Journal #11

In the “Story of Service”, Jessica Mitford makes several claims to educate the reader about the process of embalming. First, she noted that people would not want to undergo embalming for themselves or for their relatives if they knew what was involved in the process. Mitford says that the ‘secrecy surrounding embalming cannot be attributed to … [Read more…]

Hertzog Journal

As humans, we have a strong empathetic capability that conflicts with our high position on the world food chain. We have a strong curiosity and the power to change the world around us to the way we would prefer it.  Yet we have a moral responsibility to respect other living things on the planet, and … [Read more…]

Journal: Reconsider the Lobster

My thinking on David Foster Wallace’s “Consider the Lobster” has greatly remained unchanged since I last read the piece. I have noticed that this essay is vary different to the other pieces we have read. Wallace does not take a certain stance on the issue he describes. He explains how the lobster culture values the … [Read more…]

Journal: Dealing with Death

I think being directly involved in the death process would be deeply unsettling and uncomfortable. I know I am not prepared to death with a loss of an important person in my life, so I don’t know how I would deal with the aftermath and the process of the body. However, if the deceased had … [Read more…]

Journal: The Omnivore’s Dilemma

Basically, fast food places are a big scam. They’re obviously unhealthy, in a variety of ways, they are unethical for animals and humans alike, and they don’t even help the hunger crisis because of the amount of energy wasted in the process of processed foods. Michael Pollan sheds light on some of these shady characteristics … [Read more…]

“The Story of Service” Journal

Jessica Mitford, the author of “The Story of Service”, writes about the business of embalming and open casket funerals. Within the chapter, she explains how the industry often takes advantage of the grief-stricken customers. The funeral homes over-charge for the service, taking into account simple things like bookkeeping, and ‘the idle time of employees is … [Read more…]

Journal #9: The Art of Summarizing

In the chapter titled ‘The Art of Summarizing’ in the book They Say, I Say, the authors instruct writers on how to properly summarize other authors’ ideas in your writing piece. They begin by relaying several common mistakes. Writers need to focus on voicing their own opinion rather than simply summarizing the article. Other writers … [Read more…]

Journal #10 A Small Good Thing Response

Although the short story ‘A Small, Good Thing’ by Raymond Carver may not revolve around food, he incorporates several ways food and nourishment can connect us to others. The story begins with a mother placing an order for a birthday cake to commemorate her son’s eighth birthday. This birthday cake is a significant symbol, representing … [Read more…]