Mad About Maize by Peggy Paul Cassella Most experts agree that the wild ancestor of corn (or maize, as it’s called in other countries) can be traced to Central and South America about 70,000 years ago. After it was domesticated around 7500 B.C., it became a mainstay of the ancient Native American diet and remains
More“Vivere” by Joe Boruchow Art That Hits Home by Heather Shayne Blakeslee Income inequality and pollution in Philadelphia might not seem like they would serve as inspiration for the city’s creatives, but celebrated Philadelphia papercut artist Joe Boruchow has been doing political work for years. He routinely draws attention to what he sees as the
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Illustration by Carter Mulcahy The Body Politic interview by Heather Shayne Blakeslee In her book “The Wrath of Capital: Neoliberalism and Climate Change Politics,” scholar Adrian Parr explores the interconnected nature of capitalism, political power and the systemic abuses foisted upon people and planet when the accumulation of money, power and possessions is our primary
MoreIllustration by Carter Mulcahy The Spirit of Philadelphia by Steven Grasse I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is where I live now. I’m raising a family here. I run a creative agency here. I’m a lifelong student of our city’s history and lore. I love it. But there’s no need to bury the
MoreSwing State by Heather Shayne Blakeslee It was a heady time for the state’s environmental community eight years ago. As I worked to raise money for green buildings and as an advocate at the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, I was a firsthand witness as the environmental and business communities made progress together in Pennsylvania
More1. Commit to walking to work once a week In between the chilly May mornings and the dog days of August, it’s perfect walking weather. Pick a different route each time to take in the scenery and new shops. 2. Cool the kids down with fun Whether it’s the neighborhood ice cream truck or Rita’s
MoreConcerned Residents, Port Authority and Governor’s Office Gather for Town Hall on Oil Refinery ExpansionCommunity activists demanded an end to the expansion of the Southport Marine Terminal during a town hall meeting at Kingsessing Recreation Center on May 19, two weeks after more than 350 people shut down the gates of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions
MoreIllustration by Laura Weiszer Web of Life essay by Jane Dugdale Two years ago, my congregation, Central Baptist Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided to focus on climate change as a moral and spiritual issue through its Ecology Mission Group. I had been a member of this activist congregation for decades, but my spiritual journey from
MorePhoto by Albert C. Yee Higher Power by Thomas Parry Bill Cozzens had been skirting around the edges of the Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT). A Germantown Quaker himself, Cozzens had attended a demonstration and a meeting, but was looking to get more involved. On the evening of May 3, Cozzens showed up to the
MorePhoto courtesy of Jewish Farm School Jewish Roots by Marilyn Anthony Standing at the Jewish Farm School (JFS) booth at the Philly Food and Farm Fest, Nati Passow, 37, welcomes a steady stream of visitors. His dreadlocks tucked up low at the base of his neck and his large, graying beard framing a broad smile,
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