Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Food!

The first presentation I watched was with Mark Bittman and During his opening I didn't know what to expect when he compared the A-bomb to a cow. As he went on he kept stressing the overconsumption of animals. The idea that we were eating too many animals never occured to me, I know the meat in fast food joints were not the best--but just about all animals (non "Organic") are poduced with chemicals and anti-biotics. During his history lesson, the points he discussed were mainly how we need to eat less meat and more plants. This made me look at the diet of people my age and how little fresh fruits and plants are in it---and when they are, chances are they have been treated with chemicals. This presentation was just another reminder that if we dont change our eating habits, the consequenses are huge.
The second presentation was by Ann Cooper. She has a very good cause and I believe in procedures that she has practiced over the past two years. I believe food education should be a bigger part of the education system. Looking back at my elementary days, i realize that there was no food education at all. It also made me look at what was being served at my old schools; pizza, "chicken" nuggets, and burritos. All of which are not acceptable for children--who need wholesome, healthy food that will sustain them until dinner time. Her plans for increasing the spending onfood in schools makes a lot of sense, and it would be a great thing if schools across the nation had the resources to achieve the goals that Cooper has in mind.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Brian's Important People!

  These are my BIP's!


 One important person in my life is of course my father. The man is almost 60 now. Which in truth doesn't sound too old anymore. Many people say he looks just like me--I personally don't see too much of a resemblance. But recently, as the years go on, I see my face changing shape to match his; while his changes to something I fear of. As my dad approaches 60, I reflect on all the lessons he has taught me over the years. I've never actually thanked him, but the things he has taught me will help me carry myself through the hardships that the future carries. 

     My sisters Maggie and Jenny are also worth mentioning. They are 20 and 21 years old and are both students at UCSD. One thing is for sure: they care for me just as much as I care for them. Their personalities are 2 in a million. They done a lot for me over the years, and I can't thank them enough. 
       
      One friend that I can say I trust is my friend Roman. He moved to the United States from Russia when he was 6, but he speaks perfect, accent-less English. This Russian happens to be very tall--taller than me! We've been friends for about two years now and hes never broken my trust. He's the guy people can count on--I know I do.        

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

FFN!

 I'm going to be honest, there is a lot of uninteresting information in Fast Food Nation. However, the importance of the more relevant information is astounding. This book has really opened my eyes and forced me to really look at what is on my plate—or in my bag. The book is particularly good at exposing the struggles of real Americans doing really dangerous jobs; the kind of jobs that are needed to keep the cost of that double cheeseburger under one dollar. The book follows every aspect of the fast food industry. The parts that I found most shocking would be when Schlossler followed the workers inside of a slaughterhouse. The jobs that people do for minimum wage is absurd! My old jobs don’t seem to bad in comparison. Folding clothes isn’t much compared to slaughtering a half paralyzed cow. Overall, this book and the assignments have been a good introduction to college level English.  

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Skewl

My truth was #4! I have been to Canada!

Now about school..

I have never imagined myself not finishing school, but there are many things that keep me motivated to finish. The first and most important is the idea of a future; I know that everyone in school right now is seeking a bright one. And to obtain a brighter future, one must be in school. Another motivation is for the people around me. I hope not only I

My first semester in college is not what i thought it would be. I thought of late nights with pots of hot coffee, and studying until the sun would rise. However, it has been a much different experience. I'm a full time student with a decent schedule. My classes have been good to me, and so has time.

Currently I'm struggling with the idea that I have to write an eight page research paper soon. It will really test the skills I have learned in the class. But other than that, all of my classes are going well, finally! There are still 5 weeks of school before finals, and I cannot allow myself to slip in my classes.

Also, I recently looked at the spring 2010 schedule of courses, and I have already mapped out my next semester at the beautiful Oxnard College!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Spot the truth!

1) I've been to Lisbon, Portugal--Twice

2) I have four siblings

3) I'm afraid of heights

4) I've been to Canada

5) I broke 3 ribs in a car accident

6) I work at Levi's in Camarillo

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Marijuana Laws

 The cost for one marijuana-related arrest is estimated at $10,400. Over the course of a year, the price for enforcing these laws are $7.6 billion. With those facts stated, I do believe that Marijuana laws should be relaxed. $7.6 billion in which local governments can use to fight real crime; $7.6 billion dollars that local schools need not the countless hours wasted by the local governments to keep our court system moving smoothly.
      It is proven that recreational use of marijuana is relatively safe when compared to all recreational drugs. Also, marijuana is know for its therapeutic effect often used to counter anxiety and stress. For many of these people, marijuana is the only answer to their condition. The fact that Taxpayer's dollars are used to fight small marijuana infractions is appalling. If the laws are relaxed, it could eventually lead to legalization, which is the current debate in California. Legalized or not, pot should not be the cause for law enforcement to arrest and incarcerate citizens.