Since we're at the end of this class, I figured I'd discuss what I thought about it.
During the beginning, I was a little skeptical of what the syllabus said that we were going to be doing. Not necessarily intimidating, but just curious as to how the events would play out. Overall, I am rather happy with how I handled some of the subjects, and I recommend that it continues to stay this way. I learned a lot about some of the things in my community and I seriously doubt I would ever have known about it without this class.
The blogs I probably could have done without, and maybe replaced with free writing or some smaller essay papers. However, the concept is rather interesting, having an online journal where we are able to write about whatever we want. I think that the blog should be much more concrete in the material that we should report on here, regardless I know that this is supposed to be a medium where we can express how we're feeling. I'd suggest making that optional and recommended, but not one of the mandatory writings.
The CCC readings were nice, in a way. It gave several different perspectives on issues and then we were able to discuss our own views along with the author's in class. I thought that this was handled rather well, although I noticed that it kind of fizzled out towards the end due to the schedule needing more time to focus on the larger projects. I think the pacing should be equally distributed throughout the semester, not so heavy towards the end.
That's all I can think of at the moment, I may edit this later.
April 19, 2007
Summer Plans
So it doesn't look like that I will be relaxing much this summer. I plan on taking two courses for the Spring half of the summer semester.
This isn't too bad, however, the increased speed at which we learn the material is pretty hectic. Last summer I took Calc 3 in the summer and it was pretty intense. Maybe it was the material combined with the speed at which we were learning it, but I was surprised that I made it out alive. When you're in that class for over 2 hours, your brain starts to drift away from talking about 3-dimensional objects and planes.
At least the one's I'm taking this summer are going to be a bit easier. Psych 170 and Physics 100. I dunno what's going to be going in the physics class, but it was a science class that I could take that doesn't involve a lab as well.
So, oh well, we'll see how it goes. The only thing that bothers me is the driving, but I guess that will be better now that the roads are all dry and I'm able to accurately predict how long it will take to drive here.
This isn't too bad, however, the increased speed at which we learn the material is pretty hectic. Last summer I took Calc 3 in the summer and it was pretty intense. Maybe it was the material combined with the speed at which we were learning it, but I was surprised that I made it out alive. When you're in that class for over 2 hours, your brain starts to drift away from talking about 3-dimensional objects and planes.
At least the one's I'm taking this summer are going to be a bit easier. Psych 170 and Physics 100. I dunno what's going to be going in the physics class, but it was a science class that I could take that doesn't involve a lab as well.
So, oh well, we'll see how it goes. The only thing that bothers me is the driving, but I guess that will be better now that the roads are all dry and I'm able to accurately predict how long it will take to drive here.
April 18, 2007
Jack Thompson's VT response
Since I seemed to rant about this guy's stance on violence in media, specifically video games, here's what he had to say to Fox News about what happened on Monday.
April 12, 2007
Something new I heard
In our second paper, the profile on a community member, I had done my focus on Sue Figurski, the head coordinator at the Macomb Food Pantry.
In my paper, I had made a point to emphasize some of the development in charity events over the past few years, and the biggest one that I had mentioned was the L.E.T.S. E.A.T. program, headed by Pete Randazzo.
Well, just about a week ago we got a flier in the mail regarding this years charity event. It's come to be that the L.E.T.S. E.A.T. program is cancelled for the year due to economic difficulties.
This was a surprise to me, but then again, it really shouldn't be. Pete Randazzo is the owner of Randazzo Heating & Cooling, and from what I hear, they're taking a beating in business along with everyone else in Metro Detroit.
Hopefully things will turn around next year and everything will be back to normal.
In my paper, I had made a point to emphasize some of the development in charity events over the past few years, and the biggest one that I had mentioned was the L.E.T.S. E.A.T. program, headed by Pete Randazzo.
Well, just about a week ago we got a flier in the mail regarding this years charity event. It's come to be that the L.E.T.S. E.A.T. program is cancelled for the year due to economic difficulties.
This was a surprise to me, but then again, it really shouldn't be. Pete Randazzo is the owner of Randazzo Heating & Cooling, and from what I hear, they're taking a beating in business along with everyone else in Metro Detroit.
Hopefully things will turn around next year and everything will be back to normal.
April 02, 2007
Tentative Thesis
For my final paper, my thesis at the moment is somewhere along the lines of: "the current situation with new construction is having a major negative impact upon a large range of working individuals, ranging from the higher ups to the working family man".
In class searching for articles, I came up with: this link which is a brief discussion about Pulte Homes, which was mentioned in my photo essay. They talk about the decline in new construction, etc.
The majority of my sources at the moment include interviews via phone/email that I'm setting up for the next week. I plan on receiving information from a former builder/lawyer in the Oakland-Macomb area, a currently working real-estate agent, an employee working in a wholesale warehouse, and possibly one of my family members. Also, a different wholesaler has said they could provide charts or graphs detailing the progress of the past few years in terms of sales.
I plan on going to the library tomorrow or Wednesday and looking up a few more article sources from the Free Press. They had a few titles that caught my interest about my topic.
In class searching for articles, I came up with: this link which is a brief discussion about Pulte Homes, which was mentioned in my photo essay. They talk about the decline in new construction, etc.
The majority of my sources at the moment include interviews via phone/email that I'm setting up for the next week. I plan on receiving information from a former builder/lawyer in the Oakland-Macomb area, a currently working real-estate agent, an employee working in a wholesale warehouse, and possibly one of my family members. Also, a different wholesaler has said they could provide charts or graphs detailing the progress of the past few years in terms of sales.
I plan on going to the library tomorrow or Wednesday and looking up a few more article sources from the Free Press. They had a few titles that caught my interest about my topic.
April 01, 2007
March 31, 2007
Almost there...
So, April is finally here.
Not too much longer until this semester is over, and honestly, I can't wait. The only problem is that I'm registering for summer classes because I'm a bit behind on credits.
Even though I have another couple months of school to look forward too, I still want to get these few classes over with. I always enjoy starting new things. In the summer, I plan on getting one of my early reqs out of the way, Psych 170, which I've neglected for awhile. Other than that, I'm looking for a non-lab science class to fulfill a category. Environmental science maybe, or a physics class.
The summer schedule is a little rough though. I took Calc 3 last summer and with the shortened time schedule they try to beat a lot of information into your head in a short period of time. 3 hours a day 2 days a week. I thought I was going brain dead.
Hopefully I'll be able to adjust for this summer.
Not too much longer until this semester is over, and honestly, I can't wait. The only problem is that I'm registering for summer classes because I'm a bit behind on credits.
Even though I have another couple months of school to look forward too, I still want to get these few classes over with. I always enjoy starting new things. In the summer, I plan on getting one of my early reqs out of the way, Psych 170, which I've neglected for awhile. Other than that, I'm looking for a non-lab science class to fulfill a category. Environmental science maybe, or a physics class.
The summer schedule is a little rough though. I took Calc 3 last summer and with the shortened time schedule they try to beat a lot of information into your head in a short period of time. 3 hours a day 2 days a week. I thought I was going brain dead.
Hopefully I'll be able to adjust for this summer.
Presentations so far
I kind of like how the presentations are being handled. At first, I thought it was going to just be an extra little assignment that I would want to get over with, which the feeling is still there, but it seems like it makes this whole thing more interesting.
After Thursday's presentations, it made me realize that it' s a pretty effective way to get everyone in the class a better understanding of what you were going for in your essay. Even though we went around and read/looked at everyone photo essay, I don't think they exactly had the bigger picture that you wanted to show.
Hopefully Tuesday's will be similar.
After Thursday's presentations, it made me realize that it' s a pretty effective way to get everyone in the class a better understanding of what you were going for in your essay. Even though we went around and read/looked at everyone photo essay, I don't think they exactly had the bigger picture that you wanted to show.
Hopefully Tuesday's will be similar.
March 26, 2007
About my last paper
For my last topic, I decided to try and incorporate my issue from my photo blog.
Since the last few years, real estate has been on a decline. I don't need written media sources to tell me this. This is almost a daily discussion at my home. My family owns a construction business, so we are directly affected through a chain. Problems arise not only for ourselves, but the employees working for us, regular subcontractors, wholesalers, and builders.
Builders are basically the people who buy the land and market the designs to the consumer. They are the go-to guy if you wanted to buy a new construction home. The builder contacts the necessary resources to build the home, for example, someone who can do cementing, carpentry, roofing, windows, etc. Wholesalers provide construction companies with the necessary materials for jobs. Subcontractors are not exactly employees, but more like a hired hand.
Builders only gain income through selling homes. After coming off a high point in real estate, builders had projects planned for years ahead. However, with the change of events, they cannot sell homes because potential buyers are afraid of dumping that large amount of money into anything. Construction companies do the work for the builders using their various resources, however, only get paid whenever the builder sees it convenient. And, when homes aren't selling, that isn't exactly convenient for them. All the while, more new construction homes are being built and the cycle continues until there is a large debt accrued.
The main question is: why continue doing work for the builder? Simple answer being, if you don't, you aren't making money yourself. Granted, not all builders are stingy with payments, but some large companies are extremely difficult to get money out of. Plus, if you aren't working for any builder, your employees aren't working as well. My family's company has a few crews of workers, however recently they have to go on unemployment because there is so little work to be had. So, do you continue taking jobs from the non-paying builder in order to keep the little guys going? You try to, and you try to get your money as vigilantly as you can.
Hopefully this cycle will end sometime in the next few years, or else a lot of hard-working laborers will be SOL when there are no jobs available.
Since the last few years, real estate has been on a decline. I don't need written media sources to tell me this. This is almost a daily discussion at my home. My family owns a construction business, so we are directly affected through a chain. Problems arise not only for ourselves, but the employees working for us, regular subcontractors, wholesalers, and builders.
Builders are basically the people who buy the land and market the designs to the consumer. They are the go-to guy if you wanted to buy a new construction home. The builder contacts the necessary resources to build the home, for example, someone who can do cementing, carpentry, roofing, windows, etc. Wholesalers provide construction companies with the necessary materials for jobs. Subcontractors are not exactly employees, but more like a hired hand.
Builders only gain income through selling homes. After coming off a high point in real estate, builders had projects planned for years ahead. However, with the change of events, they cannot sell homes because potential buyers are afraid of dumping that large amount of money into anything. Construction companies do the work for the builders using their various resources, however, only get paid whenever the builder sees it convenient. And, when homes aren't selling, that isn't exactly convenient for them. All the while, more new construction homes are being built and the cycle continues until there is a large debt accrued.
The main question is: why continue doing work for the builder? Simple answer being, if you don't, you aren't making money yourself. Granted, not all builders are stingy with payments, but some large companies are extremely difficult to get money out of. Plus, if you aren't working for any builder, your employees aren't working as well. My family's company has a few crews of workers, however recently they have to go on unemployment because there is so little work to be had. So, do you continue taking jobs from the non-paying builder in order to keep the little guys going? You try to, and you try to get your money as vigilantly as you can.
Hopefully this cycle will end sometime in the next few years, or else a lot of hard-working laborers will be SOL when there are no jobs available.
March 19, 2007
New construction...for who??
This topic for my photo essay hit at home for because of my affiliation with the construction business. My parents have owned a siding, roofing, and gutters company for about 25 years; they have seen the good and bad throughout the ever changing economy.
One problem arises when homes do not sell: people don't get paid. So why continue building more? It gets a little more complicated than that. If you aren't building, then you aren't making money. Money doesn't come in from sitting on real estate at this current time.
People need to work, even if all these homes are getting backed up. People can't even sell existing homes, yet new subdivisions are piling in all over the place, different in type and price range.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't even have to try very hard to find empty lots. These subdivisions are currently frozen. The builders have lots just sitting around empty because no one is buying. Some houses are occupied, however, most are just empty shells.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The only new construction that has been partly successful is through a developer named Pulte Homes. They incorporate everything into their package. They do not subcontract any of their work. Everything is done through them. Brick, siding, gutters, roof, windows, etc. They don't owe money to anyone but themselves. They're extremely fast, as well. They mass produce homes in different states, flood the market with homes, then move out. Pulte is now in the process of pulling out of the area after finishing up with their current projects.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This large complex is entitled The Preserves. Hundreds of condominium units were built in the last several years along Ryan Road near 19 Mile. When driving the long stretch, the first few sections of residences appeared to be occupied. As I neared towards the back, I found the tail end of the construction still continuing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These photos are give an idea of what's scattered all around my surrounding area. You never realize how many of these signs there are until you actually look for them on street corners. The new construction signs give an estimate of what their price range. All of them seem to be eager for customers to buy up lots with open homes all the time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ease at which I found these pictures should have made me happy. However, it did not. Sifting through 50+ pictures I had taken in the day, I realized that my point was only reinforced. How many more years will this trend continue? When will the market stabilize? Soon, I hope. Many people's jobs and lives depend on it.
~return 0;
One problem arises when homes do not sell: people don't get paid. So why continue building more? It gets a little more complicated than that. If you aren't building, then you aren't making money. Money doesn't come in from sitting on real estate at this current time.
People need to work, even if all these homes are getting backed up. People can't even sell existing homes, yet new subdivisions are piling in all over the place, different in type and price range.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't even have to try very hard to find empty lots. These subdivisions are currently frozen. The builders have lots just sitting around empty because no one is buying. Some houses are occupied, however, most are just empty shells.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The only new construction that has been partly successful is through a developer named Pulte Homes. They incorporate everything into their package. They do not subcontract any of their work. Everything is done through them. Brick, siding, gutters, roof, windows, etc. They don't owe money to anyone but themselves. They're extremely fast, as well. They mass produce homes in different states, flood the market with homes, then move out. Pulte is now in the process of pulling out of the area after finishing up with their current projects.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This large complex is entitled The Preserves. Hundreds of condominium units were built in the last several years along Ryan Road near 19 Mile. When driving the long stretch, the first few sections of residences appeared to be occupied. As I neared towards the back, I found the tail end of the construction still continuing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These photos are give an idea of what's scattered all around my surrounding area. You never realize how many of these signs there are until you actually look for them on street corners. The new construction signs give an estimate of what their price range. All of them seem to be eager for customers to buy up lots with open homes all the time.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ease at which I found these pictures should have made me happy. However, it did not. Sifting through 50+ pictures I had taken in the day, I realized that my point was only reinforced. How many more years will this trend continue? When will the market stabilize? Soon, I hope. Many people's jobs and lives depend on it.
~return 0;
Saw something on the news...
Whenever I wake up, I always turn on the news to check out the weather and traffic for the morning; my drive isn't exactly short so even some slowdown means I have to leave 20-30 minutes early in order to get to campus on time.
Of course, FOX2 has there little morning things, like the Fox Beat and what not. One thing that did catch my attention was that they were informing people about an upcoming police reinforcement of i-696.
Apparently, and the officer says this in the short interview, that too many "good" drivers have been complaining about the speed conditions on the highway. These good drivers coined 696 as Michigan's Autobahn. I thought that was pretty funny, although it may be true.
I consider myself in the higher tier of speeders when I'm going to and from school. The left to lanes usually consist of speeds around 75-90 miles an hour, while the right two stick more to the speed limit around 65 mph.
Speeding does not make you a bad driver. Being a bad driver makes you a bad driver. I can only imagine that the good drivers this cop was talking about were 50-70 age ranged Buick LeSabre owners who manage to weasel their way into the left lanes going the speed limit and wonder why everyone's so pissed off at them.
Problems do not occur if you stay in your lane. If you plan on driving slow, stick to the right with the rest of the handicap stickers.
Of course, FOX2 has there little morning things, like the Fox Beat and what not. One thing that did catch my attention was that they were informing people about an upcoming police reinforcement of i-696.
Apparently, and the officer says this in the short interview, that too many "good" drivers have been complaining about the speed conditions on the highway. These good drivers coined 696 as Michigan's Autobahn. I thought that was pretty funny, although it may be true.
I consider myself in the higher tier of speeders when I'm going to and from school. The left to lanes usually consist of speeds around 75-90 miles an hour, while the right two stick more to the speed limit around 65 mph.
Speeding does not make you a bad driver. Being a bad driver makes you a bad driver. I can only imagine that the good drivers this cop was talking about were 50-70 age ranged Buick LeSabre owners who manage to weasel their way into the left lanes going the speed limit and wonder why everyone's so pissed off at them.
Problems do not occur if you stay in your lane. If you plan on driving slow, stick to the right with the rest of the handicap stickers.
March 15, 2007
Flickr Images
This would be an example of the ignorant artform. All this does is make it convenient to press your racial views on everyone who sees it. What purpose does it accomplish? Not much, besides create more resentment.
Graffiti is not always limited to spraypainting on a blank wall. This image was labelled as graffiti, meaning even if you put anything on a public piece of property, I suppose it make it graffiti.
This image showed me that graffiti artists take their work seriously, or at least some of them. The guy even dons his hood to ensure that we can't see who he is. Maybe the anonymous thing is being taken a little too far.
This picture reminded me that not all graffiti is just words. Some people actually create works of art through this form of expression. Is there a purpose to the picture? Who cares, it looks cool. I suppose it depends on who's viewing though.
Just another couple of examples of some of the great things that GOOD artists can do with this form of art. They leave nothing unturned.
March 14, 2007
Photo presentation and beyond?
I guess I finally made my decision as to what to do our little photo assignment on.
If YOU'RE still having trouble coming up with a topic, don't try to think too hard about it. I think that was my major problem. I got hung up on the idea that the pictures I had to take needed to be extraordinary. When Prof DeGenaro told us to look on freep and look at our neighborhood news for some ideas, nothing there stood out to me as photo worthy.
What makes something photo worthy?
Something that you can relate to. Something that you have had first hand experience with.
For my photos, I plan on taking pictures of several different new construction and completed subdivisions around my area. My family owns a construction company, so the last few years the recent problems are more than apparent. Builders neglect to pay subcontractors for work on homes simply because houses aren't selling as well as they used to. So what do they do? They continue building new construction homes and subs, cranking them out and sitting on the results.
Working around our shop off and on for the past few years, I've overheard rambling about certain businesses and builders. These subs are all over the place and they aren't stopping. I'd just like to show visibly what's happening. One subdivision over on 24 mile road has several completed homes that are just sitting there because no one is buying.
Builders don't sell houses. Builders don't pay you for work you already did. You need work and keep your employees working, so you continue taking work from said builders. Outstanding invoices pile up over time and you're sitting on a mountain of imaginary money that you'll probably never see because people don't feel the need to pay bills until they feel comfortable to.
?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿
If YOU'RE still having trouble coming up with a topic, don't try to think too hard about it. I think that was my major problem. I got hung up on the idea that the pictures I had to take needed to be extraordinary. When Prof DeGenaro told us to look on freep and look at our neighborhood news for some ideas, nothing there stood out to me as photo worthy.
What makes something photo worthy?
Something that you can relate to. Something that you have had first hand experience with.
For my photos, I plan on taking pictures of several different new construction and completed subdivisions around my area. My family owns a construction company, so the last few years the recent problems are more than apparent. Builders neglect to pay subcontractors for work on homes simply because houses aren't selling as well as they used to. So what do they do? They continue building new construction homes and subs, cranking them out and sitting on the results.
Working around our shop off and on for the past few years, I've overheard rambling about certain businesses and builders. These subs are all over the place and they aren't stopping. I'd just like to show visibly what's happening. One subdivision over on 24 mile road has several completed homes that are just sitting there because no one is buying.
Builders don't sell houses. Builders don't pay you for work you already did. You need work and keep your employees working, so you continue taking work from said builders. Outstanding invoices pile up over time and you're sitting on a mountain of imaginary money that you'll probably never see because people don't feel the need to pay bills until they feel comfortable to.
?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿
Graffiti
So...I spent the longest time trying to come up with something to say about graffiti, but the point is, I really don't understand the reasoning for it. Maybe I'm inept at realizing art? I doubt it, though.
Kriegel talks about the political significance and how it represents the decline of a city. I really can't agree with this. Graffiti to me is, in the mind of those who do it, the biggest way to show what they can do. Excessively large and readily visible. What artist wouldn't love that? Arguments can be made about taste and legality, but all it boils down to is a pathetic attempt at reaching out for attention.
Personally? I wouldn't care about graffiti is half of it was even decent to look at. In Jenkins article, I suppose he had a point when he was talking about all of the newer graffiti artists giving them veterans a bad name. There's not much you can do about being misrepresented.
The graffiti I see around Detroit is exactly what I just said: unoriginal and unusually irritating. Most of the one's seen on the freeways are just a tag of their name or something similar. Who cares? No one wants to see your alias written in an array of colors in a highly viewed spot. Maybe there's some secret sense of accomplishment to being completely anonymous and recognized at the same time.
March 12, 2007
Computer Woes
Well, I finally got my computer back after a small hiatus.
Around mid last week, my computer decided to take a dump and cease to function. Normally, I take it in to a regular shop on Garfield Road around 17 mile, but I had a feeling that the guy who works there really wasn't worth the trouble. I had a feeling that he was partly responsible for it not working as well.
Every time I go in there, the guy goes on a rant about one thing or another. He'll talk about his kids, business, politics, the world today, religion, whatever. Basically I just sit there for 30 minutes going, "Yeah, okay", hoping that some other customer will walk in and divert his attention. This isn't the case because apparently no one ever comes in there.
I ended up taking it to a new place and getting it fixed, however, I had to reformat my drive so I lost whatever information I had on it. Not really a big deal since most of the more important things are saved on different computers or online.
Since then I've been using a wireless internet available laptop, which wasn't bad, but the way it loaded Firefox2 / IE7 made me fall into a coma.
All I have to say is, it's good to be back.
Around mid last week, my computer decided to take a dump and cease to function. Normally, I take it in to a regular shop on Garfield Road around 17 mile, but I had a feeling that the guy who works there really wasn't worth the trouble. I had a feeling that he was partly responsible for it not working as well.
Every time I go in there, the guy goes on a rant about one thing or another. He'll talk about his kids, business, politics, the world today, religion, whatever. Basically I just sit there for 30 minutes going, "Yeah, okay", hoping that some other customer will walk in and divert his attention. This isn't the case because apparently no one ever comes in there.
I ended up taking it to a new place and getting it fixed, however, I had to reformat my drive so I lost whatever information I had on it. Not really a big deal since most of the more important things are saved on different computers or online.
Since then I've been using a wireless internet available laptop, which wasn't bad, but the way it loaded Firefox2 / IE7 made me fall into a coma.
All I have to say is, it's good to be back.
March 08, 2007
3/8 Discussion
1. What local issues are getting the most coverage?
In my view, the issues with most coverage are the one's that try to appeal to everyone. Articles that are about a generic and normal conflict may not grab everyone's attention. If the Free Press does not have everyone's attention, then they won't be making much money. Whatever story expands their reader base will be the story with the most attention. For example, there is constant coverage about the updates with Tara Grant's murder. People feel sorry for this occurence. They feel motivated and affected by it's happening. They want to know more about it. This makes them turn to the news, and essentially the Free Press, so why not oversaturate the rest of the news with more of the same.
2. What stands out to you about the coverage on FREEP.com? What concerns do they emphasize/de-emphasize? The "human factor"? The "drama factor"? Just the facts? What?
The coverage on freep.com is very factual, but appealing to both of the mentioned factors. Appealing to the reader draws them in. Drama and unusual events draw in readers. Anything differring from the norm will draw in readers. News appears to be about something that normally does not occur. Sure this statement seems blatantly obvious, but it's something that should be said. Is this where our interests only lie? In everything deterring from our mold of morals and opinions? Is this what news really is? Actually, I believe so. News is something important that we should be told. It could support or deterr our main goal, but whatever it is, it should be known.
3. What's going on in your own backyard? What do you think?
Clinton Twp. doesn't have much drama going on. The news on their main page, broadly entitled Northern Macomb, is basically about smaller events, gatherings, and anniversaries. Right now, the main topic is a review about one local gym in the area. Why do a gym? Gyms don't encorporate everyone within Clinton Twp so why write about it? Because, it's still a place where a large group of people go. Even if certain individuals don't attend to that specific gym, there are still several readers who may be interested in working out or finding a new center to call their own.
Other than that, local news likes to try and bolster the image of that specific community's schools. All the accomplishments they have, academic or athletic, are plastered on the website. In large fonted, bold letters, a title proclaims that the Lancers ended a drought in some sport. Who cares? People of the area, parents, students, former students, etc. Appealing to the sense of past and connection to the location being described.
4. What might you want to research/write about? Why?
Not too sure what I might write about. Asking for a very good topic just seems to make me very picky about what I should choose, which ends up being a bad thing. We're so accustomed to news being extreme and moral-breaking actions that when it comes to local news, they just don't seem to cut it in our minds.
Right now I'm looking for some issues that might be dealing with our school systems. Schools are an integral system to any community and usually have an abundance of problems.
In my view, the issues with most coverage are the one's that try to appeal to everyone. Articles that are about a generic and normal conflict may not grab everyone's attention. If the Free Press does not have everyone's attention, then they won't be making much money. Whatever story expands their reader base will be the story with the most attention. For example, there is constant coverage about the updates with Tara Grant's murder. People feel sorry for this occurence. They feel motivated and affected by it's happening. They want to know more about it. This makes them turn to the news, and essentially the Free Press, so why not oversaturate the rest of the news with more of the same.
2. What stands out to you about the coverage on FREEP.com? What concerns do they emphasize/de-emphasize? The "human factor"? The "drama factor"? Just the facts? What?
The coverage on freep.com is very factual, but appealing to both of the mentioned factors. Appealing to the reader draws them in. Drama and unusual events draw in readers. Anything differring from the norm will draw in readers. News appears to be about something that normally does not occur. Sure this statement seems blatantly obvious, but it's something that should be said. Is this where our interests only lie? In everything deterring from our mold of morals and opinions? Is this what news really is? Actually, I believe so. News is something important that we should be told. It could support or deterr our main goal, but whatever it is, it should be known.
3. What's going on in your own backyard? What do you think?
Clinton Twp. doesn't have much drama going on. The news on their main page, broadly entitled Northern Macomb, is basically about smaller events, gatherings, and anniversaries. Right now, the main topic is a review about one local gym in the area. Why do a gym? Gyms don't encorporate everyone within Clinton Twp so why write about it? Because, it's still a place where a large group of people go. Even if certain individuals don't attend to that specific gym, there are still several readers who may be interested in working out or finding a new center to call their own.
Other than that, local news likes to try and bolster the image of that specific community's schools. All the accomplishments they have, academic or athletic, are plastered on the website. In large fonted, bold letters, a title proclaims that the Lancers ended a drought in some sport. Who cares? People of the area, parents, students, former students, etc. Appealing to the sense of past and connection to the location being described.
4. What might you want to research/write about? Why?
Not too sure what I might write about. Asking for a very good topic just seems to make me very picky about what I should choose, which ends up being a bad thing. We're so accustomed to news being extreme and moral-breaking actions that when it comes to local news, they just don't seem to cut it in our minds.
Right now I'm looking for some issues that might be dealing with our school systems. Schools are an integral system to any community and usually have an abundance of problems.
March 06, 2007
What makes the news
The news seems to have a hierarchy when it comes to what is important enough for the front page.
They mainly involve things that involve a serious crime against general morals of the public. For example, rape, murder, large theft, etc. Some crimes are relevant to who interprets them, but these are considered to be the worst by consensus.
After those, news that impacts a large group of people comes next, such as jobs and businesses. The recent announcement with Comerica Bank affects numerous people. People work for them, and several more use Comerica for banking purposes. When news can connect a large portion of the population to one issue, they tend to overexpose it as a way of connecting to that large crowd.
In specific local news, getting down to my township, most news would follow the norm, but since it doesn't occur as much, they focus on feats or accomplishments that may make the whole community glow. Dates and anniverseries that shine upon the fact of history, as if trying to build credibility for it's presence.
They mainly involve things that involve a serious crime against general morals of the public. For example, rape, murder, large theft, etc. Some crimes are relevant to who interprets them, but these are considered to be the worst by consensus.
After those, news that impacts a large group of people comes next, such as jobs and businesses. The recent announcement with Comerica Bank affects numerous people. People work for them, and several more use Comerica for banking purposes. When news can connect a large portion of the population to one issue, they tend to overexpose it as a way of connecting to that large crowd.
In specific local news, getting down to my township, most news would follow the norm, but since it doesn't occur as much, they focus on feats or accomplishments that may make the whole community glow. Dates and anniverseries that shine upon the fact of history, as if trying to build credibility for it's presence.
February 27, 2007
My choice for the review
I'm probably going to do my review on Pi's Thai, a small restaurant nearby just off of Metro Parkway.
As the title suggests, the food there is all thai and chinese. The reason why I go there? For the spice! I must admit, I do like hot food. Thai and indian spices are the best out there for me. My oldest brother is similar to me when it comes to food, so we always end up going there and getting something there. I usually go every week or every other week.
I decided to choose this place to give myself as an excuse to go eat there again.
No not really. It's just that when we were given the instructions on how to write our paper, I thought of this place because it just popped into my mind. The thought of the inside of the restaurant and how it looks just seemed right to comment about. Also, I remember reading other articles about the restaurant and how some people disagreed with the food. I might use that in my paper as a rebuttle.
It's the truth, though. Everytime I start thinking or working on this paper, I get hungry.
As the title suggests, the food there is all thai and chinese. The reason why I go there? For the spice! I must admit, I do like hot food. Thai and indian spices are the best out there for me. My oldest brother is similar to me when it comes to food, so we always end up going there and getting something there. I usually go every week or every other week.
I decided to choose this place to give myself as an excuse to go eat there again.
No not really. It's just that when we were given the instructions on how to write our paper, I thought of this place because it just popped into my mind. The thought of the inside of the restaurant and how it looks just seemed right to comment about. Also, I remember reading other articles about the restaurant and how some people disagreed with the food. I might use that in my paper as a rebuttle.
It's the truth, though. Everytime I start thinking or working on this paper, I get hungry.
Break so far
Enjoying the time off no doubt.
I have to admit, after the way everything turned out Sunday, I'm glad there was no school for the week.
I woke up to find my entire driveway, along with the small stretch of road in my subdivision, covered completely in ice. I didn't even want to drive up to a fast food place to get something for lunch because it looked so crappy. I could just imagine driving for 45 minutes out to Dearborn in that kind of condition.
Someone I knew had tickets to the Pistons game that day and ended up giving them away because they didn't feel like risking the drive out to the Palace.
I suppose I should have stocked up on food supplies before all this happened so I could become a hermit until the rest of this passes by. At least I'm getting a lot of house projects done.
I have to admit, after the way everything turned out Sunday, I'm glad there was no school for the week.
I woke up to find my entire driveway, along with the small stretch of road in my subdivision, covered completely in ice. I didn't even want to drive up to a fast food place to get something for lunch because it looked so crappy. I could just imagine driving for 45 minutes out to Dearborn in that kind of condition.
Someone I knew had tickets to the Pistons game that day and ended up giving them away because they didn't feel like risking the drive out to the Palace.
I suppose I should have stocked up on food supplies before all this happened so I could become a hermit until the rest of this passes by. At least I'm getting a lot of house projects done.
February 22, 2007
metrotimes restaurant review
Some of the key points that I am seeing in Jane Slaughter's review seem to be difficult to replicate in a short amount of time.
One thing that really boosts her article is that she provides a great variety of what's available at the restaurant. She not only talks about the beef, but goes in detail about some of the chicken dishes available, as well as the fact that she was able to compensate for her vegetarian friend. She is all over the board between the salads, meats, and side dishes. When I look at our reviews, I consider trying out new dishes to be able to provide better insight, but some places just have too much for us to try everything and grade accurately.
Another evident feature she provides would be her vivid detail of most of the dishes she describes. She certainly uses good word choice to let the reader know what to expect when ordering a certain meal. Whether something is salty, soft and tender, spicy or bland, she lets you know how it will be. Choosing your words wisely when it comes to describing the restaurant of choice can be very helpful for the reader to imagine themselves there and what the food just might be like. It may even be helpful to warn them so stay away from it, if that type of food just isn't what they are looking for.
One thing that really boosts her article is that she provides a great variety of what's available at the restaurant. She not only talks about the beef, but goes in detail about some of the chicken dishes available, as well as the fact that she was able to compensate for her vegetarian friend. She is all over the board between the salads, meats, and side dishes. When I look at our reviews, I consider trying out new dishes to be able to provide better insight, but some places just have too much for us to try everything and grade accurately.
Another evident feature she provides would be her vivid detail of most of the dishes she describes. She certainly uses good word choice to let the reader know what to expect when ordering a certain meal. Whether something is salty, soft and tender, spicy or bland, she lets you know how it will be. Choosing your words wisely when it comes to describing the restaurant of choice can be very helpful for the reader to imagine themselves there and what the food just might be like. It may even be helpful to warn them so stay away from it, if that type of food just isn't what they are looking for.
February 20, 2007
Final revisions for my profile paper
- The first thing I need to do, as evident from most of the responses I receive, is to remove a lot of wordy expressions that I use. I don't know where it comes from, but usually when I'm typing my paper, I always type out what's on my brain, which is usually an elaborated sentence, where half of it probably isn't necessary. Even now, I guess my typing is probably similar, but for formal writing, I believe it is something that I should work on.
- A few of my statistics I received from my interviewee were not properly cited in my paper, only because I was on the fence when I was typing the draft about how to go about it. I just figured the information she provided to me could just be used without saying that I got it from her. I have to go back and cite her as a source for some of the more specific things that she told me. There ARE some things in there that may seem like factual information from a source, but some of it is information that I know personally from working with the organization a few times.
- Some of my transition sentences from paragraph to paragraph were to out of place and forced. They really serve no purpose to the paragraph that they're in, but are just there to try and lead into the next one. I'm probably going to eliminate them altoghether or try to incorportate them into the next paragraph so it will make a little bit more sense.
I Just Wanna Be Average
This reading was pretty mundane for me.
The entire selection is a recollection of memories for the author on how he viewed things and what he saw when he was growing up. To me, there was nothing amazing about it. He described everyone he met, everyone who might have been interesting, but there really wasn't much depth. I suppose this is what we should expect from an exerpt from an autobiography.
One thing I can say about it though, is the connection between what he presented and the titled of the piece. Obviously, he was trying to prove his point. Point being? He desired to be average, but everything around him prevented him from doing so.
He provides many examples of events and people from his neighborhood, all which made it so unusual. He seems to have been through a lot, more than someone his age should have. He observed many criminals, weirdos, and the like. It seemed like everyone he described had something peculiar about them. Everyone but himself. I wonder if this is something that one portrays about themself, or if he actually was just a regular kid. Maybe he was timid, as well as other things. He even described his best friend as a chunky loud-mouthed kid.
Hopefully the next reading will be a bit more entertaining. Although, this was good because it's about midnight and it's putting me to sleep.
The entire selection is a recollection of memories for the author on how he viewed things and what he saw when he was growing up. To me, there was nothing amazing about it. He described everyone he met, everyone who might have been interesting, but there really wasn't much depth. I suppose this is what we should expect from an exerpt from an autobiography.
One thing I can say about it though, is the connection between what he presented and the titled of the piece. Obviously, he was trying to prove his point. Point being? He desired to be average, but everything around him prevented him from doing so.
He provides many examples of events and people from his neighborhood, all which made it so unusual. He seems to have been through a lot, more than someone his age should have. He observed many criminals, weirdos, and the like. It seemed like everyone he described had something peculiar about them. Everyone but himself. I wonder if this is something that one portrays about themself, or if he actually was just a regular kid. Maybe he was timid, as well as other things. He even described his best friend as a chunky loud-mouthed kid.
Hopefully the next reading will be a bit more entertaining. Although, this was good because it's about midnight and it's putting me to sleep.
February 17, 2007
Delayed responses
Well, I guess I should get around to explaining a few things that happened earlier in the week.
As Prof DeGenaro said in class, I liked the papers this time around. It was a lot more interesting to read about someone. Overall, I thought the papers were written better as well. Maybe once everyone got the jitters out of the first paper and knew what was expected of them, they were able to create something that much more.
My experiences with the interview were not really what I expected. Meaning, I actually enjoyed it. I figured I'd get in there, bang it out, thank my interviewee, and head on home to start up the project. However, I ended up staying at the food pantry offices for about 2 and a half hours. Sue seemed to enjoy talking about what she does, what the pantry stands for, and what she wants to have done. Even after we were done with all of my questions pertaining to the essay, she started asking me questions about school and my major. Apparently she's really interested in Psychology, so she wanted to hear everything that I knew since I've been going to U of M. Like I said earlier, I didn't expect to go there and end up talking about myself.
After reading the proper interview etiquette thing recently posted, I'll probably go back and thank Sue again and show her the paper once we're finished. I haven't had too many opportunities to go to the pantry to work recently, due to school. I'll probably go there over Spring Break to let them know I haven't been slacking off...
As Prof DeGenaro said in class, I liked the papers this time around. It was a lot more interesting to read about someone. Overall, I thought the papers were written better as well. Maybe once everyone got the jitters out of the first paper and knew what was expected of them, they were able to create something that much more.
My experiences with the interview were not really what I expected. Meaning, I actually enjoyed it. I figured I'd get in there, bang it out, thank my interviewee, and head on home to start up the project. However, I ended up staying at the food pantry offices for about 2 and a half hours. Sue seemed to enjoy talking about what she does, what the pantry stands for, and what she wants to have done. Even after we were done with all of my questions pertaining to the essay, she started asking me questions about school and my major. Apparently she's really interested in Psychology, so she wanted to hear everything that I knew since I've been going to U of M. Like I said earlier, I didn't expect to go there and end up talking about myself.
After reading the proper interview etiquette thing recently posted, I'll probably go back and thank Sue again and show her the paper once we're finished. I haven't had too many opportunities to go to the pantry to work recently, due to school. I'll probably go there over Spring Break to let them know I haven't been slacking off...
February 13, 2007
Songs reflecting my attitude
So, most of my songs are rock/metal. I usually don't listen to rap or country, and I really couldn't come up with anything that really resembled my neighborhood. So, these songs that I chose bare some signifance to how I feel about it.
Tool - Sober: This just reminds me of a lot of the drinking that my friends from this neighborhood do. Even throughout high school, getting drunk was sort of a pasttime for our area since there wasn't much to do. Why couldn't we be sober?
Nirvana - Sliver: My grandparents lived about three streets away from where I grew up. I always enjoyed going over there as a kid, but I think I was a bit difficult when it came to staying there for extended amounts of time. I always wanted to go home and do something that was a bit more entertaining.
Tool - Sober: This just reminds me of a lot of the drinking that my friends from this neighborhood do. Even throughout high school, getting drunk was sort of a pasttime for our area since there wasn't much to do. Why couldn't we be sober?
Nirvana - Sliver: My grandparents lived about three streets away from where I grew up. I always enjoyed going over there as a kid, but I think I was a bit difficult when it came to staying there for extended amounts of time. I always wanted to go home and do something that was a bit more entertaining.
Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun: This reminds me of the scorching days we always have around here. It's not exactly a Clinton Township only thing, more like a Michigan requirement. I actually enjoyed the rainy days, as opposed to how the lyrics sound.
Audioslave - Getaway Car: This song makes me think of how we have to drive anywhere to get some sort of entertainment. Around here, nothing is focused for a younger crowd, so we're usually prepared to have to drive quite a ways to see or do what we want. Usually we'd drive out to Rochester or Mt. Clemens, nothing that really stayed in the community. Even Freedom Hill is a part of St. Clair Shores.
Rob Zombie - Two Lane Blacktop: Basically the same as the above, although this one deals with the craziness that I believe is a part of our streets. Around my area, roads like Garfield and Hayes become a nightmare with the different drivers going around to the strip malls and restaurants. This is always one of my favorites to play to prevent myself from going crazy with all of the idiots on the road.
Seether - Fine Again: This one draws out the repetidiveness of our community. Not much is different from the other. Basically suburbs, some stores, and some more suburbs. New construction here and there. Growing up in this environment was fairly boring, but like the song suggests, we'll be fine again.
February 10, 2007
Research Progress
It didn't take me too long to come up with who I wanted to profile for the next paper. I chose Sue Figurski, the Macomb County Food Pantry coordinator.
The food pantry program is basically a state government run organization that provides canned / boxed food to the poor and homeless, mainly via churches. Churches come to the county pantry and receive the food to distribute.
I've been involved with helping this program a few times in the past, usually when they need help. My mom is the one who is active in the program, so I managed to set things up with Sue through her. Whenever I went, it was on packing day where all 50 some churches arrive with trucks and we have to load 30,000-50,000 pounds of food for them to take out and deliver.
I've already interviewed her Friday afternoon, so now I just need to begin typing...
The food pantry program is basically a state government run organization that provides canned / boxed food to the poor and homeless, mainly via churches. Churches come to the county pantry and receive the food to distribute.
I've been involved with helping this program a few times in the past, usually when they need help. My mom is the one who is active in the program, so I managed to set things up with Sue through her. Whenever I went, it was on packing day where all 50 some churches arrive with trucks and we have to load 30,000-50,000 pounds of food for them to take out and deliver.
I've already interviewed her Friday afternoon, so now I just need to begin typing...
February 08, 2007
Live From Death Row
The style that Abu-Jamal uses is what made me interested in reading this.
At the start of the selection, he begins to repeat himself about how he has faith in the justice system of the United States. Soon, he describes that feeling in the past tense. He no longer has the faith, but it was something he once had. He still hopes that it will pull through, but his doubts keep from overindulging in that hope. Then, nearing the end, his last reference to the courts describes his view well. "...the mentality of the criminal system of injustice". After so much time, his view slowly began to change.
I can only assume that through all of this writing, much time had passed. The paragraphs seem to skip a lot to tell a story about different events. The one thing that I was curious about was how much time HAD passed and seeing the effects it had on him.
The best part about this stor definately was the end. Even through the stories of men going crazy from the isolation, Abu-Jamal tells about the visiting of his daughter. Even though he could not interact with her as he would want, he still maintained a positive father figure by making his daughter laugh and look at the good things in their lives. I was curious how long he had been in there at that point, because I would have figured a death row inmate would be a little bit more bitter about his situation than being so upbeat to his family. It definately was a good way to close the reading.
At the start of the selection, he begins to repeat himself about how he has faith in the justice system of the United States. Soon, he describes that feeling in the past tense. He no longer has the faith, but it was something he once had. He still hopes that it will pull through, but his doubts keep from overindulging in that hope. Then, nearing the end, his last reference to the courts describes his view well. "...the mentality of the criminal system of injustice". After so much time, his view slowly began to change.
I can only assume that through all of this writing, much time had passed. The paragraphs seem to skip a lot to tell a story about different events. The one thing that I was curious about was how much time HAD passed and seeing the effects it had on him.
The best part about this stor definately was the end. Even through the stories of men going crazy from the isolation, Abu-Jamal tells about the visiting of his daughter. Even though he could not interact with her as he would want, he still maintained a positive father figure by making his daughter laugh and look at the good things in their lives. I was curious how long he had been in there at that point, because I would have figured a death row inmate would be a little bit more bitter about his situation than being so upbeat to his family. It definately was a good way to close the reading.
February 06, 2007
02/06 Discussion
"I just want to punch winter in the face"
I believe Nadia said this when she was reading her response to the poem. Why do I remember it? I have no idea, although, it was one of the few things that I wrote down that stood out to me.
Often, I find that I like statements or lines that are something that I don't think of myself. When I was doing the free-writing during class, I never really stopped to possibly put a concrete image to some of the things he was saying. I think the word is personification.
1. the attribution of a personal nature or character to inanimate objects or abstract notions, esp. as a rhetorical figure.
2. the representation of a thing or abstraction in the form of a person, as in art.
3. the person or thing embodying a quality or the like; an embodiment or incarnation: He is the personification of tact.
Why do I like this statement so much? Probably because I too would like to make a person out of winter and punch him in the face.
I believe Nadia said this when she was reading her response to the poem. Why do I remember it? I have no idea, although, it was one of the few things that I wrote down that stood out to me.
Often, I find that I like statements or lines that are something that I don't think of myself. When I was doing the free-writing during class, I never really stopped to possibly put a concrete image to some of the things he was saying. I think the word is personification.
1. the attribution of a personal nature or character to inanimate objects or abstract notions, esp. as a rhetorical figure.
2. the representation of a thing or abstraction in the form of a person, as in art.
3. the person or thing embodying a quality or the like; an embodiment or incarnation: He is the personification of tact.
Why do I like this statement so much? Probably because I too would like to make a person out of winter and punch him in the face.
February 01, 2007
The "D"
Well, I had a feeling I'd be hearing about this sometime in Comp 106 after seeing news reports about it last night.
I think the campaign is a good step in the right direction, I'm just not sure how it will turn out in the end. I'd hope that it succeeds and creates some sort of spur for any age group to make their way into the city.
One of the big things that the news coverage tried to say helped with the creation of this program was the Tigers playoff run last season. Now, honestly, I don't believe that. Right now I still consider the Pistons the only real sports entertainment we have in this city. If the Tigers can manage to keep up a decent team and record, then maybe I'd include it. I didn't exactly understand their emphasis.
The visual, to me at least, was expected. The D. What else has become a symbol of the city other than that one letter. People all around the country wear Detroit Tigers clothing and caps just for that signature D. I think it's a good move to try and relate to the targeted younger crowd because I have a feeling that if you were to ask them, "Where is the D?", they'd more than likely respond Detroit. Taking this image and working with it to create a positive side of Detroit was a well-thought strategy.
You can look at the article here.
January 30, 2007
Thoughts about today's peer review
I'm not sure what everyone elses thoughts were, but I figured the peer review went well.
There we were, frantically reading, trying to give the writer some help to boost their paper from that Average to Good rating, when I had an epiphany. Okay not really, I guess it was more of a brain fart.
Initially, I paused and rethought what I was doing in terms of how to go about the review. This caused me to be partly irritated because I wanted to try and at least finish one review before class finished and the clock was ticking.
I found that it's very difficult, for myself, not to be too biased about my critique about someone's paper. The entire time I was reading it, I figured, "Yeah, that's ok, and so is that, but I would have done it a little differently. I would have done it like that. Why is it this way?" Everyone writes differently, but I suppose it's your dissenting opinion that helps them forge a better paper?
I assume for most of the class period I was more worried about providing accurate and well-thought responses than I should have been. One thing that I think everyone should realize when performing these reviews is to not force something to appear that you see wrong. If you go into the paper trying to find something wrong, chances are, all you'll see is something you disagree with. That's where my bias began to kick in. I went in thinking, "Alright, find something good that you can comment on, where is it, it's here somewhere." Thinking like that doesn't exactly exercise strong critical analysis. It should just be something that stands out to you, the neutral reader.
After my brief mental lapse in the middle of class, I tried to start over and elaborate on some of the key points that I was trying to make instead of flying all over the place. I think that clear and concise opinions will benefit the writer more than some of the jumbled thoughts I was writing at first.
Hopefully, I'll make it easier for myself next time. Oh well.
There we were, frantically reading, trying to give the writer some help to boost their paper from that Average to Good rating, when I had an epiphany. Okay not really, I guess it was more of a brain fart.
Initially, I paused and rethought what I was doing in terms of how to go about the review. This caused me to be partly irritated because I wanted to try and at least finish one review before class finished and the clock was ticking.
I found that it's very difficult, for myself, not to be too biased about my critique about someone's paper. The entire time I was reading it, I figured, "Yeah, that's ok, and so is that, but I would have done it a little differently. I would have done it like that. Why is it this way?" Everyone writes differently, but I suppose it's your dissenting opinion that helps them forge a better paper?
I assume for most of the class period I was more worried about providing accurate and well-thought responses than I should have been. One thing that I think everyone should realize when performing these reviews is to not force something to appear that you see wrong. If you go into the paper trying to find something wrong, chances are, all you'll see is something you disagree with. That's where my bias began to kick in. I went in thinking, "Alright, find something good that you can comment on, where is it, it's here somewhere." Thinking like that doesn't exactly exercise strong critical analysis. It should just be something that stands out to you, the neutral reader.
After my brief mental lapse in the middle of class, I tried to start over and elaborate on some of the key points that I was trying to make instead of flying all over the place. I think that clear and concise opinions will benefit the writer more than some of the jumbled thoughts I was writing at first.
Hopefully, I'll make it easier for myself next time. Oh well.
January 26, 2007
Driving Woes
I suppose winter has finally hit myself until just recently.
Driving is a pain to get anywhere and everyone is extremely slow like they've never seen snow before. Here I was enjoying the 40 degree Michigan winter. So far, this recent addition of white has increased my commute by about 15 minutes, which isn't too bad I guess.
I actually got rear-ended the other day while to the i-696 entrance ramp heading to Dearborn. Luckily for me, my car took no damage to it because the guy somehow managed to hit me square on the trailer-hitch. When I got out, I couldn't figure out what happened because the back of my Explorer was perfectly fine and this guy's pickup truck had it's bumper barely hanging on.
I wonder how much longer I'll remain lucky.
Driving is a pain to get anywhere and everyone is extremely slow like they've never seen snow before. Here I was enjoying the 40 degree Michigan winter. So far, this recent addition of white has increased my commute by about 15 minutes, which isn't too bad I guess.
I actually got rear-ended the other day while to the i-696 entrance ramp heading to Dearborn. Luckily for me, my car took no damage to it because the guy somehow managed to hit me square on the trailer-hitch. When I got out, I couldn't figure out what happened because the back of my Explorer was perfectly fine and this guy's pickup truck had it's bumper barely hanging on.
I wonder how much longer I'll remain lucky.
January 24, 2007
New knowledge for myself via my topic
Well, apparently in my absence of the area during my stay at college, I've overlooked a few things. Living in Ann Arbor and commuting to Dearborn, I never really have to go north too often to Hall Road. However, talking to a friend of mine who lives out that way, they informed me that a new mall is going in. It's plan is to be developed in the next few years.
The first thing I asked myself was, what? It seemed a little strange, considering Lakeside Mall is basically 2 and a half streets to the west. Putting big complexes like these so close to each other just didn't seem to make sense.
Oh well, I suppose adding more commericialism to the eastern side now will lessen the overall choke point that is between Hayes and Schoenherr. This will make travel a little more difficult, though, to most of the locations I travel to.
The first thing I asked myself was, what? It seemed a little strange, considering Lakeside Mall is basically 2 and a half streets to the west. Putting big complexes like these so close to each other just didn't seem to make sense.
Oh well, I suppose adding more commericialism to the eastern side now will lessen the overall choke point that is between Hayes and Schoenherr. This will make travel a little more difficult, though, to most of the locations I travel to.
January 22, 2007
Some progress on the research
I haven't actually begun to type my paper yet, but, I feel myself coming closer and closer to putting what I want to conceptualize in a concrete format.
Since my subject on Hall Road seemed to be a fairly popular and used location, I figured I should get a few more opinions than just the two required. I think I mentioned before in class that I was looking for a broader spectrum of drivers/local residents than just one group of younger or older.
So far, though, most of the opinions I'm receiving about the road has been negative, so maybe my spin on it should be about the good aspects of it, to try and be original...
Since my subject on Hall Road seemed to be a fairly popular and used location, I figured I should get a few more opinions than just the two required. I think I mentioned before in class that I was looking for a broader spectrum of drivers/local residents than just one group of younger or older.
So far, though, most of the opinions I'm receiving about the road has been negative, so maybe my spin on it should be about the good aspects of it, to try and be original...
Jiving with Java
I have never seen the point to coffeehouses. I doubt I ever will.
Reading this small bit made me laugh as I recalled the few times I ever stepped foot into one of these places. Going in the door, I felt as though I was aware of most of the stereotypes that some label for frequent cafe visitors. I told even told myself, beforehand, always struggling to be an on-going skeptic to popular views, that I would try to not specifically look for the stereotypes while I was in there because it would solidify and degrade my opinion of coffeehouses forever. Unfortunately, the stereotypes won.
As soon as I entered, I looked around and saw two businessmen pounding down whatever they ordered, one guy becoming frustrated with his laptop, and one man reading the Wallstreet Journal. Let us not forget the creepy people-watchers who do nothing except slowly sip on their coffee and stare at everyone who walks in and out of the store. Now, I wasn't in there because I wanted coffee. I was in there because a friend wanted to stop in and buy some before we headed out. This made the situation slightly more awkward as I became the center of attention for the guy with nothing better to do.
Sarcasm and fun aside, I can't say I ever really saw the point. Was this location some sort of means to show off? Did this setting increase your chances of random encounters with someone you don't know? I'd rather go to a park or public event than idle around inside a forcibly-modern location.
Then again, perhaps my disdain for coffeehouses stems from my lack of interest in coffee itself. Never drank it on a regular basis or even on those rare occasions when you have to work extra hard for a greater amount of time. I'm definately not a morning person, yet, I don't find myself yearning for that extra kick many others need to just get themselves through the day.
So...actually talking about the reading, one thing I wanted to point out was the author's view on coffeehouses as a step UP from places like bars, moving away from cigarettes and alcohol. I hope I'm not the only one who sees this as hypocritical as caffeine, commonly abused, can also have negative effects on your body. Granted, not everyone is addicted to lattes like it's crack. It just seems like a milder approach to those "bad" things. Since our last addiction has been labeled as not good for us, let's find something new to overconsume and love. Oh well.
Reading this small bit made me laugh as I recalled the few times I ever stepped foot into one of these places. Going in the door, I felt as though I was aware of most of the stereotypes that some label for frequent cafe visitors. I told even told myself, beforehand, always struggling to be an on-going skeptic to popular views, that I would try to not specifically look for the stereotypes while I was in there because it would solidify and degrade my opinion of coffeehouses forever. Unfortunately, the stereotypes won.
As soon as I entered, I looked around and saw two businessmen pounding down whatever they ordered, one guy becoming frustrated with his laptop, and one man reading the Wallstreet Journal. Let us not forget the creepy people-watchers who do nothing except slowly sip on their coffee and stare at everyone who walks in and out of the store. Now, I wasn't in there because I wanted coffee. I was in there because a friend wanted to stop in and buy some before we headed out. This made the situation slightly more awkward as I became the center of attention for the guy with nothing better to do.
Sarcasm and fun aside, I can't say I ever really saw the point. Was this location some sort of means to show off? Did this setting increase your chances of random encounters with someone you don't know? I'd rather go to a park or public event than idle around inside a forcibly-modern location.
Then again, perhaps my disdain for coffeehouses stems from my lack of interest in coffee itself. Never drank it on a regular basis or even on those rare occasions when you have to work extra hard for a greater amount of time. I'm definately not a morning person, yet, I don't find myself yearning for that extra kick many others need to just get themselves through the day.
So...actually talking about the reading, one thing I wanted to point out was the author's view on coffeehouses as a step UP from places like bars, moving away from cigarettes and alcohol. I hope I'm not the only one who sees this as hypocritical as caffeine, commonly abused, can also have negative effects on your body. Granted, not everyone is addicted to lattes like it's crack. It just seems like a milder approach to those "bad" things. Since our last addiction has been labeled as not good for us, let's find something new to overconsume and love. Oh well.
January 19, 2007
Why people believe Americans are Stupid!
Just testing out the YouTube thing. I found this funny... and depressing.
January 18, 2007
Some things about Detroit Funk
As discussed, Detroit Funk was definately the more interesting of the two blogs we were able to read.
One thing that jumped out to me was the amount of pictures he took and what type. Most of his pictures and dark, giving in to the allusion of being forgotten. One of his posts certainly portrayed this feeling by taking photos of an abandoned school. Take note that the pictures are vibrant in color. All we see, though, is everything left behind.
What's intriguing are his captions for his pictures. He gives small observations, some quick and funny, others short and to the point.
My favorite post on this blog is the one about the Macomb County Building. It's attention catching and fascinating to see such sculptures in and around our neighborhood. The plaques, along with the author, seem to tell their own story.
One thing that jumped out to me was the amount of pictures he took and what type. Most of his pictures and dark, giving in to the allusion of being forgotten. One of his posts certainly portrayed this feeling by taking photos of an abandoned school. Take note that the pictures are vibrant in color. All we see, though, is everything left behind.
What's intriguing are his captions for his pictures. He gives small observations, some quick and funny, others short and to the point.
My favorite post on this blog is the one about the Macomb County Building. It's attention catching and fascinating to see such sculptures in and around our neighborhood. The plaques, along with the author, seem to tell their own story.
January 17, 2007
So, about that trip around the neighborhood...
I feel as though I should have posted this a lot sooner, however, I only started to look recently at some interesting things to write about. Dr. DeGenaro said to take a walk, however, due to the extremely great walking weather, I decided I'd drive around. Sorry!
The first thing that caught my eye was... well hard to miss. One of my neighbors happens to have a monster truck parked in his driveway, which I suppose he gets good use out of now with snow on the ground. I'm 6'5", so measuring in terms of eyesight gave me a bit of a clue as to how large the tires were, which I would venture to guess around 4.5~5 feet. It's a shame they aren't spinning.
A few houses down, one guy is probably kicking himself for not taking down his Christmas lights. It seemed like the opportune time to do it since we had 45 degree weather even after New Years Day.
When you reach the end of my road, it connects to the "larger" road, which leads to the entrace/exit of the subdivision. Now, there's something unique about this road. Half of it is paved and half of it is dirt. It has been this way the entire thirteen years I've lived at that house. People have tried to get that road paved, only to be denied by the residents living on that side of the road. They complain that the job would take too long and it would be right out in front of there house. Honestly, who cares? It becomes irritating because people don't want to dirty up there car and everyone is driving on the paved side, meaning wrong side.
I suppose the last interesting thing that sparked my attention driving around the block would be the lawn-job one guy received. His house is positioned at the corner lot of two roads in the neighborhood, apparently increasing his risk of sliders. I can't say whether or not it was intentional, but I'd assume someone accelerated into that turn and well... took a big chunk out of that guy's property. He got in there pretty deep, too, which I'd say about ten feet before the tip of the parabolic shape. I probably shouldn't have laughed at his misfortune...
The first thing that caught my eye was... well hard to miss. One of my neighbors happens to have a monster truck parked in his driveway, which I suppose he gets good use out of now with snow on the ground. I'm 6'5", so measuring in terms of eyesight gave me a bit of a clue as to how large the tires were, which I would venture to guess around 4.5~5 feet. It's a shame they aren't spinning.
A few houses down, one guy is probably kicking himself for not taking down his Christmas lights. It seemed like the opportune time to do it since we had 45 degree weather even after New Years Day.
When you reach the end of my road, it connects to the "larger" road, which leads to the entrace/exit of the subdivision. Now, there's something unique about this road. Half of it is paved and half of it is dirt. It has been this way the entire thirteen years I've lived at that house. People have tried to get that road paved, only to be denied by the residents living on that side of the road. They complain that the job would take too long and it would be right out in front of there house. Honestly, who cares? It becomes irritating because people don't want to dirty up there car and everyone is driving on the paved side, meaning wrong side.
I suppose the last interesting thing that sparked my attention driving around the block would be the lawn-job one guy received. His house is positioned at the corner lot of two roads in the neighborhood, apparently increasing his risk of sliders. I can't say whether or not it was intentional, but I'd assume someone accelerated into that turn and well... took a big chunk out of that guy's property. He got in there pretty deep, too, which I'd say about ten feet before the tip of the parabolic shape. I probably shouldn't have laughed at his misfortune...
January 16, 2007
Homeplace
I was split in terms of agreement when it came to this piece of reading. I enjoyed reading some of the insights she gave us in terms of who creates the homeplace and for what purpose it served.
The homeplace was a necessity in order to maintain the inhabitants sanity. The homeplace and its goals were brought to fruition via the female figure of the household. I felt as though I got the whole picture as to what the homeplace should be when she quoted the vietnamese Buddhist monk and relayed his message as the homeplace being resistance. The resistance was going against the change that was occurring and going somewhere where you can regain yourself. The way it is implied is almost that you lose yourself when outside of your self-maintained resistance, and returning to that haven is the only way to remain the individual you once were. To me, this was the most enlightening section of the reading; giving a view as to how black families were able to perservere in a very ignorant and unforgiving time.
However, I disagreed with many of her views on sexism. She seemed upset that the duty of the caretaker of the homeplace was forcefully and innately pushed upon women. Why? When I write this, I hope I don't have some lack of comprehending women's views of societal expectations upon them. If I recall correctly, females are biologically and psychologically more prone to be the caregiver, provider of life and comfort, etc., when it comes to children and families. I personally don't feel as though the men of those societies purposely pushed those responsibilites upon them, but that they happened that way for a greater reason. If those women at that time didn't follow their feelings to provide a safe and welcoming environment, then who would have? bell hooks wished for the greater participation against racism involving women, however, in my eyes, the repercussions of neglecting the maintenance of the "resistance" would have been far worse.
I'm still leaning on the fence a bit for this one.
The homeplace was a necessity in order to maintain the inhabitants sanity. The homeplace and its goals were brought to fruition via the female figure of the household. I felt as though I got the whole picture as to what the homeplace should be when she quoted the vietnamese Buddhist monk and relayed his message as the homeplace being resistance. The resistance was going against the change that was occurring and going somewhere where you can regain yourself. The way it is implied is almost that you lose yourself when outside of your self-maintained resistance, and returning to that haven is the only way to remain the individual you once were. To me, this was the most enlightening section of the reading; giving a view as to how black families were able to perservere in a very ignorant and unforgiving time.
However, I disagreed with many of her views on sexism. She seemed upset that the duty of the caretaker of the homeplace was forcefully and innately pushed upon women. Why? When I write this, I hope I don't have some lack of comprehending women's views of societal expectations upon them. If I recall correctly, females are biologically and psychologically more prone to be the caregiver, provider of life and comfort, etc., when it comes to children and families. I personally don't feel as though the men of those societies purposely pushed those responsibilites upon them, but that they happened that way for a greater reason. If those women at that time didn't follow their feelings to provide a safe and welcoming environment, then who would have? bell hooks wished for the greater participation against racism involving women, however, in my eyes, the repercussions of neglecting the maintenance of the "resistance" would have been far worse.
I'm still leaning on the fence a bit for this one.
January 13, 2007
Project thoughts
I've had some hard times coming up with ideas for this project, mainly because most of the public areas and items that I interact with are all in surrounding cities/townships. My first thought that I came up with was the large mall nearby where I live, Lakeside. However, Lakeside resides in Sterling Heights. Clinton Township is basically just a residential area with some stores, so there's not too many significant locations here for me, personally.
After some thought, I believe I've decided to choose Hall Road as my topic of interest. Why a road? I feel as though this is the main road that runs through the township, and I know for a fact that it is the most used and abused. Hall Road goes by other names as you head East or West, mainly M-59, or 20 mile road if you enjoy counting.
I feel as though I can use this material for my paper due to the way I feel about it. Whenever I have to use that road, I loathe it and avoid it like the Lions avoid the playoffs. It's 4-lanes wide and attracts way too much bad driving and cops. I suppose a good thing about it is that it scares away old people.
After some thought, I believe I've decided to choose Hall Road as my topic of interest. Why a road? I feel as though this is the main road that runs through the township, and I know for a fact that it is the most used and abused. Hall Road goes by other names as you head East or West, mainly M-59, or 20 mile road if you enjoy counting.
I feel as though I can use this material for my paper due to the way I feel about it. Whenever I have to use that road, I loathe it and avoid it like the Lions avoid the playoffs. It's 4-lanes wide and attracts way too much bad driving and cops. I suppose a good thing about it is that it scares away old people.
January 11, 2007
01/11 Discussion
Today's discussion was slightly... enlightening, I suppose.
The only major thing that I took away from all the opinions today had to be when we focused on the image of the city.
So, this begs to ask the question, "Was covering up Detroit's true colors for the Super Bowl beneficial or detrimental?"
I can see both sides of this argument, however, I still lean towards the whole thing eventually doing good for the city.
Basically, what I want to convey is the fact that if you don't act at all, how can change occur?
If slightly misleading the visitors who came during the Super Bowl was able to provoke some sort of intervention in the general consensus of the city, it has the potential to lead to some higher views. Sure, they might get pissed off the next time they come back, expecting the same highlights and falling very far from it. Maybe that short glimpse of 'what could be' may alter their opinion, giving it a more positive spin than just some ghetto where riots, murders, or muggings occur. Eliminate the detrimental presuppositions people inevitably have about the city, let them visit again with high hopes, and go from there. Doing nothing at all just leaves everything right where it is, and at this point in time, the current status is not something to be ignored.
The only major thing that I took away from all the opinions today had to be when we focused on the image of the city.
So, this begs to ask the question, "Was covering up Detroit's true colors for the Super Bowl beneficial or detrimental?"
I can see both sides of this argument, however, I still lean towards the whole thing eventually doing good for the city.
Basically, what I want to convey is the fact that if you don't act at all, how can change occur?
If slightly misleading the visitors who came during the Super Bowl was able to provoke some sort of intervention in the general consensus of the city, it has the potential to lead to some higher views. Sure, they might get pissed off the next time they come back, expecting the same highlights and falling very far from it. Maybe that short glimpse of 'what could be' may alter their opinion, giving it a more positive spin than just some ghetto where riots, murders, or muggings occur. Eliminate the detrimental presuppositions people inevitably have about the city, let them visit again with high hopes, and go from there. Doing nothing at all just leaves everything right where it is, and at this point in time, the current status is not something to be ignored.
January 10, 2007
Niki's Window
If there has to be one concrete message that I gathered from reading this piece, it would have to be the last line written by author Jerry Herron.
"For the same reason, however, it is also the city that becomes finally, the hardest to know."
There were so many things written in here that caught my attention, but, ultimately, I began to disagree with as I continued to read on.
Whether or not it's my incorrect interpretation, however, I felt that throughout the reading, I was viewing the rant of an older man seemingly displeased with the current state of our city history. I agree and disagree with this statement.
His recurring talk about the history of the buildings, which stand in the area now known as Greektown, was the core of his rant. The Dodge brothers initially had their first building there before moving on to a grander establishment. The author carefully points this little fact out to us as though it were some grave travesty that has forever soiled the name of Detroit; that this historical landmark was not being put on display for all to know and worship for being a part of the beginning of automobiles.
The first argument that popped into my mind after my first glance through is the importance of history and/or historical items. When you ask yourself, "What makes something historic?", do you get the same view as the author? For some reason, I don't.
One line that made me laugh in this piece had to be his quick insert about other famous historical cities.
"...residents pride themselves on being genuinely historical: Boston, New York, San Francisco, Baltimore, Philadelphia. They've all got neighborhoods like Greektown..."
He seems rather irritated that the city of Detroit is not on the same level as many other cities in terms of preserving the past. My question is that are these things so integral to Detroit's history? Sure, the automotive industry has very well put Detroit in the big picture nationally and globally, however, the preservation of a few lesser known buildings does not impact that thought very much. Even if every automotive-related building was shut down, demolished, and forgotten about, the dent left in Detroit's history will forever be there. The automotive capital. That is what history is to me.
Even watching the news earlier this morning, I see what I think is more important history to our city than what he was describing. History doesn't have to be funneled into the category of being several hundreds of years ago. History has to be something that left or will leave an impact for the city. Turn to any news station and what do you see? The Detroit International Auto Show. Not exactly monumental in terms of length in years, however, that is history. To be more specific, that has made history and will continue to. I pride that event in being our genuine history. Forget this horse carriage, cobble-stone street, declaration signing crap that all the other original 13 states' capitals boast.
The last thing I feel as though I should address would be the title. Where out of all of this that I've talked about does the title fit into? Niki's window is, as the name implies, a window in one of the restaurants that currently reside in Greektown. The connection that Herron was trying to establish with his title is the forgotten memories now encompassed by the bustling enterprises of Greek food and entertainment. Apparently the owner has no reason for calling his establishment Niki's, which seemed to shock the author. No historical meaning? No ties to his heritage? Oh no! Not everything needs to be deeply woven into a person's background in order to be understood. A name is a name, and what you do with from the time you create it until it's inevitable end is what makes history.
Maybe it's the new age thought, maybe it's my irritation or predisposition to the author's writing style. Finding something for myself to rant about this piece of literature seemed all too easy.
"For the same reason, however, it is also the city that becomes finally, the hardest to know."
There were so many things written in here that caught my attention, but, ultimately, I began to disagree with as I continued to read on.
Whether or not it's my incorrect interpretation, however, I felt that throughout the reading, I was viewing the rant of an older man seemingly displeased with the current state of our city history. I agree and disagree with this statement.
His recurring talk about the history of the buildings, which stand in the area now known as Greektown, was the core of his rant. The Dodge brothers initially had their first building there before moving on to a grander establishment. The author carefully points this little fact out to us as though it were some grave travesty that has forever soiled the name of Detroit; that this historical landmark was not being put on display for all to know and worship for being a part of the beginning of automobiles.
The first argument that popped into my mind after my first glance through is the importance of history and/or historical items. When you ask yourself, "What makes something historic?", do you get the same view as the author? For some reason, I don't.
One line that made me laugh in this piece had to be his quick insert about other famous historical cities.
"...residents pride themselves on being genuinely historical: Boston, New York, San Francisco, Baltimore, Philadelphia. They've all got neighborhoods like Greektown..."
He seems rather irritated that the city of Detroit is not on the same level as many other cities in terms of preserving the past. My question is that are these things so integral to Detroit's history? Sure, the automotive industry has very well put Detroit in the big picture nationally and globally, however, the preservation of a few lesser known buildings does not impact that thought very much. Even if every automotive-related building was shut down, demolished, and forgotten about, the dent left in Detroit's history will forever be there. The automotive capital. That is what history is to me.
Even watching the news earlier this morning, I see what I think is more important history to our city than what he was describing. History doesn't have to be funneled into the category of being several hundreds of years ago. History has to be something that left or will leave an impact for the city. Turn to any news station and what do you see? The Detroit International Auto Show. Not exactly monumental in terms of length in years, however, that is history. To be more specific, that has made history and will continue to. I pride that event in being our genuine history. Forget this horse carriage, cobble-stone street, declaration signing crap that all the other original 13 states' capitals boast.
The last thing I feel as though I should address would be the title. Where out of all of this that I've talked about does the title fit into? Niki's window is, as the name implies, a window in one of the restaurants that currently reside in Greektown. The connection that Herron was trying to establish with his title is the forgotten memories now encompassed by the bustling enterprises of Greek food and entertainment. Apparently the owner has no reason for calling his establishment Niki's, which seemed to shock the author. No historical meaning? No ties to his heritage? Oh no! Not everything needs to be deeply woven into a person's background in order to be understood. A name is a name, and what you do with from the time you create it until it's inevitable end is what makes history.
Maybe it's the new age thought, maybe it's my irritation or predisposition to the author's writing style. Finding something for myself to rant about this piece of literature seemed all too easy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)