Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Essay 3 Proposal
I believe that the driving age for adolescents should be pushed back from 16 to 18. I am sure that many do not agree with me on this , especially teenagers, but it is a subject that for the last few years I have felt should be 're-evaluated'. I think that I have vaild evidence and experience (with only being 23 years old myself) and could argue both sides of this topic but still pursuade the public to at least consider my personal point of view. This isn't a subject that is addressed all to often, like the drinking age, but I think that it should be a priority. Kids, as young as 14 years old, are able to start drivers training and I find this a but scary. I really think that teenagers are given their licenses too soon. Statistics alone show that the majority of automobile accidents occur at the hands of young drivers and I can attest to that from personal experience. I believe that being able to operate a vehicle is a huge responsibility that many teenagers take for granted. Especially when they can endager themselves and others on the road.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Interview Reflection
I have actually chosen to interview more than one person for my research of the McDonald's community. I feel that because I am determining the effects that McDonald's has on the increasing obesity rate and the unhealthy lifestyles of people today that I should interview more than just one person. So, I decided to interview someone younger, in their mid-20's who appears to be fit and healthy; someone who is much older, in their 50's or older; and someone with kids, middle-aged. At this point I have managed to do one of the interviews ( the person in their mid- 20's) and will be conducting the other two this week. I think that it will be interesting to analyze and compare there answers to the same questions regarding McDonald's and fast food in general.
These three different types of people are all people I would think would and I have observed frequenting McDonald's. So, their answers to my interview questions, such as: How often do you go to a McDonald's a month or What is a typical meal for you?;will help me to gain a better understanding of how others view fast food rather than relying souly on my observations. The one interview that I have done with Jessica, who is 23 years old gave me a few surprises. For example, she is very slim and looks to be in good shape but she said that she goes to McDonald's about 6-8 times a month and eats whatever she wants: burgers, coke or hash browns. This would be an interesting twist to add to my paper b/c it shows that looks can be deceiving. After asking her my basic questions about if she eats fast food (McDonald's inparticular) , how often, walk in or drive-thru and what a typical meal is for her, I decided to get more detailed and so I added some extra questions. For instance: How much money do you spend in an average week on fast food? Do you ever consider the healthier options at McDonald's? Why do you pick McDonald's over other choices?
I would also consider my interviewee to be an insider b/c she has grown up with fast food around her, her whole life and she enjoys it and eats it regularly. Also, she is aware of the health risks but chooses to eat there anyway. I think that my interview and upcoming interviews and the answers that result are going to be crucial to my paper b/c as I said before- appearances can be decieving. Just because someone appears to be overweight does not necessarily mean that they eat fast food for Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner.
These three different types of people are all people I would think would and I have observed frequenting McDonald's. So, their answers to my interview questions, such as: How often do you go to a McDonald's a month or What is a typical meal for you?;will help me to gain a better understanding of how others view fast food rather than relying souly on my observations. The one interview that I have done with Jessica, who is 23 years old gave me a few surprises. For example, she is very slim and looks to be in good shape but she said that she goes to McDonald's about 6-8 times a month and eats whatever she wants: burgers, coke or hash browns. This would be an interesting twist to add to my paper b/c it shows that looks can be deceiving. After asking her my basic questions about if she eats fast food (McDonald's inparticular) , how often, walk in or drive-thru and what a typical meal is for her, I decided to get more detailed and so I added some extra questions. For instance: How much money do you spend in an average week on fast food? Do you ever consider the healthier options at McDonald's? Why do you pick McDonald's over other choices?
I would also consider my interviewee to be an insider b/c she has grown up with fast food around her, her whole life and she enjoys it and eats it regularly. Also, she is aware of the health risks but chooses to eat there anyway. I think that my interview and upcoming interviews and the answers that result are going to be crucial to my paper b/c as I said before- appearances can be decieving. Just because someone appears to be overweight does not necessarily mean that they eat fast food for Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner.
Monday, October 13, 2008
GPAW 3:Research Paper Checklist
I didn't choose to do all of this GPAW because,like the others, most of the information is very repetitive and has been covered already in the class. I also haven't had any problems accomplishing these aspects of the research paper in the past.
Activity #1
Thesis: Is McDonald’s to blame for the ever increasing obesity rate and unhealthy lifestyles that Americans are choosing these days?
I do feel that my thesis is clear and arguable.
Activity #2
I have reliable sources that will support my thesis with statistics and factual information. I also am steering my observations and interviews to support the information I am trying to research.
Citing Sources/Works Cited Page
I don’t think that it is necessary to do this particular part of the GPAW. It is similar to the previous GPAW’s that we have already done. Also, I have already demonstrated in the first paper and other GPAW’s that I know the importance of citing factual and reliable sources. The works cited page is the part of the paper that I never have a problem with. I can successfully cite various types of sources: books, internet, journals and interviews. We have done it for our first paper and it has been a requirement in my other college courses that I have had to use other people’s work and ideas.
Activity #1
Thesis: Is McDonald’s to blame for the ever increasing obesity rate and unhealthy lifestyles that Americans are choosing these days?
I do feel that my thesis is clear and arguable.
Activity #2
I have reliable sources that will support my thesis with statistics and factual information. I also am steering my observations and interviews to support the information I am trying to research.
Citing Sources/Works Cited Page
I don’t think that it is necessary to do this particular part of the GPAW. It is similar to the previous GPAW’s that we have already done. Also, I have already demonstrated in the first paper and other GPAW’s that I know the importance of citing factual and reliable sources. The works cited page is the part of the paper that I never have a problem with. I can successfully cite various types of sources: books, internet, journals and interviews. We have done it for our first paper and it has been a requirement in my other college courses that I have had to use other people’s work and ideas.
Fieldnotes cont'd: McDonald's
October 13th, 2008 - McDonald's on East Michigan Ave
11:28am Same McDonald's that I observed last time but this time I am going to observe the parking lot and Drive-thru activity. The weather is nice, warm and sunny.
11:32am As I pull in I notice the parking lot is pretty full. I drive in and try to find a spot that I can back into and will give me a good view of the drive-thru traffic and those that come in and out of the McDonald's too.
It is definitely warm outside so I roll my window a little bit and I notice that I can kind of here people placing their drive-thru orders.
11:37amThe drive-thru is busy, much more steady than the traffic parking and going into the restaurant.
An older couple parks and goes in.
I can hear a younger man in a pick-up truck at the drive-thru placing his order. He picks some stuff off of the dollar menu, a couple cheeseburgers and a pop.
11:42am The Drive-thru is thinning out, I can't see anymore vehicles. The last one has pulled around the building, to the pick-up window.
11:45am A middle-age lady in a blk Charger pulls up and orders a coffee drink.
A young lady in a Volkswagen pulls through and orders a meal.
Traffic starts picking up. It is a much more diverse crowd than I saw when I observed inside the restaurant.
A lot of guys come through in pick-up trucks
11:52am Drive-thru moves at a quick pace. There are no back ups or long wait periods.
A group of women park and go into the restaurant. All appear to be in their mid thirties. No one is extremely small but no one appears to be largely overweight either.
Another woman pulls up driving a large delivery truck and parks. She heads inside too.
11:56am A middle-aged guys comes out with a huge drink cup. He must have supersized his meal.
The drive-thru is starting to fill up again.
Quite a dew older people are parking and going into and coming out of the restaurant like I observed last time.
12:02pm I notice no older people in the drive-thru lane so far.
Interesting: A couple of people in the drive-thru are using the trash can provided to throw out other fast food bags and cups. They must frequent drive-thru's often?
I haven't noticed anyone who is noticeably over weight coming or going into McDonald's so far.
12:04pm The lady driving the delivery truck is exiting the McDonald's with a food bag, no drink. She chose to go inside to order rather than the driv thru.
12:05pm She is still sitting there, now with her window rolled down. She chose to eat outside in her vehicle rather than inside. Maybe b/c the weather is so nice?
12:06pm A middle age guys shows up on a bike, slim build. Going inside to eat it appears. Another guy pulls up on a moped. Trying to conserve gas?
Another wave of cars arrive, all go to the drive-thru. 8 cars at once!!! Now another one. The line is all the way around the building.
The line is moving pretty quickly but more people keep coming.
12:09pm So far everyone in line appears to be between the ages of 25-45 . About equal- half are women and the other half in line are men. Everyone is alone in their vehicles, maybe that is why they are going through the drive-thru?
12:11pm You can tell its lunch time, the cars keep pouring and all head to the drive-thru. One car does park and an older couple gets out, they appear to be in their 70's.
All of the men in the drive-thru right now look over weight: big bellies and all are older
12:13pm Just noticed my first older couple in the drive-thru. Very old and little. Totally cute! Although not sure if he should be driving, he can barely see over the steering wheel!!!
Haven't seen anyone with kids in the drive-thru line. They probably are all inside b/c of the play land area. The drive-thru line is packed now and is all the way at the entrance.
12:17pmSome creepy guys in a van notice me from the drive-thru line. Won't quite staring!!
Line is finally starting to slow down. The parking lot is slow, very few cars.
2 older men emerge from the restaurant carrying large cups. Everyone that leaves it seems, takes their drinks with them.
12:20pm Two vehicles pull in- one goes for the drive-thru (an older man) the other parks ( an older woman with her daughter, maybe?)
Another kid pulls in and heads for the drive-thru. I would totally have to say that 4 out of 5 cars opt for the drive-thru rather than park and go in.
12:23pm A big semi pulls in and heads for the back of the parking lot and parks
Whew! It is getting warm in my car, I role the window down more.
You sure can smell that greasy fast food!!
12:25pm A business man pulls in and parks to go inside and then another pulls in and heads for the drive-thru. Both are slim and well built.
12:28pmActivity is up and down here but it is always fairly steady. The parking lot has a speed bump that I just now notice. Anyone going thru the drive-thru has to drive over it. They definitely have to repaint the parking lines, you can barely see them
12:31pmI decide to pack up, the traffic through here has slowed down.
11:28am Same McDonald's that I observed last time but this time I am going to observe the parking lot and Drive-thru activity. The weather is nice, warm and sunny.
11:32am As I pull in I notice the parking lot is pretty full. I drive in and try to find a spot that I can back into and will give me a good view of the drive-thru traffic and those that come in and out of the McDonald's too.
It is definitely warm outside so I roll my window a little bit and I notice that I can kind of here people placing their drive-thru orders.
11:37amThe drive-thru is busy, much more steady than the traffic parking and going into the restaurant.
An older couple parks and goes in.
I can hear a younger man in a pick-up truck at the drive-thru placing his order. He picks some stuff off of the dollar menu, a couple cheeseburgers and a pop.
11:42am The Drive-thru is thinning out, I can't see anymore vehicles. The last one has pulled around the building, to the pick-up window.
11:45am A middle-age lady in a blk Charger pulls up and orders a coffee drink.
A young lady in a Volkswagen pulls through and orders a meal.
Traffic starts picking up. It is a much more diverse crowd than I saw when I observed inside the restaurant.
A lot of guys come through in pick-up trucks
11:52am Drive-thru moves at a quick pace. There are no back ups or long wait periods.
A group of women park and go into the restaurant. All appear to be in their mid thirties. No one is extremely small but no one appears to be largely overweight either.
Another woman pulls up driving a large delivery truck and parks. She heads inside too.
11:56am A middle-aged guys comes out with a huge drink cup. He must have supersized his meal.
The drive-thru is starting to fill up again.
Quite a dew older people are parking and going into and coming out of the restaurant like I observed last time.
12:02pm I notice no older people in the drive-thru lane so far.
Interesting: A couple of people in the drive-thru are using the trash can provided to throw out other fast food bags and cups. They must frequent drive-thru's often?
I haven't noticed anyone who is noticeably over weight coming or going into McDonald's so far.
12:04pm The lady driving the delivery truck is exiting the McDonald's with a food bag, no drink. She chose to go inside to order rather than the driv thru.
12:05pm She is still sitting there, now with her window rolled down. She chose to eat outside in her vehicle rather than inside. Maybe b/c the weather is so nice?
12:06pm A middle age guys shows up on a bike, slim build. Going inside to eat it appears. Another guy pulls up on a moped. Trying to conserve gas?
Another wave of cars arrive, all go to the drive-thru. 8 cars at once!!! Now another one. The line is all the way around the building.
The line is moving pretty quickly but more people keep coming.
12:09pm So far everyone in line appears to be between the ages of 25-45 . About equal- half are women and the other half in line are men. Everyone is alone in their vehicles, maybe that is why they are going through the drive-thru?
12:11pm You can tell its lunch time, the cars keep pouring and all head to the drive-thru. One car does park and an older couple gets out, they appear to be in their 70's.
All of the men in the drive-thru right now look over weight: big bellies and all are older
12:13pm Just noticed my first older couple in the drive-thru. Very old and little. Totally cute! Although not sure if he should be driving, he can barely see over the steering wheel!!!
Haven't seen anyone with kids in the drive-thru line. They probably are all inside b/c of the play land area. The drive-thru line is packed now and is all the way at the entrance.
12:17pmSome creepy guys in a van notice me from the drive-thru line. Won't quite staring!!
Line is finally starting to slow down. The parking lot is slow, very few cars.
2 older men emerge from the restaurant carrying large cups. Everyone that leaves it seems, takes their drinks with them.
12:20pm Two vehicles pull in- one goes for the drive-thru (an older man) the other parks ( an older woman with her daughter, maybe?)
Another kid pulls in and heads for the drive-thru. I would totally have to say that 4 out of 5 cars opt for the drive-thru rather than park and go in.
12:23pm A big semi pulls in and heads for the back of the parking lot and parks
Whew! It is getting warm in my car, I role the window down more.
You sure can smell that greasy fast food!!
12:25pm A business man pulls in and parks to go inside and then another pulls in and heads for the drive-thru. Both are slim and well built.
12:28pmActivity is up and down here but it is always fairly steady. The parking lot has a speed bump that I just now notice. Anyone going thru the drive-thru has to drive over it. They definitely have to repaint the parking lines, you can barely see them
12:31pmI decide to pack up, the traffic through here has slowed down.
Research Focus Proposal
My main focus for this paper, regarding the McDonald's community, is whether this popular fast food chain is to blame for the ever increasing obesity rate and unhealthy lifestyles that Americans are choosing these days. So, I am observing the typical McDonald's patron: How old are they? What is the typical meal they get there, salads or Big Macs? Is there a pattern with overweight people frequenting this place more than those that appear to be healthy and fit?
This is the overall direction that I want my research to go in. I will be interviewing a couple of different 'types' of people to directly answer my questions and then use that with a combination my research and observations to come to a conclusion. By 'types' of people, I mean someone who is in there early twenties and appears slim and fit, maybe a middle aged mom and then someone who is in their fifties or older. I think the varying perspectives a more than one interview will be beneficial to my research.
This is the overall direction that I want my research to go in. I will be interviewing a couple of different 'types' of people to directly answer my questions and then use that with a combination my research and observations to come to a conclusion. By 'types' of people, I mean someone who is in there early twenties and appears slim and fit, maybe a middle aged mom and then someone who is in their fifties or older. I think the varying perspectives a more than one interview will be beneficial to my research.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Community:McDonald's - Source Report #3
Schlosser,Eric. Fast Food Nation.New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001.
I chose the book, Fast Food Nation because it was cited as a source in one of my other source reports, Wikipedia. I thought it would be an interesting book to check out and so I did. I think this is going to be a great tool to use when writing this paper. The author of the book, Eric Schlosser is a reporter and he dedicates this book entirely to all aspects of Fast Food. At this point I have not sat down and read the book in its entirety but I honestly think that I will. After reading the short description on the inside cover, skimming through all of the chapters headlines and reading the first few pages I find this to be a very intriguing book.
Eric chooses to actually go out and observe his community, fast food, and I think that is what is going to make this source rich with information. According to what I have read about this book, Eric attacks and researches everything that is related to the fast food industries. He observes the fast food settings and how they operate, travels to conventions that involve the franchising methods and procedures of fast food chains and even travels to other countries who are beginning to boom with popular fast food restaurants that America has had for years . Eric also addresses one of the issues that I am addressing in my research of this community - the correlation between the increasing obesity rate in the US with the booming number of fast food places popping up everywhere (3).
Not only does this book involve the research and conclusions that Eric has drawn but it also includes other information and statistics that he has gathered from outside sources. According to the introduction in this book, " Americans now spend more money on fast food than on higher education, personal computers, computer software, or new cars." That is unbelievable to me!!
This source's purpose is to educate and inform readers. It targets an educated group of people who desire to know more about the immediate and lasting effects that fast food has on our society.
I chose the book, Fast Food Nation because it was cited as a source in one of my other source reports, Wikipedia. I thought it would be an interesting book to check out and so I did. I think this is going to be a great tool to use when writing this paper. The author of the book, Eric Schlosser is a reporter and he dedicates this book entirely to all aspects of Fast Food. At this point I have not sat down and read the book in its entirety but I honestly think that I will. After reading the short description on the inside cover, skimming through all of the chapters headlines and reading the first few pages I find this to be a very intriguing book.
Eric chooses to actually go out and observe his community, fast food, and I think that is what is going to make this source rich with information. According to what I have read about this book, Eric attacks and researches everything that is related to the fast food industries. He observes the fast food settings and how they operate, travels to conventions that involve the franchising methods and procedures of fast food chains and even travels to other countries who are beginning to boom with popular fast food restaurants that America has had for years . Eric also addresses one of the issues that I am addressing in my research of this community - the correlation between the increasing obesity rate in the US with the booming number of fast food places popping up everywhere (3).
Not only does this book involve the research and conclusions that Eric has drawn but it also includes other information and statistics that he has gathered from outside sources. According to the introduction in this book, " Americans now spend more money on fast food than on higher education, personal computers, computer software, or new cars." That is unbelievable to me!!
This source's purpose is to educate and inform readers. It targets an educated group of people who desire to know more about the immediate and lasting effects that fast food has on our society.
Fieldnotes:McDonald's
Tuesday October 7, 2008 - McDonald’s on East Michigan Avenue Jackson, MI
11:29am This McDonald’s is located across from Meijer’s. The weather is sunny and nice out with a little bit of a chill.
11:32am As I’m pulling into McDonald’s there are four cars in front of me doing the same thing, however, they all pull into the drive-thru.
I noticed the parking lot was pretty full but I am able to park in a spot that is close to the door.
11:36am A family with 3 kids (all looking to be under the age of 7 or 8) and mom and dad are walking into the restaurant in front of me. The kids seem excited about being here, jumping around and smiling.
It is bright in the building with light colored walls and flowered décor. There is 60’s music playing at a reasonable volume. It doesn’t appear very busy inside; the family that walked in front of me are the only ones at the register. It smells like a typical fast food place, fried food and coffee.
It is much lunch break and I’m starving so I get in line to order some chicken nuggets. I go to the register next too the family, which I notice says ‘CASH ONLY’. My food is on my tray within 2 minutes, maybe less. The family is still waiting.
There are two young guys in line in back of me. Neither go to the register I was just in, they don’t have cash. They appear to be together. They’re dressed in casual clothes and seem to be in the mid – 20’s.
I take my tray and try to find a small table since it is just me. No luck. It is hard to see what seats are available b/c the seating is so choppy and there is only large booths. I pick a booth next to the entrance.
As I sit down I notice a children’s play area in the front of the restaurant. All of the kids here are eating in there with their families. It appears to be pretty full while the rest of this place isn’t. The play area is separated by a glass wall and door from the rest of the place.
11:52am It is starting to get a little bit busier and a line is forming at the counter. There are two older couples in line, a mom with her little girl and baby and a few middle aged men.
I notice the two older couples walking to sit at a table together. The women have happy meals which I think is funny. The men have sandwiches and drinks. One of the women starts talking on her Nextel as soon as they sit down, with that beeping sound going off every time she releases the button on the phone.
The line at the register is moving quickly. The line that is ‘CASH ONLY’ is pretty much empty. Most people must use credit or debit.
12:02pm Another older woman walks in with her granddaughter – maybe? The older woman sits at a booth next to me and the younger gets in line to order.
I can see a window from where I am sitting on the opposite side of the building. The drive-thru seems pretty busy, it is a constant crowd.
It is fairly quiet in here, conversation is sparse. The older woman is still on her phone but really all you here is the 60’s music.
A McDonald’s worker- older woman- greats a customer that has just walked in. She smiles at her and they talk about the weather.
Orders: Everyone that I have noticed has ordered sandwiches and fries. No Salads or yogurt!!!!
Set-Up: There are booths everywhere; very few tables for small groups of people are people that are alone, like me. The seating is broke up and scattered all about the restaurant. There are 3 sets of trash cans that I can see from where I am sitting. It is very clean in here and a yellow ‘wet floor’ sign is unfolded next to my table.
12:08pm Steady traffic coming and going.
The friendly worker from before is walking around and wiping things off.
I noticed most people don’t linger much after they have finished eating.
More than ½ of the customers in here appear to be over the age of 60.
I can hear children laughing and screaming in the play area.
A younger man, who is well dressed, just walked in. He goes straight to the bathroom and then leaves without ordering anything.
The lady on her Nextel is still talking on the phone.
2 construction workers, that is what they look like, come in and order just drinks and then leave.
About 80 % of the people, who have come in so far to order, end up staying here and eating.
12:14pm Another older woman comes in with a younger girl to order. The average person that has come in to eat has done so and left with in 15 minutes.
Another older man walks in. I am totally surprised with the age group that is primarily in here.
Question: Maybe younger people are in too much of a hurry to come inside? Maybe they would rather opt for the drive-thru?
A typical meal in here is a burger and fries, still no salads or attempts to eat healthy by anyone that I have noticed. Also, I haven’t witnessed any extremely overweight people to come in here and order.
12:20 Another man just came in and used the restroom and left.
I see another person wandering around with his tray trying to find a place to sit. The seating is so broken up and scattered about, w/ half walls separating different groups of booths, that it is hard to find available seating.
ANOTHER older couple walks in. Interestingly, they get their napkins and straws before they get in line to order food.
It is still not overly busy in here. I would expect it to be busier since it is lunch time right now.
12:25pm Another worker – younger man- is walking around and wiping things off. He is also grabbing empty trays and picking them up.
12:32pm The families with kids in the play areas seem to stay longer than those eating in the regular seating areas. I’ve only seen 2 families leave the play area since I’ve been here.
As I’m packing up, I notice there is another rush of people coming. Again, most of them are older.
12:36pm I am in my car now and the drive-thru is completely empty. The parking lot is much fuller then when I pulled in earlier.
11:29am This McDonald’s is located across from Meijer’s. The weather is sunny and nice out with a little bit of a chill.
11:32am As I’m pulling into McDonald’s there are four cars in front of me doing the same thing, however, they all pull into the drive-thru.
I noticed the parking lot was pretty full but I am able to park in a spot that is close to the door.
11:36am A family with 3 kids (all looking to be under the age of 7 or 8) and mom and dad are walking into the restaurant in front of me. The kids seem excited about being here, jumping around and smiling.
It is bright in the building with light colored walls and flowered décor. There is 60’s music playing at a reasonable volume. It doesn’t appear very busy inside; the family that walked in front of me are the only ones at the register. It smells like a typical fast food place, fried food and coffee.
It is much lunch break and I’m starving so I get in line to order some chicken nuggets. I go to the register next too the family, which I notice says ‘CASH ONLY’. My food is on my tray within 2 minutes, maybe less. The family is still waiting.
There are two young guys in line in back of me. Neither go to the register I was just in, they don’t have cash. They appear to be together. They’re dressed in casual clothes and seem to be in the mid – 20’s.
I take my tray and try to find a small table since it is just me. No luck. It is hard to see what seats are available b/c the seating is so choppy and there is only large booths. I pick a booth next to the entrance.
As I sit down I notice a children’s play area in the front of the restaurant. All of the kids here are eating in there with their families. It appears to be pretty full while the rest of this place isn’t. The play area is separated by a glass wall and door from the rest of the place.
11:52am It is starting to get a little bit busier and a line is forming at the counter. There are two older couples in line, a mom with her little girl and baby and a few middle aged men.
I notice the two older couples walking to sit at a table together. The women have happy meals which I think is funny. The men have sandwiches and drinks. One of the women starts talking on her Nextel as soon as they sit down, with that beeping sound going off every time she releases the button on the phone.
The line at the register is moving quickly. The line that is ‘CASH ONLY’ is pretty much empty. Most people must use credit or debit.
12:02pm Another older woman walks in with her granddaughter – maybe? The older woman sits at a booth next to me and the younger gets in line to order.
I can see a window from where I am sitting on the opposite side of the building. The drive-thru seems pretty busy, it is a constant crowd.
It is fairly quiet in here, conversation is sparse. The older woman is still on her phone but really all you here is the 60’s music.
A McDonald’s worker- older woman- greats a customer that has just walked in. She smiles at her and they talk about the weather.
Orders: Everyone that I have noticed has ordered sandwiches and fries. No Salads or yogurt!!!!
Set-Up: There are booths everywhere; very few tables for small groups of people are people that are alone, like me. The seating is broke up and scattered all about the restaurant. There are 3 sets of trash cans that I can see from where I am sitting. It is very clean in here and a yellow ‘wet floor’ sign is unfolded next to my table.
12:08pm Steady traffic coming and going.
The friendly worker from before is walking around and wiping things off.
I noticed most people don’t linger much after they have finished eating.
More than ½ of the customers in here appear to be over the age of 60.
I can hear children laughing and screaming in the play area.
A younger man, who is well dressed, just walked in. He goes straight to the bathroom and then leaves without ordering anything.
The lady on her Nextel is still talking on the phone.
2 construction workers, that is what they look like, come in and order just drinks and then leave.
About 80 % of the people, who have come in so far to order, end up staying here and eating.
12:14pm Another older woman comes in with a younger girl to order. The average person that has come in to eat has done so and left with in 15 minutes.
Another older man walks in. I am totally surprised with the age group that is primarily in here.
Question: Maybe younger people are in too much of a hurry to come inside? Maybe they would rather opt for the drive-thru?
A typical meal in here is a burger and fries, still no salads or attempts to eat healthy by anyone that I have noticed. Also, I haven’t witnessed any extremely overweight people to come in here and order.
12:20 Another man just came in and used the restroom and left.
I see another person wandering around with his tray trying to find a place to sit. The seating is so broken up and scattered about, w/ half walls separating different groups of booths, that it is hard to find available seating.
ANOTHER older couple walks in. Interestingly, they get their napkins and straws before they get in line to order food.
It is still not overly busy in here. I would expect it to be busier since it is lunch time right now.
12:25pm Another worker – younger man- is walking around and wiping things off. He is also grabbing empty trays and picking them up.
12:32pm The families with kids in the play areas seem to stay longer than those eating in the regular seating areas. I’ve only seen 2 families leave the play area since I’ve been here.
As I’m packing up, I notice there is another rush of people coming. Again, most of them are older.
12:36pm I am in my car now and the drive-thru is completely empty. The parking lot is much fuller then when I pulled in earlier.
Monday, October 6, 2008
GPAW:Paraphrasing
Again, I chose not to complete this entire GPAW for a couple of reasons. First, this is one of the GPAW's that was completed in ENG 131. Second, I am quite familiar with the process of paraphrasing because I have had to implement this in many of the papers I have written in my other college courses. I did take the time to read each slide in the GPAW but after it introduces what and when to use paraphrasing it just has you practice it over and over again. Since we have already written one paper in class in which I effectively and correctly used paraphrasing I don't think I need to do the practice slides.
Paraphrasing is when we take or use someone else's thoughts, ideas, or words and express them in our own words. You still need to site your source that you use but it is not necessary to use quotes. However, it is important that when you are reciting someone else's work by paraphrasing that you do so in your own writing style and sentence structure; do not 'mirror' or copy someone else's way of writing. That too can be consider copying someones work if it does not reflect your own language or style. Some people think it is okay to just take someone else's ideas or writing and switch around a couple of words and/or sentences and then they've paraphrased. This is not correct!
It is also easier and just as effective to use paraphrasing more when you are writing than constantly using quotes. I think that it makes the writing flow much nicer when someone uses paraphrasing more then constantly quoting others every couple of sentences.
Paraphrasing is when we take or use someone else's thoughts, ideas, or words and express them in our own words. You still need to site your source that you use but it is not necessary to use quotes. However, it is important that when you are reciting someone else's work by paraphrasing that you do so in your own writing style and sentence structure; do not 'mirror' or copy someone else's way of writing. That too can be consider copying someones work if it does not reflect your own language or style. Some people think it is okay to just take someone else's ideas or writing and switch around a couple of words and/or sentences and then they've paraphrased. This is not correct!
It is also easier and just as effective to use paraphrasing more when you are writing than constantly using quotes. I think that it makes the writing flow much nicer when someone uses paraphrasing more then constantly quoting others every couple of sentences.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Community:McDonald's - Source Report #2
"McDonald's - Controversies" Wikipedia, September 24, 2008. September 30, 2008.
< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald's > Pgs1-8.
I chose Wikipedia for my second source report because it is a reliable encyclopedia that provides detailed information on McDonald's and the controversies it has faced. In fact this website specifially sites one of the larger issues that McDonald's faced in 2004 regarding their food and the increasing obesity rate in the United States. "Morgan Spurlock's 2004 documentary film Super Size Me said that McDonald's food was contributing to the epidemic of obesity in society, and that the company was failing to provide nutritional information about its food to consumers" (4).
This article uses specific cases and court appeals to address issues that have arisen with the McDonald's corporation. I think this will be helpful to my research because these cases and other publisized events of the companies will have more of an impact because they present real scenerios regarding the resteraunt. Some, not all, will help to portray the reality of what I am trying to answer about McDonald's and their healthy options and not so healthy options. For instance according to Wikipedia, "McDonald's annouced on May 22, 2008 that, in the U.S. and Canada, it will be introducing cooking oil for its french fries that contains no trans fats. The company will use canola-based oil with corn and soy oils by year's end for its bakes items, pies and cookies" (4).
This is an informative article from an encyclopedia. It focuses on the companies history, legal cases, products, advertising and corporate overview in bold printed titles. It lists a page of references at the end of the article where the information ,that Wikipedia, uses came from. The format of the article is easy to navigate through and find relative information. I definitely plan on using this source in my article to back up my observations and findings.
I think that this article really targets anyone needing information regarding almost anything about McDonald's because it addresses every aspect of the company. It probably isn't an article for children that want to know about McDonald's because it sites a lot of specifics i.e. cases, dates, numbers, statistics. It isn't fun or colorful, just strictly for informative use. It seems to be designed for those doing research, like myself.
This article has also given me ideas to use for additional source reports that I can use because it shows journals, articles, newspapers and statistical information that has anything to do with McDonald's. I found this to be a really helpful and factual source!
< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald's > Pgs1-8.
I chose Wikipedia for my second source report because it is a reliable encyclopedia that provides detailed information on McDonald's and the controversies it has faced. In fact this website specifially sites one of the larger issues that McDonald's faced in 2004 regarding their food and the increasing obesity rate in the United States. "Morgan Spurlock's 2004 documentary film Super Size Me said that McDonald's food was contributing to the epidemic of obesity in society, and that the company was failing to provide nutritional information about its food to consumers" (4).
This article uses specific cases and court appeals to address issues that have arisen with the McDonald's corporation. I think this will be helpful to my research because these cases and other publisized events of the companies will have more of an impact because they present real scenerios regarding the resteraunt. Some, not all, will help to portray the reality of what I am trying to answer about McDonald's and their healthy options and not so healthy options. For instance according to Wikipedia, "McDonald's annouced on May 22, 2008 that, in the U.S. and Canada, it will be introducing cooking oil for its french fries that contains no trans fats. The company will use canola-based oil with corn and soy oils by year's end for its bakes items, pies and cookies" (4).
This is an informative article from an encyclopedia. It focuses on the companies history, legal cases, products, advertising and corporate overview in bold printed titles. It lists a page of references at the end of the article where the information ,that Wikipedia, uses came from. The format of the article is easy to navigate through and find relative information. I definitely plan on using this source in my article to back up my observations and findings.
I think that this article really targets anyone needing information regarding almost anything about McDonald's because it addresses every aspect of the company. It probably isn't an article for children that want to know about McDonald's because it sites a lot of specifics i.e. cases, dates, numbers, statistics. It isn't fun or colorful, just strictly for informative use. It seems to be designed for those doing research, like myself.
This article has also given me ideas to use for additional source reports that I can use because it shows journals, articles, newspapers and statistical information that has anything to do with McDonald's. I found this to be a really helpful and factual source!
Community:McDonald's - Source Report #1
"Nutritional Information and Managing Meals" McDonald's Food, Nutrition & Fitness, January
2007. September 29,2008.<http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/eat.html>.
I chose to visit McDonald's website, as one of my source reports, to see what kind of information it has to offer to consumers. When visiting their website I was genuinely surprised by the various and extensive information that they addressed in regards to health and wellness. They include multiple links regarding nutritional information, wellness, fitness, healthy meal suggestions and even health experts (Nutritional). Since I am gearing my research of the McDonald's community towards the nutritional aspect and the controversy that surrounds the increasing obesity rate in this country and the well known and ever expanding fast food franchise I think that the information on their website is very important.
The 'Popular McDonald's Meal Suggestions' link offers a variety of meal options for breakfast, lunch and dinner for those consumers who are trying to eat healthy but are not sure how they can do that by eating at a fast food resteraunt. According to the McDonald's Meal Suggestions you can see the corresponding levels of calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium for every meal option that they give you (Nutritional). I definiteyl think that this is an informative type of article. These links on the McDonald's Nurtritional website offer a ton of information to conumers for both healthy options and renowned items that this fast food icon is known for i.e. Big Mac.
I would have to say that this entire website is geared towards anyone that is able to use a computer and wants to find out more about McDonald's. However, this particular link on McDonald's website targets anyone out there trying to lose weight, who is health consciense about what they eat and wants to be prepared in case they find themselves at a McDonalds and any Mom's out there who want to indulge their children in a trip to McDonald's but not overindulge in fattening options.
I think that this particular website helps to defend McDonald's against those that think that they just promote clogged arteries and obesity. It is very easy to navigate and offers the information in an easy to read format and font so no one has to be super computer savy to be able to find all of this valuable info. They do a really good job of focusing on alternative eating options and helping their consumers become more knowledgeable about the food that they provide. Ultimately it is up to the comsumer to decide what they will eat but I think that McDonalds shows that they have made the tools available for people to make an educated decision.
2007. September 29,2008.<http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/eat.html>.
I chose to visit McDonald's website, as one of my source reports, to see what kind of information it has to offer to consumers. When visiting their website I was genuinely surprised by the various and extensive information that they addressed in regards to health and wellness. They include multiple links regarding nutritional information, wellness, fitness, healthy meal suggestions and even health experts (Nutritional). Since I am gearing my research of the McDonald's community towards the nutritional aspect and the controversy that surrounds the increasing obesity rate in this country and the well known and ever expanding fast food franchise I think that the information on their website is very important.
The 'Popular McDonald's Meal Suggestions' link offers a variety of meal options for breakfast, lunch and dinner for those consumers who are trying to eat healthy but are not sure how they can do that by eating at a fast food resteraunt. According to the McDonald's Meal Suggestions you can see the corresponding levels of calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium for every meal option that they give you (Nutritional). I definiteyl think that this is an informative type of article. These links on the McDonald's Nurtritional website offer a ton of information to conumers for both healthy options and renowned items that this fast food icon is known for i.e. Big Mac.
I would have to say that this entire website is geared towards anyone that is able to use a computer and wants to find out more about McDonald's. However, this particular link on McDonald's website targets anyone out there trying to lose weight, who is health consciense about what they eat and wants to be prepared in case they find themselves at a McDonalds and any Mom's out there who want to indulge their children in a trip to McDonald's but not overindulge in fattening options.
I think that this particular website helps to defend McDonald's against those that think that they just promote clogged arteries and obesity. It is very easy to navigate and offers the information in an easy to read format and font so no one has to be super computer savy to be able to find all of this valuable info. They do a really good job of focusing on alternative eating options and helping their consumers become more knowledgeable about the food that they provide. Ultimately it is up to the comsumer to decide what they will eat but I think that McDonalds shows that they have made the tools available for people to make an educated decision.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Reading Response
This reporter obviously researched Passaic County's population and ratio of people at or below the poverty line as well as the what the average person made an hour. He stated all of this information in the essay right at the beginning. He didn't research ahead of time - places to live and the cost, available jobs, transportation, the cost of food etc. However, that was what made up part of what he was trying to do. Had he researched all of that ahead of time, he would have had an unfair advantage and would have tarnished the experience. This reporter wants to experience life in Passaic County first hand and to see what the less fortunate have to do to survive. Anyone could get online or read a newspaper to get facts and statistical information but that is not what he wanted to report on. It was all about the "experience".
Tom, the reporter, is most definitely an outsider. With his blond hair, Caucasian appearance, ability to speak English and being a man he sort of doesn't fit the typical struggling worker in this community. Nevertheless, to become an insider he follows their lifestyle right down to the last detail. He only gives himself $424 to get started, the average monthly income, and he leaves all of his comforts at home. He has to live and even live with out on just $424 to start until he gets a job and starts making money.
This reporters experience was truly effective because he actually lived his story. However, he could have sacrificed even more, like many of these poverty stricken workers do, and not seen his girlfriend or talked to her on the phone. Those instances gave him something to look forward too and a reprieve from the stress and repetition of his life. Those workers rarely get that and most definitely not once a week. Also, to really live the life that these men and women do he should have gotten a second job. He even stated that many of them have to do that in order to survive but usually get run down with exhaustion.
Tom's audience for this story could really be a number of people, I think. This story really makes me appreciate my lifestyle and what I have. I'm thankful that I don't have to go thousands of miles away from my family or have my husband do that just to make such small wages to support our loved ones. So, this could definitely target those adults that take what they have for granted. This could also target the government and shed some light on how some people work themselves to the bone and still can't make enough money to survive. As well as some of the discriminatory acts that these businesses do to the workers.
This story brings many controversial aspects to light. The poverty that our country still has, discrimination, immigration, and the appreciation for how most of us are a lot better off then we think or will admit.
Tom, the reporter, is most definitely an outsider. With his blond hair, Caucasian appearance, ability to speak English and being a man he sort of doesn't fit the typical struggling worker in this community. Nevertheless, to become an insider he follows their lifestyle right down to the last detail. He only gives himself $424 to get started, the average monthly income, and he leaves all of his comforts at home. He has to live and even live with out on just $424 to start until he gets a job and starts making money.
This reporters experience was truly effective because he actually lived his story. However, he could have sacrificed even more, like many of these poverty stricken workers do, and not seen his girlfriend or talked to her on the phone. Those instances gave him something to look forward too and a reprieve from the stress and repetition of his life. Those workers rarely get that and most definitely not once a week. Also, to really live the life that these men and women do he should have gotten a second job. He even stated that many of them have to do that in order to survive but usually get run down with exhaustion.
Tom's audience for this story could really be a number of people, I think. This story really makes me appreciate my lifestyle and what I have. I'm thankful that I don't have to go thousands of miles away from my family or have my husband do that just to make such small wages to support our loved ones. So, this could definitely target those adults that take what they have for granted. This could also target the government and shed some light on how some people work themselves to the bone and still can't make enough money to survive. As well as some of the discriminatory acts that these businesses do to the workers.
This story brings many controversial aspects to light. The poverty that our country still has, discrimination, immigration, and the appreciation for how most of us are a lot better off then we think or will admit.
Community Proposal
I've decided to do my observations on the 'McDonald's' community. We are all obviously familiar with the fast food community, McDonald's in particular. Since McDonald's seems to populate every city, big or small I know that I definitely won't have a hard time finding one to sit in and observe. In fact, there is one in Spring Arbor that is relatively close to my home which will probably be the one that I visit. I'm sure as long as I buy a soft drink or coffee, no one will mind if I hand out in the sitting are for awhile. So, as a paying customer I don't think that I will need to get permission.
I think the community of McDonald's is an interesting choice because of all of the controversy that this renowned fast food chain has. I want to compare the 'type' of people that come through McDonald's: overweight, teenagers/college kids, families, single men. I want to really delve into the flow of people that eat here and address the stereotypical McDonald's patron - obese. Not only do I plan to sit inside but I will probably spend some time in my car out in the parking lot to observe the drive-thru traffic.
Three Questions:
1.) What is the typical McDonald's patron like? (appearance, attitude, manners, )
2.) Do most people order Big Macs and Super size their meals or is it Salads and Fruit & yogurt Parfaits?
3.) When do most people choose to eat at McDonald's - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
*To be able to answer my last question, I will definitely need to break up my observation time to include these three times a day.
I think that I am pretty neutral when it comes to McDonald's. I do eat there occasionally and can understand the convience of it. I'm really just curious about seeing the facts about the type of people that eat there rather than believing what is said in the media about the abundance of overwright people who flock to fast food restaraunts.
I think the community of McDonald's is an interesting choice because of all of the controversy that this renowned fast food chain has. I want to compare the 'type' of people that come through McDonald's: overweight, teenagers/college kids, families, single men. I want to really delve into the flow of people that eat here and address the stereotypical McDonald's patron - obese. Not only do I plan to sit inside but I will probably spend some time in my car out in the parking lot to observe the drive-thru traffic.
Three Questions:
1.) What is the typical McDonald's patron like? (appearance, attitude, manners, )
2.) Do most people order Big Macs and Super size their meals or is it Salads and Fruit & yogurt Parfaits?
3.) When do most people choose to eat at McDonald's - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
*To be able to answer my last question, I will definitely need to break up my observation time to include these three times a day.
I think that I am pretty neutral when it comes to McDonald's. I do eat there occasionally and can understand the convience of it. I'm really just curious about seeing the facts about the type of people that eat there rather than believing what is said in the media about the abundance of overwright people who flock to fast food restaraunts.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Source Report #2
'National Center for Health Statistics' Center for Disease Control. December 2007
September 8,2008.
I wanted to incorporate some valid statistics relating to obesity in the United States. I felt that the Center for Disease Control was a reputable website that would have vaild up to date information regarding health statistics. It is a goverment regulated website so I know that any information that I take from there would be accurate and thoroughly tested.
September 8,2008.
I wanted to incorporate some valid statistics relating to obesity in the United States. I felt that the Center for Disease Control was a reputable website that would have vaild up to date information regarding health statistics. It is a goverment regulated website so I know that any information that I take from there would be accurate and thoroughly tested.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
WE1
Article Subject: The 'Alli' weight loss supplement
Thesis/Focus: I will be analyzing the 'alli' product to determine how is compares to other weight loss supplements out there. As well as how the product works and all of the other hype around the product since it is FDA approved.
Conventions: The advertisement that I found in the magazine used personal testimony to connect with its viewers. It had a before and after picture to help you visualize the effectiveness of the product.
- Small 'before' picture
- Large 'after' picture, actually more than 4 times the size of the 'before' picture
Minimal color was used on the rest of the advertisement. The headlines were in red and the 'alli' name was multi-colored.
The before/after pictures were placed on the right hand side of the article and took up a large section.
I also noticed the before/after weight and total weight lost were in bold black font, other than the pictures that is what draws your attention second on the advertisement page.
Audience: The main audience I think that is addressed with this article is middle age woman (b/c women struggle more than men) who have struggled with weight loss and have tried and failed other programs out there. I found this article in a Redbook Magazine, which I think helps support my feelings on the audience. Of course, this product can really be directed towards anyone with weight loss problems, b/c it is over the counter and can be obtained easily.
My Questions I want to Answer:
-What exactly are the side effects of alli and is it worth it?
-How effective is this weight loss product?
-How committed do you have to be to use alli?
-What are the myths and what are the facts?
-Who should and who shouldn't use this product?
-How much does alli cost its users?
Source Report:
'Am I Ready?', Alli. GlaxoSmithKline 2008. <http://myalli.com/amiready.aspx>
This is the official website for the alli product. I felt that this would obviously be a reputable site to retrieve information on, especially to find out the answer to my question: How committed do you have to be to use this product? The website has a page dedicated to answering that and it even recommends that you take the quiz that they provide to see if you are ready for alli. It even offers assessments to better help people come to a decision and it breaks down the 'alli' plan to see if the program is something a person would be interested in.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Analysis of Word/ Image Combo: My Advertisement
I chose to create a public service announcement about Recycling. I kept my text simple and to the point. I didn't want to distract from the simplicity of what I was trying to portray. RECYCLE. REDUCE. REUSE. I used bold writing in a simple black font because I didn't want to take away from the image. I think in this case the message is much more effective if it is kept simple. I think it comes across as a command rather than a suggestion with the bold periods after each word.
I also meant for my word/image combo to target a broad audience, young children through adults. This is why I used a friendly looking 'earth' character. I think this captures the eye of a younger generation without looking stiff and boring. The earth character grabs your attention and the text is direct and to the point, making it easy for anyone that can read to understand the message being conveyed. Also, I put the bright green recycle sign that everyone knows and is familiar with so even if the words aren't effective the recycle sign will get the message across. The earth character also helps drive my point home b/c that is the whole reason why we stress the importance of recycling and reusing products is to help save our earth.
The colors that I used in the image are simple and do not draw away from the announcement. I tried to use mainly green and blue which are colors usually related to recycling advertisements. I think this announcement could be posted anywhere: schools, businesses, billboards and stores. I don't think anyone would find it offensive and as I said before I think that it is child friendly.
I also meant for my word/image combo to target a broad audience, young children through adults. This is why I used a friendly looking 'earth' character. I think this captures the eye of a younger generation without looking stiff and boring. The earth character grabs your attention and the text is direct and to the point, making it easy for anyone that can read to understand the message being conveyed. Also, I put the bright green recycle sign that everyone knows and is familiar with so even if the words aren't effective the recycle sign will get the message across. The earth character also helps drive my point home b/c that is the whole reason why we stress the importance of recycling and reusing products is to help save our earth.
The colors that I used in the image are simple and do not draw away from the announcement. I tried to use mainly green and blue which are colors usually related to recycling advertisements. I think this announcement could be posted anywhere: schools, businesses, billboards and stores. I don't think anyone would find it offensive and as I said before I think that it is child friendly.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Letter from Me
Hi, my name is Keri Jones. I have been attending JCC night classes for a couple of years; first earning my Associates degree in Business Administration and now going for my Bachelor's. This is a required class for me but I truely enjoy English courses so I am looking forward to it. It has been almost 5 years since I took ENG 131 so I'm interested to see how I get back into the groove of writing.
For some reason I seem to enjoy writing much more from a research perspective and being somewhat analytical. I actually find this style of writing easier for me than the Narrative style that I did in ENG 131. However, regardless of the type of writing I always struggle with the same issue - how to begin the paper. I'm not sure why but this is a problem that I consistantly have but it never fails that when I sit down to start writing on a certain subject it takes me forever to start. Once I start I never have a problem, I enjoy writing most of the time and it comes easy to me after the initial start of the paper. So, the biggest goal for me this semester is to overcome my inability/fear of starting the first paragraph of any paper that I write. I really think that the Peer Reviews sound like they might help me with this problem but we will see !
For some reason I seem to enjoy writing much more from a research perspective and being somewhat analytical. I actually find this style of writing easier for me than the Narrative style that I did in ENG 131. However, regardless of the type of writing I always struggle with the same issue - how to begin the paper. I'm not sure why but this is a problem that I consistantly have but it never fails that when I sit down to start writing on a certain subject it takes me forever to start. Once I start I never have a problem, I enjoy writing most of the time and it comes easy to me after the initial start of the paper. So, the biggest goal for me this semester is to overcome my inability/fear of starting the first paragraph of any paper that I write. I really think that the Peer Reviews sound like they might help me with this problem but we will see !
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