Engaging, Informational, Sound Rich
The gentle rural pace of this special filled me with nostalgia. I grew up just north of the Hudson Valley where husband/wife team Joe & Lorie talk to their friendly neighbors - some natives and some transplanted New Yorkers. But all have found their way to the joys of healthy eating/living. There's lots of information about Community Supported Agiculture and the benefits of organic foods such as micro-vegetables. (Though I must admit, the details of a so-called Sunshine Burger based on sunflower seeds had my own debauched system screaming out for McDonald's!)
There's lots of fun sound - especially when a persistent rooster does some serious scene-stealing - and the tone is always casual. I wasn't overly fond of the old comedy sketchs in the second hour - but they make a kind of Borscht Belt sense, I guess. I loved the final comments of the old philosopher, tying everything together. (A pity the mood is then broken by 5 minutes of shameless self-promotion for the next show - but, hey, that's part of the old American work ethic, as well!)
All in all, laid-back Labor Day fare that should entertain both relaxed rurals and edgy urbanites.
David Swatling
, Radio Netherlands
Amsterdam
August 16, 2007
Labor Day documentary about small business owners promoting healthy lifestyles.
