Bacon

by Richard Oswald According to National Public Radio, (1), the one thing vegans can’t resist is a slice of crispy fried pork. That makes bacon the gateway meat for wavering vegetarians. Bacon lures us first through smell, which has a lot to do with the way tastebuds do their job. It has salt, protein, and fat—things human bodies crave. That’s why a scientist named Johan Lundstrom claims the bacon/human love affair happens simply because our brains are wired Read More …

Free Clothes

by Richard Oswald The worst thing about being a farmer is free clothes. Let me explain; In the city awhile back I shopped around for new car deals. I was just looking when up walked a salesperson. When her eyes locked on my corporate logo I received an unsolicited offer right there in the showroom. “Would you like to know more about the fleet discount?” she asked seductively. Being a city gal, she didn’t realize I was only Read More …

Grain Grab

by Richard Oswald City folks tend to see farmers as wealthy landowners who dig in the soil for something nearly as good as gold. Really though, it’s the value of yellow grain and growing things that decide whether farmers mine bottomless wealth on their land, or just get the shaft. For farmers there’s no such thing as a cost of living increase. We don’t get fringe benefits or health care unless we pay for it. Retirement is funded, Read More …

America Needs a Real Life Mr. Smith to Help Us Climb Out of the Hole We’re In.

by Richard Oswald They used to make miracles come true. I walked in the door, home from harvest for the evening, and came face to face with a 76 year old Hollywood miracle. I know, the wonders they create are only dreams, but every time Mr. Smith Goes to Washington on the living room TV set I have to stop and think. Most of us know the story of Smith, the naïve young leader of a group known Read More …