Michael Pollan Speaks

There's the old adage about shooting the messenger, and if anyone's been shouting at the top of his lungs about how messed up our food system is, it's Michael Pollan. I'd seen his articles in the NY Times Sunday magazine, and then read his charming book, The Botany of Desire, detailing how plants have manipulated us to do their bidding over the centuries so they could thrive and spread over the planet.

His new book, In Defense of Food, in its 256 pages, essentially comes down to seven words: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Whether you still want to read all those other words is up to you, but you can go listen to what he has to say on Feb. 12 at the Bagdad Theatre for only $21.95, which includes admission and a copy of the new book. Sounds like a deal to me.

Details: Michael Pollan at the Bagdad Theatre. Feb. 12, 7 pm; $21.95 includes admission and a copy of the book. Tickets available from the Bagdad or Ticketmaster. Bagdad Theatre, 3702 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Phone 503-236-9234.