Barack Obama's Primetime message

seriously folks...

Sarah Palin cannot be the first woman in executive office!

American Prayer - Dave Stewart (Barack Obama Music Video)

New resources from Michael Moore

Two new resources have come out recently from Micheal Moore--his free & downloadable film, Slacker Uprising and his new book, available now, Mike's Election Guide. Check 'em out soon!

Local Eating!

Yesterday, officially kicked off the Eat Local Challenge! Hope you join in!

I started preparing my challenge a few weeks ago, scouting out local food resources in the Sacramento area. I already go to the local farmer's market so that was an easy commitment but I started to pay attention to the other places I shop. I've stopped going to some of my regular haunts and now try to shop at local marketplaces--the Sacramento Co-op, Taylor's (which I can walk to...definitely an added bonus!), and the Nugget. In addition to accessing locally grown products, it also feels good to support non-corporate (or less corporate) options for where my dollar is spent!

However, what I am finding utterly fascinating is how many products are stocked in California stores that come from far away lands! I began to wonder, other than bananas and exotic fruits, chocolate (although check out Yummy Dummy), and coffee, what would I need/want that isn't produced in California--or better within a 150 mile radius of Sacramento? I am so very lucky to live in California! I've found local sources for most of what I stock my frig...thank you Strauss, Clover, and of course, the farmer's market. But I was shocked in looking at labels these last few weeks, that despite the abundance of California agriculture so much of what our stores stock is from New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Colorado...The carbon footprint for the travel of these goods alone is crazy! And even locally owned stores are partipating in the import of simple goods--cheese, chicken, milk, etc.--from other states. Although I recognize that they are probably responding to what sells, but as we raise awareness can we change the demand?

I'm thankful to stores, like Taylor's Market that posts little maps next to their local products to identify that which comes from within 100 mile radius. And I'm thankful to organizations like the Eat Local Challenge and Locavores who are raising the issue and encouraging folks to change their habits. I love what I have learned and how it is changing my approach to what I buy and where I shop. I've told everyone I can get a hold, including my students! And I offer you the same challenge I offer them...check labels, pay attention to where your favorite products come from, and eat locally!

Bon Apetite!

L.A. Times article from Gloria Steinem on Sarah Palin

What a turn of events! Palin for vice president? Really, McCain? Who do you think you are fooling? Are we supposed to believe that you, or the Republican party for that matter, has had a change of heart and now believes in women's equality? What a thinly veiled stunt!

And if I hear one more person tell me that now Hillary voters have someone to throw their support behind, I'm gonna...I don't even know what! What a joke! Do people actually believe that Pro-Choice, Pro-Woman, Feminist fighters for equality are actually going to be duped into believing that Palin is a legitimate alternative? Excuse me, but one woman does not equal another--Hillary Clinton and Sara Palin could not be further apart on issues. I guess women really are interchangeable in the minds of Republican strategists!

Here is a link to a great article in the L.A. Times by Gloria Steinem-- "Palin--wrong woman, wrong message"

Media, Girls, and what to do!

Forever in the quest of building my repertoire of information I recently discovered that Jean Killbourne (of the Killing Us Softly films) , along with Diane Levin, has a new book coming out. And ever so timely! So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids looks great. And while it is not out until August 5th, Jean Killbourne is a resource I trust. I've already pre-ordered my copy.

In a related note, I just came across this organization--"Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood" Diane Levin is on their Steering Committee and their founder, Susan Linn has a new book entitled The Case for Make Believe: Saving Play in a Commercialized World Check them out!

Finally, to encourage play and make-believe, the last resource I'll share for now is Sarah's Silks. My cousin just started working for them and loves her job. Sarah's Silks are primarily made by women working from home in Sonoma County, California. The idea behind Sarah's Silks is to allow children the freedom to create their own worlds, enjoy and expand their imaginations, and to "capture the magical soul that lives in young children." So we can combat the bombardment while encouraging our children's imaginations and supporting women's work! Sounds like a win, win...win!