Waking Up the Compost

The movie Clear and Present Danger opens with a Coast Guard cutter overtaking a suspicious boat somewhere off the U.S. coast. When the suspicious vessel fails to acknowledge the Coast Guard's presence by slowing down, the cutter's captain gives a cold command to the sailor at the helm: "Wake 'em up!" An ear-shattering blast of the cutter's horn fails to slow the vessel, and the sailors man the bow gun and prepare to board.

Sometimes compost—actually, bio-organisms in the compost—needs to be waked up as well. The compost pile I fed with scraps over the winter had lain dormant during the cold months when the microbial life slowed down to a crawl. But with the warmer weather it's time to wake the critters—get 'em fed, wet, and aired out so they can pick up where they left off last fall and turn my food and yard scraps into humus.

This is a lame compost bin—not really enough mass to get really hot. But it has to suffice for the time being. I forked the scraps from a previous bin into this new bin, which provides oxygen and remixes the scraps. After every new layer (6"-8" of scraps) I added alfalfa meal as a nitrogen source for the microbes and dampened the scraps with the hose. Air, food, water—what every biological being needs, microbes being no exception.

Re-Cycling

My neighbor, John, pulled a rusted hulk out of a dumpster a few years ago and held on to it, waiting for a chance to re-cycle it. When the young son of another neighbor was ready for his own two-wheeler, John did his thing: disassembly, major cleaning, unlocking rust-frozen nuts and chain, repainting body and wheels, new fork bearings, seat, tires, and grips, several days' labor—and a name plate for young David. A great example of keeping something out of a landfill and restoring it to usefulness. All it took was a little resourcefulness and care.

Nice work, John. (And thanks to John for the clever "re-cycle" title. Get it?)

Many People Still Don't Know This

On July 17, 2009, the American Dietetic Association released their position paper on vegetarian/vegan diets:

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the lifecycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.

It's amazing how many people still don't understand that there is nothing in animal-based foods that is needed by human beings for good health that cannot be found in plant foods. Dietician Jeff Novick explains, however, that the key phrases in the ADA statement are "appropriately planned" and "well-planned"—meaning a diet of whole foods: vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains. It is entirely possible to put together a diet of vegan junk food as with conventional junk food, but that is obviously not what the ADA says is acceptable.

To explain the difference, I have used the terms "defensive veganism" and "offensive veganism." Defensive veganism focuses on what one is NOT going to eat (animal products) while offensive veganism focuses on what one IS going to eat (a wide variety of whole, plant-based foods). As in sports, both defense and offense are important, but too many people focus just on the former. Many people who become vegan from an animal rights perspective are focused on NOT eating animals (a defensive posture); they try to live on vegan fake food (soy products) and find their health compromised. They eliminate meat (defensive) without incorporating (offensive) whole plant foods. 

The ADA paper concludes:

"Appropriately planned vegetarian diets have been shown to be healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle. There are many reasons for the rising interest in vegetarian diets. The number of vegetarians in the United States is expected to increase during the next decade. Food and nutrition professionals can assist vegetarian clients by providing current, accurate information about vegetarian nutrition, foods, and resources."

More Bad News for Agave Nectar

On the heels of Dr. Mercola's negative article yesterday (see my post below), more bad news today about agave nectar from an even better source: vegan dietician Jeff Novick who has become one of the go-to guys in the plant-based world for nutritional advice. He makes the interesting point that some of the same "natural food" stores that outlaw HFCS products (high fructose corn syrup)—like the Earthfare chain of stores in the southeast—sell agave nectar as a recommended sweetener even though agave has a higher fructose content than HFCS! There is also misleading information regarding agave's (low—lower is better) glycemic index scores that Novick addresses. 

Read the article here. Bottom line: agave isn't all it's been cracked up to be. 

Addendum, same day: I was at Costco this afternoon and stopped by the booth where a guy was demonstrating and selling the BlendTec blender, making and giving away fruit smoothies. He was also selling QUARTS of agave nectar! Why would anyone need to further sweeten a fruit smoothie with agave—or anything else? (Full Disclosure: in September, 2008, I posted on this blog my recipe for the fruit smoothie I make almost daily. At that time, I included in the ingredients one Tbsp of agave nectar. It was not long after that that I began reading about agave and stopped using it in my smoothies. It just wasn't necessary given all the natural sugar in the fruit. I have since deleted it from the recipe I posted. Live and learn! I need to update that recipe and repost it since I have tweaked it a good bit since Sept 2008. It was good then, but is even better now—with the addition of kale, spinach, and some other goodies.)

The Solitary Life of the Master Craftsman

I recently learned about a luthier in Bedford, Virginia, James Jones, who has been making mountain music instruments for several decades (hammered dulcimers, bowed psaltries, zithers, Appalachian dulcimers, harps, slit drums, thumb pianos, and Celtic bouzoukis). The instruments are beautiful and compelling, not only in their sound but in the mountain traditions they preserve for future generations.

You can view his instruments and other items (he makes kitchen cutting boards out of scrap wood) at his web site. But I really want to recommend this Flickr slide show of the making of a Celtic bouzouki (sort of a mandolin on steroids). As the 150 images pass by, one is struck by the solitary, silent life of a master craftsman—a person who finds contentment in designing and constructing objects of utility and beauty for others to enjoy. The slide show takes just a few minutes to view and is well worth the time. 

Agave: You May Be Better Off Drinking the Tequila

Agave nectar has become the fashionable sugar-substitute of choice in the last couple of years. I even noticed a two-pack of large bottles of organic agave nectar at Costco yesterday. The blue agave plant grows native in Mexico and, once fermented, forms the basis of tequila.

Dr. Mercola has published a scathing critique of agave nectar, saying it is higher in fructose than the much-bedeviled HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)—fructose being the bad-for-you form of "sugar" (glucose being the natural, good form). Along with the fructose count, agave nectar is highly chemical-processed and devoid of nutrients—you can read the rest of the story here.

If Dr. Mercola is right, caveat emptor—let the buyer beware. Clever marketing can make natural things look good even after all the "nature" has been removed. (It goes without saying that I'm not a scientist or nutritionist, so can't evaluate Mercola's claims. I pass along the link for your own consideration.)

They Did What?

"So they just passed a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he didn't understand it, passed by a Congress that exempts themselves from it, signed by a president who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese . . . and better yet it is to be financed by a country that's broke?" (from an anonymous Facebook poster)


Nobody could make this stuff up. 

Why Good Philosophers Are Needed

In The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses, C. S. Lewis wrote,

Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason,

because bad philosophy needs to be answered.

I spent the morning today attending three classes taught by (son) Daniel at Midlands Technical College, a multi-campus college in Columbia, SC. He has taught a heavy load there the last three years while pursuing his Ph.D in philosophy at the University of South Carolina (now in dissertation stage).

In 12 years of undergrad and graduate school, I managed to avoid all but two philosophy courses (I didn't "get" philosophy, I say to my shame), both at an introductory level. I confess to not having had a good practical sense for the need and place of "philosophy" outside the ivory towers of academia. But the Lewis quote above, cited by Dr. Normal Geisler in a class I attended at my church recently, was a light-bulb moment for me. And my perspective was greatly expanded from sitting in on Daniel's three classes this morning (nearly 4.5 hours of instruction).

The first class was Introduction to Logic—like math without numbers. It was all Greek to me, but I was immediately impressed with the need for the mind to be trained to think in logical progressions. Computer programmers think this way, as do ethicists when navigating the foggy terrain of either/or landscapes. In truth, all of us think logically (sometimes), but at a first-grade level compared to the rigor of what is possible. Learning to test and prove arguments logically is like learning a foreign language, yet once the language is learned I have a feeling (and Daniel attests) it opens a door into a dynamic reality that casts a different light on the hardest questions of human existence.

In the Logic classroom:

The second class was Introduction to Philosophy, today's discussion being an analysis of two contemporary and opposing points of view on personal and property rights from the perspective of the individual and society. More than once in this lecture I saw places where the previous hour's lecture on logic could be used to test theories:

The third class was Contemporary Moral Problems, today's topic being euthanasia (next class: capital punishment). Again, two opposing viewpoints from the writings of two contemporary philosophers examining the relationship between intent and result in actions, using euthanasia as the platform:

This lecture involved an interesting presentation of Thomas Aquinas' "Doctrine of Double Effect"—the relationship between results (harm) that are intended versus results that are foreseen (collateral harm) but not intended. Aquinas' doctrine forms the basis of the modern "just war" theory of warfare, debated extensively in the post-911 days prior to the U.S.'s invasion of Iraq. I recall the debate re: "just war" from those days, but this was a clear outline of the basis of the argument. (Note: point three is a guard against "the ends justifying the means," not a support for it -- in case you happen to read that closely.)

These three classes in succession were helpful for me as they progressed from logic to theory to practical life-and-death issues. That order reflected the random choice of the college scheduler, but I found in the three a helpful way to see how the seeming abstract world of philosophy ultimately has its outworking in real-life issues. Often, people in high places responsible for making weighty decisions that effect a nation's populace don't have the training to apply philosophical reasoning to problems, so they rely on "philosophers" and the academy to shed light in dark corners. Having sat through these classes today, I wish I could go back and redeem my largely profligate college years and invest my mind in more rigorous pursuits than were required as, e.g., the social chairman of my college fraternity. 'Yo boy.

All parents are happy when their children find callings at which they are fruitful and by which they make meaningful contributions. I wish I lived close enough (and/or their various venues allowed) to spend a half day with Daniel's brothers and sisters as they hammer out their own futures: Stephen and his company in California, David in library science in Philly, Lizzie as a retail manager in Connecticut, and Anna as an aspiring banker at Wells-Fargo in Charlotte.

Pretty Girls

Since I missed my granddaughters' recent ballet performance of Peter Pan, I went down on Wednesday to go to ballet practice with them (Ellen's class was taught by Mom, Jennifer, who is one of the teachers at the ballet company). Before ballet, we sat out on the deck in the beautiful sun and soaked up some vitamin D while the girls ate their veggie-soup lunch and still-warm fresh bread:

Arianna working on "Earth Balancing" some of Mom's fresh bread (gotta love the hat):

Ellie with her usual smiling face:

This is called being a blessed grandpa:

There were so many moms standing in front of the viewing window for Arianna's class that I couldn't elbow in to get a picture. But here is Ellen and the pretzelesque Jen, still as limber as she was in high school (taken through a wire-reinforced glass partition, so a little fuzzy):

(See the next post [above] for some pics of Daniel taken on the same visit.)

BACK OFF!

With the echoes of Pelosi's gavel still reverberating in the House chamber, Republican attorneys general in 11 states have warned that lawsuits will be filed to prevent the federal government from interfering with (usurping) states rights in response to Obamacare. Ten of the 11 states plan to band together in a collective lawsuit on behalf of their states: Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Washington. And other states may join, as many others are contemplating similar resistance, some having already passed protective legislation. Predictably, my tax-hungry, go-along state of North Carolina has shown no such courage.

We fought a revolution to put King George in his place, and it appears another is needed to push the federalés back across the Potomac. This is a movement well worth supporting. Read the rest of the exciting details here, and do what you can to lend a hand.

By the way—these states are basing their actions on a clear reading of the 10th amendment to the Constitution concerning states rights. (The Constitution gives the federal government no express right to run healthcare or to mandate [force] citizens to purchase it!)

Welcome to Amerika

The question I have had about Obamacare from the beginning is this—and I ask it again this morning:

What is there in this plan that incentivizes any American

to take greater personal responsibility for his or her own health?

As far as I can tell, nothing.

With regard to incentives, this new era in America reminds me of what Soviet workers used to say during the heyday of the Soviet Union: "We pretend to work and they pretend to pay us." In other words, "Why bother?"

Nature by Numbers

Beautiful video on the numerical balances in nature. Not being a mathematician, I'm sure I missed some of the depth of this (I did recognize the golden ratio/mean early on, 1.61xxx). Beautiful, nonetheless: (Thanks to Ken Boa for the link.)

Are You a 65-year-old Male?

"All males, 65 years or older, who have been exposed to the traditional Western diet, have cardiovascular disease and should be treated as such."

Lewis Kuller, M.D.

University of Pittsburgh

April, 2006

"How bush league, how undisciplined, how kid's stuff."

Those are the words of WSJ columnist Peggy Noonan, describing president Obama's managing of the railroading (my word) of health care reform. Read the whole column here.

Writers with Good Humor

It is standard practice in either the Preface, or on an Acknowledgements page, for authors of books to extend thanks to all the people who provided assistance to the author in various ways and stages of his or her writing. These often are "yada yada yada" litanies which readers tend to scan over hurriedly since the names (usually) mean nothing to the reader. Normally, a standard boilerplate is included to the effect that "all these individuals helped make my book better, but I alone am responsible for its errors and shortcomings."

In many years of reading books, I have noted only two creative variations on this theme, both delightful and unique:

In the Preface to Biblical Preaching, Dr. Haddon Robinson pays homage to his mentors and teachers and then says, "Since all of these and others influenced me deeply, it is only fair that for weaknesses in this volume they should shoulder a large share of the blame."

And in the Acknowledgements section of Eating Animals, author Jonathan Safran Foer says (read this carefully), "Betsy Uhrig's eye for errors large and small has made this book finer and more exact—any mistakes are untirely mine own."

Nice to find authors who use a bit of disarming humor in the midst of their serious endeavors.

Charlotte Area Cyclist Killed

A Charlotte-area cyclist was struck and killed by a motorist early Wednesday morning (March 17) as he road to work. Adam Little, 34, was an experienced cyclist and member of a local race team. He was riding appropriately, had a warning light on the back of his bike, but was still struck and killed by a motorist who claimed not to have seen him.

The driver was a 24-year-old female who failed to report the incident (hit and run) but was later apprehended and charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle.

This was unnerving news, since I did a 41-mile ride myself yesterday. I always pray for safety before I leave on a ride, and give thanks when I return safely, knowing how dangerous this sport can be. The last statistic I read said, on average, two cyclists per day are killed by motorists in the United States. My greatest danger yesterday came in the form of being chased three times by a total of five dogs, one a pit bull.

Amazingly, just a week before this incident, a national ESPN radio commentator, Tony Kornheiser, issued an on-air rant against cyclists, encouraging his audience to "run 'em down." He spent five and a half minutes on this rant. "I'm not saying you kill them—just tap them." When Lance Armstrong got wind of this he sent out the following Tweet to his more than two million followers: "Listening to Tony Kornheiser on ESPN radio re: cyclists. Disgusting, ignorant, foolish. What a complete f-ing idiot. . . Big mistake, Tony." This drivel can be heard here -- scroll down to Part 1 of the March 11 broadcast. The rant begins at 31:28.

Here's part of what Kornheiser said: “And they all, my God, with their water bottles in the back, and their stupid hats, and their shiny shorts, they’re the same kind of disgusting posers that in a snowstorm come out with cross-country skis on your block. Run them down.”

3-22-10 Follow up: Kornheiser had Lance Armstrong on his radio show to apologize for his remarks. That 16 minute conversation can be heard here (scroll down under Kornheiser's show until you see a picture of LA). The interview was weak -- a missed opportunity by LA to make stronger points about the need of the public to recognize that bikers have a right to the road in most states, etc. But at least the host apologized.

A California doctor is now in prison for attempting to teach two cyclists a lesson by stopping short in front of them, causing them to crash into the back of his car and suffer massive injuries.

Cyclists should obey all road laws, and so should drivers. Please drive alertly—and keep your dogs penned.

Sprouting

Tried sprouting a mix of red and white quinoa (say "keen-wah" or however the next knowledgeable person you meet says to pronounce it), a South American pseudo-grain grown high in the Andes. Quinoa is not a true grain since it is not a cereal grass (like wheat, barley, etc.) After soaking for four hours, it sprouts overnight. The close-up below is of quinoa that has grown for about 48 hours. I could have set them in a windowsill in direct sunlight for 15-20 minutes to bring up the chlorophyll in the sprouts, turning them more green, but I was anxious to eat some of these:

Am also soaking (l. to r.) buckwheat, amaranth, and a mix of adzuki (red) and mung (green) beans for sprouting. I've sprouted mungs and adzukis before, but not the other two:

I use these sprouts in salads. All are very high in protein and eaten "live" (without cooking) retain their enzymatic properties and "life force." When seeds come in contact with moisture (just as with seeds in the ground) they "come to life" enzymatically and kick into motion the chemical processes that produce growth. Because of the sudden growth mechanisms, sprouts are extremely high in the seeds' inherent nutritional qualities making them healthy additions to one's diet.

Rich Man, Poor Man

Richard Russell is one of the most famous investment analysts working today, having penned the Dow Theory Letters for four decades. By his own admission, the most popular piece he ever wrote is titled "Rich Man, Poor Man," to illustrate the power of compound interest over time (sometimes referred to as "the eighth wonder of the world.) His entire piece can be read here, but the following table (reproduced without RR's permission) illustrates his point. While compound interest works at any age, anyone in their twenties, or with young children, should read his piece and meditate on the table below and do what it takes for seven years to create a nest egg. I wish I had seen this table, and had someone to "force" me to do this, between the ages of 19 and 25. (The table assumes an annual interest rate of 10 percent, the approximate average increase of the stock market over time. Obtaining such a rate today is rare, of course, but the principle of compound interest still holds regardless of the average ROR [rate of return]).

How Children View the World

The warm weather has brought out the nice group of children (mostly grammar school age) in my neighborhood, and their buckets of chalk. As long as I have lived here they have used our cul-de-sac as a canvas for chalk drawings—more often than not, they are large-scale layouts of houses, living spaces, etc.

And they were out in force late yesterday afternoon. This morning, while putting a letter in the mail box, I stopped to look at what they had drawn. It looks to be a cityscape that covers the entire cul-de-sac. I was intrigued to note the kinds of venues they had included:

"McDonald's," "Subway," and "Starbucks:"

"Target" and "Wal-Mart:"

These tabula rasa (blank slate—a slight misuse of the original term) type drawings remind me of the therapy employed with children in post-trauma settings, where therapists give them blank paper and crayons and ask them to "draw" in order to get a glimpse of their worldview.

If you give modern children—at least this group of modern children—a bucket of chalk and a blank asphalt canvas and let them draw "their world," it's interesting to see what it includes. In the cityscape drawn by my neighbors' children, I was interested in what was included as well as not included. The only things labeled were the five commercial establishments I photographed above. There were no churches or houses of worship, hospitals, libraries, fire stations, schools, parks, gardens, or farms—just three fast-food outlets and two big box retailers. (Maybe they ran out of time and daylight before putting in the venues I note as missing. Even so, it's interesting to see what they drew and labeled first.)

I'm not going to jump to any large conclusions based on what they labeled, but I will say I found it interesting. Fast food and big box retailing. Is that how the average child today views the world?

Christianity

I heard someone recently on television describe the history of Christianity this way:

In Israel, it was a relationship.

In Greece, it became a philosophy.

In Rome, it became a religion.

In Europe, it became a cultural tradition.

In America, it has become an enterprise.