A book review

I haven't ever really written a book review - so here goes.... I just finished reading King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild and Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. They are completely unrelated in genre and subject matter but equally significant in terms of the impact they've had on me (over the course of this week). I thought I could bang out two reviews today, but seeing as I'm leaving for Brasil tomorrow, I only have time for this one.....

Hochschild's non fiction work covers the Belgian king's exploration, colonization, and exploitation of the present day Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a sorrowful tale of unimaginable cruelty and the powerful result a few dedicated activists were able to affect. The most notable portions of the book are devoted to the exploration of the Congo by Henry Morgan Stanley, the atrocities committed in the Congo, the roles of various activists, and the defamation of King Leopold's character. On all fronts the author lays out a clear, concise sequence of events.

Congo was King Leopold's personal fief from the time the United States recognized the territory in 1884 until the time the king sold it to Belgium in 1908. While King Leopold never stepped foot in the country, he fully exploited its wealth and presided over a system of mass murder and torture. The worst of terror in Congo occurred during the late 1890's/early 1900's and it is possible that up to 10 million people died.

Hochschild does a thorough job of identifying detractors and supporters of the colonial system created by Leopold. While few people today could describe the merciless system of colonial rule, a substantial number may be familiar with Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad (about the Congo). Conrad was but one of many prolific activists that exposed the colonial inhumanity in the Congo. The author humanizes the beleaguered efforts of the four key men, George Washington Williams, Edmund Dene Morel, William Sheppard, Roger Casement, and their efforts to inform the world about life in Leopold's Congo. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hochschild definitely implicates the Catholic Church in legitimizing Leopold's reign of terror. His analysis encompasses clergy that "were mostly Belgian and loyal supporters of the king and his regime", and includes the Vatican's encouragement of American bishop James Cardinal Gibbons to lobby on Leopold's behalf.

Hochschild also, to the point of extreme, presents King Leopold as a horrible husband and father, with no concern for human life or cultural pursuits, with an architectural mania that bordered on obsession. The very real disparagement of character is effective and done so with the intent of contradicting the humanitarian image the king tried to craft for himself during his lifetime.

The notes are extensive, nearly thirty pages, but only give sources for direct quotations. That is apparently remedied by an equally impressive bibliography. However, there is no way of knowing which statistics belong to which source. Since this is a popular work, equally as likely to be read by someone with a casual interest rather than a scholar or student, it is debatable if that methodology makes sense.

The book was readable and the topic is of tremendous importance. Colonialism was a greedy racially motivated system of dictatorship that looked very different in Africa and Latin American then in North America. Africa today still struggles with issues that were exasperated by colonialism - slavery, corruption, tribal and class divisions. Hochschild does a good job addressing the lack of documented African voices and questioning the long term impact of the activism. However, with a genocide not too far in the recent past (Rwanda) and currently happening (Darfur) it is good to be reminded that if the concentrated effort of a few, black and white, could defeat machinations of a king. It is nice to think that we too can make a difference.

Faith

Sometimes it is hard to have faith. And by faith I mean "belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion". When is it hard?
Institutional Shame
It is hard when "a beloved icon" - Mother Teresa - of my faith (Catholicism) is revealed to have doubted for fifty years. It is equally hard when at least 4,127 priests (4.3%) of my faith institution have been accused of sexual abuse. It is quite the challenge to look back at the actions of the Catholic Church - through the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and during the relative institutional silence throughout slavery, colonialism and various genocides - and avoid disillusionment and disappointment with faith.
Daily Struggles
Faith is also hard in the contemplation of living daily life. My faith dictates chastity, weekly mass attendance, and being pro-life. What is hard about that? As a newly single 28 year old it is hard to contemplate dating in 2007 without the seemingly prerequisite sexual exploits that people my age indulge in. When I was 15, the age I took first communion and was confirmed, it wasn't a problem. Now it's more of a challenge. Other issues are hard for me - like homosexuality. I think people are born homo or hetero sexual and I think God doesn't make mistakes. And what about abortion? I wish no one needed one but I'm resent that more time is spent on berating people and politiking instead of creating a society of love and abundant resources.
Hardest of All
I think the greatest hardship of faith is not doing whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it. Especially in a day and age when the popular message and lifestyle of those around me extols the virtues of premarital sex, cohabitation, convenience, and is rather critical of organized religion in general and Catholicism in particular. An atheist friend gleefully emailed me news of Mother Teresa's doubts. All of my best friends aren't practicing Catholics and ALL use birth control and sleep with whom they want when they want. There are times when I doubt and fail to feel the presence of God (though never for 50 years). There are plenty of times when I don't agree with "my" church and loads of times I stray and sin.
Perseverance
So why do I keep my faith? Because I believe - despite disappointments, failures, and hardships. I use the analogy of American democracy. The government has taken many actions I don't agree with - from assisting in assassinations of legitimately elected officials (Lumumba) to turning a blind eye to genocide (Rwanda) to the exploitation and corruption during the current Iraq war (Cheney - Halliburton) but I still believe. I still have faith in this country and what we say we believe in - even if that isn't always our practice.
The same is true with the Catholic Church.
I am willing to sacrifice for my faith - whether it be giving up dairy and eggs for a socially conscious diet that reflects a faith in human action - or if it's going to mass every Sunday, trusting current priests aren't pedophiles, and honoring the dignity of life from the womb to the tomb so as to reflect my faith in God.

Vegan Culinary Delights from Coast to Coast

The past week has been filled with treats and eats from various vegan eateries coast to coast.

In NYC I was able to sample the wares of Babycakes.

In LA I made sure to visit Zen Bakery, Soul Vegetarian, and Rahel's Ethiopian.

This past week I also saw four of the coolest ladies in Southern California, rode the subway in LA for the first time (despite having lived in SoCal for 4 years) and whooped it up at the Library Bar.

I have lots of pics of people and not so many of the food. I read the chapter on the Secrets of Restaurant Reviewing from "Will Write for Food". It was very informative and got me interested in doing some formal restaurant reviewing. Given the parameters set out in that chapter I can't authentically review any of the above mentioned places. I only ate one time at each location and didn't do any required research. I will give my informal uninformed first impressions though.

My omnivore parents were actually bigger fans of Babycakes products than I was (we purchased brownies, a lemon cupcake, a slice of lemon poppy loaf, and cornbread). I eat gluten so I am not familiar with spelt products and I have to say I wasn't a fan of the result in cupcakes. I did enjoy the frosting though. I think the breakdown with vegan products that mimic nonvegan foods is that it is hard to appreciate the taste without comparison.


I loved Zen Bakery - for the simplicity, price, and abundant fiber. I purchased a banana nut muffin, two peanut butter carob cookies, and two raspberry blueberry muffins. The menu says dairy free (makes no mention of eggs) but the website and clerk at the counter confirmed that the items were vegan. Here I didn't suffer from the pains of comparing products - Zen Bakery makes and markets muffins that are "good" for you. I don't know of any butter, milk, egg and sugar "healthy" muffin that could compete. I expected healthy and got healthy. Best of all the muffins were $1.10. Can you believe that??? I got all of the above mentioned products for $6.55. That reason alone will have me going there every time I visit LA. I did heat up the muffin and top it with some coconut milk for a divine treat.

Having spent the past year in Washington DC - and a good portion of it living off of Georgia Avenue - I became very familiar with Soul Vegetarian Cafe. The experience in LA was something else all together. The location is beautiful and the atmosphere is relaxing - which is surprising given the silver paint and disco ball. And the waitress (Carmen) was so much friendlier then anyone I ever encountered in DC. I eagerly ordered grits, a biscuit, sausage patties, and scramble. I was most eager for the biscuit which came out looking like a flat greasy lump and tasted like heaven. Just goes to show - looks can be deceiving. I wasn't overly impressed with the grits, but I did grow up with a grandmother from Alabama who made some wicked grits.

Before I took off from LA I made sure to sample some food from Rahel's Ethiopian Veggie Cuisine. I had Ethiopian for the first time when I moved to DC, just over a year ago. I really can't comment intelligently on the quality of what I eat - I have very little understanding of what "good" Ethiopian food should taste like. All I know is that I love most of what and where I have eaten. I didn't notice a difference between DC and LA Ethiopian. Little Ethiopia in LA is chock full of restaurants, and while my friends went to Nyala, I felt compelled to spend my money at a vegan establishment. I didn't take pics of course (how do all those vegan bloggers remember to snap photos before eating the yummy food?). I ordered the veggie combo which came with three large pieces of injera and loads of split-pea and split-lentil stew. I think the atmosphere in Rahel's was much more pleasant than at Nyala's. And of course I think eating vegan food is much better then meat. Teehee.

Overall I had a great time in LA and while many people may not get a chance to visit some of these places I think it is important to seek out local eateries. Whether you eat veg food or not I think we can all benefit from staying away from chains!

A parting shot of the coolest friends a gal could ask for...

Who am I and what is this blog?

Who am I and what is this blog?

By labeling myself vegan there seems to be a certain expectation, one being that I am an animal rights activist. I am not. I am a human rights "activist". By blogging as a vegan there seems to be a certain community standard to take pictures and talk about food. I only do that occassionally, and not very well. Bibliotecaria is portuguese for librarian but my blog in no way resembles the blogs of the library world. I am still in library school I've spent the past year working in an academic library and I can't see my blog ever being in that mold.

So who am I and what is this blog?

When pressed to identify myself I would say the most revealing label would be that of Catholic. That is the foundation that informs all my decisions, and it was my convinction about loving others that led me to veganism. I read a vegan blog earlier today that disparaged an important Catholic ritual called confirmation. I was triggered and saddened to think that people that chose a lifestyle often disparaged by others do the same in turn. It got me thinking about the question I often wrestle with, can I be a devout Catholic, AND a liberal social justice activisit, AND a vegan? I don't know if the answer is yes, but I am trying it out.

By labeling my blog in a way that identifies my Brasilian roots, my library interests, and my food choices (veganbibliotecaria) I think I've limited all the ways in which I view and see the world. I would like my blog to be more then my personal diary online - that seems too ego centric. At the same time I want share my observations and the information that I personally think matters in a larger context. Maybe no one will read this blog, maybe someone will. I am going to live (and blog) for this moment, regardless of the past or future, without restrictions or expectations according to labels and categories.

I am in NYC until August 30th (with a four day vacation in LA) and then I am off to Brasil to volunteer and spend time with family for FOUR months. Who would have thought that transferring library schools - losing 12 credits and a scholarship - and breaking up with the man I wanted to marry would lead to one of the most exciting times of my life?

NYC is amazing. Much more difficult to navigate then DC (my last port of call) or Boston (my future home, post Brasil). Determining what to do and where to go is a much greater challenge here then anywhere else I've ever lived or visited. Once I find a place I love I go back again, and again, and again.....

Currently my two favorites are Life Thyme and Franchia. I prefer Life Thyme baked goods to anything else I've ever had. I've blogged about them before, but I just can't say enough about their cramped space, quick service, and vegan mostly organic baked goods. I walked to their store on 6th ave and 8th st. from E.4oth and Lexington. I love the walk - it is easy to tell I am not a New Yorker because I look up and around in wonder the whole time but I'm not the typical tourist - I avoid 5th ave. like the plague. I had the lemon cake yesterday, a very moist cake with no cloying sweetness. Not quite lemony enough for me but I love lemon in a way most people don't. The $4.50 pricetag was comparable to DC and this is NEW YORK CITY! Sidenote: the almond cookies are superb. I have yet to experience Vegan Treats - but for a healthier sweet tooth satisfier Life Thyme is unbeatable.

I didn't take pictures when I ate at Franchia, mostly because I feel awkward taking pictures of food in public. But I swear by their assorted dumpling dish with a side of miso sauce. Even better then the food is the tea and atmosphere. It's not cheap fast food but it is well worth it.

Let me signoff with the reason why I visit Croydon, Pa as often as possible (I was just there for 4 days):

My last DC moments

I really really love this town. If I'd been here for more then 13 months I would have pretended it was my hometown. And who's to say I won't return. The intellectual fervor, the activism and foment, the abililty to live car free - this was my kinda town.
There is so much I want to say about my last few days here ~ the great samosas at Indique, the incredible jazz club HR-57, the thoughtful vegan luncheons on Saturday and Sunday hosted by carnivores nonetheless, the absolutely amazing people I met in my very brief time here. But when I think about the past year it is really last night that I hope stays with me forever.
I went to the final screen on the green for the summer of 2007- a showing of Casablanca. The weather was perfect and the pasta salad was delicious. The company of friends was fun (though a few were missed) and the movie.....well, the movie was classic. This is the memory I hope to hold near and dear to my heart whenever I think of DC.

Here's looking at you kid

Pumpkin Oatmeal Vegan Pancakes are so good in my tummy

When I started this blog back in May I used to blog about what I quickly assembled for my lunches but they weren't all that creative or unique. Then, I signed up for RSS Feeds through Bloglines, and I realized how many amazing vegan food blogs exist. I decided not to poorly replicate what is being done well elsewhere. I do love to cook but I often don't have the time or motivation. Right now it is very hot in D.C. - as in much of the U.S. - but humid in a way that is particular to August in this swamp (which is why all the politicans go home), so it's not a good time to use the stove. However, I came home last night determined not to eat out - I'm saving my last dimes to eat at Indique tonight for Restaurant Week. My good ole standby is pumpkin oatmeal vegan pancakes - a VWaV recipe that I've modified. I LOVE pumpkin and make muffins and breads and cookies with the squashy goodness. I braved the stove last night because this is a great recipe for me on several fronts - I love pancakes, for taste and ease of assembly, and it is a great meal to dole out single servings - which is good for a single person.

Here is my recipe (relatively thick batter):
DRY
2 c. flour (I've used whole wheat pastry flour or unbleached all-purpose)
1/2 c. oatmeal (not instant)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
* I combine all the dry ingredients
* heat skillet at very low heat
WET
1/2 c. pumpkin
2 T canola oil (can use less)
1/3 c. water
1 1/2 soy milk (if using rice milk use LESS - it is more 'liquidy' then soy milk; I personally prefer soy milk for baking and rice milk for drinking)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 T maple syrup (optional - I don't add)
* mix well and add to dry mixture
* do not over mix your pancakes
* plop them onto the griddle/skillet and let 'em cook away. In picture you can see that pancake turns deeper color as it cooks.

This recipe is very forgiving and you can easily modify amounts. I like pancakes that have a very bread like consistency so I like my batter thick. When I spoon it out I have to manually spread it around. Want runnier pancakes - add more liquid. I only make as many pancakes as I am going to eat and save the batter for another day. I only put Earth Balance on mine but like I said, I lack creativity and motivation.

I really am going to write up the hummus story from the Christian Science Monitor. Tomorrow maybe....

Remaining open to love and listening to the melody

whoa - breaking up is hard to do. (I've heard that somewhere before....)
Since breaking up with my boyfriend of 18 months (who was also a friend of 7 and 1/2 years) I've had a few low moments. Like ignoring the man who asked for money and when he started cursing at me cursing back at him. He was most likely drunk and probably mentally ill. I on the other hand.....
So I emailed my mom and told her of my shame and she wrote me the most brilliant advice, I just had to share it. She said: "Indeed sweetheart -- sometimes life is so hard. And sometimes there is nothing we can do about it -- as hard as it is for me to say that, that's the true. Sometimes life sucks and we just have to accept it. I suggest that you rest in the pain you feel right now and don't' resist it. The old saying -- 'whatever you resist persists' -- somehow comes to mind as I am writing you this.What is really going on? Are you angry, sad, frustrated -- all of the above? Then rest in it -- punch a pillow, scream out loud when nobody can hear, cry -- give voice to your emotions. NO matter what you are feeling I recommend -- don't close your heart to love. Love the beggar even when he yells at you, and your friends even when you feel disconnected, and keep your heart open even when you hate your ex-boyfriend -- but most of all Meli (that's me) -- love your-Self and embrace your-Self even when you look back and see what you don't like about you, even when you yell back at the beggar -- love your-Self even when you think you don't have any love in your heart."
Yeah - my mom is a genius. She also clued me in to this amazing site about gratitude. And it was there that I did the practice of being grateful for my uniqueness. As I contemplated the "melody of my life" I was originally skeptical - seemed like some new age hippie stuff. But as I worked through the practice I realized mine is food. I love to eat food, I love to learn about food, I carefully contemplate each day what I put in my body and what that means for me, my community, the world, the planet. So if I am passionate about food (not necessarily making it but I like that too) - can I tie it into librarianship? Along those lines...I read a great story about hummus (oh so yummy and vegan) that I'll be posting tomorrow.
Here I am - newly single, with undefined passion, cursing at beggars. Life isn't always pretty but it keeps me on my toes.

If only I could do downward dog facing south...or something like it

Sometimes I get discouraged. What is my direction? What is my purpose? And I think that is inadvertently apparent in my blog. Do I want to cull articles that highlight positive practices taking place in schools? Do I want to review vegan products? Do I want to urge social justice action? Do I want to post recipes? It changes. I am leaving for Brasil soon (August 31st) and depending on my internet access I may focus on what it means to be a vegan in a "third world country" (sorry mom - she hates it when her country of origin is referred to so disparagingly). There doesn't seem much point in doing that right now since it is being done very well by other bloggers, like: the conscious kitchen, the urban vegan, don't get mad get vegan. So for now bear with me as I flit along in whichever direction the wind takes me for that day.
Recently Pirate Booty was recalled, supposedly several ingredients sourced from China may have caused the outbreak. It amazed me to find out how far removed I could be from what I eat - figuratively and literally. I don't want to buy food with ingredients sourced in China, for ethical and health reasons. But it may just be impossible to avoid - as noted on MSNBC. Eating local is a big movement and potential alternative but unfortunately it is not the silver bullet. An op-ed in the NYTimes articulates the caveat to eating local.
There are no easy answers to the worlds problems. Social justice, environmental conservation, quality of life issues are all incredibly complex issues with incredibly complex 'solutions'. I think the underlying answer is that it is important to remain flexible. Now that I need a lot of practice with!

Darfur - take action!

I wonder if you have heard about Darfur. On one hand I truly hope so - it is a geographic region of Sudan with a 'situation' that the president of the United States has declared a genocide. On the other hand - I hope not. If you haven't heard about Darfur maybe that can explain why it has been ongoing since 2002/3 and TWO years after stating that the killings in Darfur are genocide people continue to die. Whether you have, or haven't, or somewhere in between, now is the time to really pay attention. The Sudanese government (who harbored Osama Bin Laden) is very resistant to any 'foreign' involvement and their position is basically supported by China and Russia. However, the Sudanese government has more then proven they have no interest in truly resolving the problems (death, rape, forced removal) in Darfur.

Please take action. The U.N. just authorized a joint peacekeeping force (African Union + United Nations), which is great. But they've done that before (August 2006) with little resulting action. Please, please, please contact your Senator or the President and petition the secretary-general of the U.N. to follow through. It has never been easier to make your voice heard (it took me less then a minute to call the White House Comment line). And don't despair, if you've read the Tipping Point then you know that enough small action can cause tremendous change.