Food Inc.

Food Inc., made in 2008 by Robert Kenner in an expose into corporate America's meat industry. We follow Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation into factories and chicken farms, through grocery stores into offices, uncovering a dirty truth about how meat is manufactured: animals are treated cruelly and health and safety is not a priority. We meet several growers, such as Vince Edwards and Carole Morison, as well as industry insiders such as Troy Roush and Richard Lobb. Kenner explores the subjects of vegetarianism, corporate America, animal rights and cruelty, food production, etc. One aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the great dilemma in the minds of the growers and raisers of animals. They have to make a choice that's balanced between their consciences and the almighty dollar.
Another aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the lifestyle of poverty-stricken families that have to choose less healthy, cheaper fast-food options for their children because of the dollar menu and the money that they make. If it's not possible to afford healthy options, who wouldn't refuse to feed their own children, even if it's constant fast-food?
Another aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the perspective of Maria Andrea Gonzalez, who lost her son to food poisoning from beef from fast-food. Her campaign is inspiring, because of the personal pain involved with losing a child.
I would recommend this documentary for anyone who is either ignorant of where their food comes from or is torn between food options. Although it may be gruesome, it is an ugly truth we have to face in terms of what we eat. This documentary opened my eyes to what really happens to meat used today.

Food Inc., 94 mins., PG.

In Response

I was saddened and sickened by the events that transpired on Friday, December 14, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Words are not easy to use, and I'm not sure how to clearly reflect my deep sorrow. When I found out on Friday, I was moved to tears reading articles and watching coverage online.

Out of this tragedy, there have been tales of heroism and selflessness, such as Victoria Soto, 27, who hid her children in closets, then told Adam Lanza, the gunman, that they were in the gym. He then shot and killed her, but none of her students were harmed. The school principal, Dawn Hochsprung, reportedly lunged at Lanza in an attempt to overtake him, and was killed in the process. It was other adults' and teachers' fast action that kept other students safe and alive.

It is clear that gun control laws are needed especially in light of this tragedy. In his Friday show, Piers Morgan said:
"There are nearly 12,000 murders a year from guns in this country. When are you guys going to focus on that, and stop telling me the answer is more guns? It is not the answer! How many more kids have to die, before you guys say, 'we want less guns, not more?'"

The 1934 National Firearms Act taxes the manufacturing and sale of guns, requires that distributors of guns register then with the Attorney General, and relays sales information.
The 1968 Gun Control Act requires that gun manufacturers and salespeople be federally licensed, and prohibits the interstate sale of guns.
The 1993 Brady Handgun Prevention Act requires background checks for those purchasing firearms who were not already licensed to carry them, and puts two age restrictions on purchasing guns: to buy "long guns", you must be 18; to buy "short guns", you must be 21.
The current laws don't go far enough in terms of gun control.  It's clear we need a change.


I've been trying to imbed two videos, but my computer is glitching, so I'll link them here:

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/tribute-newtowns-fallen-heroes-17993817

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/obama-connecticut-school-shooting-hearts-broken-17977068

 

Here Comes the Sun King

I've been in love with The Beatles since I was a little girl, and I'd like to talk for a minute about one of my favorite musical pieces by them. I've had trouble picking my favorite Beatles album. I've gone through my Sgt. Peppers and Revolver phase, and am now stuck between the White Album and Abbey Road. Abbey Road (1969) I really enjoy because of the medley of songs at the end of the album. This was their last recorded album, and there was less pressure because they all knew that they were broken up. They were able to relax and put together some really interesting music. The 16-minute medley, sometimes called the Golden Slumbers Medley, is composed of 8-9 songs: "You Never Give Me Your Money" (McCartney) is one of my favorite songs because of the great and haunting piano track. "Sun King" (Lennon) is one of those chill-out songs that also encompasses Beatles humor in adding hints of other songs into songs, such as in "Glass Onion" on the White Album. "Mean Mr. Mustard" (Lennon)is a god song to sing along to, with it's crazy story, like Maxwell's Silver Hammer or Rocky Raccoon. "Polythene Pam" (Lennon) was originally going to be names Shirley, but was changed to Pam to fit with Mr. Mustard's sister Pam. I adore the british accents in this song with the long "ah" in "Paaahm". "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" (McCartney) was actually written about a crazed fan who climbed into Paul's house through the bathroom window. "Golden Slumbers", "Carry That Weight" and "The End" (McCartney) are the end of the Medley, not including Her Majesty. Golden Slumbers was based off a 17th century poem and is a truly beautiful song, and the three ending songs show off distinctive band patterns: McCartney playing guitar in a staccato style, Harrison playing guitar in a melodic style, and Lennon playing guitar in a stinging style with much distortion, as well as including Ringo's only drum solo. I can't really go into more4 detail on how much I love these songs because then I'll start fangirling and won't be able to cope. *sigh* Sleep pretty darling, do not cry. And I will sing a lullaby...

Tumblr (That Thing That Ruins Your Life)

In case none of you have heard of it, tumblr.com is another of those social media websites such as facebook or twitter (but tumblr is better). Tumblr is basically a blog that's more picture and gif oriented than text. You follow other peoples' blogs and reblog their posts. I only started tumblr last summer, and it's pretty much taken over my life. I'll admit that I spend about an hour every day on tumblr. I guess what I like about the constant sharing and reblogging is that you can experience and collaborate anonymously. You can share a photo and have no idea who originally posted it, or how many people have reblogged it until you saw it on your dashboard. I love looking through vintage and photography tumblrs, as well as the ones about food, and blogs that express feelings. Some other favorite blogs are here, here, and here. It's really frustrating sometimes because of the layout, but I find that it's worth it when you create a blog you're proud of. Just in case you were wondering, my main tumblr is here and my tights tumblr is here.