Contents
March-April 2010
A Nation DistractedWhat we risk by being so unfocused and how to start paying better attentionby Maggie Jackson, from the book Distracted
The Focused LifeIf all the world’s a stage, where should you shine your spotlight?by Winifred Gallagher, from the book Rapt
The Dark Side of DairiesEvery day, agricultural workers risk their lives to produce America’s milkby Rebecca Clarren, from High Country News
Jailing the American DreamProfits, poverty, and injustice collide in borderland prisonsby Tom Barry, from Boston Review
Getting Smart on CrimeIncarceration increases recidivism, which is why rehabilitation is becoming a bipartisan causeby Adam Serwer, from The American Prospect
Busting OutTen things citizens can do to reduce incarcerationby Paul Butler, from The Nation
Emerging Ideas
Beyond PTSDAn innovative program treats soldiers’ head wounds
by Joan O’C. Hamilton, from Stanford
Slow ConsumptionWhy we need to start making stuff that lasts
by Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin, from In These Times
Meet the New NannyDomestic Workers United fights for a progressive bill of rights
by Premilla Nadasen, from Ms.
One Student at a TimeGiving young refugees the tools to rebuild Iraq
by Rosalie G. Riegle, from Sojourners
Gleanings
Boots on the GroundA day in the life of a border sheriff
by Melissa del Bosque, from The Texas Observer
Fear ItselfAIDS stigma destroys careers and friendships
by Regan Hofmann, from POZ
Seeing SkinheadA train ride turns ugly, and cooler heads prevail
by Lenelle Moïse, from make/shift
Why God Wanted to Be HumanWith the last bowl of soup comes an unexpected miracle
by Patrick Hannon, from Portland
Mindful Living
Solidarity, Not CharityVolunteers in New Orleans are hindering progress
by Sara Falconer, from Briarpatch
When the Doctor’s AwayHelping people overwhelmed by illness navigate their care
by Jenny Price, from On Wisconsin
Pants on FireCurtis White on why we’re eco-liars
interview by Cheston Knapp, from Tin House
Mixed Media
How to Watch a DocumentaryTake it from a pro: What you don’t see matters
by Andrea Palpant Dilley, from Geez
Music from Thin AirBobby Skinner is serious about the theremin
by Jason Hutter, from OffBeat
Child Soldiers, Child ActorsA director chooses his battle-tested cast
interview by Jonathan Romney, from Sight & Sound
Plus:Music, film, and book reviews
Editor’s NoteThe Long Haulby David Schimke
Shelf LifeBreaking Freeby Danielle Maestretti
ForwardWhen Growth Isn’t Goodby Eric Utne
Dispatches from:
In These Times, The Nation, Global Journalist, Socialist Review, Next American City, Johns Hopkins Public Health, The Progressive, Washington Monthly, Technology Review, The American Prospect, Tricycle, Discover, Mother Jones, New Scientist, BlackFlash, Bitch