If Presidential candidates pandered to economists

Now, I'm pretty reserved with my political opinions. I'm not a zealot, nor do I consider myself incredibly educated on the candidates. But I just had to share this because to me, it makes a ton of sense:

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/13/business/13view.php?page=1

Summary:
An economist polled his peers and came up with this list of stances on some big issues. there is some really good support for them in the article.

SUPPORT FREE TRADE
OPPOSE FARM SUBSIDIES
LEAVE OIL COMPANIES AND SPECULATORS ALONE
TAX THE USE OF ENERGY
RAISE THE RETIREMENT AGE
INVITE MORE SKILLED IMMIGRANTS
LIBERALIZE DRUG POLICY
RAISE FUNDS FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH

The last one is just selfish on their part, but the rest seem like the best path to economic prosperity. they have little to do with environment or some other large issues that our nation faces, but simply demonstrate what needs to happen to make sure we continue as an economic world leader. The best way for us to be ready for painful changes moving towards sustainability is to have a stable economy. Or let the economy fall apart and our consumption falls with it. But that doesn't sound like nearly as much fun.

Dai Due Supper Club

Mylie and I had the pleasure of joining Elizabeth and Thomas going to Dai Due at the Dragonfly house for Bastille day. I have no idea what Bastille day is, but I guess it's french. The chef, Jesse, doesn't really know either, which is pretty amusing. But he says it precedes the Reign of Terror whatever that is.

There was amazing food, great company, and this super cool live duet pair playing music. At the end of the dinner they played this clarinet duet with a little singing. It was so awesome.

Jesse says this month they sold out of tickets to all of their dinners within a day. Part of me wants to keep it a secret....but I just can't.

Where does your food come from?

Is it just me or does it feel like the rising cost of energy is going to have a dramatic affect on our food system? We can already see it in rising prices, which make people ask questions, which makes them more aware of their food. Why do Organic apples suddenly cost $5/lb? Well, it's because Spring/Summer they come from New Zealand. That's a long way to travel...racking up food miles which are getting more expensive by the day. They're certainly still healthier and more nutritious than their conventional counterparts, but maybe the year-round apple buyers might start looking to other...maybe seasonal...fruit? Most people just wouldn't even think about it without something like this to highlight where the food comes from.

Have you ever asked your waiter in a restaurant where your dinner comes from? I'm doing it much more often. We know most of them don't know. But they often offer to ask their manager. 'Sure' I say. 'It's not a big deal, but if YOU want to ask your manager, I'd love to know.' They go ask their manager who also doesn't know....'our food distributor?' But you know what just happened? 2 people who otherwise wouldn't even think about that suddenly did. And if anyone around my table heard that conversation, they might think about it too. Start asking anyone who serves you food where it comes from! Not in a condescending way and don't refuse food if they don't know. Just start asking. It could change the world.