Importance of Correct English!

Feeling in the blogging mood after being away for a few weeks. =)

 This blog was originally intended for my Comp class, so I figure I'll continue adding things in relevation with English.

All throughout grade school teachers express the importance of correct grammer, spelling, punctuation, and all those other important concepts that go along with that. While a lot of these subjects might seem rather boring I cannot stress how important they really are. We read, write, and speak everyday of our lives. With it being done so frequently it's only right that we learn the basics concepts!....right?

Nowadays everything is abbreviated (ex. LOL, JK, LMFAO, BRB) and as if thats not enough, new words are being created everyday, with some sounding so bizzarre people actually question whether it is a word or not. (ex. Dougie, Swag, Fresh..seriously people?...what does this mumbo jumbo even mean!?) 

I felt a need to blog about this after checking my Facebook. The things some people put as their status's are so confusing; to the point where I'm not sure whether it's English, or a foriegn language made up by some illiterate "new age" people.

Either way, what I'm trying to get across is... reading, writing, and speaking should be continued as it was before; before the corruption of abbreviations or any new fangled words. Before you could make some type of a grunting noise to state a whole sentence, before rappers came out with crazy nonsense words just to rhyme. Basically before everyone was brain washed!

Now.... a random funny to express the importance of capitaliztion!

 Capitalization, the difference between= helping your Uncle Jack off a horse, and helping your uncle jack off a horse.

Possibly the FINAL BLOG!!!!!!!!!! WOO!

With the quest finally ending I couldn't jump any higher with joy!!!!!!!!!!! I felt like it was lurking over me, guilting me, basically bringing the man down so to speak. Fast food is a part of my life. As sad as that might be I've come to find I end up starving if I don't consume it.

Another big realization I've had is the amount of fast food everyone I know consumes. Friends, family, EVERYONE eats fast food alllllllllll the time! Not being able to eat it makes your brain end up counting the number of times throughout the week you've had to reject it, as if that makes you feel like in some way you yourself have eaten it. Sounds crazy...yes..but so true. Or there's the just as crazy; if you see someone else eat it, it's just the same as if it were you.

While I had my up's and down's with this quest I have learned so much. All different things about fastfood and its history, the effects it has, the way it's advertised, the latest "hot" menu items; just SO much. Overall looking past all the things such as simple facts and at the bigger picture I've learned life is about taking risks. If there is something that you wish to accomplish you should just go for it. It doesn't matter what it is, or how insane it may sound to others as long as you are getting something out of it. Mistakes will be made but that is how you learn to succeed. As long as you have will power and passion you can accomplish anything to the best of your ability.

Last but not least......

I HATE BLOGGING!...I know how funny, a blog about hating blogging, but that's how I feel. I always thought bloggers had the coolest easiest job but I've realized that it is really just one big pain in the butt! I guess this also goes along with trying new things. I tryed blogging along with my quest, and realized neither one was really for me!

 Aahh...the things you learn from trying new things.

The END!!!..and A New Beginning?

So, with it being November 1st and all this officially marks the end of my quest. The end seemed like it would never come! I started way ahead of time so I believe I've been trying to be fast food free for the past two months..possibly?...idk! =)

I havent blogged in forever so let me get you up to date about this past week. It seems I've lost my mind. Will power went out the door. The week within itself wasn't so horrible.. (Wendy's on Tuesday..) but the weekend was where I had my complete and utter downfall. I believe I consumed fast food not one, but all three days of the weekend. Talk about feeling like a failure. I know during this whole thing the only slip up I could think of was a carmel sunday..(totally NOT my fault!..stated in a previous blog) but now I can add chicken nuggets and french fries to this.

I only had one week left, and I blew it. Completely. When I reflect on this it is sad to think that giving up something as simple as fast food was so difficult. It also made me think of many other things that I would like to at least try. Even if i fail. =)  Doing this quest has helped me realize; it doesn't matter whether you succeed or fail miserabley, as long as you are trying something new.

With that being said, I've decided to take up two more quests with the ending of this one. I'm going to quit smoking and start a diet! On to something NEW!

$$$

I have officially saved $40.00 since starting this quest! Money that would have been spent on fast food regularly. This is probably the best so far. Well that, and the fact that I haven't consumed millions of empty calories. After eating Ramen Noodles everyday for the past week they have gotten old. Gas stations have become my number 1 source for food. This however is turning out to be good because it is sooooo much cheaper!

While digging yet deeper into the fast food world I found this video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KttI-q1UWD0

Quite humerous I must admit. It is off topic, I know I know...but it was just amazing to me. I couldn't figure it out.

Anyways...back to the money thing. Saving this much has just made me think how much I've spent throughout my life..and how much I could be saving! I have decided to save any money I would spend on fast food and use it for Christmas presents instead. Christmas is so expensive and I have a huge family to shop for. So, instead of eating this money I am putting it to good use. I think this quest could be a good thing after all!!!

Obesity In America.

Diving deeper into the fastfood world I've been doing a lot of research on almost anything covering the topic. A certain health issue that can't help but be connected in some way to fast food is the obesity epidemic.

Americans have been getting fatter throughout centuries and its only getting worse. Staggering numbers of people are being put into the "overweight" catagory. You never realize what a concern this issue is until you actually have the statistics put right in front of you.

•  It is estimated that 300,000 people are dying from obesity related complications every year.

•  Experts predict that by 2015 that 2.3 million adults will be overweight.

• Worldwide, 20 million children are overweight.

(Press, Perspectives On Diseases and Disorders:Obesity)

Looking at just three of these shocking statements you realize this is ridiculous!!!!

So, how can we fix this pleasantly plump trend?... By putting the facts out there and working on methods of prevention. Instead of turning the other cheek it is time for American's to own up to their faults and work towards a slimmer future!

So..The Quest Continues!

I'm not sure what day of the quest this is. I am however doing an amazing job. I haven't given into temptation and I've even started to promote health! Although this

is the only thing I've been eating for the past month. And when I say that I am serious. I can go everyday eating a pack of noodles and be happy. I'm doing good. My mom recently decided to start a diet after noticing the excessive amount of fast food we eat (I'm enforcing the rules on the whole family). There is nothing but healthy things flooding the cabinets. I however, still continue to be happy with my pack of noodles. They are probably just as horrible if not worse than some of the fast food I was eating in the past, but like I've said before I'm all about convinience. Not too much longer left. I don't know if I'll even want fast food after this time is up. Doing so much research on it is starting to make me think why I eat the stuff in the first place. It really is like toxic waste. We will just have to see, for now..

the quest continues!

Food Food Food

I watched the show Man v. Food the other day, (man goes around eating a bunch of food and doing the contests) and a place where Adam was eating named their "special" sauce fatass sauce. Now as if that doesn't make you feel great about what your eating. Hahaha.

Anyways, this show had me thinking about the amounts of food all throughout the world.I'm sure as a child you heard, "There are starving kids, finish your food." It is odd to think of that now and realize that it is really true. While here where we live we make contests of how much food we can gorge on.

 Kind of sad when you actually think...

"Double Down" KFC.

When looking for things about fast food I had to do some reading about a sandwich called the Double Down at KFC. This mighty sandwich contains 2 Original Recipe filets, Bacon, Pepperjack cheese, Swiss cheese, and Colonel's sauce, all combined!!! Wow, doesn't that sound like a heart attack waiting to happen. After looking at this, http://www.foodgeekery.com/reviews/double-down-with-kfc/ it was clear many people feel the same way I do.I've never actually ventured out to eat this meat concauction but I'm sure you would feel it afterwards.

Advertisements 2..

Why is it everywhere you go there has to be something that looks good plastered all over the outside of the building? Basically taunting you. It just screams, "Stop here and try this!!!" Advertisements for fast food places these days are ridiculous.

I understand advertisement is everything to a successful business, but I also have to state that some tatics taken are just plain nuts. Advertisements to children in perticular, lets take a look...

McDonalds: The "happy" meal. What makes a happy meal so happy you might wonder?...the toys that are given in each red and yellow box!!Not only does McDonalds have these meals that make us happy they also have the ever so clever Ronald McDonald. Promoting greasy food to the children with a clown...smart one McDonalds!!!!

Burger King: The "Big Kids" Meal. Now if I were a kid that would be what I would want simply for the name. Their chicken nuggets used to change shapes all the time from lightening bolts to crowns.

Thankfully fast food places recently have had a trend of healthy optionals to avoid the fries or soda. This is great, but still  I have to point out that some techniques used are just crazy!

Advertisements these days....

So, after the first week of the journey without fast food I'm realizing this is HARD!!! haha. It feels like there is temptation everywhere. Which could be true considering there is a fast food joint on every corner. I've been trying not to cheat with all my might.

The rules of my quest have never been clearly defined. I said no fast food, but is it considered cheating if you only get a drink? This has been my downfall. McDonalds still has their summer deal of any size drink for a dollar, and I can't help but order my large diet coke everytime I pass one! (Yes diet coke, that one always makes me chuckle.) So am I cheating?....I'm just not sure!

I think I'll continue my quest with the rules defined as just no FOOD.

Aside from this tiny mishap, things seem to be going good. Week one down...now on to week two. Oh fast food.. how I miss your greasy deliciousness. =)

McDonalds Considered A Delicacy...?

While to most of us fast food is something for an "on the go" person, an easy solution to not wanting to cook, or simply something delicious. To others around the world however, it is considered a delicacy.

After attending my Geography class and discussing the differences around the world, I couldn't help but to wonder what some differences were between fast food throughout the globe. After reading this http://www.thirdage.com/news/fast-food-wedding-option-offered-mcdonalds-hong-kong_10-12-2010 I was quite suprised! McDonalds in Hong Kong are offering up catering options for weddings. Even including a cake made from apple pies.

To an American this might sound like every brides dream right? Greasy food for the reception and an apple pie cake! I think not, but for brides in Hong Kong this is an actual option for their weddings. Just goes to show how different things are for different cultures.

"Re" Starting..Without Fast Food!

The concept of "re" starting....

 Isn't it something everyone wishes they could do at some point throughout their life? From reading how W. Hodding Carter and his family have made small steps in changing their lives made me realize you really do start new even by something small.

 To me this happens to mean giving up any temptation I have for fast food. For starting new this isn't anything huge, but it's different!

This being such a small quest you would think it would be easy, but I'm coming to find it to be rather irritating! One thing it has changed about my life is the times I eat. I can no longer just stop and get something when I'm out or when I'm driving from place to place. I have to plan when I'm going to eat, and what I'm going to make.

A good thing I have noticed about this small change of life is the amount of money I'm saving. It is astonishing to know just how much you save instead of consume. Afterall, who doesn't like a little extra money? =)

Silly Putty Chicken Nuggets...Huh????

After some research on what exactly is in the fast food that we are eating I've realized we're eating crazy stuff. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfmoms/detail?entry_id=66729 Silly putty chicken nuggets?.. Not only is there dimethylpolysiloxane, a chemical in these little chicken chunks that is found in silly putty and cosmetics but also tertiary butylhydroquinone, a petroleum based product. Yes, I did say silly putty, cosmetics, and petroleum.  Yum!

Sounds like what you want your kids to be eating right? As if the names alone didn't scare us enough, reading about these chemicals opens up a whole new world. This "TBHQ" (tertiary butylhydroquinone..that's a mouthful!) is limited to only 0.2 % of the oil used to cook because of the side effects pertained if consuming too much. One gram of this chemical can lead to nausea, vomiting, ringing of the ears, delirium, a sense of suffocation, and collapse. (According to "A Consumer's Dictionary Of Food Additives") 

WOW.

Dimethylpolysiloxane on the other hand, is just a form of silicone. It is used to stop the oil from foaming. You can find it in many of your lipsticks, eyeliners, and etc. Either way you try to put this, it just sounds horrible. Sitting down and facing the fast food "truth" is proving to be just a little too much information.

You can try to stop a kid from eating silly putty as much as you want...but apparently at McDonalds it's business as usual. =)

Grrrr....Dreaded Quest!!!!!

So, since English has started we are doing a "quest", me being the genius that I am picked no fast food for 30 days. Sounds easy...yes..but so untrue! I never have actually figured out when this 30 days is supposed to start, so I think I've been doing it for at least what seems to be two months. Although to most this might sound like no big deal, not for me. I am an avid fast food consumer and it's driving me nuts. Everywhere I go someone has to ask, "Where do you wanna go?" or they will call and say, "I'm at McDonalds do you want anything?" I think for a second about what I want, then realize "Oh yeah! No fast food." I do have to say though...I definetly cheated my first day. I didn't even realize it and I felt like a failure afterwards. Seriously...I couldn't even complete one day?!?!?!  I got a carmel sundae from McDonalds..(only my favorite ice cream ever!!!) not even realizing that I wasn't going to eat fast food. Since that first slip up, things seem to be going good. I'm trying my best for now but will I slowly give into temptation?..we will just have to see! =)

Quest Proposal

Have you ever been out on the road starving? Wanting nothing more than something to eat? You keep driving. As you look out your windows you pass any one of the numerous fast food restaurants whether it be McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Taco Bell; the list goes on and on. You casually pull off; go through the drive-through and BAM! Cheap, easy food, right at your finger tips. This sounds all too much like my life.  Now think if these places disappeared. Life suddenly isn’t so easy for an “on the go” person. Which made me wonder, could I, a four times a week consumer, go without these fast food joints?

            As a kid, fast food to me was always a “treat”. I can remember my sister and I being so excited when our mom would ever let us have it. We would finally get those toys advertised on the commercials in that little red and yellow box children know as the happy meal. Thinking about it now those “happy” meals, don’t always leave you so happy. Fast food makes us feel tired, full, and greasy. Throughout the years I have to admit I have probably consumed enough fast food to clog more than one artery, but it has never stopped me.

            Recently with me starting school I find that I have no time for anything. Eating, being one of those things that gets pushed onto the back burner. I have class Monday through Thursday and work two jobs in between that. When I get hungry driving from one place to another I can’t help but to notice all the places that could cater to my hunger. These, meaning fast food restaurants. When examining what I eat on a regular basis McDonalds chicken nuggets, Arby’s curly fries, and B-Bops delicious milkshakes come to mind. Not that I’m opposed to the idea of a nice home cooked meal, I just don’t ever have the time.

            In the world we live in today fast food has become the epidemy of convenience. As people become busier and lazier they find it hard to find the time to cook. They end up settling for what is easiest. While it is the easiest solution, it is definitely not the healthiest.

            To most, fast food is just good food, but what are these places with their “special sauce” actually feeding us? If you look at one of your local eateries nutrition menu you come to find that you are consuming mass quantities of different starches, sugars, and fats. Sounds delicious right?! While their food might taste alright, it is poisoning the bodies of humans all over the world. Let’s face it, their feeding us garbage that we keep coming back for.

            Fast food is everywhere. You turn on the television, read the paper, or drive down the road and you can be sure to see some type of advertisement. Imagining a world without these places all over is nearly impossible. On this quest I’ll be seeing if I can do exactly that; imagine these places don’t exist! For the next 30 days I’ll be testing to see what life is like without all this greasy food.