“A Thousand Acres”
What is a farmer?
A farmer is a man who feeds the world.
What is a farmer’s first duty?
To grow more food.
What is a farmer’s second duty?
To buy more land.
Why does a society value appearances, secrets, and hard work over basic human rights? And, what does it say about a society that condemns a victim for speaking out against a perpetrator for unspeakable crimes? These are the questions Jane Smiley seems to be asking in her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, A Thousand Acres. Published in 1991, A Thousand Acres refers to that magic number of acreage that most midwest farmers ascribe to own – a thousand acres of rich, fertile Iowa farmland. It’s the number that sets one farmer apart from another, especially if the land has been handed down from generation to generation and is unencumbered by a mortgage. Read more 
The “Absolutes” of Florida
There are no absolutes….
This is the time of year when many snowbirds come down to Florida, leaving the cold, icy, grey weather of the northern and western states for a winter of sunshine and warm temperatures. Many of these travelers drive south on I-75, the Florida Turnpike, or I-95, all of which are lined with billboards that may lead them to think that Florida is full of people living in gated communities who shop at a Ron Jon Surf Shop, and need Disney tickets. And, judging by the sheer volume of billboards advertising the services of Alex Shunnarah and The National Life Center, they may also come to believe that visitors or residents need a personal injury lawyer and that Roe vs. Wade was a nuisance judgement set down by the Supreme Court more than 40 years ago that is best ignored. But, billboards don’t tell the full story. Read more
Kite Hill Yogurt
Finally you can enjoy creamy, almond milk yogurt made with vanilla beans, California peaches, mouth-watering strawberries, wild Maine blueberries, or simply on its own as delicious plain yogurt.
Giving up dairy products sometimes means giving up a few long time favorites. For me, one of those favorites was yogurt. Although picky about yogurt (a small “milkerie” – a dairy and cheese maker – in Schonreid, Switzerland makes the most delicious creamy yogurt in the world), the thought of never having that slightly sweet, tangy creamy treat again left me momentarily sad. Call it yogurt grief. Read more
Turkey Time
The Thanksgiving meal is about as American and traditional as it gets with nearly every family in the United States celebrating this national holiday – most with a roasted turkey on the table. Although many dishes have changed little in the past hundred years – bread stuffing, cornbread, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans – the turkey has changed dramatically. Before I tell you how the turkey has changed, I want to say this is not about shaming those who choose to eat turkey. The purpose is to inform the reader of what many turkey farmers, cooperatives, processors, and food companies don’t want consumers to know about the turkey on your table. Read more
World Vision International: Revenue and Expenses
World Vision International (WVI) is an evangelical christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization that works with children, families, communities, and organizations throughout the world. Established in 1977 by Walter Stanley Mooneyham, the then president of World Vision, Inc. (which was established in 1950 by Robert Pierce to meet the emergency needs of missionaries), WVI is a 501 (c) (3) religious non-profit corporation under the laws of California. Read more
Where does your $1 to World Vision go?
World Vision – a Christian humanitarian organization – is one of the most complicated charitable entities to understand because many people believe that World Vision is one entity when in fact, there are many “World Vision” organizations under the legal umbrella of World Vision International (WVI) which was established in 1977 as a non-profit religious organization in California but whose executive offices are in England.
Because WVI is a “church,” they are not required to file the IRS Form 990 filed by most US-registered tax-exempt organizations although two of their subsidiaries – the US fundraising affiliate –World Vision, Inc. (WV Inc) which was established in 1950 – and the microfinance affiliate – VisionFund International – file a form 990 for the “benefit of its US donors.” Read more
Sweet Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions compliment so many foods with their earthy sweet flavor but require a healthy dose of patience to make because the whole secret to making this delicious side dish is time. Onions needs to be cooked slowly over low heat to allow the moisture and sugars to release and turn slices of translucent crunchy onion into soft brown caramelized rings. Turning the heat up won’t hurry the process because caramelization requires slow, steady heat (almost sounds like a life lesson). So, when time is limited, consider buying Sweet Caramelized Onions by the Gracious Gourmet. Read more
Humans of New York: Stories
Several years ago, Brandon Stanton was an unemployed college graduate struggling to live in New York City when he began photographing people on the streets of New York City. Posting these pictures on a blog he created (www.HumansofNewYork.com), Stanton created an exhaustive fascinating visual catalog of life on the streets of the city, which caused a sensation on the internet. Soon, Stanton’s first book was published – Humans of New York – but Stanton sensed there was more to this photographic journey, that there was a human story behind each photograph which led him to publish Humans of New York: Stories – showing and telling the stories of strangers on the street. Read more
Alice Childress and the Wedding Band
The Negro woman has almost been omitted as important subject matter in the general popular American drama, television, motion pictures and radio. ~Alice Childress
When I first heard the name Alice Childress while visiting Oberlin College in Ohio, my curiosity was piqued. Who exactly was Alice Childress and why have I never heard of her? The answer to the first question is that Alice Childress (1916-1994) was an American actress, activist, union organizer, playwright, director, and author. She was also a black woman fighting for her voice to be heard and her talent recognized in industries dominated by white men. Read more
Twelve Superstars
Today is Election Day. Many of us will flock to the polls and cast our votes for the candidates we want to represent us. Although the really big election day is a year away, the essence of leadership is heavy on many people’s minds with all the presidential debates. As we make our choices today and in the future, let us not forget about the people who are making a difference by making this world a better, healthier, and more compassionate place. Read more
Paddock Post 