Weekend Review: Local events, global issues

It is easy to get tied up in the hustle and bustle trappings of modern life and dismiss the issues facing the world as “far away” events. This weekend offered a chance to stop texting and think about the world while having a bit of fun along the way.

The first event was a screening of “Fresh” on Friday at Unity Center of Tacoma, 2102 S. 23rd St. The documentary takes a look at all the factors that go into the nation’s food supply and distribution. Farmers, shippers and sociologists take a look at modern food that has moved from a series of cottage businesses to agri-corporations. That shift has not only widened America’s assortment of food varieties that are largely available year round but raised concerns about food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources and morbid obesity. The movie featured urban farmer and activist, Will Allen, the recipient of MacArthur’s 2008 Genius Award; sustainable farmer and entrepreneur, Joel Salatin, made famous by Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma; and supermarket owner, David Ball.

For something a bit more active, the Firwood Rock Lounge hosted a Hip Hop benefit presented by Perfect10 Promotions and Trybe Entertainment on Friday night for Japan relief, following its recent earthquake, flooding and near nuclear meltdown. All proceeds were donated to Japan’s Red Cross. The goal is $10,000, with donations being collected at the event as well as online.

With new-found thoughts on what sits on your plate, who shares your planet and your heart, the workweek might now provide some quiet time to ponder bigger issues than that latest text buzzing your phone.