People talking about Food

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.

the Great healthcare Debate

Over my morning caffeine, I had the pleasure of watching Arlen Spector preside over a bunch of Pennsylvanians at a town hall in Lebanon. I know what PA is truly like, having lived here for over 15 years. I see the difference between the city people and the country folk. I was somewhat prepared for the misshapen 35-year-old who identified herself as a Republican and a Conservative and asked Sen. Spector to uphold the Constitution so that we don't turn into a Socialized country like Russia! I screamed at the television at that point, angrily sloshing my tea and feeling disgusted.

This opinion piece from NPR neatly sums up my feelings, and probably a whole lot of other peoples'. After hearing a sad story from my 65+ friend who recently had surgery, but is entirely active and able, that she might have to move into a senior building because of her medical bills. This from a woman who rides her bike all over the city and looks 50. Straight from the source and it broke my heart.

I support Oprah's right to choose

Oprah is coming under fire by Republican women for refusing to interview Sarah Palin on her show. Republican women around the nation have boycotted her show, ceased subscriptions to O magazine and loudly voice their opinions are on all the news shows.
Personally, I support Oprah's right to choose her guests. Oprah herself said early on that she wouldn't be putting any political candidate on her show in lieu of her publicly supporting Barack Obama. She would be biased, it would not be fair to her other guests, and quite frankly, it's her own freakin show!

We have raised a nation of whiners. wahh wahh, wahh all the way to the losers podium, there's plenty of room!
You know what, I've never been a fan of Oprah, but today, I think I'm going to go out and buy O magazine, just to support her decision. You should consider doing so too. Send a message to all those whiners.

obama likes arugula...so what?

I'm listening to this incredibly inane argument on CNN right now about why some people don't want to vote for Obama. "He's lofty, he likes arugula" Oh, so people don't know what arugula is therefore they don't understand where Obama is coming from. Does this not validate all that he was saying about Western PA and its' hardnose bible thumping gun toting citizens? "Well he eats this stuff called arugula, what the hell is that? I don't like him (grunt)" Is that how we make decisions anymore? Well maybe I'm lofty too, because arugula is one of the most delicious, spiciest salad greens out there.