Potential to blossom

Every week, I am more and more impressed with the diversity in Station North. I listened to Dusty Kelser's interview and just like Ben Stone and Alethia Shin, he mentions Station North has potential. Dusty Kelser mentions he feels a sense of security at Station North and that his current job is the longest job he has held. There are many themes that are similar among the different interviews and then there are some that contradict the other. This in itself, shows diversity. This week, we will be listening to another interview and pull out more themes to contribute to the overall themes the class has picked out. 


Image retrieved from: http://www.robbasso.com

Keepin' it movin'

This past week I transcribed half of Ben Stone's interview and pulled out themes to help Naomi. I worked with her to understand what Ben Stone was talking about. I learned that Station North, still, has a lot of potential. Walking through the neighborhoods it was interesting to still see many abandoned houses/buildings that aren't in use. In Ben Stone's interview he mentioned that some abandoned buildings are owned by people and they're "working" on them. He also talked about his concerns for Station North and a possible expansion.

Adventure 1- Mango Tango

On April 9, 2015 we went to Station North as a field trip. We saw the many places we were researching about. Since it was my first time, I decided I needed to buy something. As we were walking, we noticed an Arabber parked on the street. So i thought this was the perfect opportunity to get something and also support the small business. I asked the man how much was one mango. He said they were $2.50 or something like that. I told him I only had $2 in cash on me. At this point I'm far behind from the rest of the class. He gets two mangoes and asks me what I am doing here and if I am doing a project. So not able to explain much before I get lost, I told him yes we are researching about Station North and it's history ... he was impressed. He gives me both mangoes and says " You have a great day pretty and remember, don't let anyone take that brain away from you". I was happy he gave me two mangoes because they are my favorite fruit.

When I brought them home my mom laughed because she thought I was crazy for buying a mango for $2 when I could get a whole box for $6 at the supermarket. I let them sit in my fruit basket for a couple of days and this past weekend, my mom decides it was time to cut the one on the left. . I was so excited when she cut it because I wanted to prove to her that these mangoes were different. Boy was I wrong! I was disappointed but I'm hoping the gem on the right helps me prove my case.

Roaming Station North

This past week, we have been collecting last minute photographs and trying our best to find some more research on the various areas of Station North. This Friday, a couple of us are going back to Station North to get some more interviews and pictures of the many places we are still missing. I have a Pratt Library card which allows me access to the online catalogs. The goal for this week is to use that and find more information on history that will be useful.

Diversifying photography

Picture is from: http://www.psych.umass.edu/aboutus/diversity/undergraduate_programs_in_diversity/adrap/

This past week, I have learned how to find pictures that we are actually allowed to use. With the different policies and rules, it;s harder to determine what we can and cannot use. I have also learned that many workers in Station North do not live there. Altheia Shin focused on the business owners who are Korean in the area and how that contributes to the culture and diversity of Station North. It would be cool to see who all in Station North actually work in the Arts and Entertainment District and how many venture to nearby areas for jobs.


This week, Bismah and I are trying to get more historic pictures of the areas. We are going to try and contact owners of businesses to see if they have old pictures of their businesses. We are also going to use Thursday to collect more recent and older pictures.