Reviews
The Revolution Will Not Be MicrowavedSandor Ellix Katz | Chelsea Green Publishing
Underground isn't just a term to describe seedy hip bars and cultural movements anymore. In his latest book, Sandor Ellix Katz investigates a new form of culinary activism springing up as an alternative to the cheap, processed and often nutritionally void food offered in the name of convenience and constant availability. The first chapter begins with a startling breakdown of the average dollar spent on food, (from the USDA's 2001-2002 Agriculture Fact Book) of which just 19 cents goes to farmers, the other 81 under the "marketing" category, which includes everything from labor to depreciation to business repairs and taxes. From there, The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved covers ten different themes of grassroots efforts, from farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture to producers and other "food clubs" who work under their government's radar and restrictions. Katz goes
under the surface and investigates movements like clandestine markets springing up in countries around the world, as governments illegalize certain foods and processes—allegedly in the name of hygiene—thereby opening the doors for monopolies and mass-production, devastating small-scale farming. Other topics include genetically-modified foods, seed saving, land and labor struggles across the globe, slow and raw food, vegetarian ethics and factory farming, foraging, and water. A truly empowering read, which clearly states that the people will take their food back into their own hands and hearts, and perhaps most importantly, that with real, whole foods comes real, nourishing community. To order copies go to www.chelseagreen.com. -JD
The Male Herbal (2nd Edition)James Green | Crossing Press
James Green knows his herbs. As founder of Simplers Botanical Company and a founding member of the American Herbalists Build and United Plant Savers, he has been advocating the ways of herbal medicine and preventative care for years. Filling a void in herbal literature and studies that so often address women and female health care issues, The Male Herbal is an important resource for men and boys of all ages. With recipes, general guidelines for healthy living, a glossary of terms, drawings and a breakdown of many important herbs—including indications, usage and dosage, it's easy to see why this book has had so much success. Green touches on many male ailments, from erectile dysfunction and other sex related topics, to skin care, and emotional and moodiness cycles—which Green argues are not just limited to women, and more. The Male Herbal presents information on body types, including questionnaires to find which type best describes you, and breaks down suggestions for each specific one, rather than a one size fits all approach to herbalism. The book takes a positive approach to health, focusing on well being rather than illness, prevention rather than just treating and masking symptoms. After all, as Green points out in his introduction, "Herbalism is a basic human art and science," and one that everyone should be well-versed in. -JD
Karl AnthonyNewTone Records
I first met Karl Anthony over ten years ago when he performed at a benefit concert I was putting on with a group called the Children of Chernobyl. Not only was his music uplifting and had the whole audience on their feet dancing, when he sang to these children in their own language, there wasn't a dry eye in the house, as the audience and children were enraptured with his message and performance.Well Karl is celebrating over twenty years with his wife and partner Jeanne with much of the same uplifting performances and messages in a new CD entitled 20 Years Later. One song that is particularly moving is entitled "One Prayer," with the lyrics, "If I had one prayer, I'd pray for people who hate. Maybe I'm out of my mind ... or deep in my faith. A man grows old ... when his soul's in pain. Only love can loosen that chain."
Karl never fails to get his audience involved, whether it's listening to his emotional and melodic lyrics or attending one of his action packed concerts where everyone is on their feet with their hearts opened before the music ends. 20 Years Later is a celebration of times past, and times to come as Karl sings from his heart about the state of the world, his dreams and his love for Jeanne.
Jeanne and Karl Anthony are an amazing duo, combining Karl's heartfelt music and Jeanne's lyrical American Sign Language interpretation during each of their performances. I look forward to another 20 years of great music and performance by Karl and Jeanne Anthony. If you don't have a chance to see them soon, then pick up the CD, it's almost as good as the real thing. For more information go to www.karlanthony.com. -SLM