Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Tuesday Travel: Smithfield, VA...


Visit Virginia with KRUSING AMERICA 
and live the dream! 


We would love to know where you would choose to live if you were KRUSING AMERICA.

CONNECT with us, JOIN the conversation, SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel

Thanks for watching. 
Linda Kruse

Monday, March 30, 2015

Media Monday: Watch KRUSING AMERICA Episode 2: Virginia


Sneak Peak:
Scroll to the bottom to watch the 
Virginia Episode of Krusing America






Please let us know of people, organizations or channels
creating quality content – we'd love to feature them.

Thank You! 
Linda

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday Saying: "In life the things that go wrong are often the very things that lead to other things going right" – Arianna Huffington

Hangs next to my desk….

"In life the things that go wrong are often the very things that lead to other things going right."
Arianna Huffington




Please feel free to send any sayings or inspirational quotes my way.
CONNECT with us, JOIN the conversation and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.

Thanks for reading.
Linda

Saturday, March 28, 2015

NO LETTING GO: Feature Film helping to develop educational curriculum for children with mental health issues. Blog by Consulting Producer Linda Kruse


PRESS RELEASE for Blog


NO LETTING GO: The latest feature film from multi-award winning Director Jonathan Bucari 
(Blog by NO LETTING GO Consulting Producer Linda Kruse )

Eighteen month ago I had the pleasure of consulting on what would soon become the multi-award winning short film: ILLNESS. Within it's first year ILLNESS won 27 nominations winning 7 awards. 

It's a familiar story for millions of families who's children suffer with mental health issues. It's an invisible illness that often leaves families feeling alone and in silence. And It seemed the tag line for ILLNESS: "Short Film with a Big Message", resonated with a lot of viewers. 

The overwhelming interest in the short film and the subject matter led us to produce the feature length version titled NO LETTING GO. Inspired by the short, the feature film is based on a true life events and takes heartfelt and candid look at the shattering effects of childhood mental illness. NO LETTING GO is a powerful film about love, strength and the resiliency of the human spirit. 

The cast includes Cheryl Allison, who reprised the lead role from ILLNESS, won Best Actress Southampton International Film Festival, UK, Richard Burgi of "The Sentinel" and  "Desperate Housewives", Kathy Najimy from "Sister Act 1 and 2", Alysia Reiner of "Orange is the New Black" and "How to Get Away with Murder", and Gabriel Rush of "Moonrise Kingdom" and "Budapest Hotel", just to name a few.  

In NO LETTING GO, a family’s world starts to unravel as their middle son, Tim, becomes increasingly fragile and difficult to handle. Tim’s painful struggle to cope with everyday life takes its toll on his parents and the well being of his brothers. Anger, resentment and conflict arise as Tim’s parents struggle to understand and find answers for their son’s increasingly erratic behavior and emotional instability.

NO LETTING GO honestly portrays the devastating effects of childhood mental health disorders and lets families know they are not alone. Since the beginning the creators of ILLNESS and NO LETTING GO have focused on developing an educational  curriculum 
for schools everywhere. 

Scheduled to hit film festivals in 2015 with a release following. Most recently, NO LETTING GO was submitted to the Cannes Film Festival in several categories and is waiting announcement for it's premiere date. 

To learn more about NO LETTING GO visit www.nolettinggomovie.com 

For Tax Deductible Donation please visit

Contributions will support the continued efforts in developing an educational curriculum 
for middle and high school programs.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Friday Foodie: What's in the Fridge


What I made for lunch today - while clearing out the fridge:)
Add whatever you like to cold pasta with dressing and technically it's a salad!
        • Leftover Cold Pasta
        • Chopped spicy salami
        • Sliced Swiss Cheese
        • Finely Chopped Parsley
        • Cut red, yellow and orange peppers
        • Add Olive Oil, Wine Vinegar, salt and paper to taste

Toss and Serve. Yummy!
Feel free to add comments and let me know 
if you have any recipes you'd like me to feature here at Krusing America. 
Enjoy.


Foodography
Photo by Linda Kruse 


Thursday, March 26, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Recycling my closet

I had the pleasure of working on a crazy fun shoot this weekend that was a total Throwback! From the 1950's to the future and crazier still I had all the outfits!

It started with me wearing my grandmothers dress and apron from the 1950's with the milkman delivering milk. From a rocker dude pizza guy delivering pizza in the 1980's, to a paper boy smacking me in the head each morning with the paper and finally being attached by a drone - I had too much fun and very funny pictures to prove it.  Reminded me of all the crazy things my brothers and their friends would do. Soo much fun! Life has not been dull nor was this shoot! Great job guys! Thanks for including me in the antics. 



Watch the behind the scenes clips:

Chasing and being chased by a drone!



In the end…it all works out!  (One handed catch while drinking coffee, my brothers taught me well!)



Thanks for reading. 
xo
Linda 



Wednesday, March 25, 2015

PRESS RELEASE: KRUSING AMERICA Double Telly Award Winner


Press Release

KRUSING AMERICA Double Telly Award Winner

Los Angeles, CA [PRWEB] March 23, 2015


The Telly Awards has named KRUSING AMERICA two-time winner in the 35th Annual Telly Awards for BEST ORIGINAL SERIES and THE PEOPLE'S TELLY for the 6-part travel docu-series created by Linda Kruse.

“The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, Executive Director of the Telly Awards. “Linda Kruse's accomplishment on KRUSING AMERICA illustrates that creativity, skill, and dedication to the craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production."

ABOUT KRUSING AMERICA

After spending most of his life outside the United States defending a country he’s never really lived in, where does a decorated 20-year US Army soldier, back from the War, go home to…if he’s never really had one? In this 6-part family travel documentary series, Lt. Colonel Victor Krus and his family travel the country in search of their home, sweet home. 

“It’s the story of an American hero without an American hometown”, said Linda Kruse, series creator and the sister of Lt. Colonel Krus.  "With the war coming to an end, no story resonates more than the story of coming home. It's a twist on the classic feeling of ‘coming home’. As with all of my work, my hope is to touch the hearts of viewers and inspire the country," Linda Kruse said. 

ABOUT THE TELLY AWARDS

Founded in 1979, the Telly is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video and films. Winners represent the best work from the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

For its 35th season, The Telly Awards once again joined forces with YouTube to give the public the power to view and rate videos submitted as part of the People’s Telly Awards. In addition to recognition from the Silver Telly Council, the judging panel that selects the Telly Awards winners, the Internet community helps decide the People’s Telly Awards winners.

A prestigious judging panel of over 500 accomplished industry professionals judged the competition, upholding the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents.  The Council evaluated entries to recognize distinction in creative work – entries do not compete against each other – rather entries are judged against a high standard of merit.  Less than 10% of entries are chosen as Winners.

"I heard there were nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, so getting a Telly is truly an honor. But getting two Telly's, and one of them a People's Telly – I was floored," said Linda.

To find out more about the Telly Awards visit www.tellyawards.com

LINDA KRUSE & ATTICUS PRODUCTIONS, INC.  

Linda Kruse is also the Owner / CEO of Atticus Productions, Inc. an Los Angeles and London based production company producing projects all over the world that explore challenging, intriguing and sometimes controversial topics – all while definitively capturing real people and the worlds they live in. 
     Earlier this year, Linda became a DOVE Approved Director with KRUSING AMERICA – the DOVE Foundation honors directors who create original Family-friendly content suitable for the entire family.  "Engaging interviews woven into stories that are presented with a creative elegance that is Linda’s signature style. Krusing America reflects a vision that is both creative and comfortable, making Linda Kruse an emerging director worth watching,“ said Howard Benjamin, TV / Film Critic with The Interview Factory.

For Distribution inquiries contact Atticus Productions, Inc.  
(818) 370-4649



Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Monday, March 23, 2015

Media Monday: KRUSING AMERICA PILOT Excerpts



Media Monday: 
Watch KRUSING AMERICA




Please let us know of people, organizations or channels
creating quality content – we'd love to feature them.


Thank You! 
Linda

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Sunday Saying: Cry a River….


I'm hoping to make the Sunday's posts quick notes of inspiration.  I just came across this one thanks to a new friend, Karla Cipriano …it certainly is now one of my favorites. 

Life seems to be more about "building a bridges" than almost anything else.

And today - I'm building a bridge to connect with all of you. If you have any favorite inspirational quotes or stories - please send them our way.

CONNECT with us, JOIN the conversation and SUBSCRIBE to our Channel.

Thank you! 
Linda

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Saturday Study: Learning on the go..."You know you're home schooled when you're teacher comes to school in her pajamas."



Our Saturday posts are about study and learning: 
The KRUSING AMERICA kids have been home schooled their whole life.
Today more parents are opting for homeschooling or alternative education methods.

Please let us know of people, organizations or channels devoted to education
we'd love to feature them.

CONNECT with us on Social Media, JOIN the conversation and SUBSCRIBE to our Channel. 
Watch the PILOT episode of Krusing America to learn more about the Krus Family.
www.youtube.com/KrusingAmerica



Friday, March 20, 2015

Friday Foodie: Linda's Kale & White Bean Recipe

As I traveled with KRUSING AMERICA I noticed a lot of people in the US have developed unhealthy eating habits but mostly due to not having the information neccessary to make better choices. Therefore, my Friday Food posts will be devoted to favorite recipes, foods, restaurants and chefs as well as other healthy tid-bits that I have picked up along the way. So please feel free to send me ideas, suggestions and refer anyone or any organizations doing remarkable things with food, health & well being. 

So let's talk about one of my favorite food: KALE. Kale is a superfood. Raw or cooked this is one of the best things you can eat - even better than spinach. It's important to include superfoods in our diets on a regular basis but how can you make this dark green vegetable interesting and tasty?

Below is one of my favorite ways to cook with Kale. Besides making Kale taste good, it has so many health benefits. At the end of this post I've included more on the health benefits of this superfood.

LINDA KRUSE'S KALE & WHITE BEAN RECIPE


Ingredients 
1 clove of garlic
Olive Oil
1/2 sweet white onion
1 bunch of Kale (2-4 cups chopped)
One 15 oz can of Great Northern White Beans 
Salt and Pepper to taste
Crushed Red Pepper - if you like it spicy



In a deep frying pan over medium heat - sauté 1 clove of garlic, olive oil and half of an sweet onion sliced really thin. Add some cracked pepper. Wash, clean and chop the kale and add to cooked onions. Place lid on top to steam down a bit. (Add red pepper flakes if you want it a bit spicier.)

While the Kale is cooking, drain and rinsed 1 can of white beans. (Great Northern White beans seem to hold up the best for me but any bean you like will do). Once the Kale is cooked down (about 5 minutes) push kale to the edges of the frying pan and add the beans into the center. Increase heat to mid-high and cook until beans are warmed, add more salt and pepper to taste.

You can use Tofu, Chicken, Beef or shrimp in addition to beans or replace them with any other protein.  This dish is perfect as a meal with a slice of muti-grain bread or even inside a pita.  Or serve as a side dish. It's very good, and very good for you. 

Enjoy!
Linda Kruse

MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF KALE (An excerpt from VegKitchen)

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse and is beneficial to your health in many ways. One cup of kale has zero fat and only 36 calories and is high in vitamins and antioxidants. You can eat this green raw or cooked. Enjoy in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, and smoothies. 
Wild About Greens by Nava Atlas - cover
If you're really crazy for kale and other healthy dark leafy greens, you'll enjoy exploring these super-nutritious veggies in Nava's recent book, Wild About Greens.

Detoxification and Weight loss 
The fiber (5 grams in one cup) and sulfur in kale aid with digestion and liver health. The Vitamin C it contains hydrates your body and increases your metabolism, leading to weight loss and healthy blood sugar levels. The fiber in kale also lowers cholesterol. 
Strengthen Your Immune System 
Kale’s impressive concentration of nutrients strengthens the immune system and fights viruses and bacteria. Kale has more iron than beef, making it a great source of this valuable mineral for vegans and vegetarians. It helps more oxygen get to your blood and greatly helps those who are anemic.
Healthier Hair, Skin & Nails 
The healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids keep your body strong, healthy and beautiful from the inside out. Kale’s concentration of major nutrients gives your skin’s health and appearance a boost.

See Clearly and Stand Strong 
Curly green kaleKale's Vitamin A content helps keep the eyes from optical disorders that come with age. It also helps store vitamins in the retina. The calcium and vitamin K keep your bones strong.  
Anti-inflammatory 
The omega-3 fatty acids in kale help fight and alleviate arthritis, autoimmune disorders and asthma. The vitamin C content helps relieve stiff joints.
Fighting Disease 
Kale, like other dark green veggies, may be helpful in preventing various cancers such as colon, prostate and ovarian. Its abundant vitamin K content is important for bone health, forestalling the effects of osteoporosis. And the folic acid and B6 provide cardiovascular support and prevent heart disease.

Read more from VegKitchen at:
http://www.vegkitchen.com/nutrition/5-top-health-benefits-of-kale/#5k5UXri1sJ06zOtA.99

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Throwback Thursday: When Luggage Didn't Roll



When Luggage Didn't Roll


My Mom taught me early all the little ways to give back and at 4'11" – she would know...



My Mom's mother died during World War II when my Mom was only 5-years-old with Hitler's Army moving into Italy - my grandfather had a difficult time managing 9 kids on his own so the younger ones were temporarily sent to an orphanage. My Mom and several younger siblings were sent to 'Piccola Casetta di Nazareth' or Little House of Nazareth just outside of Naples, Italy. Living there allowed them to be safe, properly fed, clothed and spared some of the horror that happened at that time.  People all over that didn't have much would donate clothing, food all kinds of items to the kids living in the Little House of Nazareth. And to this day my Mom has never forgotten the help she received during that difficult time.

I was born in northern Italy but lived in Germany most of my early years while my Dad was stationed overseas with the US Army. As a child growing up in Europe our family would 

pack several huge pieces of luggage - suitcases, duffel bags, and trunks – anything that would hold the extra items we would collect from friends and family.We would take those huge pieces of luggage on an overnight train to southern Italy to that same orphanage where my Mom lived as a child. We would make that trek from Germany to southern Italy, several times a year, with a lot of bags – at that time luggage didn't roll – and making several stops and transfers and getting on and off trains. We would make a game out of it – forming a line each time and passing the bags one by one onto the trains, into the compartments, up in the overhead till the next stop or transfer and then again, passing each item in a line off the train and on to the platform. The fact that nothing rolled, the fact that we had to carry each over-stuffed over-packed piece – it didn't stop us then and it doesn't stop us today. 

Decades later, my sweet tiny little 4 ft. 11 inch tall Mom still collects clothes from her church and other friends, packs a couple extra suitcases, pays extra baggage fees and takes a very long overnight flight from Florida to that same orphanage, Piccola Casetta di Nazareth in southern Italy. 

My Mom participates in a lot of different organizations: cooks to feed the hungry, knits scarfs, donates time, money - and finds all kinds of ways to give back. She's amazing, my role model and my Mom.  

The bags roll now, there is a weight limit but my little Momma is rolling with the times. 

"No matter how much or how little we have, we can find ways to give." 
Maria Pia Krus

This blog is one of the ways I hope to connect and carry those items to all who can benefit from a little extra help. SUBSCRIBE and JOIN the conversation.