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.

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.        

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.  

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!

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

Only the Classics:

4.5/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay-jgm3aOiY

4/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGrqW3nx5HM

5/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ScYl0Bf3S8

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. 

Essay #1

 Brian Ta

Mrs. Croker

September 8, 2010

My First Taste of Freedom

I had just turned 17 and completed my third of three driver's training lessons. The only thing that kept me from my freedom was a driver's license.

I remember the day my sister and I took the day off from school in order to drive me to this momentous occasion. I could not even sleep the night prior. My nerves were really getting to me. I couldn’t stop worrying about who my test proctor would be. There have been many rumors going around the teens at my school about a tall bald younger man being the worst of the testers. I couldn't imagining failing my drivers test, mainly due to all the talk I've been giving to my friends who had to take the test twice. In the event of me failing my test I wished for it to failed by a critical error. Everyone understands that stuff just happens, so that would be a much less embarrassing route to fail by opposed to failing by over ten small errors.

During the drive to the DMV my sister was trying to give me tips on what and what not to do. We went over hand signals and even where there windshield wipers were. I felt as ready as I could possibly be.

Both of my sisters as well as my friends with licenses, all took their test at the Ventura DMV. So as I walked into the Oxnard DMV, I didn’t know what to expect. The must from the older building filled my nose. The sounds of the employees were all drowned out by the whining of impatient kids. I took my documents to the testing window. My sweaty palms handed over the necessary paperwork to the woman working at the window, after some looking over and a quick eye exam, I sat with my sister, and waited.

Not too long after, my name was called. They instructed me to drive to the testing area. There I waited, the air conditioning was my best friend for the brief moments of waiting. Momentarily, I notice a thin, older gentleman inspecting my car. Realizing he was my proctor, I was relieved. He spoke with an accent, so thick that you could almost mistake him for rude. Regardless, I was relieved to not have had the tall devil everyone at school seemed to condemn.

I've been practicing for this day for a very long time. I show him the defroster, the wipers, the turn signals. I start the car. He fondles his paper work, and we're off. As I was pulling out of the parking lot, there was a calm that took over me just a bit. Then his instructions begin.

“Pull up the the curb right here, please”

“Easy”, I said to myself.

“Turn left at this light, please.”

Damn, this isnt a protected turn!

“Switch two lanes to the left, please.”

“Make a right turn after this light, please.”

I silently question his requests in the rush of mid-day traffic; the constant “pleases” were getting irritating.

After completing all of his requests, we end up back in the DMV lot where I started the car about ten minutes prior. He examines his sheets, all I could hear was the lead of his pencils making long curvy marks. Once in a while there would be a quick short mark tossed into the mix. He hands me a copy of the paper and shows me my mistakes and tell me what all the funny marks meant. At this point, my quiet calm had become a painful anxiousness. He finished his last correction with a congratulations.

A load of pressure had been lifted off of my chest. I immediately get the urge to call my parents and friends telling them the news.

I walk into the DMV and my sister is nervously waiting for my to tell of the result. I told her with much joy that I passed. Immediately after, I call up my dad with the news. After all of the congratulations, I walk proudly to the window with excitement as they hand me my interim drivers license only to be told I couldn't even drive myself home due to the resections of a restricted license. However, I did not let that shake my joy.

After I made it home, I did something I've wanted to for 3 years; I drove myself to school. It was a little taste of independence that I will never forget. The idea of going where you wanted was such a rush at the time. I still remember the moment, going slowly over the speed bumps on the side entrance, windows down, radio loud. It is one of the best memories of high school I have.

As a celebration, I drive my friends to go get a celebratory lunch. We decide to go get some fish tacos. The conversation was non-stop. I told where I was taken to during the test, give tips to my friends, and tell them that I luckily did not receive the tall young instructor.

After school, I immediately got dressed and headed to work at Tilly's where all of my co-workers were college students. Being the only high school kid there, I was a bit embarrassed to admit my excitement in receiving my driver's license. However, the embarrassment wouldn’t compare to the fact that after every shift, I was picked up by my dad. So after closing, I felt even more proud of myself when I started the car, and drove home alone. It was a big accomplishment for me.

With such power, comes responsibility. I can say that I have witnessed this power be abused. From friends texting and driving, and making attempts to drive impaired , I was certain I would not land in that category. I would not allow myself to be classified with the people who made bad choices driving. Luckily I understood this very well.

Today, driving is still a very big thing for me. I still take it very seriously. After losing a friend in a car accident, there is no way I can look at this subject lightly. I always make an effort to be responsible when I’m behind the wheel. I also try to help others feel the same way.

Txt it!

Texting is a major part of communication these days, particularly in the youth. No longer do we have to talk on the phone to get out message across. Now its just a press of a few buttons and you can get your message through. Texting has many great advantages that enable people to communicate when a phone call is not an option. For example, if I'm running late to work, I can pop out a text to my boss without even thinking about it. If class ends early, I'm able to text a ride beforehand so I don't have to wait outside in the cold. It's so convenient! Not only is it a matter of convenience, it is also a way to keep in touch. Being the only child left at home and being in a semi-long distance relationship, it enables me to keep in touch with the people in my life without having a phone pressed to my ear every opportunity I get. So, as I view it, texting is a great thing that enables me to communicate is situation where I couldn't communicate before, and also helps me keep in touch with the people I love.

Reality Television

Reality television, in my opinion, is a very common guilty pleasure. People degrading them selves on national television is somewhat sad. The lengths people will go to to be noticed is quite extreme. From drama filled dating shows, being stranded on a deserted island, and to as simple as following a group of friends in Jersey. Programs like those are entertaining to watch because they are so outrageous and ridiculously untrue. Reality is real people, being put in UNREAL situation, where the outcome is a mix of "reality" and "actuality".

My earliest memories of reality TV must be from Survivor. I remember it was a family event. Every Thursday night we would pop out the poppin' corn and watch people try to make fire, shelter, and alliances all simultaneously. The challenges were quite entertaining too. People weaving in and out of obstacles, solving puzzles, sprinting across the jungle trying to pull the flag before the other tribe. Nowadays, shows like "Survivor" and The "Amazing Race" have lost their appeal. Mainly due to the ten years it has been on air. Unlike wine, reality shows don’t age gracefully. "Survivor" has had many season and has been all over the globe. Its all getting too repetitive.

As far as impact on society, I think they might actually put on a good impression for young adults due to the sheer courageousness of the activities taking place. They should be exposed to how unintelligent some people really are, and hopefully learn from the mistakes the other mare making on TV. Shows like "16 and Pregnant" show how difficult it is to live a normal life if you do get knocked up so young. It shows the wrongness and how society frowns upon it, and hopefully teens will be more responsible due to programs such as.

For now, my guilty pleasure will not lie with reality shows, it's all about the Food Network!

Paula's Home Cooking, Triple D, Everyday Italian, and Unwrapped. I will never leave you for the trashy reality shows, you know how to treat a guy like myself. I know the other shows are tempting, but my heart lies with you. You will always have my heart!

And about that food thing, I think you all know what happened =0!

I thought you might like to see this...

http://www.nileguide.com/blog/2010/06/09/strange-mcdonalds-menu-items-around-the-world/

Enjoy.

Home cooked meal #2

Fast Food

As a child, fast food was considered a treat, it was always nice to get a toy with some good tasting food. The place I went to most as a child was McDonald's. As a child I took pride in the fact that I could eat a Big Mac meal all by myself. I would love telling the cashier, "Can I get a number one please!". It was saddening to no longer receive a toy, but the feeling I got from finishing a grown up meal was well worth the trade. Sadly, the fondest memories of kindergarten included eagerly waiting for my mom in front of the school every Friday so she could take me to the playhouse and I would get to say my most favorite phrase.   

Today, as a college student, fast food is no longer a treat. It is the bulk of my diet. There is no way I can survive without a visit with my good old friend Ronald McDonald. However, Ronald can be overwhelming sometimes so thats when I pay my friend Jack a visit. Also, once in a while when I'm feeling really blue, Carl knows how to cheer me up. After my meal I often tell myself I will not go back and buy their low quality food again; I always come back. I come back day after day to smell the burnt grease that I have learned to love. The sound of the frozen patties being "flame broiled",  the crackling of the "flamed grilled" chicken or the buzzing of the fountain drinks are undeniable. When you are hungry, you are weak; I am often weak. 

Today my eating habits are not where I want them to be. So thats why I have decided to make the secondary function of this blog as a food journal. I am committed to post one self cooked meal a day. Then who knows? Maybe It will be 3? 

Taqueria de Brian

My first attempt at carne asada tacos. Had some difficulties chopping up the meat, but everything came out great.

Bao

These white things are called 'Banh Bao', which in Vietnamese literally translates to bag cake. I've had many before some filled with pork, some with beef, and even some with egg. But of all  baos I've eaten, they were authentic Chinese baos. So when i went to costco, I was surprised to see these baos in the frozen food isle. So when i got home I heated them up, not expecting much. However, much to my suprise, they were great! Sadly, this processed, frozen, mass made product, was better than any bao I have ever had.

Past, Present, Future

                Hello, my name is Brian and I like food. We can talk more about that later. But for now here's a little about myself;  I was born in Orange Ca, but I recently graduated from Oxnard High School (GO CLASS OF 2010!). Looking back onto the years I spent there, I can say that I did have a positive experience. I played volleyball for all of my years as a yellow jacket and most of my memories come from the games and tournaments I've played in. Although I had some great times with great people, I feel like putting the sport of volleyball behind me. For now.

                I am very optimistic at this point of my life. I feel as if I can do anything as long as I really try. I'm currently taking fourteen units and trying very hard to get A's. I already slacked off in high school, I'm not about to commit the same mistakes again. After pushing volleyball aside, I've opened up to a new sport, soccer. The World Cup inspires me every year, but this year it had stayed long after the vuvuzelas. Since this, I've found myself at Sport Chalet picking up a pair of cleats and playing some four on four at the park with some new friends.

                Everyone imagines their future as very bright. I can't say I'm any different. I'm aspiring to be an architect, owning my own firm.  I see myself working from my office, sketching up new designs, tweaking old ones to perfection. Then coming home to a nice home, beautiful wife, two kids and a dog. However, what happens in the near future will determine what the distant future holds.