The New Yorker: Bill Buford’s fascinating Nov. 20 article about Joe Hutto, the man who not only talks to turkeys, but also has conversations with them, is not online. (Sigh.) However, a great, Internet-only audio interview with Buford about wild-turkey calls, hunting, and cooking is available instead. Putt putt!
Des Moines Register: The idea of a second Green Revolution in Africa is misguided and dangerous, writes Food First founder Eric Holt-Gimenez in an op-ed. “The genetically engineered Green Revolution may lead to the enrichment of seed, fertilizer and herbicide companies — but it will not end hunger in Africa.” Somebody better tell Bill.
The Catholic Online: The National Catholic Rural Life Conference’s annual meeting last week in Kansas included several speakers all delivering the same message — our food is killing us, and our food system is killing our communities and nations. Turns out in a 2003 report, bishops expressed concern about the food system and called for sustainable alternatives.
Yahoo News: Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson is suing Arkansas poultry producers for severely polluting Oklahoma lakes and streams with chicken “litter” containing dangerous metals, bacteria and high levels of nutrients.
Seattle P-I: An overview of the changing winds on Capitol Hill, and how the new Senate and House Committee Chairs will affect policy on global warming, emissions standards, and energy policy. The article includes a list of shameful acts by several Republicans.
MeatandPoultry.com*: Hundreds of workers at Smithfield’s (and the world’s) largest slaughtering plant walked off the job in North Carolina to protest the firing of 75 undocumented Hispanic employees. According to this UPI story, the company processes 27 million hogs annually. Perfect timing for the release of “Fast Food Nation,” which is more about slaughterhouse labor conditions than it is meat producers.
“Fast Food Nation” around the Web: Slate and Salon both deem the film underdone. Grist has a good interview with Schlosser that talks about food’s link with the environment. Schlosser also answers questions on MTVu’s “Does This Look Infected,” under the headline, “Hey you, there’s poo in your burger!” (for Windows users only).
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