Real Vs. Fake Foods

I was at my friend Conor’s house when I first discovered margarine. I had opened the fridge looking for a little butter to spread on my toast and to my displeasure found none. When I asked Conor, “where the hell is the butter,” he lacked my urgency and told me it was, “in the white tub on the shelf”. After looking around for a while longer he finally came over and pulled out the container labeled “Margarine”.

There was nothing else so it was going to have to do. I opened up the tub, scooped out some of the margarine and spread it about my toast. I took a bite and then came my initial reaction, “I can’t believe you call this butter”.

Yes it spread well, and it was salty, but this was not butter, and nor could it replace it. Butter is creamy and has a sweet yet salty taste that warms your mouth and stays with you. Margarine is like a butter tease, salty yes, but fleeting. Once you it touches your tongue it turns to liquid and vanishes, without that amazing melts in your mouth feeling. Healthier by volume? It may help reduce cholesterol, but the process of hydrogenation results in high saturated fat content. But what difference does it make? In order to get half of the experience of true butter the margarine has to be piled high otherwise its buttery flavor lasts only seconds.

I was not a fan of margarine my first time as I may have made clear, but I did not give up on it. Although margarine is an unworthy substitute as a topping for toast, I have found it valuable for cooking. With a healthier content, the same taste can be acquired using margarine to pan fry such things as grilled cheese. Because the buttery taste is cooked into the toast in this case, there is no need for butters irreplaceable texture and margarine is a valid replacement. I am content with my methods for now, and although I have found use for margarine I still only carry butter in my own fridge. Butter has earned my loyalty, however, when I cook at Conor’s I am not averse to the option of margarine.

Response to Natalie's Abortion Counter Arguments Blog

http://npustinalsc100s10.blogspot.com/

In her blog, Natalie chose to address whether abortion is a moral practice or not. She immediately reveals her stance on the matter as pro choice. She qualifies this though by saying she is pro-choice because no child should be raised in an environment where they do not have the opportunity to be happy. This leaves two questions unanswered for me however. If the woman does have the means to raise a child happily, but does not feel the desire to have a baby, does Natalie find it appropriate to have an abortion? Furthermore, if a woman cannot raise a child in a healthy environment, is it the mother’s responsibility to abort the child?

The pro-life article that Natalie references identifies an inconsistency in the law. They find that it is unfair for a criminal to be charged twice for beating a pregnant woman, once for the woman and once for the unborn baby. If the unborn baby is treated as a recognizable individual, how if it that a woman cannot be charged for “killing” the developing fetus.

The second article brought to refute this argument was a pro-choice article, which considers the scientific evidence. During the first trimester, the fetus is dependent on the mother. The developing baby cannot live independently from the mother, so it is still a part of her. In addition, the nervous system is not developed at this time, so it has yet the ability to feel.

I myself am pro-choice. I find that a woman undergoes certain changes when she becomes pregnant so she has the right to control those. This is a matter of right to privacy of her body, and I believe that during the first trimester, while the baby is yet recognizable as an independent individual, the woman should have the right to choose. In response to the pro-life argument, I would argue that if the woman is carrying the baby knowingly, she most likely has the intent to give birth. Abusing her baby would damage the baby and curtail her pursuit of happiness, Thus charging the criminal twice would be appropriate,

Conflicting Views on Health Care Reform

The recent passage of health care has stirred up controversy among progressives and conservatives, in some cases leading to threats and attempts of violence. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) voiced their support for the bill after its narrow passage in the House. They believe that this reform will offer many advantages to middle class Americans, making health care more affordable and accessible to everyone. The NAACP says that this bill, which has been at the top of Obama's agenda since inauguration, will help more suffering people, "avoid prolonged sickness, injury or death from lack of insurance." It will be achieved by forbidding companies to deny people with "preexisting conditions insurance, reducing costs for people who already have insurance, and making insurance more affordable who do not have it". In doing so premiums will go down and the deficit will be closed. The NAACP successfully convinces me in their statement that health care will help cover middle class Americans, while only raising taxes for the upper class.

In opposition of Health Care reform are such people as Rick Crawford, candidate for Congress in 2010. Crawford's primary argument is against the plan economically. He holds that is is unwise to tax the American people during the time of a burdened economy. Despite progressive's view that Health Care reform will make insurance more affordable to the middle class, Crawford points out that if we extend coverage to 31 million Americans, taxes will have to be raised to cover the cost. Crawford simply thinks the Democrats have disillusioned the public into believing that the bill will cut costs for middle class Americans. If coverage is extended, someone must pay.

Both articles are effective in conveying their point. Being very progressive in my political views though, I tend to side with the NAACP. Although Crawford may be right about rising taxes he does not recognize the fact that this burden will mostly fall upon the upper class who can afford it. Even if taxes do get raised though, I am willing to have my taxes raised in order to provide coverage for those who suffer but can not afford coverage or are refused it all together.

Response to Paula's Celebrity Endorsement

http://pbohllsc100s10.blogspot.com/

In Paula's blog, she chose to analyze using Brett Favre to endorse Wrangler Jeans. She argues that Favre was a smart choice for the advertising campaign and cites increases in revenue which she attributes to the advertisements. Paula also identifies numerous characteristics that make Favre a good choice. She argues Favre is hardworking, perseverant, and mentally tough. Through all of these qualities though, Paula identifies the main goal of the adds is to exhibit Favre as the epitome of the blue collar working man.

It is no secret to any football fans or anyone who knows anything about a football players salary that Favre has plenty of money. Yet despite Favre fiscal success the add campaign revolves around an idea of dependability and value. That the jeans give more "bang for their buck". And over time, such has been the image painted of Brett Favre. At age 40, Favre was out on the field competing for the NFC championship. When people questioned whether he could still be competent, he not only proved people wrong but had one of his best years. Paula intelligently points out the fact that as it got deeper into the playoffs, the commercials played more and more often. This is because the connection seemed to make more and more sense as Favre succeeded in more and more important situations.

Overall I think Wrangler has stuck with a consistent message in their advertising, and their choices for who to have endorse their products has helped them. Wrangler Jean company aims to appeal to the average working class man, more concerned about performance than style. The jeans are meant to cost less and perform better. Although Brett Favre and Dale Earnheart Jr. are both athletes and make millions of dollars, the way they are portrayed, and the way they conduct themselves make them relatable characters for people who purchase Wrangler Jeans.

Demonstration Speech Review

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/0eefa7318aea81d1effd4a2956c5d903/video/11696974

When I watch myself do my presentation on the video, I think I did well, however, there were places I can improve. When I explained my topic I think that I did a good job of getting to all of the points that I wanted to. When I was introducing my topic, however, and throughout my demonstration, I used a less formal and more relaxed form of speech. This is likely the result of not enough practice. If I practiced the speech more times I think that I would have made my diction better and my speech would have been more formal with smoother transitions.

The reason that I picked making a t-shirt as my topic was that I thought it would be original and that the fact that no one else had done it would keep people interested. When I was presenting though I noticed, especially while sketching the shirt, people could not watch as I drew. I would have been better of having some sort of easel and filling it in with the t-shirt facing the class. Because of the amount of time that I had to do my presentation, I feel that I compressed it a little too much in certain areas and glossed over certain steps that were just as relevant as the drawing part which I focused on for a while.

In terms of body language, voice, and eye contact I think I spread focus around the class reasonably well. The only problem is that my project did not lend itself to making eye contact at all times, but when I could I did. My posture seemed squared and attentive as well, I held myself upright and projected to the room, keeping myself squared to the class rather than speaking at a wall.

Overall I was happy with my choice of topics. I seemed to cover the relevance well and I did not drag on for too long. It was definitely different that other peoples subjects and I would definitely do it again. In doing it a second time though I would practice it more and make my visual aide more visible to the class.

Tony Stewart; a Good Choice for Burger King

Recently, Burger King has been using Tony Stewart to endorse their burgers. The commercial portrays Tony Stewart in “Tony Stewart’s Endorsement School,” filled with a class of other celebrities, teaching them the proper way to endorse a product. The other members of the class, mainly Carrot-top and Erik Estrada, are having difficulty marketing and selling their products, a Carrot Crusher and a pair of Estrada Sunglasses respectively. Tony Stewart tells the class that they must, “endorse what you believe in, like me, I love the Whopper (burger king cheeseburger) so I endorse it”.

The premise by which the product is being advertised is that Tony Stewart loves the Whopper. Burger king is trying to take the approach that Tony Stewart only endorses a product he believes in and is comfortable with. Where as many products may be endorsed for their capabilities, food does not have many capabilities besides satisfying hunger. Using Stewart to endorse the Whopper therefore only serves the purpose of having a celebrity opinion to back the product. He can only claim his devotion to the product to the extent that he likes the burger, or in this case to the point that he believes in it. Being one of the largest individual promoters of Burger King name, Stewart is qualified to opine on whether he believes in such a product

This endorsement has mutual benefits. For Tony Stewart, his new multi year contract has successfully made him richer. Advertising is a prime source of incoming for athletes, especially Nascar drivers; whose sponsors have advertisements all over their cars and gear. For Burger King, having stewart come out and say he not only endorses the product, but believes in it qualifies all of the advertising they do through him in Nascar and serves as additional publicity. Stewart is a trusted athlete in the sport of Nascar, and especially to fans they may want to follow his lead in day-to-day matters.

Response to Jenna's Celebrity Ad Blog

http://jbloomlsc100s10.blogspot.com/

Jenna focuses on an advertisement done by Welch’s grape juice and takes a look at the way that they use Alton Brown’s celebrity to endorse their product. She takes note on how he is qualified for such a commercial, referring back to his food shows and informing readers that he is a food scientist. She then goes on to discuss the health benefits to some extent and discusses how grapes result in such health benefits.

When I read the article I found that she did a good job of choosing an advertisement with a celebrity that was qualified to endorse the product. Alton Brown clearly has experience with food and is well known for his appearances on television shows. Besides telling that he has made appearances on television and is a food scientist, Jenna did not indulge in why Welch’s would have chosen him to advertise their product. I would argue that such a choice was made because of how recognizable Alton Brown is to mothers who are the most likely viewers of his show, and are more often responsible for their children’s health and diet. Brown is portrayed in his shows as highly critical of his chefs so why would Brown be any less critical of Welch’s. As a result, parents may be inclined to believe that Brown can be trusted to make an unbiased opinion about Welch’s and a positive remark from him means Welch’s is a safe choice for their kids.

When Jenna shifts from talking about the ad to talking about the health benefits she does so very briefly. There was no obvious transition between the two ideas so I got confused about how she was relating Brown’s experience with the health benefits. Once she did do so, she did a good job of explaining how grape juice was healthy and summarizing the article she referenced.

A Look at Michael Pollan's "Damaging Innovations"

Today was the first time since I arrived at college that I used the communal kitchen on Statesider’s third floor; it was a delight. At about quarter after six I made my way to the new grocery store by the Lucky building. Here I marched up and down the unfamiliar aisles and picked out pasta, red sauce, tomatoes, onions, chicken, lettuce, and a grapefruit, more than I could ever finish. I brought my food up to the register and the cashier asked me for $12.87, no wonder I did not eat out more often.

When I got back to Statesider I put a pot to boil and began to dice up the tomatoes and onions. Once my water started to bubble I put my pasta in to cook and took out another pot in which I poured the red sauce then added my diced tomatoes and onions. After I had gotten the pasta and sauce going I got began to cook my chicken, using olive oil I had been able to finagle from the dining hall to grease my pan. After about ten minutes of stirring the pasta and flipping the chicken both seemed cooked. I strained my pasta and then put a portion of it on a plate. I proceeded to drizzle red sauce on top of the pasta and then cut up the chicken, which I then heaped on.

I sat down and ate, not only did I eat though, for once I thoroughly enjoyed. There was no commotion of the buffet line, no asking what the thing that looked like chicken but may have been fish was, only satisfaction. I had taken the time to make the meal and thoroughly relaxed to enjoy it. But then I remembered, the dishes, another reason why the cafeteria was so tempting.

I truly believe that Pollan hits the nail on the head in saying that American culture has led us to “eat without enjoyment” or how Harvey Levenstein puts it, “eat and run”. In my mind there are two types of people who indulge in these non-fat processed foods. There is the type like myself who frequents the gym and tries to eat health afterwards. In my mind I do well at trying to eat the whole foods that Pollan suggests, however, I can only do this the extent it is available in the cafeteria. And again eating lacks enjoyment, I work out and then try to avoid over indulging in unhealthy foods. The other type are those people who use the enhanced nutritional values of processed foods as a substitute for exercise. The claims of low-fat are not being screamed by the healthy vegetables but ironically these people feel if the eat “whole grain Lucky Charms” they are avoiding the extra calories they may have otherwise gotten.

What has plagued this new generation is the breaking down of foods into its component nutrients. Rather than counting grams of protein and calories from fat, people should rely on a balance to sustain themselves. Excessive restrictions in one area of diet are no better idea than excessive indulgence, because eventually they can no longer be maintained. When a normal diet is resumed the metabolism will have slowed down and the result is weight put on. Rather eat a variety. The problem is that even our government is leading us into this fad of nutritionism. There is no way to mix and match numbers perfectly to get the RDA’s prescribed intakes every day, but by doing what Pollan says, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants” a balanced diet will be achieved.

Response to Mark's "In Defense of Foods" section 1 blog

http://mfarrelllsc100s10.blogspot.com/2010/02/response-to-in-defense-of-food-section.html#comments

In his argument, Mark remarks on Pollan’s introduction in two ways. First, he discusses how processed food has become a highly available and widely advertised product. With the destruction of foods down into nutrient form and macronutrients it has opened up the market to processed foods to dominate grocery store aisles. The choice of words in his blog, “some of the healthiest foods we can get are fresh fruits and vegetables” demonstrates how we have come to think of fruits and vegetables. What Pollan is critiquing in his introduction is exactly this mentality that processed foods compare to the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. Pollan would argue that plants are the right choice all of the time, and it is in our best interest to stay away from the over glorified processed food section. Mark also discusses his current food habits and how they differ with his parents. He discusses how things used to be made from scratch and how the modern generation has moved away from this. I find this idea very accurate because my Mom always says to me that you are better of cooking at home and making things from scratch, the reason being you see what goes into it. As a result, you have more control and will be cautious in over indulging in highly unhealthy foods.

The second point Mark brings up is his current shopping procedure. He says it is a decision based on “best taste, brand, and cheapest price.” Although I contest I do occasionally look at the label, price is a large factor for a college student. When trying to budget on small amounts, it is much easier to eat a diet of processed foods than organic. Thus processed food gains a one up on so called “whole foods” because often, even if consumers want “whole foods”, they are simply too expensive.

A Look at Michael Pollan's "In Defense of Food"

In the introductory chapter of Michael Pollan’s book “In Defense of Food,” he discusses a concept introduced in the past century, nutritionism. This term was introduced by Gyorgy Scrinis to represent the up and coming idea that foods can be broken down into their chemical subcomponents and be thought of as molecules rather than as foods. This way of thinking has paved the way for processed foods to advertise their nutritional values as comparable to whole foods. Pollan argues that this new wave of food logic has drawn us away from our ancestral eating habits and is leading us to have a diet of enriched-processed foods. He believes that this method of reducing food down to its nutrient components has drawn us away from the correct eating habit he breaks down very succinctly, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.”

Having grown up with a French mother, I agree with Pollan’s argument of the “French Paradox”. My dietary habits, although somewhat Americanized, have retained much of the influence of my grandmother’s cooking. In our family no one diets, no one counts calories, and no one obsessively checks nutritional facts. The reason being is that we try to eat by the standards set forth by Pollan. My Mom always advocates the idea of “having a balance meal”, and to my family this entails some kind of meat, usually a starch, a source of vegetables, a salad, and a fruit for dessert. Just by following these simple standards our family has always managed to stay lean, yet have fulfilling meals.

Pollan also does a good job of reflecting the instability of research over time. The one thing that research has proven over and over throughout the ages is that there is always more to be discovered. The example of breast milk substitute for infants, where breast milk substitute was found to be lacking many necessary nutrients, shows the serious consequences if research is not taken with a grain of salt. As Gerald Pugliese suggests in his New York Times article, "You have to differentiate junk science from good science." In the world of dietary habits the recommendations will always be changing. Thus the nutritionism theory is eternally instable. In recent years what has this done for us? Our nation has a rising obesity rate that shows no sign of reversing. Instead of taking a nutritionist approach we should take Pollan’s advice and the habits of our ancestors in eating “whole foods.”