Eric Schlosser's lecture at Ohio University

          For owning Fast Food Nation and seeing movies like Super Size Me, I felt like I knew a little of what Schlosser's lecture would consist of. To a point that was true, and then I was truly being informed as he started giving the hard facts about the fast food industry. To a point, his lecture connected nicely with a lot of what we're talking about in class. For example: toxic discourse and how the impact of the fast food industry is impacting our country, health, well-being, society, children, and the world. Schlosser hit on the fact that with huge companies such as McDonald's, there is a huge lack of information that's being given to the public and the ending result show the customer being misinformed by the information that they should know.

          As Schlosser continued by offering his audience more shocking insight, he touched upon describing the feedlots from these huge slaughter houses and how because of waste contamination and runoff, the ending result produces water pollution which in turn effects the people that live near by if they use that for their water supply. This to me was a perfect example of toxic discourse. I remember Schlosser quoting Ray Croc saying that if he saw his neighbor drowning with his/her business, that he'd be the first to go over and put a running hose in their mouths. A slightly humorous quote at first, but consider the lack of care that Schlosser talked about in regard to the fast food industry, this type of action doesn't seem to sadistic to consider when presented with the facts.

As the idea of nature starts to play a more crucial role throughout our class readings, we see that in Thoreau's work, isolation and humanity are a point of strong focus. Upon incorporating these themes throughout other readings, it becomes apparent that although isolation and humanity are present, there are other contributing factors that change and alter the big scheme of things in relation to how they contribute within nature. Below are some observations I had in mind while reading the pieces:

One main theme I want to focus on with this blog post is humanity's contribution in regard to nature and what the ending result may imply. With this, Williams' piece comes to mind: the idea that other humans are doing nuclear testing and its effect on other humans as well as the environment. By reading some of this, I can't help feeling guilty. No so much on my part, but humanity in general. I suppose it creates more of an awareness where I consider rather than not think about doing something that could potentially harm the earth in some shape or form. I'm also reminded of Hogan's piece and how she made a choice to save the fetal mice from the biting ants. The process to save the lives of the mice potentially ended the lives of the ants. Here, we see that human instinct plays a role in nature.

As for the Positions piece, I feel I fall into the category of Environmentalism. I feel as though I'm aware in regard to little things such as recycling and buying local when/if I can. Athens, Ohio, is a community in which I feel partakes in those types of things. It's not so much revolutionary, but it's enough to gather attention. For example: I live close to the Village Bakery, and I noticed that they have put solar panels on their roof for solar energy.

http://ecoenglish-rouzie.blogspot.com/

First blog post

I feel upon relating Thoreau's ideas about nature to Cronon's, there seems to be both similarities and differences with both readings. In Thoreau's experience, despite the idea of isolation, there was still a connection with humanity present. For example, in Walden, we see that Thoreau wasn't entirely alone. Along with that, his view of nature seemed sublime enough in the sense where the connections and metaphors he created secured the positive outlook it held. Thoreau states that: "Every part of nature teaches that the passing away of one life is the making room for another." I personally feel there's merit in what he says, however, Cronon questions Thoreau's thought process by asking if wilderness is this place to retreat to. I enjoy the fact that Cronon doesn't completely dismiss Thoreau, rather, he does agree with him to an extent by stating that: "I celebrate with others who love wilderness the beauty and power of the things it contains." Here, Cronon is a person who is shown connecting with nature. It shows that he is personable and that he can appreciate the idea of nostalgia, but at the same time he can set that aside and approach nature in a different way whereas Thoreau doesn’t necessarily do that.

I like Cronon’s way of thought because it appears more realistic. It's not romanticized to the extent where it becomes fabricated. Cronon seems to be very aware. He goes as far to offer William Wordsworth's poem, The Prelude, as an example in which: "...the poet felt himself literally to be in the presence of the divine-and experienced an emotion remarkably close to terror." Cronon states that Wordsworth's time in nature "was nothing less than a religious experience." Here, instead of nature being presented as this wonderful, flawless creation, Wordsworth basically describes the chaos it holds as well.

Another aspects of both outlooks lead me to believe how easy it was for Thoreau to create a home for himself. Cronon’s outlook doesn’t make that process appear as easy: “In its raw state, it had little or nothing to offer civilized men and women.” Cronon seems to have a consciousness about nature in whereas Thoreau’s mindset isn’t thought out completely in a realistic sense. I feel Cronon’s way of thought prepares an individual because although it’s not ideal, the reality of it all is most important to consider.

Lastly, although I feel I can connect more with Cronon’s way of thought, I appreciate Thoreau’s determination and his sincerity. I find that alone to be a wonderful quality that contributes to his character.

Introduction post

Hey everyone! My name is Evan Lilly and I live in Athens, OH. I feel the main reason I chose English as my major was to better grasp my essay writing. I feel it has grown dramatically in the past few years, and I want to keep improving on it. I work at Donkey Coffee & Espresso, and it's one of the best part time jobs I've ever had (the 24/7 free drink policy helps too!)

I really love Motown music (Martha Reeves, Kim Weston, The Ronettes). I'm also a big fan of more dream-pop bands/early 90's alternative shoegaze (My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Atlas Sound/Deerhunter). Others include: Acid House Kings, Belle & Sebastian, Drake, M83, Liars, No Age, The Tough Alliance, etc. You could say I love music!

I also really, really love cold weather! : )