Thursday, September 30, 2010
Seed to Supermarket Questions
Shocking right? Thought soy was really healthy...maybe not when it's being genetically modified by a multi-national corporation. For this week, find some background information on Monsanto. What does their website look like? What do websites opposing Monsanto look like? Write about what you find.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Who is at fault?
"The only man who is really free is the one who can turn down an invitation to dinner without giving an excuse." - Jules Renard
After viewing the selected chapters of Food Inc. on Thursday, I was struck with a buffet of emotions. How sad is it that a little boy (and many other children) have died after eating a hamburger in a popular chain restaurant! How horrific are the jobs of the workers who handle tainted meat on a daily basis! For this question post (sorry it's coming so late) I want to see some emotion in your responses. What do you truly feel about America's food industry? Show me by answering these questions...
1) Keith Ludlum in the film says, “They have the same mentality toward workers as they do toward the hogs.” What do you think of this statement? If it is true, how might that influence the treatment of both workers and hogs?
After viewing the selected chapters of Food Inc. on Thursday, I was struck with a buffet of emotions. How sad is it that a little boy (and many other children) have died after eating a hamburger in a popular chain restaurant! How horrific are the jobs of the workers who handle tainted meat on a daily basis! For this question post (sorry it's coming so late) I want to see some emotion in your responses. What do you truly feel about America's food industry? Show me by answering these questions...
1) Keith Ludlum in the film says, “They have the same mentality toward workers as they do toward the hogs.” What do you think of this statement? If it is true, how might that influence the treatment of both workers and hogs?
2) Whether or not you think illegal immigration (or the influx of undocumented workers) is a problem, how is illegal immigration connected to the food we eat?
Try to touch on both "sets" of questions, but instead of just answering them to answer them, leave a response that might ignite a good discussion for class. We will be going through a few of the responses right away on Thursday.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Recipe from last week's snack!
"Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat." - Socrates
For all of you eager beaver bakers...this is a link to the blog where I found the "Pumpkin Irish Soda Bread" recipe. It's a great fall, comfort bread (and if any of you are really curious/ambitious, you can come over to my place sometime and bake more bread)!
Buen Provecho!
http://www.mykitchenaddiction.com/2010/09/pumpkin-soda-bread/
For all of you eager beaver bakers...this is a link to the blog where I found the "Pumpkin Irish Soda Bread" recipe. It's a great fall, comfort bread (and if any of you are really curious/ambitious, you can come over to my place sometime and bake more bread)!
Buen Provecho!
http://www.mykitchenaddiction.com/2010/09/pumpkin-soda-bread/
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Food, food, food
"It's the company, not the cooking, that makes a meal." - Kirby Larson
From time to time I like to bring in snacks for the class. I was thinking about making something for Thursday, but before I make a giant cake or something I should ask if anyone has FOOD ALLERGIES. Please let me know!!
From time to time I like to bring in snacks for the class. I was thinking about making something for Thursday, but before I make a giant cake or something I should ask if anyone has FOOD ALLERGIES. Please let me know!!
Corn Challenge
"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Instead of posting questions this week I'm going to make the executive decision that you attempt the corn challenge for at least one meal before class and then blog about it. The frustration is clear that you are all feeling! However, I think that this challenge gets easier with practice and a little guidance. I've only eaten in the GDR once this year, but I've noticed a lot of improvements even since I've been there!
A rice cooker is stocked with rice for lunch and dinner (from what I can infer from the sign advertising it). There are usually beans (or some form of legume) in the salad bar, along with a plethora of vegetables...pretty sure you can make a baked potato as well. As far as dressings go...look for the vinegars (rice wine, red wine, balsamic). If you've never tried these, experiment a little. There are also sunflower seeds from what I remember so those could act as a nice replacement for croutons. Fruit is always a safe bet as is oatmeal or cream of wheat for breakfast. Tea and water are good alternatives to pop and juice. As far as bread and dessert go, grab an orange or apple on your way out just for this one meal maybe ;).
If any of you really can't find something to eat (and have extra meals) let me know and I'll show you how to do it!
See you Thursday!
Instead of posting questions this week I'm going to make the executive decision that you attempt the corn challenge for at least one meal before class and then blog about it. The frustration is clear that you are all feeling! However, I think that this challenge gets easier with practice and a little guidance. I've only eaten in the GDR once this year, but I've noticed a lot of improvements even since I've been there!
A rice cooker is stocked with rice for lunch and dinner (from what I can infer from the sign advertising it). There are usually beans (or some form of legume) in the salad bar, along with a plethora of vegetables...pretty sure you can make a baked potato as well. As far as dressings go...look for the vinegars (rice wine, red wine, balsamic). If you've never tried these, experiment a little. There are also sunflower seeds from what I remember so those could act as a nice replacement for croutons. Fruit is always a safe bet as is oatmeal or cream of wheat for breakfast. Tea and water are good alternatives to pop and juice. As far as bread and dessert go, grab an orange or apple on your way out just for this one meal maybe ;).
If any of you really can't find something to eat (and have extra meals) let me know and I'll show you how to do it!
See you Thursday!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Community Day
"I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any time.' So I ordered french toast during the Renaissance." - Steven Wright
On Wednesday, October 6th the whole school (students and faculty) will spend the day serving the Duluth community in various volunteer venues. This is an important day for the college as the purpose exemplifies the mission of St. Scholastica and the Benedictine values. I have taken the liberty to sign our class up for a site that we will serve at together. We will be at the Copeland-Valley Youth Center from 4-7pm helping kids carve pumpkins for Boo and the Zoo. This should be a fun class bonding activity. If you have already committed to another volunteer site, I ask that you let me know. If for instance you will be volunteering earlier in the day with another group I would like you to still come with the class during our volunteer slot. Let me know if you have questions!
See you Thursday!
On Wednesday, October 6th the whole school (students and faculty) will spend the day serving the Duluth community in various volunteer venues. This is an important day for the college as the purpose exemplifies the mission of St. Scholastica and the Benedictine values. I have taken the liberty to sign our class up for a site that we will serve at together. We will be at the Copeland-Valley Youth Center from 4-7pm helping kids carve pumpkins for Boo and the Zoo. This should be a fun class bonding activity. If you have already committed to another volunteer site, I ask that you let me know. If for instance you will be volunteering earlier in the day with another group I would like you to still come with the class during our volunteer slot. Let me know if you have questions!
See you Thursday!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Day without Corn Challenge!
As presented in class today, corn is a popular ingredient in most every food item we eat today. Julie and I challenge you to try and go ONE day without eating foods that contain CORN. If you get frustrated and give in...so what! At least you tried! Here is a list of some foods that you can bite into for this succulent experiment:
- fruits (fresh)
- vegetables (fresh)
- bread (artisan)
- H20 (from the tap...no "juicy drinks")
- rice (not from a box)
- legumes
Make a comment below about your experience!
- fruits (fresh)
- vegetables (fresh)
- bread (artisan)
- H20 (from the tap...no "juicy drinks")
- rice (not from a box)
- legumes
Make a comment below about your experience!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Be prepared...
"A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body" - Benjamin Franklin
Thanks to all who have responded to the posted questions for this week. They focus on significant themes that are presented in the film "Food Inc." that we will view this coming Thursday. So at this point you should be somewhat prepared for what you will be watching.
In addition to one or two questions for next week, you will have a creative assignment. I will explain in more detail before class, but in an effort to ignite the fire I wanted to drop a little hint.
Prompt: Start thinking of your favorite food. Anything...it could be the cereal you had for breakfast or the perfect side dish at a Thanksgiving feast. I want you to create a visual presentation of that food with words that will make the reader (me) picture VERY VIVIDLY the emotion you feel when you eat it. Describe the food with strong action verbs, adjectives, stories. Revel in what makes you enjoy this food so much. Maybe it's a person you associate it with or a celebration. This is meant to be a fun, creative writing assignment, but I also really urge you to push yourself to be as descriptive as possible without being too wordy. Learning to write with purpose is an essential task to learn and I guarantee that you will be asked to do it in the next four years. I want to help build-up your writing skills in anyway I can. This seems like a proper start.
I'll see you soon.
Thanks to all who have responded to the posted questions for this week. They focus on significant themes that are presented in the film "Food Inc." that we will view this coming Thursday. So at this point you should be somewhat prepared for what you will be watching.
In addition to one or two questions for next week, you will have a creative assignment. I will explain in more detail before class, but in an effort to ignite the fire I wanted to drop a little hint.
Prompt: Start thinking of your favorite food. Anything...it could be the cereal you had for breakfast or the perfect side dish at a Thanksgiving feast. I want you to create a visual presentation of that food with words that will make the reader (me) picture VERY VIVIDLY the emotion you feel when you eat it. Describe the food with strong action verbs, adjectives, stories. Revel in what makes you enjoy this food so much. Maybe it's a person you associate it with or a celebration. This is meant to be a fun, creative writing assignment, but I also really urge you to push yourself to be as descriptive as possible without being too wordy. Learning to write with purpose is an essential task to learn and I guarantee that you will be asked to do it in the next four years. I want to help build-up your writing skills in anyway I can. This seems like a proper start.
I'll see you soon.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Announcement from Campus Ministry
The leader of Campus Ministry wanted me to pass this on to ya'll...
The First Year Student Retreat through Campus Ministry is a 24 hour retreat from the night of September 17th through September 18th to to Camp Amnicon, which is about 45 minutes away in Wisconsin right on Lake Superior. The Cost of the retreat is $15, $10 if you refer a friend. At the retreat, you will be given opportunities to share your faith, meet new friends, and learn about Campus Ministry. During free time at the retreat you will have opportunities to canoe on and swim in Lake Superior.(You do not have to be Catholic to attend the Retreat, or any other Campus Ministry events.) If you have any questions, please e-mail Courtney at ccochran@css.edu.
See you Thursday! Don't forget to post a response to the blog questions by WEDNESDAY at 12pm!
The First Year Student Retreat through Campus Ministry is a 24 hour retreat from the night of September 17th through September 18th to to Camp Amnicon, which is about 45 minutes away in Wisconsin right on Lake Superior. The Cost of the retreat is $15, $10 if you refer a friend. At the retreat, you will be given opportunities to share your faith, meet new friends, and learn about Campus Ministry. During free time at the retreat you will have opportunities to canoe on and swim in Lake Superior.(You do not have to be Catholic to attend the Retreat, or any other Campus Ministry events.) If you have any questions, please e-mail Courtney at ccochran@css.edu.
See you Thursday! Don't forget to post a response to the blog questions by WEDNESDAY at 12pm!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
And so it begins...
"I am not a vegetarian because I love animals; I am a vegetarian because I hate plants." - A. Whitney Brown, former SNL news anchor
Take a moment in your hectic day and savor the flavor of these thought provoking questions...and don't forget to leave a response!
1. Do you have pets at home? Do they have the same rights as the people who live with you? What rights do your pets have? In what ways are their rights limited? (For example, they may not be able to choose what or when to eat, when or how to get exercise, etc.)
2. Are there any rights that all animals should have?
3. If animals should have certain rights, do you think those rights also apply to animals we raise for food, like chicken and pigs? Are there any rights that farm animals should have? If so, what are they?
Take a moment in your hectic day and savor the flavor of these thought provoking questions...and don't forget to leave a response!
1. Do you have pets at home? Do they have the same rights as the people who live with you? What rights do your pets have? In what ways are their rights limited? (For example, they may not be able to choose what or when to eat, when or how to get exercise, etc.)
2. Are there any rights that all animals should have?
3. If animals should have certain rights, do you think those rights also apply to animals we raise for food, like chicken and pigs? Are there any rights that farm animals should have? If so, what are they?
Have a grate (some cheese) weekend!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Opening Convocation
Hopefully you read this email, but if not...here's a quick glimpse of what is relevant to our class:
"One of our traditions is to take a photo of the first-year class on the steps of Tower Hall after the convocation. Wear something colorful on Thursday the 10th! Noon classes--including Thursday Dignitas classes--will meet from 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. First-year students in Thursday Dignitas sections should go to the front of the food line to help them get to class by 1:00 p.m."
Julie and I will see you at 1pm then for our first day of class. Don't forget your favorite snack food wrapper/package to share with the class.
PS...we were going to start watching Food Inc., but due to the shortened class period let's save that for next Thursday. Popcorn and treats (healthy of course) will still be recommended :)
"One of our traditions is to take a photo of the first-year class on the steps of Tower Hall after the convocation. Wear something colorful on Thursday the 10th! Noon classes--including Thursday Dignitas classes--will meet from 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. First-year students in Thursday Dignitas sections should go to the front of the food line to help them get to class by 1:00 p.m."
Julie and I will see you at 1pm then for our first day of class. Don't forget your favorite snack food wrapper/package to share with the class.
PS...we were going to start watching Food Inc., but due to the shortened class period let's save that for next Thursday. Popcorn and treats (healthy of course) will still be recommended :)
Weekend Activity
"The greatest delight the fields and woods minister is the suggestion of an occult relation between man and vegetable. I am not alone and unknowledged. They nod to me and I to them." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The 17th annual Harvest Festival and Energy Fair is this Saturday September 11th- 8am to 4pm / 4:30pm speaker / 5:30pm concert @ Bayfront Park. Admission is FREE 8am to 10am- after 10am Adults get in for $4- so show up early and bring a reusable bag for buying lots of tasty, homegrown food! There are also workshops throughout the day that vary from "Healthy Homes- Healthy Familes" to "Backyard Composting for Everyone." So if you are having a blan bran sort of day, take the DTA (city bus) or drive down to Bayfront Park with your friends to get a good taste of the Duluth community!
This is the link to the event's website: http://lssfa.org/HFFRONTPAGE.html.
The 17th annual Harvest Festival and Energy Fair is this Saturday September 11th- 8am to 4pm / 4:30pm speaker / 5:30pm concert @ Bayfront Park. Admission is FREE 8am to 10am- after 10am Adults get in for $4- so show up early and bring a reusable bag for buying lots of tasty, homegrown food! There are also workshops throughout the day that vary from "Healthy Homes- Healthy Familes" to "Backyard Composting for Everyone." So if you are having a blan bran sort of day, take the DTA (city bus) or drive down to Bayfront Park with your friends to get a good taste of the Duluth community!
This is the link to the event's website: http://lssfa.org/HFFRONTPAGE.html.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Welcome to St. Scholastica Dignitas!
"Shipping is a terrible thing to do to vegetables. They probably get jet-lagged, just like people."
- Elizatbeth Berry
I'm guessing that many of you have spent the last few years "taste-testing" colleges throughout the country...I know from experience. But now you're here and about to start a four-year adventure in the northwoods of Duluth, MN at the College of St. Scholastica! Congrats! Now it's time to sit back, relax (as much as you can), and have fun. We're thrilled that you're here and ready to dip into the bottomless pot of discovery.
This blog will serve as one of your many tools to stay connected with this class and also as a discussion board. Each week, Julie and I will post a question for you too stir over and leaf a response. Participation points will be awarded based on your contribution...so don't be caught in a pot of boiling water!
Lettuce begin! Any questions, just email julie.and.julia2010@gmail.com!
- Elizatbeth Berry
I'm guessing that many of you have spent the last few years "taste-testing" colleges throughout the country...I know from experience. But now you're here and about to start a four-year adventure in the northwoods of Duluth, MN at the College of St. Scholastica! Congrats! Now it's time to sit back, relax (as much as you can), and have fun. We're thrilled that you're here and ready to dip into the bottomless pot of discovery.
This blog will serve as one of your many tools to stay connected with this class and also as a discussion board. Each week, Julie and I will post a question for you too stir over and leaf a response. Participation points will be awarded based on your contribution...so don't be caught in a pot of boiling water!
Lettuce begin! Any questions, just email julie.and.julia2010@gmail.com!
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