So work has been going well. I had some car problems last week but now everything is good and the car is driving better than ever.
With October already here I've been looking to the future a lot lately. Right now I am at my dream job. Every day I realize that almost everything I have ever wanted I have. While that feeling is one of amazement and pure joy there is also a nagging 'now what' that keeps tugging at my thoughts. My teaching contract expires in December and as of right now I have absolutely no idea where the future is taking me.
I've been toying around with the idea of going back to school. I am placing my hope that the economy rebounds sooner than later, but I did that same move in 2008 and ended up in a dead end job at a bankrupt company. That move is what caused me to realize it was time to get my M.A. So the same move again has me worried.
All in all though I am much more optimistic about the local economy than many other people seem to be. Orlando is building itself up to be able to weather these economic storms much stronger than it did before and the next year will be one of massive job creation in the region. With the Lake Nona Medical City finally coming online and the pre-recession hotel occupancy already back I am sure that 2012 will be a year of steady growth for the City Beautiful.
My concern though stems from finding where I fit into all this. I love Orlando. I use love only because there isn't a stronger word than that to describe my infatuation with this region. Some people find it odd that I am actually a fanboy of a city. But why not? There are plenty of trekkies, star wars has the 501st Legion, and this weeks Apple news only shows the obsession that many people have with this company. So if people can be fanboys of corporations and movies why not of cities?
Of course this lends itself to some difficulties in life. When one is obsessed with a city how does one look for career opportunities that are not within that region? As of right now the city I love seems to be giving not as much love back and that means even though I love it I may have to leave it.
Now one thing about obsessions though is that when someone has one they quickly become an expert on that topic. Just as a trekkie could be able to tell you all the planets visited in the original series I too am able to quickly reference numerous projects around the Central Florida region. This knowledge lends itself to a certain depth of understanding that I struggle to find in many others. And those that I do find it in seem to be as optimistic about Orlando as I am. Now this may be all of us denying the realities of the economy or may be that we truly see something deeper, something more powerful than what shows up on the radar of economist and politicians.
I don't know what the future holds but I am hopeful that in the end my optimistic, albeit possibly childish, beliefs in Orlando economic rebound beyond that of what any economist would openly discuss lends itself to allowing me to fall more deeply in love with this beautiful city, the City Beautiful.
Showing posts with label Orlando. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orlando. Show all posts
Friday, October 7, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
4 months, a life a new.
Wow, that went by fast! Time to get back into blogging. You know me, I have such a love-hate relationship with blogging. I just get pulled back to it. I feel so connected to this medium, for 8 years, off and on, back and forth, through the highs and lows.
I sure left off in May in a low. Life was getting rough for awhile there. Freshly out of grad school, no job, and I started to fear that would be my new normal.
But now let me pick back up. So many changes in 4 months.
Let me give you the short run down then I'll go into details about them. Maybe I'll just give the overview tonight and go into the details in coming up entries.
So here is the run down of all that has happened.
Um, I was working at the coffee shop-yeah, I quit that, more on that later.
So now I've found a real career. I'm a professor now at a school in the Tampa region. I love it. It's only an adjunct position through December. Hopefully they offer me another contract for the spring semester. For now though I am loving this job. This is what I am meant to do. I am part of a carpool to Tampa the three days a week I teach.
I am still at UCF working in the sociology lab. Sure the work there is few and far between but its good while it last.
My roommate Brian moved out and now we have a new awesome roommate S. from Calcutta. It's a great cross-cultural experience.
I'm still single but there is someone I been talking to. Actually I have a few people I'm interested in but only one that really stands out. I'll keep you informed how it all goes.
I just left the coffee shop last week (thus the reason I have time to even write this). I was working in Tampa three days a week and at the coffee shop 3-4 days a week. It was rough and not needed. I wanted to stay at the coffee shop but with their lack of ability to schedule me for less hours and the amount of energy it took out of me for such little pay. I was not sleeping, going 40 or more hours on less than 4 hours of sleep. Like I said, it was rough, but worth it. I finally was able to focus my energy on teaching and education. I teach sociology and even with all the education I've taken in these past years I still feel totally inadequate for teaching it. I spend so much time researching and confirming what I think is the answer. Each class day I focus both on the topics of our book and a different sociologist. This means I spend a ton of time researching different sociologist and looking into how they link back to the topics that each class time focuses on. I also included at least two videos in each class, I try to include a recent current news story, and some type of class interaction time. This takes a massive amount of time. I use the book website and base my powerpoints on theirs but it still takes a large amount of time to rewrite, improve, and adjust them with all the aspects that I like to see in the class.
Well this is getting long and I've been trying not to fall asleep. It was a rough day, ripped my pants, forgot my phone, had no gas when I thought I did, forgot to pack my computer charger, at least 6 accidents on the way to work, yeah insane day. You know though, even with all the rough and insane that I must put up with, at the end of class, after the last student has left and before the first for the next class come in, there in that second I stop, look around, realize that I am living my dream and that no matter what life is good.
Good night, thanks for reading, and welcome to the wormhole.
I sure left off in May in a low. Life was getting rough for awhile there. Freshly out of grad school, no job, and I started to fear that would be my new normal.
But now let me pick back up. So many changes in 4 months.
Let me give you the short run down then I'll go into details about them. Maybe I'll just give the overview tonight and go into the details in coming up entries.
So here is the run down of all that has happened.
Um, I was working at the coffee shop-yeah, I quit that, more on that later.
So now I've found a real career. I'm a professor now at a school in the Tampa region. I love it. It's only an adjunct position through December. Hopefully they offer me another contract for the spring semester. For now though I am loving this job. This is what I am meant to do. I am part of a carpool to Tampa the three days a week I teach.
I am still at UCF working in the sociology lab. Sure the work there is few and far between but its good while it last.
My roommate Brian moved out and now we have a new awesome roommate S. from Calcutta. It's a great cross-cultural experience.
I'm still single but there is someone I been talking to. Actually I have a few people I'm interested in but only one that really stands out. I'll keep you informed how it all goes.
I just left the coffee shop last week (thus the reason I have time to even write this). I was working in Tampa three days a week and at the coffee shop 3-4 days a week. It was rough and not needed. I wanted to stay at the coffee shop but with their lack of ability to schedule me for less hours and the amount of energy it took out of me for such little pay. I was not sleeping, going 40 or more hours on less than 4 hours of sleep. Like I said, it was rough, but worth it. I finally was able to focus my energy on teaching and education. I teach sociology and even with all the education I've taken in these past years I still feel totally inadequate for teaching it. I spend so much time researching and confirming what I think is the answer. Each class day I focus both on the topics of our book and a different sociologist. This means I spend a ton of time researching different sociologist and looking into how they link back to the topics that each class time focuses on. I also included at least two videos in each class, I try to include a recent current news story, and some type of class interaction time. This takes a massive amount of time. I use the book website and base my powerpoints on theirs but it still takes a large amount of time to rewrite, improve, and adjust them with all the aspects that I like to see in the class.
Well this is getting long and I've been trying not to fall asleep. It was a rough day, ripped my pants, forgot my phone, had no gas when I thought I did, forgot to pack my computer charger, at least 6 accidents on the way to work, yeah insane day. You know though, even with all the rough and insane that I must put up with, at the end of class, after the last student has left and before the first for the next class come in, there in that second I stop, look around, realize that I am living my dream and that no matter what life is good.
Good night, thanks for reading, and welcome to the wormhole.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Shock of Bad Hospitality or How I wish Florida was more like a post-earthquake Japan
This past Saturday I drove down to Tampa. I spent the night before at a friends house, then got to Tampa and realized I didn't have all of what I needed. Will though came through and came out to where I was, with breakfast in hand, and went and printed off all the papers I needed.
Back here in Orlando one of my good friends and next door neighbors David is about to move away. He is concerned about the rudeness of the people in the city he is moving to. We had a long conversation about how rude people both in the where he plans to move and in his opinion here in Orlando. Orlando has been ranked one of the rudest cities in the nation. The worlds largest smiley face that Thomas and I participated in was one of the efforts to curb this rude streak.
I had never really thought about this city being rude. David though told a story about his aunt from Atlanta and how people were so surprised with her outgoing kind attitude. I think I'm a pretty kind person and it does seem that many people are pleasantly surprised by this. I though lately have begun slipping into the arrogance that comes with living in any that has opportunities that the average place doesn't have. Also its hard to not get a little jaded by the large amounts of tourist that seem to come to Florida yet leave all their manners and common sense at home. Anyone trapped on vacation with screaming kids, hours of lines a day in the hot sun, and theme parks that seem to take every last penny you've ever worked for would be a little tense but the amount rude people who come here on vacation still amazes me even though I've lived here my whole life.
These tourist of course rub off on the workers and soon whole areas become angry as though its an infection spreading through the population. It's not all tourist fault though, part of it is people who move here from other places who just don't understand how to be hospitable and people from here who have gained a certain hatred for the region due to being overshadowed by a mouse and his companions.
I say all this to say that my friend, while nice enough to let me stay there, just didn't deliver the level of hospitality that I would have given someone staying with me. No offer of pillows, of food or drink, and he even just went to bed with no warning or announcement of his intentions. I was a little upset by all this but let it go because I know that I have high levels of hospitality that others seem to not have. I think this is in part due to my being raised in the South, now I by no means recognize Central Florida as part of the South (the joke in Florida is that we are so south you're no longer in the south!) but my grandparents on both were from Kentucky and most of my extended family now live in Kentucky or Georgia. Here in Florida, where my mother and I both grew up, the southern level of hospitality is alive in a different fashion. Living in Central Florida means that you are the relative people stay with when they visit Disney World. This means while growing up we always had a constant stream of relatives staying with us and my parents always made sure they were comfortable. Most everyone I know in Florida who owns their own house has entire bedroom set aside for this constant stream of guests. I live in a tiny apartment yet still have a closet devoted to the quilts, bathroom supplies, and even a drawer full of maps and brochures for when guest crash on our couch. Its just part of the deal of living in a vacation mecca.
I, of course, would never say anything because he is the host and he has every right to host however he sees fit, its just that we have two very levels of what a proper friend and host does. I am the type of person who will go out of my way for even an acquaintance, I've offered my bed to guest before (including him) and have slept on the couch myself since some people can't sleep in such a loud room, I try to do everything within my means to be a good friend and host.
I don't expect others to have this same high level of hospitality but it does surprise me and sometime bother me a little when they don't only because I wonder why I give am as concerned about creating such a high level of comfort for them when they don't seem to return the favor. I grew reading Southern Living, watching Lynnete Jennings, Martha, Christopher Lowell and shows like Designing Women. These shows were more than just entertainment or designing, they were about how to have an inviting house and how to entertain guest. They included sections on proper attitudes and decor, plate settings and food selections, they taught me how to be the best host I could be, no matter what the budget. My grandmother was also a women who was very proper in some regards and always offered a plate of food when guests were over. Even as I child I loved the tea and sweets she had. I look forward to having the house were I can entertain, have tea on the front porch with guests, have the bedroom for relatives to stay in. I do this with no expectations of others to do the same but living in a place like Florida I just view as part of the culuture.
My friend who seemed to lack the understanding of what a good host does isn't from here. I've heard many people before say that the Florida culture is being lost due to the so many new people moving here. I do this see this happening, we now are infamous for angry drivers, unhappy employees, and high crime rates, but I still hold out hope that some of us, the locals, the natives, will keep the hospitality that caused people to want to visit here in the first place. I hope that we don't completely lose this and in fact we rub off on the new people moving in.
I don't view this hospitality as the right thing to do I view is as part of my culture, part of my Florida heritage, and I hope its a part that stays for a long time come. I know I will do my part to show what true hospitality is and I hope others notice and do the same. I don't think its just a southern or Florida thing but true hospitality is something that is slowly dying in this country. I think the recent earthquake in Japan has showed us what a culture of hospitality and concern for others looks like. I hope that we, as Westerns, gain some manners, some awareness of others, some hospitality.
Back here in Orlando one of my good friends and next door neighbors David is about to move away. He is concerned about the rudeness of the people in the city he is moving to. We had a long conversation about how rude people both in the where he plans to move and in his opinion here in Orlando. Orlando has been ranked one of the rudest cities in the nation. The worlds largest smiley face that Thomas and I participated in was one of the efforts to curb this rude streak.
I had never really thought about this city being rude. David though told a story about his aunt from Atlanta and how people were so surprised with her outgoing kind attitude. I think I'm a pretty kind person and it does seem that many people are pleasantly surprised by this. I though lately have begun slipping into the arrogance that comes with living in any that has opportunities that the average place doesn't have. Also its hard to not get a little jaded by the large amounts of tourist that seem to come to Florida yet leave all their manners and common sense at home. Anyone trapped on vacation with screaming kids, hours of lines a day in the hot sun, and theme parks that seem to take every last penny you've ever worked for would be a little tense but the amount rude people who come here on vacation still amazes me even though I've lived here my whole life.
These tourist of course rub off on the workers and soon whole areas become angry as though its an infection spreading through the population. It's not all tourist fault though, part of it is people who move here from other places who just don't understand how to be hospitable and people from here who have gained a certain hatred for the region due to being overshadowed by a mouse and his companions.
I say all this to say that my friend, while nice enough to let me stay there, just didn't deliver the level of hospitality that I would have given someone staying with me. No offer of pillows, of food or drink, and he even just went to bed with no warning or announcement of his intentions. I was a little upset by all this but let it go because I know that I have high levels of hospitality that others seem to not have. I think this is in part due to my being raised in the South, now I by no means recognize Central Florida as part of the South (the joke in Florida is that we are so south you're no longer in the south!) but my grandparents on both were from Kentucky and most of my extended family now live in Kentucky or Georgia. Here in Florida, where my mother and I both grew up, the southern level of hospitality is alive in a different fashion. Living in Central Florida means that you are the relative people stay with when they visit Disney World. This means while growing up we always had a constant stream of relatives staying with us and my parents always made sure they were comfortable. Most everyone I know in Florida who owns their own house has entire bedroom set aside for this constant stream of guests. I live in a tiny apartment yet still have a closet devoted to the quilts, bathroom supplies, and even a drawer full of maps and brochures for when guest crash on our couch. Its just part of the deal of living in a vacation mecca.
I, of course, would never say anything because he is the host and he has every right to host however he sees fit, its just that we have two very levels of what a proper friend and host does. I am the type of person who will go out of my way for even an acquaintance, I've offered my bed to guest before (including him) and have slept on the couch myself since some people can't sleep in such a loud room, I try to do everything within my means to be a good friend and host.
I don't expect others to have this same high level of hospitality but it does surprise me and sometime bother me a little when they don't only because I wonder why I give am as concerned about creating such a high level of comfort for them when they don't seem to return the favor. I grew reading Southern Living, watching Lynnete Jennings, Martha, Christopher Lowell and shows like Designing Women. These shows were more than just entertainment or designing, they were about how to have an inviting house and how to entertain guest. They included sections on proper attitudes and decor, plate settings and food selections, they taught me how to be the best host I could be, no matter what the budget. My grandmother was also a women who was very proper in some regards and always offered a plate of food when guests were over. Even as I child I loved the tea and sweets she had. I look forward to having the house were I can entertain, have tea on the front porch with guests, have the bedroom for relatives to stay in. I do this with no expectations of others to do the same but living in a place like Florida I just view as part of the culuture.
My friend who seemed to lack the understanding of what a good host does isn't from here. I've heard many people before say that the Florida culture is being lost due to the so many new people moving here. I do this see this happening, we now are infamous for angry drivers, unhappy employees, and high crime rates, but I still hold out hope that some of us, the locals, the natives, will keep the hospitality that caused people to want to visit here in the first place. I hope that we don't completely lose this and in fact we rub off on the new people moving in.
I don't view this hospitality as the right thing to do I view is as part of my culture, part of my Florida heritage, and I hope its a part that stays for a long time come. I know I will do my part to show what true hospitality is and I hope others notice and do the same. I don't think its just a southern or Florida thing but true hospitality is something that is slowly dying in this country. I think the recent earthquake in Japan has showed us what a culture of hospitality and concern for others looks like. I hope that we, as Westerns, gain some manners, some awareness of others, some hospitality.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Catching up with old and new
5 weeks till graduation. Time to start blogging again. Last week I found out that I passed my comprehensive exit exam for the department, so its official; I'm graduating on May 7th. The last two years while in the grad school has been such a roller coaster of emotions, challenges and desires.
Now I am at a new place. The last year I've transitioned from being engaged to single, from being in school to almost being done with school, now I'm focused on career, the future, finding someone to be with, and hoping for a future with the perfect spouse, perfect job, and wonderful kids. For now though I am just beginning that journey, just now preparing for the career, just now getting back into the dating scene, just now waking up to the realization that adulthood has hit me at last.
The last few weeks I've began applying to numerous jobs all across the country but mostly jobs here in Central Florida. I love this area, though I have been craving a change lately. Miami or St Petersburg, Florida do seem to be more my style but I love the urban feel of Orlando. Miami is so expensive and St Pete seems to be ghetto.
I must admit the first year in grad school I went out almost every night, making up for the time I missed clubbing while in Christian college. Last semester I did some partying but not nearly as much. This semester I began the year with going to clubs but I feel old there anymore. I went in saying I need to get the clubbing out of me, now I think I have. I do still enjoy a good time but the nightly club outings just aren't in the cards for me anymore. Instead I am fostering friendships, focusing on being involved in the community. I've began going to the monthly TEDxOrlando meetings, volunteering twice a month with children, and being more involved with my church. They say that 26 is when one starts going back to church, when one begins that next phase of their life. I hate being part of anything normal but this is me. The desires for finding a church family, for wanting to settle down some and begin that next chapter. That seems to be what fuels me anymore.
My new roommate, Brian, only 19, causes me to reflect upon where I was at his age. I was denying myself what I wanted in life. I never partied, never did anything crazy and only went to a few clubs. I've only dated one person really in my life, while another I did call it dating it was long distance and only lasted a few months, so I don't believe that really counts. Once I graduated with my Bachelors I began realizing how much of life I had missed out on, I then due not being able to find a job went back to college. It was a re-do if you will. It ended up being much more than that though, as once I began trying new things, meeting new people, and going new places caused me to see the world in a new way. I'm now coming out of grad school with a whole new mindset, a whole new world view, but this time it feels right. For the first time in a very very long time life feels right.
I can't wait for this journey to begin, thanks for being along for it!
Now I am at a new place. The last year I've transitioned from being engaged to single, from being in school to almost being done with school, now I'm focused on career, the future, finding someone to be with, and hoping for a future with the perfect spouse, perfect job, and wonderful kids. For now though I am just beginning that journey, just now preparing for the career, just now getting back into the dating scene, just now waking up to the realization that adulthood has hit me at last.
The last few weeks I've began applying to numerous jobs all across the country but mostly jobs here in Central Florida. I love this area, though I have been craving a change lately. Miami or St Petersburg, Florida do seem to be more my style but I love the urban feel of Orlando. Miami is so expensive and St Pete seems to be ghetto.
I must admit the first year in grad school I went out almost every night, making up for the time I missed clubbing while in Christian college. Last semester I did some partying but not nearly as much. This semester I began the year with going to clubs but I feel old there anymore. I went in saying I need to get the clubbing out of me, now I think I have. I do still enjoy a good time but the nightly club outings just aren't in the cards for me anymore. Instead I am fostering friendships, focusing on being involved in the community. I've began going to the monthly TEDxOrlando meetings, volunteering twice a month with children, and being more involved with my church. They say that 26 is when one starts going back to church, when one begins that next phase of their life. I hate being part of anything normal but this is me. The desires for finding a church family, for wanting to settle down some and begin that next chapter. That seems to be what fuels me anymore.
My new roommate, Brian, only 19, causes me to reflect upon where I was at his age. I was denying myself what I wanted in life. I never partied, never did anything crazy and only went to a few clubs. I've only dated one person really in my life, while another I did call it dating it was long distance and only lasted a few months, so I don't believe that really counts. Once I graduated with my Bachelors I began realizing how much of life I had missed out on, I then due not being able to find a job went back to college. It was a re-do if you will. It ended up being much more than that though, as once I began trying new things, meeting new people, and going new places caused me to see the world in a new way. I'm now coming out of grad school with a whole new mindset, a whole new world view, but this time it feels right. For the first time in a very very long time life feels right.
I can't wait for this journey to begin, thanks for being along for it!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Grad School Realizations
Well with the never ending Decade in Review section taking up most of these past few months I wasn't able to keep all of what was happening in the here and now up to date on here. But with the Decade in review past us I can finally bring the blog up to date.
So much has happened since I last left off. This semester has been a rough one that truly pushed me further than even I knew could go. Grad School is much harder than I first gave it credit but I survived my first full year, now only have 2 more classes and the Thesis and I'll be done. It seems like just yesteday I began this amazing journey.
This semester really challenged my preconceptions on homeless, poverty, and the American welfare system. After almost 16 weeks of studying it I have a much deeper understanding of it and I now know (I love how the second word here is just the first word with an extra letter, isn't that nifty!) that our current welfare system is failing the people it was created to help. I don't have the answers but I now know what the answers aren't.
My Social Theory class reintroduced me to a term that I have been intrigueed with since my first semester as an undergrad. Way back then in 2002, God it seems so long ago!, I was introduced to the term 'post-modern' and instantly fell in love with all that it was. This semester I was finally able to dive into the realm of the postmodern and truly find my niche within it. It was amazingly freeing experience, not only researching this emerging social theory but then being able to share with others what I had discovered in my search. I hope to go forward with a continually expanding conversation within the realm of post-modern sociology.
I also took a not for credit course on teaching that truly expanded my understanding of both learning and teaching. I hope to one day, hopefully soon, be able to use the amazing tools I learned in this class in my own classroom.
In all these classes I met new friends and grew the friendships I had from last semester. I am going into the homestretch now with a large group of new friends, many of whom I know will be lifetime friends and aquatiances. I look forward to being in contact with all these great as they themselves going into the world and redefine it. Last night many of us met for drinks at a rooftop bar in downtown Orlando. Just like many other times these past two semester I was surrounded by people who called themselves my friends, a feeling that most of my life I had never experienced. There on top of that roof with the skyline encircling us I was just of the crew, not the outsider, not the other, but truly part of the group. Everything was just right. Afterward we all went to a 24hr pizza joint and shared a snack to sober up with, all sharing stories of our lives, no one judging, no one separating themselves from the group, everyone was real. I think I finally have that thing I have longed for for so long, that acceptance. I am truly becoming all that I ever imagined myself being and doing.
On the personal side things have been very tough this semester. Maggie arrived back in town and we began seeing each other almost every weekend. This became the norm most of the semester but recently she has decided that we should take some time apart, a decision I fully support even as it hurts me. We have now seperated from each other and seeing where it leads. I still hope that it will lead us back together but I also am coming to understand that it may not.
Maggie was the first person I ever dated and this is the first heartbreak I have ever experinced. This has all happened within the last few weeks and up until today I have just filled my time and thoughts with finishing out the school year. I now am forced to truly come to grips with all that has happened recently and will have to go forward from here.
Other than that not much else has happened. My roommate and I are getting along great, another new truly amazing friendship is blosoming there.
I am adjusting to life in downtown Winter Park. Its by far the most urban place I have ever lived and it still seems to overwhelm me sometimes. It has confirmed though that urban life is for me but also given me a keen appreciation to the more rural life that I was raised in. Living so close to where I was raised has been a constant issue for me, trying to define myself amongst all the reminders of my past. I meet my parents for dinner on a regular basis now and have grown closer to them. I do miss being in a new place, discovering it for the first time, but with the constant growth that Orlando has I can constantly rediscover this always changing place just as easily.
Well I'm sure I've already said more than some people would want to know about me so I
guess I go for now.
Like always, Thanks for Reading!
So much has happened since I last left off. This semester has been a rough one that truly pushed me further than even I knew could go. Grad School is much harder than I first gave it credit but I survived my first full year, now only have 2 more classes and the Thesis and I'll be done. It seems like just yesteday I began this amazing journey.
This semester really challenged my preconceptions on homeless, poverty, and the American welfare system. After almost 16 weeks of studying it I have a much deeper understanding of it and I now know (I love how the second word here is just the first word with an extra letter, isn't that nifty!) that our current welfare system is failing the people it was created to help. I don't have the answers but I now know what the answers aren't.
My Social Theory class reintroduced me to a term that I have been intrigueed with since my first semester as an undergrad. Way back then in 2002, God it seems so long ago!, I was introduced to the term 'post-modern' and instantly fell in love with all that it was. This semester I was finally able to dive into the realm of the postmodern and truly find my niche within it. It was amazingly freeing experience, not only researching this emerging social theory but then being able to share with others what I had discovered in my search. I hope to go forward with a continually expanding conversation within the realm of post-modern sociology.
I also took a not for credit course on teaching that truly expanded my understanding of both learning and teaching. I hope to one day, hopefully soon, be able to use the amazing tools I learned in this class in my own classroom.
In all these classes I met new friends and grew the friendships I had from last semester. I am going into the homestretch now with a large group of new friends, many of whom I know will be lifetime friends and aquatiances. I look forward to being in contact with all these great as they themselves going into the world and redefine it. Last night many of us met for drinks at a rooftop bar in downtown Orlando. Just like many other times these past two semester I was surrounded by people who called themselves my friends, a feeling that most of my life I had never experienced. There on top of that roof with the skyline encircling us I was just of the crew, not the outsider, not the other, but truly part of the group. Everything was just right. Afterward we all went to a 24hr pizza joint and shared a snack to sober up with, all sharing stories of our lives, no one judging, no one separating themselves from the group, everyone was real. I think I finally have that thing I have longed for for so long, that acceptance. I am truly becoming all that I ever imagined myself being and doing.
On the personal side things have been very tough this semester. Maggie arrived back in town and we began seeing each other almost every weekend. This became the norm most of the semester but recently she has decided that we should take some time apart, a decision I fully support even as it hurts me. We have now seperated from each other and seeing where it leads. I still hope that it will lead us back together but I also am coming to understand that it may not.
Maggie was the first person I ever dated and this is the first heartbreak I have ever experinced. This has all happened within the last few weeks and up until today I have just filled my time and thoughts with finishing out the school year. I now am forced to truly come to grips with all that has happened recently and will have to go forward from here.
Other than that not much else has happened. My roommate and I are getting along great, another new truly amazing friendship is blosoming there.
I am adjusting to life in downtown Winter Park. Its by far the most urban place I have ever lived and it still seems to overwhelm me sometimes. It has confirmed though that urban life is for me but also given me a keen appreciation to the more rural life that I was raised in. Living so close to where I was raised has been a constant issue for me, trying to define myself amongst all the reminders of my past. I meet my parents for dinner on a regular basis now and have grown closer to them. I do miss being in a new place, discovering it for the first time, but with the constant growth that Orlando has I can constantly rediscover this always changing place just as easily.
Well I'm sure I've already said more than some people would want to know about me so I
guess I go for now.
Like always, Thanks for Reading!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Can Winter Park be the next Bogota?
One of the joys of living in Winter Park is the ability to experience all that metro Orlando has to offer but still have a small town where I do my daily activities. I have the ability to do all basic living without ever leaving a 6 block or so area. There are numerous shops, restaurants, grocery stores, art museums, a movie theater, book stores, a post office, a private liberal-arts college, and a train station (servicing the silver line going from here all the way to NYC) within a short bike ride or walk of my house.
What makes this so interesting is that Winter Park is a planned community, actually it is the first centrally planned community in the entire state of Florida. It is in some ways the type of city that many places are now trying to replicate, such as Baldwin Park in Orlando and Celebration in Kissimmee.
Orlando is now being broken into more refined districts, such as Baldwin Park, ViMi (Virginia and Mills), SoDo (South of Downtown), Parramore, and so on. Winter Park being literally across the railroad tracks from Orlando has the opportunity to show Orlando and urban planners the world over how to deal with transportation within these new (actually old yet rediscovered) district villages.
Instead of having Orlando or any medium to larger city for that matter focus on a single plan of action in address the pedestrian and traffic concerns of a city I believe each district should address the issues in a district wide approach then lay out a simplified approach in the connecting of these districts.
This is where Winter Park can shine. It has the ability to prove this method, though many other smaller cities are also already proving it.
I hope for a future in Winter Park where a bike sharing/rental program is city wide, where a city wide bus or trolley system connects the residential and commercial areas throughout. Instead of relying on the county to address the transit needs of the city why not have the city address them? Why not build large parking garages outside of the downtown shopping district with buses that people can use to travel to and from the shopping area.
Parking near Park Ave is at its breaking point and more overly decorated parking garages behind the shops on expensive real estate is not the answer. The answer lies in the idea of moving people to and from the downtown area without their cars. This means more bike trails, more walkable roads, and a better transit system.
London has a system in its core district that literally taxes every car that enters it, now I am not one for taxes but I do see where making it less desirable to bring your car into the core area and instead using an alternative way to access it helps the city. By getting people out of their cars they can pass more shops and spend longer in the city which in theory has them spending more in it.
I am imagining a system where people park near Orlando Ave (17/92) or 436 and enter into the core area of Winter Park in alternative forms of transit. Of course the SunRail will dramatically help this, one of the many reason I am a huge proponent of the SunRail and the supporting high speed rail. SunRail though is more of the system that connects the districts since it only has one or so stops in each district (one being in Winter Park, one being in Downtown Orlando, one being in Altamonte, etc.) But one commuter rail line is not enough.
We need buses, trolleys, maybe even boat taxis and horse drawn carriages to move people through the area. Altamonte realizes this and is attempting to address this by introducing the flexbus system the connects to the SunRail. This is a great first step but one bus route around a mall is not the end by any means.
Then if it is proven to work to here other areas will copy it. Baldwin Park seems to always be copying Winter Park (As seen in the recent ads that state "32814 is the new 32789" 32814 being Baldwin Park, Fl and 32789 being Winter Park.)
Winter Park has the opportunity to not only continue its growth by new transit but also can lay the foundation to help other areas realize their own potential when they look within themselves instead of looking for a metro wide approach.
What makes this so interesting is that Winter Park is a planned community, actually it is the first centrally planned community in the entire state of Florida. It is in some ways the type of city that many places are now trying to replicate, such as Baldwin Park in Orlando and Celebration in Kissimmee.
Orlando is now being broken into more refined districts, such as Baldwin Park, ViMi (Virginia and Mills), SoDo (South of Downtown), Parramore, and so on. Winter Park being literally across the railroad tracks from Orlando has the opportunity to show Orlando and urban planners the world over how to deal with transportation within these new (actually old yet rediscovered) district villages.
Instead of having Orlando or any medium to larger city for that matter focus on a single plan of action in address the pedestrian and traffic concerns of a city I believe each district should address the issues in a district wide approach then lay out a simplified approach in the connecting of these districts.
This is where Winter Park can shine. It has the ability to prove this method, though many other smaller cities are also already proving it.
I hope for a future in Winter Park where a bike sharing/rental program is city wide, where a city wide bus or trolley system connects the residential and commercial areas throughout. Instead of relying on the county to address the transit needs of the city why not have the city address them? Why not build large parking garages outside of the downtown shopping district with buses that people can use to travel to and from the shopping area.
Parking near Park Ave is at its breaking point and more overly decorated parking garages behind the shops on expensive real estate is not the answer. The answer lies in the idea of moving people to and from the downtown area without their cars. This means more bike trails, more walkable roads, and a better transit system.
London has a system in its core district that literally taxes every car that enters it, now I am not one for taxes but I do see where making it less desirable to bring your car into the core area and instead using an alternative way to access it helps the city. By getting people out of their cars they can pass more shops and spend longer in the city which in theory has them spending more in it.
I am imagining a system where people park near Orlando Ave (17/92) or 436 and enter into the core area of Winter Park in alternative forms of transit. Of course the SunRail will dramatically help this, one of the many reason I am a huge proponent of the SunRail and the supporting high speed rail. SunRail though is more of the system that connects the districts since it only has one or so stops in each district (one being in Winter Park, one being in Downtown Orlando, one being in Altamonte, etc.) But one commuter rail line is not enough.
We need buses, trolleys, maybe even boat taxis and horse drawn carriages to move people through the area. Altamonte realizes this and is attempting to address this by introducing the flexbus system the connects to the SunRail. This is a great first step but one bus route around a mall is not the end by any means.
Then if it is proven to work to here other areas will copy it. Baldwin Park seems to always be copying Winter Park (As seen in the recent ads that state "32814 is the new 32789" 32814 being Baldwin Park, Fl and 32789 being Winter Park.)
Winter Park has the opportunity to not only continue its growth by new transit but also can lay the foundation to help other areas realize their own potential when they look within themselves instead of looking for a metro wide approach.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Weekend Reads
I have wanted a way to show the news articles and websites that over the past week have interested me. These are the articles and websites that I have noticed myself referring back to. I hope to try this each week, tell me what you like about this idea and how I can improve it.
So let's see what I have read this week....
Orlando and Kissimmee are some of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. My concern is once the area gets a multi-mode mass transit system more people are expected to be walking around the cities. If mass transit is expected to succeed in this area then there needs to be a push to make the region more walkable. I'm imaging a city with 6 foot sidewalks on all major roads. All bus stops be covered bus shelters. All major intersections would have over head crosswalks (as seen in Lake Mary, Fl.) These overhead crosswalks are a major need around the UCF area and around the FullSail area.
----------
Everyone has been focused on the economy lately.
Looks like Buffet is investing in railroads. I expect with a name like Buffet backing railroads again we will see a rise in government investment in railroads and in turn a larger investment in passenger rail. One of the questions I have is now that a insurance heavy conglomerate owns the rail lines how will this affect the insurance agreements with cities and regions that wish to use those lines for passenger rail. This insurance issue seems to be a hot topic that is stopping many transit systems from getting the green light, including Orlando's own SunRail.
---------------------
Sure most of us can't invest like Buffet but I did read an interesting story this week about socially conscience mutual funds. I am somewhat interested in this but then again I see nothing wrong with investing in alcohol, nuclear power, or gambling. But I do like the ones that invest in more ecological focused companies. This whole idea reminds me the issues brought up on Big Love when Bill tried to invest in a Indian casino. Or the church in South Carolina that invested in a local adult bookstore. Both seem like good investments but how socially conscience are they?
-----------------
Looks like Al Gore invested in some ecologically conscience companies and then hyped the companies. I really don't see what the big deal is here. Of course you are going to talk about a company you believe in. I invested in Disney and I talk about them all the time, its not because I want my invest to be made better, its because I believe in the company.
--------------------
Its to bad that China isn't investing in environmentally conscience companies. This story about their economy really made me think about how connected the global markets really are.
----------------
On a completely different note I saw the Exploratorium is moving. This both excites and sadness me. If you don't the Exploratorium was a game changing science museum in San Fransisco. It was one of the first to bring in the idea of fun interactive exhibits that most museums around the world use nowadays. The Orlando Science Center is larger inspired by the Exploratorium. This move could be a chance for the Exploratorium to once again change the entire way we interact with museums. What I expect though sadly is a over the top design from a world renowned architect that integrates ideas that most museums could never afford to do. I hope that the Exploratorium keeps in mind that is a lighthouse of ideas for many people the world over and that the new location keeps in mind the idea of expensive isn't always best.
--------------------
And with 2012 coming out soon I thought this 10 Failed Doomsday Predictions list was quite fun to read. There were a few groups I would have added, like the Koreshan of Florida, but overall this was a fun read of how a little charisma can fool people into just about anything. (Was it me or did this article go way to easy on the Millerites? )
------------------
Well that's about it. I have a few other stories but I think I will use them in up coming entries. I want to think about them and research the ideas a little more. Take some time this weekend and read these stories, post your thoughts on here about them on here if you want, I would love to see what your thoughts on these stories are.
Thanks for reading and have a safe weekend.
So let's see what I have read this week....
Orlando and Kissimmee are some of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. My concern is once the area gets a multi-mode mass transit system more people are expected to be walking around the cities. If mass transit is expected to succeed in this area then there needs to be a push to make the region more walkable. I'm imaging a city with 6 foot sidewalks on all major roads. All bus stops be covered bus shelters. All major intersections would have over head crosswalks (as seen in Lake Mary, Fl.) These overhead crosswalks are a major need around the UCF area and around the FullSail area.
----------
Everyone has been focused on the economy lately.
Looks like Buffet is investing in railroads. I expect with a name like Buffet backing railroads again we will see a rise in government investment in railroads and in turn a larger investment in passenger rail. One of the questions I have is now that a insurance heavy conglomerate owns the rail lines how will this affect the insurance agreements with cities and regions that wish to use those lines for passenger rail. This insurance issue seems to be a hot topic that is stopping many transit systems from getting the green light, including Orlando's own SunRail.
---------------------
Sure most of us can't invest like Buffet but I did read an interesting story this week about socially conscience mutual funds. I am somewhat interested in this but then again I see nothing wrong with investing in alcohol, nuclear power, or gambling. But I do like the ones that invest in more ecological focused companies. This whole idea reminds me the issues brought up on Big Love when Bill tried to invest in a Indian casino. Or the church in South Carolina that invested in a local adult bookstore. Both seem like good investments but how socially conscience are they?
-----------------
Looks like Al Gore invested in some ecologically conscience companies and then hyped the companies. I really don't see what the big deal is here. Of course you are going to talk about a company you believe in. I invested in Disney and I talk about them all the time, its not because I want my invest to be made better, its because I believe in the company.
--------------------
Its to bad that China isn't investing in environmentally conscience companies. This story about their economy really made me think about how connected the global markets really are.
----------------
On a completely different note I saw the Exploratorium is moving. This both excites and sadness me. If you don't the Exploratorium was a game changing science museum in San Fransisco. It was one of the first to bring in the idea of fun interactive exhibits that most museums around the world use nowadays. The Orlando Science Center is larger inspired by the Exploratorium. This move could be a chance for the Exploratorium to once again change the entire way we interact with museums. What I expect though sadly is a over the top design from a world renowned architect that integrates ideas that most museums could never afford to do. I hope that the Exploratorium keeps in mind that is a lighthouse of ideas for many people the world over and that the new location keeps in mind the idea of expensive isn't always best.
--------------------
And with 2012 coming out soon I thought this 10 Failed Doomsday Predictions list was quite fun to read. There were a few groups I would have added, like the Koreshan of Florida, but overall this was a fun read of how a little charisma can fool people into just about anything. (Was it me or did this article go way to easy on the Millerites? )
------------------
Well that's about it. I have a few other stories but I think I will use them in up coming entries. I want to think about them and research the ideas a little more. Take some time this weekend and read these stories, post your thoughts on here about them on here if you want, I would love to see what your thoughts on these stories are.
Thanks for reading and have a safe weekend.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Millionaires trying to be hip with homeless teens
About a month ago I was invited to attend and contribute to a brainstorming session on the issues surrounding local LGBT homeless teens.
Within the Orlando area there is a major problem with homeless LGBT teenagers. Many of them are kicked out of their families houses because of the sexual idenity, they then are forced to drop out of school, and many resort to selling themselves on the streets to make due. Often times older men in the area will bring them in as quasi-sex slaves and will provide them with drugs. Most of the programs that helps homeless teens in Central Florida are through religious organizations where the teenager will not feel comfortable to come out about their true identity. There are programs that help LGBT teens but many of them require the teens to go to a specific location, something difficult when they lack transportation. Also many of these programs are for all LGBT teens and so its usually filled with those of middle class families, somewhere that a homeless teen may feel uncomfortable open up at.
For whatever reason this group of people think that I actually know something about teenagers. I seem have been getting this a lot lately, its nice that people think I know something, I don't really think I know that much about teenagers. I mean it all seems pretty much like common sense to me but I guess to out of touch older people I am a little bit more in touch. Oh well, I love the idea of helping teenagers. I personally think its one of the most marketed to yet one of the most silent about their well being groups in western society so any type I can help teenagers improve their own well being I jump on it.
So I was invited to this brainstorming session about local homeless GBLT teenagers.
I agreed and was soon put on the list. Then I began getting the information about where it was. It held at the Isleworth County Club, one of central Florida's most prestigious neighborhoods. A community where millionaires move in to impress each other.
So here I was in a multi-million dollar clubhouse with a lunch served by a one of the top 70 chef's in the country.
Here I was sitting amongst millionaires, dining on some of the freshest and best food served in America, in a room that rivals that of European cathedrals I have visited and the discussion is on homelessness. I was sitting there just after driving past some of the largest homes in all of Florida, sitting with people that live in those homes and other homes like them and we're discussing homelessness.
Sure not all of the people in attendance lived in Isleworth, or even Windermere for that matter, but many of them did. I have nothing wrong with where a person lives or even how extravagant they may live. But what rub me wrong was here were people that have devoted their life to helping the less privileged in Central Florida and yet they each have a personal assistant, they all seem to live in this upper middle class or even upper class life and yet they claim to know how homeless teenagers live.
There wasn't any homeless teens there. A person brought this up during the discussion and it seemed to be quickly dismissed. The ruling train of thought was of the mindset that these people knew what a homeless LGBT teen would need more than the teen themselves because these people have the research, the education, the titles that it takes to know what to do. The answers in the room ranged from starting a twitter account to inform homeless teens where help is offered. Twitter for homeless people, um I wont even touch that. (though it could have good effects also, just I don't see it with teenagers, from my own observations teens have yet to adopt twitter like many people have believed they have. if you don't believe just do a online search about it and the results show teens dont use twitter. )
Other ideas were websites, myspace pages, in school information sessions, and family counseling. All of these ideas are good (I guess, it just showed how out of touch with technology and teenagers this group was) but in and of themselves these ideas don't do a lot of help.
The day progressed with the normal lame team building activities and brainstorming sessions with rules like 'if money wasn't an issue what would you do?' then when money was brought up it was quickly 'fixed' by the simple idea of applying for more government funding.
Here was a room filled with the who's who of central Florida homeless and teen non-profits, all of which have had cuts because of the recession and the answer they agreed upon to help people is asking for more money. Even as their budgets are slashed and they are forced to turn away people they actually think that the answer to their problem is asking for more money.
I dont have all the answers but I do know that if a group is cutting the amount they give you asking for more isn't going to work. Instead I prefer organizations that are focused on becoming self supporting. Of course the best why to do this is continue to focus on growing an endowment for the organization. (Rollins, the liberal arts college a few blocks from my apartment, has an endowment that is well over $350million. That helps them continue to improve the school and not have as much of a focus on bringing in money, instead they can focus on keeping the school competitive.) if it works for colleges and art galleries it can work for homeless non-profits.
There are many ways to raise funds for programs that don't tap into the infamously loop filled money the government offers. I for one don't want a person in Washington, DC deciding how we should spend our money on reaching the homeless population in our city. Instead it should be our money in our city.
A friend of mine worked with homeless people in Portland. He had the homeless people do art work (the supplies were gently used items from local schools and galleries) that was then displayed in local restaurants and was sold there, the money from the art work then went back into local homeless programs (the artist was able to choice what program they thought was best for the money to go towards, a great way to help the programs that the homeless see doing the best work). (Here is a similar program also in Portland).
Why can't we focus on more than one local problem? Why not let the local LGBT homeless teens work in galleries where their art is displayed? Why not create a magazine or books about their stories and then sell them to raise money for the programs? Why not open shops selling goods made by the homeless and then provide the jobs in the shop to the homeless? (I'm imagining a Ten Thousand Villages style shop but it could be anything) I would love to help write and produce a musical or play based upon the story of a local homeless LGBT teen, then through the ticket sales provide money for the local programs (I am really trying to work on this, making it a dinner theater with local foods, local foods, local story, and keeping the money raised locally. I'm hoping to have this vision realized by next fall, I'll keep you guys updated on this side project)
I was surronded by millionaires at this country club and yet they seem to completely forget their business knowledge because now we're talking about a non-profit, why? Why can't a non-profit be self sustained? I hope to see the day where our local homeless programs are not only meeting the needs of the local homeless population but also spreading the idea that a homeless non-profit doesn't have to be in a continual reactive relationship with the government.
We have people who are out of touch with the homeless population being the decision makers for them. Why not put homeless people on the boards? Why not create the jobs instead of just educated the homeless population on where to find jobs? Why not realize the government funding isn't a guarantee and if you want a service to be improving it takes more than asking for more money and then tweeting about it.
Within the Orlando area there is a major problem with homeless LGBT teenagers. Many of them are kicked out of their families houses because of the sexual idenity, they then are forced to drop out of school, and many resort to selling themselves on the streets to make due. Often times older men in the area will bring them in as quasi-sex slaves and will provide them with drugs. Most of the programs that helps homeless teens in Central Florida are through religious organizations where the teenager will not feel comfortable to come out about their true identity. There are programs that help LGBT teens but many of them require the teens to go to a specific location, something difficult when they lack transportation. Also many of these programs are for all LGBT teens and so its usually filled with those of middle class families, somewhere that a homeless teen may feel uncomfortable open up at.
For whatever reason this group of people think that I actually know something about teenagers. I seem have been getting this a lot lately, its nice that people think I know something, I don't really think I know that much about teenagers. I mean it all seems pretty much like common sense to me but I guess to out of touch older people I am a little bit more in touch. Oh well, I love the idea of helping teenagers. I personally think its one of the most marketed to yet one of the most silent about their well being groups in western society so any type I can help teenagers improve their own well being I jump on it.
So I was invited to this brainstorming session about local homeless GBLT teenagers.
I agreed and was soon put on the list. Then I began getting the information about where it was. It held at the Isleworth County Club, one of central Florida's most prestigious neighborhoods. A community where millionaires move in to impress each other.
So here I was in a multi-million dollar clubhouse with a lunch served by a one of the top 70 chef's in the country.
Here I was sitting amongst millionaires, dining on some of the freshest and best food served in America, in a room that rivals that of European cathedrals I have visited and the discussion is on homelessness. I was sitting there just after driving past some of the largest homes in all of Florida, sitting with people that live in those homes and other homes like them and we're discussing homelessness.
Sure not all of the people in attendance lived in Isleworth, or even Windermere for that matter, but many of them did. I have nothing wrong with where a person lives or even how extravagant they may live. But what rub me wrong was here were people that have devoted their life to helping the less privileged in Central Florida and yet they each have a personal assistant, they all seem to live in this upper middle class or even upper class life and yet they claim to know how homeless teenagers live.
There wasn't any homeless teens there. A person brought this up during the discussion and it seemed to be quickly dismissed. The ruling train of thought was of the mindset that these people knew what a homeless LGBT teen would need more than the teen themselves because these people have the research, the education, the titles that it takes to know what to do. The answers in the room ranged from starting a twitter account to inform homeless teens where help is offered. Twitter for homeless people, um I wont even touch that. (though it could have good effects also, just I don't see it with teenagers, from my own observations teens have yet to adopt twitter like many people have believed they have. if you don't believe just do a online search about it and the results show teens dont use twitter. )
Other ideas were websites, myspace pages, in school information sessions, and family counseling. All of these ideas are good (I guess, it just showed how out of touch with technology and teenagers this group was) but in and of themselves these ideas don't do a lot of help.
The day progressed with the normal lame team building activities and brainstorming sessions with rules like 'if money wasn't an issue what would you do?' then when money was brought up it was quickly 'fixed' by the simple idea of applying for more government funding.
Here was a room filled with the who's who of central Florida homeless and teen non-profits, all of which have had cuts because of the recession and the answer they agreed upon to help people is asking for more money. Even as their budgets are slashed and they are forced to turn away people they actually think that the answer to their problem is asking for more money.
I dont have all the answers but I do know that if a group is cutting the amount they give you asking for more isn't going to work. Instead I prefer organizations that are focused on becoming self supporting. Of course the best why to do this is continue to focus on growing an endowment for the organization. (Rollins, the liberal arts college a few blocks from my apartment, has an endowment that is well over $350million. That helps them continue to improve the school and not have as much of a focus on bringing in money, instead they can focus on keeping the school competitive.) if it works for colleges and art galleries it can work for homeless non-profits.
There are many ways to raise funds for programs that don't tap into the infamously loop filled money the government offers. I for one don't want a person in Washington, DC deciding how we should spend our money on reaching the homeless population in our city. Instead it should be our money in our city.
A friend of mine worked with homeless people in Portland. He had the homeless people do art work (the supplies were gently used items from local schools and galleries) that was then displayed in local restaurants and was sold there, the money from the art work then went back into local homeless programs (the artist was able to choice what program they thought was best for the money to go towards, a great way to help the programs that the homeless see doing the best work). (Here is a similar program also in Portland).
Why can't we focus on more than one local problem? Why not let the local LGBT homeless teens work in galleries where their art is displayed? Why not create a magazine or books about their stories and then sell them to raise money for the programs? Why not open shops selling goods made by the homeless and then provide the jobs in the shop to the homeless? (I'm imagining a Ten Thousand Villages style shop but it could be anything) I would love to help write and produce a musical or play based upon the story of a local homeless LGBT teen, then through the ticket sales provide money for the local programs (I am really trying to work on this, making it a dinner theater with local foods, local foods, local story, and keeping the money raised locally. I'm hoping to have this vision realized by next fall, I'll keep you guys updated on this side project)
I was surronded by millionaires at this country club and yet they seem to completely forget their business knowledge because now we're talking about a non-profit, why? Why can't a non-profit be self sustained? I hope to see the day where our local homeless programs are not only meeting the needs of the local homeless population but also spreading the idea that a homeless non-profit doesn't have to be in a continual reactive relationship with the government.
We have people who are out of touch with the homeless population being the decision makers for them. Why not put homeless people on the boards? Why not create the jobs instead of just educated the homeless population on where to find jobs? Why not realize the government funding isn't a guarantee and if you want a service to be improving it takes more than asking for more money and then tweeting about it.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
My Stimulus Hopes
Obama has vowed to spend money on many shovel ready projects to help stimulate the economy. This along with the tax cuts he plans put in place will I think be just what we need. Even if this doesn't help in the short term it will help in the long run! We are still using many of the projects that the CCC built well over 70 years ago. I imagine the same will be true this time. Unlike the CCC I think this time we will see many more transit based projects and a stronger focus on education. Sure some ideas have already been thrown around but I suspect Obama to surprise us with a HUGE amount of new projects being supported.
Here is my list of projects I hope get funding....
Florida High Speed Rail
Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit (My vote is the Regional Emphasis plan)
New USF Polytechnic campus
California High Speed Rail (Sure I don't live there and probably will never use this but I know how much it is needed and California isn't in the place to even give it a little funding)
Dr Philips Performance Art Center (This can easily become the downtown Orlando landmark but only if it gets all the funding it needs!)
Duluth to Minneapolis High Speed Rail
Lake County Florida Commuter Rail link
Adding solar panels Orange County Florida Convention Center
The Innovation Way/Beachline Expressway Interchange
Help build Encore in Tampa
Add two new taxiways at Tampa International Airport
Major renovations at Hillsborough County Schools and Miami-Dade schools
Complete rebuild of I-275 through Tampa
I was sad to see that the water taxi project between Tampa and St. Pete has all but died. I was hoping that would make the list but dead projects probably wont. I would also like to see some major conversation efforts approved. There has already been a huge push to improve our National parks and money for purchasing of endangered lands. I hope both of these pass along with many other plans to build public parks, improve parks, and conserve land. I also would like to see more projects to help those who are differently abled get approved. I know that the Polk County Florida County Courthouse is on the list for these improvements. I don't care as much about these because they are for a smaller group of people but I would still like to the see them approved.
I see these things as the projects that will be looked back upon in the years to come as wise choices. These projects help the communities at large and help improve the way of life, along with providing needed jobs, houses, and education. We will be finding out all of what Obama plans to do in the coming weeks (though I don't expect an entire plan to be laid out for some time. I expect multiple projects getting the green light in waves, the first wave will be mid-February but many other projects will be skipped this time and get approved in the coming months.)
I will be watching, waiting, to see if these projects get approved. I pray they each do and I hope they will be done the right way, the fastest way, and the cheapest way. Any projects you hoping are approved? Any ideas what can also be added to these list.
Here is my list of projects I hope get funding....
Florida High Speed Rail
Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit (My vote is the Regional Emphasis plan)
New USF Polytechnic campus
California High Speed Rail (Sure I don't live there and probably will never use this but I know how much it is needed and California isn't in the place to even give it a little funding)
Dr Philips Performance Art Center (This can easily become the downtown Orlando landmark but only if it gets all the funding it needs!)
Duluth to Minneapolis High Speed Rail
Lake County Florida Commuter Rail link
Adding solar panels Orange County Florida Convention Center
The Innovation Way/Beachline Expressway Interchange
Help build Encore in Tampa
Add two new taxiways at Tampa International Airport
Major renovations at Hillsborough County Schools and Miami-Dade schools
Complete rebuild of I-275 through Tampa
I was sad to see that the water taxi project between Tampa and St. Pete has all but died. I was hoping that would make the list but dead projects probably wont. I would also like to see some major conversation efforts approved. There has already been a huge push to improve our National parks and money for purchasing of endangered lands. I hope both of these pass along with many other plans to build public parks, improve parks, and conserve land. I also would like to see more projects to help those who are differently abled get approved. I know that the Polk County Florida County Courthouse is on the list for these improvements. I don't care as much about these because they are for a smaller group of people but I would still like to the see them approved.
I see these things as the projects that will be looked back upon in the years to come as wise choices. These projects help the communities at large and help improve the way of life, along with providing needed jobs, houses, and education. We will be finding out all of what Obama plans to do in the coming weeks (though I don't expect an entire plan to be laid out for some time. I expect multiple projects getting the green light in waves, the first wave will be mid-February but many other projects will be skipped this time and get approved in the coming months.)
I will be watching, waiting, to see if these projects get approved. I pray they each do and I hope they will be done the right way, the fastest way, and the cheapest way. Any projects you hoping are approved? Any ideas what can also be added to these list.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hurricane (well not yet) Fay Update
Thank you for all the very concerned phone calls and texts. I thought it would be easier to just update on here than call or text everyone back.
I live just east of Tampa, about 15 mins from downtown and 10 mins from the Bay. (Near where I-4 and i-75 meet) I live in a mobile home near the Tampa Bypass Canal and near some other water areas. As of right now there are no evacuations in my area (in fact we don't even know if the storm is coming this way yet!). IF the storm stays on its current path (the 11pm Sunday 17th update) the storm will be at least category 1 Hurricane and it will pass directly over my mobile home. I live just outside of the Orange/Level E evacuation area, though all roads off of the road I live on are within this evacuation zone and many of the roads near me are within a Yellow/Level D evacuation zone, so with either of these zones being evacuated it would be wise for me to leave since these roads have a good chance of being blocked during and after the storm though I am advised to evacuate any time there is a evacuation in the area since I live in a mobile home.
My gameplan at this point is if there is any evacuations in my area I will leave. I am planning to stay with Maggie at her apartment in Lakeland, if she is also evacuated we will then both stay at my parents house in Eustis (north of Orlando, west of Daytona Beach) until the evacuation notices have been lifted for both of our areas.
The chances of all this happening are very very slim. At this point Will plans to stay at the house so I will be able to stay updated on any damage immediately when it happens, if I choose to leave. I am not concerned with wind damage but I am slightly concerned with water damage due to the amount of water already near me and the bypass canal being so close.
I will be trying to keep Twitter and Brightkite updated on whats happening with me and will try to take as many photos as possible. Right now its a sit and wait game. I will not make any decisions on leaving or staying until the 11pm update on Monday the 18th. At this point the storm will be close enough to tell where it is headed, right now its anyones guess.
Just keep all those affected by this storm, especially the poor in the West Indies, in your prayers. As concerned as I may be it is nothing compared to struggle these people deal with. Please keep all in your prayers but especially those in the West Indies who need it the most.
Thanks for your concerns and again follow me on Twitter for all the updates on my plans.
I live just east of Tampa, about 15 mins from downtown and 10 mins from the Bay. (Near where I-4 and i-75 meet) I live in a mobile home near the Tampa Bypass Canal and near some other water areas. As of right now there are no evacuations in my area (in fact we don't even know if the storm is coming this way yet!). IF the storm stays on its current path (the 11pm Sunday 17th update) the storm will be at least category 1 Hurricane and it will pass directly over my mobile home. I live just outside of the Orange/Level E evacuation area, though all roads off of the road I live on are within this evacuation zone and many of the roads near me are within a Yellow/Level D evacuation zone, so with either of these zones being evacuated it would be wise for me to leave since these roads have a good chance of being blocked during and after the storm though I am advised to evacuate any time there is a evacuation in the area since I live in a mobile home.
My gameplan at this point is if there is any evacuations in my area I will leave. I am planning to stay with Maggie at her apartment in Lakeland, if she is also evacuated we will then both stay at my parents house in Eustis (north of Orlando, west of Daytona Beach) until the evacuation notices have been lifted for both of our areas.
The chances of all this happening are very very slim. At this point Will plans to stay at the house so I will be able to stay updated on any damage immediately when it happens, if I choose to leave. I am not concerned with wind damage but I am slightly concerned with water damage due to the amount of water already near me and the bypass canal being so close.
I will be trying to keep Twitter and Brightkite updated on whats happening with me and will try to take as many photos as possible. Right now its a sit and wait game. I will not make any decisions on leaving or staying until the 11pm update on Monday the 18th. At this point the storm will be close enough to tell where it is headed, right now its anyones guess.
Just keep all those affected by this storm, especially the poor in the West Indies, in your prayers. As concerned as I may be it is nothing compared to struggle these people deal with. Please keep all in your prayers but especially those in the West Indies who need it the most.
Thanks for your concerns and again follow me on Twitter for all the updates on my plans.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
A Real Life Wall-E
Wall-E spotted in LA. Wall-E is by far the coolest Pixar character to date. I love Cars, but Wall-E can so easily transfer from the screen to real life. Imagine when Wall-E rolls down the red carpet to his own premier!
Wall-E Spotted in LA! from Blink on Vimeo.
Expect to see these characters rolling around Disney theme parks very soon (mostly Tomorrowland and Hollywood Studios, though I personally think that he would fit in at Epcot just fine). Is it just me or does he sound exactly like Number 5 from Short Circuit?Wall-E Spotted in LA! from Blink on Vimeo.
The Wall-E character can even go by itself, imagine these robot playing with kids in a daycare or at home. These could be huge furbies, but with so much interaction and programming capabilities. I hope that Wall-E is as popular as it needs to be, if this movie is hit I expect to see these characters rolling around malls, theme parks, and all kinds of other populated spaces.
This movie will be great too, by far the boldest statement made through a Pixar film. I expect to see some people complaining about this movie, but overall this will be a true classic!
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