Come to the WEDNESDAY night salon. Now permanently on Wednesdays.
Salon Weekly
~ In 4 Color Coded Sections:
- Table Notes
- Announcements
- Articles
- Books, Reviews, Films, Magazines
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............................................................................
................................................... Section One: Table Notes
............................................................................
............................................................................
........................................... (Note: these notes were taken at
the table and have NOT been approved or corrected by the speakers. Reader
beware of inevitable misunderstandings and misrepresentations. E.B.)
Notes from Wednesday night pot luck salon 9-27-06. Present were:
David Rosenberg, George Graham, Alan Scheidt, Gerry Kraus, Mary Biehn, Marvin Kraus, Mira Rodwan, Dallas Fish, Steve Sunderland, Shari Able, Ellen Bierhorst, Bill Messer
Alan read the Preamble.
… and added a quote: beware of people addicted to faux power, which makes noise and changes nothing.
Announcements at the Table:
Alan: Ink Tank is having Writers' Weekend. Know theater on Jackson St. near 14th Fri. kick off. All free. Then Sat. there are writer's workshops… poetry, hip hop, etc. All free. Keynote speaker is Ira Glass, Memorial Hall Sat eve. $10. Or $75 if you want to go to the party beforehand. Closing event at Know Theater Sunday eve. Free. Read all about the details in CityBeat with an interview with Glass, and also an article on Jeff Syroney, exec. Of InkTank.
Bill: the space of InkTank used to be Base Art and my office/studio. 660 photographers in free show at Junior Gallery 2159 Central Ave, across from Mockbee.
I am tired of bringing things like this to Cinti. And having them be ignored.
We had a banquet, 50 people. Show continues until Oct 14.
Mira: I was there. Reminded me of the SOS Mockbee. Points of view from all over the planet. Gut wrenching scenes; can be difficult. All aspects of war.
About demonstrators, about peace. A whole wall for local photographers.
Steve: this week Nativity (Catholic) Elementary is hosting a Friendship Project: one Week to change the world. Invited in four schools from other countries. Could not get a word about this into the Enquirer. Hungary, Russia, Netherlands, Germany. 20 Kids in each group, accompanied by a couple teachers. Housed in the neighborhood. A delight to see children marching for peace. Principal Robt. Herring (the one who was fired by the priest but reinstated after public outcry.)
Mira: last night, ACLU program on torture and the constitution at St. John's. It was scary and wonderful. There is a willingness in Washington to put up with …
But there were 65 people or more. ACLU leaders plus dean of UC Law School
All chairs were full.
Steve: as of today there was a wonderful debate in the Senate. The Vermont senator was apoplectic about the bill about torture etc. Graham, Rep., said in this compromise the indicted prisoners are to have the charges and be defended before trial.
Bill: they cut the discussion short.
Mira: CEASEFIRE Cincinnati, to organize to change attitudes and behaviors about gun violence. The coroner, O'Dell Owens has been passionate about this.
David: he would go to the crime scenes where everyone was gathering around, no one cooperating with the police, and getting people's face and saying, "time to wise up here!" He is also visiting classrooms.
Has dedicated himself to reducing violence in Cinti.
Mira: cpopcenter@gcul.org or phone: 559 5450 about the demonstration and program. Corner Burnet and Fore.
Marvin: Sunday Gerry and I went to a free Jazz concert at the Taft Museum. The Blue Wisp group. Excellent. Next one will be this Sunday, free Dixieland concert 2:30 at Taft Museum. Visit Taft mus. Web site.
David: my concern is that announcements we don't have time to talk about topics. …I am really upset about the pissing match of John Cranley vs. Steve Chabot on who is going to be harder on illegal aliens. So disappointed in this Dem. Party.
Gerry: email today about the happy romance culminating in marriage… (censored).
Mira: tomorrow is a day of prayer and fasting for immigrants. … Hobo Books tomorrow at 7, a film on stealing elections; www.stealingamerica.org. "Provocation/books discussion group" with Caeli.
Bill: I have the DVD of that movie.
Alan: request of the salon. In future ask if
Steve: Sycamore H.S. dedicated their stadium on Rosh Hashanah. Friday night. Also Ramadan. What does this mean?
TOPICS
David: on Talk of the Nation today the topic was NY City public health commissioner is proposing to ban trans fats in all restaurants in NY City. Pro and Con views were aired
Steve: discussion last night on torture, the constitution: do we feel a qualitative change in our privacy and safety as citizens in this 6th year of Bush' administration. I feel much more in jeopardy as a peacemaker than I did in the 60's. Wonder if others feel this discussion in congress has any personal ramifications.
Alan: the Peter Bronson piece I just handed out, "What scares the left about the Christians in politics?"
NEXT WEEK AT SALON; THE DVD "STEALING AMERICA VOTE BY VOTE WILL BE VIEWED."
Topic I: Banning Trans Fats in New York Restaurants— a good thing?
(What you can’t tell f rom these abriviated notes is that there was s ome person-to-person acrimony expressed at the table. Although it was expressed in gentlemanly fashion, it was clear to all that animosity and umbrage were present. I was moderating. I attempted to cope with the situation by ignoring It, but the Table revolted. In particular David spoke out:
DAVID I will not be able to talk about the trans fat thing because there is another topic I feel is more important.
(At this point I resigned as moderator and simply continued to take notes as stenographer.the topic was then:)
IS THIS A HOPELESS CITY?
Geo: in order for this kind of dialog to be taking place, we should all leave our ego at the door. Ego in discussion is a huge barrier.
David: Geo. Said half of it for me. I am sensing a tremendous amount of pain and frustration on the part of Bill and it saddens me. I feel it is important to address that. … I feel it comes around and hurts others too. Feel Alan got the brunt of it tonight. I have done that myself when frustrated.
Ellen: I am not interested in hosting a table where there is bitterness, even from someone I respect and admire and am grateful for his work…
Mira: …it's a human reality when people are pissing at each other it is because they are not listening to each other.
Gerry: I was disappointed when Bill said he was so disgusted he is thinking of leaving town. I wanted to say, "If you leave, they will have won." Winners never quite and quitters never win.
Bill: I've been in this position so many times. (He is referring to the disappointing absence of coverage in the media of his huge and innovative show of photography in OTR, a show that displays the negativity of war.) This isn't the first time I have felt like going somewhere it would be easier. It is about being in a situation where you cannot achieve something.
Gerry: you may not know the difference you are making.
Marvin: people whose minds you are changing will never ever give you credit when their minds are changed.
Bill I would at least like the community of like minded people to behave like a community. This city is the most territorial place I have ever lived in… but this is my city. …health issues this year… would like to achieve something with my remaining energy.
Steve valuable point; and we dance around it. This is a hopeless city much of the time. The Salon is a bright light . We should come back to this question Why live in this city? I think what Bill is saying is on target.
Abandonment of … children killed, … invisible university in this area … I come here because this is one of the few places where I can say This is a city in tremendous disintegration; the greatest artists here are talking about leaving. I get so much, for instance, from CityBeat. From the art you bring, Bill. The elephant on the table is "Is this city dying?" Can we say it? Is it slowly rising?
Alan I am leaving for Phoenix next year, but only to stay with the man I love. I am saddened to leave. I adore Cincinnati. Rich and wonderful life here. Extraordinary opportunities. I feel we are no worse no better than other cities this size. Life is what you make of it. I have never not been able to have the life I want in Cinti. … wonderful art and culture my whole life in t his city. I also know there is some sort of strain of bad self esteem and cynicism that runs through certain pockets of people in Cinti. … I am not going to always get my way. … One of the complaints I hear is "there's nothing to do in Cinti." I know I could never do all I want to do in any month here in Cinti.
I am a free lance writer. Never gone wanting for story ideas. If Cinti. Were such a terrible place, how could the Lloyd House Salon exist? Many wonderful artists here… Ensemble theater in Cincinnati, Lynne Meyers. "Don't let anybody tell you you can't have a career in theater in Cinti."
Gripes against Enquirer saying arts not held up here…
Cincinnati does not "suck". We have problems. … I do wonderful things, including coming here on Wednesdays. … low self esteem thing that runs through Cinti. A city is what you make of it.
Marvin Alan, do you ever feel guilty that you feel good? Gerry and I have this problem sometimes. I think you have to tell people, "there is nothing wrong with feeling good."
Gerry: Terry Gross interviewing Geo. Clooney. "what's wrong with being a Liberal?"
Marvin somebody put out a mag. with celebrities opposing the administration on the cover. And "terrorists" written across their pictures. Geo. Clooney reproduced it with others added, like the Pope, … humorous, had thousands of cc made, sent out in the mail. Michael Moore called him.
Alan no, Geo. Clooney is not running for office. In Enquirer today.
Steve there is another Cinti., too. It is a harsh city for me to live here. How to talk about both cities: the haves and the have nots. We are the eighth hungriest city.
Bill we are also losing population faster than any other city including Detroit.
Steve What is it that keeps us in the city? What makes us want to leave? Stephanie and I have this conversation monthly.
Alan I know people who leave and who come back, because it is easier to live here…
David a lot of this has to do with walking around in a general state of confusion. Post WW II we have had amazing wealth … it worked well for a while, but now it is not working. That's got to take its toll on everybody no matter how you think about things. We are in for hard times. Pioneers again, forging our way. We don't have leaders yet who are offering a vision of what we can do. Why I am so pissed off with this Cranley/Chabot debate.
Bill I am afraid the two party system is nearly bankrupt. Esp. in Hamilton Co. We sent troops to Iraq because there was no democracy. Yet 40% of the offices on our ballot go without contest.
David we are in for a hard political fight here. Easy to pick on the people you are closest to, are kindred spirits, rather than harness that pain , work together, solve the problem. I agree with both Alan… a wonderful city… and Steve: there are huge problems here. Look squarely at both. Politically it hasn't worked for me. Professionally I can claim high level success: I am probably the only full time farmer within 25 miles. Yet it is a while before this community can support more family farms.
Back to the trans fats issue
Shari: David, what did you hear that makes you think that it would NOT be such a good idea to ban trans fats.
David: Talk of the Nation gets the health commissioner of NYC on. He has decided to ban trans fats in all the restaurants in the city. Not a done deal. Will generate a lot of discussion. First half of the show was applauding him. Thank god someone is listening to the scientists. Rah rah rah. Then they got a libertarian/Republican on who said, Look, do we really want the government to tell us what choices to make in our personal lives. Abortion. We kicked the gov. out of our bedroom and now we are going to invite it into our kitchen? If people know that trans fats are bad for them and choose it anyway, it is their choice. 30 years ago the same scientists were saying we should avoid butter and eat margarine.
Ellen … fluoride controversy…(I was remembering the forties when the science people said “Let’s put fluoride in the water and stop dental carries.” But for many years the populace was afraid of it and voted it down. Then we finally did put it in the water and it caused a major economic refersal in the dentist community. No more cavities. Look Ma! Now even today there are a few holistic health people who decry fluoride in the water, saying it is medicating without permission.
Gerry my granddaughter spent six years in a community without fluoridation and she got 4-6 cavities. Moved to Cinti. And no longer any cavities.
Mira too much fluoride is bad.
Alan: also last forty years there has been a revolution in awareness in how to care for your teeth. Better education.
Mira point of clarification. I meant where the fluoride occurs naturally.
Brown teeth.
Steve the point is whether or not to let the gov't. legislate things like what we eat or medicine in the water.
Geo the significant thing is to get people talking. … trans fats are the new boogey man on the block. We need to learn more about it. I have been a public health director, and I know that there is zero probability that this measure to ban trans fats will become enacted. But now there is a rule coming that labels will have to declare trans fats.
David the research proving that trans fats is dangerous is fifteen years old. One of the guests on the show said What started the debate was when the gov't. was finally convinced that labels should show trans fats. At that point, all the major food companies quietly removed trans fats from their products. The government isn't protecting us, it is protecting business interests. Were giving companies time to gracefully bow out… Made me kind of cynical.
Gerry they said on the program that the better restaurants in NYC had already done away with trans fats in their food.
Alan if you go in to McDonalds and have a Big Mack and big French Fries… it won't kill you right away . … obesity. Is what YOU do. Legislation will not change that.
David think a bout the cigarette thing. My suspicion is that it was all about money. The liability, suits, got so great…
Gerry Marvin and I were part of a group to oppose smoking in public spaces in the 80's. P&G were all against it. Then all of a sudden the big companies decided to get on board. I suspect that it was because smoke was damaging computers.
Bill …second hand smoke. Affects everyone…
Consider seat belts; protecting people from themselves.
Consider the FDA; thanks to Sinclair Lewis and others, we now have regulations.
Most restaurants do not publish their ingredients. Might be a solution… let them publish the information. Then people could make their own decisions.
Mira Remember "of, by and for the people"? there are not enough just plain folks on the deciding boards. Moneyed interests. I could never have imagined that I would hear that the military is sticking up for soldier's rights over the opposition of the administration. Coming down in favor of the Geneva conventions. Don't want our soldiers tortured if they are captured.
Ellen.. New Yorker article…the same day the president declared we don’t torture prisoners , but that we have new “guidelines”, and refused to reveal what they were, the big wig at the Pentagon also had a press conf. and described exactly what they are and came out against torture.
Marvin the military leadership now has liberal arts training as well as engineering.
Alan when someone chooses not to wear a seat belt or helmet, and something bad happens, it impacts everyone. Especially in $$.
(So as you see, we managed to sail through the troubled waters. It was an unusual salon. Never a dull moment! Come join us. We be having much fun. E.)
~ End of Table Notes~
Hugs to everyone, Ellen
Section Two: Announcements
Candidates Forum: Mon.,Oct 2nd
At Cintas, X.U.
From Julie Murray, salonista:
Forgive me if you have already received this, but I wanted to be sure you
knew of this opportunity.
Julie
From: Sojourners <SojoMail@sojo.net>
Reply-To: <notice-reply-i7kk6x5915bixwx@go.sojo.net>
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 20:11:25 GMT
To: Julie Murray <julimurray@aol.com>
Subject: Join Jim Wallis in Cincinnati and Voice YOUR values
Dear Julie, Since you live in Ohio, you’ve most likely been bombarded with messages from politicians and candidates claiming they’ll represent your values. Chances are that the “values monologue” is growing pretty tedious at this point. Do you want to see your values—all your values—represented in the upcoming election? Do you believe that increasing opportunities for the poor, rebuilding safe and vibrant cities, and supporting strong and stable families are important moral values? We invite you to end the monologue and join the conversation about the values that are important to you! Please join Jim Wallis and leaders of The Amos Project for a public meeting and candidate forum: Oct 2nd, 2006
7-9 p.m.
At the Cintas Center at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
Invited candidates:
For Governor
Kenneth Blackwell
Ted Strickland
For U.S. Senate
Sherrod Brown – confirmed
Mike DeWine
For U.S. Congress District 1
Steve Chabot
John Cranley – confirmed
For U.S. Congress District 2
Jean Schmidt
Victoria Wells Wulsin For Hamilton County Commissioner
Phil Heimlich - confirmed
David Pepper – confirmed
For more information, please contact us at organize@sojo.net, or by phone at 800-714-7474. We hope to see you October 2nd! Peace, Adam, Gini, Amy, Matt, Kevin, Kim, and Bob
The Sojourners/Call to Renewal Organizing Team
If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Sojourners <http://go.sojo.net/sojourners/join.html?r=I1w2GSK1HzrFE> .
Lloyd House Spaces Available @
(We h ave a new housemate Debra in the third floor suite, but will be losing Elaine Ignatius Nov. 1. So here’s the blurb:) Oct 10 is the
last day to register to vote if you are not registered now. Get
registration form at branch library, post office, school... and: Anyone can
now vote Absentee (and ACLU recommends it for everyone to protect your
vote). Do it NOW. Here’s how:
Your written application for the absentee ballot need not be in any
particular form, but it must contain all of the following information:
- Your name;
- Your signature;
- The address at which you are registered to vote;
- Your date of birth;
- One of the following:
- Your Ohio driver’s license number; or
- The last four digits of your Social Security number; or
- A copy of the your current and valid photo identification, military identification, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and current address. (Note: You cannot use as proof of identification a notice that the board of elections mailed to you.)
absentee voter’s ballot; 7. A statement that you are a qualified elector;
If the request is for a partisan primary election ballot, your political
party affiliation; and If you want the ballots to be mailed, the address to
which you want them mailed. Application deadlines: See “ Absentee Deadlines”
below.
By mail: Unless you are a member of the U.S. armed forces, you must mail
your properly completed absentee ballot application bearing your original
signature to the board of elections of the county in which your voting
residence is located. The board must receive your request by noon on the
Saturday before the election. However, you should submit your request as far
in advance of the election as possible.
BOARD OF ELECTIONS HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO 824 BROADWAY CINCINNATI,OHIO
45202-1345 www.votehamiltoncounty.com
UNDERSTAND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Study group at the Lloyd House, Saturdays
at 3 pm (except not Sat. 23 Sept) We have completed reading The Decline of
American Power by Wallerstein, and moving on to Alternatives to Economic
Globalization by Cavanaugh and Mander. I have one extra copy I can sell
you, about $10. Join us! Ellen, David Rosenberg, Mike Murphy, Daisy Quarm, Shari Able.
MLK chorale now morphed into Voices of Freedom chorus
Still under the
direction and inspiration of Cathy Roma (of Muse, of St. John’s, etc.) and
Bp. Todd O’Neal of House of Joy church in College Hill. Rehearsals started
Sept 12, and will proceed every other Tuesday at 6:30 throughout the fall
and winter. Next time is Oct 11. Rehearsals at the Freedom Center. Singers needed! No audition! Men
singers especially needed.
This is a fantastic opportunity to build
interracial healing bridges in our city AND have a marvelous time as well.
I have sung in the chorale for many years. The group will perform at the
MLK Day celebration at Music Hall, of course, but also at the Rededication
of Fountain Square on Sat. Oct 14 and at a Bengals game on Sat. Oct 22. In
March at the Freedom Center on Internat’l Women’s Day, March 8. Then off
for the spring and summer. Parking: either at the Freedom Center garage
(for a fee) or on Walnut street. Carpooling is great. Cincinnati has
historically been a city of singing, thanks to those old Germans and to the
Black folks and the Appalachians. And the hispanics and the Italians and...
It is one of our strengths as a city. Cathy and Todd are wonderful to sing
for and with, and the spirituals music will lift your heart. Come give it a
try. Great fun, important piece of civic activism. Ellen.
THIRD FLOOR SINGLE ROOM WITH LOFT: NW corner of house, private bathroom just outside the door. Off street park., share kitchen, share laundry, living room, veranda, work out room, big yard, great community of 4 free t hinking multicultural adults. No pets. No smoking. Housing contribution is $350 monthly. Includes heat, light, water. Call for more info: Ellen 221 1289
FIRST FLOOR OFFICE SPACE: beautiful dark oak
paneling and mantle piece, wood burning fireplace with gas starter. Aprox.
20 x 20. May use my waiting room, powder room. Has separate entry if
desired. $350.
@ Second floor bedroom, gas fireplace, three large windows (2 East, one
South), share huge b athroom with laundry, shared kitchen on third floor.
Other Perqs: off street parking, free laundry, high speed internet, living
room with piano, TV, DVD, VCR, community iMac Computer. Dining room seats
16+. Veranda off dining room with Hatteras swing, furniture. Easy access
to (Monday...soon to be Wednesday) night salon pot luck, Saturday morning
Dharma Study group, Sat. evening drumming circle, and .... The Lloyd House
is a stimulating, friendly, multi-cultural environment. Good vibes are
required, as is a rock solid financial responsibility. Housemates can be as
private or as friendly as they wish. Know anyone who might like to explore
this? No undergraduates, no pets, no smoking. Prefer someone who would be
interested in participating in the Salon and/or other activities here.
$400. contribution to house expenses. Call Ellen: 221 1289
Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers
Please come see this FREE movie .... The link to RSVP is below.
WHAT: Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers WHEN: Tuesday, October 10 08:00 PM
WHERE: Southgate House 24 E. 3rd Street Newport, Kentucky 41071
HOSTED BY: L Chenault. Tickets are FREE
For more details and to RSVP, please visit:
http://iraqforsale.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/5829
To find another screening of this film, please visit:
http://iraqforsale.bravenewtheaters.com/
(This looks like a great thing. I plan to be there. Ellen)
Buddhist Big Shot coming to Lloyd House in October Fri. - Sun, Oct 13, 14, 15 Weekend
workshop/retreat On DEATH AND DYING
Topics to be Covered
- The nature of mind and mental continuity
- Preparing for death
- What happens during the death process and after death
- How life can benefit from awareness of death
DateTimeCost
Friday, October 13:7:00 PM—9:00 PM$25.00
Saturday, October 14:10:00 AM—5:00 PM$50.00
Sunday, October 15:10:00 AM—4:00 PM $50.00
Full Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)$100.00
Sign Up <signup.html>
Molly Fitzgerald, MS, is organizing the workshop in Cincinnati. You can sign up online <signup.html> . Or you can call Molly, email her, or drop her a note to let her know you plan to attend. Make sure to include your your name and phone number, and tell her how many people will be attending and whether you will attend for the full weekend or just for specific sessions. Make checks payable to “LYWA”.
Molly Fitzgerald, MSMost of us fear death, but do we put this fear to good use? Does it help us or does it simply make us shut the reality of certain death out of our minds? Buddhism has always had a practical and realistic approach to death and how awareness of death can inform and improve our lives. Such awareness also helps us experience a peaceful death and assist others to do so.
452 Vineyard Hills Drive
Cincinnati OH 45255
Phone: (513) 947-8332
Email: fitzskis@fuse.net
Dr. Nicholas Ribush is a physician and a former Buddhist monk. A student of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Dr. Ribush was a cofounder and editorial director of Wisdom Publications. He is currently Director of the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archives (LYWA) and a member of the board of directors of the Federation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). This Workshop is a program of the FPMT and the LYWA.
Links
- About Dr. Ribush <http://www.lamayeshe.com/about/director.shtml>
- Online Books by Dr. Ribush <http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/lookupname?key=Ribush%2C%20Nicholas>
- Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archives <http://www.lamayeshe.com/>
- Wisdom Publications <http://www.wisdompubs.org/>
- Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition <http://www.fpmt.org/>
Ellen Bierhorst Ph.D. is a holistic psychotherapist with over 30 years
experience serving individuals and families. Expert, caring, rapid
service. Most insurance plans will cover. Call 513 221 1289. Special
areas of interest: issues of young adulthood, couple communication, GLBT,
trauma recovery using EMDR, clinical hypnosis, parenting skills, alternative
lifestyles, addictions (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, overeating), weight loss.
What is "holistic"? Ans: body/mind/spirit; open to alternative healing
modalities from chiropractic to homeopathy, acupuncture, etc.
Tri-State Treasures
Tri-State Treasures is a compilation of unique local people, places, and events that may enrich your lives. These treasures have been submitted by you and others who value supporting quality community offerings. Please consider supporting these treasures, and distributing the information for others to enjoy. And please continue to forward your Tri-State Treasures ideas to jkesner@nuvox.net.
Information about Tri-State Treasures and how to submit Tri-State Treasures are at the bottom of this email. Please help me by providing all basic information and formatting your submissions as described below.
Sincerely, Jim
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cincinnati Ballet New Works Festival [Thursday-Sunday 28 September - 8 October; Thur-Sat @ 8 PM; Sat-Sun @ 2 PM]: The new season kicks off with 4 exciting premieres in CB's incredible new performance studio, where the audience is right upon the dancers to appreciate the power & athleticism of the artists. Jim Hart, principle pianist & assistant conductor for the Ballet, will perform the Schumann Symphonic Etudes (solo piano) on stage with 4 dancer couples in Lynn Taylor-Corbett's "Lost & Found." Ms. Corbett weaves postures & gestures of grief she saw in NYC after 9/11 into abstract, emotional, poetic ballet. Says Mr. Hart, "Schumann's Symphonic Etudes is basically in theme & variations form. The theme is serious in nature, but the variations are full of romantic flights of fantasy & bravura. This is some of the most passionate, romantic, & ethereal music that the composer ever wrote." Kirk Peterson's "Javelin," a piece for 10 men, is inspired by the ancient Greek Olympics, celebrating raw physicality. With music by Michael Torke, the theme centers on the aspiration of mortals to godliness. Viktor Kabaniaev's "Ozhedanye" is a lyrical piece for 8 women. Translated as "yearning" from Russian, "Ozhedanye" is an abstract piece with familiar movement given new meaning & uncommon movement explored, with music by Christos Hatzis. Luca Veggetti's "Traces" takes inspiration from the 14th century Japanese Noh theater, exploring the relation of movement to stillness, sound to silence, with music by Toshio Hosokawa. At the Cincinnati Ballet Center's Mickey Jarson Kaplan Performance Studio, 1555 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214. More info @ 513.621.5282 & www.cincinnatiballet.com.
T'ai Chi Classes: Most of you know that T'ai Chi is sometimes called "Meditation in movement." It is this strange, very slow Chinese gymnastic you have seen in movies or documentaries about China. A French friend has been doing T'ai Chi for a while, in 3 countries, 2 languages, with teachers of 5 nationalities. Her teacher in Cincinnati is a wonderful American person who she would like to "share" with you. For those in the know, this class is T'ai Chi Ch'uan Yang 24 Form. My friend's instructor currently teaches downtown, but if you are like my friend, you will want to do it closer to "the center of the universe" North of Cincinnati (Mason, Montgomery, Symmes, West Chester...). Maybe you know a place for classes. My friend would like to invite anyone who is interested to contact her directly if you want to join the group or if you know of a place: AK@cinci.rr.com. Thank you, xie-xie!
Take 5: Sharpen Your Arts Savvy [October '06 - May '07 @ 6:30 PM]: Kick Back. Wise Up. Take 5! Join the Young Friends of CCM for a series of social events with a scholarly twist. Grab a glass of wine & relax with friends as CCM’s renowned experts & artists give an insider’s point of view on the performing arts: jazz to classical, traditional to contemporary. Mark your calendars: 10 October '06 - Jazz; 7 November '06 - Musical Theatre; 13 February '07 - Chamber Music; 20 March '07 - Piano; 1 May '07 - Opera. $15 admission includes light bites & beverages; free for Young Friends of CCM. At Baur Room, CCM Village, UC, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info, membership, & RSVP @ 513.556.2100, katie.rankin@uc.edu, & www.ccm.uc.edu/takefive.
Middfest International [Friday-Sunday 29 September - 1 October]: Middfest International is a premiere cultural event with dance, music & food from many countries throughout the world. Held annually in Middletown, OH, Middfest has celebrated a different country each year since 1981. This year, MiddFest features China. At One Donham Plaza, Downtown Middletown, OH 45042. More info @ 513.425.7707, middfest@siscom.net, & http://middfestinternational.org/.
Writer's Weekend [Friday-Sunday 29 September - 1 October]: Sponsors: InkTank, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Friends of the Library, 91.7 WVXU, & Media Bridges. Supporters: Classical Music Hall of Fame at Memorial Hall, Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Ohio Humanities Council, Scripps Howard Foundation, & City of Cincinnati. More info @ 513) 542-0195, emily@inktank.org, & www.inktank.org.
Ÿ Writers' Weekend Kick-Off Party [Friday 29 September @ 8 PM]: Performances by The 50 Shoes, Kathy Y. Wilson, Melissa Mosby, Aralee Strange, Katie Laur, Mark Flanigan, Steve Lansky & Napoleon Maddox, & Benjamin Hughes. Free. At The Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Ÿ Writing Workshops [Saturday 30 September @ 10 AM & 1:30 PM]: Workshops include HipHop Songwriting, Poetry/Spoken Word, Cultural Storytelling, & Artist Bookmaking. Free. At the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 East 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info & registration @ 513.542.0195.
Ÿ Ira Glass [Saturday 30 September; reception @ 6 PM; performance @ 8 PM]: Ira Glass is host & producer of National Public Radio's "This American Life." $10. Attend a special reception for $75; enjoy a feast of appetizers & cocktails with Mr. Glass & receive priority seating for his performance. At Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info & tix @ www.cincinnatiarts.org (performance), & www.wvxu.org (reception/performance).
Ÿ Matt Slaybaugh performs "The Absurdity of Writing Poetry" [Sunday 1 October @ 7 PM]: End the weekend with this audience favorite from the recent Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Free; donations accepted. At The Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Hidden Treasures of Northside House Tour [Sunday 1 October @ Noon - 5 PM]: Come experience Cincinnati's most eclectic neighborhood. This year's tour celebrates the diverse architecture & style of Northside: homes from 1800's to mid 20th Century, high-Victorian to ultra modern & everywhere in between. Free shuttle bus on day of tour. Sponsored by Northside Community Council. Advance Tickets are $12 during business hours at North Side Banking locations in Bevis, Blue Ash, Delhi, Finneytown, Northside, & West Chester. Day-of-Tour tickets are $15 @ 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM @ McKee Community Center, 1655 Chase Ave., Cincinnati 45223. More info @ 513.541.7563, louisewatts@email.com, & http://northside.net/NCC/Committees/HouseTour.php.
Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village Home & Garden Tour [Sunday 1 October @ 1-4 PM]: A showcase of rehabilitated homes, finished & under construction, alternative energy applications, varied garden designs, & walking trails. This tour will educate & encourage homeowners & buyers to use energy efficient environmentally friendly remodeling products & services. Experience this Eco-village green oasis. Many of our tour guests are considering relocating to livable city neighborhoods close to downtown. The tour is ideal for cultural creatives, urban pioneers, historic preservationists, nostalgic tourists, do-it-yourself rehabbers, ecologically-minded homeowners, & those interested in neighborhood revitalization. $12 in advance; $15 day of the event. At Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village, 700 Enright Avenue, East Price Hill, Cincinnati, OH 45205. More info & tix @ 513.921.2199, events@enrightridgeecovillage.org, & www.enrightridgeecovillage.org.
Cincinnati Before Wal-Mart: What Our Ancestors Bought & Where They Got It [October 1 - November 3]: In the 1800s, Cincinnatians bought most of their goods from local or regional sources. Archaeological firm Gray & Pape dug through the refuse left 125 years ago & earlier, buried along River Road, to learn where people got their day-to-day stuff. Come see what they learned. The project's lead archaeologist will discuss the urban excavation at the branch on Thursday 2 November @ 7 PM. At the Delhi Township Branch Library, 5095 Foley Road, Cincinnati, OH 45238. More info @ 513.369.6019, Rick.Helmes@cincinnatilibrary.org, & www.cincinnatilibrary.org/branches/delhi.html.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: A few of the events at Cincinnati’s uniquely important & fascinating museum. At 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati OH 45202. More info @ 513.333.7500, ETurner@nurfc.org, & www.freedomcenter.org:
Ÿ September 11, 2001: Global Response & Personal Remembrance [thru Thursday 30 November]: Exhibit of items sent to NYC firehouses by citizens from around the world after September 11, 2001 attacks. The New Changing Gallery on the 3rd floor.
Ÿ Civil War: Musical [Tuesday-Sunday 3-8 October]: ShowBiz Players present a musical drama based on letters & diaries of Union & Confederate soldiers, slaves, freed blacks, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass. $20.
Ÿ Meet the Author - Jinny Berten [Saturday 7 October @ 1 PM]: Cincinnati native Jinny Berten discusses & signs her book "Littsie of Cincinnati" about Littsie's life in Cincinnati, OH in the early 19th century.
Ÿ Dramatic Readings with Daryl Harris [Saturdays, October 7th @ noon & 21st @ 2 PM]: Stories of freedom heroes come alive with Daryl Harris, actor & associate professor at NKU. Recommended for children ages 3-12.
What Are We Telling Them? [Monday 2 October @ 7:30 PM]: Examine the effects of expectations & examples being provided to today’s African American youths by leaders & parents. After viewing a C-SPAN interview of Juan Williams, author of the new book, “Enough,” in which he expands on arguments articulated by Bill Cosby to the NAACP, the group will discuss points raised for & against these arguments. At the next meeting of the Neighbor to Neighbor organization for residents of Pleasant Ridge, Kennedy Heights, Silverton, & other nearby neighborhoods. At the Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5950 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45213. More info @ GRSnouffer@cinci.rr.com.
The Crisis in Sudan: Views from Greater Cincinnati [Tuesday 3 October @ 4:30 & 6 PM]: The 4:30 event: Cincinnati / Kentucky Post reporter Nick Clooney & UC JD/PhD student Keith Hagan discuss their recent experiences in Sudan & how to improve the present conditions in Darfur. Includes video, discussion, & Q&A. At Room 118, UC College of Law, Clifton Avenue & Calhoun Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220. The 6PM event: Cocktails & dinner, presentation session with Keith Hagan & Nick Clooney, & open forum discussion on Darfur. RSVP required for dinner. At University of Cincinnati Faculty Club, Richard E. Lindner Center, Floor 7, Cincinnati, OH. Both events presented by the University of Cincinnati College of Law & Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights, & World Affairs Council & International Visitors Council at the Global Center of Greater Cincinnati & Foreign Policy Leadership Council. More info & RSVP @ 513.556.0068 & nancy.ent@uc.edu.
"Ensemble Kamerad" Concert & Discussion [Wednesday 4 October @ 7 PM]: Enjoy a special concert & discussion with the acclaimed Ensemble Kamerad, a group of classical musicians dedicated to performing the music of world-renowned composers who perished in the Holocaust. This event, sponsored by the Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education & Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, is free & open to the public. At Cincinnati State & Technical & Community College, ATLC Auditorium, 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223. More info @ 513.487.3055 & chhe@huc.edu.
Tall Stacks from the Best View in the City [Wednesday-Sunday 4-8 October]: Holy Cross-Immaculata Church hosts special events during Tall Stacks atop Cincinnati's highest hill. Free & open to the public. At Holy Cross-Immaculata Church, 30 Guido Street, Mt Adams, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info @ 513.684.0101, 513.235.3957, ctrorgres@aol.com, & www.hciparish.org.
Ÿ Tours [Wednesday-Friday 4-6 October @ 10 AM & 2 PM & Saturday 7 October @ 10 AM]: HCI Church & Monastery, the Old Holy Cross Church, Pilgrim Chapel, & architectural & historical highlights around Mt. Adams. Tours start at the HCI Church
Ÿ Music Fest [Sunday 8 October @ 2-3 PM]: An old-fashioned sing-a-long of 19th-century patriotic, popular, & religious songs inside the HCI Church
Ÿ Weekend Masses [Saturday 7 October @ 4:30 PM & Sunday 8 October @ 8 & 11 AM]: Visitors are welcome to experience the special “Church on the Hill” & enjoy the best views of the Ohio River events.
Sparks of Genius [Wednesday 4 October @ 7:30-9 PM]: This lecture by authors Robert & Michele Root-Bernstein is based on their book "Sparks of Genius - The 13 Thinking Tools of the World's Most Creative People." They will discuss the creative thinking in all fields that occurs proverbially, before logic or linguistics comes into play, manifested through emotions, intuitions, images, & bodily feelings. Regardless of the infinitely diverse details of the products of the creative "translation," such as paintings, poems, theories, & formulas, the "process" by which it is achieved is universal. $5 per person; RSVP required. At Cincinnati Waldorf School, 745 Derby Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232. More info & RSVP @ 513.541.0220 & www.cincinnatiwaldorfschool.org.
"Business, Democracy & Poverty" - President Ricardo Maduro [Thursday 5 October: lunch @ 11:45 AM; lecture @ 12:15-1 PM]: Stanford economics graduate Mr. Maduro served as President of Honduras from 2001-2006. His career includes: General Manager of Xerox-Honduras, Executive Director of Inversiones La Paz, President of the Central Bank of Honduras, Coordinator of the Economic Cabinet, & founder & former President of a non-profit org to improve equality & efficiency of education in Honduras. $40 for members; $50 for public. Part of the Global Center Luncheon Series; co-sponsored by Miami University College of Business. At the Bankers Club, 5/3rd Tower, 30th Floor, 511 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info & RSVP @ 513.621.2320, wacgc@globalcincinnati.org, & www.globalcincinnati.org.
Art OFF-PIKE Arts & Music Festival [Friday 6 October @ 6-11 PM & Saturday 7 October @ 11 AM - 5 PM]: Come & see the new Arts & Technical District in Covington where it's happening! At Pike Street from Madison to Holman. Free shuttle service.
Ÿ Friday events: West Pike Street will be closed to motor traffic between Madison & Washington. Unveiling of Frank Duveneck Statue. Reception/Silent Auction, Professional & Student Art Exhibit Opening @ 25 W. 7th Street; Reception entertainment featuring LaShaade, 50 Shoes & the Dan Drees Jazz Trio; Live music & beer/wine garden near Clique Lounge @ 6-8 West Pike Street; Gallery Hop with open studios, galleries, restaurants, & shops on West Pike & Main Strasse Village.
Ÿ Saturday events: Designated areas of Pike Street closed to motor traffic. Silent Auction, Professional & Student Art Show continues at 25 West 7th Street; Juried & Judged Art Show, exhibit, sale with arts & crafts booths on Pike between Russell & Holman; Covington Arts & Cultural Organizations exhibits; Art-In-Ice a presentation of sculptures encapsulated in ice blocks; Main Music Stage at intersection of 9th and Greer & Holman featuring: Cash Ownly & The Badaires (11:30-12:30), Jake Speed and the Freddies (1-3), Robin Lacy & DyZedeco (3:30-5); Hands-on art activities for children & the young-at-heart; Art Cars displayed on Pike at Banklick; Musicians & Performers entertain along Pike Street. More info @ 859.491.2220 ext 17 or 25, jean@greatneighborhoods.com, www.artoffpike.com.
Fourth Annual Solar Tour [Saturday-Sunday 7-8 October @ 1-5:30 PM]: Showcasing energy efficiency & renewable energy installations. In conjunction the American Solar Energy Society, Green Energy Ohio conducts 20 different local tours throughout Ohio. Tours are free; they give attendees a chance to get up close to working solar arrays, wind turbines, & other state-of-the-art energy saving technologies, & to speak with the people who live with & use these systems everyday. Of the in Cincinnati, Dayton, & Miami tours, the Cincinnati Solar Tour starts at the Cincinnati Zoo’s new 20kW solar electric powered building, then visits residential & public sites in Cincinnati & Northern KY, showcasing solar electric arrays, geothermal systems, passive solar designs, LEEDs certified high-performance buildings, daylighting technology, rainwater harvesting, the City of Cincinnati’s new Green Initiatives & student involvement in sustainable energy programs. More info @ 513.561.1420, jfanselow@fuse.net, & http://cinciearth.org/html/SWtourinfo.doc.
Squeeze Play @ St. Boniface Church Festival [Sunday 8 October @ 2-6 PM]: Squeeze Play is Cincinnati's only accordion band with over 12 accordionists, plus woodwind players, a guitarist & a trombone player. The St. Boniface Festival is a family friendly event, offering a chicken dinner, other tasty treats, games of chance, & music for your listening pleasure. The festival is both inside & outside, rain or shine. At St. Boniface Church, 1750 Chase Avenue, Northside, Cincinnati, OH 45223. More info @ denise@one.net & www.squeezeplaymusic.com.
Mozart's Requiem - October Festival Choir [Sunday 8 October @ 4 PM]: Don't miss this masterpiece that Mozart left unfinished. But don't worry, they'll sing the entire work, completed by Mozart's student Sussermyr after Mozart's death, based on Mozart's notes & themes. Solo by soprano Trio Jeng, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. This free concert will be accompanied by a chamber ensemble & lasts about an hour. At Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road, Clifton, Cincinnati, OH 45220. More info @ Triojeng@rocket.ase.uc.edu.
Acting Panel Discussion & Workshop [Sunday 8 October @ 12:30-2:30 PM]: Ever wondered about a career in acting? About how to get an agent locally or nationally? Wonder what it would be like to live on a movie set? Now, answer these questions & many more. The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Film Commission hosts a panel discussion with successful local actor, Josh Hutcherson, who has been featured in major movies including "Polar Express," "Zathura: A Space Adventure," "RV," & soon to be released "Firehouse Dog," & "Bridge to Terabithia." Other panelists will be Josh’s mother, Michelle Hutcherson, Josh’s agent, Ric Beddington, casting director, D. Lynn Meyers, a representative from local talent agency Heyman Talent, & Kristen Erwin, Executive Director of the Film Commission. Tickets are $25; $35 for parent & child; scholarships available. At Otto M. Budig Theatre, Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099. More info & RSVP @ 513.784.1744 & kje@film-cincinnati.org.
Vision Quest - Spiritual Outdoor Adventure [Sunday-Sunday 8-15 October @ 3 PM - Noon]: "We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." ~ Joseph Campbell. A Vision Quest is a spiritual adventure, a process of going out into nature, with clear intention, & away from the distractions of everyday life; sacred time of change, a passage into a new & often deeper level of one's spirituality; a time of healing, discovery, joy, & a sense of connectedness with all our relations: 4-legged, winged, trees, stones, sky, stars, wind, all. Time can slow down on a Vision Quest; the stillness can be powerful. As your thoughts begin to empty out, you can look into the pool of your being, noticing how you are, assess your dreams, what you need to let go of. Limited to 4-5 people. Cost is $250-350 on sliding scale. Includes room & board, resources, materials, location & guides for your Quest. Does not include transportation to the sight (carpooling is encouraged) & some materials needed during your quest (to be discussed at registration). Sponsored by Imago. In Red River Gorge area, near Natural Bridge State Park, KY. More info @ 513.921.1932, jschenk@imagoearth.org, & www.imagoearth.org.
Reel Books at the Mercantile Library [Tuesday 10 October @ 6 PM]: In anticipation of Annie Proulx's visit on Saturday 28 October, as the Mercantile Library's 19th Niehoff Lecturer, Enquirer reporter & former film critic Margaret McGurk will talk about the film adaptations of "The Shipping News" & "Brokeback Mountain." They will discuss how well the filmmakers translated Proulx's vision to a new medium, the author's role in the process & the complexities of turning prose into moving pictures. The Library will supply the popcorn. $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers. At the Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut Street, #1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info & RSVP @ 513.621.0717, mgruber@mercantilelibrary.com, & www.mercantilelibrary.com.
Regional Film Debut: Everyone Their Grain of Sand [Tuesday 10 October @ 7 PM]: This award-winning documentary reveals the struggles of the citizens of Maclovio Rojas in Tijuana, Mexico, as they battle the state government’s attempts to evict them from their homes to make way for multi-national corporations seeking cheap land & labor. Free & open to the public. Mainstreet Cinema Tangeman University Center, University of Cincinnati. More info @ 513.556.6115, ahoo.tabatabai@uc.edu, & www.imdb.com/title/tt0469074/.
2 Films of September 11: Regional Film Debut [Wednesday 11 October @ 7 PM]: In, "I Wonder What You Will Remember of September" (27 min), Cecilia Cornejo presents a haunting personal response to the events of September 11, 2001, informed & complicated by her status as a Chilean citizen living in the U.S. The film "La Cueca Sola" (52 min) goes back 28 years earlier to September 11, 1973, when a military coup in Chile brought Augusto Pinochet to power. Over the next 17 years, thousands of women & men were taken from their homes; never to return. Since that time, Chilean women have danced alone the country’s traditional courtship dance - La Cueca Sola - becoming a symbol of women’s struggle against the dictatorship. Free & open to the public. Mainstreet Cinema Tangeman University Center, University of Cincinnati. More info @ 513.556.6115, ahoo.tabatabai@uc.edu, www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c655.shtml, & www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c632.shtml.
Films That Matter Series [2nd Wednesdays thru 9 May @ 7-9 PM]: This informal program provides provocative films in an educational opportunity to gather & continue the dialogue on themes relating to simplicity, sustainability, sense of place, & eco-spirituality. Discussion after the film is optional. The October 11th film will be "Never Cry Wolf." This film dramatizes the true story of researcher Farley Mowat, sent to the Canadian tundra area to collect evidence of the menace wolves pose on caribou herds. The film presents his struggle to survive, & his enlightenment to the many long-held fallacies about wolves & how humans pose a far greater threat to animals & environment. Presented by Cincinnati Earth Institute, a place where people can clarify personal values & attitudes on critical environmental issues. At Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Room 113, 1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208. More info @ 513-631-5932 or at jshoff@fuse.net, http://cinciearth.org/html/events.html, & http://cinciearth.org/html/2006-07_Flier.pdf (season schedule).
Ongoing Treasures:
Fall 2006 Silk Road Film Series [Wednesdays @ 7:30 PM]: The Miami University Department of French & Italian presents The 1,001 Nights: Story Without End. At 1 Alumni Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056. More info @ 20 September 2006 Tri-State Treasure & www.cas.muohio.edu/havighurstcenter/1001%20Film.pdf.
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption Concert Series [Select Sundays: thru 18 March 2007 @ 3 PM]: Instrumental & choral music from the rich traditions of western liturgy & inspired classical music, presented in a suitable visual & acoustic environment. At St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1140 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41011. More info @ 859-431-2060 ext 204, timbrel@fuse.net, & www.cathedralconcertseries.org.
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Tri-State Treasures is compiled by James Kesner.
— Submit Tri-State Treasures, or request your email address to be added or removed from the list by sending an email to jkesner@nuvox.net; specify "Tri-State Treasures."
— Email addresses are posted in BlindCopy to protect their identity. Email addresses are not shared, given, or sold without explicit permission from the owner.
— Tri-State Treasures are typically transmitted on Wednesdays; submissions should be received by noon on Monday.
— Please help me by submitting your Tri-State Treasure in the following format:
Brief Title of the Treasure [date @ time]: Brief description of the treasure; what is it; why is it wonderful & unique. Cost. Sponsor. Location including address & zip code. More info @ telephone, email, & website.
A Fictitious Example:
Fabulous Film Festival [Friday 3 May @ 8 PM]: The first & best fabulous film festival in the city of Cincinnati will present live-action, documentary, & short films. Blah, blah, blah. Presented by Flicks R Us. Tickets are $8. At The Theatre, 111 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45200. More info @ 513.111.2222, info@filmfestival.com, & www.filmfestival.com.
Section Three: Articles
Contents:
- What caused the e. coli outbreak?
“This is the most interesting and credible explanation of the E. coli problems that I have read to date.”
David Rosenberg
New York Times
September 21, 2006
Op-Ed Contributor
Leafy Green Sewage
By NINA PLANCK
FARMERS and food safety officials still have much to figure out about the recent spate of E. coli infections linked to raw spinach. So far, no particular stomachache has been traced to any particular farm irrigated by any particular river.
There is also no evidence so far that Natural Selection Foods, the huge shipper implicated in the outbreak that packages salad greens under more than two dozen brands, including Earthbound Farm, O Organic and the Farmer’s Market, failed to use proper handling methods.
Indeed, this epidemic, which has infected more than 100 people and resulted in at least one death, probably has little do with the folks who grow and package your greens. The detective trail ultimately leads back to a seemingly unrelated food industry - beef and dairy cattle.
First, some basic facts about this usually harmless bacterium: E. coli is abundant in the digestive systems of healthy cattle and humans, and if your potato salad happened to be carrying the average E. coli, the acid in your gut is usually enough to kill it.
But the villain in this outbreak, E. coli O157:H7, is far scarier, at least for humans. Your stomach juices are not strong enough to kill this acid-loving bacterium, which is why it’s more likely than other members of the E. coli family to produce abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and, in rare cases, fatal kidney failure.
Where does this particularly virulent strain come from? It’s not found in the intestinal tracts of cattle raised on their natural diet of grass, hay and other fibrous forage. No, O157 thrives in a new - that is, recent in the history of animal diets - biological niche: the unnaturally acidic stomachs of beef and dairy cattle fed on grain, the typical ration on most industrial farms. It’s the infected manure from these grain-fed cattle that contaminates the groundwater and spreads the bacteria to produce, like spinach, growing on neighboring farms.
In 2003, The Journal of Dairy Science noted that up to 80 percent of dairy cattle carry O157. (Fortunately, food safety measures prevent contaminated fecal matter from getting into most of our food most of the time.) Happily, the journal also provided a remedy based on a simple experiment. When cows were switched from a grain diet to hay for only five days, O157 declined 1,000-fold.
This is good news. In a week, we could choke O157 from its favorite home - even if beef cattle were switched to a forage diet just seven days before slaughter, it would greatly reduce cross-contamination by manure of, say, hamburger in meat-packing plants. Such a measure might have prevented the E. coli outbreak that plagued the Jack in the Box fast food chain in 1993.
Unfortunately, it would take more than a week to reduce the contamination of ground water, flood water and rivers - all irrigation sources on spinach farms - by the E-coli-infected manure from cattle farms.
The United States Department of Agriculture does recognize the threat from these huge lagoons of waste, and so pays 75 percent of the cost for a confinement cattle farmer to make manure pits watertight, either by lining them with concrete or building them above ground. But taxpayers are financing a policy that only treats the symptom, not the disease, and at great expense. There remains only one long-term remedy, and it’s still the simplest one: stop feeding grain to cattle.
California’s spinach industry is now the financial victim of an outbreak it probably did not cause, and meanwhile, thousands of acres of other produce are still downstream from these lakes of E. coli-ridden cattle manure. So give the spinach growers a break, and direct your attention to the people in our agricultural community who just might be able to solve this deadly problem: the beef and dairy farmers.
Nina Planck is the author of “Real Food: What to Eat and Why.’’
Section Four: Books/Magazines/Reviews
So, Nu? What are you reading? Send it to me. ellen.
The Lloyd House Salon (usually about 12 people) Meets on WEDNESDAYS at 5:45,
EVERY Wednesday, 52 WEEKS/YEAR come hell or high water, as my mother used to say.
We of the Lloyd House Salon gather in a spirit of
respect, sympathy and compassion for one another
in order to exchange ideas for our mutual pleasure and enlightenment.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Our Salon blog is a promising interactive site: http:lloydhouse.blogspot.com
Also, we have an Interactive Yahoo Salon group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LloydHouseSalon
We had 63 members as of 7/1/06. How many do we have now?
For Pot Luck procedures including food suggestions, mission and history visit
http://home.fuse.net/ellenbierhorst/Potluck.html .
You are invited also to visit the Lloyd House website: http://www.lloydhouse.com
> To unsubscribe from the Lloyd House Potluck Salon list, send a REPLY message
> to me and in the SUBJECT line type in "unsub potluck #". In the place of #
> type in the numeral that follows the subject line of my Weekly email. It
> will be 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. This tells me which sub-list your name is on so I can
> delete it. Thanks! ellen bierhorst
