Journal Entry #5

I personally don't like the idea of humans having the extent of control that this form of gene alteration would permit. While I can understand the capitalistic motivation, in addition to the need for more food on a planet where overpopulation, relative to the amount of resources available, is becoming a major issue and huge threat to the future survival of the human species, I can't help but be extremely alarmed at the thought of genetically modifying our natural resources, particularly one of our primary necessities: food.

We need food to survive, and while we may inevitably face a shortage, I think perhaps we should first consider limiting our intake before taking this route. I simply do not feel comfortable with the risks, such as the patent issue and the allergy concerns, or my own personal disdain for capitalistic gain taking precedence over any other host of values, time and time again (that's a whole other journal entry, however).

For example, there was an interview with a farmer in another country who chose to use his own seeds, rather than the American version, for the simple reason that his corn tastes better than ours does. While one might view that as bad decision making, from the standpoint of a nation which endorses monetary gain at any cost, I celebrate this man's chosen path, and recognize that sometimes other things, such as good quality and, more importantly, safe food, may hold more value than capital gain. 

Again, it's a question of values. Perhaps we need to question ours, when confronting this issue. We all know that American food consumption is way higher than what is necessary for survival. The food intake level has become more of a luxury than a necessity. Perhaps we need to delve deeper into our societal value system and cultural norms and change our thinking when it comes to how we view food.

Much like energy and water, food is a resource that should be conserved. So instead of taking a 30 minute shower with the lights on in every room in the house, after eating a 12 oz rib eye  and a slice of cake for dessert, we should perhaps take a 5 minute shower with only the bathroom light on, following a meal consisting of simply enough to ensure our survival. I admit, I am as guilty as everyone else when it comes to this.

Karl Marx once wrote of the minimum wage being set at an amount that the proletariat could afford just enough food to survive in order to provide labor again the next day. I think it's safe to say that Americans are consuming more than one loaf of bread per day lately.

Journal Entry #4

This field trip was interesting, despite my familiarity with the downtown Fort Myers area. I have indeed walked around the artsy area on several occasions, peeking into windows at various clothing boutiques, being enticed by the aromas of different restaurants, and admiring the works of art through storefront windows. Much of this, if I'm being truthful, while on the hunt for a cold beer.

Obviously, we were not searching for drinks on this feild trip-- though some of us confessed to having them on the mind. Regardless, what we found was something different: history (and one really cool bar.)

I especially enjoyed the older theatre, and the various indoor shops, which provided me with the rustic vibes I have personally been devoid of since my arrival to Naples. Having become accustomed to luxury and modernity, it was really a pleasure to be thrust back into such a different environment, one which felt like returning home for a New Englander. There were older buildings and brick walkways, abound with simplicity. It was great to visit such a very artistic and intellectual meeting ground.

I really enjoyed the experience, and would love to go back and take the time to look around more, when everything is open. This time, I will be on the lookout for coffee gelato, rather than Sam Adams. Maybe.


Watermelon and blueberry microbrews.

Journal Entry #3

The thing I notice most about my neighborhood, and pretty much everywhere around here, is the sky! While I am obviously impressed by the beautifully manicured landscapes that Naples has to offer, it all pales in comparison to what mother nature has to offer all on her own.

I have never seen the pinks, purples, and yellows that the HUGE sky here has to offer. Even the clouds are fascinating to me: they are so white and puffy, and they appear to be coming at me in 3-D. The sky here is just majestic, and is perfectly complimented by the shadowy palms that foresee it. It paints a beautiful image that is hard to capture on film.

Other than recycling bins on Thursday nights, I am unaware of any ecological features of the neighborhood (which I am new to).

I do notice much wildlife, however, including little lizards, birds, and the sound of frogs in the evening. There is also a canal of some sort around the corner, adjacent to a bunch of yellow flowers that appear to be on vines. These flowers appear to have grown naturally, as opposed to the contrived look that planted flowers may present. As you can see, I am a big lover of nature in all of its glory, and while I appreciate man-made beauty as much as anyone, there is something to be said for natural beauty, which can be found in abundance in the skies of Southwest Florida.