People come over my house all the time and say, "oh you guys should totally watch Food Inc." We haven't watched it yet, only because we've been researching this stuff for over a decade. I'm vegan because of factory farming, and while in a perfect world everyone would be vegan, I know a 'perfect' world is also a non-reality.
Thankfully, to people like first lady Michelle Obama and food researcher and author Michael Pollan, people are talking and more people are starting to listen.
Michael Pollan appeared on Democracy Now on Monday. Tuesday, Michelle Obama talks to Larry King about childhood obesity. After listening to Pollan discuss Oprah's lawsuit with Big Beef, I was curious to see how deeply Michelle would delve into our food industry and she just barely grazed upon the subject matter. Larry seemed much more intent on finding out about life in the White House, instead of focusing on the issue. Probably no fault of either of them. Big Beef strongly discourages any flack on their industry, as we've seen in the Oprah case, which she has not broached since.
I'm happy to see food as a discussion in our society. After reading Barbara Kingsolver's book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle I have a new respect for this Slow Food Movement and I'm a supporter of bringing back extinct breeds of livestock, versus factory farming. If that is what it takes for people to eat healthy. I like the idea of America re-inventing itself based on tradition.
What this country needs is more discussions about food, and to invigorate the public to make better choices. Healthy living costs more. I spend a lot of money on food, but since it's my health and future I'm investing in, it's a no brainer. I stopped thinking that I need a new pair of shoes, or a new bag and instead, buy lots of fresh produce, super-foods and supplements. Talking about food is the first step, now we must ALL put it into action. However you eat healthier, it's up to you, but fresh food is key. Banish prepared foods, processed foods and sugar and you will have a healthier, more fulfilling life of purpose. Both Pollan and Michelle Obama stress the importance of the family meal. This couldn't be more important. Take a step towards eating healthier today. Your body will thank you.
Showing posts with label media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label media. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Larry King grills the Burger industry
Last night on Larry King Live (LKL), the suspender-wearing journalist probed deep into the burger industry. Read the transcript here. Deaths from e-coli, especially in children, are on the rise and it's big beef's fault! Nearly everyone on the panel said that they don't eat burgers, with the exception of one woman who was obviously paid big bucks by big beef to extoll the virtues of an animal protein diet. In a nut shell, her argument went something like this: "It's so much easier to gulp down a burger than to actually think about eating sensibly"
Even Anthony Bourdain, self-professed carnivore, looks unfavorbaly on factory farming. I have a new-found love for Bourdain after a recent episode where he swore he would not take part in the slaughtering of animals for his tv show since he's been dating a vegetarian!
So what's the final word? Everyone, except for the paid-lobby lady, agrees that there needs to be a major overhaul in the meat industry in the US. that means more testing. 90% of our meat comes from factory farms, so if you think you are safe, read the label. Lucky for me, as a raw vegan, there are no worries, except for the run-off from factory farms infecting crops like spinach. Eat organic, know where your food comes from. If you must eat meat, raise a cow at a local farm, but please think twice about our beautiful cow-eyed friends before eating them!
Even Anthony Bourdain, self-professed carnivore, looks unfavorbaly on factory farming. I have a new-found love for Bourdain after a recent episode where he swore he would not take part in the slaughtering of animals for his tv show since he's been dating a vegetarian!
So what's the final word? Everyone, except for the paid-lobby lady, agrees that there needs to be a major overhaul in the meat industry in the US. that means more testing. 90% of our meat comes from factory farms, so if you think you are safe, read the label. Lucky for me, as a raw vegan, there are no worries, except for the run-off from factory farms infecting crops like spinach. Eat organic, know where your food comes from. If you must eat meat, raise a cow at a local farm, but please think twice about our beautiful cow-eyed friends before eating them!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wanna be startin' something
Today I stepped in a big, juicy wad of gum, sitting in the blazing hot sun on the sidewalk where I picked up a City Paper to use as padding for a package I was about to send. "Bleeping Bleep!" I yelled, angry, fuming for the next thirty minutes as I could feel my shoe stick ever-so-slightly to the sidewalk below. In line at the post-office I could faintly smell sweat mingled with peppermint chewing gum. "Bleep!"
When I stepped into the office my co-worker told me, "Farrah Fawcett is dead." Heartbroken, I mused, "I guess stepping in gum isn't so bad."
Later, at my other job, my friend was looking at a blog that said Michael Jackson was dead. No Way! I said, but sure enough he's gone too. Walking home I saw a candlelit vigil in Rittenhouse Park, and I was wondering if it was for Farrah, Neda, or Michael Jackson.
I still have that gum stuck to my shoe.
When I stepped into the office my co-worker told me, "Farrah Fawcett is dead." Heartbroken, I mused, "I guess stepping in gum isn't so bad."
Later, at my other job, my friend was looking at a blog that said Michael Jackson was dead. No Way! I said, but sure enough he's gone too. Walking home I saw a candlelit vigil in Rittenhouse Park, and I was wondering if it was for Farrah, Neda, or Michael Jackson.
I still have that gum stuck to my shoe.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tweets are for kids
Is anyone else totally sick of twitter invading their space? CNN and all the other networks have a constant stream of tweets from the illiterate and unemployed. Why would I care what someone who spells believe as 'beleave' thinks? Really CNN Really. What about the news? If I wanted to know what other twitterers think I'd be on twitter, but I'm not, yet I'm still burdened by the mass of non-news and opinions of ingrates. Uninformed twitters on swine flu is not informative. Give me news, give me facts but don't show me tweets.
Tweets are for kids.
Tweets are for kids.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
exlusive:word usage
Exclusive: a piece of news, or the reporting of a piece of news, obtained by a newspaper or other news organization, along with the privilege of using it first.
All day long I hear on the news, "join us for our exclusive interview with ________ tomorrow evening". The thing is, every network says the same thing. Rachel Maddow made fun of herself last week, saying she had an exclusive interview with Rod Blagoyevich, adding, the she was the only person on her network at that time slot to host the interview, making light of the fact that there wasn't a soul he wasn't willing to talk with. What I'm getting at is, the word exclusive prompts me to wonder if this term isn't overused. Katie Couric is hosting an exclusive interview with the pilot that landed in the Hudson weeks ago, but wait, wasn't Larry King the first person to interview him, like over two weeks ago? Please clarify, oh holy media.
What's with this exclusivity. Networks want you to think they have the only word, even though it has already been broadcast all over the place all week. I'm not challenging the media or anything, I just wish they'd stop exploiting the English language for their express purposes.
All day long I hear on the news, "join us for our exclusive interview with ________ tomorrow evening". The thing is, every network says the same thing. Rachel Maddow made fun of herself last week, saying she had an exclusive interview with Rod Blagoyevich, adding, the she was the only person on her network at that time slot to host the interview, making light of the fact that there wasn't a soul he wasn't willing to talk with. What I'm getting at is, the word exclusive prompts me to wonder if this term isn't overused. Katie Couric is hosting an exclusive interview with the pilot that landed in the Hudson weeks ago, but wait, wasn't Larry King the first person to interview him, like over two weeks ago? Please clarify, oh holy media.
What's with this exclusivity. Networks want you to think they have the only word, even though it has already been broadcast all over the place all week. I'm not challenging the media or anything, I just wish they'd stop exploiting the English language for their express purposes.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
word to the wise; spreading the wealth
I was speaking with an acquaintance the other day about this horrible state of affairs our economy is in. We've just watched about 4 stores close on our block and the scent of fear is in the air.
She said, that although only one of her friends has been laid off so far, no one she knows is spending money.
Do you love that little boutique where you used to buy those cute t-shirts all the time. Well it's not gonna be there if you don't support it. I walk down busy retail avenues all the time, and each day, notice that one more has bitten the dust. I don't want my favorite soap store, gift shops or wine bars to close, and while I can't afford to spend money every day, I try to remember that since I do have a job and a steady income, these people need our support. So, next time you go to Target, or better yet, the Internet) for some cheap supplies you can also get at a neighborhood shop, think about the dozens of lives you are affecting by your decision, the impact on the value of your home in said neighborhood and the cost of shopping corporate. If you like the way little shops line your street and city, well, brace yourself, because pretty soon it might just all be Targets and Walmarts and we'll all look like little ugg-clad clones. Spend a little, save a lot.
The media won't tell you to spend right now, but you owe your community a little something, especially if you want that community to be in a good position when this all blows over.
She said, that although only one of her friends has been laid off so far, no one she knows is spending money.
Do you love that little boutique where you used to buy those cute t-shirts all the time. Well it's not gonna be there if you don't support it. I walk down busy retail avenues all the time, and each day, notice that one more has bitten the dust. I don't want my favorite soap store, gift shops or wine bars to close, and while I can't afford to spend money every day, I try to remember that since I do have a job and a steady income, these people need our support. So, next time you go to Target, or better yet, the Internet) for some cheap supplies you can also get at a neighborhood shop, think about the dozens of lives you are affecting by your decision, the impact on the value of your home in said neighborhood and the cost of shopping corporate. If you like the way little shops line your street and city, well, brace yourself, because pretty soon it might just all be Targets and Walmarts and we'll all look like little ugg-clad clones. Spend a little, save a lot.
The media won't tell you to spend right now, but you owe your community a little something, especially if you want that community to be in a good position when this all blows over.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Heard on the radio
The secret is out of the bag. Vegetarianism helps the planet!
On NPR today, just in time for the glutinous holidays, an impressive chunk of time was devoted to a show about vegetarianism, health and global warming. The segment was called, Healthy Planet, Healthy People, and focused on how what is good for the planet is actually good for us too. They discuss how going vegetarian is the easiest thing you can do to counteract global warming. At least on privately-funded radio we can still seek the truth. I hope they do this every Sunday.
Included in the segment are interviews with vegetarians and their personal experience as to why they chose that path. Even though animal cruelty is a big motivator for some of us, sometimes health and science are also factors. It's interesting to hear other points of view and a wide range of topics all converging around my favorite subject: Vegetarianism. The show also offers advice to those who are interested in changing their eating habits, so I recommend it to newbies. I must add my two cents, however. They recommend taking it slow, like cut out bacon this month, sausage the next, and so on 'til you're meat free. I recommend cold tofurky. I understand maybe eliminating red meat, then chicken and fish, and perhaps that might be an option for you, but try to nip that bad habit in the bud and just end your relationship with the burger. Meat will probably end up grossing you out before you know it anyway.
Think about what you eat this Thursday on Thanksgiving, and bring a veg option to dinner, just in case. Remember, Mother Earth will thank you.
On NPR today, just in time for the glutinous holidays, an impressive chunk of time was devoted to a show about vegetarianism, health and global warming. The segment was called, Healthy Planet, Healthy People, and focused on how what is good for the planet is actually good for us too. They discuss how going vegetarian is the easiest thing you can do to counteract global warming. At least on privately-funded radio we can still seek the truth. I hope they do this every Sunday.
Included in the segment are interviews with vegetarians and their personal experience as to why they chose that path. Even though animal cruelty is a big motivator for some of us, sometimes health and science are also factors. It's interesting to hear other points of view and a wide range of topics all converging around my favorite subject: Vegetarianism. The show also offers advice to those who are interested in changing their eating habits, so I recommend it to newbies. I must add my two cents, however. They recommend taking it slow, like cut out bacon this month, sausage the next, and so on 'til you're meat free. I recommend cold tofurky. I understand maybe eliminating red meat, then chicken and fish, and perhaps that might be an option for you, but try to nip that bad habit in the bud and just end your relationship with the burger. Meat will probably end up grossing you out before you know it anyway.
Think about what you eat this Thursday on Thanksgiving, and bring a veg option to dinner, just in case. Remember, Mother Earth will thank you.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Coincidence? I think not.
This week, three major networks unveiled a similar type of comedy-news, each anchored by a prominent black comedian. Last week, if you recall, our country's first black president was also elected.
Was the media aware that Obama was to become our next president, or were they taking a gamble. Is making fun of black people more acceptable when a black person does it? Because, judging on what I've seen so far, that is exactly where they are taking this. Sometimes I really, truly believe that it is the media that runs this country.
CNN has the very un-funny D.L. Hughley anchoring, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, and Bill Bellamy has a new show on BET. But the creme de la creme lies with the very talented David Alan Grier's new show Chocolate News.
I tried to watch DL Hughley last night, but it's a snoozer. He's never been very funny and I'm not sure what CNN is trying to do by hiring a half-rate comic to anchor a comedy show on a news channel. Perhaps they want a piece of the John Stewart pie. The only thing that kept me riveted to Hughley's show for the ten minutes I could last, was looking at his train-wreck of a face. DL Hugley has gotten some major face-work and has ended up looking like a cross between Diana Ross and a billy goat. You can plainly see the eye-tuck, the cheek implants and the botoxed forehead, so if you like looking at future disasters then this could be a very interesting show for you.
I probably won't give Bill Bellamy the time of day. I never watched any of those Rush Hour movies and don't think I would even get most of his references.
But David Alan Grier! I've been waiting for him to come out with his own show since the days of Living Color and finally it's has arrived. David Alan Grier's skits are so wrong they're right and I cannot tell you how hard I laughed during his latest post-election show. Highly recommended.
So that sums up the weekly review of all the recent 'news-comedy' shows that have emerged with the new president. Even if Barack doesn't take this country in a new direction, at least the media is attempting to do their part.
Was the media aware that Obama was to become our next president, or were they taking a gamble. Is making fun of black people more acceptable when a black person does it? Because, judging on what I've seen so far, that is exactly where they are taking this. Sometimes I really, truly believe that it is the media that runs this country.
CNN has the very un-funny D.L. Hughley anchoring, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, and Bill Bellamy has a new show on BET. But the creme de la creme lies with the very talented David Alan Grier's new show Chocolate News.
I tried to watch DL Hughley last night, but it's a snoozer. He's never been very funny and I'm not sure what CNN is trying to do by hiring a half-rate comic to anchor a comedy show on a news channel. Perhaps they want a piece of the John Stewart pie. The only thing that kept me riveted to Hughley's show for the ten minutes I could last, was looking at his train-wreck of a face. DL Hugley has gotten some major face-work and has ended up looking like a cross between Diana Ross and a billy goat. You can plainly see the eye-tuck, the cheek implants and the botoxed forehead, so if you like looking at future disasters then this could be a very interesting show for you.
I probably won't give Bill Bellamy the time of day. I never watched any of those Rush Hour movies and don't think I would even get most of his references.
But David Alan Grier! I've been waiting for him to come out with his own show since the days of Living Color and finally it's has arrived. David Alan Grier's skits are so wrong they're right and I cannot tell you how hard I laughed during his latest post-election show. Highly recommended.
So that sums up the weekly review of all the recent 'news-comedy' shows that have emerged with the new president. Even if Barack doesn't take this country in a new direction, at least the media is attempting to do their part.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
a few things about Hilary or why I'm voting for Obama
A few weeks ago, I angrily mused about MSNBC's David Shuster's suspension and the Clinton campaign. To refresh your memory go to:(http://musingsofamaniacalgenius.blogspot.com/2008/02/censorship-and-media.html)
Last week, Air America fired Randi Rhodes for saying that "Hilary Clinton was a whore." The day after she uttered those very words, she was axed. Mind you, Randi wasn't on the radio at the time. She was doing a stand-up routine for an affiliate in San Fransisco. Randi Rhodes practically founded Air America, a liberal talk radio network. Your friends cannot help you when it comes to government censorship. No one likes to be name-called, especially being called a whore, but if you value your first amendment rights like I do, maybe you'll reconsider pulling that lever for Clinton at the Pennsylvania Primary on Tuesday. She's already censoring our free speech and further jeopardizing our rights to a fair, unbiased media. What else will she take away?
Last week, Air America fired Randi Rhodes for saying that "Hilary Clinton was a whore." The day after she uttered those very words, she was axed. Mind you, Randi wasn't on the radio at the time. She was doing a stand-up routine for an affiliate in San Fransisco. Randi Rhodes practically founded Air America, a liberal talk radio network. Your friends cannot help you when it comes to government censorship. No one likes to be name-called, especially being called a whore, but if you value your first amendment rights like I do, maybe you'll reconsider pulling that lever for Clinton at the Pennsylvania Primary on Tuesday. She's already censoring our free speech and further jeopardizing our rights to a fair, unbiased media. What else will she take away?
Sunday, March 16, 2008
our sad obsession
America is obsessed with Eliot Spitzer and his hooker. Wait, the media is obsessed with sex. Regardless, this whore is making bank as a result. She's got offers from Hustler, Playboy, even her own vodka brand called No. 9, if she wants. Her songs are being downloaded at a rapid rate and played at all the clubs. The media portrays her as a victim. Here is she 17, all alone in a big city with an expensive apartment. hmmm, sound familiar to some? Oh the poor girl. Ever hear of working? I don't feel bad for her and I don't think she should be made a celebrity. If she wanted to live a legitimate life as a working girl ....then Vegas baby! It's legal there. Sorry, but I don't feel bad for her. And I don't see her as a victim. This is merely another example of eating what the media feeds us, and I'm stuffed.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Censorship and the media
Those who followed my blog on Myspace are familiar with my fond alliance with the First Amendment. Also a librarian and voracious reader, I wonder what my life would be like if I where never to have been allowed to read Henry Miller or Catcher in the Rye. Censorship still goes on today and it is very real. Not too long ago, shock jocks Opie and Anthony were suspended off Free FM (what??) and Imus was temporarily fired for his "racial slur" over the summer. We are a hyper-senstive society ready to sue and attack at the slighest ruffling of feathers.
This week in censorship: David Shuster from MSNBC gets suspended after making a comment that the Clintons "pimped out" their daughter Chelsea to campaign for Hilary. Two little words...First of all, I believe he was well within his right to speak his opinion; the Clintons should have just acted duck-like and let that wash right off their backs. Second of all, the powers that be at MSNBC are spineless tools for suspending Shuster. I'm having a hard time accepting this. We live in a mediatocracy where real opinions and real events are shadowed by the FCC and whether we might hurt someone feelings. Come on. Get spines people, (er...clintons) and show we can rise above insults, not be hampered by them.
Insulted or not, the point is that we are a species of varied opinions. We are humans trying to fight against a uni-lateral society of one thought one idea one mind.
This week in censorship: David Shuster from MSNBC gets suspended after making a comment that the Clintons "pimped out" their daughter Chelsea to campaign for Hilary. Two little words...First of all, I believe he was well within his right to speak his opinion; the Clintons should have just acted duck-like and let that wash right off their backs. Second of all, the powers that be at MSNBC are spineless tools for suspending Shuster. I'm having a hard time accepting this. We live in a mediatocracy where real opinions and real events are shadowed by the FCC and whether we might hurt someone feelings. Come on. Get spines people, (er...clintons) and show we can rise above insults, not be hampered by them.
Insulted or not, the point is that we are a species of varied opinions. We are humans trying to fight against a uni-lateral society of one thought one idea one mind.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
vegans on tv
I'm excited about the increased presence of vegans in the media. Marilu Henner has been making the rounds this week, promoting her stint on Donald Trump' "Celebrity Apprentice". Last night she was on Jimmy Kimmel and also on Jay Leno earlier in the month. Henner is probably best known for her role in the sitcom, Taxi, but most recently she has been working the health food circuit, publishing more than 7 books on healthy living. What I like most about Henner, is that she hardly ever uses the word "vegan." Instead she concentrates on health, which opens more ears ( and pocketbooks!). The word health is a welcome one, while the word vegan, indicates a strict lifestyle most people don't even want to begin to understand.
Henner publicly embarrassed Jimmy Kimmel last night, explaining his puffiness around his eyes is due to too much cheese and dairy and that the fat gullet around his mouth and chin was evidence of too much meat.
Keep your eyes peeled for more appearances on television by Marilu Henner. She's a fireball, must be pushing 60 and looks fantastic. If women need further impetus to become vegan, take a look at Henner for inspiration.
Henner publicly embarrassed Jimmy Kimmel last night, explaining his puffiness around his eyes is due to too much cheese and dairy and that the fat gullet around his mouth and chin was evidence of too much meat.
Keep your eyes peeled for more appearances on television by Marilu Henner. She's a fireball, must be pushing 60 and looks fantastic. If women need further impetus to become vegan, take a look at Henner for inspiration.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
animal rights in the media
On Family Guy last Sunday, Peter eats too many mcBurgers and has a mcStroke. In response to losing his lawsuit, he breaks into the slaughterhouse and frees the lead cow. While pushing it a bit, (they compare the senseless slaughter of animals to the Holocaust), the writers help bring awareness to an issue that we see more and more frequently in America and in the media. In the end, the cow thanks all his supporters, the "homo-sexual salad eaters" of America.
see it here: http://video.aol.com/partner/hulu/family-guy-mcstroke/w8hefXv6a2coUtxXGhpCcWKk4pAJxmUc
Vegans and animal rights supporters need to alter the image the media has of caring, healthy people.
It's a known fact that Al Gore simply won't acknowledge that Big Cow in America is a lead cause of global warming. Gore grew up on a ranch, so his denial makes perfect sense. But if we can't get the leader of global warming to make this concession, than who will?
Also in the media, PETA's daring new ad campaign to get your pets neutered. PETA compares teenage pregnancy to not spaying and neutering pets. http://www.peta.org/feat/abc/
Living in Philadelphia, I can see the comparison, Seriously!We have as bad a feral cat problem as we do teenage pregnancies . PETA, I don't think you're crazy!
see it here: http://video.aol.com/partner/hulu/family-guy-mcstroke/w8hefXv6a2coUtxXGhpCcWKk4pAJxmUc
Vegans and animal rights supporters need to alter the image the media has of caring, healthy people.
It's a known fact that Al Gore simply won't acknowledge that Big Cow in America is a lead cause of global warming. Gore grew up on a ranch, so his denial makes perfect sense. But if we can't get the leader of global warming to make this concession, than who will?
Also in the media, PETA's daring new ad campaign to get your pets neutered. PETA compares teenage pregnancy to not spaying and neutering pets. http://www.peta.org/feat/abc/
Living in Philadelphia, I can see the comparison, Seriously!We have as bad a feral cat problem as we do teenage pregnancies . PETA, I don't think you're crazy!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
mediatocricy
We are living in a mediatocricy. (A government run by the media) I've just coined a new word in response to the refusal to allow Dennis Kucinich to appear on Fox News during the Iowa Caucus, and now ABC did not allow Dennis in on the New Hampshire debates last night. America is not being given the entire spectrum of their voting pool, and for progressive thinkers, Kucinich really is the only candidate for real political change. Against the war, with a strong health care plan, for getting us away from our dependence on foreign oil, and most importantly for our rights as US citizens, Kucinich, a strong upholder of the Constitution, rings strong with my values. There are more than just two candidates people, open your eyes!
America will vote for whomever gets the most visibility from the powers of the media unless we realize we are being hoodwinked into voting for a corporate tool. Think about it.
Republicans scare me. Mitt Romney has little hope left, Guilani is ruined and Huckleberry has the evangelical support. Please don't let us slip into a Christian military state, with Huckleberry as our guide. Ron Paul is the only hope we, as American people, have other than Dennis. Would Obama, a black man, be able to win the vote against Huckleberry? Time will only tell. But I'm still hoping for Kucinich. http://www.dennis4president.com/home/
People, do yourself and everyone else a favor. Get educated, look beyond the obvious, be detectives. Make it work for all of us.
America will vote for whomever gets the most visibility from the powers of the media unless we realize we are being hoodwinked into voting for a corporate tool. Think about it.
Republicans scare me. Mitt Romney has little hope left, Guilani is ruined and Huckleberry has the evangelical support. Please don't let us slip into a Christian military state, with Huckleberry as our guide. Ron Paul is the only hope we, as American people, have other than Dennis. Would Obama, a black man, be able to win the vote against Huckleberry? Time will only tell. But I'm still hoping for Kucinich. http://www.dennis4president.com/home/
People, do yourself and everyone else a favor. Get educated, look beyond the obvious, be detectives. Make it work for all of us.
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