Prime Slime

Burrstone survived the brush with Prime Slime. So did a dozen organic roses, which quickly became the center of attention. Were all organically-grown plants resistant, or was it a fluke? That was the billion dollar question. A visit to the organic farm, where the roses originated, could help solve the riddle.

Terra Organics was located in the mountains above Hackettstown, NJ, ironically the home of Snickers and M&Ms. The farm generated considerable income for the Terra community. Besides their celebrated roses, Terra cultivated a world class vegetable garden to sustain this health-oriented community. With organic goods at a premium and in great demand, Terra did well financially. In fact, their success conflicted with the commune’s non-materialistic lifestyle. So, to save face, they funneled profits into education on organic farming and sustainability.

Currently, Terra was sponsoring an intensive on organics, for which over 100 people–mostly from the New York metro area–had signed up. The all-vegetarian affair covered the latest principles and practices of organic farming. Nan reserved room and board for three for the weekend. Dexter stayed behind to hold down the fort.

This was more than a scientific expedition. In truth, there were many reasons to attend. For Evan, it served his growing thirst for awareness and visibility. Any excuse to escape the lab was a good one. He was also learning about food quality, and this promised to be a cornucopia of taste sensations. His intention was to be open to new things, including the open relationships promoted at Terra.

Terri was already akin to the organic movement, and a fan of wholesome food. Any chance to learn more about plant life was welcome. She had never been to a commune before, and was attracted to the concept. Not that she made a habit of sleeping around, but she was drawn to Terra’s open lifestyle. It just made sense to her. Terri also felt as though fate had brought her here, and something magical was unfolding.

Nan applauded their unrefined, raw organic food, which was the essence of good nutrition. She looked forward to the banquet of homegrown delights, prepared with loving care. It made her feel a part of the great cycle of life. At Terra, sustainable agriculture rose to the spiritual level, and Nan was most appreciative.

However, she was not into the free love bit. Terra residents were encouraged to engage in more than one sexual partnership, though not casually. Polyamory, as it was called, involved engagement with multiple committed partners. As it turned out, most relationships formed at Terra were trios, usually with one man and two women, but sometimes vice versa. Bisexuality was also permitted. Yet nucleation, or pairing off, was frowned upon, since it interfered with free communal expression. And, frankly, sex with one person inevitably got old. Extended sexuality was a natural part of communal living.

The mixed reactions to polyamory set Evan and his friends apart. Nan would have none of it, and Terri seemed to be OK with it, theoretically. Still, both concealed their intentions, as women do when it comes to sex. Evan had to conceal his feelings, because Nan would not tolerate licentious behavior. He managed not to drool, bark or stare during their time there.

Most attendees arrived the night before, and were assigned living quarters. Evan and Nan shared a double bed in a room upstairs; one of many in the main building. Terri shared a room nearby with twin beds. The rooms were small and stark, but clean. Provisions consisted of the bare essentials: a mattress on a shallow wooden platform, clean sheets, bath towels, a small chest of drawers, and a shared bathroom down the corridor. The creaky wood floors announced the presence of anyone walking about.

When they arrived, it was near bedtime. A bosomy, bra-less intern escorted them to their rooms. She was tattooed and tie-dyed, like many of Terra’s residents.

It was the first time Nan and Evan slept together; Nan in pajamas and Evan in boxers. He was already pushing the envelope. Turning down the lights, he descended into bed and spooned up behind her. After an awkward moment, she pulled away.

“Shouldn’t we go slowly?” she asked.

“Intriguing”, Evan quipped, falling back on his pillow.

“I like to snuggle too, but I make some distinctions. We need to build trust first.”

“What’s the difference, now or later?” Evan asked. “We’ve known each other long enough.” Again, he snuggled up behind her.

“These are sacred acts, Evan. It takes time to know if someone is right. Jumping into it may entangle us in a messy web that we’ll regret later, or make us lose respect.”

“Yes, but how can we know it’s right before we make love?”

“Your addictions keep you from intimacy,” Nan responded.

Though a bit slighted, Evan felt the pinch of truth. He had issues. Avoiding commitment all those years had taken its toll.

“You have no idea what I’ve been through,” Evan blurted, as he rolled to the far edge of the bed, his back to Nan.

“I don’t mean to pick on you,” Nan whispered, as she cuddled up close. “This problem belongs to so many men. It is part of the culture, how we raise our children. It’s not just about you.” Nan pulled him close with her free hand. “Still, you must come to terms with the situation. If you are out of integrity in romance, you are not a man of integrity. If you lie and cheat on women, you are a liar and a cheater. There’s no getting around it. It prevents you from real intimacy.”

Evan remained quiet in thought. Nan had hit a resonant chord.

“I plan to take a stand for you. You need to step up to higher ground, where we can grow together. I could not accept less.” Her words were offered as a challenge. The message was clear, and to the heart of the matter.

Evan turned and looked deeply into her eyes. Nan was incredible even in darkness. She wiped away his tears, and they fell into a deep embrace, from which Nan eventually pulled away.

“Time to take a shower,” Evan said, as he creaked away to the bathroom. En route, he praised the wisdom of uncertainty. He was in the right place, and open to new possibilities. To grow was to relinquish control. He was in good hands. Back in bed, Evan fell asleep and dreamed of being washed ashore from a raging river.

They arose the following morning with the rising heat. Not fully awake or at full awareness, Evan was again squarely on one track. Instinctively, he nestled up behind Nan and expressed himself with the only language available. He kissed the back of her neck and softly caressed her arms, while rotating his hips into hers.

Not awake enough to protest, Nan murmured with pleasure. “You make it very difficult.” she sighed.

“Let’s get it over with,” Evan mumbled, bad breath and all.

“Let’s just enjoy being close.”

“Yeah, I guess,” he moaned. Only recently could he defer so easily. The fire in his groin once enslaved him, but was fading. Engaging with women without it leading to sex was novel. Something new was opening to him.

After dressing, they walked downstairs to the main hall, which was filled with folding chairs. There was room to accommodate everyone. People from all walks-of-life were filling the spaces. The usual cadre of hippies, a few in military dress, soccer moms, and even guys and gals in monkey suits surfed for seats. People were beginning to be drawn to the organic concept. Many more women than men were present, as they are generally more enlightened on the benefits of good health. Evan was fine with that.

Up front were long tables, where food was placed. Permanent residents at Terra worked the kitchen during the conference and served breakfast as participants arrived. On the tables were an assortment of healthy goodies: whole grain breads and cereals, raw nut butters, fruits and veggies, free-range eggs, avocados, tempeh and tofu salads, fair-trade tea and coffee were offered.

Coffee was all Evan could handle at that time of the morning. Beyond organic, this brew was roasted in a manner that enhanced its healthy antioxidant levels. Evan dumped four cubes of brown sugar into his cup, as Nan winced in disgust. There was no cream, so Evan resorted to the hemp milk. “What a way to ruin a cup of Joe”, he said to Nan, after taking a sip.

Nan chose eggs, spinach salad and an assortment of berries. What a colorful plate it was, and low-carb, which explained her slim figure.

The subject of the program was organic gardening. The key speaker was a tall, handsome fellow named George Green, who ran the farming operations at Terra. He had just come in from working the garden, straw hat and all. His light brown ponytail swayed side to side as he worked the crowd.

George Green was one serious farmer. The food he grew, with help from Terra residents, was disease-free, flavorful and packed with nutrition. Yet, most people knew Terra for its ornamentals. The roses were of the highest quality, and very popular with upscale New Yorkers. The gardens were also a lovely place to stroll on a Sunday afternoon. Despite the drought, Terra maintained an attractive and productive garden, thanks to George. He loved the land, and it returned the favor.

Terra was perhaps best known for its polyamory, though George was not a proponent. Nor was he currently seeing anyone. His love lied in his garden. Romance merely interfered with work, and piece of mind. Polyamory was not appealing to him, but he respected the rights of others to love as they pleased, as long as they directed some of it into the garden.

In sharp contrast, Evan was turned on by polyamory, big time. He wished he had known about Terra as a younger man. Being passed around by several willing partners sounded like heaven. Several engaging Terra ladies had already smiled invitingly his way. At least he could savor the fantasy.

Reality was no match for fantasy, however. In truth, there was little casual sex at Terra. Most members were utterly loyal to their partners. That’s what sold Terri on the concept.

She finally arrived for breakfast, fixed a bowl of fruit, and sat front and center next to Evan. With Nan on his other side, Evan felt virile and proud, sitting between two attractive ladies. They could have been mistaken for a Terrad (a Terra love trio); a good-looking one at that.

Polyamory notwithstanding, most residents at Terra were very affectionate people. The guests were impressed by the kindness engendered by this community. Sexuality was only one manifestation of that love. It was also evident in their music, their dance-like movements, and frequent touching. It was titillating just watching them. They treated their guests, and each other, like gods and goddesses. Evan had never experienced sensuality at this level.

Interestingly, what Nan saw as inappropriate, Terri experienced as an evolution in love. George simply ignored it, but Evan was incredibly turned on. Polyamory can do all those things to people.

After they’d eaten, George walked to the front of the room to start his presentation, as the crowd grew quieter and attentive. He thanked everyone for coming, and praised the audience for their evolved tastes. He approached a flip chart, containing some outlines and drawings. With his props, George focused on defining organic agriculture, in contrast to conventional farming. He touched on issues of sustainability, quality, toxicity, taste and nutrition, all in support of the organic method.

“Conventional agribusiness is a disaster. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are destroying the arable earth. Cancer-causing insecticides, considered safe in the US, are killing our children. Meanwhile, our people suffer from diseases unheard of 100 years ago. And they boast that GMOs will feed our growing population. Whatever happened to common sense? There are much better ways to solve these problems, but the food and chemical companies are not listening, because they place profit over health.”

Nan couldn’t help herself: “Big Pharma is just as bad. They wait for us to get sick, then treat with needless drugs and surgery.”

“Well, yes, it’s the same problem, is it not?” George responded. “In a capitalistic society, everything gets corrupted, even our food and health. Meanwhile, wholesome, organic food is our best protection against illness.”

“I would include vitamin and mineral supplements as well,” Nan replied.

“Yes, insofar as they are concentrated food, and that they complement a wholesome diet. Supplements may address a number of problems, but they are typically synthetic or inorganic excuses for vitamins. And most don’t contain the numerous phytonutrients found in whole, organic food. So, yes, whole-food supplements are useful, but food is king.”

“It’s a conspiracy motivated by greed,” someone shouted. Other angry voices spoke out.

“Our health system is broken.”

“Corporations invest in sickness, not health,” Terri added.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment,” George exclaimed, as he turned toward Terri. “That old axiom is true both in medicine and in farming. Keep the soil healthy, and it will continue to produce quality food. High quality food makes for healthy people. But rape the soil of its minerals, earthworms, and friendly bacteria, and you’ve got shit!” George found himself talking directly to Terri, as the rest of the room blurred. She quietly scolded him for his foul language, but in a playful way.

Evan raised his hand anxiously. He knew there were injustices, but was annoyed at the anti-science rhetoric.

“There’s a place for science in agriculture.” Evan trumpeted, as the room grew silent. “The jury is still out on GMOs,” he continued. “They are regarded as safe by most scientists.”

Moans and boos rippled through the crowd, as a throng of angry eyes glared at him. Evan was alone on this one. One young lady, who smiled at him earlier, was beside herself. Even Terri edged away, trying to divorce herself from her mentor. Fortunately, for Evan, they did not throw any organic tomatoes.

George turned up his nose. “Frankenfoods are part of the problem. The monopolies are wagering their future capital on GMOs. But why use chemical or genetic solutions for problems caused by poor management in the first place? We must base our farming methods on sounder principles.” The crowd cheered George on, but Evan was not finished.

“GMO crops have been around for some time. Indeed, most of the food the world eats has been genetically modified. The new techniques of molecular biology let us fine-tune the process, to avoid unwanted or dangerous results.” Evan did little to attract supporters, but continued. “GMOs may hold tremendous benefits in food production and farm incomes. It could reduce the number of pesticides needed to protect crops. Salt-tolerant varieties could help feed the poor living in non-arable lands. Vitamin content can be bolstered genetically. Wonderful things can be done with the technology.”

The woman who felt betrayed by him shouted, “Then why are they spraying pesticides all over GMO crops?” They export chemicals banned in the US to third world countries, causing sterility, cancer and other serious health issues in millions of people. That’s the wonder of US technology.”

“There are over 6000 pesticides approved here in the US”, George added. The uproar was palpable.

“Nonetheless, GMO foods can be beneficial.” Evan insisted, shouting over the noise.

“Where’s the beef?” George retorted. “The evidence is not in support of higher yields, reduced pesticide use, greater farm profits, cheaper food, or fewer hungry people. GMOs are a hoax. The stuff commercialized thus far merely prolongs dysfunctional systems. Herbicide-tolerant crops give an excuse to further poison our land. And the large-scale confinement of engineered animals is an insult to nature.”

“Instead of treating earth respectfully, they rape and pillage in the name of progress!” added the angry young woman.

The heat was rising all around. George pointed out the influence of agribusiness on government policies. “GMO foods are products of a technology that destroys what is good for short-term gain. It puts production above taste and nutrition.

“In any effort to improve crop yield, increase nutrient content, or combat pest resistance, we must keep soil health in mind. Genetics should not be the primary means to address these issues, because most of the answers are simpler than that. We don’t need a gene jockey or rocket scientist telling us how to farm. In the hands of big business, genetics and synthetic chemicals become tools to promote mediocrity and waste.”

George sensed that he had gone on a bit, and calmed himself.

Terri came to his aid. “I’ve been reading about Bt corn, a GMO that makes its own insecticide. Unfortunately, it’s killing off good insects as well. And now it looks like insects are becoming Bt resistant. Must we keep modifying genes?”

“Better to address the composition of the soil and to employ natural, nontoxic pesticides,” George replied. “Organics have been shown repeatedly to improve disease resistance, mineral content and nutritional quality of foods.”

“Agreed!” Nan replied. “Take selenium for example, a potent antioxidant mineral. Broccoli grown in high-selenium soil dramatically reduced colon cancer in rats. Unfortunately, many of our soils are bereft of selenium.”

Nan turned to Evan. “Bacteria are important to health, and not just germs to be destroyed. The soil is very much like our intestines. Antibiotics can kill our friendly bacteria, causing diarrhea, vaginal infections, inflammation, obesity, cancer, even depression. Soil organisms are also important, and just as fragile.”

“Even more so”, George exclaimed. “We attack the soil much harder than we do humans. We go in with both barrels loaded, wiping out both good and bad bacteria, and doing more harm than good. Yet farmers keep spraying by the truckload.”

“And doctors prescribe drugs unchecked,” Nan added.

George drew the equation ‘HEALTH = ORGANIC’ on his flip chart, allowing his audience to absorb the connection. Above and below he wrote ‘SOIL’ and ‘GUT’, respectively, in a different color.

George then offered his vision for the future. “Educated citizens, who avoid the use of toxic chemicals, who choose unprocessed, organic foods, and who practice sound nutrition, are more likely to thrive in this polluted world. Eventually, the population will be enriched with people who are aware, intelligent and healthy. A higher order will emerge from the masses of gluttony, laziness and ignorance.”

Evan was listening openly, but still held to his argument: “With any new technology, the risks and benefits must be weighed. The effects of GMOs on food safety and the environment must be evaluated seriously.” A long silence followed.

George broke in: “Unfortunately, much of that technology is promoted by the conglomerates, and is mostly propaganda. They control the federal regulators, and can do pretty much what they wish, without checks and balances on their practices.”

“Think global, buy local!” someone shouted defiantly.

George continued, calmly. “All produce was once organic and grown locally. However, intensive food production forced a reduction in small farms in the interest of the world market. Now our food comes from half way around the world, and we know almost nothing about how it was grown.

“Fortunately, a few farmers committed to organic practices survived, and continue to create high-quality produce. Now the trend is reversing. Organic is growing rapidly.”

Terri was curious. “Are there really higher levels of trace minerals in organic fruits and vegetables?”

“It’s been shown repeatedly,” George responded, nodding in Terri’s direction, “especially in biodynamic farming, where special rock dusts are added to the compost. Others use sea salt or fish meal to add back the minerals. Of all the wonderful things that plants offer–including protein, carbohydrates, fiber, essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants–minerals are the most critical. Plants are connected to the soil where the minerals lie. They take up the minerals for their own purposes, and pass them on to us. This is our vital link to the soil. Soils rich in minerals also produce more plant protein, and resist insects, disease and drought.

“A century ago, fruits and vegetables were much richer in vitamins and minerals than the stuff we eat today. According to the US Department of Agriculture, many vegetables and fruits have experienced significant nutrient losses over the past half century, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin and vitamin C. Other nutrients, like magnesium, zinc, vitamins B-6 and E, have likely declined as well, though were not studied. This leaves us squarely in a nutrient-depleted state.

“Back in 1936, the US Senate commissioned a study on the mineral content of our food, and concluded that many human ills are linked to soil mineral depletion.

“Plants require around twenty, and humans more than thirty essential minerals to thrive. Yet, fertilizers replace only three of these minerals - nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Sure, they increase yield, but the product is compromised.”

Terri gave George another breather: “There is also evidence that farmers are choosing sweeter, more attractive, and more prolific crops at the expense of more nutritious ones.”

Nan added: “Recent studies have shown significantly higher antioxidant levels in organic foods. Antioxidants protect against cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and infection, and keep us from aging prematurely.”

Evan now understood why the organic roses resisted Prime Slime. Like most parasites, Prime Slime was an opportunist, and healthy plants are resistant to opportunists.

Still, he needed to make a point: “I appreciate all your wisdom. It really makes a lot of sense, and I don’t deny that organic is a big part of the answer. But with biotechnology, we can also improve our foods. With one single gene, we can prevent blindness in millions of people in third world countries.”

The moans and groans persisted, but to a lesser extent. Evan was still pushing some buttons.

George responded. “How can we possibly improve on nature’s great beauty, fashioned over billions of years? If anything, science has had a negative impact on the quality of foods. The drop in nutrition levels in human and animal feed over the last century is alarming. Natural resources, such as arable land and water, are declining. Global warming is stressing plants to the max. High yields on poor soils only adds to it, and exhausts the resources.”

Nan contributed her thoughts: “Humans are also to the point of exhaustion and breakdown from lack of nutrients. Chronic diseases of all kinds are in epidemic proportions. Alzheimers, autism, allergies, asthma, obesity, diabetes and heart disease have reached record numbers in the last 20-50 years. Is this the impact of science?

“It’s also due to medical dogma, advocating low-fat, hi-carb diets, and their drug-first policies when treating patients.”

Together, George and Nan made the link between animal, plant and soil health. They shared a moment in silent agreement.

“Perhaps. . .” said Evan, clearing his throat. “But this is science in the hands of the ignorant and greedy. This is not pure science, but a capitalist system out of control. Sure, we have taken many wrong turns. But the possibility still exists for doing good in the world through science.” For a moment George and the crowd reflected on Evan’s words.

In a thoughtful, steady voice, George responded. “There is some truth to what you say. However, as long as science seeks to bend nature, the trend will continue. Expensive, complicated approaches don’t cut it. Science should align itself with nature and her wisdom. Then people would be less suspicious.”

Again, Nan drew the connection. “Promoting the growth of friendly microbes, rather than destroying bad ones, would solve many intractable problems in agriculture and medicine.”

Everyone felt that they had been heard. Evan and George bowed their heads in respect to the greater wisdom.

After the conference, a number of participants remained for supper, Evan and company included. The spread of organic and raw foods was even more impressive than at breakfast. Loaves of wholesome, sprouted grain bread, fermented foods, seaweeds, mushroom sautés, raw milk cheeses, green juices, and a large assortment of fruits and vegetables were offered. It was a vegetarian’s delight. Nan avoided the bread, but exchanged other morsels with Evan. Terri and George stole each other’s attention during the feast.

As the crowd dwindled, Evan leaned over to George: “If I can speak in confidence, let me tell you why we’re here.” He looked around the room, and moved a little closer to George. “A GMO monster was created in our lab by accident. It’s a very nasty plant disease that we’ve been struggling to contain.”

George looked confused, so Terri picked up the slack. “Inadvertently, we created a slime that is deadly to plants. It wiped out our entire greenhouse within a few hours, and turned flowers to mush in front of our eyes! The only plants left standing were roses that came from your garden.” Terri couldn’t help but admire the man responsible for such health and beauty. She had a soft spot for roses and enlightened men.

“That’s amazing! “Nothing else survived your slime?”

“All our house plants and an entire football field–destroyed,” Terri responded.

George was alarmed, but couldn’t help tout his flowers. “Most of our income is derived from our flowers. We sell out faster than we can harvest. Our cut roses open wide and last for weeks.”

“We are impressed with your roses for many reasons.” Terri said, staring into his eyes.

“Everything here is tied to everything else. Our spirituality is tied to the earth, and we are part of its bounty.”

“That’s the Amerindian way,” Terri reflected.

“Yes, we are in harmony with the indigenous peoples who once roamed this continent,” George responded, returning her provocative stare. “I’m not surprised my roses survived your slime. However, I’m puzzled by this disease. There’s nothing like it in nature. I do recall a blight in the seventies that wiped out half the corn crop. But it wasn’t nearly as aggressive.”

“Would you like to pursue this further?” Terri asked.

“You mean with my plants?” George replied.

“Of course,” Evan interjected, having noticed their flirtations. “We want to test our slime on your organic plants. The question is, are all organic plants resistant? Conversely, are conventional plants always sensitive?”

“It would be my pleasure!” George assured him. “I’m curious to see how we do. Our movement is in need of scientific validity.

“We can get all the plants you need. There’s a conventional nursery near us that would provide the perfect negative control. They grow the same flowers we do, on similar soil, but that’s where the similarity ends.”

“These experiments need to be conducted secretly in high-level containment,” Evan warned. “You must be debriefed first, and your plants shipped to our facility without fanfare.

“Come decorate our lab,” Terri added.