I will never look at meat the same again...

For some unknown reason, I decided to rent the movie Fast Food Nation tonight. What possessed me...I do not know. Have you people out there seen this movie???? I'm not a huge fast food person...working at McDonald's for almost a decade turned me off to many a burger. I think it was more of an overdose than anything else but after watching this film...never again! Oh my goodness! This movie is not for the weak stomached! I have to say, their message got across. They use the old Scare em Straight tactic, and it worked on me...that is for sure!

This movie is not just about fast food, it does develop some character stories and takes you along for a ride with each of the people you are introduced to in the movie. The overall story though is about mass producing meat and the many, many, many things that are wrong with what they are doing. Including, but certainly not limited to, recruiting low wage workers to do jobs they are not trained to do, therefore putting the meat at risk of contamination and/or causing life-threatening injuries to these workers. There is truly more to it than that but I can't even begin to go into the horrible details of the film.

But people want the meat and they don't care where it comes from. Right? Well...after watching this movie, I care big time! Most of us already know about growth hormones and antibiotics in meat products and how bad they are for us and our children. I've tried to be more conscious over the past year or so about the meat and dairy products that I purchase. By buying locally grown produce and meats the food is fresher, contains fewer preservatives, chemicals, diseases, the list goes on. I knew buying local food was healthier even before I watched this movie! I've tried to be an advocate for local farming but never really understood the importance of having these farms around. Having a sustainable supply of agriculture close to home is important to our communities.

I won't go into any more details or pretend like I know all, because I certainly don't. I do recommend that you see the movie and visit their website The Meatrix There are some cartoons that take you through some pretty disturbing details on factory farming. Enjoy! You can thank me later! Or...yell at me later because I've spoiled your appetite:) You should also visit Sustainable Table to learn about questions you should ask and how to look for foods that are best for you.

Oh...and for those of you out there waiting for cruise pics and details...I'm so sorry about the delay but here is an update: My computer crashed today and I'm going through the very long, painful process of trying to salvage what I can, including pictures from our trip. Needless to say, I'm very perturbed about this little glitch, or, as I like to refer to it....the enormous pain in my @#% that has caused me to nearly have a heart attack...glitch! I'm ok, really:) All will be well and I will post details as soon as I can:)

That is all for now folks. Hope your weekend is off to a good start. It was a beautiful fall day here in Happy Valley! :)