Marlene Dotterer's Blog, page 6

Turns Out We Are Not Feeding the World

I started reading thisMother Jonesarticle with a bit of skepticism because it seemed to be talking about exports to other countries. I was trying to be fair, as in, “perhaps food aid is not counted as an export since we aren’t paid for it.” But no. Very little of the soil-destroying, pesticide-laden food that we grow is sent to poor countries whose people are starving. The last chart is the most damning: showing how much our food donations count as a percentage of that country’s food supply.T...

Blog Forward: Hugh Howey, The Greatest Threat

I want to link to Hugh Howey’s post on economics. The topic is well-thought-out, and the commenters are thoughtful as well. It’s always refreshing to see a comment thread that actually discusses the topicwithout blustering insults.

We really do need to change our tax system. But the world also needs to move away from this destructive idea of “growth.” We need a system that prioritizes well-being over more… more… more.

http://www.hughhowey.com/the-greatest-threat/

This Dinner Brought to You by Slaves

What will take to end the practice of slavery in our food chain? Read this article and realize this is not an issue happening only in the dark and poor corners of the globe. No folks, this is YOUR dinner we’re talking about. MY dinner. These are slaves working for Americans, bringing our food to the grocery store. And they are not just working for slipperyAmerican criminals is some hidden black market: no, this slavery is documented in the rules and laws of our federal government and the loca...

Cooking Post: German Chocolate Cake

I don’t have an overabundance of happy memories from childhood, but this is one: making German Chocolate Cake for my birthday. It was my favorite cake and my mother made it every year, and I always got to help. Eventually, I got big enoughto make it on my own.

I don’t make it so often anymore because it’s very, very fattening.You’d think I could get it away with it once a year, but see, I have no willpower where this cake is concerned. I will gladly eat the entire thing over the course of two...

Female Protagonists, Part the Second

Okay, then. I promised a post on this. If you didn’t read the linked article from Friday’s post, you can go do that now. Or, not. It’s not a surprise to anybody that well-rounded, non-stereotypical female characters are mostly absent in the starring role, whether we’re talking about books, movies, TV, or whatever.

As a kid, I read lots of books with female protags. I don’t remember thinking these characters were inferior to their male counterparts. I also never questioned if they “should” be...

Female Protaganists

Here’s the link: http://lauravanarendonkbaugh.com/writing-women

I have much to say along these lines, but alas, I’m celebrating an Occasion, and am not exactly sober…

I’ll get back to you, ‘kay?

In Our Garden: Western Tanager

This summer we’re seeing a bird that’s new to us. It’s quite striking and got our attention right away. This gorgeous bird stops by most days to drink from our rock fountain in the back yard. It’s called a Western Tanager. I haven’t been able to get its picture yet, so this one is borrowed:

Copyright: Dave Ryan

Western Tanager

Voting Libertarian? I hope you or your kids never get sick — Dr. Jen Gunter

My thirteen-year old boys had an appointment this week. When we were done the provider who normally chats with me in that provider-to-provider way abruptly changed the conversation to tell me he finally deciding who was getting his vote. I was expecting this to be the lead in to some new Donald Trump joke. However, he[…]

via Voting Libertarian? I hope you or your kids never get sick — Dr. Jen Gunter

Eat This While You Read That: Lee and Miller – Cedar Writes

Here’s a post featuring my favorite author team, their books, and a favorite character’s favorite food. A favorable post!

From ETWYRT:

A couple of weeks ago I featured a lowly, plebian sandwich on ETWYRT. Today’s recipe is pretty much the exact opposite of the zombie apocalypse grilled cheese. I really enjoy the Liaden serie…

Source: Eat This While You Read That: Lee and Miller – Cedar Writes

Least Healthy Foods are the Most Subsidized

People who read this article will probably those most interested in food and health. The people who NEED to read it, are the folks who eat mostly processed food.

So if you know me and you eat lots of processed food, please read. Especially if your kids eat mostly processed food. Convenience is great, but it’s not everything.

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/07/are-farm-subsidies-killing-us