Slave-Mart Always Hiring

I found the article very useful in understanding the complete scope of what we are dealing with when we talk about “Big Box Stores.” The article gives an even handed account of both the positives and the negatives of how these types of stores effect us and our communities. There are many bits of information I will use as support for my view in this paper. Rep. George Miller revealed in a 2004 government report, “Wal-Mart imposes a huge, often hidden cost on it’s workers, our communities, and U.S. taxpayers. And Wal-Mart is in the driver’s seat in the global race to the bottom, suppressing wage levels, workplace protections and labor laws.”

Wal-Mart Parking Lots, the Dealiest Places on Earth

The title for this film, “The High Cost of Low Prices” is just perfect, Illustrating the whole message of this documentary in just a few words. Through this film we are presented with episode after episode of why Wal-Mart is so evil. I personally detest corporations like this one and like to see them not only close their there doors but I would like to see criminal charges brought against them. That said, I don’t think they are the real problem. It is the government, both local and federal who is charged with the responsibilities to protecting the communities from these “free market“economic practices. About a hundred years ago the British were destroying China through the sale of Opium there ruling class, this was fine because the again the “free market“philosophy was being followed. I believe that the backdrop to this movie something even more sinister. I believe that the U.S. can not be attacked efficiently with a traditional military, because let’s face we are the biggest in the world capable of doing a lot of damage to an enemy, so a Trojan horse is needed. Enter corporations like Wal-Mart.

The film itself is well made, especially the use of former Wal-Mart upper level employees to expose the true nature this monster. It is definitely one sided, which I have no problem with. Just pay attention to the sinister music used on the scenes exposing Wal-Mart and the nostalgic music use for the communities and families. I don't believe it should be the duty of any corporation to provide health care, if they want to provide that service, look for work elsewhere. I thought the bunker built be the Walton family was cool, I want one.
The segment exposing the crimes at the Wal-Mart parking lot was lame. This is why we have Sheriff’s departments, if crime is so bad at these parking lots then the city and Sheriff’s department should get involved, providing services and education to the taxpayers. Crimes happen all over the place, if you stop them at Wal-Mart criminals can easily move their operations to another venue. I still hate Wal-Mart. It is the responsibility of the consumer to shop at environments that meet their security needs.

I like the judges being quoted, but they only had three. Not enough.

In the end of the film with a backdrop of new age music we find out that a community can fight back and win against the Evil Giant. The community has the power, if only we can take the duty on. The exception with Inglewood was the progressive congresswomen Maxine Waters who has guts and political influence.

A Lot of Uncritical Thinking

It always intrigues me when an idea I've been holding on to gets broken down.
Looking back on my schooling I find that much of the learning both in high school and college have had weak hints of critical thinking. For example it's only been in the last year that I've been exposed to logical fallacies. I would think that this would be an important element of thought itself, like knowing that two plus two does not equal five or whatever else out there. It equals four, we can be clear about that. I think that critical thinking should not only be taught once but it should be taught through repetition. Physical exercise is not done once, teeth are not brushed only once (in most cases). Intuitive and emotional awareness is also absent in almost all curriculums that I've been exposed to in all the state sponsored institutions of higher learning.

What is Critical Thinking?

I believe that in order to understand a situation, the observer must have an idea of who they are within the context of what is being examined. We all bring our own biases and frames into all situations.
I think that this is an imperfect process where the process itself is a powerful teacher both humbling us while illuminating us.
Now to get our hands dirty. The first step must be to gather as much information and evidence as possible within the limitations set forth. Next decisions have to made as to what information will be beneficial (this is where biases and intuition meld together, maybe helping us of maybe not) in understanding the issue more deeply and poignantly. This is an interesting part of the process as I believe not everyone is a great critical thinker, like any talent or skill some people are more talented then others. I also think that no matter what level anybody is at, they can always increase their skill levels in the different aspects of critical thinking. Finally the conclusions discovered and/or synthesized must be shared with peers, so the idea can be tested in the field of other minds.

So What Makes a Great Public Space

Like most other human endeavors, the design of public spaces have polarities. Elements of public vs. private, security vs. openness, aesthetics vs. functionality, just to name the main issues. The designers of public spaces must have a clear vision of what purpose their space will serve. Will it be a family space, a space for sports, for consumers, for wealthy people, for lovers, etc. This will create a better experience for the users of that space. In regards to security, for example the space I am writing my essay on has a police station vary close by, which compels local police to come and hang out, giving a sense of security just by the cops being there. This is not the case with most spaces. It seems that spaces that are private property, with an openness that allows the public to hang out are the environments that I enjoy the most, because I feel relaxed and a clear about with I can and can't do.

Sunday Night in Northrigde

If you have nothing else going on Sunday night, just go meet friends at ResDev.







Located at northwest corner Reseda and Devonshire, next to the L.A. fitness. This little gem it a favorite hang out for the locals. Very low key and laid back, this is the place to go if you want to just hang loose, have a great conversation or just people watch. You will see from the photos below that the chairs aren't the most comfortable and the ground isn't the cleanest, but it never gets too nasty. I have never felt compelled to spend money when I'm here,but I do anyway. I just don't feel that kind of pressure here. I've used this spot to meet clients during the day. The lighting is just dark enough so you see what you need to see but the mood is relaxed. The people are almost always polite and well mannered and sometimes when I see acquaintances there I feel like I'm a member of this community. You have all the tea and sushi you can afford just a throws distance from tables, what more do you want on a Sunday night.






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Public Spaces

Reseda and Devonshire