R.J. Petrella
One decision making model I found was the rational decision making model. The steps in this model include indentifying the problem, generating alternative solutions, selecting the solution, and implementing/evaluating the situation. Another model that I found is the PLUS Model, which involves defining the problem, identifying alternatives, evaluating alternatives, making the decision, implementing the decision, and evaluating the decision. They are all similar in that they all involve making, analyzing, and looking over a decision. However they are all different in that the amount of steps are different, the way a decision is analyzed is different, and some models, especially the PLUS model, go into much more detail about one specific decision. All the models are effective, but I find that the Quadrant Decision Making Model is the most effective. This is because of the fact that it is simple, yet it takes one decision and forces one to analyze any possible aspects and conclusions that one may come to based on the decision.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Industrial Farming
R.J. Petrella
Industrial farming is the mass production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops. The goals of industrial agriculture appear to be the feeding of large amounts of people with large amounts of food that is produced in a cheap manner. This sounds like an ideal way of food production, and it would be...if it weren't for the numerous downsides to using industrial agriculture.
Industrial agriculture involves the use of astonishing amounts of water, land, and chemicals. This not only results in a deprivation of some of our natural resources, but pollution also results from both the chemicals and the feces of the animals that live in incredibly close proximity. This brings up another point of discussion: the animals. The animals that are produced solely for our food in industrial agriculture love together in incredibly close quarters and usually, in the case of the poultry, are unable to move. This provides for an ample environment for disease spreading and production. Do you really want your dinner from diseased chickens?
Industrial agriculture uses a large amount of fossil fuels as well, in order for food to be produced. This not only takes away from our usage of fossil fuels, but it also pollutes our environment as the fuels are used. Finally, the pesticides that are used on the crops are poisonous and can cause harm to humans. The negatives simply outweigh the positives.
Reversing this will be difficult, considering that it has already been so widely implemented in our society. However, along with stressing organic foods, we could take the time and spend the extra money to ensure that we are producing this food in as much of a "pollution-free" manner as possible, and we could make sure that all the animals that are used would be cared for and healthy for our society.
Industrial farming is the mass production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops. The goals of industrial agriculture appear to be the feeding of large amounts of people with large amounts of food that is produced in a cheap manner. This sounds like an ideal way of food production, and it would be...if it weren't for the numerous downsides to using industrial agriculture.
Industrial agriculture involves the use of astonishing amounts of water, land, and chemicals. This not only results in a deprivation of some of our natural resources, but pollution also results from both the chemicals and the feces of the animals that live in incredibly close proximity. This brings up another point of discussion: the animals. The animals that are produced solely for our food in industrial agriculture love together in incredibly close quarters and usually, in the case of the poultry, are unable to move. This provides for an ample environment for disease spreading and production. Do you really want your dinner from diseased chickens?
Industrial agriculture uses a large amount of fossil fuels as well, in order for food to be produced. This not only takes away from our usage of fossil fuels, but it also pollutes our environment as the fuels are used. Finally, the pesticides that are used on the crops are poisonous and can cause harm to humans. The negatives simply outweigh the positives.
Reversing this will be difficult, considering that it has already been so widely implemented in our society. However, along with stressing organic foods, we could take the time and spend the extra money to ensure that we are producing this food in as much of a "pollution-free" manner as possible, and we could make sure that all the animals that are used would be cared for and healthy for our society.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Wellness Post #1
Hello my name is R.J. Petrella. I am sixteen years old. I have a lot of fields of interests, and some of these include swimming, tennis, biking, running (sometimes), being outside, spending time with my family and friends, fishing, and sleeping. I also enjoy eating large amounts of food. Some of my favorite foods include pizza, cheeseburgers, steak, General Tso's Chicken, artichoke dip, cake, and cookies. Another thing that has always been important to me is music. I enjoy listening to music, and it has always been a big part of my life. I am a fan of all kinds of music. I have also played the piano since the age of two. I am able to play the piano by ear, meaning that I can hear a song and play it on the piano. Also, I do my best to maintain very high grades in school, and I set a high academic standard for myself. I have also experienced success in the sports that I have mentioned earlier. I have gone to states in swimming and tennis, and I have medaled in swimming four times. Many people ask if I favor one sport more than the other, and if I had to pick, it would probably be swimming. However, I enjoy playing tennis a lot as well, and I have been playing tennis as long as I have been swimming. In my free time, I love to watch movies and go on the computer. Some of my favorite movies include National Lampoon's Van Wilder, Avatar, Step Brothers, The Hangover, Transformers, Scary Movies 2 and 3, Saving Private Ryan, and Ferris Beuller's Day Off. Some of my favorite websites include Bored.com, Addictinggames.com, Failblog.org, and VeryDemotivational.org. Currently, I am taking a lifeguarding class because over the summer, I intend to work at Lake Shore Country Club (where I have been swimming since I was five) and Fairview High School as a lifeguard. However, I am not sure what jobs I would like to have in the future. I am thinking about being in a medical profession, but again, I'm not 100% sure (although I have been looking at a biomedical engineering major because of my strength in math and science). I am not sure where I want to go to college. Hopefully I can attend a school with great academics, but maintains a strong swimming or tennis program. However, academics take precedence over sports. In this class, I hope to play a lot of fun sports, learn about some ways to maintain my health, and become informed about diseases that can affect one's health. I enjoy blogging because it allows people so share their opinions without the pressure of being in a classroom setting, and it allows everyone to see everyone's opinion. Some of my life's goals include to attend a very respecatble college (possibly Ivy League), succeed in my sports, win states in swimming or tennis, find a loving wife, maintain a high-paying job, and live a very long life.
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