Gene Baur

It all started with a trip to the stockyard. After rescuing a discarded, still-alive sheep from a pile of carcasses — the first of many animals saved — Gene Baurdecided to dedicate his life to exposing the cruelty of factory farms, the nightmarish facilities where that delicious burger once existed as a cow in very cramped conditions. Twenty-three years later, the activist and author brings his crusade to Brazos Bookstore, where he’ll discuss his 2008 book, Farm Sanctuary. The book discusses what happens when we shift from family farming to mass production — efficiency improves, but at what cost? Even if you’re the kind of person who would eat hippies if it were legal, Baur’s even-keeled investigation (no preaching or PETA-like sloganeering here) will make you consider the ethical and environmental issues that factory farming raises. He may not have you saying “pass the gluten,” but Baur is certain to make you question the way we make our meat. 6 p.m. 2421 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-523-0701 or visit www.brazosbookstore.com. Free.
Wed., May 27, 6 p.m., 2009