"...what is this starvation thing anyway??!!"
Well...it evolved from a series of recent events in my life.
The earthquake that rocked Haiti was the impetus, as the malnourished orphans and people were suddenly flashing across the screens in our lives. As I reflected with my father on the situation, he commented that it was unusual that the population would be that high on the island, as generally and pragmatically, the food supply controls population. Fertility drops automatically in malnourished people, and I have uncovered more on this in my starvation study that I will share with you later this week. It is also the trigger to my reference to the Grapes of Wrath earlier last week, as I was thinking of the woman who delivers a stillborn child due to her own malnourishment, but then nurses an old man who was so malnourished he could not eat. Another story in the news of one of the survivors that was rescued amidst the rubble against all odds many days afterwards was another provocation...his key to survival? Drinking his urine.
Equally important in my reflections was the reality of preparing to nourish orphans. As I prepared to meet their needs, I began researching what their nutritional needs would be and how we could meet their needs. Like Dr. Keys, I wanted to know what they needed and how to give it to them without overloading their systems and making them sick.
Then the backlash of public opinion resulted as the cries for help from Haiti hit a raw nerve with many Americans aware that we have suffering in our own country. Children are also malnourished in our country. They pillage and scrounge for food, as they are at the mercy of adults that may have the resources to receive food, but instead sell the food stamps or perhaps just don't qualify... Nonetheless, I am very aware of this issue personally, and the scenario I posted in my Hunger blog is real. It is a conversation I have had with my son. It is a conversation we revisit frequently. Also for one year, if asked what every child needs/deserves for school, Sunday school, or in therapy he would respond...food, safety, shelter. In that order, always. He even put food at the end of his rainbow for St. Patrick's Day last year. His perspectives and interaction with food has been fascinating to watch. I can attest that food affects development on every level, though I would like to understand better how it affects the reasoning process and ability to develop emotionally.
Lack of food has played a significant role throughout history. Most wars, thus the reference to the civil war in Gone With the Wind result in suppressing food from the enemy and eventually the hungriest will lose. Kings and queens are overthrown in hunger. Biblically, Jesus performed many miracles around food. Food is key to civilization.
Thus my interest in starvation. Thus my research because my debate brain loves to explore all sides of an issue. I have started a second book that is more subjective than the one I have been posting about, but has interesting insights. Though in my writing on starvation, I am attempting to be more objective on the topic, as I try out a more journalistic approach. Though perhaps the personal insight into my journey into starvation might give you, my patient readers insight into my desire to learn more about hunger. I appreciate your feedback. Are you learning anything? Am I leaving out or giving too much information? Are you confused, or just waiting patiently for more? Anything interesting to you? Do you want me to share my ideas like I did today and then uncover what I learn?
It is all an experiment...without starvation :)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Looney Family
The family blog theme seems to be Looney Tunes this evening, so I didn't want to be left out...
First my looney family exceeds the average children by X 2. This is entertaining in itself. Sometimes, though, I crave a visit to the looney bin for some peace and quiet, but alas, no one responds to my calls for help, so here I sit...still.
I don't watch Looney Tunes anymore, though admittedly, I thoroughly enjoy cartoons.
I do watch a mismatched sock teen peer through the telescope as Marvin the Martian, as she contemplates the annihilation of her favorite siblings residing peacefully on earth. Trust me, planet Teen, is a very different place!
My next little pre'toon' loves shoes. Her trademark sneakers rival Gossamer's, and I am always thankful that when she props her leg on the counter to talk to me that I require shoes off at the door, though this still doesn't increase her father's comfort level. Her ability to contort her body rivals Wile E. Coyote; however, I generally don't drop rocks on her despite the occasional temptation.
My next little toon is as mischievous as Foghorn Leghorn himself...always plotting to scare someone or torment a sister...or two...or three. The options are endless. Fortunately he possesses the speed and agility of a roadrunner, as it has assured his survival thus far.
Elmer Fudd is always willing to lend a helping hand, but despite his best efforts to get the "wascally wabbits," he always falls prey to the antics in spite of his careful planning.
Tweety (Pie) flits over the family sweetly. S(he) keeps everyone in line and knows all...BUT is perfectly capable of maliciously protecting herself, as is evident in her street hockey skills with boys twice her age.
Finally, Sam the sheepdog watches over the family with uncanny awareness, as he appears to be sleepily lounging, he can snatch an unsuspecting toon in a heartbeat...just when they were sure they were in the clear. Quiet, but deadly. Though, thankfully, thus far he does not sport the stylish toupee.
Most days I feel like granny in her never ending attempt to keep Sylvester and Tweety from destroying each other...and then suddenly they form a partnership to torment me. It is a no win situation.
Awaiting the next episode of my Looney Tunes world patiently, but in the meantime, Granny needs a little nap.
First my looney family exceeds the average children by X 2. This is entertaining in itself. Sometimes, though, I crave a visit to the looney bin for some peace and quiet, but alas, no one responds to my calls for help, so here I sit...still.
I don't watch Looney Tunes anymore, though admittedly, I thoroughly enjoy cartoons.
I do watch a mismatched sock teen peer through the telescope as Marvin the Martian, as she contemplates the annihilation of her favorite siblings residing peacefully on earth. Trust me, planet Teen, is a very different place!
My next little pre'toon' loves shoes. Her trademark sneakers rival Gossamer's, and I am always thankful that when she props her leg on the counter to talk to me that I require shoes off at the door, though this still doesn't increase her father's comfort level. Her ability to contort her body rivals Wile E. Coyote; however, I generally don't drop rocks on her despite the occasional temptation.
My next little toon is as mischievous as Foghorn Leghorn himself...always plotting to scare someone or torment a sister...or two...or three. The options are endless. Fortunately he possesses the speed and agility of a roadrunner, as it has assured his survival thus far.
Elmer Fudd is always willing to lend a helping hand, but despite his best efforts to get the "wascally wabbits," he always falls prey to the antics in spite of his careful planning.
Tweety (Pie) flits over the family sweetly. S(he) keeps everyone in line and knows all...BUT is perfectly capable of maliciously protecting herself, as is evident in her street hockey skills with boys twice her age.
Finally, Sam the sheepdog watches over the family with uncanny awareness, as he appears to be sleepily lounging, he can snatch an unsuspecting toon in a heartbeat...just when they were sure they were in the clear. Quiet, but deadly. Though, thankfully, thus far he does not sport the stylish toupee.
Most days I feel like granny in her never ending attempt to keep Sylvester and Tweety from destroying each other...and then suddenly they form a partnership to torment me. It is a no win situation.
Awaiting the next episode of my Looney Tunes world patiently, but in the meantime, Granny needs a little nap.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
COs
Conscientious objectors have an interesting history in America according to historian, Todd Tucker in The Great Starvation Experiment. The navigation of pacifism and the draft resulted in the establishment of Civilian Public Service (CPS) after WWI which allowed these men to perform "work of national importance under civilian direction." This evolved from the desire conscientious objectors had to serve their country, peacefully, without violating the draft laws and serving jail time. The Historic Peace Churches were pivotal in the establishment of CPS, as they sought this as a solution for their religious stance while recognizing the importance of serving their country. The Historic Peace Churches referred to the Brethern, Friends,and Mennonites, and interestingly, in the end, their men only represented 58 percent of all the denominations constituting the CPS.
Ironically, some of these men chose to go to war in spite of the Churches' official position. This created issues for local draft boards as they sought to approve conscientious objector status consistently.
Brigadier General Lewis Hershey was the head of the Selective Service, and this irritated COs who wanted civilian direction, but this story also has a twist, as General Hershey was raised in Indiana in Amish country and was a descendant from the Anabaptist's. He even occasionally referred to himself as the "Mennonite General." This was significant because he supported the CPS which made it successful. Even more fascinating to me is the fact he went on to serve for 29 years and earn 4 stars--the only man in the United States Army to achieve rank without serving in combat. Despite concerns about leadership under a general, his respect for the COs position enabled the success of the program, as he represented the men politically and militarily.
As America sought to find solutions to the differences of its constituents, the journey was wrought with challenges, but in the end a compromise was negotiated that consisted of work in forestry, firefighting, mental hospitals, and general laborer duties. As a result, despite the drudgery of these positions, improvements were made in all of these areas, including labor issues. The men gained valuable insight and skills that developed these fields; however, some of the men were growing discontent with their options and were anxious to perform work of more significance as the atrocities that people were suffering at the hands of the Nazi's become known.
During this time, the military was working closely with the University of Minnesota and Dr. Keys to create rations that met the nutritional needs of the soldiers. The military also supported additional research concerning the nutritional value of food and needs of the human body. The research was the beginning of understanding food and health in America. However, as the war raged on, it became apparent that the need to understand the needs of starving people was going to be important because of the concern that hunger was a fertile ground for communism and fascism. Thus emerged the request, "Will you starve that they be better fed?"
A starvation study. Unprecedented.
Ironically, some of these men chose to go to war in spite of the Churches' official position. This created issues for local draft boards as they sought to approve conscientious objector status consistently.
Brigadier General Lewis Hershey was the head of the Selective Service, and this irritated COs who wanted civilian direction, but this story also has a twist, as General Hershey was raised in Indiana in Amish country and was a descendant from the Anabaptist's. He even occasionally referred to himself as the "Mennonite General." This was significant because he supported the CPS which made it successful. Even more fascinating to me is the fact he went on to serve for 29 years and earn 4 stars--the only man in the United States Army to achieve rank without serving in combat. Despite concerns about leadership under a general, his respect for the COs position enabled the success of the program, as he represented the men politically and militarily.
As America sought to find solutions to the differences of its constituents, the journey was wrought with challenges, but in the end a compromise was negotiated that consisted of work in forestry, firefighting, mental hospitals, and general laborer duties. As a result, despite the drudgery of these positions, improvements were made in all of these areas, including labor issues. The men gained valuable insight and skills that developed these fields; however, some of the men were growing discontent with their options and were anxious to perform work of more significance as the atrocities that people were suffering at the hands of the Nazi's become known.
During this time, the military was working closely with the University of Minnesota and Dr. Keys to create rations that met the nutritional needs of the soldiers. The military also supported additional research concerning the nutritional value of food and needs of the human body. The research was the beginning of understanding food and health in America. However, as the war raged on, it became apparent that the need to understand the needs of starving people was going to be important because of the concern that hunger was a fertile ground for communism and fascism. Thus emerged the request, "Will you starve that they be better fed?"
A starvation study. Unprecedented.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Images
Silhouetted against the sunset after her return to Tara, Scarlett O'Hara drops to her knees scrounging for food, and as she rises with a lone carrot in her hand, she cries, "As God is my witness, as God is my witness they're not going to lick me. I'm going to live through this and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill. As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again."
Gone With the Wind paints the devastation bleakly of the South as the Civil War rages. Hunger is rampant, so when Scarlett flees home to Tara she is completely unprepared for the reality, as her memories of opulence as a spoiled child who refused to eat the food she was served would be long gone...
Nonetheless, this image is powerful. Scarlett's hunger is insatiable throughout her life, but at her lowest point it was for food.
The theme of hunger abounds in literature, and immediately, the Grapes of Wrath comes to mind also. John Steinbeck's vivid portrayal of hunger and the consequences evokes powerful images also during another time in American history when food was scarce, the Dustbowl.
"Starved people can't be taught democracy," Dr. Ancel Keys like to say. Moments into reading The Great Starvation Experiment I encountered this quote. The historian Todd Tucker will reveal this story to me, though one chapter was all I could digest last night, ironically.
Scientists are known for their pragmatic observations, but authors are also astute in their observations, though writers link them back to the human spirit creatively. I wonder how the final perspectives will vary. Thus my reflections on hunger through literature and film in American history are piqued.
Gone With the Wind paints the devastation bleakly of the South as the Civil War rages. Hunger is rampant, so when Scarlett flees home to Tara she is completely unprepared for the reality, as her memories of opulence as a spoiled child who refused to eat the food she was served would be long gone...
Nonetheless, this image is powerful. Scarlett's hunger is insatiable throughout her life, but at her lowest point it was for food.
The theme of hunger abounds in literature, and immediately, the Grapes of Wrath comes to mind also. John Steinbeck's vivid portrayal of hunger and the consequences evokes powerful images also during another time in American history when food was scarce, the Dustbowl.
"Starved people can't be taught democracy," Dr. Ancel Keys like to say. Moments into reading The Great Starvation Experiment I encountered this quote. The historian Todd Tucker will reveal this story to me, though one chapter was all I could digest last night, ironically.
Scientists are known for their pragmatic observations, but authors are also astute in their observations, though writers link them back to the human spirit creatively. I wonder how the final perspectives will vary. Thus my reflections on hunger through literature and film in American history are piqued.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Voices
"Nikela, Tina's here!" I holler up the stairs above the incessant beeping of the toy hummer as it backs up.
No response. I try again. No response.
Then I pause, giving her the opportunity to dash downstairs in the event that I didn't hear her.
Chayse bops down the stairs. Grins at Tina, and in a subdued little girl voice, states amidst the chaos, "Tina is here Nikela." Then she hugs her.
"Oooooh, Tina's here!" Nikela squeals with delight and scrambles past the toys and down the stairs.
**************************************
Is there a hidden tuning device that allows one to block the frequency of a mother's voice? Why does it reactivate if a mother whispers "chocolate"?
No response. I try again. No response.
Then I pause, giving her the opportunity to dash downstairs in the event that I didn't hear her.
Chayse bops down the stairs. Grins at Tina, and in a subdued little girl voice, states amidst the chaos, "Tina is here Nikela." Then she hugs her.
"Oooooh, Tina's here!" Nikela squeals with delight and scrambles past the toys and down the stairs.
**************************************
Is there a hidden tuning device that allows one to block the frequency of a mother's voice? Why does it reactivate if a mother whispers "chocolate"?
Hunger
Refrigerator Inventory--
Moldy Chicken
Beer
Pantry Inventory--
empty
"You know how breakfast is the most important meal? I didn't eat breakfast very often."
"Once we had frozen pizza for supper, but (Name) didn't take it out of the oven soon enough, so it was black. I didn't eat it. I went to bed hungry."
"There was a dumpster across the street. It was big and had two lids that flipped back. I could lift my brother up so he could crawl into it, and then he would help me up."
Special Treats
half eaten bags of chips
partially drank milk cartons
the bottle that had the picture of the bunny on it that had chocolate milk in it--big grin...
leftover baskets of fries or chicken nuggets or half eaten burgers
cheez-its
*******************************************************
Definitions according to Webster's New World Dictionary of American English, Third College Edition
Hunger--the discomfort, pain, or weakness caused by a need for food
Starve-- a)to die from lack of food b)to suffer or become weak from lack of food
*******************************************************
Hunger is actually triggered by sensory nerves in the body that trigger the brain to desire food. Studies abound on the effects of hunger on children associated with their performance in school, thus the emergence of breakfast at school programs.
However, I have been unable to find any extensive studies on the development of the brain that is constantly hungry. I did stumble upon a study done on conscientious objectors during WWII that volunteered to help by participating in a starvation study. I am going to the library today to check out a book written on the subject. I really wanted the original study that was published, but I haven't found it yet.
The excerpts of follow up interviews years later intrigue me, and I am anxious to uncover the entire story. Though every volunteer that was still alive said they would do it again to help others who had lived through those circumstances.
********************************************************
As I considered the plight of so many people in the world news, I found myself wondering what the results of their hunger and suffering would be. So many countries struggle with violence in the aftermath. Why does the brain react this way? Why after food has been delivered and hunger has been alleviated does it continue? What happens in the brain that perpetuates this violent cycle?
Hunger is not limited to third world countries. It exists in our country too. Children are frequently the victims despite all the programs designed to alleviate their hunger because children are at the mercy of the adults in their lives. On a personal basis, I have observed the longer lasting effects of hunger. I struggle to comprehend the actions of the aftermath, as it seems that if one adds food the struggle should end. Simple, right? Not at all...
Thus, today I start my research based writing project, and I hope to create a series of articles from research I uncover.
Moldy Chicken
Beer
Pantry Inventory--
empty
"You know how breakfast is the most important meal? I didn't eat breakfast very often."
"Once we had frozen pizza for supper, but (Name) didn't take it out of the oven soon enough, so it was black. I didn't eat it. I went to bed hungry."
"There was a dumpster across the street. It was big and had two lids that flipped back. I could lift my brother up so he could crawl into it, and then he would help me up."
Special Treats
half eaten bags of chips
partially drank milk cartons
the bottle that had the picture of the bunny on it that had chocolate milk in it--big grin...
leftover baskets of fries or chicken nuggets or half eaten burgers
cheez-its
*******************************************************
Definitions according to Webster's New World Dictionary of American English, Third College Edition
Hunger--the discomfort, pain, or weakness caused by a need for food
Starve-- a)to die from lack of food b)to suffer or become weak from lack of food
*******************************************************
Hunger is actually triggered by sensory nerves in the body that trigger the brain to desire food. Studies abound on the effects of hunger on children associated with their performance in school, thus the emergence of breakfast at school programs.
However, I have been unable to find any extensive studies on the development of the brain that is constantly hungry. I did stumble upon a study done on conscientious objectors during WWII that volunteered to help by participating in a starvation study. I am going to the library today to check out a book written on the subject. I really wanted the original study that was published, but I haven't found it yet.
The excerpts of follow up interviews years later intrigue me, and I am anxious to uncover the entire story. Though every volunteer that was still alive said they would do it again to help others who had lived through those circumstances.
********************************************************
As I considered the plight of so many people in the world news, I found myself wondering what the results of their hunger and suffering would be. So many countries struggle with violence in the aftermath. Why does the brain react this way? Why after food has been delivered and hunger has been alleviated does it continue? What happens in the brain that perpetuates this violent cycle?
Hunger is not limited to third world countries. It exists in our country too. Children are frequently the victims despite all the programs designed to alleviate their hunger because children are at the mercy of the adults in their lives. On a personal basis, I have observed the longer lasting effects of hunger. I struggle to comprehend the actions of the aftermath, as it seems that if one adds food the struggle should end. Simple, right? Not at all...
Thus, today I start my research based writing project, and I hope to create a series of articles from research I uncover.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Usurped
As a mother, when Nikela arrived almost 14 years ago, I realized that my identity was forever changed. Not only did a little bug rename me, "Mommy," but her friends would soon refer to me as Nikela's mom. Then of course, grandparents immediately dote on the darling new grandchild, and suddenly parents become transient ghosts that merely serve as a vehicle for children.
I'm all okay with that.
However, I think my blog has officially been usurped.
A few weeks ago Kiahra asked to be a guest blogger, and I consented. Then I read her entry and decided she should just have her own blog. It was good stuff. Within a few days I convinced or possibly coerced Nikela to join the party. Only in the 21st century would a mother attempt to convince her child to blog. Only in my house would the mother try to establish a blog for her daughter. In other households, kids frequently develop their own sites hoping their mothers DON'T find out.
Anyway, my one and only teenager (thus far) loves to torment me. Some time ago, she started intentionally wearing mismatched socks. I am a mother who matches socks. Her discovery resulted in a new trend that I had to force myself to ignore, and admittedly, she was right, it irritated me...completely. Therefore, when I created the name, Different Socks...Different Thoughts, for her new blog and proceeded to develop her page I was acknowledging her craziness and she accepted that. Fully coerced into the blog, she topped it off with a green background that makes my eyes go buggy and a pile of mismatched socks that makes me cringe, but it is as irresistible as her blog is to me.
Last night, as I sat at the table with Ron chuckling at one end and Kiahra giggling at the other, but each tuned into their computers...and here comes the irony...reading Nikela's blog. I realized it was official. I have been usurped by my daughter...actually daughters. Kiahra's blog, Tween Sass, is just as popular at my house and with my family. Overnight, my daughters had followers and more comments than I have ever received. Pouting? Yes.
Their quirky, wacky outlook is entertaining. It is even good. Admittedly, even I look forward to their writing with anticipation. Proud? Yes,
BUT...
(sing with me now...)
It's my blog, and I'll pout if I want to
Pout if I want to, pout if I want to
You would pout too if it happened to you
Who needs Broadway with this rendition on Squire Place??
I'm all okay with that.
However, I think my blog has officially been usurped.
A few weeks ago Kiahra asked to be a guest blogger, and I consented. Then I read her entry and decided she should just have her own blog. It was good stuff. Within a few days I convinced or possibly coerced Nikela to join the party. Only in the 21st century would a mother attempt to convince her child to blog. Only in my house would the mother try to establish a blog for her daughter. In other households, kids frequently develop their own sites hoping their mothers DON'T find out.
Anyway, my one and only teenager (thus far) loves to torment me. Some time ago, she started intentionally wearing mismatched socks. I am a mother who matches socks. Her discovery resulted in a new trend that I had to force myself to ignore, and admittedly, she was right, it irritated me...completely. Therefore, when I created the name, Different Socks...Different Thoughts, for her new blog and proceeded to develop her page I was acknowledging her craziness and she accepted that. Fully coerced into the blog, she topped it off with a green background that makes my eyes go buggy and a pile of mismatched socks that makes me cringe, but it is as irresistible as her blog is to me.
Last night, as I sat at the table with Ron chuckling at one end and Kiahra giggling at the other, but each tuned into their computers...and here comes the irony...reading Nikela's blog. I realized it was official. I have been usurped by my daughter...actually daughters. Kiahra's blog, Tween Sass, is just as popular at my house and with my family. Overnight, my daughters had followers and more comments than I have ever received. Pouting? Yes.
Their quirky, wacky outlook is entertaining. It is even good. Admittedly, even I look forward to their writing with anticipation. Proud? Yes,
BUT...
(sing with me now...)
It's my blog, and I'll pout if I want to
Pout if I want to, pout if I want to
You would pout too if it happened to you
Who needs Broadway with this rendition on Squire Place??
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