Michael Pollan separates his Omnivores Dilemma into three main sections: Industrial, Pastoral, and Personal. Each of these separate sections were created to show us the different types of meals Americans have, such as industrial (corn), organic, and hunter-gather meal. The reason he did this is because of the common question us omnivores have daily, "What should we have for dinner?" Each and every one of our meals falls into one of these categories.
He uses a first person perspective throughout the book. Hes the main character and goes to different places such as a farms, mills, forests, and talks about the meals he prepares. We get to take an inside look of his mind and what he thinks about when presented with different sets of information.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Honors Assignment 3
Michael Pollan comes at the situation from a food critic perspective. He strives to get the facts about what our food is really made from and inform the reader. He does a great job of manipulating the tone of the book to raise mystery and the want to learn the truth. He constantly relates new information to previous stated facts to help prevent the reader from getting loss in a sea of information.
This book is intended for the average American whose interested in what they're eating. Anyone can read this book if they're curious about the process corn has from the farm to our stomach. There is so much involved and this book can either have you proud of accomplishments with corn or shocked.
This book is intended for the average American whose interested in what they're eating. Anyone can read this book if they're curious about the process corn has from the farm to our stomach. There is so much involved and this book can either have you proud of accomplishments with corn or shocked.
Thesis/Purpose
In Omnivores Dilemma, Michael Pollan's purpose is to cause Americans to ask themselves, "Do they know what they're eating?" and answer the question "What should we have for dinner?" Most people don't know what they're eating and the process behind it. Therefore Michael goes into detail to inform the reader about what they're really eating, and that is corn. This crop is grown in the thousands on a single plot, and plays a major role in the all of our foods.
I believe its important that we have books like this to inform our society about what goes into our food. Its sad because for the most part, humans eat everyday but more than half of them can't identify what they're eating or where it came from. This is when a book, such as this one, can enlighten people about truth about what their food.
I believe its important that we have books like this to inform our society about what goes into our food. Its sad because for the most part, humans eat everyday but more than half of them can't identify what they're eating or where it came from. This is when a book, such as this one, can enlighten people about truth about what their food.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Organism ID
Scientific Name: Dysdera Crocata
Common Name: Woodlous Spider
Physical Description: The female size can range from 11-15mm, and the males from 9-10mm. The color of their cephalothorax ranges from dark red to an orangish color. However we found a white dysdera crocata in the garden. They also have a brownish abdomen. One distinct feature of these spiders is their large fangs.
Description of Life Cycle: They live under logs and soil, near warm places. Usually this is near homes because of their food, woodlice.
Predator/Prey information: They prey upon woodlice, and Pillbugs.
Interesting Facts: They have large fangs, and a venomous bite to immobilize their prey. However their venom isn’t hazardous to humans.
Scientific Name: Armadillidium vulgare
Common Name: Pill Bug or Roly Polies
Physical Description: It can reach a length of about 18 millimeters. They have a light shell-like crustaceous exterior shell that is usually a grayish color. Depending on the species and the region, their shell can range from earthly colors to black with red dots (similar to a black widow). They have five abdominal segments and vestigial antennas.
Description of Life Cycle: They normally have a life cycle of 30-41 months.
Predator/Prey information: Ants, spiders, shrews, toads, frogs, newts, lizards, small owls, foxes, centipedes, harvestmen, beetles, and other isopods.
Interesting Facts: They are omnivorous. They feed off of fungus, concrete, live or dead plants and animals.
Scientific Name: Hedera Helix
Common Name: Common Ivy
Physical Description: This ivy is a woody, evergreen climber. It can reach 30m high, but can creep along the ground. They’re hairless, dark green above, pale green beneath, glossy, and leathery. They also grow berries which can be toxic to humans.
Description of Life Cycle: During the early stages of its life, it covers the ground. Over time, they have a different shape, lighter shade of green, and less visible white veins.
Predator/Prey information: It’s not a predator, but can harm plants around it. It’s not preyed upon, but it does suffer from pest and rats.
Interesting Facts: Older vines can be up to 5 inches thick. Also they’re adhesive, so they can stick to walls and trees.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Honors Reading Assignment 1
I chose to read The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan for my honors assignment.
Michael Pollan was born on Long Island, New York. He recieved his B.A. in English at Bennington College and his M.A. in English at Columbia University. He has written 6 books total, and three of them: Second Nature, A Place of My Own, and The Botany of Desire were New York Times bestsellers received book of the year by Borders, Amazon, and the American Booksellers Association. His books have a common theme of health choices, and nutrition in the American diet. The purpose of this is enlighten American's of the health risk they face everyday, and the more ecological/health beneficial choices we can make at the dinner table. Therefore, I do believe he posses the credentials to inform the reader about these topics. Michael Pollan writes for the New York Times Magazine. He currently teaches journalism at the University of California-Berkley.
Michael Pollan was born on Long Island, New York. He recieved his B.A. in English at Bennington College and his M.A. in English at Columbia University. He has written 6 books total, and three of them: Second Nature, A Place of My Own, and The Botany of Desire were New York Times bestsellers received book of the year by Borders, Amazon, and the American Booksellers Association. His books have a common theme of health choices, and nutrition in the American diet. The purpose of this is enlighten American's of the health risk they face everyday, and the more ecological/health beneficial choices we can make at the dinner table. Therefore, I do believe he posses the credentials to inform the reader about these topics. Michael Pollan writes for the New York Times Magazine. He currently teaches journalism at the University of California-Berkley.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Photosynthesis Review Questions
1.) In the two weeks the plants didn't get watered, they weren't able to properly photosynthesize. They need water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight in order to successfully photosynthesize. Its similar to humans only getting food and no water. We wouldn't die right away, but without water, there isn't much hope. Without water, the light dependent cycle cannot function correctly, therefore the plant cannot create its own food. Which is a problem because plants are autotrophs, so they have to create their own food.
2.) If the stomata is closed, that would cause problems for the plant. The stomata closes when the plants need to conserve the H20, 02, and CO2 inside of the plant. However the problem with the stomata closing is that it doesn't allow anything in or out of the plant. So basically none of the C02 needed for photosynthesis can't get inside, which will stop the Calvin Cycle(light independent cycle).
2.) If the stomata is closed, that would cause problems for the plant. The stomata closes when the plants need to conserve the H20, 02, and CO2 inside of the plant. However the problem with the stomata closing is that it doesn't allow anything in or out of the plant. So basically none of the C02 needed for photosynthesis can't get inside, which will stop the Calvin Cycle(light independent cycle).
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Collecting, Saving, and Storing Seeds
The issue that the video and articles presented were that we need a safe haven for plant seeds that can avoid disasters such as war, natural, or political problems. Their solution was to set up a underground seed vault on an island in the the Arctic Ocean. I believe that this was a logical decision by the companies that run the vault. Having a the vault remote will therefore protect it from warfare, most natural disasters, and political problems.
The vault is protected from warfare because its location is on an island remote from other nations, therefore no country should have issues on its territory. Also they took the precautions of making the door to the vault bomb-proof, thus protecting it further from people with negative intentions.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/world/europe/29seeds.html)
Secondly, the vault is protected from most natural disasters because its on a geographically remote area, so there aren't common disasters such as tornadoes, tsunamis, etc. Also its under a mountain, so it has the mountain as extra support. For precautions, they also designed it to withstand earthquakes.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/world/europe/29seeds.html)
Lastly, I believe that this was a good idea is because no one owns this area. Therefore they won't have to deal with political/military interference. No one person knows the whole entrance code, this protects the vault from greedy intentions from outside forces. Also, its located in a cold region of the world, so if there are power outages, the seeds can still be safely stored in their frozen temperatures.
So in conclusion, I believe that the Global Seed Vault is a great idea, and has been planned carefully. It seems that they took time to consider the pros and cons of the vault. So it seems that the pros outweigh the cons, and this would be equally beneficial for soon-to-be extinct plants, and in case of climate change disasters.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Plant Research
Ching Chang Bok Choy:
Ching Chang Bok Choy is a Chinese cabbage. It has an annual life cycle, and usually takes about 7 days to germinate after last frost date, transport after 16, and then 70 days to mature. It grows about 25cm wide and 10cm wide. It requires a high amount of water and moist soil with a pH of 6.1-7.8. The sowing depth is about 1cm deep, and a spacing of about 25cm.
Flash Collards
Cultivate the soil deeply because they can grow up to 2 feet deep. Plant rows 8 inches high and 3 feet apart. Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch of soil. Keep soil moist until germination, which happens between 6-12 days. Water evenly, give 1.5 inches of water every 7-10 days. Cut leaves when they are about 12 inches tall.
Violetta Pak Choi/ Bok Choy
This type of leafy green (in this case violet) veg. is actually in the mustard family. This crop is best grown in early August, late June if you want to be able to harvest it buy late Fall. Plant rows should be about 20-30 inches apart. Each seed should be planted 1/4 of an inch deep, for every foot there should be close to 15 seeds. Because Pak Choi have shallow root they do not need lot of watering, regular watering is needed but do not drench. If a rapid growth is wanted the soil need to be nutrient rich and a fine layer of blood meal right under the seeds provides the extra humph (O.O), nitrogen and more nutrition. When ready to harvest the plant should be about 4-13 cm in height, when harvesting cut as desired but do not remove entire plant.
Ching Chang Bok Choy is a Chinese cabbage. It has an annual life cycle, and usually takes about 7 days to germinate after last frost date, transport after 16, and then 70 days to mature. It grows about 25cm wide and 10cm wide. It requires a high amount of water and moist soil with a pH of 6.1-7.8. The sowing depth is about 1cm deep, and a spacing of about 25cm.
Flash Collards
Cultivate the soil deeply because they can grow up to 2 feet deep. Plant rows 8 inches high and 3 feet apart. Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch of soil. Keep soil moist until germination, which happens between 6-12 days. Water evenly, give 1.5 inches of water every 7-10 days. Cut leaves when they are about 12 inches tall.
Violetta Pak Choi/ Bok Choy
This type of leafy green (in this case violet) veg. is actually in the mustard family. This crop is best grown in early August, late June if you want to be able to harvest it buy late Fall. Plant rows should be about 20-30 inches apart. Each seed should be planted 1/4 of an inch deep, for every foot there should be close to 15 seeds. Because Pak Choi have shallow root they do not need lot of watering, regular watering is needed but do not drench. If a rapid growth is wanted the soil need to be nutrient rich and a fine layer of blood meal right under the seeds provides the extra humph (O.O), nitrogen and more nutrition. When ready to harvest the plant should be about 4-13 cm in height, when harvesting cut as desired but do not remove entire plant.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Initial Plant Research
Great Blue Lobelia:
A. The Great Blue Lobelia is a flowering plant.
B. The growing season is late summer through September.
C. Moist stratifying seeds for 2-3 months will speed germination. Then wait 8 weeks before transporting to garden.
D. It takes just a few months to bloom, from late summer to fall. Yes I can wait for this.
E. They grow around 18-30inches. These plants generally require around 12-18inches between each other.
F. These plants require moist soil, and partial sun. I would say they are heavy feeders because the soil around them should constantly be moist/rich. They prefer soil with a pH between 6.1-7.5.The ideal N-P-K is 10-10-10 fertilizer, and fed about once a year.
G. The plant prefers to be moist rather than a much dryer climate. It says we could put it in a water garden.
H. In moist areas: Iris and Astilbe are great companions. In shady areas: ferns and hostas are other good options. All of these plants attract hummingbirds, which bring with them pollination.
Interesting Fact: Native Americans used this flower for medicinal purposes.
Lavender Bergamot
A. The Lavender Bergamot is a flowering plant.
B. They can survive in many conditions, as long as you continue to keep the plant in good condition. However they prefer dry conditions because they are extremely drought resistant.
C. It takes about 10-21 days to germinate. You're suppose to freeze the seeds 2-7 days before planting. Tricks them into thinking its winter and makes them stronger. Its said to keep indoors until frost danger has ended.
D. It will take about 4-6 weeks after they germinate. I can wait because its not too long.
E. The Lavender grows about 3-4ft wide and 1/8-1/4 inches feet high. They require about 12-18inches of planting space.
F. It needs a moderate level of water, so not a heaver feeder. They can be found in rich soil areas. They normally have soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
G. The watering requirements have a moderate amount of water. However it is drought resistant. You should wet the pet at the base to avoid getting the foliage wet.
H. There are a variety of plant companions for Lavender such as: ConeFlower, Bee Blossom, Oregano, Hummingbird Mint, Beard Tongue, Moss Rose, and Rosemary.
Interesting Fact: Lavender Bergamot also is used for medicinal purposes. Also not native to the United States.
Royal White Sweet Pea:
A. The Royal White Sweet Pea is a vegetable plant.
B. This plant can normally be planted early summer-late summer.
C. Before planting the seeds, soak the seeds in cold water for 2-6hours to speed up the germinating process. It usually takes 1-3 weeks to germinate.
D. The flowering process usually takes from summer to early autumn. I can wait for this period of time, even though it may take a while.
E. The plant itself grows about 6-8 feet. And requires about 2-3inches for seed spacing.
F. The soil requirements are rich and well drained. This plant also requires only about the average amount of water, do not over water because it attracts bees and butterflies. It has a soil with a pH of about 7.0-7.5. Use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen level.
G. The plant does not require too much water, only about the average level. Drip irrigation is very efficient and energy effective when watering these type of plants.
H. Lettuce is a good companion plant for peas in cool garden seasons.
Interesting Fact: The seeds of the peas are poisonous.
A. The Great Blue Lobelia is a flowering plant.
B. The growing season is late summer through September.
C. Moist stratifying seeds for 2-3 months will speed germination. Then wait 8 weeks before transporting to garden.
D. It takes just a few months to bloom, from late summer to fall. Yes I can wait for this.
E. They grow around 18-30inches. These plants generally require around 12-18inches between each other.
F. These plants require moist soil, and partial sun. I would say they are heavy feeders because the soil around them should constantly be moist/rich. They prefer soil with a pH between 6.1-7.5.The ideal N-P-K is 10-10-10 fertilizer, and fed about once a year.
G. The plant prefers to be moist rather than a much dryer climate. It says we could put it in a water garden.
H. In moist areas: Iris and Astilbe are great companions. In shady areas: ferns and hostas are other good options. All of these plants attract hummingbirds, which bring with them pollination.
Interesting Fact: Native Americans used this flower for medicinal purposes.
Lavender Bergamot
A. The Lavender Bergamot is a flowering plant.
B. They can survive in many conditions, as long as you continue to keep the plant in good condition. However they prefer dry conditions because they are extremely drought resistant.
C. It takes about 10-21 days to germinate. You're suppose to freeze the seeds 2-7 days before planting. Tricks them into thinking its winter and makes them stronger. Its said to keep indoors until frost danger has ended.
D. It will take about 4-6 weeks after they germinate. I can wait because its not too long.
E. The Lavender grows about 3-4ft wide and 1/8-1/4 inches feet high. They require about 12-18inches of planting space.
F. It needs a moderate level of water, so not a heaver feeder. They can be found in rich soil areas. They normally have soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
G. The watering requirements have a moderate amount of water. However it is drought resistant. You should wet the pet at the base to avoid getting the foliage wet.
H. There are a variety of plant companions for Lavender such as: ConeFlower, Bee Blossom, Oregano, Hummingbird Mint, Beard Tongue, Moss Rose, and Rosemary.
Interesting Fact: Lavender Bergamot also is used for medicinal purposes. Also not native to the United States.
Royal White Sweet Pea:
A. The Royal White Sweet Pea is a vegetable plant.
B. This plant can normally be planted early summer-late summer.
C. Before planting the seeds, soak the seeds in cold water for 2-6hours to speed up the germinating process. It usually takes 1-3 weeks to germinate.
D. The flowering process usually takes from summer to early autumn. I can wait for this period of time, even though it may take a while.
E. The plant itself grows about 6-8 feet. And requires about 2-3inches for seed spacing.
F. The soil requirements are rich and well drained. This plant also requires only about the average amount of water, do not over water because it attracts bees and butterflies. It has a soil with a pH of about 7.0-7.5. Use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen level.
G. The plant does not require too much water, only about the average level. Drip irrigation is very efficient and energy effective when watering these type of plants.
H. Lettuce is a good companion plant for peas in cool garden seasons.
Interesting Fact: The seeds of the peas are poisonous.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Carbon Fixation in Elodea
Analysis:
1. The phenol red changes color when we blow into the tube because it changes color depending on the carbon level. So when we blow our carbon into the tube, it changes to a yellowish color.
2. It took about 30-45mins for the water in the tube to change back from yellow to red. It indicates that the elodea plant was performing photosynthesis and was absorbing the carbon dioxide.
3. Because the reaction requires energy, and plants get their energy from the ATP made during the light dependent reaction.
4. No I did not see any change in the color of the phenol red in the tube that contained no elodea. That means that photosynthesis occurred in the plant.
5/6. I don't think Carbon Fixation occurs in humans. We don't use the carbon dioxide in our bodies. We receive the oxygen that plants release, and we then release the carbon they use.
7.The control is used to compare the reaction before and after. The main purpose is to see if any reaction occurred, and if it follows your hypothesis.
1. The phenol red changes color when we blow into the tube because it changes color depending on the carbon level. So when we blow our carbon into the tube, it changes to a yellowish color.
2. It took about 30-45mins for the water in the tube to change back from yellow to red. It indicates that the elodea plant was performing photosynthesis and was absorbing the carbon dioxide.
3. Because the reaction requires energy, and plants get their energy from the ATP made during the light dependent reaction.
4. No I did not see any change in the color of the phenol red in the tube that contained no elodea. That means that photosynthesis occurred in the plant.
5/6. I don't think Carbon Fixation occurs in humans. We don't use the carbon dioxide in our bodies. We receive the oxygen that plants release, and we then release the carbon they use.
7.The control is used to compare the reaction before and after. The main purpose is to see if any reaction occurred, and if it follows your hypothesis.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Invasive Species
Japanese Honeysuckle
The Japanese Honeysuckle is native to Eastern Asia. Mainly in parts of Japan and Korea. It is a woody vine that is has a brown bark, evergreen leaves, and contains black berries.
Japanese Honeysuckle was introduced to the United States in 1806 in Long Island, NY. Now, it covers the eastern half of the United States, suffocatiing 26 states. It also occurs in all 92 Indiana Countries. However it is more severe Southern Indiana. It was originially brought here as an ornamental plant.
This plant is harmful to its environment because it suffocates the plants around it. Its like any other weed, exploiting all of the water in its location, however it grows rapildy, thus surronding native plants in a blanket of vines. Also, the Honeysuckle competes against plants for underground resources.
Partner: Morgan Ceili Maeve Barrett
The Japanese Honeysuckle is native to Eastern Asia. Mainly in parts of Japan and Korea. It is a woody vine that is has a brown bark, evergreen leaves, and contains black berries.
Japanese Honeysuckle was introduced to the United States in 1806 in Long Island, NY. Now, it covers the eastern half of the United States, suffocatiing 26 states. It also occurs in all 92 Indiana Countries. However it is more severe Southern Indiana. It was originially brought here as an ornamental plant.
This plant is harmful to its environment because it suffocates the plants around it. Its like any other weed, exploiting all of the water in its location, however it grows rapildy, thus surronding native plants in a blanket of vines. Also, the Honeysuckle competes against plants for underground resources.
Partner: Morgan Ceili Maeve Barrett
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