Food and Film

I've never had bacon

Judaism is a monotheistic religion.

We eat Kosher aka I've never had bacon or a cheese burger. 

The saying goes: "don't cook a animal in its mother's milk."

This video does a great job of explaining Kosher rules.

"Jewish Dietary Laws (Kashrut) originated in the Bible(Torah). Over the centuries, the rabbis codified and interpreted these Biblicallaws. Today liberal and traditional branches of Judaism hold different views ofthe Jewish Dietary Laws."

Passover starts tonight at sundown. 

Do you have any remaining questions for me? Ask away!

Blog post assignment: Write about a tradition / food / value within your religion / family. Can't wait to read everyone's posts!

More Articles

Over the weekend I have come across a handful of really interesting articles; that relate to conversations we have had over the semester:

• 10 Things You Can't Buy With Food Stamps
• KFC Debuts 'Chicken Corsage'
• The Best Foods For Runners
• Drought Could Complicate Already Difficult Food Crisis In Syria
• 11 Food Companies That Won't Tell You Where Their Meat Comes From
• 15 Make-At-Home Dinners That Are Better Than Takeout
• 14 Horrifying Confessions From Fast Food Workers

Food Justice

On Thursday April 3rd at 7:00pm I attended a presentation sponsored by the Kalamazoo Public Library lead by Karika Phillips at Bronson Hospital-Gilmore Center for Health Education. The presentation was titled Food Security or Food Justice: Does it Really Matter. We learned about the different between disparity and inequity for food security. 

In order to work towards health equity; it requires advocacy and education. "Social determinants of Health; Where you work, live, play;...and buy groceries, matters!" Karika Phillips expressed: "food brings people together...relationships." She also added the need to: "stop blaming children for the environment they live in." Further mentioning: instead of blaming, advocate! 

I really enjoyed the lecture a lot more than I thought I would. Karika Phillips is a very passionate women and speaker. Saying, "when you experience oppression we don't blame the person who is oppressed but asks what we can do to help. We are one community. How can we be of service?"

What food injustice situations have you seen / are you aware of? What can we do within our communities to advocate forward?

*The information I have mentioned above is all from the presentation that I attended.

1.02 Billion Hungry People Worldwide

On Monday the lecture - Food and Climate Change - by Dr. David Karowe, was very interesting. As someone who isn't a science person I was uncertain how interested I would be. One fact that specifically stood out to me was that there are "1.02 billion hungry people worldwide." Since this course is related to food, I found this fact super fitting to blog about. Just to put this statistic in perspective, there are about 7,225,207,281 people worldwide.

As we have learned throughout the semester, directly in Kalamazoo we have Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, People's Food Co-op of Kalamazoo and other organizations that directly work with the community and food (or lack thereof).

The fact that there ever are "1.02 billion hungry people worldwide," is so sad to me. As I heard this fact, I was eating my challah slice. I didn't want to finish eating it after that. Hearing the fact made me sick. Reading the fact again, makes me sick. What can we do to lower end this horrible statistic?

Challah

I hope you all enjoyed the challah today! The loaf I brought in today is from Dakota Bread. They are one of my favorite (challah) bakeries. Challah is also referred to as "egg bread." The ingredients are: lots of flour, water, eggs, old, yeast, salt, (and sometimes honey). There are a lot of challah recipes. Here is one challah recipe. 

This is the most common way challah is braided.

A challah turkey! Sometimes challah is even braided in fun ways.

I am interested in hearing your response about the challah. Did you like it? What were your thoughts? Would you eat it again? What questions do you have? 

Please add your other questions here so I have a better idea what to base my presentation on.

Border Patrol

Casey and Joe did a great job presenting video games to our class. As someone who isn't a "gamer" I was interested in the presentation.

During the video game presentation, I noticed in the
clip of Border Patrol, on the American flag is a Star of David. As someone who is Jewish, I was surprised to see this. Is it a message of dislike? Is it a message of Jews in the United States? Is it showing support for Israel? Is there any connection between the Star of David and the welfare office sign underneath the flag?

I was curious and googled to see what the meaning of this was. I couldn't find any direct meaning. I found different blogs with comments and opinions, from others; those who commented were against Jews and commented that the Star of David is shown as Nazi support.

I wonder what the "real" meaning behind having the Star of David as apart of this game is? As someone who doesn't play videos games I don't get the "point" of them...

*Please take a moment to post a question you have that you want me to answer during my presentation. (Click me for link) Thanks!

What Do YOU Want To Know?

What do YOU want to know about Judaism / food / culture etc...?

For my ENGL 1100 class presentation, I want to teach based on YOUR questions.

Thank you for your input!

Recipes

Every chapter (month) of the book Like Water For Chocolate begins with a recipe; Tita (protagonist) spends a lot of time in the kitchen. Each recipe provides some background, adding to the story. Every month / recipe includes the cooking process. Other recipes are also included as the story takes place. Recipes represent culture, family and memories. There is a recipe for every occasion; Birthdays, Holidays, and more!

Some families have secret family recipes. In my family we have a secret family recipe for kugel; which has been passed down generation to generation. Kugel is a baked pudding. It is my absolute favorite food (beside challah). Kugel is also a traditional Jewish dish; frequently served on holidays -- or when I beg request my mom to make it. 

What is your favorite recipe? 

The Taste Of Icing

When you eat cake icing / frosting, does it trigger any memories? 

In Like Water For Chocolate, Tita, Pedro, and Nacha are all working to prepare food for the wedding -- of Pedro and Rosaura. When Pedro picks apricots, Tita run into him. Pedro declares his love to Tita; she didn't want to hear what he has to say. Tita goes back into the kitchen and we learn, she isn't feeling well. Nacha sends Tita away, in hopes she gets better. Then, Nacha checks the cake icing to see if Tita's tears, made the icing salty. Upon taste testing, she didn't taste a change within the flavor. The only thing she feels is great loss; her youthful love and becomes sick -- an is unable to attend the wedding.

Within my life, frosting is a taste of friendship and sisterhood. When I was in high school I was in a youth group called BBYO. A staple at all our meetings and programing was spooey; pretzels and frosting. I then introduced this tasteful treat to my family and friends. Spooey was always the "cure." Didn't do well on a test? Eat spooey. Lost an election? Eat spooey. Won an election? Eat spooey. Stressed with homework? Eat spooey.

Even though I am two years out of BBYO, spooey is still my go-to-snack. All I have to do is dip some frosting onto a pretzel and it will bring me back to all the memories where we would sit on the floor for hours, talking, crying of happiness and eating spooey.

Do you have an food items that are memory triggers?

Place A Bit Of Onion On Your Head

In the beginning of the story Like Water For Chocolate, the author writes: "Take care to chop the onion fine. To keep from crying when you chop it (which is so annoying!), I suggest you place a little bit on your head. The trouble with crying over an onion is that once the chopping gets you started and the tears begin to well up, the next thing you know you just can't stop. I don't know whether that's ever happened to you, but I have to confess it's happened to me, many times. Mama used to say it was because I was especially sensitive to onions, like my great-aunt, Tita." (Page 1)

I found the suggestion of placing a little bit on your head, interesting... Whenever I hear various "methods" of ways-to-not-cry-when-cutting-onion (lighting a candle, tongue to roof of your mouth, wear goggles, chew gum, etc...), I never know if they actually are real techniques, or if someone just made it up.

Personally, because of the saying, I don't usually offer to cut onions. The few times I have cut onions, my eyes got a little teary eyed. The most important lesson I learned in my high school Food and Nutrition class was: "Never rub your eyes when you are cutting / holding onion."

Food Maps

Today on Facebook one of my friends posted a neat video. Thought you all would like it as well! It is called Food Maps. 

Hunting

Reading The Hunger Games, we learn quickly that Katniss is a hunter and provider. 

Katniss and Gale, hunt outside District 12; which gives them the opportunity to provide for others. Hunting is an outlet for Katniss, as it gives her hope and safety during the Games (where there is a limit of food supply). The story describes to us, the reader, that hunting a human is more of a challenge than hunting an animal; Katniss struggles with this. As someone who does not hunt, I don't know how anyone could ever have to complete this challenging task.

--

When I first learned that we would be reading The Hunger Games, I was surprised that reading the book was apart of my college course. To my surprise, the book has hit on multiple similar points, we have talked about as apart of our class.

Now that I have read the book, I hope to read the other books in the series; as well as watch the movies.

The Hunger Games

I have never read the book The Hunger Games before. My (16 year old) sister didn't believe me when I told her that I needed to borrow her copy of the book for my college course.

This past week I was on an alternative spring break trip to Oklahoma; helping to rebuild houses that were effects by the tornado that occurred a few months ago.

Amongst my computer and snacks, was my (sister's) copy of The Hunger Games. I started the book on the plane ride to Oklahoma; since our schedule was so jam packed I ended up reading more of the story on the plane ride back to Michigan. As I was reading the book, I couldn't help but think back to the beginning of the book [chapter 1, page 6]: "Even at home, where I am less pleasant, I avoid discussing tricky topics. Like the reaping, or food shortages, or the Hunger Games."

During my alternative spring break trip, we had a discussion about avoiding discussing tricky topics; since we were working with individuals in the community who were effected by the tornado. We avoided directing asking about the tornado. To this day not everyone in Oklahoma has a home that has a correctly installed roof, or even a rebuild home. One of the women we met, told us that of the three bathrooms she has, one works; none of her showers are working -- due to contractor fraud. Since the tornado occurred less than a year ago, a lot of rebuilding is still taking place. We didn't want to say anything that was a tricky topic.

Katniss also struggled with this; as female tribute of District 12, she tries to be as strong as she is able to be. I'm sure that just as we struggled with avoiding tricky topics, so did Katniss.  

2 Days Till Spring Break...

...Not like I am counting or anything.

Many months ago (when snow wasn't all over the place) I signed up to go on an alternative spring break trip -- to Oklahoma. I have been looking forward to this trip for months! Travel and community service are my two favorite things to do.

Some of the highlights of our trip include:
Visit Oklahoma City Murrah Building Bombing Memorial
A drive through Moore Oklahoma (the city where the tornado damage occurred)
5 days of volunteering in Oklahoma
Disaster Response Panel
Evening out in Oklahoma
Reflection/Debriefing throughout the week
Dinner with Oklahoma community members
...and so much more!

I have never participated in this type of trip before, but have always dreamed of taking part in an alternative break trip.

One aspect of the trip I am most looking forward to is, meeting individuals who were affected by the tornado; and hearing each person's story. I'm excited to be able to lend a helping hand for a few days, supporting and assisting the Oklahoma community.

What are you doing over spring break?

**This blog post is also published on my other blog -- it was originally published here.

New Food Labels?

Over the course of the week, I have run across a handful of articles that relate to our class topics.  

See The Photos Of What Death Row Inmates Requested As Their Last Meals

Does This Mean I Can Eat More? New Food Label Questions, Answered

Man of Steel: How a Kosher Slaughterer Turned Knife-Making Into an Art

I also decided to create my own personal blog.


Thought I would share these links before we all leave for spring break.

Um...I Went to a Slaughterhouse...

In ENGL 1100, we are currently reading The Jungle. In various parts, the book references a slaughterhouse.

So, I went to a slaughterhouse. 

Yes, a real one. 

Yes, we have one in Michigan. 

Yes, I was freaked out. 

Yes, it was an interesting learning experience. 

I started this blog post half a dozen times. I am still processing the experience...

First off, I could NEVER EVER work in a slaughterhouse. 

Second, I don't understand how anyone could ever work in a slaughterhouse.

I was (pleasantly) surprised to see that the slaughterhouse is much more humane then I had thought.
I was shocked by how young the workers are.
The employees were all starring at us, pointing, and laughing; I was surprised by this since we were told they have tours come, throughout the year. They probably couldn't believe we were all so freaked out...
At one point, I felt like we were in the movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Seeing so many USDA employees throughout the factory was a little more reassuring.
The hardest part was seeing the cows literally walk into there own deaths. 

It literally felt like we were in the movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

*I apologize this post is so unorganized, as you can tell, I am still processing this experience; and trying to get my thoughts down.

The Meat Racket

This morning my dad sent me an email with the link to the new book, The Meat Racket… the secret takeover of America’s food business. The book and radio excerpt can be found, here. It goes along with what we have been talking about, throughout the semester,

Immigrants

After reading a section of The Jungle, it prompted me to do some additional research on immigrants and Chicago. I came upon the ICIRR (Illinois Coalition For Immigrant And Refugee Rights). I was unaware that (to this day) immigrants in the Illinois area are represented.

The ICIRR has about a dozen programs; additionally they have a few campaigns that they run. ICIRR works to promote "the right of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society."

Once I found the ICIRR, I researched to see if Michigan had a similar organization. I found the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.

Until I did this research, and read the multiple assigned readings, I was unaware of the migrant worker / immigrant population. I can't even imagine how it would be, to work as a migrant worker. Just through the readings, I was shocked to learn the harsh conditions that exist for the hard workers.  

How much food could be rescued if college dining halls saved their leftovers?

The Food Recovery Network states that: over three years, more than 200,000 pounds could be rescued if college dining halls saved their leftover.

This afternoon I was sent the link: "This Guy Was Shocked At The Amount Of Food His College Cafeteria Threw Away. So He Did Something." I then watched the video that follows the story; "Meet the College Student Who's Turning Campus Leftovers Into Meals for Thousands of Hungry Neighbors." I encourage you all to watch it. Watching it, made me think even more, how food waste is an issue. I know a handful of us are meeting tomorrow morning, before class, to talk about how we want to respond to / support Loaves and Fishes. The above story was also featured on people.com. The organization is called Food Recovery Network. Two chapters are located in Michigan; Alma and U of M. It would be awesome if we were able to start a chapter on WMU's campus... 

A Day in the Life of a Migrant Worker

When reading Cajas de Cartón by Francisco Jiménez, I found out that the story follows migrant workers. Francisco Jiménez, is a migrant worker, from Mexico that emigrates to California with his family. In the beginning of the story, it recalls the strawberry picking season. 

   

On May 3, 2013, the Los Angeles Times wrote an article titled: A day in the strawberry fields seems like forever. Similar to Cajas de Cartón, the Los Angeles Times article follows Elvia Lopez, a migrant worker; immigrant from California.

Throughout both of the articles, Francisco Jiménez and Elvia Lopez struggle to keep up with the intense work. Through pain and hard work they both preserve, in hope for a "better life."

One of Elvia Lopez fellow migrant workers, Domingo Suarez; was quoted saying his largest struggle: "I had to pay the coyote who brought me here. I had to pay rent, for food. I have to take care of my family. I have to send money to my parents in Mexico." Francisco Jiménez largest struggle was knowing that Roberto wouldn't get to attend school; "He was not going to school today. He was not going tomorrow, or next week, or next week, or next month. He would not go until the cotton season was over, and that was sometimes in February."

Reading about the struggles that Francisco and Elvia went through, I have really thought about the process of some of the food we eat. For example, when we eat strawberries do we have them because a migrant worker risked his/her life for us?

Only Eat Chocolate For The Rest Of Your Life

You should only eat chocolate for the rest of your life:

Eat foods that are:

covered in chocolate,

you will not even vomit.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life. 

Onion dipped in chocolate is a good choice for you,

or if you don't agree eat fondue.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Jalapeños covered in chocolate is also a way,

to get your fill of vegetables; eat away.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

What is that you say? 

You don't like the food choices in your café?

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

You say you want to see, more;

chocolate food, such as chocolate ice tea.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Chocolate covered, strawberries, pretzels, bacon and more,

I mean, what more could you ask for?

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Chocolate covered, almonds, apples, and crickets too,

please don't tell me that you would prefer cheese fondue.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Chocolate for breakfast, lunch, dinner,

you will soon become the chocolate winner.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

So you say you are sick and need a doctor,

they will give you a chocolate IV and say to drink some water.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Once you do so, you will feel better,

it is all stated in the get-well-soon letter.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Don't forget to make good (chocolate) choices each day,

clear your pantries and make way.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

It will become apart of your life,

as well as the most important tool, your chocolate knife.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Before you know it,

you will carry a chocolate first-aid kit.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

You will walk on chocolate steps,

it is now time to become aware and accept.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

This is the best life-style

go gather your chocolate to compile.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

Be aware of your chocolate choices,

be sure to teach others this, with your voices.

Only eat chocolate for the rest of your life.

*The above is a satire - in relation to the food industry.

Guatemala & Malnutrition

Guatemala, is located in Central America; surrounded by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, the Caribbean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.

According to the World Food Programme: Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world.

Malnutrition causes the individual to have a challenge within ones body; such as, growing and fighting off disease. These effects can have further effects on the individual -- physical work, learning, providing for children, etc...

Malnutrition consists of a combination, getting enough food / the right sort of food. It is important to have the essential nutrients (vitamins & minerals) from conception - 2 years old.

The article Guatemala's malnutrition crisis, goes into further detail about the issue of malnutrition. It was sad to read that these children represent, "the worst rates of chronic malnutrition in the world." The article also states that: "the problem is not a lack of food, but a lack of the right kind of food, with enough protein and micronutrients to keep children healthy."

Satire Is Everywhere

Here are the links to the articles I was talked about in class today; Olympics Satire.

The Daily Currant is a satire "news source," similar to The Onion. On February 8th, The Daily Currant posted an article titled: Man Responsible For Olympic Ring Mishap Found Dead In Sochi. This article has been shared among social media more than 21.1K times! Many individuals -- including myself -- fell for this hoax.

What wasn't shared vastly among social media, was the reports that the "article" is a satire. One of the few truths from this incident, is that (as the above picture shows) not all the snowflake rings, appeared as they were to.

Did you too fall for this?

"Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year"

When reading A Modest Proposal, written by Jonathan Swift; I was shocked to learn what the excerpt is about; in the relation to food. "For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland, from being a burden on their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the public." 

I am curious to know what type of interaction(s) (if any), Jonathan Swift had with children. He did not speak fondly of them; "Infant's fleshwill be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and alittle before and after; for we are told by a grave author, an eminent Frenchphysician, that fish being a prolifick dyet, there are more children born inRoman Catholick countries about nine months after Lent, the markets will bemore glutted than usual, because the number of Popish infants, is at leastthree to one in this kingdom, and therefore it will have one other collateral advantage, by lessening the number of Papists among us."

To me, reading this passage is disturbing. Specifically the line: "Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and a little before and after..." Who would ever want to eat an infant's flesh?! What made Swift ponder this topic?  

I found a YouTube clip that retells / related to A Modest Proposal: A Modest Proposal - Official Trailer [HD].

800+ Local School Children Receive Weekend Food Assistance

This morning, I attended the field trip to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. I have heard so much about it that I was glad we had the opportunity to learn more about the organization, and receive a building tour. Back at home (east side of the state) I have volunteered at many different food pantries surrounding our community. It was interesting to see the similarities -- points system for food; and differences -- the kitchen type room, where one pound bags of food are put together. 

Number served per 24 hours
*This photo was not taken today -- the numbers written on the board today, were sadly much higher than the numbers indicated here.

I was most shocked to hear the large numbers of adults and children, within households that receive food packs each day. It was heartbreaking to hear the numbers; I am so fortunate to not have to worry where my next meal is going to come from. I wish there was more I could do to help with the issue of hunger within my communities.  

During the school year Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes provides weekend food assistance to 800+ local school children through the Weekend Backpack Program.

A few of my friends that go to Michigan State University told me that they have volunteered at the MSU Foodbank; "the first food bank in the nation that is run by students, for students." I am surprised that we do not have a food bank on campus (here are WMU). Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes served close to 127,000 individuals in 2012...I am curious how many of the individuals served, attend/teach/work at WMU. Having a food bank on campus is beneficial for many reasons; as stated on the website of College and University Food Bank Alliance, "College students often have limited transportation options and community-based food resources are typically not located close to campuses. Additionally, college students while food insecure might not meet community-based agency requirements and/or may be uncomfortable in accessing services off campus. Therefore, campus-based food banks/pantries provide easily accessible and navigable food security resources for students."

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes

Original Logo

In preparation for the field trip to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes tomorrow (Wednesday), I looked through the organization's website. One of the categories on the website that caught my eye was included in the section About Us -- The History of Our Logo.

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes was started in 1982 -- "by several downtown churches concerned about increasing requests from people for food assistance." The individuals who started the organization expressed strong concern about local hunger -- forming Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. The need has increased throughout the years, demanding further support and supplies; which led to the congregations increasing support / food distribution, in order to support all of Kalamazoo county.

Current Logo 

In 2011 (close to the 30th anniversary) the original logo was revised; it is what is used currently. Besides the format and presentation of the logo, the tagline has changed as well. The original tagline read: "Providing Food to Hungry People Since 1982." In 2011 when the logo received a "makeover," the tagline changed to: "Promoting a Hunger-Free Community Since 1982." When reading this information, I found the change beneficial; we all know the famous saying: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." As the original tagline suggests, one is just giving a man a fish and you feed him for a day; where as, the current tagline suggests, one is teaching a man to fish, so the man can feed himself for a lifetime. I'm glad that Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes changed the tagline; it now shows that the organization is not "just giving away food" but rather advocating and aiding the issue of hunger.

I look forward to learning more about Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, and the various changes that they have endured since the start of the organization in 1982.

The Dinner of Trimachio

I have never been so confused when completing a reading for any class. Reading The Dinner of Trimachio was very hard to follow, for me.  

Besides the fact that food was a large part of The Dinner of Trimachio, one of the details I found the most interesting was: "There was a circular tray around which were displayed the signs of the zodiac, and upon each sign the caterer had placed the food best in keeping with it. Ram's vetches on Aries, a piece of beef on Taurus, kidneys and lamb's fry on Gemini, a crown on Cancer, the womb of an unfarrowed sow on Virgo, an African fig on Leo, on Libra a balance, one pan of which held a tart and the other a cake, a small seafish on Scorpio, a bull's eye on Sagittarius, a sea lobster on Capricornus, a goose on Aquarius and two mullets on Pisces. In the middle lay a piece of cut sod upon which rested a honeycomb with the grass arranged around it." (Chapter 35)

Of course I have heard of zodiac signs before, but never in relation to food. After reading this passage, I was curious as to what my "food horoscope" would be. I was born on January 1st; I am a Capricorn. I found out: "Most of the solar system will be situated in the base of your chart, urging you to focus on the foundations of your life, like your family and your home. Now is an ideal time to look for a new place if you happen to be in the market, as Mars will quicken the process and Venus will ensure that your new abode is filled with charm. These active planets also bode well for home-improvement projects. First, though, you need to reel in your workaholic tendencies so you can give your personal life the attention it needs and rightly deserves. Try centering and calming foods like asparagus, a natural de-stressor that's also packed with vitamin B." I found my "food horoscope" to be very accurate and fitting; as I am frequency stressed.

As I continued reading The Dinner of Trimachio:

"I was born under the Crab and therefore stand on many legs and own much property on land and sea, for the crab is as much at home on one as he is in the other. For that reason, I put nothing on that sign for fear of weighing down my own destiny. Bulldozers and gluttons are born under the Lion, and women and fugitives and chain-gangs are born under the Virgin. Butchers and perfumers are born under the Balance, and all who think that it is their business to straighten things out. Poisoners and assassins are born under the Scorpion. Cross-eyed people who look at the vegetables and sneak away with the bacon, are born under the Archer. Horny-handed sons of toil are born under Capricorn. Bartenders and pumpkin-heads are born under the Water-Carrier. Caterers and rhetoricians are born under the Fishes: and so the world turns round, just like a mill, and something bad always comes to the top, and men are either being born or else they're dying. As to the sod and the honeycomb in the middle, for I never do anything without a reason, Mother Earth is in the centre, round as an egg, and all that is good is found in her, just like it is in a honeycomb." (Chapter 39)

I found it interesting how the author characterized the variety of traits. I wonder what would come about if a combination took place; between the description I found, combined with what the author wrote...


What is your food horoscope?: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/healthy/news/food-horoscopes-april-2013#ixzz2s7Zo2vC7

I'm Not A Big Foodie

Being someone who is not a big foodie, I struggled to figure out what to write about, since the topic of this assignment is to write about how we now see ourselves, and food. As we are four weeks into the semester, I have already learned, and became more aware of my food choices, and what I eat on a daily basis.

Inside: McDonald's

Watching Inside: McDonald's, I was interested by the astonishing facts that were presented throughout the film. McDonald's has more employees than a combination of the Army, Navy, Marines, and US Air Force. (Inside: McDonald's) I was really surprised to hear this. McDonald’s is truly taking over the nation. Not to mention that on a daily basis, over 25 million people eat at a McDonald’s. (Inside: McDonald's) About 317.5 million people make up the United States population; meaning that about 12.7% of the population eats at McDonald’s on a daily basis. Since I barley go to McDonald’s (sometimes we go a few times a year, when we are traveling) I couldn’t believe that 12.7% of the United States population goes to a McDonald’s everyday. How does McDonald's attract such a large population of customers? Since McDonald’s is fast, and easy – drive thru – it makes some sense. I’m curious to know the percentage of the United States population that eats from a fast food establishment (McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s etc....) on a daily basis.

Have you ever worked in the food industry? I haven't worked in the food industry; however, 1:8 Americans have worked at McDonald's. (Inside: McDonald's) With a population of 317.5 million people, that means that about 39.6875 million people will work at a McDonald's. 

As I continued to watch the film, I was able to further connect all the facts together. More Americans visit McDonald’s than any other chain, of any kind. (Inside: McDonald's) How is that more people visit McDonald’s than they do Wal-Mart or a different chain such as Target?! As someone who loves Target, I could easily go their everyday; they have everything you would ever need...clothes, food, household items, school supplies, crafts etc.... I wonder why so many people choose to eat from McDonald's, instead going to Target or another store and purchasing food to make at home?

Is It Vegan?

Just ran across a very fitting quiz on Buzzfeed; Is It Vegan? I got 5 out of 14 right. I found the facts at the end extremely interesting...

How many did you get right? http://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/quiz-is-it-vegan

What Did I Just Eat?

Every Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning I teach Hebrew School. Each day we have a snack break; each family is assigned a day to bring a snack, of their choice. The snack this afternoon was Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies. After I made sure all the students got a snack, I ate one. When I finished eating it, I had the empty wrapper in my hands. I began reading the ingredients and nutrition information. I was shocked and disgusted to read what was in the oatmeal cream pie; some of which are: niacin, riboflavin, sorbitan monosterate, sulfite treated, thiamine mononitrate etc.... Especially after our class discussion today I was disappointed in myself that I didn't read the ingredients ahead of time. I definitely didn't recognize more than five of the ingredients, meaning I should never have eaten it. From here on out, I will make sure to read labels before I put food into my body.

This made me realize how often this situation happens in society. When we are hungry, or offered food, we usually just eat it; neglecting to take the time to find out what really is in our foods.   

How Do You Prefer Your Food?

How do you want your food? Processed? Reconstituted? Breaded? Fried? Frozen? The choice is yours. Or is it? 

As I read the book "Fast Food Nation" by Eric Schlosser I am taken back by the shocking ways our nation produces our foods. The paragraph that bothered me the most is:

“After six months of intensive research, the Keystone lab developed new technology for the manufacture of McNuggets – small pieces of reconstituted chicken, composed mainly of white meat, that were held together by stabilizers, breaded, fried, frozen, then reheated. The initial test-marketing of McNuggets was so successful that McDonald’s enlisted another company, Tyson Foods, to guarantee an adequate supply.” (digital page 345)

First off, it is sickening to have the words food, manufacture and lab all in the same sentence. When I think of the word food, I think of family dinners around our kitchen table; with delicious food that my mom made when we were at school. When I think of the word manufacture, I think of car companies; manufacturing cars/car parts. When I think of the word lab, I think of high school biology and chemistry; creating science experiences in the lab. I definitely don’t associate these words with the way food is made; nor should these words be associated with food. I have to admit, that I am guilty to occasionally eating a McNugget or two. When we take family road trips we usually stop at a drive thru, for time’s sake.

It is very challenging to constantly find foods that: don’t have stabilizers added to them, aren’t breaded, fried, frozen or reheated. It is unfathomable to me that our food industry functions the way it does. Hopefully one day the foods we put into our bodies won’t be processed and manufactured and instead be fresh and not mass produced.