Food Issues Getting Some Play
Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:22:15 AM PDT
I'm at work, so this diary will be light on writing and heavier on links.
I was pleased to hear three food-related bits on NPR this morning. OK, it wasn't heavy-hitting stuff like tainted food additives from China, or the decimation of organic standards, or the current Farm Bill debate, but they WERE pieces that present the food system the way regular, not-very-well-informed people need to have it presented to them - anecdotally.
Siena at World Hunger Year posted the links to a listserv we're both on on this morning - thanks to her, I've posted them here for you... with just a tiny bit of my own commentary:
It's Not Just Stamps Whose Rates Are Going Up
Mon Apr 16, 2007 at 06:00:46 PM PDT
Just got this email from Bob McChesney, Professor at the University of Illinois, author of The Problem With the Media, and host of the Media Matters radio show/podcast.
The Postal Service isn't just raising the rate of the first-class stamp; the new rate structure they're proposing - with very little fanfare or publicity - could effectively put small magazines and journals out of business.
See below for the email, posted with Mr. McChesney's permission:
Hunger Issues Get the Newspeak Treatment
Fri Nov 17, 2006 at 07:59:03 AM PDT
As a food banker, I pay special attention to how hunger issues in the United States are portrayed in the media - I look at everything. I look at statistics, I look at anecdotes. I read client stories, I read about access issues.
I'm not a big fan of euphemisms to begin with, but the USDA just came up with one that's leaving me here at my desk scratching my head and wondering how the hell I'm supposed to be doing my job when the USDA is going around acting like the hunger issues in the US are well on their way to being solved.
The Ultimate Act of Protest
Thu Nov 09, 2006 at 01:29:08 PM PDT
My husband just sent me a
link to Chicago
Reader columnist Peter Margasak's column from two days ago. Please click through. I think it's an important story.
My Kid's Letter to MLK
Mon Jan 16, 2006 at 05:29:40 PM PDT
My son's 8th grade history class - and many other history classes - - was required to write a letter to Dr. King regarding the current State of the Nation.
There were over 400 entries city-wide; his essay was one of ten selected to be read on the air of our community radio station this evening and at an event earlier today.
I cried, you know? What kind of world are we leaving these kids? Will they have the tools to deal with it?
His essay - unedited for grammar, etc - is on the flip.
WANTED: Info about your local food co-op
Wed Nov 30, 2005 at 12:59:45 PM PDT
After reading a few diaries in the recent past regarding food security, organic food etc, I noticed many Dkos readers mentioned their food cooperatives.
I work in member services and outreach for our local food coop. We're expanding, and we're also coordinating with other local organizations to help get clean, nutritious food to all people in our community. I'm looking for new ideas, inspiration, commentary, etc!
So.
Who's your co-op? Big or small? Lots of local stuff or mostly procesed foods? What kind of member services do they provide? How can members be of service to the coop? Do they offer classes or workshops? Do they take food stamps? How are they active in your community?
Just post links or comments and I'll file them away as part of my research.
Thanks!
Viggo Mortensen Nails It
Sat Sep 03, 2005 at 01:26:40 PM PDT
From
Viggo's website:
In the often and rightly quoted words of Bill Clinton, "There's nothing wrong with America that can't be fixed by what's right with America." We see now how individuals and groups around the country are acting in any way they can to help their fellow citizens in Louisiana, Mississippi and other devastated places near the Gulf of Mexico. They refuse to stand idly by and wait for President Bush and his morally-bankrupt, pirate administration to respond in an appropriately urgent and compassionate manner to the escalating agony and desperation of our fellow citizens.
More:
Round Two
Tue Aug 23, 2005 at 09:20:54 PM PDT
Just heard from my mother that my Uncle Pete, age 51, is being redeployed to Iraq in a few weeks. He was in Afghanistan a couple years ago. It was an open secret he'd be called back up, but it was still shocking to hear he'd be going There, just after his new house - his first ever - got built.
More below the fold.
This is What Being a 12 YO Current Events Geek Gets You...
Tue Mar 08, 2005 at 08:35:42 PM PDT
A friend and I took my 12 YO son to listen to Richard Clarke speak on the University of IL campus this evening.
More below the fold...
I Heart Will Ferrell!
Wed Jul 28, 2004 at 06:58:34 PM PDT
Repub Want Ad For IL Senate Race!
Sat Jul 24, 2004 at 08:03:40 AM PDT
Sorry if this has been posted already, but here's the "want ad" that appeared in my v conservative local rag... on the opinion page! Under the editorial! (the paper is the News-Gazette of Champaign-Urbana) Read on!
