Chapter 16 of "The Omnivore's Dilemma" (Pollan) detailed the evolutionary pains and powers of having near-complete freedom of choice in food and diet; while other creatures seek only one food source and become evolutionarily entwined with it (in life and death), humanity can move about with the greatest ease from one appetizing bounty to another, rarely pulling a hair when one staple disappears because another suitable one is doubtlessly nearby. People will never run out of food options; this fact might ensure the overall survival of homo sapiens from famine of any one staple, but presents an imponderable complexity about what is best for one to eat. What is healthy and unhealthy has changed more in the last century than in the entire history of man previous, rigorously turning the world of food upside-down and inside-out, the world of the food-eaters turning likewise.
Chapter 17 described the "rules" of eating animals, the rules themselves being unstable and not set to a fine line by any one party overall. Some people advocate freeing humanity from animal cruelty forever by becoming vegan; this would perhaps ensure a more utopian and natural style of living and eating, but would ultimately lead to the extermination of millions of animals born to be food, and a sensless killing at that, as no food or gain would be obtained. Others push for a Polyface Farm future, where animals are treated humanely, and one gets to see everything about the chicken they buy for dinner, from its happy pecking about in a pasture, to its death, defeathering, and sale on a counter. Sustainability lobbyists look down such a road as well. Still more people content themselves with the low-priced industrial food model, where animals are treated as machines and nothing else for the sake of more food, despite all its health risks and shortcomings to all except the grand businesses involved. One thing's for sure: none will win outright, and the war between them all will definitely serve to increase the ever-worsening omnivore's dilemma.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Omnivore's Dilemma (ch.8,10,11), They Say I Say (ch.6,7), Writer's Resource
Chapters 8, 10, and 11 of "The Omnivore's Dilemma" (Pollan) detail the workings of Joel Salatin in his "grass farming." Though he raises a variety of livestock on his farm, and a small amount of crops as well, the life behind it all is simple green grass, which Salatin takes the utmost care in protecting and nurturing (without any pesticides or fertilizers, ironically). By having th livestock eat in a rotation of biggest to smallest in varying pastures, the grass replenishes itself, and is removed of parasites and bothersome plants. In addition, all the animals have enough to eat, and are pefectly healthy without antibiotics. Truly, Salatin's Polyface Farm sets the standard for simplicity, sustainability, and being organic, without ever calling itself so.
In addition, the link between grass and humankind is cemented in these chapters. People have relied upon grass since the dawn of man, when all were hunters of mammoths and other great animals. Since people could not eat the grass itself, they ate the animals that ate it, and consumed its nutrients secondhand. To keep the grass in good order was necessary for a stable supply of meat as well, so people often set fire to encroaching growths and beat back brush to keep the grasslands healthy and plentiful for meat animals. Eventually, some grasses (wheat, corn) came about that people could not only digest, but eat as a staple as well, outdoing their green predecessors. Agriculture soon followed, eliminating much need for hunting and allowing for domestication. Whether through animals or the plant itself, simple grass has been the underlying reason for humanity's success for millenia.
Chapters 6 and 7 of "They Say, I Say" (Graff) decribe how to bolster the arguement in a paper, ironically by bringing in outside opinions that contradict the main arguement. By planting quotes and point of opposing arguements ito one's essay, the main theme can appear reasonable by showing contrasting viewpoints, and stronger by proving them wrong. It is necessary, though, for all to relate to the main point, whether supporting or contradicting it.
MLA citations examples are as follows:
-Works Cited (Book): Author. Title. City of Publication: Publisher, Year Published.
-In-text citation (Book): (Author, Page number). -If no author, use title.
-Works Cited (website): Author. Title of Page. Home Page Title. Date posted (Year). Date Visited (month, day, year). Web link.
-In-text citation (website): (Author). -If no author, use page title.
In addition, the link between grass and humankind is cemented in these chapters. People have relied upon grass since the dawn of man, when all were hunters of mammoths and other great animals. Since people could not eat the grass itself, they ate the animals that ate it, and consumed its nutrients secondhand. To keep the grass in good order was necessary for a stable supply of meat as well, so people often set fire to encroaching growths and beat back brush to keep the grasslands healthy and plentiful for meat animals. Eventually, some grasses (wheat, corn) came about that people could not only digest, but eat as a staple as well, outdoing their green predecessors. Agriculture soon followed, eliminating much need for hunting and allowing for domestication. Whether through animals or the plant itself, simple grass has been the underlying reason for humanity's success for millenia.
Chapters 6 and 7 of "They Say, I Say" (Graff) decribe how to bolster the arguement in a paper, ironically by bringing in outside opinions that contradict the main arguement. By planting quotes and point of opposing arguements ito one's essay, the main theme can appear reasonable by showing contrasting viewpoints, and stronger by proving them wrong. It is necessary, though, for all to relate to the main point, whether supporting or contradicting it.
MLA citations examples are as follows:
-Works Cited (Book): Author. Title. City of Publication: Publisher, Year Published.
-In-text citation (Book): (Author, Page number). -If no author, use title.
-Works Cited (website): Author. Title of Page. Home Page Title. Date posted (Year). Date Visited (month, day, year). Web link.
-In-text citation (website): (Author). -If no author, use page title.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Omnivore's Dilemma (Ch 12-13), They Say I Say (Ch 4-5), Writer's Resource (p. 21-51) response + outside source
Chapters 12 and 13 of "The Omnivore's Dilemma" (Pollan) decribed the food and collective processes of Joel Salatin, the grass farmer who sets the high bar in being "organic." Salatin raises a variety of animals for meat on a large grassy field farm, but looks to raising grass first (as this sustains everything else). Few to no artificial processes exist; the animals are kept in barn-style pens at night (not cages as elsewhere), and are put into pasture in a rotating daily schedule. No fertilizers or vitamins are used, and much of the labor is done manually. Any farm products are then distributed into local markets (less than 1/2 day's drive away). Explicit detail was given to the nature of the livestock at the time of slaughter; chickens, for example, were killed in the most moderate numbers by hand (being bled out) before being plucked and drained by the few machines on the farm, and finally being cut open and removed of organs completely manually. All this was done under a small awning in a seperate field, using the sun to disinfect. The meat was then sent to local businesses, farmers markets, or the farm's main store itself for sale. Truly, the definition of "organic" is set by Salatine, who lives this concept in every concievable manner.
The mission for Salatin, it seems, is to be organic as possible without being condemned by the public eye. This organic system (self sustaining pastures, livestock, and distribution solely to local markets) is of great benefit; the animals are healthy naturally, are allowed loving human contact (by farmers, customers, or gawking visitors), are fed and rotated that the grass is well kept by preening and growth control, and have better taste/quality in the end. Additionally, less is spent on advertising (local trust and word of mouth are relied upon), and community bonds are strengthened by not only eating locally, but eating better as a result. As with all things, there are downsides; costs of food are higher (non-industrial farming aims for quality, not quantity, in market), the buying market is more limited, and the government constantly hounds Salatin for killing animals in the sun rather then in enclosed facilities. It all comes down to a great question literally plaguing the nation today; would one rather have satisfying higher-cost food, or food that, while cheap, never seems to satisfy? Salatin personifies the first, practicing and defending it with heart and soul.
Chapters 4 through 5 of "They Say I Say" (Graff) detail how to make one's arguement in accordance with the main point presented, and outside reference. Essentially, one needs to put their arguement into the form of a prompt summarizing the values they are trying to express; here, "what I say" is presented, response and much of the paper's backbone coming forth. One needs to make their arguement while not straying off target, and move outside resources to agree/disagree with the main point to ultimately prove it, all in a simutaneously personal and professional manner. Though some distinguishment is needed between fact, personal opinion, and outer research, overall flow is crucial.
Pages 21 through 51 of "A Writer's Resource" (Maimon) entailed how critical it is in any writing undertaking to have solid connection between the point put forth, its portrayal, and its reception by others. Many different errors can occur that may disrupt the connection between reader, author, and point, ultimately rendering the project a waste. Circular reasoning, for example, puts forth only the author's view in backing a point, not taking others into account and dissuading them as a result (good on author's part, bad on that of display and outside reception). This is not limited to literary works; visual aids need to keep strong bonds between, presenter, point, and audience. Unconsciously adhering to, say, bandwagon (assuming common knowledge on something when really the knowledge is diverse or unheard) is an error on a creator's part, which affects what others see and interpret (reception and portrayal may be acceptable, but author is wrong). Being critical overall is a necessity in any writing/explanatory feat.
Outside Source:
Piaget, Jean. "Ads For Unhealthy Foods Increase Children's Consumption 45%."
http://www.spring.org.uk/2009/11/ads-for-unhealthy-foods-increase-childrens-consumption-45.php
Jean Piaget's article "Ads For Unhealthy Foods Increase Children's Consumption 45%" explained how the rising amount of fat in the American people can be attributed to rise in advertisement of fatty foods. Through several surveys and tests, it was found that more people were likely to buy/consume advertised food than non-advertised (explaining the popularity of McDonalds vs that of, say, vegetarian living), especially those of younger years. The latter concept is used by businesses with a vengeance; younger customers will likely stay with one company's products as they age, creating dependable business clients, as they spread good news to friends and kin, and of course stay long with the company. Through advertising, an unconscious mental association is forged between a product and its desire by a person. An example is advertised low fat yogurt; through commercials and other advertising, it becomes mentally asscociated in a strong manner with food. Thus, when someone hungers for a snack, they will likely go for low-fat yogurt, benefiting the product's producers. Advertising is powerful, and large companies (like McDonalds or Yoplait) with large advertising budgets can get the most word out in America's capitalist society, securing both their own position and that of public health.
The mission for Salatin, it seems, is to be organic as possible without being condemned by the public eye. This organic system (self sustaining pastures, livestock, and distribution solely to local markets) is of great benefit; the animals are healthy naturally, are allowed loving human contact (by farmers, customers, or gawking visitors), are fed and rotated that the grass is well kept by preening and growth control, and have better taste/quality in the end. Additionally, less is spent on advertising (local trust and word of mouth are relied upon), and community bonds are strengthened by not only eating locally, but eating better as a result. As with all things, there are downsides; costs of food are higher (non-industrial farming aims for quality, not quantity, in market), the buying market is more limited, and the government constantly hounds Salatin for killing animals in the sun rather then in enclosed facilities. It all comes down to a great question literally plaguing the nation today; would one rather have satisfying higher-cost food, or food that, while cheap, never seems to satisfy? Salatin personifies the first, practicing and defending it with heart and soul.
Chapters 4 through 5 of "They Say I Say" (Graff) detail how to make one's arguement in accordance with the main point presented, and outside reference. Essentially, one needs to put their arguement into the form of a prompt summarizing the values they are trying to express; here, "what I say" is presented, response and much of the paper's backbone coming forth. One needs to make their arguement while not straying off target, and move outside resources to agree/disagree with the main point to ultimately prove it, all in a simutaneously personal and professional manner. Though some distinguishment is needed between fact, personal opinion, and outer research, overall flow is crucial.
Pages 21 through 51 of "A Writer's Resource" (Maimon) entailed how critical it is in any writing undertaking to have solid connection between the point put forth, its portrayal, and its reception by others. Many different errors can occur that may disrupt the connection between reader, author, and point, ultimately rendering the project a waste. Circular reasoning, for example, puts forth only the author's view in backing a point, not taking others into account and dissuading them as a result (good on author's part, bad on that of display and outside reception). This is not limited to literary works; visual aids need to keep strong bonds between, presenter, point, and audience. Unconsciously adhering to, say, bandwagon (assuming common knowledge on something when really the knowledge is diverse or unheard) is an error on a creator's part, which affects what others see and interpret (reception and portrayal may be acceptable, but author is wrong). Being critical overall is a necessity in any writing/explanatory feat.
Outside Source:
Piaget, Jean. "Ads For Unhealthy Foods Increase Children's Consumption 45%."
http://www.spring.org.uk/2009/11/ads-for-unhealthy-foods-increase-childrens-consumption-45.php
Jean Piaget's article "Ads For Unhealthy Foods Increase Children's Consumption 45%" explained how the rising amount of fat in the American people can be attributed to rise in advertisement of fatty foods. Through several surveys and tests, it was found that more people were likely to buy/consume advertised food than non-advertised (explaining the popularity of McDonalds vs that of, say, vegetarian living), especially those of younger years. The latter concept is used by businesses with a vengeance; younger customers will likely stay with one company's products as they age, creating dependable business clients, as they spread good news to friends and kin, and of course stay long with the company. Through advertising, an unconscious mental association is forged between a product and its desire by a person. An example is advertised low fat yogurt; through commercials and other advertising, it becomes mentally asscociated in a strong manner with food. Thus, when someone hungers for a snack, they will likely go for low-fat yogurt, benefiting the product's producers. Advertising is powerful, and large companies (like McDonalds or Yoplait) with large advertising budgets can get the most word out in America's capitalist society, securing both their own position and that of public health.
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