A Simple Change of Terminology

In chapter 14 of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Barbara Kingsolver explains how the simple change of terminology from "killing" animals to "harvesting" them changes everything. I found this especially interesting to blog about because this is an English course, and euphemisms are in fact literary devices. Though at face value this word choice may seem like a hippy's way of quelling her conscience, Kingsolver explains how harvesting implies a carefully planned and respectful way of killing animals for a clear purpose. I think that Kingsolver feels strongly enough about respecting animals that she can use the word "harvesting" in place of "killing" or "slaughtering", but I think that for many people this word would carry connotations that animals are the same as plants. Without the proper explanation of her reasoning behind her diction, I feel that "harvesting" could easily be misinterpreted into something she never intended. Whether or not "harvesting" causes problems, it's an interesting way of looking at things.

Radiation in Japan's Food

We all know about the earthquake and the ensuing tsnami and the nuclear power plant. We know the devastation that it has caused the cities and towns of Japan, the lives it has taken. But what effect does these diasters have on food and agriculture? While on the Slow Food International website, which is a global organization founded to counter the rise of fast food, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world, (brought to my attention by the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver) I came across this article drawing my attention to the effect of radioactive waste coming from the destroyed power plant on the soil. I decided to find out more. I came across this article. Japan has already found traces of radiation in spinach, milk, and tap water in Toyko. Although the government says that the amount of radiation found is harmless I would still be concerned. This problem could get much worse. really fast. Read the article and tell me what you think.
~Organic or Die

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by: Barbara Kingsolver

Throughout the book you become engaged in the new lifestyle the Kingsolver's take on.  She focuses on the prices and economic value of organic food. Stating valid points: Isn't it better to pay for healthier nutritious better food, rather than cheap unhealthy, "bad" food? Organic products may be worth the cash, because they're worth a lot more than GMO and chemically changed produce. She also points out in Chapter 9, how important it can be to sit down and not rush a meal. Actually enjoy the food. In today's world we seem to be so caught up and busy that food is just stuffed down our throats while driving, typing or working. Meals are supposed to be enjoyed, and a time to relax and connect with other people around you. While i read this chapter I really began to reflect on my life and how caught up in other things we truly are, my dinner and lunch are usually 15 minutes of microwaved food on the go. In this book I related many things to topics and research we have discussed in class and things i have seen on other blogs. Kingsolver discusses nearby restaurants using produce and ingredients from nearby, local farms. We have seen many examples of this like Sprig, and other restaurants from our "Eating Local" bloggers. I completely agree that this system helps the community, economy, and better food quality for everyone.

This book really opened my eyes to some great examples and ideas on wether starting my own little food garden, I may try growing a couple herbs in the kitchen for cooking. I know my mom used to have a nice basil plant that she would take leaves straight of the branches and use in her cooking. (it's a start) I don't know if the majority of people could adapt to such a lifestyle as the Kingsolver's. Organic Lifestlye also added a lot of labor and work to their lives. Always having to check crops, keep them healthy, planting, caring for them, it seems a lot of people wouldn't put that much effort into it (sadly). I love the way the booked tied together the memories and different perspectives of the family members as well as keeping the reader well informed and intrigued on what was going on.

I checked out their website as well and now I can try out some of those recipes even though i have to return the book! :) Animal, Vegetable, Miracle or die...

-Diana Soloaga

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: Conclusion

The final chapters had some really interesting points. In chapter 19, the whole turkey insemination was kind of weird. In our neighborhood, we have a turkey that roams around, and she is second generation. So I know for certain that turkeys are capable of natural reproduction... Plus she is a very healthy turkey and has been around for a few years. Kingsolver's calculations were also eye opening. In  the end, 50 cents was spent per person per meal. I thought about the Hispanic family in the Food, Inc. documentary. If they were able to live like the Kingsolvers, their economic problems would decrease significantly and their health risks would almost diminish. 

~Skelton

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.

As I searched in the library for the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver I thought to myself, "How can there be a whole section of a library filled with books like this? Who actually reads these things?" BUT as I began reading, it became more interesting. The thought of moving and starting a new life filled with all organic and local foods is actually intriguing.  Shocking, I know. Kingsolver also places side notes with certain memories that occurred with the chapter; in one chapter, she speaks of the time when she ate her sister's chickens. This story actually diverges into a list of pros and cons of being a vegetarian or a vegan. This side story really caught my attention, probably because I am a vegetarian. Anyways, this book also has recipes scattered throughout it that actually look good, and I might just have to try one and bring it in for the class. Another interesting thing about this book is that it also it has articles about food economics and animal welfare (...am I over stepping my boundaries?)

Happy Eating or Die
~Katie Sweeney

Organic: More Nutritious?

Lately, I have been on this search to find a study that finally concludes the age old question of whether or not organic food is in fact more nutritious. I stumbled upon this one website called Mayo Clinic. The article I found on this subject is completely unbiased and professional so I trust what they say. Here's the gist: There's really no study that has proven that organic food is more nutritious. There's also a difference between 'natural' and 'organic'. If a food is labelled 'organic', that means it meets the USDA standards. The only thing you aren't getting in your organic foods are all the pesticides. However, they are treated with environmentally safer pesticides. Also, the consumer must wary that organic food will spoil faster. So when you buy organic, be sure that you buy what you plan to eat that week and not let it sit; otherwise, you are wasting your money. click for more info... or die ------> Mayo Clinic on Organic

~Skelton (Devil's Advocate)

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle Chapters 1-4

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lloydcrew/3279955360/
"Febrary 9, 2009" by Elizabeth Lloyd

When I first picked up the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver I thought, "Oh great, another book I have to read", but this book has actually turned out to be enjoyable. The book follows the first year of farming newcomer Barbara Kingsolver and her family. They move from the city of Tucson, Arizona to the rural area of southern Appalachia and make an agreement to eat better with as much locally grown food as possible. One particular thing Kingsolver finds very important is knowledge. We as consumers should be aware of what we buy and eat. Throughout these chapters (and the entire book) there are inserts from Kingsolvers daughter Camille Kingsolver and her husband Steven L. Hopp. I found the additions from Camille, who was a teenager at the time, to be very relatable. She speaks of asparagus in one addition. She speaks how she did not like asparagus at first but she wouldn't even try it. As she grew up she realized aspargus was actually very good. I do the same thing all the time, I thought I didn't like tomatoes now I do. This has happened with mushrooms, peanuts, and countless other foods. With Camille's reminder I intend to give spinach another chance! Perharps i'll try the spinach lasgna mention in the book. I'll keep you posted. If you would like to try any recipe mentioned in the book, visit here. :-)