)
• Empty plastic pen cases (used for snorting or smoking)
• Small plastic bags
• Water pipes or other pipes (used in smoking heroin)
• Bottled water (water used for mixing and cap used for heating)
• Bottle caps (used in heating heroin)
• Rolled up dollar bills or paper (used for snorting)
• Razor blades, IDs and credit cards with a powder residue on them (used for snorting)
• Empty plastic/drug capsules (heroin sometimes sold in capsules)
• Antihistamine boxes (used to counteract histamine release)
• Nasal spray bottles (used for snorting heroin/water mixture)
• Unusual residue in coffee-bean grinder (to grind up heroin)
• Very small cotton balls, Q-tips, or pieces of cigarette filter (used prior to injecting)
• Vitamin C or ascorbic acid packets/sachets (common in Europe to allow heroin to be water soluble)

If you do suspect your loved one is using heroin, get help immediately.  It is an extremely deadly drug.  It is highly addictive so persuading your loved one to go to treatment, or at least initially visiting a doctor is very important

Posted by tammyduffy at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Friday, 28 August 2015 1:37 PM EDT

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