Shawn > Recent Status Updates

The section on corn was enlightening but it felt a little weird that the corn was being personified, as if it were actively searching for humans to jazz it up. The book itself is not what I had fathom, but it’s good that I am being met with something that I did not expect. I can tell that things are building, and that a case is being made, but for what, I do not know.

Going to take my time with this, I love John Varley’s work!

(The italicized sections are hard to read, due to the extended use of italicization; just use quotes & normal font, didn’t realize until now why type is done WITHOUT italicization, and why it is used only SPARINGLY)

“A worker in Michigan, repairing one of the lagoons, was overcome by the smell and fell in. His 15-year-old nephew dived in to save him but was overcome, the worker’s cousin went in to save the teenager but was overcome, the worker’s older brother dived in to save them but was overcome, and then the worker’s father dived in. They all died in pig shit.”

Whew, heavy info, tragic the slaughterhouse of chickens, now the power of Big Science.

Depressing stuff. I had adopted a diet: Eat food, mostly plants, not too much. But I continued w/meat, no concern. It’s risky for me to go w/out meat for days (I catch a cold or feel weak). I wish we (U.S.) had more tasty vegetarian options like India. And having a kitchen, access to a grocer, & time to cook/prepare. I’ll cut back more now on meat. 1x/wk maybe.

The chapter on Shame was unexpected. How Kafka became strict vegetarian. And the insight from the author really stands out. There certainly are gems of wisdom here. Great ride so far

Gosh some really challenging Qs to consider: why not eat dogs but cows & pigs? do tuna feel pain when gaffed?

Interesting, seems kinda long, but the writing is casual, not laden w/stats. Author has Jewish background, is married w/child, used to hate & fear dogs until 26.

Good quality writing