Q: When I think about the difference between the soldiers and journalists in Iraq, I think of it as the difference between an eagle and an ant.  The ants live in the dirt, eat it, and sleep in it, and although the eagles don’t know what it’s like to eat in or sleep in
dirt, they see it from an entirely different perspective and they see all the dirt for miles.

Alright, stupid analogy, but you get the point, and in Iraq since you were a former soldier, veteran of Gulf War I and a journalist, you pretty much got both perspectives.  So the first question that comes to mind is: how do you think being a veteran made you different from the other journalists over there? Good/bad?

A: Definitely different in a good way. Not, it’s important to note, in how the soldiers responded to me. They didn’t care that I was in Desert Storm anymore than I would have cared if somebody had told me they were in Vietnam. But, from perspective, I didn’t have to spend a lot of time getting familiar with the language they were speaking. I knew what was going on, what they were trying to accomplish, and if I didn’t always understand an acronym or nomenclature, I usually understood the context, and from that I could figure it out. Basically, I could relate to the situation a lot better, I think, than an average civilian journalist could have. Obviously, there are defense reporters with years of experience, and I don’t mean better than them. But, to be basically dropped off at a Joint Security Station in the middle of a city with little/no warmup or explanation, yeah, it helped to have a base of knowledge to draw from, whether it was 17 years before or not. I remembered pretty quick. But like one of the guys told me, “Be careful. It isn’t 1991 anymore.”

Q: Since you served during Desert Storm, how do think the press covered the lead up and aftermath of that war, compared to its coverage of Operation Iraqi Freedom?  Did you have any personal experiences with journalists during your deployment?

A: They kept a tight leash on journalists during Desert Storm, and that led to people not having any clue about what actually went on. Nobody knows anything about the “Right Hook” or whatever the VII Corps offensive was called. And that’s the military’s fault – they kept most reporters in the rear, and the ground war ended so quickly there was no chance to actually report on any of it. So it’s a lot of stories lost to history. So the embedded system of this war has its critics, and there’s legit criticism that can be made, but it’s still a better system than what we had, which were paranoid PAOs keeping reporters on tight leashes with mandatory escorts, a bunch of glad-handing briefings, etc.

I met one journalist in Desert Storm – an English photographer who took some shots of me while I was doing laundry in a bucket. We were in Saudi at the time waiting to push north. He asked me something like “looking forward to getting this started?” and I was a typical snotty 22-year-old, and I said something like “I don’t know what you mean. Go where? Start what?” I don’t even remember, but he just rolled his eyes and said, “okay, if you say so.”

Which is almost exactly what I said in 2007 to a few guys who played the tough guy/fake ignorant act with me. I was thinking, “Whatever dude. I’m just making small talk. These aren’t the D-Day plans.” And I’m sure that’s what the photographer was thinking talking to me…

Q: I read your book “Can’t Give This War Away,” (Great book) and you tell a lot of stories about the soldiers that you were with over there and it seemed like you got pretty friendly with some of them, so I’m going to ask you the question that my mother always asks me, “Do you still talk to the friends you made while in Iraq?”

A: Plenty of them. I think they appreciated that I said I was planning to write soldier-centered stories that I would try to get published in their hometown newspaper – and when I got back, I wrote a bunch of soldier-centered stories that got published in their hometown newspapers. So I did what I said I would, and didn’t use their words against them, or go in with an agenda of my own. If I saw it or heard it, it was fair game…but I didn’t write about rumors or the usual bellyaching – of which there was plenty. But if I had no first-hand knowledge of it, I wasn’t going to go down the rumor road.

A lot of the guys have bought copies of the book, and for that reason alone I’m glad I put it together. Both commanders liked it – and while part of me thinks maybe that means it’s too sugarcoated, I know that’s not the case. It’s honest, and straightforward. I could have juiced it up if I’d wanted, with rumor and heresay and melodrama – and the first draft did that quite a bit, but that would not have been honest.

It’s not a surprise that the soldiers in 2007 and 2008 were more connected to my work…stakes were lot higher in those years. 2009 was quiet, in a good way, but it was not the same dynamic.

But, I was with the same unit in 2007 and 2009 – and those soldiers I met twice were excited/amused to see me again. So on Facebook I keep in touch with some. But, it’s a limited friendship. I’m twice their age, after all.

If you read the book, I think you can figure out who I got along the best with. There were some guys who were unimpressed with me in 2007, but they warmed up in 2009, once I’d earned some credibility.

Q: A lot of journalist go to Iraq and they embed themselves deep within some of the military units and they experience a lot of the same stresses that the soldiers do—being away from home, being in a warzone, coming close to death, seeing people dying, etc.  But there seems to be no coverage, or reports, about journalists getting PTSD.  Do you think it’s because journalists don’t get PTSD or is there something else going on?  How was it for you when you first returned home from the war?

A: I don’t have PTSD, but I do know that late into that first year (07) whenever a door would slam in the hallway below my office, there was an instant where I didn’t think it sounded like a mortar, but that it actually was a mortar. The feeling was less than a second, barely a register in my mind, but it was there and it was involuntary. So if you extrapolate that, and magnify it by guys who were there 15 months and who were attacked every other day, like in Bayji, then it’s a wonder anybody doesn’t have PTSD. So while I don’t think I have any PTSD myself, it’s not hard for me to see how it could become that.

So, I’m sure journalists absolutely get PTSD. But, since they’re the ones doing the reporting, they’re probably not going to report on themselves. Ashley Gilbertson wrote about in “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” and Dexter Filkins touched on it in “The Forever War.” Basically, when you read about hard-drinking war correspondents, you’re reading about guys dealing with PTSD. Just like soldiers are conditioned to pretend it doesn’t exist, I’m sure journalists are the same.

Q: From personal experiences we both know that war can change people, whether it’s mentally, emotionally, or just politically.  How do you think experiencing the war has changed you?

A: It changed everything. I went from being just one more clown bellyaching on the sidelines, to somebody with a legitimate personal investment. Granted, I was a veteran, but of Desert Storm? Come on. Comparing Desert Storm (my version, anyway) to Iraq in 2007 is like comparing the moon landing to camping in your backyard. So all the things that were academic, and reported through the media’s news filter, all of sudden became real in a way that doesn’t ever go away. My book’s last paragraph makes note of an airplane’s vapor trail – that’s a true story. Iraq’s the first thing I think of when I see that, and it doesn’t go away. It won’t ever go away. So you could say it woke me up.

On the other hand, you want something like that to have an automatic and change everything…but it doesn’t. Yeah, I almost got killed one time – but I don’t live my life any different. You might think you will, but you won’t. In the end, you’ll be who you are, and the events just give your life some color, but they don’t really change you. And, it’s been three years since I’ve been there – so part of me thinks it’s time to move on…but I wrote this book, and I want to do my best to see it published in some form. The title of the book is inspired by a song’s lyric, and while I won’t reveal the song title, one of the other lyrics is “It’s been half a month, and the media’s gone. An entertaining scandal broke, but I can’t move on.” And I guess that’s pretty true. So the title of my book answers your question.

For more great information from Nathan check out his website: Here.

Lindsay Nixon is a chef and the author of two vegan cookbooks: The Habby Herbivore and Everyday Happy Herbivore (and a third one is on the way: Happy Herbivore Abroad).  You can follow her blog at: HappyHerbivore.com.

Q: Your second book was recently released which is another great cookbook, Everyday Happy Herbivore, and I know that you’ve been a blogger for some time now, but how did you make the jump into becoming a best-selling author? What was the process like for you?

A: You can read about how I got my first book deal here:

http://happyherbivore.com/2011/12/how-i-got-my-book-deal/

and read about my life as an author here:

http://happyherbivore.com/2011/10/how-i-make-living-hint-its-not-blogging/

I attribute all my success to my fans and their word of mouth campaign. They made me a best seller.

Q: I know what it’s like to publish a basic non-fiction book—a lot of going back and forth with editors, fix this, change this, get rid of that—but what is it like for a cookbook? Does the editor or someone at the publishing company have to try the recipes before they make it into the book? Or is that just a bonus for them?

A: I have a team of testers so by the time my publisher gets my manuscript all the recipes are fully tested and ready for print. All I do with my publisher is discuss layout, the design for the cover and my copyeditor cleans up my grammar where necessary.

Q: For those vegan and vegetarians who have recipes of their own, what tips do you recommend if they want to get their cookbook published?

A: It’s a really tough business and there’s no money in it, even if your book is a best-seller. The market is so over saturated with vegan books that you have to have a totally new idea– something that hasn’t been done yet. You also have to have a large and very supportive fan base; you need their help to get the word out about your book and you need them for a publisher to find you attractive.

It also has to be about passion — I can’t harp on that enough. It can’t be about fame or money. Most books don’t make it. Most authors don’t see much money for their work. To have a successful book, you have to work harder than you’ve ever worked and with the sobering reality that your book still might not make it — and the only way you’ll do that is if you have unrelenting passion.

For those who are really serious, check out the 2012 Guide to Literary Agents and prepare for lots of rejection.

Q: What was the hardest part of the publishing process?

A: self-doubt.

Q: What was the best part about becoming an author?

A: Knowing that my books are helping people eat better. I get to play a small part in changing peoples lives. That is the most rewarding gift of all. It’s why I do what I do.

Q: Both your books combined give us over three hundred recipes. That’s an insane amount of options, and it seems like you’ve already covered everything–there can’t be too many things that you haven’t already put in the books. So is that it, or can we expect more great recipes in the future. Anything good you’re working on now?

A: Happy Herbivore Abroad will be here December 4, 2012 and I’ve just signed on to write three more cookbooks.

Read Part One Of This Interview: Part One of an Interview with Lindsay Nixon The Happy Herbivore

A: What keeps a painter painting? Exactly

Q: What’s would you recommend for someone who wants to start coming up with their own recipes?

A: Get in the kitchen and try. Find your own style and vision. Don’t be afraid to fail.

Q: Your recipes are all healthy and vegan, but sometimes it’s hard to get someone to eat something healthy, and I’ve heard the best way to do it is a little bit at a time. So if you were trying to convince someone to start eating healthy, what’s the first thing you’d tell them to do; give up sugar, give up meat, give up dairy or wheat, etc?

A: If nothing else, give up dairy. It’s the worst. It’s a good starting point, too but I find most people have better success (long-term) when they make a total 180 rather than take baby steps, but we all have to do what’s best for us.

Q: You’ve mentioned to me that your father and brother-in-law both served in the military, and for all those veterans who are vegans/vegetarians or are thinking about becoming one, what tips can you give for when they’re out in the field or are deployed to a secluded area where a Whole Foods, or any grocery store for that matter , aren’t available? (I.E. What vegan snacks/foods would you recommend for a very, very, very long camping trip?)

A: A friend of mine is a vegetarian in the Army. He’s been deployed twice and both times they had vegetarian options in the field, which I think is fantastic. He also has a lot of care packages sent from the states. I sent him instant oatmeal, granola bars, trail mix, packets of peanut butter.

I’d have sent canned beans if they weren’t so heavy!

Another friend of mine works for the UN and spent about a year in rural Africa doing humanitarian relief work. She stayed vegan the entire time; she got by eating the vegetables and grains she could find (including digging yuca roots from the ground) and she took a suitcase full of mori-nu tofu.

I also took a class last summer on edible wild plants and will never look at the ground the same. Anyone who is camping or being stationed abroad (assuming it’s not the desert) absolutely should take one of those classes. You’ll never go hungry if their are leaves, weeds, flowers and roots to eat. Some are quite tasty!

Q: When you’re working on a new recipe how long does it take before you’re happy with it?

A: It depends. Most recipes I nail it on the first try. Others take a second go, a small tweak or something. A small handful took over 5 tries, but I really wanted it to work so I kept trying. Usually if it’s not a win first time I move on to something new.

Q: How do you decide which recipes make it into the book?

A: I have a large group of testers. Their feedback determines everything.

Q: Favorite recipe from The Happy Herbivore Cookbook?

A: Asking a chef to pick their favorite recipe is like asking a parent to pick their favorite kid

Q: You’ve got another book that recently came out, Everyday Happy Herbivore; what can we expect from your new book that wasn’t in your first?

A: EHH came out last December- – and I have a new book coming out this December, Happy Herbivore Abroad.

My first book (HHC) is all about comfort foods — recreating healthy and vegan versions of foods we grew up with like “fried” chicken, or “meatball subs” or pizza. EHH is more of a streamlined “back to basics” cookbook. HH Abroad, as the name suggestions, is international cuisine.

Q: Any last tips for someone trying to cook a healthy vegan meal?

A: Stick to the basics: fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Read Part Two Of This Interview: Part Two of an Interview with Lindsay Nixon The Happy Herbivore

The Newest video on the Mass Casualties Youtube Channel

That’s not me in the video but I helped write the song and produce the video

(Feel Free to Share…)

The first video is Tim Maloney a Vietnam Veteran:

The Second one is Gary Rideout a Desert Storm Veteran:

Related Posts:

The Landmark Forum for Veterans

My Thorough Review of the Landmark Forum

Before naming the issues, it may be helpful to define first the words “veteran” and “POW.” Military essays often used jargons understandable by a few people, and it is better if readers know what this article is referring to. The term veteran used in this composition refers to any military individual who has experienced being directly involved or exposed to acts of armed conflicts. The term POW, meanwhile, refers to any individual, whether civilian or combatant, who was held in custody by an opposing side during or after an armed conflict.

One issue that surrounds veterans and POWs is that some of them have found it very hard to adjust to normal life after retiring from military service. Some of them have developed suicidal tendencies and penchant for violence and alcohol problems. Not a few veterans and POWS have developed post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. This disorder causes severe fear and helplessness after exposure to any event that could psychological trauma like wars.

Another issue that involves veterans and POWs is the lack of government support or care for veterans and POWs. According to an article in the London Metro, many war veterans “plunged into alcohol problems, crime and suicide” upon their return from a conflict, since not enough was done to care for them. Many veterans and POWs also succumbed to homelessness and relationship deteriorations. Instead of getting support, they are now suffering.

Related Posts:

Veteran’s Day Post

Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund

Medal of Honor

Afghanistan War

Afghanistan War Poll

There was a time when I thought I could not enter a good college because of my grades. I’m a good student, but there were
occurrences that caused me to lower my guards and to become lax in my studies.

But why am I now a medical student?

The main reason why I am now studying a medical course is because I was able to convince the people manning the admission committee of my chosen university that I am suited to become a doctor.

How? Justthrough my personal statement. When I submitted my application to the UCAS, prime agency in charge of admissions in the UK, I made sure that I included a very convincing and emotion-moving personal statement. It was my only chance to prove that I am suited to become a medical student!

Well, I did focus all my personal feelings into my personal statement. That was the only way that I could justify my grades in high
school and persuade the university to accept me.  Of course, I have to support my statement with facts. I also focused on parading my skills and strengths, on how I could use them to succeed in this course. I also outlined my hobbies and interests that show the attitude that I could use to spring myself to success.

I think those were the secret why I’m now a medical student. I would not mind if you pattern your statement after mine!

Additional Posts:

5 Tips to Writing an MFA Personal Statement.

When:  Monday, March 26, 2012 at 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (all guests are requested to arrive by 6:45 pm)

Cost: Free of charge

The Landmark Forum is a 3.5-day seminar centering on a unique and seldom-studied area of practical philosophy known as “ontology.” In independent research, more than 94% of participants surveyed reported that The Landmark Forum made a “profound and lasting difference” in their lives. In addition to the benefits participants expected to receive, they reported entirely unexpected benefits, including:

• More satisfaction, peace of mind, happiness, and enjoyment in their jobs, studies, and other pursuits.

• Better relationships with co-workers, families & friends.

• Renewed ability to create career opportunities; clarity to make important decisions regarding one’s future career.

• New ability to be fully self-expressed; freedom from resentment and regret.

In this evening you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the Landmark Forum, connect with other Veterans and potentially discover some of the decisions you’ve made in your past that, the knowledge of which, will have a profound impact on your future.

Your family members, friends, co-workers are absolutely invited as well.

As indicated in the flyer, this Special Introduction is being held on Monday, March 26th, at 7:00 PM (arrive at 6:45 PM), at Landmark Education’s Manhattan location: 317-A West 33rd St. (between 8th & 9th Aves.) (closer to 8th Ave., on the North/uptown side of 33rd St.)

To reserve a seat, email Karen Aramino at: karamino@landmarkeducation.net

CLICK HERE TO READ MY REVIEW OF THE LANDMARK FORUM

Diseases associated with asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, lung cancer and others. Servicemen and women who worked on naval ships in the past should take watchful concern because some of these cancers are extremely aggressive and offer limited treatment options.

For example, pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs, is commonly detected in later stages and provides few effective treatment options unless detected early. Being watchful for respiratory symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or a dry cough if you were exposed to asbestos on a naval ship can aid an early diagnosis.

United States veterans account for roughly 30 percent of all mesothelioma cancer cases. Exposure to asbestos could have occurred in multiple areas of a Navy ship, including sleeping quarters, dining halls, engine rooms and many other locations
below deck.

Widespread use of asbestos has been documented in various types of naval ships, including aircraft carriers, warships, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, minesweepers, frigates and submarines. Any ship that was repaired or constructed before the 1970s is more likely to contain the toxic substance, compared to other naval ships constructed today.

The dangers of asbestos became scientifically understood during the 1960s. Consensus among the scientific community was required before government and its military units, including the Navy, would regulate the use of it. In fact, government records show that the Navy actually put an emphasis on using asbestos as possible on naval ships throughout the 1930s, before the real dangers were confirmed. It wasn’t until the late 1970s and early ’80s that regulations were put in place.

Aboard these vessels, the variety of asbestos-containing products included pipes, tiles, flooring, boilers, engines and insulation
materials, in addition to countless other products. Some estimates state that more than 300 different asbestos products were used aboard Navy vessels. This widespread application of such a dangerous material afforded many opportunities for
exposure during service.

Navy veterans who served long-term periods on these ships should consider getting screened by doctors on a regular basis to ensure that asbestos-related diseases are not present. Early detection of developing asbestos-related diseases, which take decades to form, offers the most effective treatment options to control and potentially cure these aggressive conditions.

Medical services are often available for Navy veterans through the VA. Clearly communicating any potential asbestos exposure that may have occurred on naval ships will allow medical professionals to screen you for related conditions. Take advantage of all resources that are available to you. As someone who served your nation, you deserve the best care and treatment.

Please contact the Mesothelioma Center for more information or email Sean McCahill @ smccahill@asbestos.com.