Pesticide Market
For years, I bought only organic produce. I was willing to go into debt for organic hothouse tomatoes, take out microloans for fair trade strawberries, and hock my electric guitar for framboises biologiques, aka, organic raspberries. My annual produce budget … Continued
Glovun: the Glover Code of Honor
Not long ago, I read an article about an Albanian blood feud connected to their ancient code of honor known as the Kanun. The article mentioned a few salient features: A person’s besa is his word of honor, his sacred … Continued
Proper Placemat Design
Why am I spending so much time thinking about proper placemat design? What cartoon anvil dropped on my head and forced me to stumble around in a dizzy-dazzy haze, contemplating the merits of vinyl and tropical palm versus cotton embroidery? … Continued
Candy Diversity
The trick-or-treaters started picketing in the front yard before nightfall on Halloween. “It’s a school night,” one of the little punks informed me. “My mommy wants me home by seven thirty.” During their afternoon protest, they had trampled on our … Continued
Mayo by Default
It’s a Saturday night and you and your significant other have decided to splurge on a nice meal. You’ve sucked down a few tasty libations, something with vodka and a half-dozen other ingredients that you swear is going to be … Continued