Motus Mentis

7 Comments

1. It's Me... Maven says

   Again, hideous!

   Subsidies are artificially keeping our economy in a holding pattern. Specifically? Industrialized corn (zea mays), and to a smaller degree, soy. Why do you think that we are having such a problem with Mexican “illegal” immigration? Due to our competitively priced corn which IS being shipped to Mexico, Mexicans are buying it up by the bushel load because it’s CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP, thus putting Mexican corn farmers on the brink of starvation. I know I’m oversimplifying the immigration problem; however, farm subsidies do play a large part in this dynamic.

   I highly recommend reading “The Omnivore’s Dilemna.” Mad scary read about industrial farming, as well as the interconnectedness between corn and fossil fuels.

   Posted October 1, 2007 at 10:52 am | Permalink
2. Malcolm says

   Hi Maven,

   I’ve had others recommend that book to me as well. Onto the list it goes.

   So many books, so little time!

   Posted October 1, 2007 at 10:57 am | Permalink
3. It's Me... Maven says

   I suggest getting the book on tape or CD and listen to it as you commute (my chiropractor did this rather than read the book itself as I did). You’ll be amazed at how pervasive corn is in our diet and our daily living. We truly ARE children of the corn.

   Posted October 1, 2007 at 3:10 pm | Permalink
4. Malcolm says

   But that’s when I read the paper!

   Posted October 1, 2007 at 4:21 pm | Permalink
5. It's Me... Maven says

   To sweeten the pot, I believe The Omnivore’s Dilemna even goes into the brief history of the phrase “corn cobbing.”

   Perhaps you could read the paper on the way to work, and listen to the book on the way home. It’s a compelling read:) And I’d suggest following it up with reading “Poop Culture,” by Dave Praeger afterwards:) Just so you complete the thematic reading:) [input/output]

   Posted October 2, 2007 at 3:14 pm | Permalink
6. Malcolm says

   No, I’ll get a copy of the book, and read it. I think it goes in faster that way. And that way I can still hear people sneaking up on me in the subway.

   Posted October 2, 2007 at 3:17 pm | Permalink
7. It's Me... Maven says

   Ah, see for me, it’s a great way to drown out the din which is usually on the subway or MetroNorth. You’ll also be amazed at what posseurs Whole Foods is in a grander scale. “Industrialized Organic?” I think will be one question popping into your head when you get to that chapter…

   Posted October 3, 2007 at 12:23 pm | Permalink