THE SHIFT IS SLOW, FOOD.

Surprisingly, such a well designed document from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Now lets see this information designed even better. VIEW PDF.

The primary cause of this wastage is inadequate engineering and agricultural practice knowledge, deficiencies in management skills, poorly engineered infrastructure in the form of electricity and potable water systems, and storage and transport facilities which are often not fit for purpose. Further wastage results from the commercial practices of modern supermarkets that demand cosmetically perfect foodstuffs and encourage the more-affluent consumers to purchase excessive quantities...As the value of food crops increases over time, it might be expected that the current practice of discarding large quantities of edible and nutritious fruit and vegetables on purely cosmetic grounds will become less economically viable. However, governments should not wait for food pricing to trigger action on this wasteful practice, but instead proactively pursue food policy initiatives that change consumer preferences, dissuade retailers from operating in this way, and lead to increases in the quantity of these ‘defective’ items in the retail markets. In this regard it will be necessary to shift a deeply embedded marketing and consumer culture and make changes to thinking on the management and care of foodstuffs, which will need to be implemented throughout the wholesale and retail distribution chains, as well as in individual households. READ MORE HEREIN.

Going Big

Great Camp

While on the Lake Bemidji State Park Trail between two parts of Big Bass Lake, I noticed the similarities of Northern Minnesota and New England. Particularly New Hampshire. The history of Adirondack architecture has always fascinated me and I am sorry to have not explored it when I was living in Vermont. Today I saw an island with a house perched on it and I wondered about its quality. Its livability, or current habitation. The thought of boarding up a house for the winter is saddening to me. The value I have for Place is perhaps stronger than most. To not have taken part in the unique New England architecture is perhaps a saving grace for me. For I may have never departed. One reckoning I have is the varying sacrifice it requires to build a beautiful rustic home in different regions of the country. Breathtaking historic architecture is scarce in Northern Minnesota. Overall, it seems that excessive design is not welcomed here. Its exciting to imagine living in an era where famous movie stars can hire construction of marvelous rustic cabins, Great Camps, as their temporary vistas. Knowing that I thrive in sharing my time with a multiplicity of Places, near and far, that lifestyle appeals to me. But here, it seems there is a greater reward for modesty. Owning a practical home in a beautiful land, that was built by your friends and neighbors with all the money you could spare, is unique if not for its simplicity and is a dream my fellow Minnesotans can admire.

Community of a Plate Exhibit Process

This summer I have been doing some dreamy work for an organization I strongly believe in.

The Community of a Plate design team used their personal experience from life on the farm. Ruth Sauvageau and Terese Elhard were able to donate all of the barn wood with the help of their families in northern Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota. Kathleen Reitan, Terese's cousin, assisted as carpentry mentor during five weeks of production. Each frame was built as part of a set that is hinged together to form seven towers, all of which hold the panels of stories. The exhibit is intended to engage the viewers in an authentic farm atmosphere, and display the Community of a Plate stories that highlight the tradition of farmers providing food to their communities.

Community of a Plate Flickr - Exhibit Process Set



Be sure to visit our exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair this August 27th—September 7th at the Eco Experience Building in St.Paul, Minn.!
For more information about the project, please visit the Community of a Plate website http://communityofaplate.org.

DAMN.

Scotty Wittlake, by Jake Stangel 2009

A photographer based in Portland recently did a project about the snowboarders of the Legendary Mt. Baker (Washington) Banked Slalom, which was held a few months ago in its 24th year. Please visit his project page to get a sense of how a few professional snowboarders in action complete the landscapes to his beautiful photography, as well as hear how escapist the banked slalom has become for its competitors in an otherwise media-saturated world.

Unfortunately, not included in the project are some of the underdog competitors, including my friend Danielle Davis, a Mt. Baker local, who won the amateur women's division!!

LOVE DRUGS

Ok, I love paper-cut design. Paper cutting is my drug. Also tea is my drug, and scorpions are my biggest fear probably.

Thank you to the great Aaron Draplin for posting this on his truly great blog.

TO BE A FARMER

To be a farmer is really much like this? Futurefarmers addressed an existing problem in a community space, had a solution which was also equipped with a label (this one here) that addressed the consciousness of anyone who may interfere. Intuition, optimism, pro-activity and communication. With a sense of wit. 

Practical makes perfect.

PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME

I have a troubled knee. The doctor diagnosed me, and my online research suggests these simple stretches. Do you know how silly it is to do this wall stretch in public? Do you know how silly I feel for going to a doctor and an online family doctor website with these archaic illustrations, only to be told, "Just excercise and do your stretches, dummy!" ?

In other words, just act natural.

Wow.

"we need heirloom pieces again...grand elusion, the "escapist element"...regretting the passing of time...bringing back tradition and private pleasure"

–ANNA SUI, fashion designer NY, reflecting on her amazing fall 2006 collection