by J. Michael Wheeler
The Hip Egg
In case you hadn't heard, the chicken coop is what's new. Kathy Lohr (Backyard Coops Make Chicks Chic, All Things Considered, May 21, 2009) reports that “Chickens aren't just for farms anymore. That's right — urban hens are hip. Across the country, city dwellers — attracted by the idea of having fresh eggs, a new hobby or even unique pets — are keeping flocks.”
Chicks And The City
The backyard chicken movement is catching on, thanks no doubt to the variety of resources for people who want to learn more about keeping chickens in their backyards. There are Web sites, coop tours, and in Atlanta, there's even a class called "Chicks and the City." The class, offered through a community garden's education program, teaches everything would-be urban chicken farmers need to know.
Some cities don't allow residents to keep chickens, because they worry about the noise, the smell and the rodents that are attracted to the feed. And, of course, there are those who say they don't want chickens next door. Yet many are taking another look at the idea.
From how-to to where-not, Lohr's story makes great listening. Click here to Listen.
The Food of a Younger Land: A
Portrait of American Food--Before the National Highway System, Before
Chain Restaurants, and Before Frozen Food, When the Nation's Food Was
Seasonal
Award-winning New York Times–bestselling author
Mark Kurlansky takes us back to the food and eating habits of a younger
America: Before the national highway system brought the country closer
together; before chain restaurants imposed uniformity and low quality;
and before the Frigidaire meant frozen food in mass quantities, the
nation’s food was seasonal, regional, and traditional. It helped form
the distinct character, attitudes, and customs of those who ate it.
Click here to buy The Food of a Younger Land: A Portrait of American Food--Before the National Highway System, Before Chain Restaurants, and Before Frozen Food, When the Nation's Food Was Seasonal
Hand selected books for foodes are at Foodie's Emporium! Click here.
