Susan's Post

Click here to link to the blog Susan created:  http://susanmcaulay.wordpress.com/

Paparazzi

The topic I have chosen is to look at what power the paparazzi have in determining who and what we consider celebrity. This topic interests me because I feel that there are so many magazines and shows that are dedicated to looking at the lives of celebrities. I wonder how much attention people actually pay to things said about these celebrities and how it affects them.

The questions I look to explore are:

What is considered to be celebrity?

How do pictures and news of celebrities affect our lives?

Do the paparazzi really have power over our view of celebrity?

So far I have been watching celebrity news shows like E news and TMZ. I have also been reading magazines like people and newspapers. I have spent some time talking to friends about celebrity news.

For my next steps I will continue my research through the news channels, magazines and conversations with friends about celebrities. This evening I will watch E news and count the amount of times they discuss certain celebrities. I will also be examining various blogs that discuss celebrities and the paparazzi.

In my inquiry process I have already examined the E network website to see what celebrities they have been talking about.

www.eonline.com/uberblog/theawfultruth/index.html

This site is a blog that discusses some of the things celebs are doing. It seems a lot more upbeat and more positive than others that I have been to. On it I saw a story about Jon Gosselin from Jon and Kate plus eight and they have news about the Emmy's.

Another website I've examined is TMZ www.tmz.com. This site focuses a lot on the negative side of celebrity. I saw a piece on John Travolta and an extortion case. There was also a story of an actress who has a stalker who was released.

Sounding Off

Noise pollution might not seem to be a fascinanting topic but it does make me wonder why it would appear that some poeple after experiencing loud annoying sounds as a constant part of their lives, somehow seem to get so immune to that noise, to the extent that they do not even become conscious of it after a while. Right now my specific interest lies in the fact that as a child I grew up in an area where an aluminum production company has trains that pass multiple times each day right behind my house. Having lived there all my life , the sound of the train which was loud and offensive to strangers would become even familiar, and strange but true, even comforting to me. I also realized that friends and acquiantances from my childhood share similar experiences.

This experience has definintely left some questions in my mind. What really is defined as noise? Can noise that is repelling for some, be comforting for others, and if yes what is the explanation for that? What makes people seem to be immune to noise? I am sure that as I dig further into this, I will probably have more questions.

At this time I am talking with ordinary folks like me to see if our experiences are the same, and surprisingly they are. There are people who are not bothered by the cacophony of noise in the city, but their rural counterparts do not share the same sentiments. I am also talking to colleagues who are scientific minded about different aspects of noise pollution, and I am discovering that some of the answers that I am getting are matching up with my experiences. For example, I was told that noise, which was at first a displeasure, could in fact become a pleasure. I am wondering what the real scientific data will reveal.

Definitely, my next step will be to still gather more data in the field, and finally compare these findings to see exactly if and how my wonderings are addressed. It becomes really difficult to even find other blogs that address my question. However, I came across a blog-"Noise Pollution" by Craig Harrison at http://craigharrisonmusic.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/noise-pollution/. This blog speaks to my research interest only as far as the over arching issue of noise pollution. However, unlike my experience, Harrison never mentioned anything about becoming tolerant of the noise in his world. In fact, he made a rant about the noise of the bus on his way to work, and the noise in the basement where he works. "The Daily Commuter" at http://thedailycommuter.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/deafening-music/and did not speak about the noise of a train, but basically about the noise of music blaring from electronic devices as he commutes on the train or bus to work. Again, he never seemed to transcend to the level of "noise pollution immunity". Am I to understand that such level of tolerance is only reached by few? Whether or not, it is still important to understand the mystery of noise tolerance.

http://thedailycommuter.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/deafening-music/

http://thedailycommuter.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/deafening-music/

http://shellgames.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/loud-noises-boogie-man-scare-young-maryland-football-players/

http://www.videojug.com/expertanswer/hearing-impairment-and-hearing-loss/how-does-excessive-noise-affect-my-hearing#

What can I do to help protect our planet?

I want to find out through research what kind of action I can take in order to help save our planet. I would like to educate myself and help to educate other people about the things we do on a daily basis that are damaging to our planet. I would then like to try and help people realize the importance of recycling and reusing things in order to prevent pollution.
Lately I've been curious to learn what contributions or efforts have been made or are being made by other countries as far as recycling industrial products, and protecting our planet from further pollution is concerned. What changes have these countries implemented in order to diminish or stop flow of toxic waste and pollution?
After doing some exploration of my City, I have noticed that the great majority of people are in total ignorance of what’s going on, ignorant of the fact that little by little, we are destroying our planet. Most people are unaware of how responsible everyone of us is for the pollution caused by the garbage we produce. Lately I've been more keen to notice the unconscionable behavior of people everywhere, disposing of their garbage by simply throwing it on the floor. Walking through Broadway, I can see all the trash everywhere on the sidewalk, on the streets, and in the park. I wonder if the people who litter our landscape with their trash are aware their behavior attract rats and other pests-not to mention the fact that they are contaminating the environment itself.
After doing some research on the internet I've come to learn that I'm not the only one concerned about pollution, and looking for some education on how to help remedy the problem. As it turns out, many people have been educating themselves through the use of videos found on the internet, or by reading articles that offer sensible suggestions an ideas on how to help protect our planet from further contamination. For example, I read a article written by Sarah Penniman and Lisa McColl which talks about the different things done by libraries in order to contribute to the recycling and reuse of different materials, as a measure to help protect our planet. For example, libraries donate “paperbacks to nearby prison, popular fiction books to stores like Goodwill, and picture books to a literacy initiative run by the Police Athletic League, (p. 1).” ).” According to Jane C. Neale, the author of “Go Green,” libraries are also donating books to their communities, (p. 1).” In her article, Sarah Penniman also points out that libraries are doing their best to use electronic mail as much as possible so as to avoid the use of paper.
In many schools, teachers are educating their students about the importance of recycling and reusing things in order to minimize the use of resources, which is a way to reduce garbage. For example, in an article written by John Wood, he mentions how some teachers are teaching their students such skills as recycling paper to make new paper, as well as other skills that involve the use of a recycled component.
Having read the above articles made me realize that there are other people out there who are doing something in benefit of protecting our planet. Unfortunately, however, it's sad to realize that there is so much more to be done. One very important thing remaining to be done is educating our communities. My contribution in trying to combat this problem will be to promote recycling through the lessons and activities I do in my school from here on out.

Philly Trash Matters

http://phillytrashmatters.wordpress.com/

I like this blog because it provides many interesting links related to recycling.
It also gives you ideas on how to re-use many of the items we use on a daily basis,
such as light bulbs, plastic cans, and cardboard. This Blog has many images, videos
and slide shows, with more information on recycling-related topics. One of the most
interesting videos I found on this blog is one called “ 12 Amazing Objects Made from Plastic Bags,” which shows how a Chilean industrial designer uses plastic to make boots, bags, and other useful things.
Going Green-Ask Anna

http://www.giveme20.com/blog/-

This is another great blog where you can find very interesting posts and comments that make you reflect on the importance of recycling, and the things that we could be doing to make it a practice. For example, there's an interesting post on this blog that tells us of how we often forget to bring reusable bags to the store. The creator of this blog provides us with interesting information about the ways in which we are destroying our planet, such as by throwing away millions of bags that end up in the ocean. On this blog, you can also find great ideas about the many recyclable gifts that we can give our children and loved ones, such as used toy truck, car, or doll. This blog also provides many videos and pictures of items that can be reused or recycled.
Mother Nature Network
http://www.mnn.com/

This is a blog where you can find many educational activities for parents and teachers. This blog also provides you with great tips on how to raise healthy kids. Here you can also find the news on important current issues in our schools, such as how our kids are not getting an adequate meal for lunch, and how we can protect our kids from toxic water.
I picked these blogs because they provide really useful information and ideas about
how to reuse and recycle things, such as bringing out reusable bags every time I go to the store. What I have learned by on these blogs is very valuable information that I can pass on to my students or fellow teachers.

Teaching people that are close to you about the importance of recycling is a way of helping your community become a cleaner, and safer place.

The blogs below are also other important and

interesting blogs were you will be able to learn

a lot, and share your ideas about recycling.

http://www.storyofstuff.com/blog

http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/

On a daily basis my husband finds it hilarious that I am extremely ticklish. Each day I got a poke in my side or a quick squeeze on my knee as my husband laughs. I often wish that he would be ticklish or I could be less ticklish. I don't understand how my husband and other people do not cringe at the sight of incoming hands and crack up with laughter while being tickle tortured. I have tried everything I can think of to control the uncontrollable urge that makes me fall out of the pedicure chair at the nail salon; holding my breathe as my face turns red while repeating silently in my head 'I am not ticklish, this does not tickle, I feel nothing' until I can not hold back any longer and make a extremely audible yelp that everyone in the place hears. The women who work there laugh and give me a smile while the customer sitting next to me says "I know how that is. I am ticklish too."

These experiences have led me to wonder:
Why am I and so many others ticklish?
Why are some people not ticklish?
What can I do to not be so ridiculously ticklish?

After searching the internet, I have realized the answers to these questions are not truly known. Scientists do have a theory as to why people are ticklish. It is believed that we are ticklish to alert us if something is crawling on us such as a bug or spider. Another reason is because our brains can not anticipate where our body is going to be attacked by someone ready to tickle us so it is the element of surprise and fear of being tickled. This is also why it is thought that most people can not tickle themselves since our brains know it is coming.
For more information on this:
www.livescience.com/health/050628_brain_tickle.html
http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-nature/emotions/other/question511.htm

I have also found out that rats are ticklish too and they laugh when being tickled!




What I can't seem to find answers to is why are some people not ticklish and is it possible to make myself not be as ticklish or not ticklish altogether? To find this out, I am planning to do more research focusing in this area of being ticklish. Also I would like to do some experiments to see if I can figure out a way to stop myself from being ticklish now that I know more about why I am ticklish.

I also would like to start looking into the social aspects of tickling. Why do people tickle each other? What is it about tickling that people enjoy? Why do people laugh and smile when being tickled even though they are not enjoying being tickled?

Community Murals: Who Makes The Decisions?

A new mural painted in my neighborhood has created a buzz like I have never seen before. When people walk pass, strangers unite to figure out where it came from and what it means. The mural was so mesmerizing that it forced people to stop and look. As a fellow passerby, I was just as intrigued. I read the mural and it had a very important story to tell and it spoke to me in a way that made me question the whole idea of a mural. I wanted to know:

• Who was behind it?
• What was the inspiration for the content of the mural?
• How was the artist chosen?
• Were other community members involved in the process?
• Did someone outside of the community organize this?
• How is the mural affecting the community overall?

To find the answers to my questions, I have searched locally by speaking to the people of my community. I began by asking my neighbors questions about the new mural. I have even went as far as hanging around the mural so I can engage in conversation about it with strangers. I have gathered lots of different opinions and feelings about our neighborhood gem. Most of the opinions were positive.

Currently, I have been interested in the history of mural making. I found a brief history given by a Brooklyn organization called Groundswell Community Mural Project. I have found that murals were used to express cultural and political issues of different communities. Also, mural painting was a very popular art form in America during the 1940s, after it died out, it returned in the 1960s. Now, hand painted murals are being revived in urban neighborhoods in major cities like Chicago, Philadelphia and New York City. http://www.groundswellmural.org/about_HistoryofMuralMaking.html

This link was very helpful because I have always seen murals and wondered when people began to paint them. All the murals that I have seen seemed like it was there forever, probably before I was born. Most of them were murals that captured the memory of some person in the community who died. It was only until recently that I have noticed murals that addressed social, political, and social issues in our communities. So when I read the history, I realized that “message murals” were at the beginning of its existence in America. Also, I learned that there are many organizations that assist in the creation of these murals around town in conjunction with the community.

Another useful link I found was a blog done by New York Times called City Room. This blog had a feature about NYC murals. It was a three-part question and answer session between NYC residents and the historian and muralist, Janet Braun-Reinitz and Jane Weissman. They are the authors of the book, On the Wall: Four Decades of Community Murals in NYC. Questions about murals are thoroughly answered by experts in the field. Janet Braun- Reinitz is a muralist herself as well as an historian. She was able to give thoughtful responses to the questions many people may have wondered about the current transformation or future transformation of their communities with the art form of murals. Many of these questions were great questions because they were questions many people may want answered. For instance, the question of how someone interested in having a mural painted in their community, can go about getting it done. Braun- Reinitz gave an answer that would help anyone to get started even if they only had an idea. She explained the whole process involved to bringing this idea to fruition. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/ask-about-new-york-citys-community-murals/

The next steps I plan to take in answering some of my questions about this mural in my community is to speak to the groups involved in the particular mural in my community titled “Peace In, Piece Out.” I want to find out how and why this particular mural was placed in this specific location. Ultimately, I would like to know how I could become involved in future projects.

Chocolate Lovers of The World

I love chocolate!!! I enjoy eating it in cake, drinks, and all different types of deserts. In my opinion chocolate makes everything taste better. My topic for my inquiry project is what the “real” effects of chocolate are. Specifically, I want to know what the negative and positive effects of eating chocolate are. In addition, I want to look at what are the different and interesting combinations of chocolate around the world.
Looking at different websites of chocolate I found that some of the effects of chocolate are the following:
• eating chocolate releases endorphins in the brain, which act as pain-relievers,
• eating chocolate boosts one's appetite, but does not cause weight gain,
• the sugar in chocolate may reduce stress and have a calming and pain relieving effect,
• eating chocolate does not give someone acne or other skin eruptions,
• eating chocolate does not trigger migraine headaches,
• eating moderate amounts of chocolate makes one live almost a year longer,
• eating chocolate reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.

I found that information in the following link: http://www.acu-cell.com/choc.html
Other information about the effects and research on chocolate can also be found on that link. The site provided real insight of the effects of chocolate that many believe true but have proven not to be. Specifically, these facts are supported by unprocessed chocolate. Once chocolate is processed, such as, milk chocolate then other ingredients added which can add the secondary effects of chocolate. Many of us eat milk chocolate, which is why we have all these believe of what chocolate can do to people.

At this point I want to find what other studies have been conducted on chocolate and I need
To move forward with the second part of m inquiry which is to find interesting combinations of Chocolate with other foods? For example, I have always heard of "mole" which comes from Mexico. Mole is a Mexican recipe that includes chocolate and poultry. Also, Mexico is the place where chocolate was invented. Chocolate was the welcoming food given to the Spaniards from the Aztecs before the Spaniards decided to take over the civilization.
Hershey’s is one of the leading chocolate makers in the United States. As I went to their website I was able to go on a virtual tour of the entire process of how chocolate is made.
http://www.hersheys.com/discover/tour_video.asp I learned that making chocolate is actually an international process. The cocoa bean only comes from tropical climates. Even though the website explains the entire process of how to make chocolate I wonder what are the ingredients that are not mentioned that make milk chocolate to have more side effects of unprocessed chocolate.

Listen to this song and watch the video along with it from Charlie and Chocolate Factory http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMIi5w2YlKY&feature=related

Getting your groove on while shopping

In recent weeks, I have been shopping for "back to school" clothes. Through the course of my retail therapy, I have found myself spending WAY too long in many of these stores. In addtion to sales and my love of shopping, the music they play keeps me so engaged and I find myself wanting to stay in the stores, and spending money, for longer than necessary. Often I find myself looking like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fsbpZjkqT8) or this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaOoeiTXPJc). I have a feeling many other people have found themselves lip syncing, singing and dancing to the tracks played in retail stores. Therefore, the topic of my inquiry project deals with the music played in shopping/retails stores.

So far in my inquiry project, I have a few questions. 1) Who designs/where are the megamixes designed? 2) Do the music choices have a specific purpose? Are music choices designed to increase purchasing? Or are they used simply for enjoyment?

At this stage in completing this inquiry project, lucky me, I have been able to do a lot of shopping. I have made observations in stores such as Forever 21( http://www.forever21.com/Default.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1), Express (http://www.express.com/home.jsp), and Ann Taylor Loft (http://www.anntaylorloft.com/home.jsp). I have noticed the types of music they play, the volume the music is played at, genres of music they play, the artists or specific songs they play and finally how people react to the songs played. As the project continues I hope to gather resources through interviews. I hope to interview sales associates as well as customers to gather their knowledge, insights and opinions on my inquiry topic.

One thing that has posed a challenege is the lack of concrete researchable information. At this point, I have not found many blogs or published research on this topic. Throughout the course of this project, I will need to continue to find more information.

Because this topic is interesting and enjoybale to me, I am hoping it is to other people in my class. If anyone has any background knoweldge, experience or opinions on the music played in retail stores, I would LOVE to discuss it with you. So far, I have talked with classmates who have siblings or friends that work in retail. I have also spoken with classmates who LOVE to shop. If you fall into either of these categories, please come speak or shop with me :)

As discussed, I have found there is little information, espeically in blog format on my topic. At this point the "Daily DOOH" is the best blog I have found. This blog deals with "out of home audio". There is a really intersting history of music in retail stores, or as the author puts it, "audio retail choreography". http://www.dailydooh.com/archives/10124

This is another blog that deals with "royalty free" music. Because retails stores need to purchase or pay to play music in their stores, this blog discusses royalty free or "free" music that stores can play. It is great because it illustrated types of music, and artists which can be used for holidays or seasons (valentiens day, christmas, etc.) http://www.loopsound.com/blog/

Although not directly related to retail audio choreography, this blog allows people and artists to share music with one another. This is a great, and very popular blog. Similar to http://www.loopsound.com/, royaly free music is available. I feel this is a great way for people to get ideas as to what music they would like to play in their store.

Again, because I have had some difficulties finding blogs, if anyone has information on this topic please feel free to share it with me. I feel fellow shoppers will be a great resource in my inquiry!

Me and My Clutter

My inquiry project deals with my clutter problem. I found a great blog/site, clutterdiet.com. http://www.clutterdietblog.com/ This site has been an incredible resource. I found out that clutter problems are similar to diet/weight problems-something else I know too well. That, alone, has been a revelation to me. And it has helped me understand my behaviors. Resolving to finally understand and do something about my clutter issues, I read a lot of the information on this blog and posted to it. Maybe someone who shares this problem could give me insights.

I am exploring the following questions for my inquiry:
1. What, exactly, are my cluttering habits?
2. Why do I do it? What do I get out of it?
3. How does this affect the other people in my life?
4. Who influenced me to become a clutterer?
5. What steps can I take to resolve this problem?

I am exploring these questions in no special order-I am finding that they all bleed together-much like the mess that is my closet.

I explored another site, www.disposophobia.com. "Disposophobia" is a term they coined, describing someone who is overly attatched to their possessions, sometimes needing to get outside storage to keep it in. That's me. This site is put out by a company called Disaster Masters. They are professional organizers, who deal with people who are extreme hoarders. The company is run by Robert Alford. He speaks on a video titled "Help Someone I Know With Disposophobia. There is a link to it on the disposophobia site. But it can be found on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEegrSpfLtM. He sits in the middle of extreme clutter, talking about clutter habits. He says that people can't make a hoarder stop; therapy and drugs don't work. In fact prodding, theraby or drugs can make things worse. Looking at the images in the film and on the website, I realize that I am nowhere near as bad as some of these people. But it has been very unsettling to watch. What does Robert Alford suggest? His company can help. Call 1-800-THE PLAN. For a fee, his company will send a project manager to help deal with the clutter, get the person organized, and provide help and support for the person, so that they can control their cluttering/hoarding. I mean, their "disposophobia."

I also watched "Help! I'm A Hoarder, Part 1 from TLC, on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daKsMsa8YAc. I felt this was a "don't let this happen to you" moment. I know people say, "Oh, that could never happen to me..." But many of theos are just whom it happens to. It scared me. (Note: I tried pasting the URL directly from my computer, but was prevented by the site, so I copied it on paper and typed it in.)

I have interviewed 2 people-my partner, whom I live with, and a psychologist friend of mine. Tomorrow, I plan to interview the two people who share my office. I photographed some of the accumulation cluttering my apartment. Correction: MY accumulation. I have to upload the pix to the computer. I will be photographing my office space and a possible solution as I go along.
I have gotten an on-line book sent to me, which I haven't read yet, about this. It's called, 30 Ways to Find Time to Get Organized, put out by the clutterdiet people.

I have noticed that I accumulate things I really belive I have to have. I have to look into this more. I am being confronted by how my clutter is affecting other people. I don't mean to be inconsiderate or annoying, but this is not just my problem-it affects others. I think that understanding this will not only give me new insights and make me an easier person to share space with, but it will make me a better teacher. My making meaning of this can lead to my being able to steer my students to unclutter their thinking and communication skills so that they can utilize them more efficiently to make sense of their world/s

Jaywalking: Reckless Pedestrian Crossing!

As a NYC driver, I experience all facets of NYC traffic. But the most frustrating aspect of driving in New York is the 'jaywalkers'. You know who they are perhaps you are one of them, crossing the street when the street sign blinks a red man indicating that you can't walk but you do it anyway because getting to your destination is far more important than your life. New York City states that pedestrians always have the right-a-way, however, some pedestrians abuse this right and really disrupt the flow of traffic and the driver who also have a destination to get to.

Therefore, as a driver I want to explore why people jaywalk in New York, this law was established to protect pedestrians from moving traffic but yet there are pedestrians who risk there lives by not walking on the crosswalk. I also will like to explore why this law is not enforced through out all of New York City, I've seen police officers present when people had jaywalked during traffic and they were not stopped or ticketed. As a driver I have experienced people running in front of my car without looking causing me to stop short and having my heart pound heavily on my chest in fear that I almost hit the person. This is an experience I have nearly everyday that I drive and I can never get use to it.

As a result, I intend to do extensive research on jaywalking laws in New York City and how they are enforced. I will also do a survey on everyday New Yorkers to find out their views on jaywalking and whether they ever jaywalked. This inquiry will help me gain further insight as to the laws established to protect the drivers and pedestrians who must share the streets of New York City.

In order, to proceed with this inquiry I must review the two sides of the issue the pedestrians who consider jaywalking laws to strict and the others who feel that these laws should be more enforced. Below are links to other blogs and/or website that will inform me throughout my inquiry:


http://http//www.transterrestrial.com/archives/2008/05/are_antijaywalk.html
This blog states the opinions of pedestrians and jaywalking laws in New York and other states.
http://http//www.huffingtonpost.com/nicholas-stephanopoulos/beating-the-jaywalking-ra_b_111053.html
Nicolas Stephanopoulas is a attorney in Washington D.C. who discusses legal issues and his experiences with the issues. He wrote a piece on jaywalking on the www.huffingtonpost.com.
http://http//www.hyperorg.com/blogger/mtarchive/004259.html
Though brief I got some opinions from bloggers in other states about the jaywalking laws and whether they are enforced or not.

Though this video is a mockumentary on jaywalking I thought it touches upon the real life incidents that occur when pedestrians jaywalk. This video demonstrates the reasons why people should not jaywalk.

LisaSimon's Bookmarks on Delicious

LisaSimon's Bookmarks on Delicious

Do NYC bridges move?

I have always been very curious about NYC bridges and tunnels. I’ve always been curious as to how they were built, when they were constructed and how safe they really are. One day while crossing over the Manhattan Bridge; I thought to myself “how secure is this bridge”. I saw trains, heavy traffic, bikes and people walking on it. If bridges constantly move from side to side to help keep there balance, how can we believe that this is a secure way of transportation. My focus is to find answers to the following questions, Do NYC Bridges move? and How safe are NYC bridges?



There are several things that I am doing to reach the answers to my questions. Mainly I’ve been focusing on researching things on the internet on what other people believe and what engineers have to say on the subject. At the same time I’ve been looking closely at the patterns on the bridges. I believe this similarity can lead me to a more unanimous answer.

My next steps for this inquiry is to interview people that bike, drive and walk constantly on any of NYC’s bridges. I’ll ask them about how safe they feel going over these bridges? Have they seen anything uncommon during there ride? Do they believe that NYC bridges move and/or why? At the same time I want to obtain information from experts on the field; by looking for answers given by engineers and officials of NYC safety.


I found several sources that are relevant to my inquiry process. While doing some research online I came across this video that shows how in one minute and fifty-eight seconds how the Manhattan Bridge sways up and down because of the heavy traffic. See it yourself and than decide whether or not you will go over this bridge again?



While looking at this video, I found a response for the swaying of the bridge given by a Columbia University Engineer.



I also found this Blog that discusses the issues that has been raised after looking into this video

http://secondavenuesagas.com/2009/07/28/the-swaying-manhattan-bridge/

On the New York City Department of Transportation website we are also able to find more concrete information as to how the bridges were built, rehabilitation or reconstructions that are being done on the bridges.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bridges/bridges.shtml

Now I am curious to know how safe is my daily commute over the Williamsburg bridge?

The Wonderful World of Public Transportation

Have you ever wondered why some people are vehemently against the use of mass transit and while for others it is their only means of transportation? Well I did and that is why I have started an inquiry about just that; why some people will never take mass transit and why for others it is their only means of travel specifically when they don't have to. Being a New Yorker, I am totally for mass transit. I do not own a car and I don't have the urgency to get one when I am in a city surrounded by buses and trains that I can take instead. I get around town mostly through the use of the subway system. From where I live on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, for me, the subway is the fastest and simplest means of travel into Manhattan. It takes 20 minutes on the L to get to 14th Street. It takes 50 minutes to get from my stop on the L to 137th Street and Amsterdam Avenue with the use of only 1 transfer. In my opinion, this beats the street traffic, the hassle for trying to find parking, the worry of my car getting stolen, ticketed, or vandalized, the cost of gas and the cost of maintenance just to name a few.

Is the NYC MTA the best means of travel?

For some, the answer is NO! Some New Yorkers say that the wait time for trains, the noise, cleanliness and the crowding are enough to keep them away from mass transit. While I agree with them on this point, that indeed it is frustrating having to wait for trains and fight for a seat, I would much rather do that than have to get stuck in traffic behind the wheel of a car. Instead, I sit back and let the conductor worry about driving while I do other things. Personally, I find the train to be a very productive means of getting things done for the most part. Whether it is reading a book, doing homework, grading papers, or listening to my Ipod, I am usually always making use of my travel time.

Throughout my inquiry, I have read articles dealing with why people take mass transit and why some do not. One in particular that I found interesting was written by a blogger named Lisa Newton from Los Angeles. http://www.travelinlocal.com/10-reasons-to-use-mass-transit/ Lisa provides her reader with 10 good reasons why people use mass transit. She lists them as: " 1. Getting to be outside, walking, in touch with your local environment 2. While waiting for the bus, you can talk with clients, friends, and family uncluttered by having a steering wheel glued to your hands. 3. Read a book, magazine, or even a Kindle. 4. Save time because many buses have their own bus lane. Plus, if you’re stuck in traffic, it’s much more relaxing to sit back and let someone else do the driving. 5. Save money—Just think, no parking fees, no meters, no high gas prices, and less wear and tear on your car. 6. It’s easy – with a monthly Btap card. 7. The opportunity to be independent and free. 8. Added time to work or play on your laptop; or to just relax and daydream. 9. To save the planet by reducing carbon emissions, reducing pollution, and reducing smog 10. Set an example for others in your community".

I agree with Lisa's reasons behind why people use mass transit and I have had very similar experiences that she has while taking bus trips around NYC. I think that she has some very valuable points that not only apply to LA but also to NYC. Lisa talks about the comfort she has with sitting back and relaxing on the bus. She also mentions that she gets a lot of work done on her trips as well. As she walks her reader through her journey on the public transit she touches upon some of the very same reasons that I take the buses and trains in NYC. I think her blog is worth visiting for some insight.

Another source of pretty accurate information in reference to the the NYC subways is provided by NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign. http://www.straphangers.org/statesub09/ Here the NYPIRG provides the state of the subways report card for 2009. Every year this organization puts out a report card for the best and worst subway lines in the city. They rate the lines based on their findings of what New Yorkers want which according to them is, "They want short waits, trains that arrive regularly, a chance for a seat, a clean car and understandable announcements that tell them what they need to know. That’s what MTA New York City Transit’s own polling of its riders shows". They go on to state their findings on each of the aforementioned criteria and then they explain how they came up with their statistics and their grading system. The part that I especially found interesting is that it voted the L train as being the worst line to get a seat on in the most congested part; whereas according to them, you have only a 24% chance of getting a seat. This is very accurate in my opinion. In fact, I could even tell you that, specifically, I feel the worst place to get a seat on the Brooklyn bound train during rush hour is at the Union Square station. The place that I see it getting the most congested on the Manhattan bound trains are Lorimer and Bedford which are the last two stops in Brooklyn before the train goes into Manhattan. Now don't get me wrong, it is congested all along the line during rush hour, but it is so congested that often by the time it gets to Bedford Ave., people have to wait for the next train and on occasion the train bypasses this station. The likelihood of finding a seat at that stop is VERY low during rush hour specifically in the morning.


Another interesting statistic that I found from this report is that the L was deemed number 1 in cleanliness. This too I will agree with because for the most part the L is clean when comparing it to other trains. Additionally, I agree with the idea of report cards being given out to the subway system and its lines. I think that is good to know that other people feel the same way that we riders do. Heck, if schools have to have quality reviews now why not the subways,right? Yes, that's all great but my question to the Straphangers organization is now what? What happens to the lines that fail? I mean if our school gets an F on the report card, the Board of Education comes down hard on us.

What does the MTA do if a line gets a bad report?



At this stage in my inquiry, I am interviewing people to find out why they do not take mass transit and why others do. While I know the majority of reasons why people do and do not take mass transit, I want to see some of the specifics. Particularly, I would like to know why people that live within the 5 boroughs; Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, do or do not take public transportation. Specifically, some of the questions that I want answered are: Do you use mass transit? Why do you use mass transit? or Why don't you use mass transit? How do you get you work and/or school? How long is your trip to work and/or to school? Do you feel mass transit is an effective means of travel?


My next steps in my inquiry are to get answers to my surveys and begin to analyze the answers. I am also in the process of viewing interesting videos shot by New Yorkers in the WNYC's series Door to Door. Below are two videos from commuter's that document their trip to work using mass transit.


This is commuter Steven Jones from Cambria Heights:





This is commuter Ray McCarthy who takes the Yonkers ferry to work.

How do you make crayons?

The topic I have chosen to focus on is "How are crayons made?" This topic is of interest to me because last week in my kindergarten classroom one of my students asked me the following question, "How do you make crayons?" and I really did not have the answer to it because I didn't have one. While I know crayons are made of wax, I really didn't know much more. So I have decided to find this out now so that I will be able to share my knowledge about crayons with my current and future students.

At this stage in my inquiry, I am wondering the following questions:

1. What are crayons made of?

2. How do crayons get there color?

3. How is the paper put on the crayons?

4. How do crayons get there name?
5. What is the most popular color crayon used?

At this stage of my inquiry I am collecting artifacts from my students and from various places that I have visited. For example, I am collecting crayons that come in a variety of shapes and sizes and I am also trying to collect crayons that I find at places that I visit (restaurants, etc.). Also, I am trying to observe my students while they are using crayons and how they handle the crayons. So far, I have noticed that some of my students like to play with crayons and that they like to pretend that their crayons are airplanes and other objects. But I am sure that there is more to come.

For my next step in my inquiry, I plan to conduct interviews with the students in my class. By asking them questions, I hope to learn more about their prior knowledge and I would also like to find out what further questions that have about crayons and about how they are made. Also, I would like to conduct a survey about crayons with my students. I would like to ask them basic questions about writing instruments and I would also like to ask questions that relate directly to crayons.

As I am researching my topic, I am finding that there are a lot of videos available that show how crayons are made. It is really interesting to watch these videos because making crayons is really a process that as a beginning, middle and end. One video to check is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4hHK_GIpdg

Check out the following sources that I found to be interesting:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/question563.htm This website explains and shows how crayons and markers are made. There are pictures and a video of the Crayola Factory that is located in Easton, Pennsylvania. On this website I even found out how crayons got there name!

http://pbskids.org/rogers/picpic.html This is a great website for students and young children to visit! It shows a PBS video from Mister Rodger's Neighborhood and he visits a crayon factory.

What is GUM??

What is GUM?

The topic I chose for my inquiry assignment is "What is Gum?" This topic is of interest to me because I love gum. I love all types of gum. Every flavor, brand, texture, I just LOVE gum! Gum is everywhere I look. Everyday, millions of people chew gum! A question to wonder about, how many people do you see a day chewing gum?

The specific questions I am exploring at this stage in my inquiry are, 'what is gum? how is gum made? Why do some people prefer specific brands over another brand? and why do people throw their gum on the ground instead of in the trash can?'

What I am doing, noticing and wondering at this stage is I am observing. I am observing everywhere I go. I observe gum on the subway, while I am walking my dog, when I am at school, etc. I notice gum everywhere. I wonder why gum is so popular? I also wonder, why do people enjoy chewing gum?

The next steps I plan to take and the directions I am pursuing are to conduct surveys, recording observations, interviews and collecting artifacts with the students in my classroom.

What else you should know about what I am learning is that every person is different in the brands, flavor and texture of the gum they chew.

Two sources to check out NOW!

http://gumalert.blogspot.com/

This blog is of interest to me because it is about gum. This blog is related to my inquiry focus because I am trying to find out what is gum? This blog offers our class the availability to learn about different different types of gum. The authors of the site show a picture of each gum that they review. In the review the authors list the flavor, texture overall taste and gumball rating system.

http://candyaddict.com/blog/

This blog is of interest to me because it is about candy and I love candy. Everyday this blog we posts 2-3 candy-related articles. This blog also contains candy reviews. In addition, this blog is related to my inquiry focus because their are gum articles and reviews posted. This blog offers the class the opportunity to read and learn about different types of candy. For the candy lovers of the class, this is a great blog to read.

I am very into clutterdiet.com

Update on inquiry

I am in the beginning stages of researching my family tree. I have successfully traced four generations of my family tree.

Delicious Too.

My Delicious name is Robindiamond.