Birth From a Dumpster

The documentary “Dive” has the potential to be life transforming, and alone stands as a resource and movement towards education, and habit change. The movie starts out with young adults diving in dumpsters behind food stores to find food with hope to feed their hungry families. The truth is that its rare for the average person to stop to think about where their un-bought, or unused food is going. Nearly half of all food being produced right now around the world is going to complete waste. The documentary “Dive”, shot in Los Angeles California, follows a young group of twenty something’s as they discover the enormous wealth in dumpsters. After watching this eye opening film, serious questions start to arise about respecting earth, and you begin to think of the high price asscociated with this type of growth. Also the issue of serious malnutrition, even in America, suddenly becomes even more apparent after viewing some of the footage. In such uncertain financial times, this story of stretching the dollar moves to another level. Re-thinking your food consumption, and what you can maybe do personally to make a shift towards the rapidly growing problem becomes a duty. Food responsibility is important, and spreading the word is crucial in making the necessary shift to revamp the sad system that  currently lies in place currently.

Indeed, the world as we know it today seems to magically and consistently provide everything we need at precisely the time we need it. Food is no exception. At anytime we can practically walk around the corner for any immediate purchase, weather it’s ingredients for a special meal, or to stock up for a year on your food supply. Instant access spoils even the most regimented of food responsible individuals. Having a healthy diet is an extension of food responsibility. We are living in a time of magnanimous mass production, having food in a matter of seconds, no question of availability, no wait, just point and click. It proves hard to place blame on the masses because many people are obliviously unaware.  Food education, proper habits were not a regular part of open dialogue growing up. Food education doesn’t include teaching our children about misuse or unused food. Once you know however, it changes the expectation. Changes and simple awareness need to be made in order to ensure the future of our children. This may sound cliché, but earth as we know it, with all seven billion people roaming the planet, cannot continue to sustain a limitless amount of food, especially good food. We have to start thinking ahead to new ways on food production consumption and conservation. Maybe we should consider the nutricianlal values first,without beign food snobs, and take what is available, just because it doesn’t look pretty.  we are food snobs, evnenif it doesn’t look pretty. This is a good time to start searching for local produce and meats if possible, and by local, I mean farmed or grown in your city. There is of course the issue of cost, and again, in the financial climate of now, price is huge factor. It is the responsibility of each person to take all aspects into consideration, and make adjustments that are attainable.

On the subject, Malnutrition is a devastating truth that effects millions. You often hear about the starving children in third world countries, and that is true, but there are people in your city that are going to bed hungry at night. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but this is everyday truth. When I volunteer to feed the hungry, it never fails; I am shocked at the amount of people there to eat, only there for a meal, food is all they want, they are hungry. I think, we have food, food is available, hungry souls waiting to be filled with whatever the local food bank has to offer. The food is available, it’s a matter of moblelizing the proper food chains and agency’s and bringing food to the people. Thousands of people die of starvation each day. We can make small changes, change the mindset of your American neighbor, start to fix a problem that is out of control, feed the hungry. It’s not hard to become passionate about this subject, but once you learn the basics of the problem, you can start to do your part. I interviewed a woman at the local grocer, she said that they literally dump all dairy, and the meat is picked up by vendor. They do donate the bread, but the question isn’t why, the question is how. How can we change policy to encourage food redistribution? Bill Clinton passed law in the early nineties called the “Good Samaritan Act”, which protects big grocery chains from any lawsuit that may come by donating close to expired food items. This gives big food chains no excuse in wanting to combat the major issue of extreme waste.

In the documentary “Dive”, facts like one in every seven households are food deprived; 35 million people in America currently are food insecure. People shop at big food chains because it’s less expensive, they can not afford to shop for local produce or they don’t have the time it takes for healthy meal preparation. The cycle begins to perpetuate, not enough time, lack of money, and then next thing you know, your picking up fast food for yourself or the kids a few nights a week. The information in food statistics is not meant to scare you, just give you a different way to perhaps look at small changes you could maybe make. This journey is not without hope. During depression, and war was there was food rationing, and during this time you and your neighbor would take pride in protecting the food that was produced from sweat and hard labor. The time has changed, but the importance of respecting food or getting to know it better has not. You set the example by first ensuring that your home is in order and that you and the ones closest to you have the knowledge, resources, and materials you need to move forward. Once you have an idea of the basics, it starts to become easier for you to work these newfound ideas into your own routine. Proper food education catapults you into overall better habits. The expense of food is something that everyone has to calculate into his or her budget, why not calculate it with a shift in your approach.

No one person is trained in food loss. Half of prepared food never gets distributed; this has been said to be the silent tsunami of hunger, but now is time to focus on the solution. Ask your local grocer what they do with their near expired product, or unused product. Maybe you can get the ball rolling in your community. Call yourself to action, and call others to action. This is problem that is far reaching, and may seem overwhelming, but let the idea sit and then ask yourself, how can I help this cause. It once was said that Food is life, and should never be wasted. I believe this to be more than true. At its core, food is nourishment that keeps the miracle of the human body alive and well. We would be lost without this gift, and not afford to take our responsibility not to take for granted.  We have to recognize and respect the importance and impact of this to insure lasting effects of making change now.

Journal 5

The documentary “Dive” was a real eye opener. The premise of the movie is based on the idea of food conservation, or not wasting food. The short film was extremely informative, and gave great facts. I never knew that half of the food produced world wide ends up going to waste. The truth is that people are starving to death everyday, every minute a life is loss due to malnutrition, or lack of food. It was astonishing to see young adults trying to feed their families by diving into dirty dumpsters, but after I saw the process, I was moved to see how much food was edible. More than edible, it was totally solid food being tossed into a dumpster. The ramifications were staggering; to think everyday this much food is being tossed. Respect for earth and its resources moved me the most. In a time were we consume, rarely to being stop and think were did this food come from, or how is it here, and what happens to all the leftovers. In the US alone, roughly 35 million people are food insecure, 1 out of every seven households. I look forward to unpacking this serious issue more in my reaction draft on “Dive”.

American Dream Final

Christopher Gass

Professor Kelly Warren

English 1102

March 5, 2013

America

It is the year 2013, and The American Dream is Alive. America has changed course a bit, and looks completely different than it did thirty something years ago, but the heart of the American people still beats. A few years ago, a case for a fallen American dream could have been easily argued among the economic woes. Today you still find dedicated workers, and America is adjusting to the ever changing climate. You have children experiencing first generation American life because their parents or grandparents made the decision to move to the United States for the dream. These American newbie’s are still learning the basics of how America operates. The longer you have been established seems like the more knowledge you would have making the “American dream” a reality. The house with the white picket fence still remains, it just looks different. There may be a fence, but it’s not white picket, its fire engine red.

Struggle is a part of the sweat I think unifies America. I have to believe that my dream is active and alive. Between a dream and a prayer, I embrace the new season of America that has become the now, fast paced reality that doesn’t have an off switch. Through the economic challenges, the engine of the nation is still moving. We most definitely have to get creative soon. With constantly growing technology, and the unemployment holding steady, we have to begin looking at alternative ways of bringing the best out of our America. Our carbon footprint can leave a negative impact on ones outlook of the American dream, but we can move forward, it’s America. Some things haven’t changed over the years; the dream has been repackaged, and it is just waiting to be reopened.

The uncertainty of the future sometimes concerns me, but the idea is to keep trucking, keep moving forward. I feel like I’ve been holding a poker face for thirty years, and I’m so close, and if I can just keep the smile on a bit longer, life, the dream will happen. This, some may say may be the curse of my generation or generations after me. People migrate towards America for a reason. How long should I ponder life or my purpose or my place? The truth is, unless you’re lucky enough to have been born into some kind of privilege, or just very good fortune, the American dream is still really hard work. The work type has changed, because of major automation. There is a difference in what work translates into this day in age. Consolidation and outsourcing in America doesn’t exactly inspire confidence to live the dream. One should remember the heart of America, it does not say RSVP on the statue of liberty.

In addition you have the new American family to consider, which if chosen and placed correctly really has an opportunity to shine. You can basically create your own, like you were customizing anything else, a car or maybe a meal at the drive through. A broken home isn’t so broken anymore when you can mix and match. The Washington Post said earlier this year four out of ten families are blended.  Is this the American dream? Future America will never be the same. My grandparents and their six children came here to the US over forty years ago in search of a more promising future. My grandmother ended in having 19 grandchildren. The six children all went on to work to death until achieving their version of success. We have stayed local somehow, and now all my cousins are coming of age. Everyone is getting married and working on their first or second child. When I look around I see the dream unfolding, that is reassuring.

 Today I’d be happy to meet someone to share my life with. After all is said and done my version or my match or my combo doesn’t look that different than the next guys. I want to find unconditional love with a life partner. I want kids, I want pets, maybe a dog, probably no cats. If my kid begs me for a cat one day and the timing is just right, you never know. Welcome to New America. Unlimited consumption, and an opportunity to still do right by yourself and your neighbor. 

Journal 4

Citizenship is not something I think about on a regular basis. When I think about immigration, I immediately think about politics, and the extreme popularity it portrays in the media, especially during election season. Clearly this has become more of an issue with population growth, and the massive diversity of human culture. You hear extreme stories of sacrifice for even the smallest chance at the dream people call America. A common theme I notice is struggle and heartache, mixed with strong determination and a dash of invincible will, which usually leads to some eventually triumph. In many of these experiences or stories people appear to go to hell and back before their dreams are made possible. For those who sought to know this great land, they’re steadfast persistence pays off. In my mind, modern day America is made up of this vast variety of people with common goals, many times making something out of nothing, but somehow making it work. My wish or hope is that anyone who had a desire to come to America would have the opportunity. I don’t know much about the process, but legal immigration seems fair, and illegal immigration needs some work. I know we provide aid to other nations, I also know that on the world stage the United states seems to capitalize on the small guys, and find some way for it to majorly favor the country. This is where I’m torn. I see other struggling countries, and ask, why can’t we fix this. There is a reason people are desperate to come to America. You hear or see stories that break your heart, but how can I fix this. These eternal ethical philosophical debates mostly occur when asked questions that force you to actually think about current issues. It’s nice to get them down on paper, and would encourage people to ask more questions. How can we help solve this issue, and how can we get started on and more involved in the process. 

                                                                                                                                                    Gass1           

Christopher Gass

Professor Kelly Warren

ENC 1102

February 19^th, 2013

                                                  Response to Digital Nation

Digital Nation was extremely eye opening to say the very least. I am part of this digital nation.  Although there is much controversy surrounding digital media and its impact on the world we live in, it is a subject that needs to be addressed. The opposition finds it more challenging to see the possible positive benefits of being so well connected. There are more than just a few benefits of using social media to our advantage. The Educational aspect is huge. How we can a collective can use our digital nation as a tremendous tool for educational improvement. Big business also stands to benefit from being on the cutting edge of staying connected, making a better work environment for other wise bored employees. The amount of relationships that have developed from the introduction of the internet is astronomical. There is no possible way to survive in today’s modern life with out being plugged in or connected in one way or another.

The opposition has any number of reasons why being so plugged in may pose more harm than good. This is the question that we face.  At a time when technology is moving at an exponential rate, these questions need to be addressed. Who are we as a people, and are we headed in a healthy direction with so much time spent online. Is the time online taking us away from human interaction? In South Korea the amount of time spent online or gaming has now led to addiction centers for young people who have become so immersed in gaming they would spend days at a time consumed by one game.

The educational aspect has improved in schools throughout the country. The numbers say that math and reading scores have increased due to having access to internet in the class room. Teachers have complained about skills sets not being up to par, but in the right circumstance it has been proven to teach kids in away that has never really been done before until this last decade. According to Digital nation reading scores are up 40%, and math scores are up 50% in particular school districts. Especially today, kids learn so differently. The brain is stimulated, and you now have multiple ways to engage children that would other wise be left behind.

Part of what excited me most about digital nation was the idea of virtual worlds. Not in a gaming aspect, but more for using these tools in a business environment. I know plenty of people that work from home, and have their teams they meet with a few times a week on conference calls. When I saw what IMB was doing with second life, I thought to myself, brilliant. Corporate settings are loosing ground, unless your working for Google, most people don’t love their cubicles. With Options like virtual workspaces, just like education, you are again instantly engaged. Making it fun, while getting to know the people you talk with regularly, but rarely get to meet. Further more there are other options for keeping in touch with your neighbor.

Building a blog is exciting, just another way to share your life online. Many relationships form online with or without intention, but they are happening left and right. These could be professional relationships or romantic involvement. I read that forty million Americans have attempted online dating, and many of these first dates lead to successful marriage and family. Sometimes just meeting a kindred spirit, a close friend, or someone who you can share  hobbies with.

Digital Nation was extremely eye opening to say the very least. I am part of this digital nation. It’s interesting how you don’t seem to be given much of a choice especially when if your younger, or being raised in this environment that is by most defaults somehow connected in one way or another. A question to ask is weather this huge phenomenon is doing more harm than good. I personally kicked and screamed when it came to the idea of being “connected”. I could not stand the idea of being plugged in, this was about six years ago. I waited as long as possible, even to get something as simple as an email address. One day it just hit me, there is no possible way to survive in today’s society without some connection or plug in.

                  I’m attached to my phone for email, and direct access to the Internet. I understand the need for connection.  I originally kicked and screamed when it came to the idea of being “connected”. I could not stand the idea of being plugged in; this was about six years ago. I waited as long as possible, even to get something as simple as an email address. One day it just hit me, there is no possible way to survive in today’s society without some connection or plug in. 

Journal 3

Digital Nation was extremely eye opening to say the very least. I am part of this digital nation. It’s interesting how you don’t seem to be given much of a choice especially when if your younger, or being raised in this environment that is by most defaults somehow connected in one way or another. I personally kicked and screamed when it came to the idea of being “connected”. I could not stand the idea of being plugged in, this was about six years ago. I waited as long as possible, even to get something as simple as an email address. One day it just hit me, there is no possible way to survive in today’s society without some connection or plug in. I’m still carful about even facebook, and other forms of social media, but I’m attached to my phone for email, and direct access to the Internet. I understand the need for connection that many people crave through gaming or even to keep in touch through something as simple as facebook, I’m still a little apprehensive about diving in head first with all the latest in social media. No twitter for me as of right now. Building a blog is exciting. Part of what excited me about digital nation was the idea of virtual worlds. Not in a gaming aspect, but more for using these tools in a business environment. I know plenty of people that work from home, and have their teams they meet with a few times a week on conference calls. When I saw what IMB was doing with second life, I thought to myself, that’s brilliant. Make in fun, more engaging, and get to know more about the people you talk with regularly but never see. Saving money on travel I’m sure was a plus for them. The negative effects also made me think. The way they spoke of South Korea, and the addiction aspect. There are many pros and cons that should be contemplated.  The rate of upgrade and change is growing exponentially and is impossible to keep up with. It seems like there should be more acknowledgement on the potential hazards. In an educational environment I love the idea. One thing I can safely say is the Internet and now our extreme dependence on it is necessary to stay in touch even at the most basic level. This is the point of no return. How will we move forward?

Journal 2

So I started asking classmates and coworkers, thumbs up or thumbs down, on reality television shows? I guess I didn’t realize the gravity of the question. Almost every response was something like, “well I don’t know! I mean I guess it just depends on what reality show you’re watching.” Mostly everyone agreed that reality TV was anything but reality. This is the appeal. In the book they use the term Humilitainment, which is defined as the tendency for viewers to be attached to spectacular mortification. I have to admit I have never considered myself a big reality tv fan. I don’t have the luxury of cable television, but every time I’m at family or friend’s house I’m hooked. It usually stops me in my tracks, and I am hypnotized by the insanity. I personally love when I see teams, and a race is involved. I became a huge fan of Ru Paul’s Drag race. Jersey Shore is bogus, you don’t even realize what you’re doing, but before you know it your eyes seemed to be glued. I have been known to spend the entire weekend watching every episode in every season. This just goes to show you the power of the wild idea that they now call reality TV. “Reality TV is just as real as anything else, it’s not”. The desire for human connection has never been greater. This combined with pure curiosity could easily explain the enormous popularity of this latest TV trend.