Reading Response #1

Michael Pollan, writes in his essay, We Are What We Eat (2005) that if the title of his work were true we would be corn, or a mix of corn and soybeans. Pollan conducted a study in which he traced a bushel of corn through what he calls the “industrial food system” and his findings most always landed back in a corn field somewhere. He uses the essay to expose our overuse of grains such as corn and also to touch on the effects that it has on our health. Pollan is reaching out through a simple, short essay to anyone who is not familiar with the facts he has given.

The essay which can be found on page 107 of our text, Convergences, gives a quick thought to our, Americans’”, use of corn and soybeans as additives in our common food products, namely fast food. This overindulgence is causing more people at a younger age to suffer health problems. Pollan, writes in the essay of the corn being a monoculture. This means that most of the corn being produced is of the same variety. This can be an issue of national security. If something were to happen to this particular variety of corn, such as disease or some type of insect infestation all the corn would be wiped out. This sounds a little strange but it does happen. The most widely used example is the Irish Potato Famine. Potatoes were the main crop in Ireland and they planted only one variety, when the potato developed blight it wiped out the crop for years causing a number in the millions to die.

To combat both the problem of health issues and developing a monoculture we can simply start to change our eating and purchasing habits. By making a shift to buy produce grown locally we are supporting good eating habits by eating more fresh foods as well as supporting local farmers who grow on a smaller scale and are able to raise more diversified crops.

Expected Answers - Suvey Reflections

Reflecting on the survey exercise I see some things I would change given the opportunity to conduct the survey again or one similar to it. The results were not required to be used in our final research paper or any other formal report so I chose to survey people I already knew within my community. This, I believe, brought in results that were predictable in each individual survey. Also, my survey was concentrated to one geographical location, Grass Lake, so I did not use a link or an email invitation to conduct the survey but rather printed the survey and inserted the data manually. Some of the results may have been different if I had used a broader and more diverse range of individuals.

The most disappointing result in the survey, which is not honestly represented in the results, is that there is not a willingness to participate in the cause. I say it is not honest because I used participants that I knew would answer the question pertaining to participation the way I was wanting, thus loading the survey to fulfill my own desired results. This is a problem with a lot of survey results we may hear in the media. Who were the respondents and how broad and diverse were they is the first question I like to ask.

This was a good exercise to learn the usage of a tool like surveymonkey.com but it also reinforced the importance of how and who you obtain your results from in any survey. A survey that is to be used in a formal situation should be unbiased so I feel it is important to question the results of such a survey.

A Need for a Marketplace

Throughout Michigan, in communities large and small, from May through October you will be able to find a community farmers’ market. A farmers’ market offers patrons a selection of local products such as fresh vegetables, humanely raised meats and artisan products such as breads, honey and handcrafted goods. The markets bring people into the area, usually a “downtown”, providing economic opportunity for vendors as well as boosting local economies as patrons flow from the market to local businesses for a cup of coffee, lunch or shopping. There are many benefits to a community farmer’s market however; starting one is not always an easy endeavor. Some citizens may feel there is not a need for a market in their community, feel a market would not be able to sustain itself or may not welcome the extra traffic. Even facing opposition, communities often benefit from a well organized farmers’ market. One community in particular, Grass Lake, consisting of both the village and township, will be the focus of discussion.

The Village of Grass Lake, the first community you will come into upon entering Jackson County, is a small village a few blocks long. The Local businesses, to name just a few, include Reed’s Baber Shop, Grass Lake Video, Missy’s Little Grass Shack, Ryan’s Restaurant, Copernoll’s Hardware, Frank’s Market, and The Grand Illusion as well as other interesting places. Most of the businesses in the Village are small local businesses, not franchises, corporations or “big box” stores. Outside the village limits, in the Township of Grass Lake, the landscape still remains semi-rural, with open spaces, woodlands, and some small farms. In total there are approximately fifty-five hundred residents in the Village and Township of Grass Lake. (Grass Lake Charter Township)

The community of Grass Lake as well as surrounding areas would benefit from a well organized farmers’ market in a number of ways. The market, as discussed earlier, is good for the economics of the community both for vendors and local business. It provides a resource for quality fresh local produce and meats as well as other goods. A market in Grass Lake would also provide a sense of community to its citizens, providing a place for locals to gather on a weekly basis. Patrons of the market would have a chance to get to know the local vendors, those who would be growing their food, as well as have an opportunity to establish new relationships in the community through familiarity.

The benefits of buying local produce, meats, honey and other products go beyond the community. Since food does not have to travel hundreds and even sometimes thousands of miles to the consumer we are saving natural resources. Buying meats raised locally and humanely can help bring an end to the ugliness of overcrowded, unsanitary feed lots and poultry operations. Purchasing locally grown produce is a safe guard to all of agriculture by keeping the gene pool of our fruits and vegetables more diverse.

There have been past attempts to establish a market in Grass Lake. These however have been short lived. Research shows that this is most likely because the past attempts did not meet the criteria for a successful market. Some of those criteria include location, promotion, the right vendors and the right management. (O'Neil) A market needs to be in a location that is visible and accessible; the market also needs to be well promoted so the people know the facts of when and where the market is taking place. There needs to be a balanced mix of vendors so that the customers have a variety of choices.

There may be a need or want for a market in the community but it takes organization and management to implement and run a successful market place. This is the first and toughest obstacle when starting up a new market. The market will not run itself, there must be willing participants to manage the needs of the market.

Vendors in any market can be more successful and help in sustaining a community market if they practice good selling strategies. Vendors should have available, quality, fresh and clean goods. Their products should be competitively priced; a market does open up opportunity for competition. Displays should be neat as well as the vendor have a good attitude and nice personal appearance. (Parcell, McKelvey and Hendrickson)

Establishing a market in the community may be met with some opposition from farmers that already have an established business and clientele. Local market farmer, Joan Lutchka, in a recent interview, has said about roadside stands, “the market is saturated, there is not room for any more”. A local market however would provide an outlet for the smaller farmer or artisan to sell their goods. It would open up competition and also offer the consumer some new selections of product not currently available at the roadside stands in the area. If another attempt at a farmers’ market is to be made in the community it will have to be well organized and meet the criteria for a successful market in order to sustain itself. (O'Neil)

By establishing a market in the community the small acreage farmer and artisans would benefit greatly. By having an outlet in which to promote and sell goods the small acreage farmer could possibly bring in up to eighty cents per square foot of tillable land. This can amount to thirty six-thousand dollars per acre if farmed intensively. (Lee and Foreman) This would provide the farmer with an extra income or even allow him or her the chance to become financially independent.

The community market would help established farmers in the area. By concentrating vendors to one location, people in the community could gain awareness of those vendors who sell their goods outside of the farmers’ market. Patrons could then shop at the farm if needed during those days the community market is not open. It would also help establish good relationships and give people a chance to see where their food is coming from.

Establishing a market will bring extra traffic into the community on Saturday morning or in the evening during the week depending on when the market would operate. This may not be welcome by some of the citizens of the community. In order to combat this opposition it is crucial that a market be established in the right location, a location that offers vendors an access for setup and tear down as well as ample parking for customers. The market location should be seen as people drive through the town. If this is not feasible ample signage should be made so that everyone knows about the market and its location.

All living things, namely people, need food to survive. The majority of people seek the best in the clothes they wear, the car they drive, the place they live and the schools they attend. The same effort is not always applied to the foods we eat, often we settle for drive-thru over a sit-down meal, or something out of a can or box rather than making a meal from scratch. A well organized farmers’ market in the Grass Lake community would allow area residents to purchase the best healthy local produce, meats and artisan wares from vendors they know. Vendors and local business establishments would be blessed with economic gain and a better sense of community would be established. A well organized farmers’ market would be a benefit to the whole community.

Works Cited

O'Neil, David. "Making Places." October 2005. Project for Public Spaces. 17 November 2009 .

Parcell, Joe, Bill McKelvey and Mary Hendrickson. "Selling Strategies for Local Producers." December 2005. Michigan Farmers' Market Association. 17 November 2009 .

Grass Lake Charter Township. "Frequently Asked Questions." 8 December 2009. Grass Lake Charter Township. 8 December 2009 .

Lee, Andy and Patricia Foreman. "How I Built A $36,000 Business In My Backyard." Lee, Andy and Patricia Foreman. Backyard Market Gardening. Good Earth Publications, INC., 2005. 23-33.

Chickens being allowed to roam the garden in the fall on a small farm in Grass Lake.

Trash and Treasure - Reading Response #3

Lars Eighner’s, memoir On Dumpster Diving (1991, Threepenney Review), recounts that he was able to sustain himself while homeless through “Dumpster diving.” Eighner, tells through personal experience how, being reluctant at first, he learned to feed, clothe and make a profit of sorts through the act of “diving” or going through local Dumpsters while homeless, sustaining himself and his canine companion, Lisbeth. Eighner is telling the story of his own success, if you will, with scavenging through someone else’s discards while also providing the reader with basic instructions in the “art” of Dumpster diving. The memoir was written to those curious about the homeless and how they obtain their basic needs and to clear some misconceptions about the homeless population.

One thing in particular I found enjoyable in the essay, which can be found on page 514 of our text, Convergences, was the ideal this homeless man had about work. The author writes, on page 524, “Yet in spite of the element of change, scavenging more than most other pursuits tends to yield returns in some proportion to the effort and intelligence brought to bear.” He also states, on page 525, “I find work that rewards initiative and effort refreshing.” This type of ideal is opposite of the work ethic many practice today. It seems we are caught up with the idea we are owed something or entitled to a benefit we did not work for. This ideal coming from the author, a homeless man, is thought provoking and well worth discussion.

I have never had, out of need or desire, to pick through the dumpster for my daily bread. I have, for adventure and practicality, picked up treasure placed at the roadside or discarded in someone’s trash. I also enjoy leaving my unwanted items at the roadside with a large “free” sign. I leave the items there for a few days before donating them to the community resale shop, The Salvation Army or discarding them. People love stuff and will pick up just about anything I leave out.

Eighner’s essay was informative as well as thought provoking. It beckons us to think about our work ethics as well as how we think about the homeless and the things we view as trash.

Fairy Tales - Reading Assignment #2

Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood as translated by Andrew Lang (1889), implies that little girls who are not careful about who they speak with may be eaten up by a wolf. Perrault tells the story of a pretty little country girl on her way through the woods to see her grandmother who is stopped and approached by a wolf, who then goes ahead of the little girl to grandmother’s cottage and eats grandmother then lies in wait for the girl whom he then also devours. The purpose of the writing seems to be to convey a message about the dangers of speaking with “wolves”. The tale was written originally for the entertainment of the court of Versailles but later has been adopted by parents as a tool to teach children, particularly young girls about the dangers of speaking with anyone who may be a “wolf”.

This fairy tale which can be found on page 170 of our text, Convergences, does not end the way most fairy tales we know do, happily. When I was told this fairy tale as a child I remember a version that involved a woodcutter at the end of the story. The woodcutter not only saved Little Red Riding Hood but he also killed the wolf and cut open his belly to remove an unscathed grandmother from the viscera. This brings up the point of why do the endings of stories, in this case fairy tales, change from the original composition?

From the first telling of the tales with unhappy endings I can envision children sobbing or in a state of horror that their main hero or heroine has perished. The same story with a happy ending may be able to get across the same message or moral with out the unhappiness. This may not always be the case but may be true for some of our favorite short fairy tales.

Other reasons for the change of endings may have to do with mass marketing, such as in the film industry. Who would want to see Disney’s version of Cinderella, Snow White or Sleeping Beauty if they did not have happy endings. “Hollywood” changes endings all the time from the original composition. I do think it is important in some cases, other than just numbing entertainment, to know the true ending of the story so as not to miss what the original author is trying to convey or bring out in a story.

Market Photos

A vendor helps a patron at the Saturday farmers' market in downtown Chelsea. The market runs from 8A.M.-Noon May thru October.

Joan Lutchka's market tent as seen from the roadside

Inside Joan's market tent you can see winter squash, fall decorations and the last of the summer crops.

Self-Reliance, Marketing and Markets

Draft Self-Reliance, Marketing and Markets Draft


Pushing into the twenty-first century most everyone can identify with a cause. Some individuals are seeking to lessen their impact on the environment or even to heal it, while others are propagating a healthy eating agenda and some strive for self-sufficiency. Local governments are also working for a number of causes to sustain their own coffers at the same time providing for the community, consumer and business. Three articles were examined and summarized that show how individuals or entities are working in different ways, sometimes against one another, for the same cause.

In her article “My Introduction to Self-Reliance” from Mother Earth News (Aug/Sep 2009) Treska Lydia Stein, a home-schooled thirteen year old from New Mexico, proclaims that, “I’m learning to live off the land and create my first business”. Treska’s passion for farming kindled in the summer of 2008 when she worked for a local market farmer who patiently taught her and took her to visit other local farms; with inspiration and knowledge she started her own garden with great success and plans to start marketing seedlings in the spring of 2010. The purpose of Treska’s article is to emphasize her willingness to learn, discover and put into action what she believes in. At thirteen years old, Treska is not only inspiring other youth that have a desire to tend the land but her enthusiasm also tugs at anyone who has ever thought of expanding their own gardening into a market.

Tie in paragraph

In her article “Everything He Wants to do is Illegal!” from Mother Earth News (Aug/Sep 2009) Megan Phelps interviews farmer/author Joel Salatin who explains that his farming techniques produce livestock superior to government standards but his marketing is still held back by ignorance and regulations. Interviewing Salatin, Phelps, questions the farmer on issues such as, when, why, how and the challenges he faces with farming today. Phelps uses the interview to expose some of the barriers that farmers’ like Salatin face as well as provide the knowledge that just because a farmer, company or manufacturer follows a set of government guidelines the consumer is not necessarily getting the safest, healthiest or best quality product for their money. Phelps, through the words of Salatin, is seeking to reach out to those interested in personal freedoms, readers who are looking for a different approach to raising livestock and to those who are not satisfied with the idea that the government, on any level, knows what’s best for the consumer.

Tie in paragraph

In her article “Support the Farm Stand to Feed “Locavores” and the Economy” from Public Management (March 2009) Nadejda Mishkovsky discusses that local farmers’ markets are good for local business as well as for the consumer. She touches on the topics of market planning, site selection, market examples and the value a farmers’ market adds to the community. Mishkovsky uses examples of active farmers’ markets around the country to relay the idea that a market is good for the consumer, fresh produce is not always available and governments are working with markets to allow those using assistance to purchase goods, and is good for local businesses, the market brings consumer traffic into the area. Mishkovsky is using the article to inform those in, or interested in, public management about the basics and value of a local community farmers’ market.

Summarize body and support thesis paragraph

Not a Final Draft

Which Fertilizer?

The Environmental Impact of Organic vs. Conventional Fertilizer


There is an on going debate about whether vegetables grown using organic (natural) methods are any more nutritious or better tasting than those grown through conventional (inorganic/chemical) methods. The more important debate and the focus of this discussion are the environmental issues that come from farming and the argument that using organic methods of farming will put less stress on the soil, water, consumer and farmer than conventional methods.
The environmental problems that are caused by fertilizers include water pollution, nutrient starved soils and health hazards caused from the handling of chemicals in the fertilizers (to the farmer, animals and beneficial insects). Fertilizers available to the farmer contain one or more of the elements nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Most inorganic fertilizers are sold labeled something like 12-12-12 or 8-8-8. The label is stating the percentage of the elements contained within the particular fertilizers always in the order of nitrogen (N) – phosphorus (P) – potassium (K).
Every farmer, from the backyard hobby gardener to the corporate conglomerate strives to grow healthy luscious plants that produce abundant quality fruit. Just as our bodies need nutrients to grow strong and healthy the same is for plants, specifically speaking of vegetables. Vegetable plants pull their nutrients from the soil. When the plant is harvested from the garden or field the nutrients which it has taken from the soil are also removed with the plant. To grow a new crop, nutrients need to be replaced through either organic (natural) fertilizers or chemical (inorganic) fertilizers.
Garden or field soil already contains the nutrients that plants need to grow. In order for specific plants to grow to their full potential they may need more or less of one element than another. Fertilizers provide the extra nutrients or elements that the plants need. This is where the separation between the organic and inorganic (chemical) fertilizers comes into question. What is the difference between the basic fertilizer elements NPK in organic fertilizers compared with conventional fertilizers? Consider the element nitrogen (N) in the two types of fertilizers, organic and conventional. It is the same in both fertilizers the difference lies in how it is available to the plant.
Conventional fertilizers for the most part are water soluble and the elements are readily available to the plant. The concept of this fertilizer is to feed the plant. The plant however only takes up the nutrients that it is lacking. This allows for strong plant growth but does nothing for the soil; no nutrients are being added to the soil causing the soil to be depleted. The rest of the nutrients in the fertilizer filters through or runs off the soil and into the watershed. The chemicals in this concentrated form are harmful to soil builders like earthworms and also beneficial insects. The runoff causes pollution to the water, contaminating it with concentrated chemicals.
Economically it looks as though the initial cost of the chemical based fertilizer is substantially lower than the organic. Pound for pound the farmer is purchasing more of the elements NPK when using conventional rather than organic fertilizers. Purchasing a fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 12-12-12 is convenient and covers a broad range of nutrient needs. The farmer is able to produce more food for less cost to him and the consumer. As stated previously the plant is only going to take up the nutrients it needs. Purchasing and applying extra nitrogen is wasteful as well as harmful to the watershed and soil.
Organic fertilizers are not always as readily available to the plant. They are in their natural form so they must be “broke down” before the nutrients are available to the plant. This “breaking down” is done in the soil by beneficial bacteria and soil builders such as earthworms. This concept feeds or builds the soil rather than the plant. Over time the soil becomes “richer” and the health of the plants as well as the soil improves. Healthy soil and plants are not as susceptible to disease and harmful pest as barren soils.
Since most organic fertilizers are in their natural mineral form they are not water soluble and concentrated so they do not filter through or run off the garden or field. The organic farmer still must be careful when using certain types of fertilizers. Raw manure and urine can contain concentrated amounts of nitrogen and can be harmful to the environment when not used properly. This type of organic is best applied in the proper quantities at the proper time or better yet composted before application.
Economically the organic farmer or gardener is only going to purchase and apply the nutrients that his soil is lacking. Building the soil and only using what is needed will, overtime, be more economical than the conventional method. Some organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are available at no cost other than labor. There are also “green manures” that will not only build the soil but also provide a crop.
Organic fertilizers are the better choice for the farmer and gardener. They are not harmful to the environment when used properly. They not only provide the nutrients plants need but also build the soil. Healthier soil means healthier plants and less fertilizer over time.
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Screen Shot Capture

This is a screen shot of some photos that were being arranged or composed for an essay on Grand River Ave. Seeing this particular screen as a photo is like looking at a copy of a copy. Studying these images on the street brought on certain emotions, feelings and ideas. While browsing the photos later on the screen much of the same thoughts were in play. It seems however that when the screen shot is taken and viewed some of the meaning and worth of the material is lost. If this is true for the original composer then how much more is it for a recipient of such material.

Composing changes shape in digital space by allowing images, ideas and thoughts to be transferred from one medium to another. This could allow for a clearer transmission of thoughts and ideas by using drafts and editing. In the case of the screen shot the composition changed by giving the recipient a more distorted view of the true picture.

Study would be one way to better understand the digital composing process. Other ways of better understanding the digital composing process may be to practice the process, transferring composed material from one medium to another.

With greater and greater advancements in media transfer it seems the audience is always seeking something that is brighter, faster and louder. With any medium the most important aspect is getting the composers idea across to the desired audience.