Kristin’s Picks:
Sharon nails it again with her tell it like it is analysis of the fast-moving events in the Middle East.
The history and processes of milling
I stumbled upon the HumJournal website recently and discovered Heather Wight’s article about the history of milling grain and why going back to basics with your daily bread is the best way to eat it.
The frontier economy and the culture of monotony
New author Jim Bannon’s reflection on homesteading and history struck the right note with me.
An old commons-based solution to a 21st century crisis
I picked this article for its historical and highly relevant take on “the commons” in action in the American Southwest.
Bart’s Picks:
Resource revolts: the year of living dangerously
Michael T. Klare, TomDispatch
It’s a sign of the times that Michael Klare’s article has been picked up by Salon, CBS News and Common Dreams. A number of authors have written similar on the same thing, but Klare has been at it longer and sees the situation with more subtlety.
Heinberg’s new coal question
Ryan Wishart, Monthly Review
The political context is often missing from discussions of resource depletion. Monthly Review has been running in-depth articles which provides this background to peak oil, global warming, etc.
Transition cities: Mission impossible?
Joanne Poyourow, Energy Bulletin
I’ve always felt uncomfortable with the kneejerk response that cities are unecological and doomed. Joanne Poyourow of Transition Los Angeles takes issue with that response, and shows how to make progress in one of the largest conurbations in the world.
The machines change, the work remains the same
Robert Jensen, New Left Project
The eruptions in Tunisia and Egypt show that social media has changed political activism forever. Robert Jensen takes a thoughtful, balanced view.
Wikileaks, Karl Marx and you
Alistair Davidson, Liberty & Solidarity
I’m a sucker for good analyses of WikiLeaks, which I think is a game-changer. The mainstream media provide disappointing fare, so one has to look elsewhere for stimulating background.
Ecological civilization
Fred Magdoff, Monthly Review
A Big Picture view from veteran soil scientist Fred Magdoff. I’ve been impressed with Monthly Review’s ability to integrate ecological and left-wing thought.
Decent poverty report: poverty and misery
Roger K. Smith, Paul Goodman Changed My Life
No matter what the future, the ability to lead a rich and full life on a minimum of money is an advantage. Intellectual maverick Paul Goodman was great example of this.
Bee keeping for the energy descent future
David Holmgren, Holmgren Design Services
As usual with David Holmgren, he goes much deeper in the post-peak future than the title suggests. Holmgren is one of the co-originators of permaculture and has written extensively about the ramifications of peak oil.
To protect and serve: interview with Mike Ruppert
Lindsay Curren, Transition Voice
While not a Ruppertie, I’ve always been intrigued with Mike Ruppert’s eventful career. For those who want more, there is a link in the article to a transcript of the entire interview.
Peak Moment 187: Filmmaker Jon Cooksey (“How to Boil a Frog”) (video)
Yuba Gals Independent Media
Comedian and film writer/producer Jon Cooksey talks his (funny) feature-length movie which is now available for purchase.
