Blaine, Missouri. Stool Capital of the World

You say Missouri, I think of Ole Miss. Not the same but close enough

Welcome to Blaine, Missouri. Stool Capital of the World. Within the first five minutes of the film. I knew I was in for a serious treat. "Some people find it ironical that although we own a travel agency, we've never been outside of Blaine." The people of Blaine went aboard an alien ship for a potluck dinner. The antics go on and on. I don't think I legitimately laughed once but the continual dry humor left me on edge. With a diverse cast of both well known and lesser known actors, it was comical to see Eugene Levy reduced to such a bland role: town dentist. This is rural community theater at it's finest. It reminded me of a play I saw over Christmas break titled something along the lines of "A Redneck Christmas," in Durham, NC. The jokes were somewhat similar and the play mocked itself in its presentation and theme it chose to convey. Personally, I found the use of improvisation to be a pertinent aspect to the film. There was no possible way that the film's integrity could have been retained had it been scripted. On the subject of mockumentary, comparing it to "Borat" and "The Dictator" seems appropriate. "Borat" was absolutely hilarious; crude but still funny. "The Dictator" recycled many of the same jokes in a scripted fashion and looked more like a low-budget movie than the comedy it held the potential to be.

Moral of the story: Guffman exceeds because it is both relatable, realistic and spontaneous. Now would I watch it if it was an actual play. Pay me first, then we'll see

Welcome to Hell

Fifteen months in Hell. Welcome to Korengal: "Valley of Death."

       Watching this documentary, I was filled with mixed emotions. Soldiers smiled and put on a face but their true emotions shined clear through. Enduring multiple firefights each day, the men of Second Platoon were worn and tired. Life goes by day to day. Some days better than others.






     War is forever. Until the end of time there will be war. I imagine myself in the boots of these young men. It truly is a sobering thought. On second thought, I realize it's impossible to put myself in that situation. Why? The obvious reason is that I have never been to war. That I have never had to sleep in the cold of a foreign country. That I have never have to shoot a man because I was told to. I find myself filled with uncertainty. The media is filled with pro-military propaganda in the form of film, reports and articles. In the same vein, there is just as much anti-military propaganda to be seen. As a US citizen, I am exposed to both. As a civilian, I cannot discern falsities from reality.

     My father worked distributing a newpaper called the Army Times when he was younger. The newspaper is written by those closely affiliated with the military. Naturally, it takes a positive approach to both the good and bad that happens overseas. Articles are not written as BREAKING NEWS. No, they stick to attracting the viewers interest without attempting to incite strong emotion. Far different from the approach that Fox News or CNN would take. Here are there respective sites. It truly is interesting how much they contrast and their respective methods/approach taken.

Army Times vs CNN Military Articles



Its a lot to think about, I know. As an eighteen year old male, I can only imagine how my life would have been different had I decided to enlist.

I found another great quote for your enjoyment!

"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." - Albert Einstein



   

Many Foods, One Company Incorporated.

     My second time having seen this traumatizing film, I was slightly less disturbed than the first time I saw it. Not in the sense that I found the material any more acceptable but rather it came as less of a surprise. Throughout the semester, we have watched multiple films that bring to light terrible truths that government would rather stay silent. Corruption in the food industry is one of those unfortunate tragedies. 

     Walking through the food aisle, I see brand upon brand. Each has its own unique labeling and packaging. Looking closer, I find similarities on each box. Contrary to what they would have us believe, there aren't five million separate little companies each producing one product. Triscuits do not have an entire factory dedicated entirely to the manufacture of Triscuits. Nabisco is a subsidiary of Mondelez International, a mega-food powerhouse. There is no little man in the fight. This is an all out war of superpowers.

    Speaking of superpowers, one instantly comes to mind: Monsanto. Obama recently ruled in favor of the Monsanto Protection Act. The act essentially prevents any kind of legal action against the company over their controversial development of GMOs. Read more here at MONSANTO. Whats more?!? They own 90% of all GMO seeds. They receive royalties from any individual using their seeds. The local farmers can no longer compete. Monsanto runs a monopoly. 

Insanity. Check this documentary out detailing the horrors of Monsanto.

We are heading in a negative direction. As we develop bigger, more disease resistant vegetables and fruits, we eliminate a great deal of biodiversity. There is no telling what effect prolonged consumption could have. Biologically, our bodies have trouble recognizing the foods and as a result, they cause allergies or sickness in many people. 

     It is unfortunate that our world has come to this. True it may be that local farming is no longer a viable way to feed the worlds populations. This is not the answer. Make change. Be a part of that change. Fight the corrupt governmental policy that allows this!

   

AFTERTHOUGHT

  On a slightly different note, while I was searching through mega-food companies, I found this little gem. The picture on the front page shows the subsidiary companies of Yum! sitting on a steel beam. Compare it to the following famous photograph from the 1940s. Draw your own conclusions on the state of our society

Yum!