“Vermiculturist”
Dewey Decker showed his new business cards to the other guys at the Mule Barn Truck Stop’s philosophy counter, and each member of the world dilemma think tank got to keep one.
Steve, our owlish-appearing cowboy, scratched his head as he studied the card.
“Okay, Dewey, I’ll bite … what’s a verm-a- ….?
“Vermiculturist, Steve,” Dewey said, proudly. “It means I raise worms.”
Dewey, the beloved accident-prone member of the think tank, began his new career with just a shovel and his pickup, spreading manure in people’s yards. Now, thanks in great part to the genius of his girlfriend, Emily Stickles, (she of the magnificent cheekbones) he was earning a decent living. Back when they fell (literally … he tripped) in love, she took this crash-and-burn disaster and molded him into a multi-dimensional businessman, while still keeping him away from sharp objects or things that crush.
Dewey has branched out now into compost, worms (excuse me … vermiculture) and fertilizer tea. The tea goes on the lawn, not in the tea cups.
“Dewey,” said Doc, “this vermiculture stuff now … how much work is it, really?”
“That’s the good part about it, Doc.
You see,
I don’t have to do anything at all, really, except keep them in
… prod- uct, you know. They reproduce without any outside help, and turn manure into the best compost in the world. Then you can sell them to other people to work their compost piles, or to fishermen.”
“Well, Dewey,” said Herb, “it looks to me like simply being a vermiculturist doesn’t really cover the subject. Wouldn’t those red wigglers also make you a compostocologist?”
“Hadn’t really thought about …” Dewey said.
“And when it comes to selling them to fishermen,” Doc said, “wouldn’t you be an ichthymasticatiousdietician?”
“I … I …”
“Yes, Dewey?”
“I refuse to be anything I can’t spell.”
What is “plantstrong living”? It’s not a fad diet, but a lifestyle, meaning that the bulk of your food is based on whole, natural, plant-based foods, not animal foods. Yes, it will take some getting used to — but could the changes in your health save your life?
Find out on Nov. 7 when Dr. James Sheppard of South Arkansas Medical Associates speaks at the South Arkansas Community College Library about the health benefits of a plantbased diet.
To learn more about this topic check out these new books, all available in our library.
“The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and LongTerm Health” by T. Colin Campbell, Thomas M. Campbell II, John Robbins and Howard Lyman. After years of his own research on nutrition and health, the author believes that illness can be prevented by simply changing from animal to plant-based foods. Here he documents all the statistics surrounding dietary factors and disease based on this project.
“The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter’s 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan That Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds” by Rip Esselstyn. Is your health in a state of emergency? Before that alarm bell rings, try this Texas firefighter’s plan that helped his entire firehouse lower their cholesterol, lose weight and improve their health. And how do they fire up their engines? Plants, whole grains, fruits, nuts and other whole foods. Recipes included along with an exercise program.
“The Spectrum: How to Customize a Way of Eating and Living Just Right for You and Your Family” by Dr. Dean Ornish. The famous