The Story Of Stuff Project

Are you concerned about the food you eat? ecology? Being happier? You might enjoy this friendly semi-animated, free documentary made as a lecture aide by Annie Leonard. It has been shown by Economics professors to their students at a number of universities. What is most interesting about this documentary is that it draws intriguing connections between happiness, consumerism and ecology that most people might not otherwise notice. The animation makes it fun to watch.

If you found the above documentary interesting you will enjoy this interview with Annie Leonard where she expands on those topics. Leonard helped create the animation “The Meatrix” and now works on “The Story Of Stuff” project, a series of free, animated web documentaries. The interview has an upbeat, inspirational vibe and interesting information you might not have heard before.

“More on that later”

I’m not an English teacher. I don’t play one on TV. My writing skills are about average. However, I would bet that the habit of writing the phrase “more about that later” would be considered to be lousy writing. Especially, if the writer does not actually get back to “that” later.

That is one way this habit is irritating. It is also disorganized. It is the “goto statement” of human languages, well, at least for English. It is easier for people to remember what someone writes or speaks if they don’t jump around on topics. My opinion….

Have a good weekend!

Pollan,Price,Grass & Beans

A few months ago I read a blog post from a carnist that stuck in my mind. He was a fan of Michael Pollan who was a bit angry that his enthusiasm for better food was dashed by not being able to afford the prices.

Yesterday, while I was in a waiting room I was flipping through a magazine that had an article/advertisement for a local “farm” that raised chemical free, grass fed cows. The picture in the article showed that steak from this place was about $16 a pound.

When I got home I went on Amazon. Alaskan salmon, another favorite of the Pollan crowd, was about $32 a pound. A more humble person can buy grass fed organic hamburger for about $7 a pound.

I live in a metropolitan area. I can get organic whole grains and organic dried legumes for about $1.50 – $2.00 a pound depending on where I shop. I know how to cook these things conveniently and I know many delicious recipes. Recipes that are certainly more interesting than hamburger.

In other words, as a vegan, I can live the Pollanesque dream of Earth friendly, sustainable ( not to mention near cruelty free ) and wonderful food for about 1/3 of the cost.

Huzahhhhhhh!