REFLECTION
I checked Scott's reading and work on the My California authors: Firoozeb Dumas, Devorah Major, Michael Chabon, and Kathi Kamen Goldmark.
I chose to focus on the first reading: "Bievenidos a Newport Beach" by Firoozeb Dumas.
The story is about a family from Iran, moving to Newport Beach. They're finding a difficult time adjusting to the California dress and lifestyle. The rules of no cars parked outside the front of the house and getting the trash cans inside as soon as the collectors empty them are all signs of what we think of as a gated community and foreign to these people.
A point that Scott made was that the story brings out the stereotype of the Southern California lifestyle once again. A very interesting point is that it's sad that these people have to move around so much since it doesn't give them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a particular culture. And, the perspective of how other cultures perceive us. I never gave much thought to how others see us. I guess I felt that cultural studies were for us to learn about others.
The points that Scott have brought out, as well as the author, go very much along with learning as Freire's wanted us to. The points were all things I never thought of and makes me ponder and wonder more about how others see us.
I think projects 2 and 3 helped in that we researched background information of the different local areas of California and see the diversity ourselves. Then, we can look at it from other perspectives, the authors and each other as students.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Assignment 5b
REFLECTION
I chose to check on the authors read and summarized by Nicolette. The component of My California authors of Hector Tobar, Thomas Steinbeck, Edward Humes and Matt Warshaw.
2. I appreciated her mention of Tobar's writing of the freeways of southern CA being perilous just to get out on to do an errand. I have never been able to bring myself to drive south of Valencia for that same reason. Nicolette referred to the pollution brought out as well. I am aware of the pollution issue, but I find it strange that anyone would be less than fearful of driving there. Of course, this does relate to the Los Angeles 'lifestyle' and what most who live there take for granted.
3. What is something different this classmate said about their choice that you did not realize before when you completed projects 2-3? She said that sitting in her father's car watching traffic flow along on the freeways was as natural to her as walking along a fence of country road might be to a boy from Nebraska. I may have realized this to some extent, but I never gave such a thing a thought. But, coming from a small country area so long ago, I do see the comparison clearly.
4. I am well aware of how the freeways and big cities of southern California affect me and have been amazed at how the locals seem to handle it as nothing big. But, I have a new take on just how much of the area affects different people in different ways and to hear about these different ways gets us a "big picture" of how things really are. I think Freire had this in mind as a goal.
5. How has project 2-3 helped you with the readings of the textbook? Doing the research in projects 2-3 did give me the background I needed to base these new ideas and concepts on. It makes it a more complete knowledge reading others' first hand experiences and takes on the subject.
I chose to check on the authors read and summarized by Nicolette. The component of My California authors of Hector Tobar, Thomas Steinbeck, Edward Humes and Matt Warshaw.
2. I appreciated her mention of Tobar's writing of the freeways of southern CA being perilous just to get out on to do an errand. I have never been able to bring myself to drive south of Valencia for that same reason. Nicolette referred to the pollution brought out as well. I am aware of the pollution issue, but I find it strange that anyone would be less than fearful of driving there. Of course, this does relate to the Los Angeles 'lifestyle' and what most who live there take for granted.
3. What is something different this classmate said about their choice that you did not realize before when you completed projects 2-3? She said that sitting in her father's car watching traffic flow along on the freeways was as natural to her as walking along a fence of country road might be to a boy from Nebraska. I may have realized this to some extent, but I never gave such a thing a thought. But, coming from a small country area so long ago, I do see the comparison clearly.
4. I am well aware of how the freeways and big cities of southern California affect me and have been amazed at how the locals seem to handle it as nothing big. But, I have a new take on just how much of the area affects different people in different ways and to hear about these different ways gets us a "big picture" of how things really are. I think Freire had this in mind as a goal.
5. How has project 2-3 helped you with the readings of the textbook? Doing the research in projects 2-3 did give me the background I needed to base these new ideas and concepts on. It makes it a more complete knowledge reading others' first hand experiences and takes on the subject.
Friday, November 21, 2008
"5A Group# 1"
"909"
by Percival Everett
Everett writes about southern California life and the contrast between the Los Angeles city resident and the country rancher who, although dwindling, has a very contrasted lifestyle as well as outlook on life and his/her surroundings. He speaks of different areas by their area code, since to many of the "beautiful people" of Los Angeles, what their area code is, is of the utmost significance. His area, near Riverside is wide open country with sagebrush and rattle snakes. Riverside was a playground for the rich and famous until Palm Springs was discovered. Now, it's somewhat forgotten except by the BMW's speeding past on the freeways headed for Palm Springs or Los Angeles. He and his mule Monk, seem pretty content to watch it all go by.
"...Now, on Sunday afternoons, the freeway is jammed with automobiles, platinum blondes in BMWs, SUVs pulling jet skis, Jeeps with three-inch lift kits, sporty purple cars with spoilers and decals of Calvin peeing on someone or thing. The traffic backs up like a bad septic system and does not move. I don't leave the ranch during these hours. I have come to believe that the highway must be their destination. All of those people have left home to be there, on the 60 , in 909. I can see them now, in their air-conditioned boxes from where I sit on Monk. They are little specks, and that's how I like it. For them, 909 is the 60 or the 10. For me, it's these rugged hills. Hills that defy human occupation. Hills that are not on the way to anywhere. Hills that will let you know if you're welcome. 909"
Pages 124,125
I feel that this partial paragraph sums up the entire attitude conveyed in the reading, and although I don't share his love of the terrain, I do share his attitude of being away from the rush to nowhere, that seems to prevail, and not just in Los Angeles.
The reading made me think of my own experience, to a smaller degree, with Santa Rosa. I left the area in 1977 when Coddingtown was open-air, and barely more than a strip mall, and Railroad Square was a seedy mess. Rohnert Park was little more than 101 and open space. Coming back in 1999 was a shock with the population tripled and backed-up traffic on 101 that has convinced me to stay on alternate roads. I, too, avoid rush hour. Unfortunately, apartment living doesn't give me the opportunity to get away as the author does. But, it doesn't make me wish any less for Monk and the escape of the hills.
As a former telephone company employee, I also appreciated his description in area codes...I know them well.
My knowledge of southern California is limited outside of the 714 (Anaheim area). Although my husband is from Riverside and has told me bits and pieces of growing up there, I didn't know that it was once a get-away for the rich and famous, with it's Mission Inn. I also didn't know that it was in between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. I have never been to either Palm Springs or downtown L.A.,but I'll save that for the next author. I've heard mixed reviews on Riverside. the Mission Inn has a chair that they had especially made for William Taft..extra large..which insulted him. I enjoyed the reference to Riverside possibly trying to fit in with the big boys by accomodating their oversized posteriors.
"THE LINE"
by Ruben Martinez
The journalist tells a story of the migrant crossings from Mexico to the U.S. He writes of the border area being very quiet by day, but by sunset it becomes a veritable migrant fiesta. Years ago, this was more possible, and he describes the varied people, from elderly to tots in mother's arms all awaiting their chance to cross over into San Diego. There were vendors, sellers, music, all around.
It was often possible to make it over on your first try back then. If not the first, your second attempt was a guaranteed success. There were just too many for the border patrol. This was the case until in the 90's, when big business, Pete Wilson and a California recession caused more severe measures to prevent the crossings, including concrete walls, lights and border patrol with M16 weapons. How they hated Gov. Wilson and penned him "Pito" to illustrate their dislike. Now, the crossing is much more difficult to make.
"After years of lobbying Washington to help the Golden State beat back the illegals, the federal government obliged with the new fence at Tijuana. To cross into California today, you have to go east of the fence. You have to hike in total darkness, through mountains that block out the beacon of city-light from San Diego. You take a long walk in the dark."
Pgs. 130,131
"Goooooooooaaaaaaaallll!" Where there's a will, there's a way.
The reading gave me a lot of insight as to what these people have to go through to try for a better life. It also made me aware that if the determination is there, no fence or legislation will be too big an obstacle in a person's efforts.
I was very surprised to learn that in addition to people from Mexico and other Central American countries, there were people from China, Iran and Pakistan that would come in through the Mexico/U.S boarders. This was a complete surprise to me.
"Flirting With Urbanismo"
by Patt Morrison
"Flirting With Urbanismo" is a collection of affections of Los Angeles. this author also uses area codes as descriptives, which I think is amusing. If anyone has ever said that they have not seen downtown L.A., the author is quick to point out that you have, you just didn't know it was L.A.,... speaking of the movie industry. City Hall was the Daily Planet building in "Superman", or the capitol in "West Wing", or even the Vatican in "The Thornbirds". Yes, downtown L.A. has been filmed a plenty. He refers to it as a plastic model in that it can and has been remolded over and over again. He speaks of the gold standard of the real estate market and that being the reason that there are so few public parks in the area. Why not sell it if you can, over making it public use. The people have lived in downtown, they have migrated to suburbs and worked in downtown, and migrated back. There is so much history and architecture in the area, and so much diversity in just one street to another next to it. He lists the Biltmore Hotel, Alexandria, the Bradbury building, Oviatt, and the L.A. Conservatory. He speaks of the design of the Oscar being scratched out on a napkin at the Biltmore. The Beatles being flown in to the Biltmore as their only hope of refuge for a night's sleep. So much history, architecture in a city that seems so "shaky".
"Live downtown? In an apartment? You think I traveled all this way by wagon/ship/train to reach this glorious sunshine to cram myself into some dark, little flat? Sure, downtown's a nice place to work, but who'd want to live there?" pg 136
"Oh, we had a little flirtation with urbanismo, and we're having one again. The Loft people have moved into downtown; they walk their dogs and sip coffee pavement-side." pg 137
I was a little confused with this reading, feeling that it was filled with nice details of the city, but didn't really make me think of anything other than the fact that I wouldn't want to try living there. Sure, there's a lot of history and architecture, but I think I would still save it as a tourist attraction rather than a place to live.
I knew there is many things about this city related to the movie industry and people, but I didn't stop to think of things like the Oscar design being shaped on a dinner napkin at a famous hotel in L.A. That same design has been synonymous with movie makers and actors for many years. My daughter wants me to see the Getty Museum, but, if I'm able to visit L.A. I now have many more buildings to add to my list. I would like to know more about things other than movies related themes of the city.
"Waters of Tranquility"
by Carolyn See
The Lake Shrine of the Self-Realization Fellowship is on Sunset Blvd., not far from the beach. It was made over 50 yrs. ago, by Paramahansa Yogananda as a shrine to world peace. It has, among other things, monuments to the Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Judaism religions. There's a lake with a small waterfall with a statue of Krishna over it, and a statue of Christ over a bigger fall. There are buildings and benches and a gravel walkway around the lake. Many go there for the quiet and seclusion, but it is almost difficult to find. The author's partner was apparently terminally ill, and, although an atheist, enjoyed his walks around the lake. Wanting to die at home, he had many good-intentioned relatives who would cause grief by intruding on their wishes. The author found the peace of this lake when she would be so very anxious, and angry at these well-intentioned relatives. She saw perspective in the smallness of the monuments, and was able to ponder life and death as significant although minute in the scheme of things.
"In the scheme of things where a major religion only rates a four-foot monument, a single human death may be no more than a fall of one flower, one tweaked leaf. There are so many more! And life itself may be no more than a play toy, a few Burma-Shave signs in the universe. But blazing, amazing for all that. You can see that at the Lake Shrine. I know I did."
pg. 145
The description of this area, made me think of a place in Maine that I would always want to go to for complete refreshing and rejuvenation. It was on a high rocky area descending to the water, and had a lighthouse on the top, which was no longer in operation. Not many people knew of this area, and so there was peace and solitude which I also find just by being at the ocean's edge. I could go there very stressed and find total relaxation. Even when my father died, this was the first place I could think of to get away and reflect.
Before I read this, I didn't know that this shrine existed. I believe there is still a group that meet there as a Fellowship. I am impressed that one man had this inspiration and followed through on it for the benefit of so many.
by Percival Everett
Everett writes about southern California life and the contrast between the Los Angeles city resident and the country rancher who, although dwindling, has a very contrasted lifestyle as well as outlook on life and his/her surroundings. He speaks of different areas by their area code, since to many of the "beautiful people" of Los Angeles, what their area code is, is of the utmost significance. His area, near Riverside is wide open country with sagebrush and rattle snakes. Riverside was a playground for the rich and famous until Palm Springs was discovered. Now, it's somewhat forgotten except by the BMW's speeding past on the freeways headed for Palm Springs or Los Angeles. He and his mule Monk, seem pretty content to watch it all go by.
"...Now, on Sunday afternoons, the freeway is jammed with automobiles, platinum blondes in BMWs, SUVs pulling jet skis, Jeeps with three-inch lift kits, sporty purple cars with spoilers and decals of Calvin peeing on someone or thing. The traffic backs up like a bad septic system and does not move. I don't leave the ranch during these hours. I have come to believe that the highway must be their destination. All of those people have left home to be there, on the 60 , in 909. I can see them now, in their air-conditioned boxes from where I sit on Monk. They are little specks, and that's how I like it. For them, 909 is the 60 or the 10. For me, it's these rugged hills. Hills that defy human occupation. Hills that are not on the way to anywhere. Hills that will let you know if you're welcome. 909"
Pages 124,125
I feel that this partial paragraph sums up the entire attitude conveyed in the reading, and although I don't share his love of the terrain, I do share his attitude of being away from the rush to nowhere, that seems to prevail, and not just in Los Angeles.
The reading made me think of my own experience, to a smaller degree, with Santa Rosa. I left the area in 1977 when Coddingtown was open-air, and barely more than a strip mall, and Railroad Square was a seedy mess. Rohnert Park was little more than 101 and open space. Coming back in 1999 was a shock with the population tripled and backed-up traffic on 101 that has convinced me to stay on alternate roads. I, too, avoid rush hour. Unfortunately, apartment living doesn't give me the opportunity to get away as the author does. But, it doesn't make me wish any less for Monk and the escape of the hills.
As a former telephone company employee, I also appreciated his description in area codes...I know them well.
My knowledge of southern California is limited outside of the 714 (Anaheim area). Although my husband is from Riverside and has told me bits and pieces of growing up there, I didn't know that it was once a get-away for the rich and famous, with it's Mission Inn. I also didn't know that it was in between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. I have never been to either Palm Springs or downtown L.A.,but I'll save that for the next author. I've heard mixed reviews on Riverside. the Mission Inn has a chair that they had especially made for William Taft..extra large..which insulted him. I enjoyed the reference to Riverside possibly trying to fit in with the big boys by accomodating their oversized posteriors.
"THE LINE"
by Ruben Martinez
The journalist tells a story of the migrant crossings from Mexico to the U.S. He writes of the border area being very quiet by day, but by sunset it becomes a veritable migrant fiesta. Years ago, this was more possible, and he describes the varied people, from elderly to tots in mother's arms all awaiting their chance to cross over into San Diego. There were vendors, sellers, music, all around.
It was often possible to make it over on your first try back then. If not the first, your second attempt was a guaranteed success. There were just too many for the border patrol. This was the case until in the 90's, when big business, Pete Wilson and a California recession caused more severe measures to prevent the crossings, including concrete walls, lights and border patrol with M16 weapons. How they hated Gov. Wilson and penned him "Pito" to illustrate their dislike. Now, the crossing is much more difficult to make.
"After years of lobbying Washington to help the Golden State beat back the illegals, the federal government obliged with the new fence at Tijuana. To cross into California today, you have to go east of the fence. You have to hike in total darkness, through mountains that block out the beacon of city-light from San Diego. You take a long walk in the dark."
Pgs. 130,131
"Goooooooooaaaaaaaallll!" Where there's a will, there's a way.
The reading gave me a lot of insight as to what these people have to go through to try for a better life. It also made me aware that if the determination is there, no fence or legislation will be too big an obstacle in a person's efforts.
I was very surprised to learn that in addition to people from Mexico and other Central American countries, there were people from China, Iran and Pakistan that would come in through the Mexico/U.S boarders. This was a complete surprise to me.
"Flirting With Urbanismo"
by Patt Morrison
"Flirting With Urbanismo" is a collection of affections of Los Angeles. this author also uses area codes as descriptives, which I think is amusing. If anyone has ever said that they have not seen downtown L.A., the author is quick to point out that you have, you just didn't know it was L.A.,... speaking of the movie industry. City Hall was the Daily Planet building in "Superman", or the capitol in "West Wing", or even the Vatican in "The Thornbirds". Yes, downtown L.A. has been filmed a plenty. He refers to it as a plastic model in that it can and has been remolded over and over again. He speaks of the gold standard of the real estate market and that being the reason that there are so few public parks in the area. Why not sell it if you can, over making it public use. The people have lived in downtown, they have migrated to suburbs and worked in downtown, and migrated back. There is so much history and architecture in the area, and so much diversity in just one street to another next to it. He lists the Biltmore Hotel, Alexandria, the Bradbury building, Oviatt, and the L.A. Conservatory. He speaks of the design of the Oscar being scratched out on a napkin at the Biltmore. The Beatles being flown in to the Biltmore as their only hope of refuge for a night's sleep. So much history, architecture in a city that seems so "shaky".
"Live downtown? In an apartment? You think I traveled all this way by wagon/ship/train to reach this glorious sunshine to cram myself into some dark, little flat? Sure, downtown's a nice place to work, but who'd want to live there?" pg 136
"Oh, we had a little flirtation with urbanismo, and we're having one again. The Loft people have moved into downtown; they walk their dogs and sip coffee pavement-side." pg 137
I was a little confused with this reading, feeling that it was filled with nice details of the city, but didn't really make me think of anything other than the fact that I wouldn't want to try living there. Sure, there's a lot of history and architecture, but I think I would still save it as a tourist attraction rather than a place to live.
I knew there is many things about this city related to the movie industry and people, but I didn't stop to think of things like the Oscar design being shaped on a dinner napkin at a famous hotel in L.A. That same design has been synonymous with movie makers and actors for many years. My daughter wants me to see the Getty Museum, but, if I'm able to visit L.A. I now have many more buildings to add to my list. I would like to know more about things other than movies related themes of the city.
"Waters of Tranquility"
by Carolyn See
The Lake Shrine of the Self-Realization Fellowship is on Sunset Blvd., not far from the beach. It was made over 50 yrs. ago, by Paramahansa Yogananda as a shrine to world peace. It has, among other things, monuments to the Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Judaism religions. There's a lake with a small waterfall with a statue of Krishna over it, and a statue of Christ over a bigger fall. There are buildings and benches and a gravel walkway around the lake. Many go there for the quiet and seclusion, but it is almost difficult to find. The author's partner was apparently terminally ill, and, although an atheist, enjoyed his walks around the lake. Wanting to die at home, he had many good-intentioned relatives who would cause grief by intruding on their wishes. The author found the peace of this lake when she would be so very anxious, and angry at these well-intentioned relatives. She saw perspective in the smallness of the monuments, and was able to ponder life and death as significant although minute in the scheme of things.
"In the scheme of things where a major religion only rates a four-foot monument, a single human death may be no more than a fall of one flower, one tweaked leaf. There are so many more! And life itself may be no more than a play toy, a few Burma-Shave signs in the universe. But blazing, amazing for all that. You can see that at the Lake Shrine. I know I did."
pg. 145
The description of this area, made me think of a place in Maine that I would always want to go to for complete refreshing and rejuvenation. It was on a high rocky area descending to the water, and had a lighthouse on the top, which was no longer in operation. Not many people knew of this area, and so there was peace and solitude which I also find just by being at the ocean's edge. I could go there very stressed and find total relaxation. Even when my father died, this was the first place I could think of to get away and reflect.
Before I read this, I didn't know that this shrine existed. I believe there is still a group that meet there as a Fellowship. I am impressed that one man had this inspiration and followed through on it for the benefit of so many.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Assignment 4c
REFLECTION
Choose any 1 classmate of project 3 that wrote about your same topic in any one component (a World Cities, b Beaches, c Inland Areas) and briefly compare/contrast their choices using the following format in a blog post. Make sure this choice is a different category or component than what you chose in 4b:
1. Who is your classmate, what is the component category, what is the name of the choice?
My classmate, Sheena chose to write about Bodega Bay beaches.
2. What is something similar this classmate said about the choice?
Sheena and I both focused on the local, quieter B&B atmosphere of this beach over those of central and southern California. We also both noted easily, the cold that is usually indicative of this coastal area.
3. What is something different this classmate said about the choice?
One major point that I appreciated was the fact that the population of Bodega has increased in a major way over the years. On the warm days, there isn't the secluded atmosphere since more and more families are flocking to the area.
4. How would you relate this to Freire's ideas regarding dialogue? For example, you went in thinking one idea, your classmate had a different idea. What new idea emerged from this process?
I feel that no matter what our impressions are, we don't see the entire picture unless we do share this dialogue with others. Much of my impressions of Bodega may perhaps be from my initial visits to the area several years ago, even though I continue to visit Bodega and Doran Beach today. Just seeing it from someone else's eye gives us more information...a more complete assessment of a topic.
Yes, it's true that the summer and the campgrounds bring more families, more laughter, more screaming kids. The businesses now cater more to tourists than fishermen. By sharing thoughts and ideas, we get the much bigger picture, than the perspective of just one person telling others what they should know about a subject.
Thank you, Sheena
Choose any 1 classmate of project 3 that wrote about your same topic in any one component (a World Cities, b Beaches, c Inland Areas) and briefly compare/contrast their choices using the following format in a blog post. Make sure this choice is a different category or component than what you chose in 4b:
1. Who is your classmate, what is the component category, what is the name of the choice?
My classmate, Sheena chose to write about Bodega Bay beaches.
2. What is something similar this classmate said about the choice?
Sheena and I both focused on the local, quieter B&B atmosphere of this beach over those of central and southern California. We also both noted easily, the cold that is usually indicative of this coastal area.
3. What is something different this classmate said about the choice?
One major point that I appreciated was the fact that the population of Bodega has increased in a major way over the years. On the warm days, there isn't the secluded atmosphere since more and more families are flocking to the area.
4. How would you relate this to Freire's ideas regarding dialogue? For example, you went in thinking one idea, your classmate had a different idea. What new idea emerged from this process?
I feel that no matter what our impressions are, we don't see the entire picture unless we do share this dialogue with others. Much of my impressions of Bodega may perhaps be from my initial visits to the area several years ago, even though I continue to visit Bodega and Doran Beach today. Just seeing it from someone else's eye gives us more information...a more complete assessment of a topic.
Yes, it's true that the summer and the campgrounds bring more families, more laughter, more screaming kids. The businesses now cater more to tourists than fishermen. By sharing thoughts and ideas, we get the much bigger picture, than the perspective of just one person telling others what they should know about a subject.
Thank you, Sheena
Friday, October 31, 2008
4b
I chose the posting of Ana on the component a of World Cities, San Francisco.
2. Ana and I both focused on the fact that San Francisco's vast population is very much divided into sections where nationalities have their own towns within the city. Ana brought out an interesting thought as to how San Francisco might have a different atmosphere if these sections did not exist and the people were more blended. This is something I hadn't thought about, but wonder if it would make San Francisco a more generic type city with not as much character.
3. What is something different this classmate said about the choice?
Ana did mention that San Francisco is known for gays and being for those who love gays. I realize that the Gay issues have been brought to the fore over the past few years, and that there is a large population of Gays and Lesbian making themselves known in "The City", but I don't think San Francisco is worldly known for that as a major issue, and I don't feel that the majority of people of this chosen lifestyle wish to be singled out in such a way.
4. How would you relate this to Freire's ideas regarding dialogue? For example, you went in thinking one idea, your classmate had a different idea. What new idea emerged from this process?
I think Ana's project information had much of the same ideas as I had, but just in the different way she presented them, gave me more insight. I do think she has a valid point on that which I mentioned we don't totally agree on, since there is a large Gay and Lesbian population. I still feel that the majority don't want to be singled out as being part of "The San Francisco" but with Gay parades and the like, I can see where some would want just what she pointed out. I know this is a hot topic right now and I'm certainly not the expert. I enjoyed her take on the subject.
2. Ana and I both focused on the fact that San Francisco's vast population is very much divided into sections where nationalities have their own towns within the city. Ana brought out an interesting thought as to how San Francisco might have a different atmosphere if these sections did not exist and the people were more blended. This is something I hadn't thought about, but wonder if it would make San Francisco a more generic type city with not as much character.
3. What is something different this classmate said about the choice?
Ana did mention that San Francisco is known for gays and being for those who love gays. I realize that the Gay issues have been brought to the fore over the past few years, and that there is a large population of Gays and Lesbian making themselves known in "The City", but I don't think San Francisco is worldly known for that as a major issue, and I don't feel that the majority of people of this chosen lifestyle wish to be singled out in such a way.
4. How would you relate this to Freire's ideas regarding dialogue? For example, you went in thinking one idea, your classmate had a different idea. What new idea emerged from this process?
I think Ana's project information had much of the same ideas as I had, but just in the different way she presented them, gave me more insight. I do think she has a valid point on that which I mentioned we don't totally agree on, since there is a large Gay and Lesbian population. I still feel that the majority don't want to be singled out as being part of "The San Francisco" but with Gay parades and the like, I can see where some would want just what she pointed out. I know this is a hot topic right now and I'm certainly not the expert. I enjoyed her take on the subject.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
"4A Group # 1"
1. The Big Valley by Mark Arex
2. Arax tells the story as a third generation land owner in the Fresno area, where J.C. Forkner built a fig growing empire in the early 1900's. Arax's grandfather, a survivor of Armenian genocide, was a migrant worker until he was finally able to buy a little vineyard of his own. Arax writes of seeing vast farmlands giving way to urban sprawl all within half a lifetime. He's a backyard farmer with big dreams, as was his dad, as though the farming is/was "in their blood". On his way to Tulare, his landmarks are the types of crops. He can tell how good or bad a year was by the condition of each field in winter; if it's being tended to or not. Still an area of farm fairs and people from the Azores and the Dutch and other countries, alongside the commercial developing. He sees farming dying, yet in need of coming full circle. His Dad was a backyard farmer...."it's in the blood".
3. My favorite paragraph is the last paragraph on page 19. "The roots beneath the clay die hard. In early spring, they send up shoots through the crannies of my backyard. Up from the ivy and bamboo come Forkner's old figs.I attack them with a shovel and shear, out of suburban necessity, I imagine, but the milk they bleed, sticky white, causes me to wonder. And yet my deathblow is something of a paradox, for I have turned large sections of flowerbed and lawn into orchard and vegetable garden. Like my grandfather and father, I am a backyard farmer with too little land for my dream."
4. "I am a backyard farmer with too little land for my dream." The reading made me think of how often this is the case in our lives, and especially for those growers and farmers. "The roots beneath the clay die hard." Roots of vineyards, of bamboo?
My uncle tried for years to get rid of bamboo in his Santa Rosa yard to make way for a little more garden space. But, could it also apply to the fact that the author, his father and grandfather all did the same? Is it the desire, legacy for growing/farming that is the root that dies hard and doesn't want to die at all? It's a way of life they've known and want to continue.
5. I knew how difficult it is for farmers to make a go of it these days. I realize that especially in California, developers are anxious to turn the remaining farmland into strip malls and "boxes". But, I never thought of, in a firsthand way, how this affects the farmer and his offspring in such a personal way. There are regrets that might "eat" at you for the rest of your life and theirs.
Transients In Paradise by Aimee Liu
Aimee Liu takes a good look at Beverly Hills, her city of residence. She highlights the contrast of the street beggars and "regular" folks and those of the elite star-studded tinsel people. She also talks of Richard. A man in a wheelchair who would station himself outside a deli and collect money for charity..his own charity.
She found out later that he was on his way to becoming a screenwriter when a degenerating disease put him in his current standing. It's not all black and white.
She sees the poor looking for help and the rich who conveniently don't see them. She sees these things as a struggle for herself in her own city.
My favorite part of the reading is the last paragraph on page 30...."Who is coming? Who is going? Who is staying, and for how long? A town like Beverly Hills puts up an impressive front of permanence, but no matter how massive the houses, how opulent the stores, how established the brokers of power and fame, or how deep their pockets, the truth of this place is as variable as the traffic passing down Wilshire Boulevard."
Oh the complexity of Beverly Hills. It reminds me of the first few high school class reunions. There are so many there who are trying to impress everyone with how well they've done, how far they've gone and how 'classy' they are. They feel on top of the world and look down their noses at the few who are not pretending and perhaps not in the same social status. Just like the street people and the star struck, under the surface, they're all the same kids in the same place. They're people...not the gods they'd like you to believe. And, it's so temporary.
I knew Beverly Hills was the rich kid's playground, but I didn't know the lengths that even made the city void of hospitals. People are sent to Los Angeles. I also didn't realize that there are some who live there, such as Ms. Liu, who actually see the city for what it is, including discontent. I thought that all of the residents were too self concerned to see beyond themselves.
Showing Off The Owens by T. Jefferson Parker
Showing Off The Owens is a story about the Owens River in the area of Bishop, California, and the avid trout fisherman that he is. He brings Brian Wiprod, a New York angler and novelist to this area for a fishing experience. And, they do catch lots of fish.
The first paragraph on page 35 has a statement I am all to familiar with, having grown up in a 'fishing family'. It states: "It's a progressive disease, like rabies,that starts with an innocuous bit then lies dormant. The bite may be a fish you were lucky enough to catch, might be the beauty of a river or the mountains around it, might even be a movie you saw....."However, the bug gets into you, it lodges, digs in then begins to grow."
As mentioned, the reading reminds me of my own dad and a cousin who was the son my dad never had. Fishing (and hunting) were their loves. They lived and breathed it. They were out in the boat whenever they could be. I didn't share their love, although invited along. Perhaps I never 'got bit'.
I am not familiar with much of southern California. I didn't realize that it was so easy to get to the mountains and that Bishop is apparently not too far from there. I do have a fair understanding about fly fishing, but I thought any such rivers would be void of much life in that area.
The Distant Cataract About Which We Do Not Speak by Mary Mackey
The story takes place in Sacramento on an island in the middle of the American River. The author and her husband find this area to be their isolated corner of the world, water, ducks, beavers, and very little sign of city. The Distant Cataract is her reference to the distant noise of traffic that is Sacramento, that they try to put out of their world when at this special place. The river is the place where residents of many different origins come for various purposes. She mentions Hmong families, Mexican, Central Americans, Samoans, Russians and Japanese among those who frequent this area, and some of the celebrations or rituals that they use the river to perform. The Japanese commemorate those lost at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August with a display of lit lanterns in the river, which must be beautiful. The ceremony was originally a commemoration of souls lost at sea. It truly is a beautiful get-away.
My favorite paragraph is the second on page 46. Speaking of her attempt to silently swim up to a group of mallards to be among them, with sunglasses and a blue baseball cap, she says: "For a moment I relish my presence among them. Again, I wonder why they are not seeing me. Does the bill on my baseball cap make me look like a large mallard? Does their universe include the possibility of a bright blue duck with no eyes or tail feathers?"
I think that at times, we may be the bright blue duck with no eyes or tail feathers. We may stand out from the norm, yet will we be accepted with 'blind eyes' and/or appreciated or sent away because of our differences? One mother duck saw her for something different, squawked and caused a mass departure. The others saw no difference, no need for alarm. When she saw the Samoans drinking and singing "Under the Boardwalk" or when she saw the Japanese ceremony for those lost she accepted them as part of her world. The cataract was the traffic, not the people. In turn, how did the Russian Orthodox members view her? Did the Japanese see her as the "American" and relate her to Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedies? It's all in how we see one another as to how we succeed or fail.
I have seen the Riverboat at Old Sacramento, so I knew of the rivers, but I had no idea that there was an island and how you can be so close to a city the size of Sacramento and yet feel so secluded and isolated and with nature. I also didn't know there was such a diversity of peoples in the area.
2. Arax tells the story as a third generation land owner in the Fresno area, where J.C. Forkner built a fig growing empire in the early 1900's. Arax's grandfather, a survivor of Armenian genocide, was a migrant worker until he was finally able to buy a little vineyard of his own. Arax writes of seeing vast farmlands giving way to urban sprawl all within half a lifetime. He's a backyard farmer with big dreams, as was his dad, as though the farming is/was "in their blood". On his way to Tulare, his landmarks are the types of crops. He can tell how good or bad a year was by the condition of each field in winter; if it's being tended to or not. Still an area of farm fairs and people from the Azores and the Dutch and other countries, alongside the commercial developing. He sees farming dying, yet in need of coming full circle. His Dad was a backyard farmer...."it's in the blood".
3. My favorite paragraph is the last paragraph on page 19. "The roots beneath the clay die hard. In early spring, they send up shoots through the crannies of my backyard. Up from the ivy and bamboo come Forkner's old figs.I attack them with a shovel and shear, out of suburban necessity, I imagine, but the milk they bleed, sticky white, causes me to wonder. And yet my deathblow is something of a paradox, for I have turned large sections of flowerbed and lawn into orchard and vegetable garden. Like my grandfather and father, I am a backyard farmer with too little land for my dream."
4. "I am a backyard farmer with too little land for my dream." The reading made me think of how often this is the case in our lives, and especially for those growers and farmers. "The roots beneath the clay die hard." Roots of vineyards, of bamboo?
My uncle tried for years to get rid of bamboo in his Santa Rosa yard to make way for a little more garden space. But, could it also apply to the fact that the author, his father and grandfather all did the same? Is it the desire, legacy for growing/farming that is the root that dies hard and doesn't want to die at all? It's a way of life they've known and want to continue.
5. I knew how difficult it is for farmers to make a go of it these days. I realize that especially in California, developers are anxious to turn the remaining farmland into strip malls and "boxes". But, I never thought of, in a firsthand way, how this affects the farmer and his offspring in such a personal way. There are regrets that might "eat" at you for the rest of your life and theirs.
Transients In Paradise by Aimee Liu
Aimee Liu takes a good look at Beverly Hills, her city of residence. She highlights the contrast of the street beggars and "regular" folks and those of the elite star-studded tinsel people. She also talks of Richard. A man in a wheelchair who would station himself outside a deli and collect money for charity..his own charity.
She found out later that he was on his way to becoming a screenwriter when a degenerating disease put him in his current standing. It's not all black and white.
She sees the poor looking for help and the rich who conveniently don't see them. She sees these things as a struggle for herself in her own city.
My favorite part of the reading is the last paragraph on page 30...."Who is coming? Who is going? Who is staying, and for how long? A town like Beverly Hills puts up an impressive front of permanence, but no matter how massive the houses, how opulent the stores, how established the brokers of power and fame, or how deep their pockets, the truth of this place is as variable as the traffic passing down Wilshire Boulevard."
Oh the complexity of Beverly Hills. It reminds me of the first few high school class reunions. There are so many there who are trying to impress everyone with how well they've done, how far they've gone and how 'classy' they are. They feel on top of the world and look down their noses at the few who are not pretending and perhaps not in the same social status. Just like the street people and the star struck, under the surface, they're all the same kids in the same place. They're people...not the gods they'd like you to believe. And, it's so temporary.
I knew Beverly Hills was the rich kid's playground, but I didn't know the lengths that even made the city void of hospitals. People are sent to Los Angeles. I also didn't realize that there are some who live there, such as Ms. Liu, who actually see the city for what it is, including discontent. I thought that all of the residents were too self concerned to see beyond themselves.
Showing Off The Owens by T. Jefferson Parker
Showing Off The Owens is a story about the Owens River in the area of Bishop, California, and the avid trout fisherman that he is. He brings Brian Wiprod, a New York angler and novelist to this area for a fishing experience. And, they do catch lots of fish.
The first paragraph on page 35 has a statement I am all to familiar with, having grown up in a 'fishing family'. It states: "It's a progressive disease, like rabies,that starts with an innocuous bit then lies dormant. The bite may be a fish you were lucky enough to catch, might be the beauty of a river or the mountains around it, might even be a movie you saw....."However, the bug gets into you, it lodges, digs in then begins to grow."
As mentioned, the reading reminds me of my own dad and a cousin who was the son my dad never had. Fishing (and hunting) were their loves. They lived and breathed it. They were out in the boat whenever they could be. I didn't share their love, although invited along. Perhaps I never 'got bit'.
I am not familiar with much of southern California. I didn't realize that it was so easy to get to the mountains and that Bishop is apparently not too far from there. I do have a fair understanding about fly fishing, but I thought any such rivers would be void of much life in that area.
The Distant Cataract About Which We Do Not Speak by Mary Mackey
The story takes place in Sacramento on an island in the middle of the American River. The author and her husband find this area to be their isolated corner of the world, water, ducks, beavers, and very little sign of city. The Distant Cataract is her reference to the distant noise of traffic that is Sacramento, that they try to put out of their world when at this special place. The river is the place where residents of many different origins come for various purposes. She mentions Hmong families, Mexican, Central Americans, Samoans, Russians and Japanese among those who frequent this area, and some of the celebrations or rituals that they use the river to perform. The Japanese commemorate those lost at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August with a display of lit lanterns in the river, which must be beautiful. The ceremony was originally a commemoration of souls lost at sea. It truly is a beautiful get-away.
My favorite paragraph is the second on page 46. Speaking of her attempt to silently swim up to a group of mallards to be among them, with sunglasses and a blue baseball cap, she says: "For a moment I relish my presence among them. Again, I wonder why they are not seeing me. Does the bill on my baseball cap make me look like a large mallard? Does their universe include the possibility of a bright blue duck with no eyes or tail feathers?"
I think that at times, we may be the bright blue duck with no eyes or tail feathers. We may stand out from the norm, yet will we be accepted with 'blind eyes' and/or appreciated or sent away because of our differences? One mother duck saw her for something different, squawked and caused a mass departure. The others saw no difference, no need for alarm. When she saw the Samoans drinking and singing "Under the Boardwalk" or when she saw the Japanese ceremony for those lost she accepted them as part of her world. The cataract was the traffic, not the people. In turn, how did the Russian Orthodox members view her? Did the Japanese see her as the "American" and relate her to Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedies? It's all in how we see one another as to how we succeed or fail.
I have seen the Riverboat at Old Sacramento, so I knew of the rivers, but I had no idea that there was an island and how you can be so close to a city the size of Sacramento and yet feel so secluded and isolated and with nature. I also didn't know there was such a diversity of peoples in the area.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
"3c. Inland Areas"
http://www.truckee.com/
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/aboutus/history.shtml http://www.city-data.com/album/album-Sacramento-California.html
http://www.discovergold.org/goldrush/
I have chosen the two inland cities of Sacramento and Truckee, California for my research.
1. What are some assumptions/stereotypes you think people have of each location: 1 point
Common ideas of Sacramento is of the Pony Express and Gold Rush days as well as where Arnold Schwarzenegger lives, and thus, the state capital which gives the metropolitan flair to the city. Truckee, offering the lake, woodlands and winter snow has the more transient vacation place offering. It is for the sports enthusiast and for those seeking to "get away from it all" in Sacramento. Truckee offers boating, fishing, skiing, rafting and a little nightlife or, not far away, are the casinos of Nevada.
3. List 3 things that make each location so different: 1 point
Although quiet close in proximity, Sacramento is a business center and state capital, with the "sunny California" reputation, whereas Truckee has the old mining town feel and the ski resort reputation. Truckee also portrays more wilderness and "lay back" attitude. Sacramento would be at the base of the foothills and Truckee quite high up in the Sierra.
2. List 3 things that make each location similar: 1 point
As mentioned, both cities are in close proximity, only a little over 100 miles apart.
Both in northern California, they together form the ideal of California having such a diverse combination of climates, weather and sociality. Your minutes away from either snow, mountains and elevation or the coast, beaches and sea level. That 100 miles makes the complete contrast as though you were so far from your originating point.
3. Contains an explanation regarding how this component (any aspect of it; eg content of videos, content of websites) connects to your study of humanities. .25 point
Although many of the people who settled in the Truckee area may have been of the same stock as those who established Sacramento, there still seems to be such a difference in the attitude and background of the peoples, be it from immigration, or family origination from differing countries at the start. There are interesting people to be found in both cities. Truckee may have the up on celebrities who also add character to the area. The history of those searching for a place to live in the "Wild West" of years ago bring the flavor that is California today.
4. Questioning: What else would you like to know about these places? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience. .5 point
Although I have read much information on these areas for the project, and I have been to both cities a few times, I would like to know more about the people and how the area was before the people came. I realize that some of this information is best collected at the location, since I am fortunate enough to be nearby and able to do that. I have had a glimpse of what life was like in Old Sacramento and Virginia City, NV, but I would like to know if there are locations where you can really peer into the past without the commercialism and tourist enticements. How was life really like back then? In our world, it would be interesting to see how they got along without many stores, how they were so self sufficient.
5. Using your classmates work from last week, tell us one thing you learned from 1 student. Is this one thing some common experience you share or some experience that is completely different than what you experienced? Is this one thing related to our class theoretical foundation and if so, how? Is that one thing related to historical or cultural context of this country or a different one? Link that persons blog to this entry (eg cut paste that blog entry here) . .5 point
http://rspeakes3b.blogspot.com/
Last week, Ronald did research on Pismo and Kauapea Beaches. A side point that I found very interesting is that there are more people at Kauapea during the time of day it rains. I am thinking that, like in New England, the rainy days cool off the air temperatures and so the water seems so much warmer because of it. We used to prefer swimming on those rainy days for that reason since the water was generally very cold. I have not been to Hawaii, but am very interested in going there. I'm sure that it, too, being a melting pot of cultures would be a very interesting study as well as a fun place to go.
I find the information presented is related to our class theoretical foundation in that I am able to learn and utilize the information that he has given through his experiences.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/aboutus/history.shtml http://www.city-data.com/album/album-Sacramento-California.html
http://www.discovergold.org/goldrush/
I have chosen the two inland cities of Sacramento and Truckee, California for my research.
1. What are some assumptions/stereotypes you think people have of each location: 1 point
Common ideas of Sacramento is of the Pony Express and Gold Rush days as well as where Arnold Schwarzenegger lives, and thus, the state capital which gives the metropolitan flair to the city. Truckee, offering the lake, woodlands and winter snow has the more transient vacation place offering. It is for the sports enthusiast and for those seeking to "get away from it all" in Sacramento. Truckee offers boating, fishing, skiing, rafting and a little nightlife or, not far away, are the casinos of Nevada.
3. List 3 things that make each location so different: 1 point
Although quiet close in proximity, Sacramento is a business center and state capital, with the "sunny California" reputation, whereas Truckee has the old mining town feel and the ski resort reputation. Truckee also portrays more wilderness and "lay back" attitude. Sacramento would be at the base of the foothills and Truckee quite high up in the Sierra.
2. List 3 things that make each location similar: 1 point
As mentioned, both cities are in close proximity, only a little over 100 miles apart.
Both in northern California, they together form the ideal of California having such a diverse combination of climates, weather and sociality. Your minutes away from either snow, mountains and elevation or the coast, beaches and sea level. That 100 miles makes the complete contrast as though you were so far from your originating point.
3. Contains an explanation regarding how this component (any aspect of it; eg content of videos, content of websites) connects to your study of humanities. .25 point
Although many of the people who settled in the Truckee area may have been of the same stock as those who established Sacramento, there still seems to be such a difference in the attitude and background of the peoples, be it from immigration, or family origination from differing countries at the start. There are interesting people to be found in both cities. Truckee may have the up on celebrities who also add character to the area. The history of those searching for a place to live in the "Wild West" of years ago bring the flavor that is California today.
4. Questioning: What else would you like to know about these places? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience. .5 point
Although I have read much information on these areas for the project, and I have been to both cities a few times, I would like to know more about the people and how the area was before the people came. I realize that some of this information is best collected at the location, since I am fortunate enough to be nearby and able to do that. I have had a glimpse of what life was like in Old Sacramento and Virginia City, NV, but I would like to know if there are locations where you can really peer into the past without the commercialism and tourist enticements. How was life really like back then? In our world, it would be interesting to see how they got along without many stores, how they were so self sufficient.
5. Using your classmates work from last week, tell us one thing you learned from 1 student. Is this one thing some common experience you share or some experience that is completely different than what you experienced? Is this one thing related to our class theoretical foundation and if so, how? Is that one thing related to historical or cultural context of this country or a different one? Link that persons blog to this entry (eg cut paste that blog entry here) . .5 point
http://rspeakes3b.blogspot.com/
Last week, Ronald did research on Pismo and Kauapea Beaches. A side point that I found very interesting is that there are more people at Kauapea during the time of day it rains. I am thinking that, like in New England, the rainy days cool off the air temperatures and so the water seems so much warmer because of it. We used to prefer swimming on those rainy days for that reason since the water was generally very cold. I have not been to Hawaii, but am very interested in going there. I'm sure that it, too, being a melting pot of cultures would be a very interesting study as well as a fun place to go.
I find the information presented is related to our class theoretical foundation in that I am able to learn and utilize the information that he has given through his experiences.
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