I hope you have your TiVO remote handy, because in 10 days (and counting!) PBS will be airing a documentary based on Michael Pollan’s book The Botany of Desire
I read the book the film is based on a few years ago, but basically, it’s about how apples, tulips, marijuana, and potatoes have developed a symbiotic/evolutionary relationship with humans. The show also looks at the political, social, and cultural problems of allowing our botanical desires to play such a strong role in shaping our agriculture strategies.
What really cracks me up is that the PBS website promoting the documentary has lesson plans that encourage teachers to use the series as a teaching tool. I can imagine the uproar when parents catch wind of the lesson on cannabis and how humans have bred it to increase it’s potency. Then again, most parents today were raised by hippies, so maybe they’ll be more relaxed about the topic. Who knows?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I was disappointed in the book, maybe it will be better as a movie.
Roberta/Mom–What didn’t you like about the book?
I thought it was boring. The title was kind of provocative, so I guess I was expecting more.
Here’s the link to record to your tivo from our website
http://www3.tivo.com/tivo-tco/oneclick.do?searchCriteria=2049|programsearch|tivo:cl.150777160