Kindred magazine - the blog

Kindred Book Review - The Urban Homestead

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:50:00 +0000

The Urban Homestead -
Your guide to self-sufficient living in the heart of the city

by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen
Process Media

If you think that the only way people can have a sustainable lifestyle is to quit your job and move to the hills (and that’s not for you) then read The Urban Homestead by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen. This is a very practical handbook, broken down by category and then into projects so the reader can choose an area of interest and get started.

So whether it’s raising chooks, diverting grey water or maximising space for food growing that interests you, there are step-by-step instructions to be followed. From novice homesteader to sustainability expert-there is something for everyone. Go out and forage some food, make your own cleaning products and convert your home to solar. Sound exhausting? Sit down under your fruit trees and have a meal of food you grew and prepared yourself with a glass of your homemade libations.

This book is dream come true for all those who want to commit to a more sustainable life without leaving the city.

You can also check out Erik and Kelly’s website - www.homegrownevolution.com

by Michele Dennis -
Kindred Book Reviews
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Kindred Book Review - Handmade Home

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:54:00 +0000

Handmade Home -
Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures
by Amanda Blake Soule
Trumpeter Books

This book will make a beautiful and practical gift for people who love craft, love to limit their consumption or both. Amanda Blake Soule has combined her love of handwork and family along with the desire to consume less. There are 30 projects that will make beautiful gifts for others or add a comfortable relaxed feel to your own home.

Handmade Home follows Soule’s first book of craft, The Creative Family, and has the same beautiful photography that inspires the reader to make every project but maybe not right away. First you will be lost in the beauty of the book, secondly you will have to decide which project to make first, which is not easy.

The book is a mix of necessary items - cloth diapers, mouse pads, sweater hats, items that will quickly become family favourites-picnic blankets, water bottle covers and things that can create lasting family memories. The projects vary in difficulty so there is something for everyone from the very young (or inexperienced) to the seasoned sewer.

You can read Amanda’s blog here.

Also worth visiting is www.makegoodbooks.com where you can order five breathtaking craft books, including Handmade Home and there are free projects to download.

Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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Kindred Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Stories of Belonging: Finding Where Your True Self Lives

Edited by Kali Wendorf

Finch Publishing

In our times it is not uncommon to find ourselves thousands of kilometers from our families and homeland. A search for community and sense of belonging lives deep within many of us.

In Stories of Belonging, Kali Wendorf has assembled a group of authors that are willing to share what lies deep in their hearts. There is no template here as everyone’s journey back home is different. For some home is deeply connected to the land, to the exact earth they walk on, for others it may be their blood that ties them. Some even learn of their connectedness from people and places very far from where they were born. It is in the telling of their stories that healing can happen, not only for the author but also for the reader.

With each essay the reader is transported to a different location, everywhere from a remote village in Tibet, the rapids of the Grand Canyon to the heart of the Australian Outback. The locations may vary but there is a thread that weaves through the book, connecting each one to another. This same thread connects the reader to each one of the writers in this book.

When people are brave enough to share their search for home, for belonging, to find where they fit in this world, it inspires others to do the same.

Reviewed by Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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Swine Flu vaccines contain mercury

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:40:00 +0000

The following is an email from Patricia Bohackyj, Co-ordinator Healthy Families of Illawarra.

A few months ago, Westmead Hospital (August 2009) conducted a Swine Flu Vaccine Trial on infants and young children. I contacted Westmead Hospital (by phone 12/8/09) and I was informed that the Swine Flu vaccine to be used for this trial had no Thiomersal(Mercury) and no antibiotics in the formulation because they were using single dose vaccines, not multi-dose. A multi-dose vaccine is a vial containing a large quantity of a vaccine, where you can take a specific quantity and/or take several doses from the same vial for administration. Because there is a possible risk of contamination they must add mercury to multi-dose vaccine products. I rang CSL (30/9/09) and they informed me that they have only manufactured multi-dose vaccines, and there is no intention at this stage to produce single dose Swine Flu vaccines without mercury and antibiotics. The trial at Westmead Hospital was not intended for safety but to measure antibody response only, where young children were randomly administered a double or quadruple dose of swine flu vaccine. The concern now, is that, when they do start vaccinating young children in the Australian population, they will use the multi-dose swine flu vaccine because that is all that has been manufactured and released.

I understand that they are still waiting for vaccine trial results for children under 10 years before they are going to allow this group to be vaccinated. So far, information from overseas trials suggests that two doses of the Swine Flu vaccine will be required for all children less than 10 years of age. Meanwhile the government is targeting pregnant women with a vaccine that contains mercury and antibiotics. There has never been any safety data or vaccine trials ever done on pregnant women. The CSL product information states that safety profile of the vaccine in pregnant women is unknown. The Swine Flu vaccine is highly recommended to pregnant women, this is alarming as the mercury containing vaccine can cross the placenta and cause neurological damage to the unborn baby. There are many medical published article stating that there is no causal link between vaccines contain mercury and the incidences of Autism, however many parents who have a child with autism will argue that there child neurological developed was affected soon after a vaccine.

The Swine Flu vaccine should have taken many years to research but similarly to the HPV Cervical vaccine, yet another vaccine as been pushed through quickly and only later will severe adverse side effects be revealed. If you are a parent wanting your child to receive the Swine Flu vaccine, then you should ensure that the child is receiving a single vial dose vaccine and not multi-dose containing mercury and antibiotics. Also, that your child is not allergic to eggs, as chick embryos are involved in growing the virus. It is imperative that your doctor or clinic nurse records the batch number of the vaccine, as there is always a possible side affect from any vaccine at any time. It is reported that there have been 36,000 confirmed cases in Australia, 172 deaths (18 September, 2009 AAP). That is, only 0.47% deaths from the confirmed cases. Looking at the whole Australian population, you can say that out of 22 Million people, the disease only affected 0.16 percent of the population, and only killed 0.00078 percent of the population. Correctly, 99.74% of the population was not affected by the Swine flu. However, the government is intent on vaccinating 100% of the population with an un-trialed vaccine. The Swine Flu vaccine will be available to all Australians but is not compulsory.

Patricia Bohackyj
(Co-ordinator Healthy Families of Illawarra)
http://sites.google.com/site/healthyfamiliesofillawarra/
Mobile 0422 933 993

Win a copy of Stories of Belonging

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:58:00 +0000

Would you like to win a copy of Kali Wendorf’s new book, Stories of Belonging?

All you have to do to be in the running to win this newly released book is sign up to follow Kindred on Facebook and / or Twitter.

That’s right. We will draw the name of a Facebook Fan or a Twitter Follower on the 30th of November and they will be the winner of Kali Wendorf's new anthology Stories of Belonging: Finding Where Your True Self Lives by Finch Publishing; featuring such writers as David Whyte, Stephen Levine, Wayne Muller, Linda Hogan, Kali Wendorf and more...so sign up now.

But wait…………we will make it Three Winners………IF Facebook has 2000 Fans and Twitter has 1000 followers by 30 November, we’ll give away an additional two books. So sign up today, tell your friends to sign up and help us to grow our Kindred community!

Warning about flu vaccines

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:06:00 +0000

Below is an email by Cliff Shoemaker, forwarded to the Kindred office.

'Since our public health officials do not seem concerned about protecting the pregnant women and children in this country, I am forced to ask that everyone who gets this message forward it to all your family and friends.

There are two kinds of influenza vaccines (both regular flu and swine flu) available this year - one contains Thimerosal (a mercury based preservative) and the other does not. As a general rule, the vaccines that come in single dose packages do not contain mercury, while the multi-dose vials do. However, some clinics pre-fill syringes from multi-dose vials. Thus, you need to verify that the syringe was filled by the vaccine’s manufacturer and not by anyone else, if you are offered a flu-shot dose in a syringe.

The amount of mercury in the Thimerosal preserved vaccines is about 25 micrograms. The EPA safe dose (confirmed by the National Academy of Science in 2001) for exposure to methyl mercury that should not be exceeded is .1 microgram per kilogram of body weight per day. This standard is set for "methyl" mercury. Neither FDA nor EPA has set a "safe" level for "ethyl" mercury, the active ingredient in Thimerosal, but the FDA considers them equivalent in its risk evaluation. Although they are similar organic molecules, studies show that an equivalent dose of "ethyl" mercury can actually deposit more mercury in the brain. So, if a child receives a shot with 25 micrograms of mercury, the child would have to weigh 550 pounds to remain within the recommended safe level of exposure. With regard to injecting these vaccines into pregnant women, we know that some of the mercury will cross the placental barrier to the fetus. We tell pregnant women not to eat fish, and yet our government is not warning them about having mercury injected into their bodies while they are pregnant. In my opinion, this is inexcusable.

If you receive the swine flu vaccine this year, be sure to keep the card they give you, and make sure the card lists the manufacturer and lot number of the vaccine. But if you are injured by the vaccine, you will not be able to go to the no fault vaccine court that is available for other vaccine injuries. You will have to apply for compensation to a special program, from which there is no appeal and no right to pursue any kind of civil litigation. The industry demand for complete immunity is yet another reason to doubt government claims that mercury-containing vaccines are "safe." CDC admitted at a meeting of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee meeting on September 15 that none of the safety trials of the H1N1 vaccines would be completed on either pregnant women or infants prior to launch of these vaccines, yet they still "believe" them to be safe.

If you try to get a mercury free flu vaccine and are unable to do so or if this letter has reached you after you already received your flu shot and you discover the one you received had mercury in it, please contact the people at CoMeD (The Coalition for Mercury-free Drugs) by emailing them your story and detailed contact information using the "Contact Us" link provided on the CoMeD website: http://www.Mercury-freeDrugs.org'

Cliff Shoemaker is an attorney working on vaccine issues.

Gasp Denim Ad - an email from Maggie Hamilton

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:57:00 +0000

Kindred recently received a copy of the email below from Maggie Hamilton.

The letter to the Advertising Standards Authority is available to download from the Kindred Toolbox.

Hi everyone,

Well you may gasp at the latest billboards out there. Thanks to Julie Gale, Kids Free 2B Kids, we're about to spring into action. I urge you all please send this email to everyone you know who can help send a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority, who constantly tell us they get few complaints about sexualised advertising. Below is a complaints letter you can print off and send off. Please take the two minutes to do so.

Thank you,
Maggie

http://www.maggiehamilton.org/

Generation Text

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Get a reality check about what we should expect from our kids.

Join Kindred editor, Kali Wendorf as she chats with Bay FM broadcaster Nyck Jeanes about Generation Text, the effects of modern media on children and teenagers. Edited by Kali’s son, Arun Shapiro.

Click here to listen.

Kindred Book Review - The Perfect Day Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:51:00 +0000

The Perfect Day Plan
by Jost Sauer
Allen & Unwin

There are plenty of people, myself included, that feel there is something not quite right about the way we go about our day.

Getting up just in time to wake the kids, getting a cup of coffee or tea into our system to get us going and then setting off on our busy days. For most of us a regular day consist of family commitments, work, followed by more family commitments. Keeping the modern family going is a full time job, which many of us do in addition to our full time paid work. No wonder we are exhausted at the end of the day. We try to squeeze in some exercise, healthy food and time for ourselves but so often it falls by the wayside.

But what if we could do something to stop this crazy treadmill we somehow got ourselves on? Jost Sauer’s new book The Perfect Day Plan can help you do just that. By following principles based on Chinese medicine, which show how each organ influences your health and emotional well being, you can have more energy and feel more relaxed as you go about your day.

The book focuses on the theory that every two hours of the day is ruled by a different organ and if you begin to schedule your day in according to the plan laid out in this book you will be healthier. Not all of us will be able to follow the plan religiously and that is not really the point the author is trying to make. What becomes apparent as you read the book is that in Western society we pretty much do the opposite of what this ancient theory recommends.

Here are a couple of interesting ideas you might like to consider. By rising between five and seven am and exercising you can actually burn fat at a much faster rate than if we wait until after work like so many of us do. You will have more energy throughout the day and sleep will come easier at night. Also we are most expressive and creative between eleven in the morning and one in the afternoon. Try setting some time aside to do your creative work in these two hours or let your mind wonder to what creative things you might like to do at this time. If you have an important conversation you would like to have with your partner or someone you care about, meet them for coffee at 11 instead of a drink later in the day. This two-hour period is dedicated to the heart, your conversation may be more productive then if you talk later.

This book is well written and easy to read. The concept makes intuitive sense and it is quite easy to implement one or two at a time and see how they really do help you feel better.

Buy online from Allen & Unwin

Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred
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Flight of the Bumblebee

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:27:00 +0000

Flight of the Bumblebee
by Hazel Edwards
Illustrated by Mini Goss

Published by New Frontier

Bumble is having trouble. How is a bee supposed to do his job when he can’t fly properly?

The Queen sends him back to flying school where a kind drone tries to teach Bumble the necessary skills. Nothing seems to work-then the flight instructor has an inspirational idea!

Bumble tries using the song Flight of the Bumblebee to get his wings flapping. It works! Bumble is successful; moving his wings along with the song he is able to fly.

Antonia Kidman reads the story and Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is mixed in as background music and highlighted so children can hear how the story was inspired by the music. There are also short lessons on bees, the composer and the music.

Also in the Music Box Series-The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

by Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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Love Is Not For Cowards

noreply@blogger.com (Kindred Community) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:27:00 +0000

Love Is Not For Cowards
by Birgit Weber
Finch Publishing

Do you sometimes feel like you have hit a brick wall with your partner? Are you wondering what happened to the love you felt when your relationship was fresh and new? Birgit Weber’s book is for those people who are ready to take their relationship to another level. This book encourages readers to get out of the blame game and take a look inward, in particular the influence our childhood experiences have on our adult relationships.

When we can fully accept ourselves, we can accept others and our relationship with our partner will be more comfortable. Once we can stop the cycle of either trying to change the one we love or constantly trying to change ourselves for our partner, we can grow closer and have healthier relationships.

Weber is a psychotherapist and she brings insights from her practice and some very practical advice. This book is perfect for people who are ready for a shift in their approach to relationships and are also ready to put in the work to make that happen.

Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred
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Nature Deficiency Disorder

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 04:51:00 +0000

Join Kindred editor, Kali Wendorf in conversation with Nyck Jeanes as they discuss why nature is the great healer.

Edited by Kali’s 13 year-old son, Arun Shapiro.

Download podcast here.

The Transition Handbook

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:41:00 +0000

The Transition Handbook
Creating Local Sustainable Communities Beyond Oil Dependency
by Rob Hopkins

Australian & New Zealand Edition
Finch Publishing

Do you have an great idea that will help your community become more sustainable but are unsure about how to bring the idea into action?

Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network, can help you realise your dream. The Transition Handbook is an entertaining and inspirational read. However, the books greatest strength lies in the guidance the author gives groups who want to follow the steps taken by several communities in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Hopkins shares experience in working with community groups, potentially sparing new initiatives some of the more common difficulties faced, be it working with government or overcoming fears and negativities. The book is full of tips on things like how to write a press release and how to make the most of public events. A must read for any group looking to bring their vision into reality.

Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred.
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Does My Head Look Big in This?

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:38:00 +0000

by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Pan Macmillan Australia

Sixteen-year-old Amal is like any other girl growing up in suburban Australia. Her parents drive her crazy with their over protectiveness and nagging, she worries about her looks and if her wardrobe is current enough and she has a crush on her science partner.

There is only one thing that Amal worries about that most girls in her class don’t have to think about-should she wear the hijab or not?

The thought of wearing a veil in public-especially to school scares Amal to death but when she finally decides to go for it, she gets the support of her friends and parents. Having those she cares about behind her gives Amal has the courage to wear the veil, but the idea is still pretty daunting. What will the cool crowd say? Will she be quick enough with her comebacks? And what about Josh, will he still talk to her? What if she applies for a job? Or even shopping at the mall, will people stare?

This is only part of what Amal has to think about, her friends have problems of their own and she wants to support them. The lady next door is crazy, blaming her for every small thing that happens on the street. And she has more homework than she can even imagine getting done.

Does My Head Look Big in This? is a charming book and readers will immediately relate to Amal. Abdel-Fattah has amazing insights into the teenage mind and an ability break down cultural barriers. This is a captivating story, you never feel preached to, important lessons are picked up naturally through getting to know the characters.

Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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'Ready to Move' DVD Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Wed, 06 May 2009 03:26:00 +0000

'Ready to Move' DVD from the Australian Physiotherapy Association

The movements your baby makes in their first year contribute to the development of their muscles and structure later in life. This short and informative DVD put out by the Australian Physiotherapy Association gives parents and caregivers easy and practical ideas on how to incorporate different positioning and gentle touch into their regular daily routines. The subtle changes in position will encourage babies to use their muscles in different ways throughout the day, which will have a positive and long lasting impact on your babies overall health and well being.

DVD available through the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

reviewed by Michele Dennis

Do Mobile Phones Cause Cancer?

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:16:00 +0000

If you own a mobile phone, you must see this.

For years, the experts have been arguing over them. Some say they're perfectly safe, others claim they fry your brains.

An international team of doctors, including two of Australia's finest surgeons, have just released their latest, comprehensive research.

They say prolonged use of mobile phones could double the risk of malignant brain tumours. The deadliest of all cancers, the kind that leaves no survivors.

With an entire generation now growing up hooked on their mobiles, that could be absolutely devastating....more

Andrew Potato Face

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:54:00 +0000

Andrew Potato Face
Written by Debbie O’Connor
Illustrated by Leonie Windle
Produced by White River Design

“Eat your Vegetables!” Everyone can relate to that comment, either hearing it or saying it to your own children. We are constantly being told how important it is for people to eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh vegetables. Things sometimes just don’t go the way we want them to and parents end up in a battle with their children at the dinner table.

Here’s a fun solution, invite Andrew Potato Face over for dinner. This book is colourful and fun, it has a good message without sounding like it is trying too hard or preaching a message to your little ones.

Available through White River Design www.whiteriverdesign.com

Michele Dennis
Kindred reviews
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Breastfeeding Mamas

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 08:27:00 +0000

Hi Kali (& friends),

Thought you would love this!

I am very proud of our 'breastfeeding mumma' cover this month, so couldn't wait to get to my framer today. I must really thank you for sending the extra covers, thank you for supporting breastfeeding and thank you for being so brave with your publication. I have had one framed for Danielle also, I will drop it into her tonight, signed of course!

Thanks again and power to the breastfeeding mumma's!

Monica:)

You can contact Monica Renaud at STUDIOFIFTYSEVEN
- Kindred magazine

Action Alert - Australian Homebirth

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:33:00 +0000

In February this year, the Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, released a report recommending changes to our current maternity services.

It recommends the need for increased collaboration between GPs, Obstetricians and Midwives and promotes an increased role for midwives in maternity care.

The report does not support federally funded homebirth. While midwives working together with doctors will have access to professional indemnity insurance, Medicare and PBS, midwives in private practice are precluded from attaining any of these.

In fact, if we do not act now homebirth will be illegal by 2010!

The lack of action by the government to provide equal choice for those women wanting a homebirth is discriminatory and irresponsible.

You can tell the government that the choices of all women are to be honoured.

Sign the petition, write letters to Nicola Roxon and your local state and federal members. Letters to politicians do not need to be complex, just let them know what you think and feel.

Vicki-lee McAllister
Northern Rivers Maternity Action Group

Fathers-To-Be Handbook

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:44:00 +0000

Fathers-To-Be Handbook:
A Road Map for the Transition to Fatherhood
by Patrick M. Houser

Fathers in our current times are used to hearing that their lives will change with the birth of their first child. They are also not surprised to hear that they need to get in touch with their own feelings about birth and fatherhood in order to be a more present and involved parent and partner. The reality is that men may not know how to prepare for this life-changing event. Patrick M. Houser has written the perfect handbook for men who are embarking on the amazing journey of fatherhood.

The Fathers-To-Be Handbook is full of information, ideas and practical advice. Men are encouraged to look at their own childhood in order to be better prepared for birth and parenthood, and the accompanying emotions. There is also practical advice on how to better connect with your partner when things can seem radically different from any other time in your lives. The book is small in size and the exercises suggested can be done in just a few minutes so the reader can absorb the concepts at his own pace.

www.fatherstobe.org

by Michele Dennis
Kindred Reviews
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My Dog Eats Better Than Your Kids…

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:30:00 +0000

My Dog Eats Better Than Your Kids…
and what you can do to change this.

by Dr. Peter Dingle

This book tells the reader in detail why the modern diet is destroying our bodies and minds. It is easy to read and there are drawings on every page that help highlight the issues. Parents, teachers and children can all benefit from reading this entertaining and informative book. Understanding how our dietary choices affect us on every level is one of the most important things we can teach our children. Learn why additives are bad for you and which ones are in the food you eat, the benefits of probiotics and why we need to allow our children more time to eat. If you are ready for a change in your families diet this book will inspire you to do so.

Go to www.dingle.com to buy the book or read more about how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

by Michele Dennis
Kindred Reviews
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What Do You Know?

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:13:00 +0000

This time of year families often find themselves in the car or at the airport for hours on end. What better way to keep your children entertained than to have them quiz you (or each other) on your knowledge and learn a few things for themselves along the way?

Quiz Biz are question and answer games that come in an easy to carry swatch style format that you can take anywhere. Keep it in the car or throw it in the beach bag, you never know when you may find yourself with some time to fill and why not do so by testing your knowledge.

After all you never know when you may be able to impress your friends and colleagues with the Tibetan name for Mount Everest (Chomolungma) or the name of the Viking alphabet (the Futhark). There are four subjects available: History, Science, English and General Knowledge.

www.panmacmillan.com.au

Michele Dennis
Kindred Reviews
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Cave Baby by The Mudcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:10:00 +0000

CD review by Michele Dennis.

Sherry Rich and Rick Plant have the insight into a child’s mind –what they find funny as well as what is important in the world of a youngster. Children can easily relate to the songs, with titles such as 'Spit it Out' and 'Things that Mums and Dads Say', providing hours of entertainment.

The Mudcakes put all their original lyrics to a variety of musical genres from classical to surf and bluegrass.

Parents will find themselves singing along to 'Grumpy Bum' and 'Pack Up Time' and no one will complain when Cave Baby is asked for repeatedly - which it will be.

Available through The Mudcakes at www.themudcakes.com and selected Melbourne stores.

Seasonal Eating - Corn

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:50:00 +0000

Fresh corn is one of the simple pleasures of life. Whether you boil or barbecue it and eat it right off the cob or add it to your favourite summer recipes, the light fresh flavour and bright sunny colour are a welcome addition to any meal.

Corn was first developed as a food crop over 7000 years ago in central Mexico and spread from there, as far south as Peru and also north into Canada. Fossilised pollen grains of corn have been found near Mexico City, making it possibly present as far back as 80,000 years. Corn was a major part of the diet for the native people of the Americas. When Columbus went back to Europe after “discovering” America he brought corn back with him to Europe. Corn was among the first crops planted in Australia upon the arrival of the First Fleet in Botany Bay.

Corn is a staple in the diet of many Central and South American countries, providing the calorie content needed for the daily metabolism of the body. Corn helps maintain healthy skin, nervous and digestive systems and keeps cholesterol levels low. It is rich in phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron. Corn contains Vitamin A, B (Thiamine, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Riboflavin, folate) and E.

When planting corn you may want to follow the Native American tradition of planting it alongside beans and squash. These plants were known as the three sisters who should never be apart.

One of my favourite summer dishes is fritters. Light and easy, great for casual entertaining and always a hit with children, they don’t even seem to notice all the veggies they are eating as they reach for a second or third serving.

The recipe below is for corn and haloumi fritters, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Substitute peas, feta, parsley or basil. Throw in some spring onion or capsicum if you have some on hand. This is the joy of fritters; I imagine they were originally made as a way to eat up leftover vegetables so it is good to remember not to get too fussy with ingredients.

250 g corn
30 g cornstarch
100 g plain flour
1/2 t baking powder
125 ml milk
2 eggs - beaten
250 g haloumi cheese
1 T chopped mint

Sift together the dry ingredients, stir in the eggs and milk. Fold in corn, haloumi and mint. Season to taste.

Heat the oil of your choice in a large frying pan and drop by ladleful into the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve with a green salad and crusty bread if desired.

Adapted from Recipezaar. www.recipezaar.com

Corn Husk dolls are easy to make and are a fun way to teach your children ways to use the husks of the corn, instead of throwing them into the compost. Many cultures have a tradition of making dolls out of cornhusks as well as other grains. The tradition can take you back to a more simple time, when families made their own entertainment out of the things they could spare. Corn Husk dolls can be either fun to play with or a pretty decoration. I have found simple instructions for a doll on the Teachers First web site.

http://www.teachersfirst.com/summer/cornhusk.htm

If you are feeling more ambitious a Google search will bring up some more elaborate dolls and decorations.

Enjoy your hot summer afternoon, making dolls in the shade and then dig into some delicious corn!

Michele Dennis

Circumcision – Why it’s not good for boys.

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse Atkinson) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:14:00 +0000

A Kindred magazine interview with John W. Travis, MD, MPH.

Kindred magazine editor Kali Wendorf speaks with Johns Hopkins University MD, John W. Travis about the implications of one of the most widespread medically unnecessary procedures in the world today - circumcision.

Find out why it compromises optimal development, what consequences arise for adult males and why circumcision does not protect against HIV. (15 minutes). Click here to listen.