Wheels of Change
Juvenile non fiction
"Bicycling by young women has helped to swell the ranks of
reckless girls who finally drift into the standing army of outcast
women of the United States. The bicycle is the devil's advance agent
morally and physically in thousands of instances."
[Charlotte Smith]
"Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done
more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. I stand and
rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel."
[Susan B. Anthony]
These two quotes from Sue Macy's Wheels of Change: How Women
Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way)
attest to the controversial nature of women taking up a newly popular
mode of transportation in the late 19th century. Critics felt this
trend would damage women's moral and physical health and devotion to
religion. They were scandalized by the indecent garments that were
invented to facilitate women's bike riding--particularly bloomers.
Fortunately, they could not hold out against such a popular movement.
Wheels of Change documents in a very comprehensive and fun read
how taking up bicycle riding widened women's horizens in ways that
went beyond enhanced mobility. This lavishly illustrated volume
contains both enlightenment and good humor. I doubt anyone would not
laugh at the Omaha Bee's "Don'ts for Women Wheelers." If you enjoy
well written glimpses into the past as I do, you will find this book
simply irrisistable.
On a personal note, I am decidedly ambivolent about my bicycle. The
kids suggest I use it to travel between Veazie and Orono. I find it
easier to walk, particularly since it is a rare trip when I get very
far without being offered a ride by a friend. My bike would have me
stuck pedaling all the way both ways, not the safest thing in summer
and early fall since I'm susceptible to heat sickness. Someday if I
can get a motor on it I'll have it made in the shade. :)
A great big shout out goes out to the folks who are transforming the
lives of women and girls in third world countries by providing them
with bicycles which help them to travel more safely, work more
efficiently, and stay in school.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
What's In Your Soda?
What's In Your Soda?
Finally, it has arrived. Jaclyn Sullivan's What's In Your
Soda?, part of an expose series on fast foods, shows and tells our
youngest readers exactly why drinking too much of these ubiquitous
beverages is not really a good idea. Text covers the history of
carbonated beverages, the ingredients that go into their cans and
bottles, and health dangers of overconsumption. Pictures are colorful
and eye catching. The cover practically jumps out at you.
This is a must buy for school and public libraries in my mind.
Now I've got to get my hands on the rest of the series. :)
Inquiring minds want to know. I hope.
On a personal note, I gotta confess that even though I know how bad it
is for me there are humid, muggy days when I don't succeed in refusing
a cold soda. I am getting better about substituting seltzer water
with a splash of fruit juice. Still I like the sometimes foods
approach the book advocates. (You know what they say about forbidden
fruits.) Come to think of it, that's what sodas were when I was
growing up: for special times like parties and movies and, in the
case of ginger ale, to settle queasy tummies. Unlimited soda and ice
cream were the parental selling point for tonsilectomies.
A great big shout out goes out to all those who fight valiently for
our right to know what's in our food and to not buy genetically
modified stuff.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Finally, it has arrived. Jaclyn Sullivan's What's In Your
Soda?, part of an expose series on fast foods, shows and tells our
youngest readers exactly why drinking too much of these ubiquitous
beverages is not really a good idea. Text covers the history of
carbonated beverages, the ingredients that go into their cans and
bottles, and health dangers of overconsumption. Pictures are colorful
and eye catching. The cover practically jumps out at you.
This is a must buy for school and public libraries in my mind.
Now I've got to get my hands on the rest of the series. :)
Inquiring minds want to know. I hope.
On a personal note, I gotta confess that even though I know how bad it
is for me there are humid, muggy days when I don't succeed in refusing
a cold soda. I am getting better about substituting seltzer water
with a splash of fruit juice. Still I like the sometimes foods
approach the book advocates. (You know what they say about forbidden
fruits.) Come to think of it, that's what sodas were when I was
growing up: for special times like parties and movies and, in the
case of ginger ale, to settle queasy tummies. Unlimited soda and ice
cream were the parental selling point for tonsilectomies.
A great big shout out goes out to all those who fight valiently for
our right to know what's in our food and to not buy genetically
modified stuff.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Hattie Ever After
Hattie Ever After
YA historical fiction
Lean in? Lean out? These days even with numerous highly
educated folks opining on the issue we still haven't decided
conclusively whether a woman can have it all. Imagine how much more
challenging this kind of choice would have been in 1919 when women
didn't even have the vote. That's the dilemma faced by Hattie,
protagonist of Kirby Lawson's Hattie Ever After.
Hattie is at a crucial turning point in her young life. She's
worked as a boardinghouse chambermaid long enough to pay off her dead
uncle's debt. A dear friend wants her to join her and her young
family in Seattle. It's the city that devoted friend Charlie, home
from World War I and eager to marry the girl of his dreams, calls
home. He has a good job and every intention of supporting her
generously.
But is this enough? Hattie has had a taste of newspaper writing
and found her passion. She wants to at least try to be a reporter
like Nellie Bly. An unexpected job offer with a travelling vaudeville
group gives her a chance to go to San Francisco where not only can she
try to make it in journalism, but she may be able to learn more about
her mysterious uncle, following the clue of a letter with a love token.
If she moves to Seattle and marries Charlie she may end up
wondering if she could have succeeding in pursuing her dream. But if
she sets out on a career venture she may lose the chance to make a
life with the one she loves most. What's a young woman to do?
Read the book and see. If you like the combination of a
believable protagonist worth caring about, a page turner of a plot,
and a fascinating setting, especially if you're a historical fiction
fan, we've got a winner!
On a personal note, Hattie is a protagonist I can identify with. When
the journalism bug gets you, there is no cure. I just had an op ed
piece published in the Bangor Daily News yesterday. There are very
few experiences, in my mind, as rewarding as having my words in print
and seeing the effect they have on other's people's lives.
A great big shout out goes out to those of my fellow journalists who
write with passion and integrity and the editors who serve as
midwives. :)
Sent from my iPod
YA historical fiction
Lean in? Lean out? These days even with numerous highly
educated folks opining on the issue we still haven't decided
conclusively whether a woman can have it all. Imagine how much more
challenging this kind of choice would have been in 1919 when women
didn't even have the vote. That's the dilemma faced by Hattie,
protagonist of Kirby Lawson's Hattie Ever After.
Hattie is at a crucial turning point in her young life. She's
worked as a boardinghouse chambermaid long enough to pay off her dead
uncle's debt. A dear friend wants her to join her and her young
family in Seattle. It's the city that devoted friend Charlie, home
from World War I and eager to marry the girl of his dreams, calls
home. He has a good job and every intention of supporting her
generously.
But is this enough? Hattie has had a taste of newspaper writing
and found her passion. She wants to at least try to be a reporter
like Nellie Bly. An unexpected job offer with a travelling vaudeville
group gives her a chance to go to San Francisco where not only can she
try to make it in journalism, but she may be able to learn more about
her mysterious uncle, following the clue of a letter with a love token.
If she moves to Seattle and marries Charlie she may end up
wondering if she could have succeeding in pursuing her dream. But if
she sets out on a career venture she may lose the chance to make a
life with the one she loves most. What's a young woman to do?
Read the book and see. If you like the combination of a
believable protagonist worth caring about, a page turner of a plot,
and a fascinating setting, especially if you're a historical fiction
fan, we've got a winner!
On a personal note, Hattie is a protagonist I can identify with. When
the journalism bug gets you, there is no cure. I just had an op ed
piece published in the Bangor Daily News yesterday. There are very
few experiences, in my mind, as rewarding as having my words in print
and seeing the effect they have on other's people's lives.
A great big shout out goes out to those of my fellow journalists who
write with passion and integrity and the editors who serve as
midwives. :)
Sent from my iPod
The Divinity Of Dogs
The Divinity Of Dogs
A veteran principal was leaving a very difficult meeting.
Although the school board had cut the budget every way possible, the
town council was demanding far more savings. But where? Fire a
teacher? Eliminate music or art? Additionally the school system was
in a challenging transition from being part of a three town unit to
becoming a small and vulnerable stand alone. It's no wonder that this
good man walked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders
until a creature with deep, wise eyes and a swiftly wagging tail
greeted him with the ardor of a teen at a concert. Whatever else was
going on in the world, when he was with that precious dog that
dedicated professional had himself a little bit of heaven. You could
see his cares melt away.
All too often we call our companion animals pets, implying that
we own them in the same way we possess a car or flat screen tv. We
buy and surrender them on the flimsiest of reasons. Recall how
chihuahuas flooded shelters when pocketbook pups became passe? Not to
mention how we breed to get more exotic strains. It's sinful, that's
what it is, especially when by Biblical standards the four footers
have us left way behind. Thinking as I do, I was delighted when I saw
Jennifer Skiff's The Divinity of Dogs on the Orono Public Library's
new book shelves.
At the beginning of the book Skiff informs us that in Hebrew the
word for dog is Kev-lev which means "full of heart." That's basically
the theme of the book. The dozens of dogs portrayed in stories and
pictures are full of heart and soul and bravery and loyalty and
unconditional love and uncanny smarts.
*Little Bit, purchased from a lady selling puppies in a basket, a
probable chihuahua, nosed her person's breast until she went to see a
doctor. A pea sized cancer was discovered and removed.
*Coco, a Yorkie-Poo eased a 13-year old Russian orphan's transition to
a new country and adoptive home.
*Cooper, a Shih Tzu, helped his people, unable to bear children or to
adopt, to find meaningful involvement with the children in their
neighborhood.
*Bo, a boxer, prevented his person from killing herself following her
son's death.
*Molly, a Doberman, saved her people from death by lightning strike.
*Ziva, a golden retriever, helped a five-year-old autistic boy to say
his first word. (The picture accompanying this story is about my
favorite in the book. It shows a large, gentle dog seeming to
converse with a very small bird perched on her paw.)...
And there are so many more precious fur covered angels depicted
in this amazing book. If you're a dog lover you gotta read it. If
you enjoy books that touch your very soul you'll want to read it. If
you're bowed down under the troubles of this world and not sure
there's anything worth caring about you need this book more than
anyone else.
But don't stop at reading. If you aren't in a position to adopt
a furever friend there are many good organizations listed that could
use help. Also we all need to speak up for the sentient beings with
whom we share the planet. For instance next Easter if a friend is
considering putting something live in the kids' baskets you can remind
him that fuzzball chicks morph into smelly awkward critters that poop
everywhere and rabbits have a lot of special needs. Cut down on the
number of critters abandoned when they outgrow cuteness.
I think the author of Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner put it best.
"He liveth best
Who loveth best
All creatures great and small.
For the same God
Who made us
He made and loveth all."
On a personal note, I just have to share this memory from my college
years. I was attending Gordon College, a Christian college in
Massachusetts. Bible classes and chapel were mandatory. I was
involved in quite the debate on whether or not cats would be in
heaven. The people on the other side maintained that cats, lacking
the cognitive powers to grasp salvation requirements, would be
noticably absent. I was sure they were wrong. A benevolent Diety
would not condemn innocent creatures to eternal damnation. Not to
mention how could heaven be heaven without cats? We had a famous or
at least semi famous theologian speak at chapel. When I shook his
hand I asked if he'd like to have lunch my treat in the school
cafeteria with me and my friends. A professor told me that was a kind
offer but he was being taken to a nice restaurant. Fortunately the
theologian had had his fill of nice restaurants and wanted to try the
cafeteria. I was told to not bring the cat thing up. Obedience was
not my forte. I was assured that cats would indeed be in heaven and I
would be surrounded by them. I'm sure the same is true for dogs.
A great big shout out goes out to all who tend to the dogs, cats, and
other creatures who are tortured, neglected, and abandoned and deserve
a whole lot better.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
A veteran principal was leaving a very difficult meeting.
Although the school board had cut the budget every way possible, the
town council was demanding far more savings. But where? Fire a
teacher? Eliminate music or art? Additionally the school system was
in a challenging transition from being part of a three town unit to
becoming a small and vulnerable stand alone. It's no wonder that this
good man walked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders
until a creature with deep, wise eyes and a swiftly wagging tail
greeted him with the ardor of a teen at a concert. Whatever else was
going on in the world, when he was with that precious dog that
dedicated professional had himself a little bit of heaven. You could
see his cares melt away.
All too often we call our companion animals pets, implying that
we own them in the same way we possess a car or flat screen tv. We
buy and surrender them on the flimsiest of reasons. Recall how
chihuahuas flooded shelters when pocketbook pups became passe? Not to
mention how we breed to get more exotic strains. It's sinful, that's
what it is, especially when by Biblical standards the four footers
have us left way behind. Thinking as I do, I was delighted when I saw
Jennifer Skiff's The Divinity of Dogs on the Orono Public Library's
new book shelves.
At the beginning of the book Skiff informs us that in Hebrew the
word for dog is Kev-lev which means "full of heart." That's basically
the theme of the book. The dozens of dogs portrayed in stories and
pictures are full of heart and soul and bravery and loyalty and
unconditional love and uncanny smarts.
*Little Bit, purchased from a lady selling puppies in a basket, a
probable chihuahua, nosed her person's breast until she went to see a
doctor. A pea sized cancer was discovered and removed.
*Coco, a Yorkie-Poo eased a 13-year old Russian orphan's transition to
a new country and adoptive home.
*Cooper, a Shih Tzu, helped his people, unable to bear children or to
adopt, to find meaningful involvement with the children in their
neighborhood.
*Bo, a boxer, prevented his person from killing herself following her
son's death.
*Molly, a Doberman, saved her people from death by lightning strike.
*Ziva, a golden retriever, helped a five-year-old autistic boy to say
his first word. (The picture accompanying this story is about my
favorite in the book. It shows a large, gentle dog seeming to
converse with a very small bird perched on her paw.)...
And there are so many more precious fur covered angels depicted
in this amazing book. If you're a dog lover you gotta read it. If
you enjoy books that touch your very soul you'll want to read it. If
you're bowed down under the troubles of this world and not sure
there's anything worth caring about you need this book more than
anyone else.
But don't stop at reading. If you aren't in a position to adopt
a furever friend there are many good organizations listed that could
use help. Also we all need to speak up for the sentient beings with
whom we share the planet. For instance next Easter if a friend is
considering putting something live in the kids' baskets you can remind
him that fuzzball chicks morph into smelly awkward critters that poop
everywhere and rabbits have a lot of special needs. Cut down on the
number of critters abandoned when they outgrow cuteness.
I think the author of Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner put it best.
"He liveth best
Who loveth best
All creatures great and small.
For the same God
Who made us
He made and loveth all."
On a personal note, I just have to share this memory from my college
years. I was attending Gordon College, a Christian college in
Massachusetts. Bible classes and chapel were mandatory. I was
involved in quite the debate on whether or not cats would be in
heaven. The people on the other side maintained that cats, lacking
the cognitive powers to grasp salvation requirements, would be
noticably absent. I was sure they were wrong. A benevolent Diety
would not condemn innocent creatures to eternal damnation. Not to
mention how could heaven be heaven without cats? We had a famous or
at least semi famous theologian speak at chapel. When I shook his
hand I asked if he'd like to have lunch my treat in the school
cafeteria with me and my friends. A professor told me that was a kind
offer but he was being taken to a nice restaurant. Fortunately the
theologian had had his fill of nice restaurants and wanted to try the
cafeteria. I was told to not bring the cat thing up. Obedience was
not my forte. I was assured that cats would indeed be in heaven and I
would be surrounded by them. I'm sure the same is true for dogs.
A great big shout out goes out to all who tend to the dogs, cats, and
other creatures who are tortured, neglected, and abandoned and deserve
a whole lot better.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, July 29, 2013
Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl
Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl
Faye, protagonist of Carolita Blyth's Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty
Girl, and her chums, Caroline and Gillian resent the stuck up "pretty"
girls who seem to have everything going for them and to look down
their prefect noses at the rest of the world. They mug them, as much
for the joy of vengence as for any money they can take. One day they
take down an elderly former movie actress (a mean girl back in the day
they are sure). Only things go terribly wrong. The money she is
supposed to have stashed all over the apartment isn't there. And the
old woman falls to the floor, losing consciousness, possibly dead.
You'd think Faye would stay as far from the scene of the crime
as possible. That, however, is not how the story plays out.
Everything in her life is going wrong. Her despised religious
education teacher has been talking karma a little too much. So she
returns to the old lady's apartment to see if she's alive, not knowing
that this will be only one of many visits.
The thing is, though, Faye has more in common with Evelyn, the
senior citizen, than she does with her peers, Caroline and Gillian.
Faye is maltreated by a mother who seems to resent everything about
her. Evelyn has been estranged from her only child for decades due to
the way she behaved as a young movie star. This novel serves as a
coming of age journey for both of them.
If you don't get your hands on this fine book you'll be missing
out big time. And you'll have only yourself to blame.
On a personal note, the hubby and I are about to celebrate our 24th
anniversary today. Where did the time go? Doesn't hardly seem
possible we're closing in on a quarter of a century.
A great big shout out goes out to the hubby with whom I intend to
spend a lot more years on this earth.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Faye, protagonist of Carolita Blyth's Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty
Girl, and her chums, Caroline and Gillian resent the stuck up "pretty"
girls who seem to have everything going for them and to look down
their prefect noses at the rest of the world. They mug them, as much
for the joy of vengence as for any money they can take. One day they
take down an elderly former movie actress (a mean girl back in the day
they are sure). Only things go terribly wrong. The money she is
supposed to have stashed all over the apartment isn't there. And the
old woman falls to the floor, losing consciousness, possibly dead.
You'd think Faye would stay as far from the scene of the crime
as possible. That, however, is not how the story plays out.
Everything in her life is going wrong. Her despised religious
education teacher has been talking karma a little too much. So she
returns to the old lady's apartment to see if she's alive, not knowing
that this will be only one of many visits.
The thing is, though, Faye has more in common with Evelyn, the
senior citizen, than she does with her peers, Caroline and Gillian.
Faye is maltreated by a mother who seems to resent everything about
her. Evelyn has been estranged from her only child for decades due to
the way she behaved as a young movie star. This novel serves as a
coming of age journey for both of them.
If you don't get your hands on this fine book you'll be missing
out big time. And you'll have only yourself to blame.
On a personal note, the hubby and I are about to celebrate our 24th
anniversary today. Where did the time go? Doesn't hardly seem
possible we're closing in on a quarter of a century.
A great big shout out goes out to the hubby with whom I intend to
spend a lot more years on this earth.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, July 26, 2013
Taking Wing
Taking Wing
Although Nancy Price Graff's Taking Wing is set during the
beginning of World War II, the themes could not be more timely.
There's the temporary breaking apart of a family when a parent must
serve overseas. There's the learning to care for and then give up
something wild and beautiful. And there's the cruelty of a society
that ostracizes those who are different.
Gus, 13, is staying with his grandparents in Vermont. His
father is far from their Boston home training for a war overseas. His
mother is recovering from tuberculosis at a sanitarium. To Gus his
beloved family seems heartbreakingly fragile. He wonders if they will
ever be together again.
When his grandfather runs over a nesting duck with his tractor,
leaving her eggs motherless, Gus decides he will raise them. His
grandparents warn him about the time consuming work involved. Still
some stuff he has to learn the hard way, like what it feels like to
shoot a raccoon that has already killed one duckling and is certain to
return for the rest.
Then there's Gus' new friend Louise Lavictoire, the daughter of
a very impoverished family. The day he meets her his grandmother
warns him, "Those Quebecers (folks who move from Quebec) are all pope-
worshipping Catholics with more mouths to feed than they can fill...it
wouldn't surprise me if a goodly number of those children were born
idiots. When I was a child, everyone knew that the Quebecer families
who roamed all over the countryside were thieves and beggers.". The
town shares her beliefs, shunning the clan, leaving them to rely on
their almost nonexistent resources. But Gus can see that Louise is
bright and capable and deserving of better.
Gus is a good kid struggling to make sense of a world that, in
his mind, has gone off kilter and to do the right thing under very
confusing circumstances. His coming-of-age story is funny, poignant,
and a genuinely good read.
On a personal note, I'm toward the end of day 12 in my housecleaning
campaign. Every day I see improvement. I am winning in the war
against fleas as evidenced by the fact that Joey cat isn't getting all
chewed up anymore.
A great big shout out goes out to the folks at Crossroads who work
valiently to help folks get what they need to survive in a world where
it's getting increasingly hard to do so.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Although Nancy Price Graff's Taking Wing is set during the
beginning of World War II, the themes could not be more timely.
There's the temporary breaking apart of a family when a parent must
serve overseas. There's the learning to care for and then give up
something wild and beautiful. And there's the cruelty of a society
that ostracizes those who are different.
Gus, 13, is staying with his grandparents in Vermont. His
father is far from their Boston home training for a war overseas. His
mother is recovering from tuberculosis at a sanitarium. To Gus his
beloved family seems heartbreakingly fragile. He wonders if they will
ever be together again.
When his grandfather runs over a nesting duck with his tractor,
leaving her eggs motherless, Gus decides he will raise them. His
grandparents warn him about the time consuming work involved. Still
some stuff he has to learn the hard way, like what it feels like to
shoot a raccoon that has already killed one duckling and is certain to
return for the rest.
Then there's Gus' new friend Louise Lavictoire, the daughter of
a very impoverished family. The day he meets her his grandmother
warns him, "Those Quebecers (folks who move from Quebec) are all pope-
worshipping Catholics with more mouths to feed than they can fill...it
wouldn't surprise me if a goodly number of those children were born
idiots. When I was a child, everyone knew that the Quebecer families
who roamed all over the countryside were thieves and beggers.". The
town shares her beliefs, shunning the clan, leaving them to rely on
their almost nonexistent resources. But Gus can see that Louise is
bright and capable and deserving of better.
Gus is a good kid struggling to make sense of a world that, in
his mind, has gone off kilter and to do the right thing under very
confusing circumstances. His coming-of-age story is funny, poignant,
and a genuinely good read.
On a personal note, I'm toward the end of day 12 in my housecleaning
campaign. Every day I see improvement. I am winning in the war
against fleas as evidenced by the fact that Joey cat isn't getting all
chewed up anymore.
A great big shout out goes out to the folks at Crossroads who work
valiently to help folks get what they need to survive in a world where
it's getting increasingly hard to do so.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Eat Like A Dinosaur
Eat Like A Dinosaur
Parenting: cookbook
Eat Like A Dinosaur. Could you imagine a more kid friendly
title? After years of library shelf reading (making sure each and
every book is in it's proper Dewey decimal assigned place) I can tell
you the one juvenile non fiction area most often in need of tidying is
the dinosaur section. Kids are into dinos big time. So when I saw
this intriguing volume by the Paleo Parents with its cover picture of
a child and a prehistric pal about to share a repast I just had to
check it out.
As we learn in "the boring chapter for parents" (gotta love
that) the Paleo Parents are raising three sons less than five years
apart. They decided to convert the whole family to a diet sans
grains, legumes, dairy products, and refined sugars. They all lost
weight and their boys were cured of chronic health problems. Through
a blog and now this book they are trying to help other parents. The
second section is an explanation for kids in picture book form.
The rest of the book is the piece de resistance. There are
chapter after chapter of allergen free, artificial ingredient free
tasty looking foods. Many steps in their preparation can be done by
kids. This is really excellent because when kids are involved in the
kitchen they are much more likely to buy into healthy eating. Even if
you can't [relies too much on meat for my vegetarian self] or don't
want to go totally paleo there are a lot of very appealing recipes
ranging from entrees to, believe it or not, sweets.
If you are raising kids with food allergies, suffering from them
yourself, or simply trying to steer the family toward a more wholesome
eating style without encountering eye rolls, whining, or out and out
tantrums, you will find Eat Like A Dinosaur to be a really worthwhile
investment.
On a personal note, in a few weeks folks in the Greater Bangor area
will be able to enjoy Kahbang, a four day celebration of music, art,
and film to be held at the Bangor waterfront. A lot of the events are
free. I'm sure a good time will be had by all.
A great big shout out goes out to all who are working hard to make
this very special event a reality.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Parenting: cookbook
Eat Like A Dinosaur. Could you imagine a more kid friendly
title? After years of library shelf reading (making sure each and
every book is in it's proper Dewey decimal assigned place) I can tell
you the one juvenile non fiction area most often in need of tidying is
the dinosaur section. Kids are into dinos big time. So when I saw
this intriguing volume by the Paleo Parents with its cover picture of
a child and a prehistric pal about to share a repast I just had to
check it out.
As we learn in "the boring chapter for parents" (gotta love
that) the Paleo Parents are raising three sons less than five years
apart. They decided to convert the whole family to a diet sans
grains, legumes, dairy products, and refined sugars. They all lost
weight and their boys were cured of chronic health problems. Through
a blog and now this book they are trying to help other parents. The
second section is an explanation for kids in picture book form.
The rest of the book is the piece de resistance. There are
chapter after chapter of allergen free, artificial ingredient free
tasty looking foods. Many steps in their preparation can be done by
kids. This is really excellent because when kids are involved in the
kitchen they are much more likely to buy into healthy eating. Even if
you can't [relies too much on meat for my vegetarian self] or don't
want to go totally paleo there are a lot of very appealing recipes
ranging from entrees to, believe it or not, sweets.
If you are raising kids with food allergies, suffering from them
yourself, or simply trying to steer the family toward a more wholesome
eating style without encountering eye rolls, whining, or out and out
tantrums, you will find Eat Like A Dinosaur to be a really worthwhile
investment.
On a personal note, in a few weeks folks in the Greater Bangor area
will be able to enjoy Kahbang, a four day celebration of music, art,
and film to be held at the Bangor waterfront. A lot of the events are
free. I'm sure a good time will be had by all.
A great big shout out goes out to all who are working hard to make
this very special event a reality.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
you against me
you against me
YA novel
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Some of the truly
best fiction today is classified YA. Jenny Dunham's you against me
is a prime example. This unlikely love story is one of the most
beautifully written, evocative, thought provoking novels it has been
my privilege to read. Ever.
Why is it an unlikely love story? Let's look at the protagonists.
Mikey's sister, Karyn, has been a shadow of herself since she
claimed to have been raped. She won't even go to school or leave the
apartment or talk to friends. Under the pressure their mother's
alcoholism is really kicking in, leaving her unable to handle the
responsibilities of parenthood. Baby sister, Megan, is being badly
neglected. The threat of authorities stepping in is ever present.
Mikey is tormented by the pain his loved ones are experiencing.
On the surface Ellie would seem to have things so much better.
Her family is lots more financially secure than Mikey's. But
appearances can be deceiving. Her brother, Tom, is charged with
rape. His legal defense has become the entire focus of her family.
She's all alone to deal with her pain: afraid to go back to school,
terrified of dealing with her classmates. She has no real friends.
Having recently moved, she and her folks have not developed social
support. Then there's the fact that she was home when the alleged rape
took place and she hasn't been entirely truthful in her statements to
the police.
As I'm sure you have guessed Karen and Tom are the principals in
the rape story and Mikey and Ellie the most unlikely pair. Does their
romance crash and burn or survive against all odds...
...read the book and see. You'll be glad you did. I see it as
at least as relevant to parents, particularly parents of young adults,
as to its target demographics. Trust me on this.
As for me, I plan to track down Downham's debut novel and fill
you in on that in the near future. Promise.
On a personal note, ladies and gents, are you ready for this? I just
did a little counting and realized we've passed the 200th review. All
I can say is it's been a privilege and a pleasure. I have been told
that my readership is growing. If you like this blog could you please
tell your friends about it? Take my word for it--I have plenty of
good books to opine about.
A great big shout out goes out to Erin Rhoda, Bangor Daily News
editorial page editor. With her many insightful pieces on all aspects
of rape, she's getting people to think and feel about a topic most
would rather sweep under the rug. Way to light a candle against the
darkness, Erin! Keep on keeping on!
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
YA novel
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Some of the truly
best fiction today is classified YA. Jenny Dunham's you against me
is a prime example. This unlikely love story is one of the most
beautifully written, evocative, thought provoking novels it has been
my privilege to read. Ever.
Why is it an unlikely love story? Let's look at the protagonists.
Mikey's sister, Karyn, has been a shadow of herself since she
claimed to have been raped. She won't even go to school or leave the
apartment or talk to friends. Under the pressure their mother's
alcoholism is really kicking in, leaving her unable to handle the
responsibilities of parenthood. Baby sister, Megan, is being badly
neglected. The threat of authorities stepping in is ever present.
Mikey is tormented by the pain his loved ones are experiencing.
On the surface Ellie would seem to have things so much better.
Her family is lots more financially secure than Mikey's. But
appearances can be deceiving. Her brother, Tom, is charged with
rape. His legal defense has become the entire focus of her family.
She's all alone to deal with her pain: afraid to go back to school,
terrified of dealing with her classmates. She has no real friends.
Having recently moved, she and her folks have not developed social
support. Then there's the fact that she was home when the alleged rape
took place and she hasn't been entirely truthful in her statements to
the police.
As I'm sure you have guessed Karen and Tom are the principals in
the rape story and Mikey and Ellie the most unlikely pair. Does their
romance crash and burn or survive against all odds...
...read the book and see. You'll be glad you did. I see it as
at least as relevant to parents, particularly parents of young adults,
as to its target demographics. Trust me on this.
As for me, I plan to track down Downham's debut novel and fill
you in on that in the near future. Promise.
On a personal note, ladies and gents, are you ready for this? I just
did a little counting and realized we've passed the 200th review. All
I can say is it's been a privilege and a pleasure. I have been told
that my readership is growing. If you like this blog could you please
tell your friends about it? Take my word for it--I have plenty of
good books to opine about.
A great big shout out goes out to Erin Rhoda, Bangor Daily News
editorial page editor. With her many insightful pieces on all aspects
of rape, she's getting people to think and feel about a topic most
would rather sweep under the rug. Way to light a candle against the
darkness, Erin! Keep on keeping on!
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, July 22, 2013
The Doll In The Garden
The Doll In The Garden
Chapter book
Could you resist a book that has the question, "How do you
return a doll when its owner is dead?," on the cover? Well maybe you
could, but I surely couldn't. And I am very glad that I yielded to
temptation.
Ashley, the young protagonist of Mary Downing Hahn's The Doll in
the Garden, is grieving the loss of her beloved father. When she and
her mother move to an apartment they find that the landlady who lives
downstairs is a cat hating bitter woman who lays down many rules.
It's not long before she and Ashley are in nearly constant conflict.
Things get interesting when Ashley and new friend Kristi explore
a neglected rose garden on part of the landlady's property. They dig
up a porcelain doll buried in a box with a yellowed note from a Carrie
to a Louisa begging her for forgiveness. Then there's Snowball, a
ghost cat with the ability to navigate between the past and the
present and bring people along.
The Doll in the Garden, however, is more than a book that will
enchant young lovers of mysteries and ghost stories. There's good
wisdom in those pages about letting go of regrets following the death
of a loved one. I highly recommend this fine read to teachers and
guidance counselors as well as kids and parents.
On a personal note, a heat wave has given way to some glorious perfect
summer weather. Joey cat is much more perky and happy. Even us non
fur coat wearers are much more animated.
A great big shout out goes out to our nation's teachers and guidance
counselors. May those of you on vaca be having a grand time. Those
of you teaching summer school have my respect for helping kids not
slip behind.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Chapter book
Could you resist a book that has the question, "How do you
return a doll when its owner is dead?," on the cover? Well maybe you
could, but I surely couldn't. And I am very glad that I yielded to
temptation.
Ashley, the young protagonist of Mary Downing Hahn's The Doll in
the Garden, is grieving the loss of her beloved father. When she and
her mother move to an apartment they find that the landlady who lives
downstairs is a cat hating bitter woman who lays down many rules.
It's not long before she and Ashley are in nearly constant conflict.
Things get interesting when Ashley and new friend Kristi explore
a neglected rose garden on part of the landlady's property. They dig
up a porcelain doll buried in a box with a yellowed note from a Carrie
to a Louisa begging her for forgiveness. Then there's Snowball, a
ghost cat with the ability to navigate between the past and the
present and bring people along.
The Doll in the Garden, however, is more than a book that will
enchant young lovers of mysteries and ghost stories. There's good
wisdom in those pages about letting go of regrets following the death
of a loved one. I highly recommend this fine read to teachers and
guidance counselors as well as kids and parents.
On a personal note, a heat wave has given way to some glorious perfect
summer weather. Joey cat is much more perky and happy. Even us non
fur coat wearers are much more animated.
A great big shout out goes out to our nation's teachers and guidance
counselors. May those of you on vaca be having a grand time. Those
of you teaching summer school have my respect for helping kids not
slip behind.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Rapture Practice
Rapture Practice
I see these families sometimes when I stop in at Bangor Public
Library. You can recognize them right off by the way they dress.
Mostly it's mom and the girls sporting outfits that would have been
puritanical even in the 1950s. It's the demeanor of the kids and the
reaction of the parents if they get even a smidge out of line. It's
how mom (and sometimes dad) must approve every bit of reading or
viewing matter and often do all the choosing. It's also the fact that
they're at the library in the middle of the week. In an attempt to
keep the kids from going to Hades by way of the public school system
they're going the home school route.
I see people around me shake their heads and make comments about
nut cases. It's not that simple. It can, I'm sure, be a very
comforting way of life to be in a community of those who share deeply
felt beliefs and a way of being. At times in my earlier years, like
when my parents were going through a drawn out and bitter divorce, I
experienced Amish envy. It was a heart breaking moment when I
realized that had I been brought up that way I would have been shunned
for my inquiring mind and big mouth.
The children are clean, healthy, happy, obviously well loved.
The parents are doing the same thing as the rest of us: protecting
their kids. When mine were little and someone tried to smoke around
them it made me some ugly. I mean if you believe nothing short of
eternal damnation for those dearest to you is the result of letting
down ones guard... But still I wonder about the youngsters. They
grow up and into the secular world sooner or later. What if they
discover the forbidden fruit to be not so bad, maybe downright
tempting. That's gotta make for some heavy internal and external
conflict.
This lengthier than usual preamble was to try to convey how
delighted I was to discover Aaron Hartzler's Rapture Practice: My One-
Way Ticket To Salvation. It's the poignant and eloquent true story of
his childhood and teen years. He was one of those youngsters to call
into question his parents world view when he experienced some of the
activities they consider abominations.
Aaron's father teaches at a Bible college. His mother runs a
Good News Club for neighborhood children. They teach their children
that the Rapture, the Second Coming, is right around the corner. "I
mean literally, like glance out the car window and, 'Oh, hey, there's
Jesus in the sky.' There will be a trumpet blast, an archangel will
shout, and Jesus Christ will appear in the clouds. We believe that
people all over the world who have been born again by accepting Jesus
as their personal savior from sin will float up into the air to meet
him."
Although the family's salvation is assured by their belief, they
must live in such a way that is different from the secular world. The
hope is that non believers will be attracted to these differences and
possible convert as a result. As many as possible must won over while
there is still time.
After awhile Aaron starts having trouble following all the
rules. He has trouble with the idea that a merciful God will
predestine some people to eternal damnation. He yearns to become an
actor in a context other than saving souls. The rock music and movies
he's been forbidden resonate with him when he checks them out. He
carefully hides from his family the activities and people they would
not approve of. Increasingly he feels despair in feeling that the
person he really is would not be accepted by the people he loves the
most.
This is a truly powerful, poignant, thought provoking coming of
age novel. I highly recommend it for young adults and adult adults
alike.
On a personal note, I was very fortunate. Although I was brought up
in the church with a director of religious education mother and church
organist father I was encouraged to think for myself in matters of
faith.
A great big shout out goes out to parents doing their best by their
beloved children.
Julia Emily Hathawayo
Sent from my iPod
I see these families sometimes when I stop in at Bangor Public
Library. You can recognize them right off by the way they dress.
Mostly it's mom and the girls sporting outfits that would have been
puritanical even in the 1950s. It's the demeanor of the kids and the
reaction of the parents if they get even a smidge out of line. It's
how mom (and sometimes dad) must approve every bit of reading or
viewing matter and often do all the choosing. It's also the fact that
they're at the library in the middle of the week. In an attempt to
keep the kids from going to Hades by way of the public school system
they're going the home school route.
I see people around me shake their heads and make comments about
nut cases. It's not that simple. It can, I'm sure, be a very
comforting way of life to be in a community of those who share deeply
felt beliefs and a way of being. At times in my earlier years, like
when my parents were going through a drawn out and bitter divorce, I
experienced Amish envy. It was a heart breaking moment when I
realized that had I been brought up that way I would have been shunned
for my inquiring mind and big mouth.
The children are clean, healthy, happy, obviously well loved.
The parents are doing the same thing as the rest of us: protecting
their kids. When mine were little and someone tried to smoke around
them it made me some ugly. I mean if you believe nothing short of
eternal damnation for those dearest to you is the result of letting
down ones guard... But still I wonder about the youngsters. They
grow up and into the secular world sooner or later. What if they
discover the forbidden fruit to be not so bad, maybe downright
tempting. That's gotta make for some heavy internal and external
conflict.
This lengthier than usual preamble was to try to convey how
delighted I was to discover Aaron Hartzler's Rapture Practice: My One-
Way Ticket To Salvation. It's the poignant and eloquent true story of
his childhood and teen years. He was one of those youngsters to call
into question his parents world view when he experienced some of the
activities they consider abominations.
Aaron's father teaches at a Bible college. His mother runs a
Good News Club for neighborhood children. They teach their children
that the Rapture, the Second Coming, is right around the corner. "I
mean literally, like glance out the car window and, 'Oh, hey, there's
Jesus in the sky.' There will be a trumpet blast, an archangel will
shout, and Jesus Christ will appear in the clouds. We believe that
people all over the world who have been born again by accepting Jesus
as their personal savior from sin will float up into the air to meet
him."
Although the family's salvation is assured by their belief, they
must live in such a way that is different from the secular world. The
hope is that non believers will be attracted to these differences and
possible convert as a result. As many as possible must won over while
there is still time.
After awhile Aaron starts having trouble following all the
rules. He has trouble with the idea that a merciful God will
predestine some people to eternal damnation. He yearns to become an
actor in a context other than saving souls. The rock music and movies
he's been forbidden resonate with him when he checks them out. He
carefully hides from his family the activities and people they would
not approve of. Increasingly he feels despair in feeling that the
person he really is would not be accepted by the people he loves the
most.
This is a truly powerful, poignant, thought provoking coming of
age novel. I highly recommend it for young adults and adult adults
alike.
On a personal note, I was very fortunate. Although I was brought up
in the church with a director of religious education mother and church
organist father I was encouraged to think for myself in matters of
faith.
A great big shout out goes out to parents doing their best by their
beloved children.
Julia Emily Hathawayo
Sent from my iPod
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Twerp
Twerp
I'm sure somewhere between freshman year and graduation you
found Catcher in the Rye on your high school English syllabus. You
remember that stream of conscience coming of age novel? Julian,
protagonist of Mark Goldblatt's Twerp follows nicely in that literary
tradition.
Julian (12) has been suspended from school for his part in
something that happened over winter break. His teacher has asked him
to write something about it in a journal format. He doubts the
implied premise that it will help him understand the incident. But,
hey, if it will get out of a Shakespeare paper...
Julian turns out to be a pretty good writer. His description of
the events in his life and his reaction to them make them really come
alive. He tries to save the pigeon he and best friend, Lonnie, injure
and cries when his efforts are in vain. He becomes involved in an
elaborate deception when he and the gang set off fireworks (this is
1960s New York) and one boy suffers the consequences. He finds the
dawning of romance pretty darn confusing.
But the incident is in the background simmering. From time to
time it's alluded to. You know darn well it will come out in the end...
...and it will be well worth reading for. :)
On a personal note, we had to take Joey Cat to the vet. He had to
have so much fur shaved he looks sort of like a poodle. He's super
allergic to fleas which means they're worse for him than the average
feline. So I am on this heavy duty cleaning/flea killing mission,
giving a new meaning to the term due dilligence. The silver lining is
that, in addition to getting things better for Joey, I'm going to get
the trailer nice enough to have friends over which I haven't been able
to do in ages.
A great big shout goes out to the folks at Veazie Vetinary Clinic.
Joey is in good hands with them.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
I'm sure somewhere between freshman year and graduation you
found Catcher in the Rye on your high school English syllabus. You
remember that stream of conscience coming of age novel? Julian,
protagonist of Mark Goldblatt's Twerp follows nicely in that literary
tradition.
Julian (12) has been suspended from school for his part in
something that happened over winter break. His teacher has asked him
to write something about it in a journal format. He doubts the
implied premise that it will help him understand the incident. But,
hey, if it will get out of a Shakespeare paper...
Julian turns out to be a pretty good writer. His description of
the events in his life and his reaction to them make them really come
alive. He tries to save the pigeon he and best friend, Lonnie, injure
and cries when his efforts are in vain. He becomes involved in an
elaborate deception when he and the gang set off fireworks (this is
1960s New York) and one boy suffers the consequences. He finds the
dawning of romance pretty darn confusing.
But the incident is in the background simmering. From time to
time it's alluded to. You know darn well it will come out in the end...
...and it will be well worth reading for. :)
On a personal note, we had to take Joey Cat to the vet. He had to
have so much fur shaved he looks sort of like a poodle. He's super
allergic to fleas which means they're worse for him than the average
feline. So I am on this heavy duty cleaning/flea killing mission,
giving a new meaning to the term due dilligence. The silver lining is
that, in addition to getting things better for Joey, I'm going to get
the trailer nice enough to have friends over which I haven't been able
to do in ages.
A great big shout goes out to the folks at Veazie Vetinary Clinic.
Joey is in good hands with them.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
The Plug-In Drug
The Plug-In Drug
Today we're going the oldies but goodies route. Unfortunately
Marie Winn's The Plug-In Drug is even more relevant today than it was
when it was written in 1977 and updated in 2002. I got a great deal
from my rereading and think you will too. In fact it should be a call
to arms for American society.
When the first edition of The Plug-In Drug came out people were
concerned about the effect of television content on children. The
possible effect of television violence on making kids either more
violent or more desensitized to violence was explored just about way
possible. Winn said fugedaboutdat. The big problem was the sheer
amount of time kids were spending in front of the set and the things
they weren't doing:
*bonding with caretakers
*learning social skills
*learning about their environment and developing skills by
manipulating objects
*reading
*exercising creativity
*developing interests and hobbies
*being involved in their communities...
In other words, a lot of kids were passively watching content--good,
bad, or indifferent--rather than enjoying the developmental
experiences human beings are designed or evolved to learn from.
Let's look at just one thing kids who are heavy television
watchers aren't doing much of: reading. I think we can agree that at
least functional literacy is a key survival skill in today's world.
We can also agree that kids who read better do better in school and
beyond. Acquisition of the basic skills is work and requires a lot of
practice. The payoffs are huge. When its componants become fairly
automatic there is a shift from learning to read to reading to learn.
If the shift never happens even intelligent kids can be left in a scan
rather than comprehend mode. Oh, yeah, reading is the foundation of
that other important life skill writing.
If I went into the other deficits incurred by television and
related electronics taking up too much time this review would be much
longer than you'd want to read. As anyone who has read Bowling Alone
can attest, we adults are not faring much better. Please read this
book, get righteously angry, and help create a movement to liberate
our hearts, minds, souls, and communities from addiction to the plug-
in drugs.
On a personal note, I am so glad I never became overly fond of the
television. If I had I wouldn't be the smart, creative, friendly
person I am today. I wouldn't be writing this blog I hope you are
enjoying.
A great big shout out goes out to you, my readers.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Today we're going the oldies but goodies route. Unfortunately
Marie Winn's The Plug-In Drug is even more relevant today than it was
when it was written in 1977 and updated in 2002. I got a great deal
from my rereading and think you will too. In fact it should be a call
to arms for American society.
When the first edition of The Plug-In Drug came out people were
concerned about the effect of television content on children. The
possible effect of television violence on making kids either more
violent or more desensitized to violence was explored just about way
possible. Winn said fugedaboutdat. The big problem was the sheer
amount of time kids were spending in front of the set and the things
they weren't doing:
*bonding with caretakers
*learning social skills
*learning about their environment and developing skills by
manipulating objects
*reading
*exercising creativity
*developing interests and hobbies
*being involved in their communities...
In other words, a lot of kids were passively watching content--good,
bad, or indifferent--rather than enjoying the developmental
experiences human beings are designed or evolved to learn from.
Let's look at just one thing kids who are heavy television
watchers aren't doing much of: reading. I think we can agree that at
least functional literacy is a key survival skill in today's world.
We can also agree that kids who read better do better in school and
beyond. Acquisition of the basic skills is work and requires a lot of
practice. The payoffs are huge. When its componants become fairly
automatic there is a shift from learning to read to reading to learn.
If the shift never happens even intelligent kids can be left in a scan
rather than comprehend mode. Oh, yeah, reading is the foundation of
that other important life skill writing.
If I went into the other deficits incurred by television and
related electronics taking up too much time this review would be much
longer than you'd want to read. As anyone who has read Bowling Alone
can attest, we adults are not faring much better. Please read this
book, get righteously angry, and help create a movement to liberate
our hearts, minds, souls, and communities from addiction to the plug-
in drugs.
On a personal note, I am so glad I never became overly fond of the
television. If I had I wouldn't be the smart, creative, friendly
person I am today. I wouldn't be writing this blog I hope you are
enjoying.
A great big shout out goes out to you, my readers.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Portrait of a Burger
Portrait of a Burger
In 1997 in McDonalds, waiting to buy his daughter a Happy Meal
with one of those oh so popular Teenie Beanie Babies, Peter Livenheim
experienced an epiphany. The line up included a bull named Snort and
a cow named Daisy. "It struck me as odd that a company selling ground
beef would offer toys in the shape of cattle. Were children really
expected to hug and play with a toy cow while eating the grilled
remains of a real one? It seemed to me that the McDonalds-Beanie Baby
promotion revealed a deep disconnect between what we eat and where it
comes from"
Lovenheim was reminded of a family trip from his childhood. His
mother had distracted him from learning how cows become hamburgers by
starting a game of license plate bingo. In a modern America where
fewer than 2% of the population farms most of us go through life in a
state of distraction. Knowing too much about meat production could
make burgers and steaks less appealing dining options.
Lovenheim decided he was going to connect the dots and watch the
process from from birth to burger, from conception to consumption.
(Actually he also watches the harvesting of straws of semen from the
bull sire which is a little before conception.) The result of his
quest is Portrait Of A Burger As A Young Calf: The Story Of One Man,
Two Calves, And The Feeding Of A Nation. He takes the readers step by
step through every step of this transformation with nothing left to
the imagination. This is a fascinating book but not for the faint of
heart. Toward the beginning you read about pulling (by machine) two
dead calves, one of which had split in utero, from a cow in labor. He
also introduces us to the people who do the mostly unseen work of
creating, raising, and slaughtering the bovines, really making them
come to life as individuals.
I found Portrait Of A Burger As A Young Calf to give a really
interesting insight into food production. It should be a must read
for anyone who eats beef. Still...
...on a personal note, I'm glad I'm a vegetarian.
A great big shout out goes out to vetinarians who care for creatures
large and small.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
In 1997 in McDonalds, waiting to buy his daughter a Happy Meal
with one of those oh so popular Teenie Beanie Babies, Peter Livenheim
experienced an epiphany. The line up included a bull named Snort and
a cow named Daisy. "It struck me as odd that a company selling ground
beef would offer toys in the shape of cattle. Were children really
expected to hug and play with a toy cow while eating the grilled
remains of a real one? It seemed to me that the McDonalds-Beanie Baby
promotion revealed a deep disconnect between what we eat and where it
comes from"
Lovenheim was reminded of a family trip from his childhood. His
mother had distracted him from learning how cows become hamburgers by
starting a game of license plate bingo. In a modern America where
fewer than 2% of the population farms most of us go through life in a
state of distraction. Knowing too much about meat production could
make burgers and steaks less appealing dining options.
Lovenheim decided he was going to connect the dots and watch the
process from from birth to burger, from conception to consumption.
(Actually he also watches the harvesting of straws of semen from the
bull sire which is a little before conception.) The result of his
quest is Portrait Of A Burger As A Young Calf: The Story Of One Man,
Two Calves, And The Feeding Of A Nation. He takes the readers step by
step through every step of this transformation with nothing left to
the imagination. This is a fascinating book but not for the faint of
heart. Toward the beginning you read about pulling (by machine) two
dead calves, one of which had split in utero, from a cow in labor. He
also introduces us to the people who do the mostly unseen work of
creating, raising, and slaughtering the bovines, really making them
come to life as individuals.
I found Portrait Of A Burger As A Young Calf to give a really
interesting insight into food production. It should be a must read
for anyone who eats beef. Still...
...on a personal note, I'm glad I'm a vegetarian.
A great big shout out goes out to vetinarians who care for creatures
large and small.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Bringing Up Bebe
Bringing Up Bebe
As an American parent I've seen two dominant parenting styles.
One that I see practiced by the more affluent is preparing your kid to
compete literally while he or she is in diapers. It's the Baby
Einstein thing, primary school kids with lessons and clubs crowding
out any moment of freedom...you get the idea. Another is where kids
are left to their own devices in front of the tv and xbox. When I saw
Pamela Druckerman's Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers
the Wisdom of French Parenting I was curious to find out what she had
learned.
After being fired from her Wall Street Journal job, Druckerman
made a more abrupt transition than most people would have under the
circumstances: entering into a relationship and moving to Paris.
Marriage and pregnancy happened in due course. As a new parent, she
discovered herself out of sync with her Parisian peers. Their babies
did their nights (slept through the night) when they were only a few
months old. Their toddlers showed a dearth of tantrums and whining
and ate a wide variety of adult foods rather than subsisting on
macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. Their preschoolers were
polite and focussed. What were those moms doing and how could she
learn their skills? Fortunately for us, she researched this subject
extensively and condensed her discoveries into a fascinating and
enjoyable book.
Food is a great example of the differences. When French
children are old enough to handle solid food they are exposed to a
wide variety, beginning with pureed fruits and veggies rather than the
ubiquitous rice cereal they would been served in Les Etats Unis. If
they do not take to a particular food after only a few times it isn't
removed from their menu. At an early age they eat multi course meals
en famille (with family). And their meal schedule consists of three
meals and one snack, not the constant fridge raiding we're used to on
this side of the Atlantic.
I like the emphasis on children being alert and engaged with
space to play and explore and even be bored. It isn't that they're
neglected. It's that they are given the chance to learn through
discovery rather than constant competitive instruction. It's how they
can find out their own interests and passions and be intrinsically
motivated. What a concept!
If you are a parent or parent to be and want to discover an
alternative to the current dominant American parenting styles,
Bringing Up Bebe is a must read.
On a personal note, dear little Joey cat had to see the vet. He is
super allergic to fleas. He had to have medicines. I'm engaged in an
all out flea seek and destroy mission. The visit wiped out my lap top
fund and a big chunk of my emergency fund. So every cent will go into
emergency fund. Literally. But Joey cat is worth it. :)
A great big shout out goes out to Joey cat and all creatures great and
small who are our devoted companions.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
As an American parent I've seen two dominant parenting styles.
One that I see practiced by the more affluent is preparing your kid to
compete literally while he or she is in diapers. It's the Baby
Einstein thing, primary school kids with lessons and clubs crowding
out any moment of freedom...you get the idea. Another is where kids
are left to their own devices in front of the tv and xbox. When I saw
Pamela Druckerman's Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers
the Wisdom of French Parenting I was curious to find out what she had
learned.
After being fired from her Wall Street Journal job, Druckerman
made a more abrupt transition than most people would have under the
circumstances: entering into a relationship and moving to Paris.
Marriage and pregnancy happened in due course. As a new parent, she
discovered herself out of sync with her Parisian peers. Their babies
did their nights (slept through the night) when they were only a few
months old. Their toddlers showed a dearth of tantrums and whining
and ate a wide variety of adult foods rather than subsisting on
macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. Their preschoolers were
polite and focussed. What were those moms doing and how could she
learn their skills? Fortunately for us, she researched this subject
extensively and condensed her discoveries into a fascinating and
enjoyable book.
Food is a great example of the differences. When French
children are old enough to handle solid food they are exposed to a
wide variety, beginning with pureed fruits and veggies rather than the
ubiquitous rice cereal they would been served in Les Etats Unis. If
they do not take to a particular food after only a few times it isn't
removed from their menu. At an early age they eat multi course meals
en famille (with family). And their meal schedule consists of three
meals and one snack, not the constant fridge raiding we're used to on
this side of the Atlantic.
I like the emphasis on children being alert and engaged with
space to play and explore and even be bored. It isn't that they're
neglected. It's that they are given the chance to learn through
discovery rather than constant competitive instruction. It's how they
can find out their own interests and passions and be intrinsically
motivated. What a concept!
If you are a parent or parent to be and want to discover an
alternative to the current dominant American parenting styles,
Bringing Up Bebe is a must read.
On a personal note, dear little Joey cat had to see the vet. He is
super allergic to fleas. He had to have medicines. I'm engaged in an
all out flea seek and destroy mission. The visit wiped out my lap top
fund and a big chunk of my emergency fund. So every cent will go into
emergency fund. Literally. But Joey cat is worth it. :)
A great big shout out goes out to Joey cat and all creatures great and
small who are our devoted companions.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Friday, July 12, 2013
Operation Oleander
Operation Oleander
Carrying out an act of kindness, even with the best of
intentions, can lead to very tragic unintended consequences.
Complications and politics can accrue at a dizzying speed until it can
be difficult to know what to think and feel. Jess, protagonist of
Valerie Patterson's Operation Oleander, has to cope with a situation
that would be tough for most adults in this truly poignant coming of
age novel.
Jess' father is serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Jess
works to get school supplies for the children in an orphanage. Only
something goes horribly wrong. Her dad and some other soldiers are
ambushed delivering the supplies. Two including the mother of her
best friend, Meriweather, are killed. Her dad lies unconscious in a
German hospital, the severity of his injuries unknown.
Reaction is swift and confusing. Many people say the project
should be abandoned. They seem unable to distinguish innocent orphans
from enemy insurgents. There are allegations of wrong doing on the
soldiers' part that need to be investigated.
Closer to home, Meriweather has become distant, seeming to blame
the project, Operation Oleander, for her mother's death, a deep loss
complicated by secret guilt.
To see how a girl who hasn't graduated from eighth grade handles
such challenges with grace and dignity as she struggles to understand,
read the book. You'll be glad you did.
On a personal note, I donated blood this week. My 16-year-old son did
for the first time. Two generations of one family. That is surely
one of the greatest experiences of my life.
A great big shout out goes out to the Red Cross nurses and the
volunteers who made the blood drive possible and the others who
donated with us.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Carrying out an act of kindness, even with the best of
intentions, can lead to very tragic unintended consequences.
Complications and politics can accrue at a dizzying speed until it can
be difficult to know what to think and feel. Jess, protagonist of
Valerie Patterson's Operation Oleander, has to cope with a situation
that would be tough for most adults in this truly poignant coming of
age novel.
Jess' father is serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Jess
works to get school supplies for the children in an orphanage. Only
something goes horribly wrong. Her dad and some other soldiers are
ambushed delivering the supplies. Two including the mother of her
best friend, Meriweather, are killed. Her dad lies unconscious in a
German hospital, the severity of his injuries unknown.
Reaction is swift and confusing. Many people say the project
should be abandoned. They seem unable to distinguish innocent orphans
from enemy insurgents. There are allegations of wrong doing on the
soldiers' part that need to be investigated.
Closer to home, Meriweather has become distant, seeming to blame
the project, Operation Oleander, for her mother's death, a deep loss
complicated by secret guilt.
To see how a girl who hasn't graduated from eighth grade handles
such challenges with grace and dignity as she struggles to understand,
read the book. You'll be glad you did.
On a personal note, I donated blood this week. My 16-year-old son did
for the first time. Two generations of one family. That is surely
one of the greatest experiences of my life.
A great big shout out goes out to the Red Cross nurses and the
volunteers who made the blood drive possible and the others who
donated with us.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Giving Our Children A Fighting Chance
Giving Our Children A Fighting Chance
Much to our dismay, the achievement gap between kids in rich and
poor communities grows wider all the time. What to do? Some posit
that achieving parity of resources could be the equalizing factor.
Nope, not quite. The challenge cuts a lot deeper. That is the
message Susan Neuman and Donna Celano put out in Giving Our Children A
Fighting Chance: Poverty, Literacy, And The Development of
Information Capital.
The authors spent ten years (gotta respect that) studying two
Philadelphia neighborhoods, Chestnut Hills and The Badlands.
Geographically close, they are light years apart in advantages or lack
thereof for growing children. I'll let you guess which is which. The
consequences of this are severe. "In short, the spatial concentration
of poverty and affluence--in this case within the same school
district--virtually guarantees the intergenerational transmission of
class position. Poor children don't have a chance to succeed. Rich
children have little option not to."
Neuman and Celano based their research on Norman &
Roskos' (1993) environmental opportunity perspective. Children's
ability to gain knowledge is rooted in their everyday lives. Kids
from more affluent families get much more literary experience than
their lower income peers. They are read to more with more parental
enrichment of text and scaffolding. Not surprisingly they read sooner
and go from learning to read to reading to learn at earlier ages.
They also read more. Period. This all adds up to better strategies,
deeper and broader knowledge base, a huge knowledge gap between them
and less fortunate kids, and ultimately information capital being
socially stratified.
Both neighborhoods have good libraries. During the period of
research these libraries experienced serious technology
transformations. So it was possible to study whether the libraries
could ameliorate the advantage gap before and after this transformation.
Nope and nope. In Chestnut Hill parents carefully guided the
youngest: reading to them, asking questions to keep them engaged,
steering them to suitable books. The kids in the Badlands were more
on their own. This was true also for newly introduced computer
resources. Chestnut Hill adults guided to and helped youngsters to
engage in educational programs. Badlands kids found games.
I could not begin to summarize the wealth of information offered
in this deceptively slim volume. Basically it challenges what we
"know" about the rapidly growing knowledge gap. Narrowing it will
need to be a more holistic and comprehensive process than most of us
imagine. Despite what we're constantly told there will not be magic
bullet. I think this book constitutes a must read for all
superintendents, principals, teachers, and people who care about the
youngest generations.
Julia Emily Hathaway
On a personal note, we continue on with the 4th of July parade.
Recall I joined it unexpectedly. At the end I'm wondering if the
hubby will find me before heading to the in-laws' cookout. I'm not in
the least worried. I've stumbled onto a democrat cook out. Someone
has paid for me to eat. Lots of people want to talk about how great
it is that I won school board reelection and how much they love my op
ed pieces in the Bangor Daily News. So it's awhile before I find a
cell phone and connect with hubby. We go to the inlaws' for the
traditional cook out.
A great big shout out goes out to my whole extended family, known and
unknown, by blood and marriage, and the friends who make up yet
another family, especially my Kindred Spirits Girlz.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Much to our dismay, the achievement gap between kids in rich and
poor communities grows wider all the time. What to do? Some posit
that achieving parity of resources could be the equalizing factor.
Nope, not quite. The challenge cuts a lot deeper. That is the
message Susan Neuman and Donna Celano put out in Giving Our Children A
Fighting Chance: Poverty, Literacy, And The Development of
Information Capital.
The authors spent ten years (gotta respect that) studying two
Philadelphia neighborhoods, Chestnut Hills and The Badlands.
Geographically close, they are light years apart in advantages or lack
thereof for growing children. I'll let you guess which is which. The
consequences of this are severe. "In short, the spatial concentration
of poverty and affluence--in this case within the same school
district--virtually guarantees the intergenerational transmission of
class position. Poor children don't have a chance to succeed. Rich
children have little option not to."
Neuman and Celano based their research on Norman &
Roskos' (1993) environmental opportunity perspective. Children's
ability to gain knowledge is rooted in their everyday lives. Kids
from more affluent families get much more literary experience than
their lower income peers. They are read to more with more parental
enrichment of text and scaffolding. Not surprisingly they read sooner
and go from learning to read to reading to learn at earlier ages.
They also read more. Period. This all adds up to better strategies,
deeper and broader knowledge base, a huge knowledge gap between them
and less fortunate kids, and ultimately information capital being
socially stratified.
Both neighborhoods have good libraries. During the period of
research these libraries experienced serious technology
transformations. So it was possible to study whether the libraries
could ameliorate the advantage gap before and after this transformation.
Nope and nope. In Chestnut Hill parents carefully guided the
youngest: reading to them, asking questions to keep them engaged,
steering them to suitable books. The kids in the Badlands were more
on their own. This was true also for newly introduced computer
resources. Chestnut Hill adults guided to and helped youngsters to
engage in educational programs. Badlands kids found games.
I could not begin to summarize the wealth of information offered
in this deceptively slim volume. Basically it challenges what we
"know" about the rapidly growing knowledge gap. Narrowing it will
need to be a more holistic and comprehensive process than most of us
imagine. Despite what we're constantly told there will not be magic
bullet. I think this book constitutes a must read for all
superintendents, principals, teachers, and people who care about the
youngest generations.
Julia Emily Hathaway
On a personal note, we continue on with the 4th of July parade.
Recall I joined it unexpectedly. At the end I'm wondering if the
hubby will find me before heading to the in-laws' cookout. I'm not in
the least worried. I've stumbled onto a democrat cook out. Someone
has paid for me to eat. Lots of people want to talk about how great
it is that I won school board reelection and how much they love my op
ed pieces in the Bangor Daily News. So it's awhile before I find a
cell phone and connect with hubby. We go to the inlaws' for the
traditional cook out.
A great big shout out goes out to my whole extended family, known and
unknown, by blood and marriage, and the friends who make up yet
another family, especially my Kindred Spirits Girlz.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Lifesaving Lessons
Lifesaving Lessons
Amazingly for a Maine book reviewer, I had never picked up,
never mind read a book by Linda Greenlaw. I have no idea why. Maybe
her subject matter, in my mind real life adventures in deep sea
fishing, left me cold. But when I saw her latest, Lifesaving Lessons:
Notes from an Accidental Mother the cover alone had me hook, line, and
sinker. Which is a darn good thing. That is one powerful, authentic,
and thought provoking book.
Anyone familiar with Greenlaw will know that when not out to sea
she calls Isle au Haut, a rugged Maine island with a very small year
round population, home. It's a close knit community where people know
what there is to know about each other. Except not always. When a
truly disturbing secret comes to light, a teenager is sepearted from
her uncle and placed in Greenlaw's home.
This is quite the challenge for a woman who makes a living in
the demanding professions of deep sea fishing and writing. At first
it's a time limited commitment. But when Greenlaw discovers her
charge needs emotional nurture as well as safe haven she decides she's
in for the long haul. Fortunately her island community is there to
support her in this. It is anything but easy to help a victimized
young woman heal and grow strong while working to bring her abuser to
justice.
I could not put Lifesaving Lessons down except when cat or
family members demanded to be fed. I highly recommend it. When you
pick your summer book list don't let it be the one that got away. ;)
As for me, I'll go back and check out Greenlaw's earlier writing.
Julia Emily Hathaway
On a personal note, I hope you all are having an amazing 4th of July
weekend. I surely am. I'll start with the first event: the parade.
I started off watching near where it started with the hubby. We must
have been in a Republican enclave. They cheered Governor LePage.
Didn't fault them for that. But when the democrats were walking by
they acted like Stephen King's Cujo had appeared. It aggravated me
into taking a sign and joining the parade. I had a fine time working
the crowd. As we got closer to Bangor we got lots more love. I
wondered if my hubby would find me after, especially since I'd
forgotten my cell phone. You can find out what happened...
...if you read my next review. :)
A great big shout out goes out to all the fine folks who marched in
the parade with me.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Amazingly for a Maine book reviewer, I had never picked up,
never mind read a book by Linda Greenlaw. I have no idea why. Maybe
her subject matter, in my mind real life adventures in deep sea
fishing, left me cold. But when I saw her latest, Lifesaving Lessons:
Notes from an Accidental Mother the cover alone had me hook, line, and
sinker. Which is a darn good thing. That is one powerful, authentic,
and thought provoking book.
Anyone familiar with Greenlaw will know that when not out to sea
she calls Isle au Haut, a rugged Maine island with a very small year
round population, home. It's a close knit community where people know
what there is to know about each other. Except not always. When a
truly disturbing secret comes to light, a teenager is sepearted from
her uncle and placed in Greenlaw's home.
This is quite the challenge for a woman who makes a living in
the demanding professions of deep sea fishing and writing. At first
it's a time limited commitment. But when Greenlaw discovers her
charge needs emotional nurture as well as safe haven she decides she's
in for the long haul. Fortunately her island community is there to
support her in this. It is anything but easy to help a victimized
young woman heal and grow strong while working to bring her abuser to
justice.
I could not put Lifesaving Lessons down except when cat or
family members demanded to be fed. I highly recommend it. When you
pick your summer book list don't let it be the one that got away. ;)
As for me, I'll go back and check out Greenlaw's earlier writing.
Julia Emily Hathaway
On a personal note, I hope you all are having an amazing 4th of July
weekend. I surely am. I'll start with the first event: the parade.
I started off watching near where it started with the hubby. We must
have been in a Republican enclave. They cheered Governor LePage.
Didn't fault them for that. But when the democrats were walking by
they acted like Stephen King's Cujo had appeared. It aggravated me
into taking a sign and joining the parade. I had a fine time working
the crowd. As we got closer to Bangor we got lots more love. I
wondered if my hubby would find me after, especially since I'd
forgotten my cell phone. You can find out what happened...
...if you read my next review. :)
A great big shout out goes out to all the fine folks who marched in
the parade with me.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Mindless Eating
Mindless Eating
Do you think you make over 200 food related decisions a day?
Heck, no. There's...what...three meals a day...maybe a snack or
two...an after work drink... If you're like me you're thinking a dozen
at the most.
If you're like me you are so wrong. That is one of the messages
of Brian Wansink's Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. An
act we might think of as one decision is actually a myriad of
choices. Let's say you go out for supper instead of cooking at home.
You take the family instead of going solo. You feel guilty for a
recent burger and fries splurge so you decide Subway would be a
healthier alternative. You have ruled out not only Ronald McDonald's
domain but fancier sit down bistros. Just a sub or the meal deal
involving chips or cookie and an obscenely large soda? Diet or
regular? Eat in or take out? If you eat the meal at home are you
seated at the table chatting about your day or zoning out in front of
the TV? Heck, even if you stroll by a coworker's desk without taking
one of the mini candy bars from her ever full bowl you are at some
level of consciousness deciding to resist temptation. Yeah, maybe
that 200 number doesn't seem to far fetched.
Wansink's next message will be a much harder sell for most of
us. Most of these decisions are made at a level we're not even aware
of. Many clues in our environment and psyche lead to certain
behaviors. If you eat at Subway your choice of a healthy alternative
can make you feel safer in adding the cookie/chips and soda. Eating
with others often means eating more or less food than eating solo.
Eating in front of a tv set or with a book usually involves eating
more than letting the food be the focus of attention.
People see me as the consumate food decision maker. I'm a
vegetarian which means no meat or meat by products. It's amazing how
many innocuous looking foods include gelatin. I prefer fresh to
processed and local to from a distance. I'd much rather hit the
farmer's market than the big box store. However, with me the people
factor is in control big time. If I eat alone I eat a bowl of salad
or soup or something usually with a book in hand. It's a to do like
washing towels before we run out or changing Joey's litter box. So
when the kids are with me I chow down on stuff I wouldn't otherwise
think of due to the pleasure of their company (just devoured boxed mac
and cheese with Katie) and at my church lunch, in the company of all
those wonderful, English speaking PEOPLE I eat like the title
character in Jaws.
According to Wansink it's the subliminal level at which food
decisions are made that leads to incremental weight gain over the
decades and the downfall of diet after diet, especially those based on
deprivation. However, you can make mindless work for you if you alter
clues. Smaller dinner plates result in less eating. Putting the
worst choices at a distance and the better for you ones within arms
reach can alter the composition of snacks. Taking longer than twenty
minutes for a meal lets your brain register satiety.
Mindless Eating is based on a plethora of carefully controlled
experiments. However, it is a fun and engaging read. I'd recommend
it to anyone old enough to make her/his own food decisions.
Just one grain of salt. If you are a woman pick the BMI over
body frame rule of thumb in picking ideal weight. I tried both and
found the second dangerous. I stand 5" tall and weigh 108 pounds.
BMI gives me 21.09 which is right in the middle of normal. By body
frame I am 18 pounds overweight and should be shooting for 90. I
don't think so.
On a personal note, I was pleased to see that a number of changes
Wansink suggested were ones I'd undertaken. I serve as many meals as
I can on dishes midway between saucer and dinner plate. I have the
chip type stuff in the hardest to reach shut cabinet and better stuff
in easy reach and plain sight.
A great big shout out goes out to small organic farmers who sell in
farmers markets and make local produce and cheese and baked goods
without a dozen questionable additives available to those of us who
live nearby. If you are one of the fortunate few and financially able
please, please, PLEASE help them stay in business.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Do you think you make over 200 food related decisions a day?
Heck, no. There's...what...three meals a day...maybe a snack or
two...an after work drink... If you're like me you're thinking a dozen
at the most.
If you're like me you are so wrong. That is one of the messages
of Brian Wansink's Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. An
act we might think of as one decision is actually a myriad of
choices. Let's say you go out for supper instead of cooking at home.
You take the family instead of going solo. You feel guilty for a
recent burger and fries splurge so you decide Subway would be a
healthier alternative. You have ruled out not only Ronald McDonald's
domain but fancier sit down bistros. Just a sub or the meal deal
involving chips or cookie and an obscenely large soda? Diet or
regular? Eat in or take out? If you eat the meal at home are you
seated at the table chatting about your day or zoning out in front of
the TV? Heck, even if you stroll by a coworker's desk without taking
one of the mini candy bars from her ever full bowl you are at some
level of consciousness deciding to resist temptation. Yeah, maybe
that 200 number doesn't seem to far fetched.
Wansink's next message will be a much harder sell for most of
us. Most of these decisions are made at a level we're not even aware
of. Many clues in our environment and psyche lead to certain
behaviors. If you eat at Subway your choice of a healthy alternative
can make you feel safer in adding the cookie/chips and soda. Eating
with others often means eating more or less food than eating solo.
Eating in front of a tv set or with a book usually involves eating
more than letting the food be the focus of attention.
People see me as the consumate food decision maker. I'm a
vegetarian which means no meat or meat by products. It's amazing how
many innocuous looking foods include gelatin. I prefer fresh to
processed and local to from a distance. I'd much rather hit the
farmer's market than the big box store. However, with me the people
factor is in control big time. If I eat alone I eat a bowl of salad
or soup or something usually with a book in hand. It's a to do like
washing towels before we run out or changing Joey's litter box. So
when the kids are with me I chow down on stuff I wouldn't otherwise
think of due to the pleasure of their company (just devoured boxed mac
and cheese with Katie) and at my church lunch, in the company of all
those wonderful, English speaking PEOPLE I eat like the title
character in Jaws.
According to Wansink it's the subliminal level at which food
decisions are made that leads to incremental weight gain over the
decades and the downfall of diet after diet, especially those based on
deprivation. However, you can make mindless work for you if you alter
clues. Smaller dinner plates result in less eating. Putting the
worst choices at a distance and the better for you ones within arms
reach can alter the composition of snacks. Taking longer than twenty
minutes for a meal lets your brain register satiety.
Mindless Eating is based on a plethora of carefully controlled
experiments. However, it is a fun and engaging read. I'd recommend
it to anyone old enough to make her/his own food decisions.
Just one grain of salt. If you are a woman pick the BMI over
body frame rule of thumb in picking ideal weight. I tried both and
found the second dangerous. I stand 5" tall and weigh 108 pounds.
BMI gives me 21.09 which is right in the middle of normal. By body
frame I am 18 pounds overweight and should be shooting for 90. I
don't think so.
On a personal note, I was pleased to see that a number of changes
Wansink suggested were ones I'd undertaken. I serve as many meals as
I can on dishes midway between saucer and dinner plate. I have the
chip type stuff in the hardest to reach shut cabinet and better stuff
in easy reach and plain sight.
A great big shout out goes out to small organic farmers who sell in
farmers markets and make local produce and cheese and baked goods
without a dozen questionable additives available to those of us who
live nearby. If you are one of the fortunate few and financially able
please, please, PLEASE help them stay in business.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Monday, July 1, 2013
Salty Snacks
Salty Snacks
Our country loves salty snacks in a big way. Big business is
making big bucks off that craving. Bags of just about any flavor of
chip or pretzel you can imagine and those handy little packages of
microwave popcorn fly off the grocery store shelves. There's way too
much sodium. You just about need a degree in chemistry to comprehend
the addatives. But whatcha gonna do when you just gotta get that salt
fix?
Actually there is an alternative. Make it yourself. Cynthia
Nims' Salty Snacks is a treasure trove of recipes. You'll know
exactly what you're putting in your mouth. And some recipes have
wholesome ingredients.
Craving chips? Kale chips are amazing. Even kids you think
would turn up their noses devour then. You can also make chips from
parsnips, carrots, squash, and mushrooms. A little bread to go with a
bowl of soup? Fifteen varieties include chedder-ale bread (just the
thing to accompany tomato soup), dilled flatbread, and mustard soft
pretzels. Then there's the chapters on crackers and cookies, nuts and
other nibbles, and a wide range of other goodies. Truly it can be
said there is something for everything.
So the next time you anticipate a craving for a salty snack you
can truck on down to the big box store for same old lame old or whip
yourself up a culinary adventure!
On a personal note, I cured myself of a seriously bad habit. Overdue
library books. They cut library volunteers a lot of slack on this.
Last summer I decided I would go a fiscal year--July 1to June 30--
without one overdue book. One of the professional librarians did not
think I could accomplish that. That is until I did. If you have a
bad habit to break here are the four tips that worked for me.
1. Set a reasonable time. Omit the word never.
2. Don't forget incentives. Like being able to show you can. Or
maybe something chocolate.
3. Get your friends to cheer you on.
4. Figure out how to not slip up. I don't misplace library books
anymore with a dedicated shelf for them and cloth bags to pack the
night before.
There! Now you have learned at least one useful thing from this blog.
A great shout out goes out to my fellow library volunteers who cheered
me on. :)
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Our country loves salty snacks in a big way. Big business is
making big bucks off that craving. Bags of just about any flavor of
chip or pretzel you can imagine and those handy little packages of
microwave popcorn fly off the grocery store shelves. There's way too
much sodium. You just about need a degree in chemistry to comprehend
the addatives. But whatcha gonna do when you just gotta get that salt
fix?
Actually there is an alternative. Make it yourself. Cynthia
Nims' Salty Snacks is a treasure trove of recipes. You'll know
exactly what you're putting in your mouth. And some recipes have
wholesome ingredients.
Craving chips? Kale chips are amazing. Even kids you think
would turn up their noses devour then. You can also make chips from
parsnips, carrots, squash, and mushrooms. A little bread to go with a
bowl of soup? Fifteen varieties include chedder-ale bread (just the
thing to accompany tomato soup), dilled flatbread, and mustard soft
pretzels. Then there's the chapters on crackers and cookies, nuts and
other nibbles, and a wide range of other goodies. Truly it can be
said there is something for everything.
So the next time you anticipate a craving for a salty snack you
can truck on down to the big box store for same old lame old or whip
yourself up a culinary adventure!
On a personal note, I cured myself of a seriously bad habit. Overdue
library books. They cut library volunteers a lot of slack on this.
Last summer I decided I would go a fiscal year--July 1to June 30--
without one overdue book. One of the professional librarians did not
think I could accomplish that. That is until I did. If you have a
bad habit to break here are the four tips that worked for me.
1. Set a reasonable time. Omit the word never.
2. Don't forget incentives. Like being able to show you can. Or
maybe something chocolate.
3. Get your friends to cheer you on.
4. Figure out how to not slip up. I don't misplace library books
anymore with a dedicated shelf for them and cloth bags to pack the
night before.
There! Now you have learned at least one useful thing from this blog.
A great shout out goes out to my fellow library volunteers who cheered
me on. :)
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Rescuing The Children
Rescuing The Children
Juvenile non fiction
In much of Europe the late 1930s were desperate times for
Jewish people. Under Hitler's relentless ethnic cleansing program
they were stripped of all rights. Sadly too many were condemned to
death because most countries of the world would not accept refugees.
One bright spot was documented beautifully in Deborah Hodge's Rescuing
The Children: The Story of the Kindertransport.
November 9 and 10, 1938 have gone down in infamy as
Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass. Nazis and Hitler Youth
rampaged, destroying Jewish businesses, homes, and synagogues. Many
people died and tens of thousands were arrested. Most countries were
not moved to change their immigration laws, but Britain decided to
become a refuge for children under 17. Nearly ten thousand children
were saved by the hard work and bravery of ordinary people in
extraordinary circumstances. Right up to the end when Holland was
taken by Nazis they fought to protect as many youngsters as possible.
One of the threads of Rescuing The Children portrays an overview
very vividly in words, photographs, and pictures drawn by a survivor.
It gives quite the picture of the times. The narratives of nine
kindertransport passengers, the other strand, put a human face on the
numbers. Ruth, for instance tells us, "The night before my departure,
both my parents gave me a blessing. That is, they laid their hands on
me and said a prayer commending me to God's care.
The Lord bless and keep you;
The Lord look kindly upon you and
be gracious unto you;
The Lord bestow favor upon you
and give you peace.
There was little else my mother and father could do. I can imagine
their thoughts and emotions."
Why do children need to know about this? Sadly they are growing
up in a world where still too many of their peers are endangered.
Many of the consumer goods Americans covet are made under dangerous
conditions by underage slaves. Girls are frequently denied education,
married off to often cruel older men, and pregnant too early. Too
many infants and toddlers perish from lack of nutritious food, clean
drinking water, and the most basic medicines.
Throughout the book a Talmudic saying is quoted. "Whoever saves
one life saves the world entire." That saying is as true today as it
was then. And now, just like in those dark days, we must not be
overwhelmed by the enormity of the peril but do what we can whether
it's raising money for nets to protect children from maleria bearing
mosquitos or writing to or emailing our representatives about crucial
issues. I believe this is the empowering message people all ages can
take from this poignant book.
On a personal note, one of my favorite ways to celebrate my birthday
is raising money for UNICEF. Usually I do a penny drive. One year I
raised $629 which was doubled by an anonymous person. This year I
want to do a 1950s sock hop with oldies music and donated food.
People will be able to make donations and bid on silent auction
stuff. It should be fun. Oh yeah, my birthday is in September.
A great big shout goes out to all who work to save other people's lives.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Juvenile non fiction
In much of Europe the late 1930s were desperate times for
Jewish people. Under Hitler's relentless ethnic cleansing program
they were stripped of all rights. Sadly too many were condemned to
death because most countries of the world would not accept refugees.
One bright spot was documented beautifully in Deborah Hodge's Rescuing
The Children: The Story of the Kindertransport.
November 9 and 10, 1938 have gone down in infamy as
Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass. Nazis and Hitler Youth
rampaged, destroying Jewish businesses, homes, and synagogues. Many
people died and tens of thousands were arrested. Most countries were
not moved to change their immigration laws, but Britain decided to
become a refuge for children under 17. Nearly ten thousand children
were saved by the hard work and bravery of ordinary people in
extraordinary circumstances. Right up to the end when Holland was
taken by Nazis they fought to protect as many youngsters as possible.
One of the threads of Rescuing The Children portrays an overview
very vividly in words, photographs, and pictures drawn by a survivor.
It gives quite the picture of the times. The narratives of nine
kindertransport passengers, the other strand, put a human face on the
numbers. Ruth, for instance tells us, "The night before my departure,
both my parents gave me a blessing. That is, they laid their hands on
me and said a prayer commending me to God's care.
The Lord bless and keep you;
The Lord look kindly upon you and
be gracious unto you;
The Lord bestow favor upon you
and give you peace.
There was little else my mother and father could do. I can imagine
their thoughts and emotions."
Why do children need to know about this? Sadly they are growing
up in a world where still too many of their peers are endangered.
Many of the consumer goods Americans covet are made under dangerous
conditions by underage slaves. Girls are frequently denied education,
married off to often cruel older men, and pregnant too early. Too
many infants and toddlers perish from lack of nutritious food, clean
drinking water, and the most basic medicines.
Throughout the book a Talmudic saying is quoted. "Whoever saves
one life saves the world entire." That saying is as true today as it
was then. And now, just like in those dark days, we must not be
overwhelmed by the enormity of the peril but do what we can whether
it's raising money for nets to protect children from maleria bearing
mosquitos or writing to or emailing our representatives about crucial
issues. I believe this is the empowering message people all ages can
take from this poignant book.
On a personal note, one of my favorite ways to celebrate my birthday
is raising money for UNICEF. Usually I do a penny drive. One year I
raised $629 which was doubled by an anonymous person. This year I
want to do a 1950s sock hop with oldies music and donated food.
People will be able to make donations and bid on silent auction
stuff. It should be fun. Oh yeah, my birthday is in September.
A great big shout goes out to all who work to save other people's lives.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Dear America
Dear America
I think many of us, adult and child alike, have an affinity for
fiction in a diary format. Somehow it seems more real, more personal,
and more intimate. Scholastic's Dear America series is a gold mine
for young lovers of historical fiction. One night, casing the Veazie
Community School library before a school board meeting, I was lucky
enough to find two new offerings.
Lois Lowry's Like The Willow Tree was a real eye opener for me.
That is not an easy feat. I've been a historical fiction fan since my
own childhood days. Before I opened this book I knew three things
about the Shakers:
1. They made furniture.
2. They practiced celibacy.
3. They were dying out which probably had a lot to do with 2.
After I read it I had a vivid picture of a nonsexist community of
faith who exercised their values and beliefs in every aspect of living.
Lydia (11) and her brother, Daniel, lose their parents to
influenza in 1918. (This is one Dear America book I would not
recommend for more sensitive kids.) They are taken from the only home
they have ever known in Portland, Maine to a Shaker colony at Sabbathy
Lake. Everything is done differently. Possessions are held in
common. Meals are eaten in silence. Girls and boys live in different
buildings and must be separate at meals snd school. (Can you imagine
not being able to talk to the only other family member still alive?)
Lydia adapts but worries about Daniel. He seems restless. Will he
too disappear from her life forever?
Andrea Davis Pinkney's With the Might of Angels is set in
Virginia in 1954. Dawnie Rae wants to become a doctor. She isn't
sure how to go about doing that. She is sure she won't get the needed
knowledge in her separate and far from equal school with its torn up
books and run down facilities. When she gets the chance she becomes
the only black student to integrate Prettyman Coburn, the formerly
whites only school. There are shiny new books, a cafeteria, even a
science lab. But she isn't exactly wanted at her new school. Her
family is bullied. At one point a dead raccoon is left on their
porch. Her father loses his job. In the meantime, old friends are
abandoning her, thinking she's becoming too uppity and asking for
trouble.
Either of these books or the others in the series would make the
past comer vividly alive for a young fan of historical fiction.
On a personal note, I've gotten up to 1998 in my rereading of my
diaries. They evoke such precious memories. I am very lucky to have
them.
A great big shout out goes out to the people mentioned in them who
were or continue to be important in my family's life.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
I think many of us, adult and child alike, have an affinity for
fiction in a diary format. Somehow it seems more real, more personal,
and more intimate. Scholastic's Dear America series is a gold mine
for young lovers of historical fiction. One night, casing the Veazie
Community School library before a school board meeting, I was lucky
enough to find two new offerings.
Lois Lowry's Like The Willow Tree was a real eye opener for me.
That is not an easy feat. I've been a historical fiction fan since my
own childhood days. Before I opened this book I knew three things
about the Shakers:
1. They made furniture.
2. They practiced celibacy.
3. They were dying out which probably had a lot to do with 2.
After I read it I had a vivid picture of a nonsexist community of
faith who exercised their values and beliefs in every aspect of living.
Lydia (11) and her brother, Daniel, lose their parents to
influenza in 1918. (This is one Dear America book I would not
recommend for more sensitive kids.) They are taken from the only home
they have ever known in Portland, Maine to a Shaker colony at Sabbathy
Lake. Everything is done differently. Possessions are held in
common. Meals are eaten in silence. Girls and boys live in different
buildings and must be separate at meals snd school. (Can you imagine
not being able to talk to the only other family member still alive?)
Lydia adapts but worries about Daniel. He seems restless. Will he
too disappear from her life forever?
Andrea Davis Pinkney's With the Might of Angels is set in
Virginia in 1954. Dawnie Rae wants to become a doctor. She isn't
sure how to go about doing that. She is sure she won't get the needed
knowledge in her separate and far from equal school with its torn up
books and run down facilities. When she gets the chance she becomes
the only black student to integrate Prettyman Coburn, the formerly
whites only school. There are shiny new books, a cafeteria, even a
science lab. But she isn't exactly wanted at her new school. Her
family is bullied. At one point a dead raccoon is left on their
porch. Her father loses his job. In the meantime, old friends are
abandoning her, thinking she's becoming too uppity and asking for
trouble.
Either of these books or the others in the series would make the
past comer vividly alive for a young fan of historical fiction.
On a personal note, I've gotten up to 1998 in my rereading of my
diaries. They evoke such precious memories. I am very lucky to have
them.
A great big shout out goes out to the people mentioned in them who
were or continue to be important in my family's life.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
B is for Blue Planet
B is for Blue Planet
Picture book
How can a hurricane have an eye? How does tree resin become a
time capsule, giving clues to what the world of the dinosaurs was
like? What exactly is quicksand? How can you escape from it? There
is so much to learn in the realm of earth science. Ruth Strother's B
is for Blue Planet, an alphabet book par excellence, introduces 26
concepts vividly and succinctly.
For each letter there is a vivid picture, a poem, and an
informative side bar. Take C for coral reef:
"Color, shape, and size astound
Whenever coral reefs are found.
In the oceans, near the shore,
A neighborhood we must explore."
Colorful fish and young explorers swim through an underwater kingdom.
The side bar explains how huge but fragile reefs are created over time
by tiny animals and house 1/4 of all marine life. A child hooked on
this idea could go to the library to learn more.
With H for hurricane, J for Jurrasic (lots of kids love
dinosaurs), N for northern lights...there is so much for kids and
parents to learn. This book is, in my mind, a must acquire for
primary school libraries. Way to kindle scientific interest in our
youngest students!
On a personal note, we have rain on and off in this part of Maine
now. It may not be to everyone's taste. But it's the light kind that
soaks into the soil to nurture veggies and berries and fruits.
A great big shout out goes out to my son at National Flight Acadamy.
I'm glad you're having a great time. I miss you like crazy.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Picture book
How can a hurricane have an eye? How does tree resin become a
time capsule, giving clues to what the world of the dinosaurs was
like? What exactly is quicksand? How can you escape from it? There
is so much to learn in the realm of earth science. Ruth Strother's B
is for Blue Planet, an alphabet book par excellence, introduces 26
concepts vividly and succinctly.
For each letter there is a vivid picture, a poem, and an
informative side bar. Take C for coral reef:
"Color, shape, and size astound
Whenever coral reefs are found.
In the oceans, near the shore,
A neighborhood we must explore."
Colorful fish and young explorers swim through an underwater kingdom.
The side bar explains how huge but fragile reefs are created over time
by tiny animals and house 1/4 of all marine life. A child hooked on
this idea could go to the library to learn more.
With H for hurricane, J for Jurrasic (lots of kids love
dinosaurs), N for northern lights...there is so much for kids and
parents to learn. This book is, in my mind, a must acquire for
primary school libraries. Way to kindle scientific interest in our
youngest students!
On a personal note, we have rain on and off in this part of Maine
now. It may not be to everyone's taste. But it's the light kind that
soaks into the soil to nurture veggies and berries and fruits.
A great big shout out goes out to my son at National Flight Acadamy.
I'm glad you're having a great time. I miss you like crazy.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Our Farm
Our Farm
Sadly more and more of our food is raised and grown by huge
corporations. Fortunately some small farm clans are sticking in there
even in today's uncertain times. Michael J. Rosen's Our Farm: Four
Seasons with Five Kids on One Family's Farm is a celebration of this.
It's a must read, especially since many youngsters have no clue where
food comes from before arriving all wrapped up on supermarket shelves.
Caleb (17) is a high school scholar athlete who coaches his
brothers. Chase (15) considers reading and working with cows to be
his thing. Cayne (10) enjoys farm work but wants to become a
builder. Grey (8) enjoys baseball, wrestling, and fishing. Ali (4)
aspires to have a farm and be mom to four girls but no boys. Although
Rosen did the photographs and editing, most of the story is told by
the children and their parents.
Unlike most families these days, the Bennetts follow the rhythm
of the seasons. In winter there's sledding, rabbit hunting, and cow
breeding. Spring brings fence mending, calf delivery, cow coralling,
and garden work. With summer comes garden and orchard work, pond
swimming, and the county fair and other social events. Fall ushers in
deer hunting and jam making. All year round there are animals to tend
to and woods to explore.
This book is captivating. It has the potential to interest more
youngsters in farming. That would be a very good thing.
On a personal note, there are some young people coming along who want
to practice small scale agriculture. We must start putting more of
our land to this good use instead of more suburban sprawl and find
other ways to help them make their dreams come true.
A great big shout out goes out to all present and future small farm
families.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Sadly more and more of our food is raised and grown by huge
corporations. Fortunately some small farm clans are sticking in there
even in today's uncertain times. Michael J. Rosen's Our Farm: Four
Seasons with Five Kids on One Family's Farm is a celebration of this.
It's a must read, especially since many youngsters have no clue where
food comes from before arriving all wrapped up on supermarket shelves.
Caleb (17) is a high school scholar athlete who coaches his
brothers. Chase (15) considers reading and working with cows to be
his thing. Cayne (10) enjoys farm work but wants to become a
builder. Grey (8) enjoys baseball, wrestling, and fishing. Ali (4)
aspires to have a farm and be mom to four girls but no boys. Although
Rosen did the photographs and editing, most of the story is told by
the children and their parents.
Unlike most families these days, the Bennetts follow the rhythm
of the seasons. In winter there's sledding, rabbit hunting, and cow
breeding. Spring brings fence mending, calf delivery, cow coralling,
and garden work. With summer comes garden and orchard work, pond
swimming, and the county fair and other social events. Fall ushers in
deer hunting and jam making. All year round there are animals to tend
to and woods to explore.
This book is captivating. It has the potential to interest more
youngsters in farming. That would be a very good thing.
On a personal note, there are some young people coming along who want
to practice small scale agriculture. We must start putting more of
our land to this good use instead of more suburban sprawl and find
other ways to help them make their dreams come true.
A great big shout out goes out to all present and future small farm
families.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
LOOK UP!
LOOK UP!
Picture book
A young girl leans on a tree branch, gazing intently at the
night sky. In the background there's a house with lighted windows.
You know soon a mom or dad will summon her in for the night and
probably have to call pretty loudly. She is absorbed in the mysteries
of the universe. Very few cover pictures capture the spirit of a book
perfectly. Raul Colon's dreamy painting certainly does so for Robert
Burleigh's LOOK UP!, a biography of Henrietta Leavitt.
Leavitt grew up in a time when astronomy was considered a men's
field. Fortunately that didn't deter her. As a child she spent many
nights looking at the night sky, endeavoring to unlock the mysteries
of the stars. In college she was one of the few women in her
astronomy classes. When she graduated she got a low pay women's track
job at an observatory and a mandate to work, not think. In her own
time she thought and studied and came up with a break through
discovery that changed astronomy forever.
I love the collection of things people have said about the stars
from Babylonian mythology and Dante to John Lennon. My favorite is by
Harriet Tubman. "Always remember, you have within you the strength,
the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the
world." Those are powerful words.
This is a great book to get our young scientists and activists
and their parents looking upward, downward, inward, and outward to
discover their areas of passion.
On a personal note, I keep reminding myself of the quote. My way of
reaching for the stars is working to get into grad school to get my
degrees so I can be more useful in the fight to make education more
meaningful for all our children. Also it's my belief in my writing as
having the potential to touch people's hearts.
A great big shout out goes out to my friends who encourage me to
follow my dream instead of settling for something dreary and
conventional.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Picture book
A young girl leans on a tree branch, gazing intently at the
night sky. In the background there's a house with lighted windows.
You know soon a mom or dad will summon her in for the night and
probably have to call pretty loudly. She is absorbed in the mysteries
of the universe. Very few cover pictures capture the spirit of a book
perfectly. Raul Colon's dreamy painting certainly does so for Robert
Burleigh's LOOK UP!, a biography of Henrietta Leavitt.
Leavitt grew up in a time when astronomy was considered a men's
field. Fortunately that didn't deter her. As a child she spent many
nights looking at the night sky, endeavoring to unlock the mysteries
of the stars. In college she was one of the few women in her
astronomy classes. When she graduated she got a low pay women's track
job at an observatory and a mandate to work, not think. In her own
time she thought and studied and came up with a break through
discovery that changed astronomy forever.
I love the collection of things people have said about the stars
from Babylonian mythology and Dante to John Lennon. My favorite is by
Harriet Tubman. "Always remember, you have within you the strength,
the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the
world." Those are powerful words.
This is a great book to get our young scientists and activists
and their parents looking upward, downward, inward, and outward to
discover their areas of passion.
On a personal note, I keep reminding myself of the quote. My way of
reaching for the stars is working to get into grad school to get my
degrees so I can be more useful in the fight to make education more
meaningful for all our children. Also it's my belief in my writing as
having the potential to touch people's hearts.
A great big shout out goes out to my friends who encourage me to
follow my dream instead of settling for something dreary and
conventional.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Desserted
Desserted
In 2001 Kate Shaffer left her life time California home to
travel 3,000 miles to Isle au Haut off the coast of Maine. She
intended to be a chef at Keepers House Inn. Her try out came in
April. A ten person work crew was dealing with winter damage and
preparing the inn for a new season. She was to fix them lunch. She
passed the test and won the job.
There were unique challenges in working in an island kitchen.
Groceries came by boat from the mainland. If an ingredient wasn't
available Shaffer had to do without. But she came to love the
gracious kindness of her colleagues and community. It was with great
sadness that she learned in 2005 that the inn would be closing. She
found herself craving something--a something she discovered when she
created her first batch of truffles. She was inspired to start a
chocolate business with her husband.
Shaffer's inspiration also led to the creation of a lovely book,
Desserted. Lovely is the word. The pages are cream colored and
substantial. The pictures are breathtaking. The recipes are
presented tenderly and thoughtfully with readers' questions
anticipated. These delights are for the sophisticated palette: wild
raspberry truffles, Mexican chocolate sorbet, macroons with chocolate
butter cream, chocolate gingerbread pancakes, Black Dinah chocolate
tiramisu...
If the recipes were all, Desserted would be amazing. However,
it also carries a narrative strand, a love story of finding one's true
belonging in a place where day long town meetings are community
affairs, where neighbors look out for one another, where kids go to
the same school their parents did. "It occurred to me that places
like this are as rare and fragile as all the wild places of the
earth. And we are at just as much risk of losing them forever."
Gosh! Let's hope not!
On a personal note, the Community Garden has begun to produce. We
gave our senior citizen friends fresh lettuce, kale, and scapes.
A great big shout out goes out to the community garden crew and our
dear senior citizen friends.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
In 2001 Kate Shaffer left her life time California home to
travel 3,000 miles to Isle au Haut off the coast of Maine. She
intended to be a chef at Keepers House Inn. Her try out came in
April. A ten person work crew was dealing with winter damage and
preparing the inn for a new season. She was to fix them lunch. She
passed the test and won the job.
There were unique challenges in working in an island kitchen.
Groceries came by boat from the mainland. If an ingredient wasn't
available Shaffer had to do without. But she came to love the
gracious kindness of her colleagues and community. It was with great
sadness that she learned in 2005 that the inn would be closing. She
found herself craving something--a something she discovered when she
created her first batch of truffles. She was inspired to start a
chocolate business with her husband.
Shaffer's inspiration also led to the creation of a lovely book,
Desserted. Lovely is the word. The pages are cream colored and
substantial. The pictures are breathtaking. The recipes are
presented tenderly and thoughtfully with readers' questions
anticipated. These delights are for the sophisticated palette: wild
raspberry truffles, Mexican chocolate sorbet, macroons with chocolate
butter cream, chocolate gingerbread pancakes, Black Dinah chocolate
tiramisu...
If the recipes were all, Desserted would be amazing. However,
it also carries a narrative strand, a love story of finding one's true
belonging in a place where day long town meetings are community
affairs, where neighbors look out for one another, where kids go to
the same school their parents did. "It occurred to me that places
like this are as rare and fragile as all the wild places of the
earth. And we are at just as much risk of losing them forever."
Gosh! Let's hope not!
On a personal note, the Community Garden has begun to produce. We
gave our senior citizen friends fresh lettuce, kale, and scapes.
A great big shout out goes out to the community garden crew and our
dear senior citizen friends.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
The Filo Cookbook
The Filo Cookbook
My mom (God rest her soul) made the most amazing strudel. With
its buttery flaky pastry and sweet fruit filling it was heavenly. I'm
a big time fan of baklava too. I thought that was all there was to
know about filo. So when I saw Marti Sousanis' The Art of FILO
Cookbook I was intrigued.
I was happy to be wrong. There is a whole world of filo cookery
in this book. I mean world literally. Recipes come from Greece,
France, China, Mexico, Hawaii... In addition to the sweets that
probably first come to mind there are appetizers and entrees, some
with very surprising ingredients.
If you're like me you feel a little like the proverbial bull in
the china shop even contemplating working with such delicate pastry.
You're contented to leave that to the more talented folks. Reading
the book will take that fear/excuse away. The first section is for
total newbies. There's everything from getting the right ingredients
to shaping the dough. There are plenty of pictures.
I am going to bake up a streudal in memory and honor of the best
mom ever. If I can do it just about anyone can. Probably you! :)
I had an amazing filo experience the night of Artsapalooza. It was
getting quite late. I didn't really feel like walking back to
Veazie. I went to my friend Claudia's house to see if I could crash.
Was that ever a good idea. Claudia who is very much Greek had made
amazing spinach and cheese pie. Sitting on her porch that runs along
her garden eating spinach pie, drinking white wine with a fresh
strawberry, singing oldies with guitar accompaniment...all under the
light of the full moon. Doesn't get much better than that.
A great big shout out goes out to my Greek Orthodox permaculturist
friend Claudia.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
My mom (God rest her soul) made the most amazing strudel. With
its buttery flaky pastry and sweet fruit filling it was heavenly. I'm
a big time fan of baklava too. I thought that was all there was to
know about filo. So when I saw Marti Sousanis' The Art of FILO
Cookbook I was intrigued.
I was happy to be wrong. There is a whole world of filo cookery
in this book. I mean world literally. Recipes come from Greece,
France, China, Mexico, Hawaii... In addition to the sweets that
probably first come to mind there are appetizers and entrees, some
with very surprising ingredients.
If you're like me you feel a little like the proverbial bull in
the china shop even contemplating working with such delicate pastry.
You're contented to leave that to the more talented folks. Reading
the book will take that fear/excuse away. The first section is for
total newbies. There's everything from getting the right ingredients
to shaping the dough. There are plenty of pictures.
I am going to bake up a streudal in memory and honor of the best
mom ever. If I can do it just about anyone can. Probably you! :)
I had an amazing filo experience the night of Artsapalooza. It was
getting quite late. I didn't really feel like walking back to
Veazie. I went to my friend Claudia's house to see if I could crash.
Was that ever a good idea. Claudia who is very much Greek had made
amazing spinach and cheese pie. Sitting on her porch that runs along
her garden eating spinach pie, drinking white wine with a fresh
strawberry, singing oldies with guitar accompaniment...all under the
light of the full moon. Doesn't get much better than that.
A great big shout out goes out to my Greek Orthodox permaculturist
friend Claudia.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
THE EVERYTHING KIDS COOKBOOK
THE EVERYTHING KIDS COOKBOOK
Very few experiences define quality time quite like cooking with
kids. OK, it can get a bit messy. But you're teaching valuable life
skills and building treasured memories. I get teary eyed thinking on
baking and decorating Christmas cookies with Mom and Harriet and
cooking with my kids when they were younger. Kids are so proud when
they produce food for family and friends to eat.
Sandra K. Nissenberg's THE EVERYTHING KIDS COOKBOOK is a great
place to start. Its subtitle says it all: From mac 'n cheese to
double chocolate chip cookies--all you need to have some finger
lickin' fun. There's a wide range of foods rated for difficulty of
preparation. There's a good balance of familiar (grilled cheese
sandwich) and novel (fruity rice--which is yummy BTW) foods. I have
never seen kitchen safety addressed in such a novel way--as an
alphabet sequence scattered throughout the book. Nutrition trivia,
pencil and paper games--there's something for everyone!
Not to mention the price is quite reasonable. In my mind this
is a great family investment.
On a personal note, I've been getting some super darling dresses from
Orono Thrift Shop. I wore one that looked like it was right out of
the fifties: white eyelet, tiny waist and flared skirt, several
inches of net slip sticking out hem...just the cat's pajamas. I wore
it to church with a short sleeve sweater and shimmery tights. A lady
told me she had a dress just like it when she was in her 20's. She
was born in 1930.
A great big shout out goes out to the volunteers who run Orono Thrift
Shop and keep it such an inviting place to bargain hunt.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
Very few experiences define quality time quite like cooking with
kids. OK, it can get a bit messy. But you're teaching valuable life
skills and building treasured memories. I get teary eyed thinking on
baking and decorating Christmas cookies with Mom and Harriet and
cooking with my kids when they were younger. Kids are so proud when
they produce food for family and friends to eat.
Sandra K. Nissenberg's THE EVERYTHING KIDS COOKBOOK is a great
place to start. Its subtitle says it all: From mac 'n cheese to
double chocolate chip cookies--all you need to have some finger
lickin' fun. There's a wide range of foods rated for difficulty of
preparation. There's a good balance of familiar (grilled cheese
sandwich) and novel (fruity rice--which is yummy BTW) foods. I have
never seen kitchen safety addressed in such a novel way--as an
alphabet sequence scattered throughout the book. Nutrition trivia,
pencil and paper games--there's something for everyone!
Not to mention the price is quite reasonable. In my mind this
is a great family investment.
On a personal note, I've been getting some super darling dresses from
Orono Thrift Shop. I wore one that looked like it was right out of
the fifties: white eyelet, tiny waist and flared skirt, several
inches of net slip sticking out hem...just the cat's pajamas. I wore
it to church with a short sleeve sweater and shimmery tights. A lady
told me she had a dress just like it when she was in her 20's. She
was born in 1930.
A great big shout out goes out to the volunteers who run Orono Thrift
Shop and keep it such an inviting place to bargain hunt.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
The Devil On Trial
The Devil On Trial
YA nonfiction
I remember 9/11. I don't think many people will ever forget the
brutal images, the loss and grief of victims' families and friends,
the fear, or the sense of America losing her innocence. We entered a
new world of uncertainty, of the known becoming the unknown, and of
Homeland Security and color coded alerts.
The Devil On Trial: Witches, Anarchists, Atheists, Communists,
and Terrorists in America's Courtrooms is built around a fascinating
question. A fair trial is considered a right in the United States.
Sometimes the nation is gripped in a feverish frenzy of fear. How do
we deal with the ones who embody the source of the terror?
Five such times in America's history
*The Salem Witch Trial
*The Haymarket Bomb Trial
*The Scopes Monkey Trial
*The Trial of Alger Hiss and
*The Trial of Zacarias Moussaoui
are examined in this light. Rich background information and
illustrations are provided. The narratives and pictures are
spellbinding. You are asked to enter the scenarios. What would you
have thought and felt? Would you have considered the verdicts
justified or disturbing? Has our nation evolved in her treatment of
our most hated and feared?
Read the book and find out.
On a personal note, I am really scared by how far we are taking our
latest fear. When we expand our definition of terrorist to include
kids who haven't shed their baby teeth--a little girl talking about a
Hello Kitty bubble gun, a little boy pointing his bite sculpted
toaster pastry and saying, "bang, bang"--methinks most of us are more
in danger from our protectors than from any actual terrorists.
A great big shout out goes out to all who work to restore justice to
out judicial system.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
YA nonfiction
I remember 9/11. I don't think many people will ever forget the
brutal images, the loss and grief of victims' families and friends,
the fear, or the sense of America losing her innocence. We entered a
new world of uncertainty, of the known becoming the unknown, and of
Homeland Security and color coded alerts.
The Devil On Trial: Witches, Anarchists, Atheists, Communists,
and Terrorists in America's Courtrooms is built around a fascinating
question. A fair trial is considered a right in the United States.
Sometimes the nation is gripped in a feverish frenzy of fear. How do
we deal with the ones who embody the source of the terror?
Five such times in America's history
*The Salem Witch Trial
*The Haymarket Bomb Trial
*The Scopes Monkey Trial
*The Trial of Alger Hiss and
*The Trial of Zacarias Moussaoui
are examined in this light. Rich background information and
illustrations are provided. The narratives and pictures are
spellbinding. You are asked to enter the scenarios. What would you
have thought and felt? Would you have considered the verdicts
justified or disturbing? Has our nation evolved in her treatment of
our most hated and feared?
Read the book and find out.
On a personal note, I am really scared by how far we are taking our
latest fear. When we expand our definition of terrorist to include
kids who haven't shed their baby teeth--a little girl talking about a
Hello Kitty bubble gun, a little boy pointing his bite sculpted
toaster pastry and saying, "bang, bang"--methinks most of us are more
in danger from our protectors than from any actual terrorists.
A great big shout out goes out to all who work to restore justice to
out judicial system.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
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