"Mystery Meat," by Robb Walsh, June 18
No Cow blood for Oil!
Truly amazing energy resources are required to raise, process and deliver beef. Read up for yourself so you understand the story behind this story. The systems necessary for our current meaty lifestyle contribute substantially to making American energy independence close to impossible.
There are very direct connections between meat, oil consumption and our sensitivity to the periodic crises in the oil-dominant countries and their unsavory regimes. Do your own research, connect the dots. If you don't like America depending on those countries for oil, dropping out of meat eating can really help.
Tex Tradd from Austin, via dallasobserver.com
I thoroughly enjoyed this insightful journey into the catacombs of our meat industry. I especially appreciate the little story of the group that slaughtered, prepared and feasted on the pig. I believe that if everyone had to hunt and prepare their own meat, we'd have less waste and a greater appreciation of the animals that sustain us. As a child growing up on a cattle ranch, I have the utmost respect for the "little man" and the hard work and love that goes into a well-bred steer and the resulting tasty steaks. Thanks again for the story!
JazzyKitty from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com
Another very insightful piece by the master of Texas food writing. It does make me wonder about chicken fajitas, what cuts are used, etc. Also, I'm curious to know whether chicken or beef is the No. 1 seller for restaurant fajitas.
Foodczar, via dallasobserver.com
"Storm Damaged," by Jim Schutze, June 18
Power to the People
I would have to agree with your opinion on the sheer audacity of Oncor to be complete and total dicks. First let's talk about the "smart meters," the ones we were forced to have by our "power provider." So far, this little piece of junk has cost me an extra 5ish dollars on every bill plus a fee for this fee, which has a fee for another fee on a state tax. So, anyway, the smart meter should "save us money, help the consumer, save the planet, blah blah blah."
So far—NOTHING. Not one penny is saved FOR me. It actually COST me money.
Saving the planet by helping reduce wasted electricity? You have GOT to be jerking my pickle. If you want to save more electricity than my house consumes in an entire DAY, then let's start by turning off those 400- to 1000-watt ballast light posts I see running ALL DAY. And back to saving money, the truth is, the only person getting the benefit of saving is the power companies. And to top off my frustration with how horribly these companies are run: You have my damn address, telephone number and, last but not least, my freaking Social Security number. But to knock on someone's door at 7 a.m. to change out my meter?
Oh, and to add insult to stupidity, apparently Oncor did not follow regulations and went forward with the "smart meters" before the laws were in place and we (the consumers) will most likely have to front the charge of replacing the meters changed before regulations took effect. So charge me again, and tell me this is to my benefit.
Jim, please keep this company on the burner. You are not the only one feeling frustrated in a lack of humanity.
I pay, so I say what I want, via dallasobserver.com
You WIMP! Try living in Houston, and you will find out what "storms," power outages and power-envy are really like.
Joyce Ann from Houston, via dallasobserver.com
"Buzz," by Sam Merten, June 18
Stop him if you've heard this
Rather than spend nearly $2 billion on this ridiculous money grab, how about simply rebuilding Industrial Boulevard. Turn it into a nice, six-lane, divided parkway. Plant some trees. Install some vintage-style lighting. Encourage street-level redevelopment. Maybe even put some of those newfangled streetcars down the middle.
You could do that to a few other existing traffic arteries heading into town too.
Why anyone thinks putting a road over a sewer (that overflows on a regular basis) is a good idea is beyond me, unless you used to be head of a construction company.
Montemalone from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com
