Anna's Research: @annataranto121-blog - Tumblr Blog

A salmon that grows to market size twice as fast as normal.

I wanted to post this to play devil’s advocate to this entire semester. It’s difficult to believe that everything we’ve learned these past four months could be misguiding, but the article does make a strong case. I will say this, I read it because it was on a liberal internet site. I typically think of republicans as being the ones who support big business and to be honest most of my democrat friends are more the organic types. They shop at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, buy portions of cows or don’t eat mean in general, buy organic and preach about it. I don’t fall into either category and this certainly isn’t something that should be political at all, but it does make one wonder whose side is anyone in government on? It would be easy to fall into believing this article if I hadn’t already conducted my own research.

annataranto121-blog

Thanks for sharing! I have been searching around for an article closely related to my research that contradicts my standing point. Through out the semester I have focused on genetically altered ingredients in our food having a negative effect on our health. This article, on the other hand, explores each side more in depth. Although, the main focus of the article is pro-GMO. I think this is a good read, it can really help you to form your own opinion with the help of some research.

Yet another suggestion for those interested. I have found much inspiration through sites like these. After learning of what really goes into mainstream food, I have had a hard time going back to my previous eating habits. This tumblr page provides endless opportunities to refresh your diet and lifestyle. Simple little changes, like instead of eating cereal cut up some strawberries and make some healthy banana bread, could really go a long way for your body. Don't forget, a healthy body is a happy body!

Since my project focused on creating a comparative recipe book, I thought it might be useful to provide some of the places I found my GMO-Free recipes. This website is very useful in the fact that it goes on to explain what exactly GMO's are, how they affect us and simple solutions on how to avoid them. The site also offers dietary tips, such as trying out the elimination diet, going gluten free, and plenty of tasty recipes to try out. I have enjoyed researching this through the course of this semester, so I hope some of you can share my enthusiasm!

CSW Memo and Interview

This year was my first CSW experience. I would have to say, over all the experience was worthwhile. I enjoy the idea behind the CWS, but the multiple operational issues took away from the overall experience in my opinion. I took notice to quite a few of this “operational issues” throughout my 2 hours at the CSW.

The first issue I ran into was heat. The CSW take place in the ballroom, which only has a few doors to come in and out of. This means there is no ventilation. The fact that I was sick and running a fever didn’t help! Once the room began to get crowded, the heat had become distracting, and at that point I felt it started to take away from the experience. This leads me to my second issue regarding the event. Although I was pleased to see all the people attending the CSW, I do not believe there was enough room for everyone. Maybe next year, Eastern could re-organize the event so students can thoroughly enjoy their experience!

After my shift was over, I was able to explore all of the projects. The one that caught my attention the most was not the flashiest, but it had a good, relevant cause behind it. I decided to interview Surae from another English 121 class. This too was her first time at the CSW. The class was given the opportunity to pick their own topic, so she chose recycling for the one reason of wanting to give back to her planet. Her strategy was simple, stand in front of the table and state facts about recycling; “only ten out of the 50 states have a recycling system”. That to me was shocking. After speaking with her a little longer, she shared that overall she had positive feedback from everyone she had encountered.

All in all, I believe the CSW was a good experience to have. The tradition should continue, but should have some minor adjustments made. Maybe changing the location of the event or reducing the amount of people aloud in at once can increase the efficiency of the event.

Memo 5

My research has focused on modified ingredients in our food industry, and what all the fuss behind the use of these ingredients is. I had a couple of ideas for my CSW project; a cereal box replaced with the representations of the GMOs, a recipe book or a small scrap book. Through process of trial and error, I decided to create a recipe book.

In my recipe book I will create a visual representation of side-by-side ways to create the same dish with and without modified ingredients. The idea of side-by-side was to more effectively represent how the same dishes can still be enjoyed, but in a healthier manner. A class mate suggested to me to create multiple smaller books for those who are interested to take away with them. Although I enjoyed the idea, ultimately I decided against that and to just create on large example for everyone who visits the CSW. The deciding factor, for me, was that many of the people who will be at the event are living on campus, and not creating their own meals.

I have been having some difficulties locating real ingredients/cooking instructions in regards to foods typically made with GMOs. I have been relying slightly on websites dedicated to those looking for some healthier meal alternatives. All in all, minus some minor research difficulties, I am confident in my research project and am excited to see what the feedback of those at the CSW will be.

Over the course of the weekend I attended two conferences, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. I had originally only planned on attending on, but the atmosphere and information I gained in the first conference was relative, so I said “what the heck!” and attending two. I figured it would be a little easier for the idea to hit home if I could relate, (and it was!). The Friday conference focused on an elementary school being more ecological. Prior to choosing this conference, I saw that Ms. Shah was in the Ann Arbor school district, which is where I graduated from. The greater idea behind the conference was mainly to have an elementary school to sustain a garden, which is what they do at King Elementary in Ann Arbor. I liked this idea because, as a future teacher, I want my students to understand how important is to care for our environment and great powers it has. Also, we must be able to establish a working unit. As a whole, we have the ability to much more, which is easy to remember with the mindset of a teacher. With the force of an entire class it may seem like a little less of a chore when taking care of their garden. Listening to Neha Shah speak was personally inspiring, and it was a great eye opener. I am glad I chose this event to come to. It gave me some good advice to keep in mind in my near future and I learned a great deal!

ryanmccarthyeng121-blog

The article A Lonely Quest for Facts on Genetically Modified Crops published by Amy Harmon of the New York Times explains Hawaii’s GMO situation. In May 2013 Hawaii passed the ban law on genetically modified foods. Many public hearing took place and were dominated by the people who have gotten...

annataranto121-blog

I really enjoyed this article, for a few reasons actually. My oldest sister lives in Hawaii so I would be curious as to what her reaction to this. Secondly, my research has focused on GMOs. I wish I had seen this article before so I could have included it in my research.

annataranto121-blog

Thanks for the feedback! I hadn't anticipated created multiple small copies for those who are interested to take with them. My original idea was to just have one or to simply for reference or demonstration. I really like the idea of creating smaller copies. I feel in doing so, my research will have more of an impact on those attending the CSW! Thanks!

bat-drowning-in-pink-blog

This makes me so sad :(

freefromhate-deactivated2015010

This makes me so angry. Time to do something.

annataranto121-blog

So sad! The perfect example of the corruption in our society these days.

CSW Idea

For the CSW, I was thinking I could do some sort of recipe or cook book. Since my research focuses on the ingredients in out food, an organic, GMO free cook book would be relevant. Some foods I could include in the book are spaghetti, ice cream and salads. For the presentation I can bring in my final copy with all these recipes. If any one has more ideas for simple dishes I could turn organic. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

samantham121

Stanford University researchers concluded that fruits, vegetables and meat labeled organic were, on average, no more nutritious than their conventional counterparts.

This article is about organic food and wether or not it really has any benefits. In the article they discus that organic fruits and vegetables do not have any real nutritional value that trump that of none organic fruits and vegetables. In the article the scientist satiate that they were assuming that the organic food was gong to be nutritional. They just covered vegetables and fruits, however they said that organic meat was better. That the meat was less likely to be contaminated with bacteria. However the conclusion of this article is that organic fruits and vegetables have no real vitamin health benefit. I find that so interesting because people always rave about how much better organic is for you.

annataranto121-blog

Organic foods are held higher than non-organic because they are created without the harmful chemicals and without the animal cruelty. although, I agree it is true that the health benefits remain a controversy.

i-hear-your-tunes-deactivated20

abrietzke121

People need to realize how important it is to eat a healthy diet as well as train hard. This is the key to true physical fitness as both diet and exercise go hand in hand. America unfortunately, is headed in the wrong direction. Many Americans are eating increasingly unhealthy diets as well as neglecting to participate in enough physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Americans need to be increasingly made aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as Americas overall health is sub par.

annataranto121-blog

Although I agree with the healthy diet aspect of this post, I do not agree that training hard is a necessity. The health of those in this country, on average, is significantly worse than other countries but the fault is on our food. A lack of exercise is only a small contributor. If the majority of the foods we have access to were healthier, I do not believe we would have such a weight/health issue in this country.

WebMD explains the truth about white and brown sugar, sugar addiction, health effects of sugar, and how much sugar Americans consume.

This article very closely relates to my research question. I have been trying to decipher whether or not sugar consumption is bad for our bodies. The article suggests that with high consumption comes a heightened risk of developing health issues: diabetes and high blood sugar being at the top of the list. According to the articles author, many pediatricians are becoming concerned with the rise in sugar intake. But not only sugar is to blame. More technology use and less time spent exercising may be to blame. Although we may not be able to link sugar as a health concern, it is in everyone's best interest to limit intake.

Some things just scream junk food. You know double-stuffed chocolate cookies and the cheese puffs that stain your fingers orange aren't good for you. But it's not always so obvious to identify healthier foods. This takes a little investigative work. Comparing junk food to healthy food means reading and understanding nutrition labels, identifying...

Although I liked all of the tips, I particularly like number 8.The advice in this tip is to start by reading the ingredients. The first ingredient listed on the item makes up the most of said item. Taking this into consideration, it's probably not in your best interest to consume something with first listed ingredients like high sodium or high fructose content. You should also take into consideration how the food is prepared. Many unhealthy foods are fried, so try healthier alternatives like baking.

All the tips listed in this article are simple steps to a healthier lifestyle. Hopefully some of you take these into consideration, and better your own life too.

Many promote soy as a "health food." But there are many problems with soy.

My main focus of research thus far has more or less revolved around soy consumptions for alternative nutrition. Throughout the article, Gary Zeolla suggests that there may be some hidden downfalls. The main issue with soy intake, according to Zeolla’s research, is the heightened risk of contracting certain cancers. In one study, evidence was found that supports the claims the "role of soy in reducing prostate cancer risk". But if you go on the read, the true controversies emerge around breast cancer. In one study, some researchers believe that the amount of soy you must intake to achieve its benefits comes too close to the amount that may hurt you. They believe the amounts of the two are so closely related that the intake amount increases you chances of contracting breast cancer. With all this controversy, it’s hard to truly know what foods may either help or hurt you. So, in my opinion, the best thing you can do is to know what you’re putting into your body, and know the powers these foods may hold.

Obsevations in Pray Harold

It was just about ten am when Justice and I set off on our observation adventure. We began our journey on the elevator down to the second floor. Everyone who had entered the elevator made it a point to stare else where, avoiding eye contact and conversation. We left the elevator and sat down on a bench near the stairwell entrance and some classrooms. quickly, I took notice to the increase in noise due to the river of voices pouring out of classrooms. The bare, white walls and bright lighting was another aspect that was hard not to pick up on. The favorite activity of students in the hallways seemed to be passing time on his/her cell phone, which I can't say I'm not guilty myself. Occasionally a person would walk through the hall, or go to the print station. For it being in between class periods, there was a decent amount of activity.

choosehopefortheanimals

feeling this even harder now that we’re caring for 2 lovely chickens

pic from Vibrantly Vegan

annataranto121-blog

*The picture above is a result of growth hormones. It portrays the sad truth of how the treatment of animals has evolved over time.

Going a little of topic; having a farm really does change your out look on the treatment of animals. I have lived on a farm since my family's first move from Ypsilanti to a small country town called White Lake. We raise everything from pigs and chickens to alpacas and horses. Occasionally we would joke and name a new addition to our farm, "dinner" until we came up with a real name. Knowing that animals are being treated like this saddens me, but at the same time I feel hope because there are farms like my family's out there. It is possible, and quite frankly it's fun.

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