#6 Revised: Let Nature Run It's Course

Revised #6 “Let Nature Run Its Course”

Let Nature Run Its Course

Cameron Canupp

ENG 102 Mon-Wed 5:00

Michael Benton

                Monsanto is a multinational biotechnology corporation; they are the leading producer of weed killer, such as “Round Up” (a spray that kills weeds from the root).  Monsanto also is the leading producer of genetically engineered seeds.  Their headquarters can be found in Creve Coeur, Missouri.  They are one of the few companies pioneering in the creation and application of bio technology to agriculture, founded in St. Louis, Missouri (1901).  Genetically modified seeds make up for approximately 50% of Monsanto’s profit.

                It is my belief that Monsanto is taking away from whole food products, being that statistics show that the modified seeds are no good for our culture.  Once genetically modified seeds are grown they are unable to produce more seeds, thus becoming dependent upon regeneration/reproduction of new seeds.  This is in no way a natural process and is only hurting, nearly destroying, America’s farms.  They have begun suing small farm owners and taking their land, claiming that farmers are utilizing their chemicals when detected in a farmer’s crop.  The truth of the matter is that these chemicals are drifting onto nearby farms, causing trace amounts in their crops giving Monsanto grounds to sue.  Typically they cannot prove the farmers use of their chemicals so they bankrupt the farmers in court battles, this causing them to lose everything.

                American’s need more whole foods, clean nutritious foods free from chemical contamination.  Genetically processed foods are ruining America’s farms, in one way or another.   These “short cuts” are only hurting the American people who have worked their entire lives, as have their ancestors, to provide good, clean, nutritious foods by harvesting them naturally and selling them to our communities.  If we continue to allow the modification of the foods that nature has provided for us, eventually nature will stop helping us all together. America was built by the people and we as one have already let it slip so very far away.  If not controlled and ended soon Monsanto may begin to genetically modify our children, who’s to stop them?

#5 Revised Embrace Change

#5 Embrace Change

Embrace Change

Cameron Canupp

ENC 102 Mon-Wed 5:00pm

Michael Benton

                In response to the video of RS Animation “How to change educational paradigms”, I believe it is difficult to predict what we need to do about the educational system.  One reason is the economic value of our country, or most countries at this time, not to mention that fact that with such poor economic values we could easily fall into an economic depression in the blink of an eye.  Another issue is the location of the students, “where are the children located” and what are the circumstances that surround them? How could we possibly expect that every educational system will hold the same exact value as the next?  Should children/adolescents be subsided into different age groups, or divided into much more in depth categories such as whether they are more inclined by group work/projects, can they accomplish the same goals “solo” as with in a group, or maybe even by sex – boys with boys and girls with girls?  What is the best way to set up our educational system and who is best to determine this? This field is so very broad that there is going to be more than one answer, but which answer will best benefit our children and are the most efficient.  We have to find some way to narrow this down and make the most efficient changes as we correct this system to benefit our children. 

Parents, teachers, leaders  etc. always say “If you go to school, work hard, get into a good college you will be successful and it will all pay off in the end”.  Today this couldn’t be further from the truth.  From as far back as the early 18^th Century this has kind of been the rule, bullet proof plan actually, until now.  Today school just does not seem as important to our youth, or even parents, as it has in the past.  It seems that getting through school as quickly as possible and working as early as you can to help support your family is the new “bullet proof plan”.  I myself attend a community college, BCTC.  The dropout rate at BCTC is over 50% for all students enrolled.  Most students completely drop out just into or after the 2^nd year.  These rates are extreme and need to come down. We need to find an educational system that works for all families, financially, mentally, etc.  that keeps our youth’s interests and keeps them in school.

We need to listen to what our youth is saying, understand their wants, needs and concerns and teach them how to learn and what to truly expect from their education.  As cliché’ as it seems, they need to be taught to think “outside the box” in order to teach them that not all lessons are learned through books, but experience as well.  History proves that thinking “outside the box” are those who will truly make a difference in this world.  We need to encourage them not to be controlled by one answer and to critically think things through before acting.  It is time that we help our youth and make the corrections and or changes to our educational system and show them how things are said, done, etc.

#1 Extra Credit The Master Response

The Master

Cameron Canupp

Eng 102 M-W 3:30-5:00

Michael Benton

Freddie Quall was an alcoholic war veteran who could not seem to find the right job after being shipped back from the island where the movie first took place. After losing two jobs, he became a drifter not knowing what his next move was going to be. One night he hops aboard Lancaster Dodd’s yacht. Dodd really enjoys the drink (made of paint thinner and who knows what else.) That Freddie Quall makes himself. Dodd seemed very interested in Freddie so he began a psychological process of mind bending questions. I believe Dodd was trying to revive Freddie from his past troubles that lead to his post-traumatic stress disorder. After the psychological evaluation Dodd Finds that Freddie had troubles with his mother being institutionalized, father dying, and his lifelong love was out of his life. Freddie also mentioned sleeping with his aunt, and I think that can cause damage as well.

            When Freddie was introduced to other member of The Cause, which was Dodd’s Long life practice. The Members became weary of his very impulsive, unpredictable, and animal like behavior. Dodd would not let his wife get rid of Freddie he was very interested on curing this man who had no desire for help. Dodd later on was arrested for impractical use of medicine, even though he was not drugging the people of The Cause. Freddie was also dragged into the slammer alongside Dodd. When caged Freddie began his animalistic behavior, Dodd said it was from his past life where he developed a fear of being imprisoned. After they returned from being imprisoned, the member of The Cause had more fear for Freddie clamming he was either insane or an undercover agent, trying to steal Dodd’s life work.

            Dodd Sets Freddie up in three exercises, one of which he walked from wall to a glass window back in forth describing what he felt, two being to be silent when others say hurtful things, and the third one Dodd’s wife has him practice concentration and interpretation. He passed the second two tests more easily than the first. Freddie could not grasp what Dodd wanted him to feel. Freddie became very irate but eventually passed it as well.

           Freddie was a man of many words, and the movie itself was very interesting I enjoyed this film very much. I quote Dodd “In the next life Freddie you’re going to be my sworn enemy.” This was said because Freddie no longer wanted his help. Freddie was very trouble but such an inquisitive man. The master is a wonderful film that has many things to offer.

# 7 Bibliography

Works Cited

By: Cameron Canupp

Shah, Anup. “Effects of Consumerism.” Global Issues (August 10, 2005): http://www.globalissues.org/article/238/effects-of-consumerism

Gillis, Justin. “Carbon Emmision Show Biggest Jump Ever Recorded.” NY Times (December 4, 2012): http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/05/science/earth/record-jump-in-emissions-in-2010-study-finds.html?_r=2&scp=6&sq=global+warming&st=nyt

Broder, Jon M. “What Will It Take.” NY Times (August 30, 2012): http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/30/what-will-it-take/?ref=greenhousegasemissions

Vaughn, Jacqueline Waste Management. Santa Barbra, California: ABC-CLIO, 2009.

Strasser, Susan Waste and Want. New York, New York: Henry and Holt Company, 1999

#6 Let Nature Run It's Course

Let Nature Run It's Course

Cameron Canupp

Eng 102 Mon- Wed 5:00

Michael Benton

                Monsanto is a multinational biotechnology corporation. It is the leading producer of weed killer, the spray such as roundup that kills weeds from the root. Monsanto also is the leading producer of genetically engineered seeds. Its headquarters can be found at Creve Coeur, Missouri. They are one of the few companies pioneering in the creation of applying bio technology to agriculture. Monsanto has been around since 1901 founded in St Louis, Missouri. Genetically modified seeds make up for about fifty percent of Monsanto’s Profit.

            I think Monsanto is taking away from the whole foods, having said the genetically modified seeds are no good for our culture. These seeds being produced once grown do not produce more seeds. There are not many things natural about this process. Monsanto is taking away from Americas farms. They are suing small farm owners and taking their land, for simple reasons as if their chemicals went into the farmers cropped and then were tested, if any on Monsanto chemicals were found in the crop, they would began to sue. Forcing farmers to either pay for the chemicals that drifted on to their land or fighting this in court until the farmers are bankrupt.

            Here in America we need more whole foods. Clean nutritious food not containing chemicals is what we thrive for. Having food genetically processed is ruining America. Why take the short cut when it’s hurting the people who helped build this country from ground up, harvesting the foods and selling them. I personally love whole foods and buy locally to support the people really working for the cause of no genetically modified foods or seeds. If we are modifying what nature has provided for us, I think it’s going to go sour and eventually nature will stop helping us. America was built by the people and it should stay like that. We as one have already let it slip so far away. We need to put a stop to it, before Monsanto starts genetically modifying are children.

#5 Embrace Change

Embrace Change

Cameron Canupp

Enc 102 Mon-Wed 5:00 PM

Michael Benton

                I’m responding to the video of RSAnimation, on how to change educational paradigms. It’s hard to predict what we need to do about the educational system for two reasons. One of which is the economic value are country, or any country holds. We could fall into an economic depression in the beat of a heart. Another issue is where the children are located, and how can we have the same educational value as other country vice versa. Should Kids and teenagers but subsided into age groups, or more in depth categories such as whether they are good in group work, or being solo, or by girl or boy. What’s the best way to set up our educational system? Something needs to be a change.

                Teachers, Mothers, Fathers Etc. Always say that if you go to school work hard, get into college that it will pay off and you will be successful. That’s not always true especially in today’s day and age. Maybe back when the enlightenment came along in the early 18^th century that was a bulletproof plan. Not anymore there are too many kids not paying attention and dropping out of school. I myself go to a community college BCTC. The dropout rate here is over half the students. More Kids/Adults drop out before their second year. I’m not saying everyone fails, but that rate is too high.

                We need to listen to the kid’s needs, instead of telling them that their wrong about a certain question, when everyone knows there is always more than one answer. We should enlighten them on thinking outside the box. If you look at history it proves that the people who think outside the box the ones who built the world as is. Well it’s time to embrace that, and encourage them to not be stuck on one answer and to think of many more.

# 4 State of Happy Thoughts.

State of Happy Thoughts.

Cameron Canupp

Eng 102 M-W 5:00

Michael Benton

            My political standpoint is left libertarian, The way I came up with this is the political compass test. Now that being said, is it true? I’m actually not sure. I’m very vague about my standpoint on politics anyways. I feel today’s system of democracy is no good. Sure the people choose, but George W. Bush put us in such a bind with this eleven-year war, that the country known as America is in its downfall.

            We are too depended on other country for their good. All America does is import goods from different countries. What would happen if we were cut off? We fall together as a nation. Sure we have allies to protect us, but I believe their getting sick of us. We as a nation are like the friend bumming on your couch that just will not leave. They say having a college degree, you’ll do nothing but succeed. Well how come we have so many people unemployed. At least ten percent of the populations are squatters. For the election coming up in twenty twelve, I would not be apposed to Obama being president again. He has not hurt this country; He just haven’t came through on all his words because the country is in bitter state. I believe its irreversible but at least Obama has good intentions.

            I’m a very agnostic type of person; I don’t knock down your beliefs whether they are scientific, or very supernatural. I believe everyone has their own interpretation of faith and self riotousness. What I look for in life is just to wake up happy, whether I have to go to work, or school, or visit my grandmother. Everyone knows how that is, it’s very dull. As long as I’m happy doing so then I feel like ive done my part in self-fulfillment. 

# 3 Once Upon a Long Time Ago

Once Upon a Long Time Ago.

Cameron Canupp

Eng 102 M-W 5:00 pm

Michael Benton

            Enlightenment was shown heavily through the RSAnimation video that I Watched in class, it showed a nice take on how in the 18^th century our founding fathers have came up with an idea or ideas, that could change the country. The enlightenment made public schools, a currency that we still use today, it helped break Americans away from many of their ties they had with England. I’d say many if not every country has had some sort of enlightenment, this is where they try to set boundary for everyday lives to or in order to be happy so they say.

            Personally I think its time for a new enlightenment, the 21^st century is in desperate need of one. All we do as every day working Americans is make the rich richer and the poor more poor, and warn out. If you start at the bottom of our society it is hard to get back up. Don’t get me wrong though if your at the top its just as easy to slip off. Are we all happy as Americans? Personally I think not I feel as if we are fed up with the he said or she said, finding total happiness in today’s society I believe its damn near impossible.

            I agree how today’s education is ran as if it were a factory, kids all the same age groups go in everyday and study and work for a chance to go to college and be successful. Just because you have that degree does not automatically pay off, Its hard to get a job in a certain specialized field. Which is no good if you go to school for twenty plus years including grade school through graduate school. And still not have a job, how does this make you happy. To find happiness you have to find it on your own not what they say (government, boss, mother, father, and teachers ect.) Its what you do or how you interpret life. We are in desperate need for a  21^st century enlightenment. 

# 2 Total Control

Total Control

Cameron Canupp

Eng 102 M-W 5:00

Michael Benton

        

         After reading the article They Say By: Douglas Roshkoff, I must say I don’t always agree what “they say” for example marijuana leading into LCD. I think that matters on how much control you have over your mind and body, being able to stop the urge to do things, some people on the other hand I feel is that they lake the mind over situation theory. I’m personally only make decisions on what I want or think is best, at least as much as I can control without my subconscious kicking in

            Now I do believe the conspiracy on changing the lighting or colors of a store, for example Wal-Mart, to make us shop more and buy things we did not intentionally go in to buy. They always have signs saying rollback deals to lure you in, but once you’re inside your mind subconsciously feeds and goes on a buying spree when introduced to the bright lights and color scheme.

            With the Internet anyone who wants to have any say on any possible thing you can think of, is now possible. The information that use to be not easy obtained is now accessible with a few simple clicks. It can either be a really bad thing or really good. Personally I think it’s a bad thing. First off why is there a need to know every possible thing? Its impossible to retain it all anyway. Plus people can access your information whenever they want, if they know what their doing. Its practically impossible to stay private off web, unless you have never made an email, or had a bank card, or even made a small loan through your bank, because your not the only one who puts all your info on the computer companies would wide now also do so.

            I enjoyed the article there were many good points and debatable topics all throughout the article. Even if you think you are in total control, its not ever that simple. The way he manipulates you to read this article, and talks about how media manipulates you is genius I was astonished after finishing this reading.

#1: Second Guessing

Second Guessing

Cameron Canupp

Eng 102 M-W 5:00

Michael Benton

            An introduction to criticism opened my eyes more than I thought it was going to. Usually I avoid the reality of what the world really is. I am a working student, I show up on work on time everyday, then go straight to school, go home and start my homework and rest when there is time. I realize after reading an intro to criticism, that I am the gold fish in a bowl. Going with what I learned was “right.” I now know that the pyramid is not as simple as it is made out to be, but to stay protected in modern day civilization is to abide by these rules that are set by society. These rules come into play as early as I can remember. Starting in Kindergarten, I learned that the number one rules were to keep hands and feet to yourself, and to treat others as you would like to be treated. My mother raised me to be a hard worker and always said to work hard, as hard as you can, and good things will follow. 

            After completing the reading, I now realize that the concept of not being able to climb the “wealth” pyramid when you are at the bottom is not true. The people who are at the top of the wealth pyramid have protected themselves to where people below them stay working while they get wealthier. I’m not saying that hard work doesn’t always pay off, at least the way I imagined it, but I have been blind living day-to-day the same sociable routine. Words change the way you think, they bend the truth so you can go about your everyday life believing what the higher power does. If you were not to follow societies meaning of what is right and what is wrong, it almost seems that society will put a stop to your actions/beliefs in all sorts of ways. An example in the introduction mentioned that they would incarcerate men or women for going outside of the guidelines when really they are acting upon human nature, before culture was even thought of.

            Personally I honestly thought about not doing this paper, because reading this meant changing my everyday routine. I thought maybe I could give you an explanation why I didn’t do it, but the reality from not doing the paper would have caused me to have a bad grade. Now I look at the world a little differently, second-guessing what is more complex, then they as in the media or radio etc, have brought to my eyes. The war on terrorism is more complex then I could ever summarize in a three hundred-word paper. Instead of hearing what I think about the situation, I wonder what they think. I believe what they did was morally wrong. I think the way we handled it was just as wrong, there could have been a compromise; we already liberated Iraq, so why are we still there?

            What I’m going to take away from this assignment is to not go with the first thing that comes to mind, but maybe in fact wait for the last thing. It is no longer about morals or what is right or wrong. It is about finding out who I am and not falling into the assumption made every day, from just hearing words such as ‘terrorism’ or ‘poor’. Whatever it may be, it is time to go outside of the box and switch up my routine. I’m not saying I’m going to act wild and wined up and end up in prison, but to look at all of my options.