Excerpt from The Vegan Reader
Food Is Power
The great humanitarian and farmer, John Jeavons, once said:
"Food is Power…Are You In Control Of Yours? "
As an American and an inheritor of the legacy of a system that has valued money over brotherly love, I know my people, poor people, innocent people, unthinking people, simple, decent people have been burned one too many times by corporations that have marketed ‘progress’ and ‘convenience’ to them.
In this country, many of us are beginning to realize that when we traded in our own skills for the convenient agreement of others doing our work in exchange for money, we won ourselves a world of pesticides, polluted skies and water, contaminated food and foreign sweatshop labor. We stopped living like the incredibly skilled American Indians, or even the early pioneers, nearly all of whom knew how to grow food, make fire, build shelter, find water, craft clothing and feed people. We have become a nation of unskilled workers who pay others to do everything we need for the very basics of being alive, and those we have given our money to have failed to resist the temptation to increase profit by casting care for human and environmental health aside.
Food is power, and by taking the control of it back into your hands as much as you possibly can, you are strengthening yourself as a human person. I realize, few of us are going to be able to create a rice paddy in our backyard, but we can get as deep down on the chain of events as possible. We can purchase rice that is grown without chemicals and is processed as little as possible. We can cook our own rice, and we can make our own milk from it to feed our dear ones well.
You can retrieve your power, your authority over your own life in the steps and stages that feel comfortable and reasonable to you. Today you have learned how to make rice milk – and if you try it, I think you’ll decide it’s absolutely delicious. More than this, though, I think you may feel that you’ve really accomplished something good. Maybe for you, this is a bold act of defiance against the corruption of the Organics industry with big, moneyed, dirty corporate players. Maybe it’s the thougthful act of the gourmet cook who insists on having fresh foods instead of processed ones that have been sitting on a supermarket shelf for who knows how long. Or, maybe it’s just a new way to take better care of yourself by taking the time you deserve to prepare wholesome foods. All reasons are good reasons if they help you to act with diginity and discernment in your daily life.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this reskilling lesson. Let us know if you give making your own rice milk a try.
25 May 2010
20 May 2010
03 May 2010
Dreadlock wearers brush off stereotypes
http://www.freep.com/article/20100503/FEATURES01/5030302/Dreadlock-wearers-brush-off-stereotypes
Crystal Bowersox rocks, it's plain to see. The folksy guitar-slinger from rural Ohio has dominated this lackluster season of "American Idol" with her vocal prowess and easygoing stage presence.
So why, then, are so many people hung up on her hair?
Via blogs and message boards, fans have issued proclamations on the long, blonde, ropelike dreadlocks that Bowersox, 24, sports. Some love them, but some deride them with a passion.
Venomous adjectives such as "dirty, filthy and trashy" have been used to describe them.
All this vitriol underscores the many stigmas and stereotypes attached to a hairstyle that dates back to ancient Egypt and, more recently, is often associated with reggae artist Bob Marley.
But even though such mainstream celebrities as Whoopi Goldberg, singers Lenny Kravitz and Adam Duritz, baseball star Manny Ramirez and author Alice Walker, have sprouted dreadlocks through the years, it's a hairstyle that remains highly misunderstood.
Loretta Green-Williams, 56, and Jordan Aiken, 23, have their own tales of dreadlocks woe. Green-Williams, a Pittsburg, Calif., resident, notices how people "talk down" to her and question her intellect -- never mind that she holds a master's degree from University of San Francisco. Aiken, a recent graduate of UC Berkeley, recalls how sororities and certain clubs shunned her.
Like others who favor dreadlocks, Aiken has seen them arouse curiosity in friends and strangers. A lot of people want to touch them. She has also dealt with what might be the biggest misconception about dreadlocks: that they're the unclean, unkempt byproduct of neglect.
"They're not dirty. I wash my hair. I really do," she says, laughing. "No one ever says they smell bad or anything."
Indeed, Michelle Robinson, who specializes in locking (or knitting) hair in her Oakland, Calif., salon, Naturally Yours Hair Care, insists that the hairstyle actually can be very high maintenance, with some dreadheads spending several hours a week on grooming and upkeep.
"There's a lot of ignorance out there. What we're basically talking about is just a larger strand of hair," says Robinson.
One issue concerning the hairstyle is tinged with tension: Who should wear them? For Rastafarians, dreadlocks are a symbol of inner spirituality. For many blacks, dreadlocks represent a vivid rejection of assimilation and an expression of racial pride. That's why some regard Caucasians with locks as "culture vultures."
For the record, Bowersox, who has had her locks for four-plus years, has said in various interviews that she has no intention of snipping them off just to please the "Idol" voters.
That sentiment draws a hearty cheer from Aiken, who has sported her blonde locks for a similar amount of time.
"It's a singing competition. They should probably focus on her voice," she says. "If she loves her locks, I think she should just rock them and ignore what the people are saying.
"They're probably just jealous anyway."
Crystal Bowersox rocks, it's plain to see. The folksy guitar-slinger from rural Ohio has dominated this lackluster season of "American Idol" with her vocal prowess and easygoing stage presence.
So why, then, are so many people hung up on her hair?
Via blogs and message boards, fans have issued proclamations on the long, blonde, ropelike dreadlocks that Bowersox, 24, sports. Some love them, but some deride them with a passion.
Venomous adjectives such as "dirty, filthy and trashy" have been used to describe them.
All this vitriol underscores the many stigmas and stereotypes attached to a hairstyle that dates back to ancient Egypt and, more recently, is often associated with reggae artist Bob Marley.
But even though such mainstream celebrities as Whoopi Goldberg, singers Lenny Kravitz and Adam Duritz, baseball star Manny Ramirez and author Alice Walker, have sprouted dreadlocks through the years, it's a hairstyle that remains highly misunderstood.
Loretta Green-Williams, 56, and Jordan Aiken, 23, have their own tales of dreadlocks woe. Green-Williams, a Pittsburg, Calif., resident, notices how people "talk down" to her and question her intellect -- never mind that she holds a master's degree from University of San Francisco. Aiken, a recent graduate of UC Berkeley, recalls how sororities and certain clubs shunned her.
Like others who favor dreadlocks, Aiken has seen them arouse curiosity in friends and strangers. A lot of people want to touch them. She has also dealt with what might be the biggest misconception about dreadlocks: that they're the unclean, unkempt byproduct of neglect.
"They're not dirty. I wash my hair. I really do," she says, laughing. "No one ever says they smell bad or anything."
Indeed, Michelle Robinson, who specializes in locking (or knitting) hair in her Oakland, Calif., salon, Naturally Yours Hair Care, insists that the hairstyle actually can be very high maintenance, with some dreadheads spending several hours a week on grooming and upkeep.
"There's a lot of ignorance out there. What we're basically talking about is just a larger strand of hair," says Robinson.
One issue concerning the hairstyle is tinged with tension: Who should wear them? For Rastafarians, dreadlocks are a symbol of inner spirituality. For many blacks, dreadlocks represent a vivid rejection of assimilation and an expression of racial pride. That's why some regard Caucasians with locks as "culture vultures."
For the record, Bowersox, who has had her locks for four-plus years, has said in various interviews that she has no intention of snipping them off just to please the "Idol" voters.
That sentiment draws a hearty cheer from Aiken, who has sported her blonde locks for a similar amount of time.
"It's a singing competition. They should probably focus on her voice," she says. "If she loves her locks, I think she should just rock them and ignore what the people are saying.
"They're probably just jealous anyway."
30 April 2010
My Name is Magola, You Killed My Forest-Prepare to Die!
I'm so tired of dinky zip lock bags. Sure they're great. But taking a lunch includes about 5 or so them each day. bleh! When I worked at the tree place, this girl made a "wrap-n-mat-esque" sandwich holder. It was pretty neat. She could throw it in the washer or dishwasher to clean it. Let's think about it though: sandwich needs a bag, pickles need a bag, carrot stick needs a bag, peeled orange needs a bag, crackers come pre-wrapped and so does luna bar. Pretty soon I'll be arriving in bubble wrap to complete the plastic disaster. So today in honor of ARBOR DAY please reconsider your plastic usage!! Those jelly sandles you're wearing- yeah those too are not so hot for the environment. If you've got any knowledge on how to sew a stitch here's how to make a simple sandwich holder.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Reusable-Sandwich-Wrap/
If you don't- you can buy a few and use them instead of plastic bags!
Has them for fairly cheap!
http://www.reusablebags.com/store/wrapnmat-c-82.html
Top that off with a reusable canvas carry-all bag and you're packing
28 April 2010
Bodies are Art
I, personally, feel that the human body is a beautiful art form. It is complete with curves and colors, textures and shadows. I was 16 yrs old when I saw a truly lovely nude painting. I had been to museums and such as a kid but none of those nude sculptures or art seemed to really pique my interest.
The picture was set against a light forest green that complimented the fair alabaster skin-tone of the subject. She wasn't thin or fat- rather plump. Her brownish-red locks were pulled back into a messy bun. I asked my friend about the painting and she carelessly wrote it off as, "oh that's my grandmother". From then on, I've always thought how poignent it would be to have a nice leather bound photo album of classy nudes of myself. I would want the prints to have some black and white ones, sepia ones and color ones. Lighting would be a key element.
Its not because I'm creepy or have a strange nudity fetish but I view the human body as beautiful. Too much taboo has been put on the body. Many people are ashamed of their beauty and are not allowed to expose it. Its not right.
I may pursue this hope of mine someday. I think it would be something nice to look back on when I am older.
The picture was set against a light forest green that complimented the fair alabaster skin-tone of the subject. She wasn't thin or fat- rather plump. Her brownish-red locks were pulled back into a messy bun. I asked my friend about the painting and she carelessly wrote it off as, "oh that's my grandmother". From then on, I've always thought how poignent it would be to have a nice leather bound photo album of classy nudes of myself. I would want the prints to have some black and white ones, sepia ones and color ones. Lighting would be a key element.
Its not because I'm creepy or have a strange nudity fetish but I view the human body as beautiful. Too much taboo has been put on the body. Many people are ashamed of their beauty and are not allowed to expose it. Its not right.
I may pursue this hope of mine someday. I think it would be something nice to look back on when I am older.
19 April 2010
Chemical Elimination in My Life
My goal to go 98.2% chemical free has been achieved! Here are the places I have stopped using mainstream chemicals (be inspired, very inspired!)
From- ToVinyl Shower Curtain- Washable cotton shower curtains
Tide laundry detergent- Charlie's Soap (Biodegradable and natural)
Bounce Fabric softener- Ecover Fabric softener
Basic hand soap- Dr. Bronners diluted with water
Cheapie Joy lemon dish soap- Planet Dish soap
Bath and Body works soap- All natural goat's milk or homemade soap
Coco butter lotion- Extra Virgin Organic Coconut oil non-refined
Colgate Toothpaste- Tom's of Maine whole care toothpaste
Dove Deodorant- Kiss My Face Peaceful Patchouli
Lysol Toilet Bowl cleaner- Bon Ami (cost .88!)
Ajax or Scrubbing Bubbles- Bon Ami/ Baking Soda
Lysol Wipes-Ecover Lemon Cleaner diluted with water
Cascade Dishwasher soap- 7th Generation Dishwasher soap
Angel soft poo paper- Marcel 100% Recycled TP
Dove Shampoo- Pure Life Soap Co Rosemary Shampoo
Pond's Face lotion- Burt's Bees Pure Radiance with spf 15
Body Lotion- Pure Life Soap Co. Aloe Vera Lotion
Bleach- Bleach Alternative/ Chlorine Free Bleach
Disinfectant- Vinegar
Perfume- Pacifica Vegan perfume or E.O
Mr. Bubbles Bubble Bath- Epsom salts and essential oils
Listorene Mouthwash- Sea salt & peppermint E.O
It is really not difficult to remove a lot of mainstream toxins. I have been slowly eliminating them over the course of a year. I don't want to be a chemical cesspool anymore. If I can't read the ingredients, I look for something else. Do you know what you're dumping on your skin?
16 April 2010
Blades of Grass
So it seems that the pollen has been attacking everyone pretty badly. Luckily, I'm not allergic, but my nose is working overtime to rid it of pollen. This weekend should be nice and sunny. I'm excited about that. I had really wanted to go hiking or something but I can't seem to get anyone together. Maybe I can convince my lover to go along.
Still need to clean the effing gum out of the dryer. grrrRAR....very angry.
Plan on doing a little bit of cleaning up around the house. Somehow it falls to shambles during the week. Probably play some old skool video games, do a little food shopping, mingle with society, you know-the uze.
I still need to buy an under tank heater for the crabitat. I think they like it alot. I certainly do!
Not too much to say. I'll prolly take a power nap when I get home. Staying up late zaps me. Zzzz
13 April 2010
Some Endings, Some Beginnings
Well today is my last day at Icing. I'm alright with that. Now I'll have my weekends open again where I can do laundry, clean up, hike or kayak. I wasn't getting enough hours (4hrs/week) and I figured earning $1500 a year at one job is pretty unreasonable. Maybe I'll sell some of my handmade earrings online....
I don't know if I've already said this, but I sewed a really cool dress that I wore for easter. I bought the material from Walmart; 5 yards for 5 dollars! It is dark green with black designs. It have a side hidden zipper with a black satin ribbon at empire waist. The same black ribbon is used in the straps to make a cross-back. I love it. It is very flattering. And if Katie hadn't mentioned it looks like size 13, I probably wouldn't have taken it apart and re-evaluated it.
I did the river rescue last weekend with Canoe and Hiking Club. This is our annual service project-and I love it! Picked up loads of trash along the river and filled our canoe with it. The trash barge-hahah! Then we all ate pizza and beer at Barley's afterwards. It was great fun. Really would love to get outdoors more.
The hermies love their new habitat and personally, I'd get in there too if I could. I'll post pictures later. It has a tidal pool, a hammock filled with shells, 2 food bowls, clean water bowl, climbing vines, coco-huts, a climbing wall and lots of sand. I'd be hanging out in the tidal pool all day if I were a crab. The crab violence has decreased luckily. I was getting pretty stressed out about it. Gotta hit the critter barn soon and get some new family members-anybody want to go with me?
09 April 2010
Luv Me Some Crabs
So I've decided to turn my low key crabitat into a hobby and much larger establishment. I found on craigslist a fifty gallon tank and a ten gallon with a bunch of reptile gear. In total it only cost $50! This was well over $500 of things! I am very excited. The other day my lover bought me a cute little hermit. He named him Colonel Forbin. If you know what that is in reference to- good for you. If not, never mind, you probably will never know. The other crabs had a feely fest with him. They use their little feelers to communicate. The other hermies are coming up on a year of ownership. They can live up to 40 years of age. They are definitely not throw away pets! Their tank is just getting too loaded with things: choya wood, bridge, two pools (salt and pure), 2 coconut halves, 2 large rocks, glo plants and food dishes! Eiy! I've read that when you have more than 6 crabs they create a colony personality. I'm very curious as to how that works.
One dummy crab sat around all day without a shell. I was panicking about this all day. I isolated him for safety. He had molted and probably wanted a bigger shell. Luckily larger shells are coming in the mail. I did coax him into getting in his old shell using the "glass cup method". I was really freaked out that he was going to die.
But needless to say I'm very excited. I'm also very impressed with the set-ups I've seen online. People's crabitats are amazing. I'd like to provide these little crabblets with the best set-up possible. I'm planning on getting a small paint roller tray and make it into a tidal pool. It'll be great.
Oh and by the way: I figured out a way to get that tiny silver nose hoop in last night. I had one nose ring sticking down from the top and was able to guide the hoop in based on the top one. I've had so many problems trying to get this hoop in. I've tried, no joke, 4 times. The last time it swelled so much I couldn't get anything through. But I really like this one and its surgical steel. It seems my nose doesn't like titanium.
http://crabstreetjournal.com/xoops/
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