Mr. Bittmans' wonderful use of sarcastic humor, biting comments and on screen presentation made watching this video worth doing the assignment for. His quick pace, ability to stay focused, and present such facts, fables, and tid-bits about the food we eat was an excellent way of educating the public, without dumbing down the message. His use of facts, such as "cattle flatulence," or the amount of livestock killed in the United States annually was mind boggling, and yet presented in a way that had me laughing along with the audience. I was surprised to learn that livestock produces 20% of our greenhouse gasses, that methane is 20x more deadly than cO2, and that if stretched end-to-end, the livestock killed annually in the United States alone would reach between the Earth and The Moon five times.
In all this was a great video, and although I cannot use it for my research paper, I found it full of useful information regarding the issues of food consumption and the food industry, as a whole....now time for dinner...gotta go and raid the neighbors garden for my salad......peace
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The 3 who inspire me, to be the 1 I am
In looking back in my life, there are some regrets...but since I can't change what I did, I can only move foward with the education and experiences that life has provided me thus far. In that there have been many people who have inspired me along the way, and it is for them, that I write this blogg, but not in the traditional form, so bare with me, and let me explain.
1. Father God-I would not be here without the love and guidence of my spiritual father, God. I know that it's not always "popular" to speak one's faith, but if any of you know me, and my life story, it's not hard to see who inspires me, leads me and teaches me the true meaning of life, laughter, and most important, love. He has given me everything I have ever wanted, and that was just to be valued, and loved as a person. I thank Him every day for the gift of life, the ability to live and the capacity to love again. Life isn't any easier just because I believe in God, but it's not as difficult, I know that I am never alone, and with this, I can always get through whatever life throws at me, and know that He has gifts for me that haven't even been given to me just yet.
2. My sister Maria-Although we weren't raised together, she has always kept my memory alive within her. When we reunited in 1981, we began to reconnect as if we had never been apart. Even through my years of addiction, she stood beside me, believed in me and defended me. More importantly, she never gave up on me. It is because of my sister that I am about to celebrate being drug-free for 5 years now. Yes, I did the work, but she was always in my corner, cheering me on, and lifting my spirits when I thought I couldn't make it, and willing to kick my @ss if I talked about giving up. My sister is my hero, and my 1st. best friend...and always will be. I can talk to her about anything/everything without worrying about what she thinks, because she's not afraid to tell me...lol, but always with love and care...and even though we only see each other 2-3 times a year, we stay in contact through e-mail, FB, and phone calls...and it never ceases to amaze me that when I'm feeling my lowest, worried or stressed, I hear from her..."I just thought about you and wanted to call."...that's my sister, always there when I need her most, and always with a shoulder to lean on.
3. Like most people, we do not want to be alone, and like most people, I have made some dumb choices in the dating scene. I had just gotten out of a scary relationship at the beginning of this year and wasn't looking for a relationship...but here I am, with one of the most beautiful women I have ever known. Dhyane and I clicked in ways that I had forgotten about. She, like I, was not looking to get into anything other than maybe coffee, a movie, or something on the "friend" level of dating. We have been dating "officially" for close to 2 months now, and we both know that this is the real thing. Dhyane is one of the funniest, caring, compasionate, and understanding people I have ever met...and 2nd. only to my sister, is my best friend. We are taking this slowly, but we are not afaid to enjoy life and all it has to offer...and I know that it is God who brought her into my life...and in so doing, has reminded me that He has only good things for me in His plans....and I am thankful.
So, you can see that all 3 people/entities in my life that have helped to shape me are related...and for that reason I am thankful for the life I now have.....So I'll say that this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for life, laughter, and most importantly, love....and all that life has to offer.....peace
1. Father God-I would not be here without the love and guidence of my spiritual father, God. I know that it's not always "popular" to speak one's faith, but if any of you know me, and my life story, it's not hard to see who inspires me, leads me and teaches me the true meaning of life, laughter, and most important, love. He has given me everything I have ever wanted, and that was just to be valued, and loved as a person. I thank Him every day for the gift of life, the ability to live and the capacity to love again. Life isn't any easier just because I believe in God, but it's not as difficult, I know that I am never alone, and with this, I can always get through whatever life throws at me, and know that He has gifts for me that haven't even been given to me just yet.
2. My sister Maria-Although we weren't raised together, she has always kept my memory alive within her. When we reunited in 1981, we began to reconnect as if we had never been apart. Even through my years of addiction, she stood beside me, believed in me and defended me. More importantly, she never gave up on me. It is because of my sister that I am about to celebrate being drug-free for 5 years now. Yes, I did the work, but she was always in my corner, cheering me on, and lifting my spirits when I thought I couldn't make it, and willing to kick my @ss if I talked about giving up. My sister is my hero, and my 1st. best friend...and always will be. I can talk to her about anything/everything without worrying about what she thinks, because she's not afraid to tell me...lol, but always with love and care...and even though we only see each other 2-3 times a year, we stay in contact through e-mail, FB, and phone calls...and it never ceases to amaze me that when I'm feeling my lowest, worried or stressed, I hear from her..."I just thought about you and wanted to call."...that's my sister, always there when I need her most, and always with a shoulder to lean on.
3. Like most people, we do not want to be alone, and like most people, I have made some dumb choices in the dating scene. I had just gotten out of a scary relationship at the beginning of this year and wasn't looking for a relationship...but here I am, with one of the most beautiful women I have ever known. Dhyane and I clicked in ways that I had forgotten about. She, like I, was not looking to get into anything other than maybe coffee, a movie, or something on the "friend" level of dating. We have been dating "officially" for close to 2 months now, and we both know that this is the real thing. Dhyane is one of the funniest, caring, compasionate, and understanding people I have ever met...and 2nd. only to my sister, is my best friend. We are taking this slowly, but we are not afaid to enjoy life and all it has to offer...and I know that it is God who brought her into my life...and in so doing, has reminded me that He has only good things for me in His plans....and I am thankful.
So, you can see that all 3 people/entities in my life that have helped to shape me are related...and for that reason I am thankful for the life I now have.....So I'll say that this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for life, laughter, and most importantly, love....and all that life has to offer.....peace
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Food Worth Eating
Greetings y'all,
After reading Fast Food Nation, I have changed my eating habits...that's no surprise, and it hasn't been all that difficult to do. So what do I do when hunger strikes and I don't feel like an "eColi burger, with a side of the runs?"...I eat in one of the various, sit down and get waited on restaurants that populate the Ventura County area. One of these is a little place called "Tortuga's Cafe."
Located in the Centennial Plaza, behind the movie theater,on the corner of 5th and B St. in Oxnard is a wonderfully delicious, and very nutritious, family run business. Shelly and Steve, owners of Tortuga's, and their children, greet you as you enter a very spacious, yet warm diner. Don't feel like being cooped up, well then, sit outside and grab a little sun on Tortuga's patio.
Tortuga's is a little eclectic in its decor, as well as its menu. Decorated as a pirates lair, it's easy to get into the mood for good food. With everything from soups and salads, to veggie, or garden burgers, chicken strips, and hot wings, to tri-tip sandwiches, it's not hard to satisfy anybody with their menu selection. The food is just a small part of the reasons to support this business. Shelly and Steve believe in supporting their community and often help local school groups with various fund raising events. Oxnard Colleges very own Addictive Disorder Studies Club, the ADS-PLC has had several successful fundraisers over the semester.
The food has a Caribbean flavor to it, so some of the sandwiches and salads reflect that in the wonderful spices and herbs used, providing that "bite" that keeps you coming back for more.
My favorite on the menu is the Spicy Chicken sandwich, onion rings and chocolate shake....mmmm, mmmm, good!!! While providing a nutritious, and delicious meal, Tortuga's is cost friendly...most complete meals are under $8.00 per person...need an additional incentive???...buy a combo meal, and you can get movie tickets for just $6.99 per person....a savings of $3.00 for you movie buffs.
So the next time you want more than just a place to stuff your face, without cleaning out your wallet, or your intestines, give Tortuga's a try....you will not be dissapointed....just tell them "Cuervo sent me!!!".....and enjoy your meal.
After reading Fast Food Nation, I have changed my eating habits...that's no surprise, and it hasn't been all that difficult to do. So what do I do when hunger strikes and I don't feel like an "eColi burger, with a side of the runs?"...I eat in one of the various, sit down and get waited on restaurants that populate the Ventura County area. One of these is a little place called "Tortuga's Cafe."
Located in the Centennial Plaza, behind the movie theater,on the corner of 5th and B St. in Oxnard is a wonderfully delicious, and very nutritious, family run business. Shelly and Steve, owners of Tortuga's, and their children, greet you as you enter a very spacious, yet warm diner. Don't feel like being cooped up, well then, sit outside and grab a little sun on Tortuga's patio.
Tortuga's is a little eclectic in its decor, as well as its menu. Decorated as a pirates lair, it's easy to get into the mood for good food. With everything from soups and salads, to veggie, or garden burgers, chicken strips, and hot wings, to tri-tip sandwiches, it's not hard to satisfy anybody with their menu selection. The food is just a small part of the reasons to support this business. Shelly and Steve believe in supporting their community and often help local school groups with various fund raising events. Oxnard Colleges very own Addictive Disorder Studies Club, the ADS-PLC has had several successful fundraisers over the semester.
The food has a Caribbean flavor to it, so some of the sandwiches and salads reflect that in the wonderful spices and herbs used, providing that "bite" that keeps you coming back for more.
My favorite on the menu is the Spicy Chicken sandwich, onion rings and chocolate shake....mmmm, mmmm, good!!! While providing a nutritious, and delicious meal, Tortuga's is cost friendly...most complete meals are under $8.00 per person...need an additional incentive???...buy a combo meal, and you can get movie tickets for just $6.99 per person....a savings of $3.00 for you movie buffs.
So the next time you want more than just a place to stuff your face, without cleaning out your wallet, or your intestines, give Tortuga's a try....you will not be dissapointed....just tell them "Cuervo sent me!!!".....and enjoy your meal.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
You are what you eat
Entering the semester, I thought, ok this should be easy...I'll learn how to write better papers, wow my professors, and share my words of wisdom with those who read my articles, essays, and short stories...little did I know that I would also change my eating habits.
Fast Food Nation is one of the few books that I'll not only keep in my library, but will recommend to anyone who eats fast food. This book really opened my eyes to the dangers involved in areas I hadn't thought about, such as the feed lots, the processing plants, and the handling of the food items in the fast food restaurants.
Since reading the book, I have changed my eating habits drastically...I no longer eat fast foods....ok, so I'm still struggling with giving up my Egg McMuffins every now and then, but I'm working on it...lol. In the past 3 weeks, that I have given up fast foods, I have noticed that I've lost 5 lbs. and have managed to save $25.00 so far. I did struggle for the first few days, but every time I pulled into a drive-up window, chapters 5-9 kept coming back to haunt me...and I left the line to the calls, "Welcome to....Hey, you haven't ordered yet!!!" coming from the menu board intercom system.
Not only have I quit eating fast food, but now my girlfriend also has joined me. Not because I made her, but because I told her that I would wait in the car while she played "Russian Roulette" with her health...just the other night, she stopped off on her way home, picked up a burger, fries and a drink....she then went home and took a big bite out of the burger....and started to remember what I had shared with her about the FFN, so she spit it out and then she called me to let me know that she can't eat any fast food without thinking about what I had shared with her...."Nice job Cuervo....you owe me $7.99"....fair enough, a small price to pay for a better way of eating. Now we go to sit-down restaurants and enjoy our meals, or we cook at home, which has added benefits of spending more time together...and knowing what we are eating.
Fast Food Nation is one of the few books that I'll not only keep in my library, but will recommend to anyone who eats fast food. This book really opened my eyes to the dangers involved in areas I hadn't thought about, such as the feed lots, the processing plants, and the handling of the food items in the fast food restaurants.
Since reading the book, I have changed my eating habits drastically...I no longer eat fast foods....ok, so I'm still struggling with giving up my Egg McMuffins every now and then, but I'm working on it...lol. In the past 3 weeks, that I have given up fast foods, I have noticed that I've lost 5 lbs. and have managed to save $25.00 so far. I did struggle for the first few days, but every time I pulled into a drive-up window, chapters 5-9 kept coming back to haunt me...and I left the line to the calls, "Welcome to....Hey, you haven't ordered yet!!!" coming from the menu board intercom system.
Not only have I quit eating fast food, but now my girlfriend also has joined me. Not because I made her, but because I told her that I would wait in the car while she played "Russian Roulette" with her health...just the other night, she stopped off on her way home, picked up a burger, fries and a drink....she then went home and took a big bite out of the burger....and started to remember what I had shared with her about the FFN, so she spit it out and then she called me to let me know that she can't eat any fast food without thinking about what I had shared with her...."Nice job Cuervo....you owe me $7.99"....fair enough, a small price to pay for a better way of eating. Now we go to sit-down restaurants and enjoy our meals, or we cook at home, which has added benefits of spending more time together...and knowing what we are eating.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
THE TRUTH, THE TRUTH???...YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!
Greetings y'all....well, thanks to Black Widow, y'all think I'm an ex-con, or a con on parole....or just a con...lol. Others could have sworn they saw me in a music video.....(maybe I was a stand in for Ricky Martin, or Tim McGraw)....but no, that wasn't me...and someone guessed I only have 1 brother/sister....I wish...no, just kidding...the truth is that I know how to play several instruments. I play all 4 saxophones, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone....French Horn, Flute, and Oboe....my favorite, the Tenor Sax.....thank you for playing along, but sorry, we don't have a winner...better luck next time.
Now....as for how this semester is going....let's just say that I picked the wrong classes if I was looking for a smooth semester. First off, I love my classes, Chicano Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Philosophy, and my FAVORITE....English Composition 101. My issue, each one of them require a lot of writing....every week it's another essay, research paper, questions from a book we have to read, as well as trying to keep up with note taking and homework organization. That being said, I'm still blessed to be where I am...it sure beats where I was heading.
Sometimes I feel stretched, pulled, pushed, formed, molded, tweaked, fine-tuned, and overall, overhauled during the past 5 semesters, but this one has really pushed me to reach, try, learn, earn, and grow in ways I didn't think was possible. But the most rewarding of this adventure has been meeting y'all. I have met some great people, and have had a lot to be thankful for in the friendships that have been formed, so I guess all in all, taking the difficult with the easy, I wouldn't trade my OC experience for an easy A, ....ok, so I might think about it....lol
Now....as for how this semester is going....let's just say that I picked the wrong classes if I was looking for a smooth semester. First off, I love my classes, Chicano Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Philosophy, and my FAVORITE....English Composition 101. My issue, each one of them require a lot of writing....every week it's another essay, research paper, questions from a book we have to read, as well as trying to keep up with note taking and homework organization. That being said, I'm still blessed to be where I am...it sure beats where I was heading.
Sometimes I feel stretched, pulled, pushed, formed, molded, tweaked, fine-tuned, and overall, overhauled during the past 5 semesters, but this one has really pushed me to reach, try, learn, earn, and grow in ways I didn't think was possible. But the most rewarding of this adventure has been meeting y'all. I have met some great people, and have had a lot to be thankful for in the friendships that have been formed, so I guess all in all, taking the difficult with the easy, I wouldn't trade my OC experience for an easy A, ....ok, so I might think about it....lol
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