Author Archives: SFSeaton

Rubble

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Rubble (noun): broken fragments resulting from the decay or destruction of a building.

“You swallow hard when you discover that the old coffee shop is now a chain pharmacy, that the place where you kissed so-and-so is now a discount electronics retailer, that where you bought this very jacket is now rubble behind a blue plywood…”

I detected the word rubble while reading the passage City Limits. I pondered about the words definition and concluded that it meant a speck. While doing research on Merriam-Webster its definition appeared. I noticed that the definition said the destruction of a building which went perfectly with the author’s writing. He is trying to say where you may have bought your jacket the store has been destroyed and is under construction.

Consensus

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Consensus (noun):  general agreement

” “But, in our crowdsourcing experiment, we found that if you ask a large enough number of people to pick between two pictures [and choose] which one is more beautiful or which one makes them happier, consensus usually emerges.””

https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2014/07/how-to-set-your-mapping-apps-sights-on-the-scenic-route/374483/

When I first encountered the word consensus I tried brainstorming its definition. At first I thought it meant someone’s opinions because a few words before states, “which one makes them happier.” However, I wanted to be sure so I searched consensus up on Merriam-Webster.  Consensus correct definition is a general agreement. The passage is basically stating that an agreement usually occur at the end of the experiment.

The Teenage Train Experience

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I came from a country that has no trains. Therefore, I always wondered what it’s like to see a train for the first time; as a teenager going over The Manhattan Bridge. Would the train be blue or green? Would I ride the train just starring through the window admiring the view? Or would I just be looking at the train as it pulled into the train station.
The first time I fell in love with trains is when I visited The Manhattan Bridge. The view was amazing and the trains passing by was even better. I was in Dumbo for the first time located at Washington Street and Water Street. However, I noticed the overlapping immediately. People were in the street taking pictures, admiring the location, families passing by with laughter. Two wedded couples waiting for the train to complete the bridge to take pictures that they may reflect on in the next 30 years. Nevertheless, in front of me the street was busy, it was a Friday night around 7:00pm. Cars are busy rushing to get by on its narrow street. Some people are also in a hurry to get to their destination. A few minutes afterwards, a screeching sound is approaching as I get totally excited. I immediately turned around to see the train on The Manhattan Bridge. As this shiny long snake like silver train pass by. Just as that occurred a quote from Charles McGrath in the passage, “A Literary Visitor Strolls in From the Airport,” came into existence. It states, “…it would take him through parts of the city that most people never noticed while driving in a car: an experience that Mr. Self…believes has imposed a “windscreen- based virtuality” …” I could relate to this because as I stood admiring the peaceful atmosphere, while the people in the cars limited their opportunities to capture the beautiful experience because they could not focus on it. They had to focus on the traffic ahead.
Then the experience changed as I rode the shiny long snake like silver train; well that’s what I thought. I took the C train to West 4th and caught the B train. In the process of waiting to be enlightened, I sat down and began to observe. It was a long day after work and school. People are on the train sleeping, listening to music, some are standing, reading the paper or a magazine; and some people are starring at each other and having a conversation. As I began to wonder if I boarded the correct train. Instantly, the train went over the bridge it was the most splendid thing I’ve ever seen. I began smiling so wide my cheeks hurt and I became Joker’s sister. I saw the most fascinating graffiti in shades of black, green, white, blue, and yellow. The most appealing buildings, in red, brown, and blue but the most beautiful one was the glass building. As the sun reflected on it. Down below were the most stunning lights. The view was like viewing New York City in an airplane when it’s about to land. I saw the magnificent blue waters with its rippling effect as the train go across The Manhattan Bridge. The boats cruised across the water as the clouds looked violet. The sun began to set as the sun was about to take a big splash as it stopped to wave good-bye as the train kept moving forward. As I was rudely interrupted by the cyclist speeding across the bridge. I said to myself, I would not be able to walk across the bridge because my knees will be buckled to one spot. The train kept moving quickly and my eyes quickly try to locate things. Cars waiting in traffic with beaming scarlet red lights, as they moved like snails. The train began to slow down, as I looked through the other window the Q train was directly across. I felt at peace, although I wish the ride was longer, so my eyes could capture more moments. As I heard, “this is DeKalb Ave transfer for the Q, R, D, and N train.” Still in the moment I heard a whisper in my ear from McGrath saying, “The city is flowing out to embrace us…” A connection was made because a train ride connected me with my surroundings and a capturing moment I’ll never forget.
Some similarities of being on the bridge and in Dumbo are: the peaceful atmosphere, the busy streets, and busy people. The atmosphere was peaceful which clears your mind and gives you a scene of peace. The busy streets showing determination, and the busy people showing independence. Some differences are the water, and the sunset. The water represents cleanliness, life and freedom because of its open space and its constant movement. Finally, the sunset which means we have come to the end of our day where we can take a break of life’s beauty and mystery.
Therefore, encountering the trains for the first time as a teenager was such a beautiful experience. From the viewing of the shiny long snake like silver train, to the day’s graceful sunset. Acknowledging that the world or even the city you may live has great activities and discoveries waiting for you to explore them. Despite of its overlapping, these activities and discoveries are waiting for you to enjoy it and the happiness it may bring to you.

    

Work Site:

Mcgrath, Charles. “A Literary Visitor Strolls in From the Airport.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Dec. 2006, www.nytimes.com/2006/12/06/books/06walk.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&.

 

Amorphous

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Amorphous

Amorphous (Adjective): having no definite form.

“Across from the airport, just east of the Strip, the whole conglomeration like strange amorphous triple junction…”

I encountered the word Amorphous while I was reading Walk with Me by David L. Ulin. I never heard the word before and the word before it is strange, so I know it had to be something was strange however, in this case the definition of the word is shapeless or formless. In the sentence he is saying how “Some strange shapeless triple junction.” the word origin came from the Greek word morphe and was first used in 1731.

Philanthropist

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Philanthropist

Philanthropist (noun) one who makes an active effort to promote human welfare.

“I did, however, start to recognize the land marks: the Boulevard Mall, the Las Vegas Country Club, Sunrise Hospital, all built in the 1950’s and 1960’s by Moe Dalitz, who wanted to be remembered not as a bootlegger but as a philanthropist.”

Walk with Me.

When I first encountered the word philanthropist, I used context clues and I know it was the study of something. I furthered my knowledge by searching up the word on www.merriam-webster.com and got the definition stated above. The definition means the health and well-being of persons. It can be used in a sentence such as spoken as a true philanthropist.

Reason for The Area

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At the beginning of this project I did not choose the spot I am originally going to work with. I choose a black and white Smoke Shop where you go to buy cigars. However, I choose New York Transit Museum, because it was the only thing Downtown Brooklyn in the direction that I walked that caught my attention. Not being from the United States made it even more interesting because I never saw a real train until I came to the U.S. And automatically I was interested. I saw this perfectly cleaned clear glass with its green background and I was already blown away. On the side of the glass it has a black frame explaining what it was. I then proceeded to the front of the museum and said to myself oh no. It seemed spooky compared to a regular train station and that is as far as I got, due to the fact the museum is only open Tuesday to Sundays. Another reason I choose this area, is because I could make connections to the reading of Colson Whitehead, “City Limits,” and that inspired me to work on this project for the next few weeks. And if anyone is interesting in attending the museum as me the price is $10.00.

(I took pictures but they were not as good so I have to retake them)

 

My 15-20 Minutes Journey.

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Let me take you on a walk to my destination. As you walk out of City Tech turn right, then make another right to the first corner you approach. Continue to walk straight until you get to Columbus Park then make a left and walk straight. A land mark is Henry Ward Beecher and as you continue to walk straight you will see Shake Shack. You will now be on the right side of the street. Continue to walk straight and your destination is on your right. However, to view the modernized part of the museum walk through Columbus Park and make a left. A land mark is the cosmetic store Sephora. Therefore, you are on the correct path however as you keep walking straight it is a very commercial area, it has food outlets, movie theaters train stations and book stores just to name a few. However, I noticed a building that I thought was juxtaposed but was told by a construction expert the building is just under renovation. This building is two buildings on the left of The Supreme Court Kings County. As our journey continues you will see a huge Barns & Nobles on the right and on the left side of the street a Chase bank is there. That building is an example of juxtaposition. To get a better view of the building stay on the left side of the street and make a left and turn around and the building will be clear. To be completely sure you are in the correct location you will see a Smoke Shop on the exact building. On the top of the building it has the new building and on the bottom, is the old building. It is similar because it is a building and is different because of how old one building is compared to the other. However, as you turn around there is the New York Transit Museum. Part of the museum is modernized and the other part is not. On my way there I met a lady who spoke to me about a mother God. Because of my religion this was new and interesting. I also got help from a construction expert to understand which buildings were under construction and which were juxtaposition. He really took his time and explained it which was genuine of him. The streets have such beautiful trees that I never noticed because I never got that far so on Court Street before. This can be related to juxtaposition because part of that building was modernized and the other part was not. An idea that popped up into my head was, I wonder how long it will take before the old part is modernized, and how long will it take before I notice it.

The Confirmation Before Our Eyes.

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In the passage “City Limits ” Colson Whitehead described what being a New Yorker is, and what living in New York is as well. He stated that the past is more important than the present. He went further to say New York is not New York if you did not see it, then don’t believe it. Whitehead, then explains that everyone views New York and react to its different situations in a different way because we are all different. He specified, as he began to shape the passage, by the way New York began and how a person may have encountered it. Then in our heads we begin to build a point of view of New York. He describes the old New York to the new, New York. He says new, New York because old buildings are being broken or torn down and established with modernized buildings. Whitehead believe, we do not notice the changes because we as people; must accept and change with New York because we do don’t have a choice therefore, we confirm.

The Truth Behind These Monuments.

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A monument is a statue, building, or structure dedicated to someone important in history. It can also symbolize someone’s success and historical background. However, over the years, monuments have become less relevant to the public, but it struck societies interest when New Yorker’s wanted the statue of Christopher Columbus removed. Therefore, after researching, I have come to conclude that certain monuments should be removed. Should we as the people, glorify those whom oppressed and hated a group of selected individuals based on race, or ethnicity?
Currently, all monuments across state/city wide are being reviewed.
Some monuments are reminders of the untold truth of what happened in history. Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced a 90-day review on public monuments; this may be good for the society because it gives us a chance to reevaluate the good and bad side of the statues history. Therefore, before removing any monuments, or historical statues, a review must be conducted by the Commission.
Although, Mayor Bill de Blasio wants a 90-day review of all the New York City monuments, there are also people that believe this review will cause division amongst the people of New York City. For example, Nicole Malliotakis stated “She believes the mayor issued a press release on a 90-day review to help himself politically, yet he really didn’t think it through; now he has created massive division between the people of the city.” she wanted him to release the monuments before the election. Thus, Nicole feels as mayor he should have issued a review before the election, but by doing so now he potentially put all monuments at risk or danger of being removed or knocked down.
In this case, using my criteria for the 90-day review issued by Mayor Bill de Blasio, he and the commission would be able to identify which monument within all boroughs of the city are displaying violent, or hate crime towards people of all ethnicity groups. One of my criteria from my list is, what was the foundation that lead to that person’s historical empowerment? This is one of the questions that should be asked when conducting the review. now was this historical figure empowered because of slavery, bad conduct, or good-hearted actions and good deeds to our nation. A full background check should be done when doing these kinds of reviews. All truth about this monument should be displayed to the commission. Historical public figures should be held responsible for any wrong doings in the past because some of us use them as inspiration, and ideals; therefore, if I was the government I wouldn’t miss lead our good people in thinking otherwise.
Another criteria is, are tax payers money going into the maintenance of the monuments? During the past month it was confirmed that tax dollars were used to maintain the vandalized monuments. One article stated that $5,000 was used to cover up monuments and install no trespassing signs. This is illegal because the legislation states, “no federal funds may be used for the creation, maintenance, or display, as applicable, of any Confederate symbol on federal property.” However, all the monuments will have to be removed out of every state if the land is not private. This mean that the maintenance of these monuments are illegal and tax payers should not be paying to upheld monuments of people that oppressed any minority.
This leads to the following question does the monuments lead to any economic benefits of the environment? Yes, monuments help the environment economically and help establish it as a commercial area. It creates jobs, but most importantly tourism. With tourism it creates lodging, restaurants, and transport which helps flourish an area. For example, in for years a location can make up to 7.1 billion dollars with just visitors.
Even though, a monument can economically benefit a location, it still should not be worshiped. A monument of a person that invaded and killed other people is wrong. Why should someone be in support of a monument of a person that helped build the foundation of slavery. Why would anyone want to know that their taxes are being used to maintain a monument when there are more important things money to be used for? Why waste it to maintain a monument? Therefore, I believe that Bill Di Blasio should use my criteria to look into the removal of the monuments and see if he to can relate to New Yorkers.

 

Cesario , Anthony. “Charlottesville Officials Forced To Waste Taxpayer Money As Vandals Won’t Give Up.” Charlottesville Officials Forced To Waste Taxpayer Money As Vandals Won’t Give Up, Conservative Daily Post, 22 Sept. 2017, conservativedailypost.com/charlottesville-officials-forced-waste-taxpayer-money-vandals-wont-give/.

Neuman, William. “Ordering Review of Statues Puts De Blasio in Tricky Spot.” Ordering Review of Statues Puts De Blasio in Tricky Spot, The New York Times, 30 Aug. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/08/30/nyregion/ordering-review-of-statues-puts-de-blasio-in-tricky-spot.html.

Repanshek , Kurt. “National Parks Traveler.” Is There Economic Value to National Monument in Your Backyard?, Nationalparkstraveler.org, 17 Mar. 2010, www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2010/03/there-economic-value-national-monument-your-backyard5531.

Aesthetic

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Aesthetic (adjective) appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful.

The content in which the word is written is, “In addition to the details about you yourself that you choose to include, be sure to also identify what you are passionate about, your personal philosophy or aesthetic sensibility that guides you, and the goals…”

(Project 1 handout paragraph 2).

In a more basic definition the word aesthetic means a set of principles that a person live by and is proud of. These principals are what gives a person encouragement to keep on striving. The word was first used in the year of 1797 and is currently being used 221 years later.