Mike Rose
SUMMARY
Mike Rose explains how in each profession you need to know and learn the skills needed for the job to do your job the best as possible. Mr. Rose talks about surgeons who are well trained and experienced can feel something and know what they have their hands on without seeing what they are feeling. A Plummer can work under a sink not looking at the piping and know, what they are doing and fix the problem the right way. Mr. Rose also said the same thing about a therapist that he or she can feel what's wrong with someone's back without seeing it
RESPONSE
I thought about it, there are a lot of things we do without seeing what we are doing. Some better then others. All basic movements are one of those things. We, as humans don't have to watch our feet when we walk, some people should, but we don't have to. We know that we put one foot in front of the other. Texting is another example for some people, I know some times I don't have to look at my phone to know what I am writing, same thing on the computer with the keyboard. I just memorized and have a feel for where the keys are and just do it without looking for it. Its basically second nature. People who play sports, the actions you do come natural, well if your good at the sports you play. I know catching a football and running routes are things I could do I'm my sleep.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Andrew Kolb- what i think work is
Work is something you have to do and you don't find any joy in it.
Andrew kolb- What is work
What is work?
Kassy
Work is something you are told to do for labor in which you get rewarded for with something good.
Work isn't something you do for fun.
Ali
Work is to put effort into something.
Work isn't something you enjoy or put minimal effort into.
Jeremy
Work is any process that requires energy to be used.
Work isn't complacency.
Kassy
Work is something you are told to do for labor in which you get rewarded for with something good.
Work isn't something you do for fun.
Ali
Work is to put effort into something.
Work isn't something you enjoy or put minimal effort into.
Jeremy
Work is any process that requires energy to be used.
Work isn't complacency.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Ashley Phillips - Mike Rose
Mike Rose Summary
For our reading, I read chapter six, the welder and the foreman. I covered the part of the chapter regarding Lisa. Lisa was a welder, and the chapter starts out by her explaining the beauty of welding. Lisa says, “I think of a flower the same as I do a weld. There’s a certain beauty, an art to it. It’s not just metal joining metal; it’s an art of fusion”. This quote immediately drew my attention because it makes you certain Lisa does not just weld because it’s a job or work, she welds because she finds beauty and enjoyment out of it. When Lisa graduated high school she was unsure of what she wanted to pursue in her future, so she gave welding a try. She started having an interest in welding at the age of 19. Throughout the next few years she studied welding, and ending up landing a job in that profession. At first she would think to herself, I know really know what I’m doing, and would consistently ask other people for help. Once she grasped her own way of welding she became an expert at her art, welding. One of the biggest issues Lisa had with welding was discrimination on the job. We all know welding is seen as a male’s job, which is why Lisa was discriminated against. Men would flat out tell her, “This is a man’s job!” After many years Lisa had become a teachers, and inspired her student’s to want to be just like her.
The best way Lisa described her teaching experiences was comparing it to a signature. She explained, you can have a beautiful signature, and sign something 10 times, and each time that signature will come out differently-but it will still be beautiful at the same time. I found her story very interesting. She’s a woman working her way up in a man’s field, but yet she excelled in this trade better than most men. Lisa’s story is very inspiring, she made her life long career into something she loves, and calls it her art. Lisa didn’t achieve goal because she wanted to prove something; she achieved them because she found a love and beauty in welding.
For our reading, I read chapter six, the welder and the foreman. I covered the part of the chapter regarding Lisa. Lisa was a welder, and the chapter starts out by her explaining the beauty of welding. Lisa says, “I think of a flower the same as I do a weld. There’s a certain beauty, an art to it. It’s not just metal joining metal; it’s an art of fusion”. This quote immediately drew my attention because it makes you certain Lisa does not just weld because it’s a job or work, she welds because she finds beauty and enjoyment out of it. When Lisa graduated high school she was unsure of what she wanted to pursue in her future, so she gave welding a try. She started having an interest in welding at the age of 19. Throughout the next few years she studied welding, and ending up landing a job in that profession. At first she would think to herself, I know really know what I’m doing, and would consistently ask other people for help. Once she grasped her own way of welding she became an expert at her art, welding. One of the biggest issues Lisa had with welding was discrimination on the job. We all know welding is seen as a male’s job, which is why Lisa was discriminated against. Men would flat out tell her, “This is a man’s job!” After many years Lisa had become a teachers, and inspired her student’s to want to be just like her.
The best way Lisa described her teaching experiences was comparing it to a signature. She explained, you can have a beautiful signature, and sign something 10 times, and each time that signature will come out differently-but it will still be beautiful at the same time. I found her story very interesting. She’s a woman working her way up in a man’s field, but yet she excelled in this trade better than most men. Lisa’s story is very inspiring, she made her life long career into something she loves, and calls it her art. Lisa didn’t achieve goal because she wanted to prove something; she achieved them because she found a love and beauty in welding.
Ashley Phillips - Mike Rose
Mike Rose Summary
For our reading, I read chapter six, the welder and the foreman. I covered the part of the chapter regarding Lisa. Lisa was a welder, and the chapter starts out by her explaining the beauty of welding. Lisa says, “I think of a flower the same as I do a weld. There’s a certain beauty, an art to it. It’s not just metal joining metal; it’s an art of fusion”. This quote immediately drew my attention because it makes you certain Lisa does not just weld because it’s a job or work, she welds because she finds beauty and enjoyment out of it. When Lisa graduated high school she was unsure of what she wanted to pursue in her future, so she gave welding a try. She started having an interest in welding at the age of 19. Throughout the next few years she studied welding, and ending up landing a job in that profession. At first she would think to herself, I know really know what I’m doing, and would consistently ask other people for help. Once she grasped her own way of welding she became an expert at her art, welding. One of the biggest issues Lisa had with welding was discrimination on the job. We all know welding is seen as a male’s job, which is why Lisa was discriminated against. Men would flat out tell her, “This is a man’s job!” After many years Lisa had become a teachers, and inspired her student’s to want to be just like her.
The best way Lisa described her teaching experiences was comparing it to a signature. She explained, you can have a beautiful signature, and sign something 10 times, and each time that signature will come out differently-but it will still be beautiful at the same time. I found her story very interesting. She’s a woman working her way up in a man’s field, but yet she excelled in this trade better than most men. Lisa’s story is very inspiring, she made her life long career into something she loves, and calls it her art. Lisa didn’t achieve goal because she wanted to prove something; she achieved them because she found a love and beauty in welding.
For our reading, I read chapter six, the welder and the foreman. I covered the part of the chapter regarding Lisa. Lisa was a welder, and the chapter starts out by her explaining the beauty of welding. Lisa says, “I think of a flower the same as I do a weld. There’s a certain beauty, an art to it. It’s not just metal joining metal; it’s an art of fusion”. This quote immediately drew my attention because it makes you certain Lisa does not just weld because it’s a job or work, she welds because she finds beauty and enjoyment out of it. When Lisa graduated high school she was unsure of what she wanted to pursue in her future, so she gave welding a try. She started having an interest in welding at the age of 19. Throughout the next few years she studied welding, and ending up landing a job in that profession. At first she would think to herself, I know really know what I’m doing, and would consistently ask other people for help. Once she grasped her own way of welding she became an expert at her art, welding. One of the biggest issues Lisa had with welding was discrimination on the job. We all know welding is seen as a male’s job, which is why Lisa was discriminated against. Men would flat out tell her, “This is a man’s job!” After many years Lisa had become a teachers, and inspired her student’s to want to be just like her.
The best way Lisa described her teaching experiences was comparing it to a signature. She explained, you can have a beautiful signature, and sign something 10 times, and each time that signature will come out differently-but it will still be beautiful at the same time. I found her story very interesting. She’s a woman working her way up in a man’s field, but yet she excelled in this trade better than most men. Lisa’s story is very inspiring, she made her life long career into something she loves, and calls it her art. Lisa didn’t achieve goal because she wanted to prove something; she achieved them because she found a love and beauty in welding.
Ashley Phillips - Mike Rose
Mike Rose Summary
For our reading, I read chapter six, the welder and the foreman. I covered the part of the chapter regarding Lisa. Lisa was a welder, and the chapter starts out by her explaining the beauty of welding. Lisa says, “I think of a flower the same as I do a weld. There’s a certain beauty, an art to it. It’s not just metal joining metal; it’s an art of fusion”. This quote immediately drew my attention because it makes you certain Lisa does not just weld because it’s a job or work, she welds because she finds beauty and enjoyment out of it. When Lisa graduated high school she was unsure of what she wanted to pursue in her future, so she gave welding a try. She started having an interest in welding at the age of 19. Throughout the next few years she studied welding, and ending up landing a job in that profession. At first she would think to herself, I know really know what I’m doing, and would consistently ask other people for help. Once she grasped her own way of welding she became an expert at her art, welding. One of the biggest issues Lisa had with welding was discrimination on the job. We all know welding is seen as a male’s job, which is why Lisa was discriminated against. Men would flat out tell her, “This is a man’s job!” After many years Lisa had become a teachers, and inspired her student’s to want to be just like her.
The best way Lisa described her teaching experiences was comparing it to a signature. She explained, you can have a beautiful signature, and sign something 10 times, and each time that signature will come out differently-but it will still be beautiful at the same time. I found her story very interesting. She’s a woman working her way up in a man’s field, but yet she excelled in this trade better than most men. Lisa’s story is very inspiring, she made her life long career into something she loves, and calls it her art. Lisa didn’t achieve goal because she wanted to prove something; she achieved them because she found a love and beauty in welding.
For our reading, I read chapter six, the welder and the foreman. I covered the part of the chapter regarding Lisa. Lisa was a welder, and the chapter starts out by her explaining the beauty of welding. Lisa says, “I think of a flower the same as I do a weld. There’s a certain beauty, an art to it. It’s not just metal joining metal; it’s an art of fusion”. This quote immediately drew my attention because it makes you certain Lisa does not just weld because it’s a job or work, she welds because she finds beauty and enjoyment out of it. When Lisa graduated high school she was unsure of what she wanted to pursue in her future, so she gave welding a try. She started having an interest in welding at the age of 19. Throughout the next few years she studied welding, and ending up landing a job in that profession. At first she would think to herself, I know really know what I’m doing, and would consistently ask other people for help. Once she grasped her own way of welding she became an expert at her art, welding. One of the biggest issues Lisa had with welding was discrimination on the job. We all know welding is seen as a male’s job, which is why Lisa was discriminated against. Men would flat out tell her, “This is a man’s job!” After many years Lisa had become a teachers, and inspired her student’s to want to be just like her.
The best way Lisa described her teaching experiences was comparing it to a signature. She explained, you can have a beautiful signature, and sign something 10 times, and each time that signature will come out differently-but it will still be beautiful at the same time. I found her story very interesting. She’s a woman working her way up in a man’s field, but yet she excelled in this trade better than most men. Lisa’s story is very inspiring, she made her life long career into something she loves, and calls it her art. Lisa didn’t achieve goal because she wanted to prove something; she achieved them because she found a love and beauty in welding.
What is work - Ashley Phillips
My definition of work: A way to support prior obligations.
"Work provides mean for my lively hood"
"A necessary evil"
"A job and a career are two different things compared to work"
"Work provides mean for my lively hood"
"A necessary evil"
"A job and a career are two different things compared to work"
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
3 Quotes (Jenna Fitzpatrick)
“My mind has been so divorced from my job, except as a source of income, it’s really absurd." Pg. 521 "This is the first comfortable job I’ve ever had in my life and it is absolutely despicable" Pg.522 -Nora Watson
This just emphasizes that having an easy job and making a good salary is not everything. In a world that is so materialistic it is hard to remember that money is not everything. Nora can basically do whatever she wants at work and spends only a small amount of time actually working. She is completely comfortable with her job, but look how much animosity she has towards it. I do not want to share the feelings that Nora feels towards her work.
But I’ll not give up the sane work.… But I’ll never again play the full-time lying dishonest role
Lundquist is still in search of a job that will provide him with enough money to survive, but will also provide him with a happy lifestyle. This is the balance I want to find when I graduate college; money is important to me, but so is my happiness and as Walter puts it, “being sane.” Walter is fifty years old and he is still searching for a job where he can live comfortably. Nobody wants to be fifty years old and still trying to find a job that can provide for a family. Hopefully I can figure out what I am passionate about and turn that into my career relatively fresh out of college. I do not want to be still searching for a job I am happy with and can provide for my family when I am 50 years old.I’ve done most of my life.” (527) -Walter Lundquist
“Maybe I look at wrong. (Slowly, emphasizing each word) There just isn’t much to talk about.” (266) -Fred Roman when talking about accounting and how other people view it.
Roman does not enjoy even discussing his job. This is not how I want to end up. I want to enjoy talking about my job and things that go on at work. Roman is so unhappy with his job that it is almost like he is too embarrassed to even talk about. I want to come home and be excited to tell my family the events of my day. My mom is a teacher and she comes home each day with stories she is excited to tell us about. I want to be like that and not feel the same way that Roman feels about his work.
This just emphasizes that having an easy job and making a good salary is not everything. In a world that is so materialistic it is hard to remember that money is not everything. Nora can basically do whatever she wants at work and spends only a small amount of time actually working. She is completely comfortable with her job, but look how much animosity she has towards it. I do not want to share the feelings that Nora feels towards her work.
But I’ll not give up the sane work.… But I’ll never again play the full-time lying dishonest role
Lundquist is still in search of a job that will provide him with enough money to survive, but will also provide him with a happy lifestyle. This is the balance I want to find when I graduate college; money is important to me, but so is my happiness and as Walter puts it, “being sane.” Walter is fifty years old and he is still searching for a job where he can live comfortably. Nobody wants to be fifty years old and still trying to find a job that can provide for a family. Hopefully I can figure out what I am passionate about and turn that into my career relatively fresh out of college. I do not want to be still searching for a job I am happy with and can provide for my family when I am 50 years old.I’ve done most of my life.” (527) -Walter Lundquist
“Maybe I look at wrong. (Slowly, emphasizing each word) There just isn’t much to talk about.” (266) -Fred Roman when talking about accounting and how other people view it.
Roman does not enjoy even discussing his job. This is not how I want to end up. I want to enjoy talking about my job and things that go on at work. Roman is so unhappy with his job that it is almost like he is too embarrassed to even talk about. I want to come home and be excited to tell my family the events of my day. My mom is a teacher and she comes home each day with stories she is excited to tell us about. I want to be like that and not feel the same way that Roman feels about his work.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Chapter 4 The Work of a Carpenter (Jonathan Mieses)
Chapter 4
In this chapter Mike Rose is in a classroom observing students who are taking a carpentry class in high school. The students in that class are mostly rowdy until they start working. The class in divided into groups, in which one of the students is a supervisor to the other students.
Mike Rose is amazed in a lot of the students in that class. He sees one student that can accurately estimate the length of wood or drywall jus by looking at it. In which he assumes that they can assume the cause of a problem just by looking at the object. Most of the students in the class knew what they were doing but they were a few that needed help. He knew which of the students did not have much experience just because on how they would hold the tools. He noticed that to use a simple tool such as a hammer you need a good stance, grip, leverage and efficient transfer of force.
While talking to the professor of the class Mike Rose noticed that he (the professor) would be all over the place. The professor admitted that working there for so long he knows when something does not sound right. He knows when of the power tools are not being used right. In an interview with a professional in carpentry the carpenter said “expert hammer said is not automatic, but confidence in the work he does.
I can relate to this chapter because my dad is handyman for a building in downtown New York. I remember times that he would take me to help him work. There were times when I had to use a hammer or saw but I would do it wrong. This would cause me to either mess up or waste a lot of time and energy doing something very simple. My dad will help me do a lot of stuff and teach me what to do.
In this chapter Mike Rose is in a classroom observing students who are taking a carpentry class in high school. The students in that class are mostly rowdy until they start working. The class in divided into groups, in which one of the students is a supervisor to the other students.
Mike Rose is amazed in a lot of the students in that class. He sees one student that can accurately estimate the length of wood or drywall jus by looking at it. In which he assumes that they can assume the cause of a problem just by looking at the object. Most of the students in the class knew what they were doing but they were a few that needed help. He knew which of the students did not have much experience just because on how they would hold the tools. He noticed that to use a simple tool such as a hammer you need a good stance, grip, leverage and efficient transfer of force.
While talking to the professor of the class Mike Rose noticed that he (the professor) would be all over the place. The professor admitted that working there for so long he knows when something does not sound right. He knows when of the power tools are not being used right. In an interview with a professional in carpentry the carpenter said “expert hammer said is not automatic, but confidence in the work he does.
I can relate to this chapter because my dad is handyman for a building in downtown New York. I remember times that he would take me to help him work. There were times when I had to use a hammer or saw but I would do it wrong. This would cause me to either mess up or waste a lot of time and energy doing something very simple. My dad will help me do a lot of stuff and teach me what to do.
3 Quotes (Jonathan Mieses
"I always have to make excuse: "I drank too much and my stomach is really upset, so i couldn't do it right now.We'll do it in the morning."Sometimes I'd like to say, "Fuck off, I know what you want."(Barbara Herrick, Write/producer 66)
I like this quote because it reminds me of what I do in school sometimes. I do make excuses when i miss a class or when i didnt do an assignment. I usually dont miss class or an assignment but it happens lol. I hate making excuses but again i say it happens. Dont make it a habit because then a teacher will not believe you when you are actually telling the truth.
"I couldnt understand why i wasnt happy. Happiness is not related to money. Being succesful at what you're doing is the measure of a man. The measure of a man is standing on his own two feet. To suceed by himself without leaning on other people to support him."(Steven Simonyi-Gindele, Publisher447)
I believe it is important to everyone to be happy in the career they follow. The amount of income you receive should not matter. I agree with the quote above. It does successful you are in your job because that will be something you have to do for the rest of your life. So why not be sucessful at it?
"Every day is different. There's no boredom cause there's so much going on. "(Philip Da Vinci, Lawyer 537)
That is my ideal job. A job that i will not bored cause of everything that is going on. If i was to be bored in a job that i will be doing for the rest of my place i would be miserable everyday. That is why it is important to pick a career that you enjoy.
I picked these 3 quotes because they all have to do something with my book. My book is about "The work on getting by in college". These are all thing you have to think about. For example excuses will be used for teacher and friends. And the other two quotes were quotes for deciding your major and career. It is important to follow to pick wisely because picking a premature job wil delay you from the job you are wishing for.
I like this quote because it reminds me of what I do in school sometimes. I do make excuses when i miss a class or when i didnt do an assignment. I usually dont miss class or an assignment but it happens lol. I hate making excuses but again i say it happens. Dont make it a habit because then a teacher will not believe you when you are actually telling the truth.
"I couldnt understand why i wasnt happy. Happiness is not related to money. Being succesful at what you're doing is the measure of a man. The measure of a man is standing on his own two feet. To suceed by himself without leaning on other people to support him."(Steven Simonyi-Gindele, Publisher447)
I believe it is important to everyone to be happy in the career they follow. The amount of income you receive should not matter. I agree with the quote above. It does successful you are in your job because that will be something you have to do for the rest of your life. So why not be sucessful at it?
"Every day is different. There's no boredom cause there's so much going on. "(Philip Da Vinci, Lawyer 537)
That is my ideal job. A job that i will not bored cause of everything that is going on. If i was to be bored in a job that i will be doing for the rest of my place i would be miserable everyday. That is why it is important to pick a career that you enjoy.
I picked these 3 quotes because they all have to do something with my book. My book is about "The work on getting by in college". These are all thing you have to think about. For example excuses will be used for teacher and friends. And the other two quotes were quotes for deciding your major and career. It is important to follow to pick wisely because picking a premature job wil delay you from the job you are wishing for.
3 Quotes- Shauna Greig
CLEANING UP:
Garbage Man
"They call us truck loaders, that's what the union did. We're just laborers, that's all we are. What the devil, there's no glamour to it. Just bouncin' heavy cans around all day. I'm givin' the city a fair day's work. I don't want to lean on anyone else. Regardless if I was working here or elsewhere, I put in my day. We're the ones that pick up the cans, dump 'em in the hopper, and do the manuel end of the job. There's nothing complex about it." (103)
Washroom Attendant
"I'm not particularly proud of what I'm doing. The shine man and I discuss it quite freely. In my own habitat I don't go around saying I'm a washroom attendant at the Palmer House. Outside of my immediate family, very few people know what I do. They do know I work at the Palmer House and let that suffice. You say Palmer House, they automatically assume you're a waiter." (108)
Janitor
"I carry on my jacket, it says: Hoellen, Building Engineer. But I'm a janitor. An engineer is just a word that people more or less respect. I don't care. You can call me a janitor. There's nothing wrong with a janitor. A lotta guys that work in high rises, he'll carry the same card as me but, man, he don't want to hear the word janitor. He's an engineer. He's even got "building engineer" written on his mailbox and his bells."(119)
I found it really interesting that these three jobs are doing very similar things but yet that all have a different outlook on what they are doing. The washroom attendant does not let many people know exactly what he does besides his immediate family but then the janitor does not care if anyone knows exactly what he does. The garbage man does not take his job very seriously, he just looks at it like picking up the garbage but the janitor is proud of what he does and does not look at his job as a disgrace and just a job that he was given.
Three Quotes (Jaclyn Marks)
Studs Terkel quotes
Sam Mature, barber
"A barber, he has to talk about everything-- baseball, football, basketball, anything that comes along... Very few barbers that don't know sports. A costumer'll come in, they'll say, 'What do you think of the Cubs today?' Well you gotta know know what you think. You say, 'Oh, they're doin' swell today.' You have to tell 'em." (235)Edward Zimmer, hair stylist
" I often disagree with costumers... I lost a costumer once because she said... she wouldn't buy a Volkswagen because of what [Germans] did to [Jews]... The one I favored , the one I hoped I didnt loose, was the one that paid the most money... I took sides for monetary reasons." (241)
Jean Stanley, cosmetic seller
" Costumers ask for your advice. They rely on you. If you've worked in one of these places for anumber of years, you have a following... You become a little bit of a friend.. They may tell you some little tragedy or something... You learn a lot about people when you're with the public all day." (242)
All of these quotes talk about how important you act around your costumers. They become your friends, but other times you can loose them if you say something wrong. You just have to act respectful around them all the time, even if that means lying to them alittle bit.
What Is Work? - Shauna Greig
I believe the definition of work is: Using skills and effort to get something accomplished.
I also asked three people what their definition of work is:
Mom: Being part of a team with everyone striving to achieve the same goals.
Dad: Being your own boss, liking what I do and getting paid for it.
Alli: Using all your skills to get something done.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
"The Work of Styling Hair" (Jenna Fitzpatrick)
When Mike Rose first started studying the Work of Styling Hair he did a little experiment. Rose was trying to show the thoughts that go through a stylists mind when they are looking at a head of hair, but I think it also illustrated the point that on some level everyone cares and understands hair. Even people with no haircutting experience whatsoever have some understanding about the techniques used by stylists and this experiment proves that fact. In his experiment Mike Rose showed pictures of ancient hairstyles, pictures that were centuries old, to both stylists and people with no hair styling experience. As you may have guessed, the stylists commented on the techniques and the aesthetic value of the hair. Stylists really analyze what they are looking at and do not just make statements like it looks nice. But the others who were uneducated in hairstyling also commented on the technique. These people did not make as many comments on the technique but focused more on how it looked (35-36). This shows that everybody has an understanding of hair on some level.
As I continued reading the chapter, I thought about my own personal experiences of getting my hair done. In particular I thought about my most recent haircut. The last time I got my haircut was about two months ago and it was right before I went on vacation. I had not planned on getting my hair cut, so it was a spur of the moment decision. I decided to go to Supercuts because I just wanted to get in and out quickly. The stylist asked me the basic questions like how short do you want me to cut it, do you want layers, and questions like that, but I do not think she really understood or cared about what I really wanted. A client can go into one of these chain haircutting places and be in and out in about 10 minutes. Some of the stylists do not even really care if you are satisfied or not. Another statement that Vanessa made that stuck with me was this, “Eighty percent of the haircut is after you dry it” (32). My hair was still soaking wet by the time I walked outside. The stylist did not even dry my hair when she was finished, nor ask me if I wanted it dried. My experience was completely different from the experiences that the stylists Mike Rose interviewed provided to their customers.
Rose talks to Vanessa who notes, “By the time I take my client to the shampoo bowl, after the consultation, I already have a little road map as to how I’m going to cut this haircut” (33). Most times the customer does not know what they want. Customers come in with ideas to take an inch off and then show the stylist something completely different. This is what leads to confusion about the haircut. Mike Rose interviews many stylists in this book and all of them made the same point that a stylist needs to completely understand the client and their needs before they start cutting their hair (37).
As I continued reading the chapter, I thought about my own personal experiences of getting my hair done. In particular I thought about my most recent haircut. The last time I got my haircut was about two months ago and it was right before I went on vacation. I had not planned on getting my hair cut, so it was a spur of the moment decision. I decided to go to Supercuts because I just wanted to get in and out quickly. The stylist asked me the basic questions like how short do you want me to cut it, do you want layers, and questions like that, but I do not think she really understood or cared about what I really wanted. A client can go into one of these chain haircutting places and be in and out in about 10 minutes. Some of the stylists do not even really care if you are satisfied or not. Another statement that Vanessa made that stuck with me was this, “Eighty percent of the haircut is after you dry it” (32). My hair was still soaking wet by the time I walked outside. The stylist did not even dry my hair when she was finished, nor ask me if I wanted it dried. My experience was completely different from the experiences that the stylists Mike Rose interviewed provided to their customers.
Rose talks to Vanessa who notes, “By the time I take my client to the shampoo bowl, after the consultation, I already have a little road map as to how I’m going to cut this haircut” (33). Most times the customer does not know what they want. Customers come in with ideas to take an inch off and then show the stylist something completely different. This is what leads to confusion about the haircut. Mike Rose interviews many stylists in this book and all of them made the same point that a stylist needs to completely understand the client and their needs before they start cutting their hair (37).
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Three Quotes (Zach Shirk)
Three quotes from Studs Terkel
The Baseball Player
Nobody comes to see a fellow because he's a good outfielder. What he comes to do is hit. He'll come out early in the batting cage and hit and hit and hit. he won't shag flies, he wont catch fungoes. It's not important to him. Theres no status to catching a fly ball (369).
The Hockey Player
Among players, while we are playing we are very close. Some of the best clubs I have ever played with have this close intamacy -- an intamacy modern man can hardly ever achieve (383).
The Football Coach
Everything we do is based on winning. I don't care how hard you work or how organized you are, if you don't win, what good was it? It's down the drain. You can have a tremendous gameplan, but if you lose the game, what good was it (388)?
My Response
I realize that they are all saying something different, but I think that it all comes back to the fact that professional sports are not the same as they were years ago. I think that this relates to friendships as well. People are always changing. Sometimes the change is so drastic that it affects the friendship.
Definition of Work (Jonathan Mieses)
Work-(wûrk) noun- having to do something you do not enjoy in hopes to get something in return. For example work in class in hopes to get a grade. Work has to do something with resistance. The more you do not want to do something the more work it is going to be. This means if you want to do something it will not be consider work. Work will not be considered going out to the movies or watching a basketball game. It is what you enjoy.
The definition of work changes very little
"It's like your providing a service to someone while getting something beneficial from it for example in a job your reward will be money and experience". (Ricky)
"It's what you do to receive a certain benefit in return for example in school you get a grade". (Syra)
" Duties done in return for a higher benefit". (Nellie)
The definition of work changes very little
"It's like your providing a service to someone while getting something beneficial from it for example in a job your reward will be money and experience". (Ricky)
"It's what you do to receive a certain benefit in return for example in school you get a grade". (Syra)
" Duties done in return for a higher benefit". (Nellie)
Three Quotes: Teresa Fiorenza
" It's so demeaning to be there and not be challenged. It's humiliation, because I feel I'm being forced into doing something I would never do of my own free will-which is simply waste itself."(523)
In this chapter "In Search of a Calling", Nora Watson talks about her job and how she is not challenged at all by it, and she wants to quit. I see where she is coming from. If I had a job that I wasn't challenged at I would quit in a second. I would be way too bored with meaningless work.
"I was a kid in 1942 when I got out of art school. I wanted to make a lot of money and become famous. In five years I'll own the world. I'll be in New York driving a Cadillac and owning my own plane. I want gold guff links and babes and the big house in the country. The whole bit. The American Dream. (Laughs). That beautiful, ugly vicious dreamthat we all, in some way, have. I wanted to be a key man in the industry. Over the years I realized there isn't any key man-that every man, every human is a commodity to be exploited. And destroyed and cast aside. For thirty years I've been a commercial hack."(525)
In this part of the chapter Walter Lundquist talks about his job as someone who designs billboards for companies. He talks about his drinking problem and about this beautiful piece of work he did for a beer company.
"I never felt that I'd been searching for a calling. circumstances made me look around and keep right on looking. Over the last years I've been fired sixteen times. (Laughs). I'd have to dig up all my records to tell you all the jobs I was fired from." She is thirty-five." (527)
In the last part of the chapter Rebecca Sweeney talks about some of the jobs she's had over the years. She talk about working in a bank and being the only African American woman working there. She gets the cold shoulder from everyone, while someone tells her to watch out because she could get fired soon. She decides to start a Union to protect herself, until she sees another Sfican American woman interview for a job there. She approaches the woman and tells her that if she doesn't get the job to contact her. The woman contacts her and for some reason she was fired a couple days later.
In this chapter "In Search of a Calling", Nora Watson talks about her job and how she is not challenged at all by it, and she wants to quit. I see where she is coming from. If I had a job that I wasn't challenged at I would quit in a second. I would be way too bored with meaningless work.
"I was a kid in 1942 when I got out of art school. I wanted to make a lot of money and become famous. In five years I'll own the world. I'll be in New York driving a Cadillac and owning my own plane. I want gold guff links and babes and the big house in the country. The whole bit. The American Dream. (Laughs). That beautiful, ugly vicious dreamthat we all, in some way, have. I wanted to be a key man in the industry. Over the years I realized there isn't any key man-that every man, every human is a commodity to be exploited. And destroyed and cast aside. For thirty years I've been a commercial hack."(525)
In this part of the chapter Walter Lundquist talks about his job as someone who designs billboards for companies. He talks about his drinking problem and about this beautiful piece of work he did for a beer company.
"I never felt that I'd been searching for a calling. circumstances made me look around and keep right on looking. Over the last years I've been fired sixteen times. (Laughs). I'd have to dig up all my records to tell you all the jobs I was fired from." She is thirty-five." (527)
In the last part of the chapter Rebecca Sweeney talks about some of the jobs she's had over the years. She talk about working in a bank and being the only African American woman working there. She gets the cold shoulder from everyone, while someone tells her to watch out because she could get fired soon. She decides to start a Union to protect herself, until she sees another Sfican American woman interview for a job there. She approaches the woman and tells her that if she doesn't get the job to contact her. The woman contacts her and for some reason she was fired a couple days later.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Studs Terkel: Working Summary and Response: Elizabeth Wingerter
Studs Terkel: Working
“Book Nine: In search of a calling”
According to Nora Watson:
“Book Nine: In search of a calling”
According to Nora Watson:
“When you ask most people who they are, they define themselves by their jobs. “I’m a doctor.” “I’m a radio announcer.” “I’m a carpenter.” If somebody asks me, I say, “I’m Nora Watson” (524).
Nora Watson is a twenty-eight year old staff writer for an institution that publishes health care literature. She absolutely hates her job. All her life she had a pastor for a father who was constantly doing work for his community. He would be “healing” the helpless, listening to others or just staying up to read sermons to improve his relationship with God. Watching her father give up his life to something meaningful to him gave Nora a different perspective on work. She learned that “it wasn’t just go to work in the morning and punch a time clock. It was a profession of himself. [She] expected work to be like that” (521). However, when Nora entered the business world she experienced something much different. At her job in New York, she expected to “put the energy and enthusiasm and the gifts that [she] may have to use for work-but in this case it wasn’t happening” (523). Basically this job required a more “writing to order” type of feel. The company only cared about what needed to happen to reach a deadline and was interested in nothing else. Nora claimed that when people asked for samples of her work, she realized the ones that she is most proud of were the ones the Institution never published. She feels that work turned into the process of “someone [buying] the right to you for eight hours a day and you’re completely at their discretion” (523). When did work turn into this? Today people define themselves by their work. “When you ask most people who they are, they define themselves by their jobs. “I’m a doctor.” “I’m a radio announcer.” “I’m a carpenter.” If somebody asks me, I say, “I’m Nora Watson” (524). Is that what she is supposed to answer back? As of right now, Nora feels “[she] doesn’t have a calling-except to be [her], but nobody pays [her] for being [her]” (524).
My question is how did this happen? Why do people relate their identity to their profession? In a recent study I conducted at Kutztown University, I questioned students and some faculty about what is the “path” [they’re] on right now? What do you feel is your purpose in life? Eighty five percent related their “path” to a profession and not what kind of person they are. In the case of Nora Watson, when we meet acquaintances at a party and they ask “who are you?” why can’t I respond saying “I’m an emotional eater.” or “I have a multiple personalities” or god forbid, “I don’t know yet.” Why have people come to the conclusion that once you have a job, that’s it-nothing else follows? Don’t get me wrong, I do believe that work is a huge part of your identity, but what if it’s not really you? Is it so wrong to question your profession and maybe not even want to be associated with it because it’s not truly you? In the wise words of Nora Watson, I, too, feel this statistic “[is] a hundred percent unadulterated bullshit” (524).
Elizabeth Wingerter: Three Quotes
Studs Terkel: Working
“Book Nine: In search of a calling”
According to Nora Watson:
According to Nora Watson:
“When you ask most people who they are, they define themselves by their jobs. “I’m a doctor.” “I’m a radio announcer.” “I’m a carpenter.” If somebody asks me, I say, “I’m Nora Watson” (524).
“Book Nine: Second Chance”
According to Sarah Houghton:
According to Sarah Houghton:
“When I was very little, I had a picture in my mind of how life was going to be. You go straight ahead until you curve slightly to the right, until you get to be about twenty-one. Of course, after college you got married, and there was nothing after that. Everything was fine. This is what happened to all the people I knew” (542).
“Book Three: Cleaning up”
According to Roy Schmidt:
According to Roy Schmidt:
I don’t look down on my job in any way. I couldn’t say I despise myself for doing it. I feel better at it than I did at the office. I’m more free. And—yeah—it’s meaningful to society” (105).
*Do you feel a job or career is your only option in the future? Do you think you are supposed to follow the norm like everyone else and become your job?*
Friday, November 27, 2009
Chapter 5 Summary- Construction and Electrical Wiring (Teresa Fiorenza)
In the second half of the chapter 5 we are introduced to Marcus, who is doing a series of complex projects in a workshop. Unlike Jim Padilla, who we were introduced to in the first half of the chapter, Marcus is futher along in his courses in a trade technical college program. He is in his mid 40's and wants to become an electrician after being in the airline business for many years (108).
Mike Rose makes a reference to D.H Lawrence's essay on painting. Mike explains that there are times inthe workshop when you sense that the people are so absorbed in their work. It's like "Disappearing into that canvas" (109). Students in the room talk, but there is alot of concentration. You can hear the occasional cursing that comesfroma mistake like "a porcelain fixture cracks with the final turn of a screw or someone hammering their finger" (109).
I really like Lawrence's quote. It really goes well with this chapter, but it can also go with a lot of other things. When I first read this quote I thought of many times when I was really absorbed with my work.
Mike also makes a connection with a Canadian Inuit. He quotes that "competence at solving a problem, or fixing a snowmobile, or teaching a baby to walk needs a blend of experience, skill, knowledge, and a calm preserverance" (110). Mike encounters this with Jim's group.
As we head further into the chapter of one of Jim Padilla's students, Hector, is observed by Mike. Mike watches as Hector is having trouble getting a screw in because he has no leverage. Jim offers suggestions like "turn the hammer sideways, use a smaller screwdriver, and try making a hole with a nail" (110). Jim also says "There's more than one way to milk a cow"(110) "And I'm not gonna let you give up" (110). Eventually Hector gets the nail in with one of Jim's ideas, making a hole with a nail.
When I read this I was really moved on how much Jim really cares about his students. I remembered a time back in highschool when I was out for a while with bronchitis and when Ican back I didn't get anything we were doing in my accounting class. I had just about given up when my teacher called me up to his desk and sat there with me almost the whole period just explaining what I needed to do and helping me with figuring out the answers. He never gave up on helping me, even when I did.
Mike goes onto talk about how none of the people he talks to suggests that some kids are better than others. He states that they are "more focused on helping the students and giving alternative suggestions" (111). He also states that "The young people working with Jim Padilla get frustrated, to be sure" (111). But their teacher makes sure they go about a different way of using that frustration.
We then go back to Marcus where Mike tells us about how Marcus and his classmates learn a vocabulary and symbol system for electrical work. Tey "learn to read, interpret, and discuss electrical codes and perform numerous calculations related to them," (112). They think and talk their way through various scenarios. Marcus states that this "gives you what you need to analyze and think ahead,"(113).
Mike watches as Marcus and his classmates troubleshoot problems. They look and form hypothesis, then they have to test their theory. He also notes that students will trim wiring or move wiring around because "it looked ugly" (115). Lastly, Mike states that "every student hastheir own signature" (115).
Mike Rose makes a reference to D.H Lawrence's essay on painting. Mike explains that there are times inthe workshop when you sense that the people are so absorbed in their work. It's like "Disappearing into that canvas" (109). Students in the room talk, but there is alot of concentration. You can hear the occasional cursing that comesfroma mistake like "a porcelain fixture cracks with the final turn of a screw or someone hammering their finger" (109).
I really like Lawrence's quote. It really goes well with this chapter, but it can also go with a lot of other things. When I first read this quote I thought of many times when I was really absorbed with my work.
Mike also makes a connection with a Canadian Inuit. He quotes that "competence at solving a problem, or fixing a snowmobile, or teaching a baby to walk needs a blend of experience, skill, knowledge, and a calm preserverance" (110). Mike encounters this with Jim's group.
As we head further into the chapter of one of Jim Padilla's students, Hector, is observed by Mike. Mike watches as Hector is having trouble getting a screw in because he has no leverage. Jim offers suggestions like "turn the hammer sideways, use a smaller screwdriver, and try making a hole with a nail" (110). Jim also says "There's more than one way to milk a cow"(110) "And I'm not gonna let you give up" (110). Eventually Hector gets the nail in with one of Jim's ideas, making a hole with a nail.
When I read this I was really moved on how much Jim really cares about his students. I remembered a time back in highschool when I was out for a while with bronchitis and when Ican back I didn't get anything we were doing in my accounting class. I had just about given up when my teacher called me up to his desk and sat there with me almost the whole period just explaining what I needed to do and helping me with figuring out the answers. He never gave up on helping me, even when I did.
Mike goes onto talk about how none of the people he talks to suggests that some kids are better than others. He states that they are "more focused on helping the students and giving alternative suggestions" (111). He also states that "The young people working with Jim Padilla get frustrated, to be sure" (111). But their teacher makes sure they go about a different way of using that frustration.
We then go back to Marcus where Mike tells us about how Marcus and his classmates learn a vocabulary and symbol system for electrical work. Tey "learn to read, interpret, and discuss electrical codes and perform numerous calculations related to them," (112). They think and talk their way through various scenarios. Marcus states that this "gives you what you need to analyze and think ahead,"(113).
Mike watches as Marcus and his classmates troubleshoot problems. They look and form hypothesis, then they have to test their theory. He also notes that students will trim wiring or move wiring around because "it looked ugly" (115). Lastly, Mike states that "every student hastheir own signature" (115).
What is Work? Teresa Fiorenza
I believe work is something that you need to put constant effort into and use your brain, yet you need to enjoy it.
I asked three people what their definition of work was.
Mom: Something that you need in order to buy the things you want and to maintain a household.
Brother: Work is something that you need to do in order to make money
Aunt: It's one of the things in life that is constantly changing, which means you need to always be on top of your game and always putting your best in.
I asked three people what their definition of work was.
Mom: Something that you need in order to buy the things you want and to maintain a household.
Brother: Work is something that you need to do in order to make money
Aunt: It's one of the things in life that is constantly changing, which means you need to always be on top of your game and always putting your best in.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Three Quotes: Lindsay J. Beale
“I always have to make excuses: ‘I drank too much and my stomach is really upset, so I couldn’t do it right now. We’ll do it in the morning.’ Sometimes I’d like to say, ‘Fuck off, I know what you want’” Barbara Herrick, writer/producer).
This quote comes from the chapter; DID YOU EVER HEAR THE ONE ABOUT THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER? Barbara Herrick, in an interview conducted by Studs Terkel, is explaining her strategy to denying sexual offers from her clients. Because Barbara is an attractive woman, it is difficult for her to stand her ground against men in the business world. By making this decision, Barabara is eliminating many harmful and career hindering outcomes. What if she wouldn’t have said no? How would the outcome change?
“We’re losing so much, giving up so much family life. You should be compensated for it. But no one forces you to go to sea” (Booker Page, cabdriver).
THE DRIVING is a strong and meaningful chapter that has many key quotes. This one stood out over all because it really shows an incident where someone is unhappy for the way his/her life is going. In this case, a cab driver in Manhattan, and ex seaman, is dealing with the fact the he cannot take back time. He realizes that it was his choice and regrets that choice. Also, he understands how the choice of constantly being away not only affects him, but his loved ones around him too.
“Three girls and two boys. The eleven-year-old boy takes care of the cattle. The ten-year-old girl takes care of the chickens. The nine-year-old boy takes care of the two hogs. And the youngest girls take care of the dog”
(Fred Ringley, farmer).
How were you brought up? Were you the oldest sibling,
the middle child, youngest sibling, or an only child?
Did you have a brother or a sister? Have the effects
of the fixed circumstances changed your viewpoint
and/or important skills in life? For Fred Ringley, an owner
of a small farm in Arkansas, it means the world.
This quote comes from the chapter; DID YOU EVER HEAR THE ONE ABOUT THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER? Barbara Herrick, in an interview conducted by Studs Terkel, is explaining her strategy to denying sexual offers from her clients. Because Barbara is an attractive woman, it is difficult for her to stand her ground against men in the business world. By making this decision, Barabara is eliminating many harmful and career hindering outcomes. What if she wouldn’t have said no? How would the outcome change?
“We’re losing so much, giving up so much family life. You should be compensated for it. But no one forces you to go to sea” (Booker Page, cabdriver).
THE DRIVING is a strong and meaningful chapter that has many key quotes. This one stood out over all because it really shows an incident where someone is unhappy for the way his/her life is going. In this case, a cab driver in Manhattan, and ex seaman, is dealing with the fact the he cannot take back time. He realizes that it was his choice and regrets that choice. Also, he understands how the choice of constantly being away not only affects him, but his loved ones around him too.
“Three girls and two boys. The eleven-year-old boy takes care of the cattle. The ten-year-old girl takes care of the chickens. The nine-year-old boy takes care of the two hogs. And the youngest girls take care of the dog”
(Fred Ringley, farmer).
How were you brought up? Were you the oldest sibling,
the middle child, youngest sibling, or an only child?
Did you have a brother or a sister? Have the effects
of the fixed circumstances changed your viewpoint
and/or important skills in life? For Fred Ringley, an owner
of a small farm in Arkansas, it means the world.
Terkel quotes and question (Zacahry Shirk)
The baseball player
Nobody comes to see a fellow because he’s a good outfielder. What he comes to do is hit. He’ll come out early in the batting cage and hit and hit and hit. He won’t shag flies, he won’t catch fungoes. It’s not important to him. There’s no status to catching a fly ball (369).
The hockey player
Among players, while we are playing we are very close. Some of the best clubs I’ve played with have this close intimacy—an intimacy modern man can hardly ever achieve (383).
The football coach
Everything we do is based on winning. I don’t care how hard you work or how organized you are, if you don’t win, what good is it? It’s down the drain. You can have a tremendous game plan, but if you lose the game, what good was the plan (388)?
I realize that they are all saying something different, but I think that it all comes back to the fact that professional sports are not the same as they were years ago. Do you agree with these quotes? Do you think that sports have become so driven by money and fame that the players don’t care about each other, or even the fans that they are playing for?
Nobody comes to see a fellow because he’s a good outfielder. What he comes to do is hit. He’ll come out early in the batting cage and hit and hit and hit. He won’t shag flies, he won’t catch fungoes. It’s not important to him. There’s no status to catching a fly ball (369).
The hockey player
Among players, while we are playing we are very close. Some of the best clubs I’ve played with have this close intimacy—an intimacy modern man can hardly ever achieve (383).
The football coach
Everything we do is based on winning. I don’t care how hard you work or how organized you are, if you don’t win, what good is it? It’s down the drain. You can have a tremendous game plan, but if you lose the game, what good was the plan (388)?
I realize that they are all saying something different, but I think that it all comes back to the fact that professional sports are not the same as they were years ago. Do you agree with these quotes? Do you think that sports have become so driven by money and fame that the players don’t care about each other, or even the fans that they are playing for?
Chapter Five Responce: Construction and Electrical Wiring (Zachary Shirk)
In the fifth chapter of Mike Rose’s book “The American Worker”, Mike interviews a professional electrician, and construction worker. The chapter is called Reflective Technique: Electrical Wiring and Construction, and in it Mike talks about how different craftsmen, like electricians and construction workers take such pride in their work. An example of this would be during the interview with the electrician. “We try hard not to show our straps, Mundo. We want to show as little evidence of the electricians being here as possible,” (107).
Upon reading this I immediately thought of my job. I work maintenance at an old cemetery, and when a major storm rolls through the area, it often destroys a couple tombstones, by blowing them over. It is the job of my colleagues and I to fix it quickly, before too many people notice. We have to make the stone look exactly how it did before it broke. If someone that is just walking by can notice that the tombstone had been fixed, it means we did a poor job repairing it.
In the book Rose says “The previous electrician’s signature is woven into the braid, but anonymously so, and completely out of sight, seen, if at all, by another electrician,”(108).So after the electrician leaves, his work will be forgotten, and will not be thought about by anyone else, except other electricians. This is similar to my job at the cemetery. Unless you had seen the tombstone before it broke, you would not be able to tell that it had been fixed. But at the same time, anyone that has ever fixed a stone can instantly tell that a stone was broken at one time.
Upon reading this I immediately thought of my job. I work maintenance at an old cemetery, and when a major storm rolls through the area, it often destroys a couple tombstones, by blowing them over. It is the job of my colleagues and I to fix it quickly, before too many people notice. We have to make the stone look exactly how it did before it broke. If someone that is just walking by can notice that the tombstone had been fixed, it means we did a poor job repairing it.
In the book Rose says “The previous electrician’s signature is woven into the braid, but anonymously so, and completely out of sight, seen, if at all, by another electrician,”(108).So after the electrician leaves, his work will be forgotten, and will not be thought about by anyone else, except other electricians. This is similar to my job at the cemetery. Unless you had seen the tombstone before it broke, you would not be able to tell that it had been fixed. But at the same time, anyone that has ever fixed a stone can instantly tell that a stone was broken at one time.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Summary of Chapter 5: Construction and Electrical Wiring (Jasen Maurer)
• Mike Rose starts out with the attitudes of the Ancient Greeks. Plato for instance puts down craftsmen and workmen in his play, The Republic. He calls workmen "warped and maimed" (pg 100) and "incapable of culture" (100). Rose also states that Aristotle said that jobs as such are "ignoble and inimical to goodness" (100). Aristotle even goes as far to say that people of the workmen class should be denied citizenship (100). Rose also adds that Plutarch said that "It does not necessarily follow that if a work is delightful because of its gracefulness, the man who made it is worthy of our serious regard" (101)
•The first few pages are basically about physical labor.
•Rose blames the economic and social structure of today's society for why physical labor is seen as it is.
•Rose says that many intellectual communities take out the possibility that people of blue collared careers have the "full expression of mind" (102).
•As Rose visited schools of construction he noticed a desire to do the job right and not rush things. He explains how workmen check and then recheck their work to make sure it is 100% complete, the way it is supposed to be done.
•Rose explains that the workman's thirst for preciseness is psychologically imprinted into them. Most workmen are perfectionists. (i.e. for electricians they want to do the job perfectly, to make sure there is little to no evidence that they were ever in the house to begin with).
•The first few pages are basically about physical labor.
•Rose blames the economic and social structure of today's society for why physical labor is seen as it is.
•Rose says that many intellectual communities take out the possibility that people of blue collared careers have the "full expression of mind" (102).
•As Rose visited schools of construction he noticed a desire to do the job right and not rush things. He explains how workmen check and then recheck their work to make sure it is 100% complete, the way it is supposed to be done.
•Rose explains that the workman's thirst for preciseness is psychologically imprinted into them. Most workmen are perfectionists. (i.e. for electricians they want to do the job perfectly, to make sure there is little to no evidence that they were ever in the house to begin with).
3 interviews for what is work (Jasen Maurer)
What Is Work?
1.Work is the process of getting something accomplished, whether it is for money or for nothing. (Dad and Shannon)
2.Work is an ever evolving process of discovering new methods and strategies to accomplish a goal. (Jane)
3.Work is one of those evil necessities in life in order to make my monthly payments of goods secured by unsecured means, personally "I think society has the work stage of your life and the retirement stage in life reversed, I think I could use my brain now for better resources". (Skeet)
1.Work is the process of getting something accomplished, whether it is for money or for nothing. (Dad and Shannon)
2.Work is an ever evolving process of discovering new methods and strategies to accomplish a goal. (Jane)
3.Work is one of those evil necessities in life in order to make my monthly payments of goods secured by unsecured means, personally "I think society has the work stage of your life and the retirement stage in life reversed, I think I could use my brain now for better resources". (Skeet)
Monday, October 5, 2009
What is work? Jaclyn Marks
My definition of work is a constant effort that is put forth to achieve something greater.
I asked three people what their definition of work is and they said:
Mom: Something that you always have to do and it seems like it never gets done, but it has a reward at the end.
Jessica (8 yrs old): Something you do and get money from
Grandmother: Something you have to do in order to survive.
I asked three people what their definition of work is and they said:
Mom: Something that you always have to do and it seems like it never gets done, but it has a reward at the end.
Jessica (8 yrs old): Something you do and get money from
Grandmother: Something you have to do in order to survive.
GiG (Terrence)
"You're a girl and you cant do it and it's too hot." (170) - Highway Flagger
"There's women's basketball. They're great, the fans love them. Look at that!" (413) - Professional Basketball Player
"People will fuck you harder for drugs than they will for money." (135) - Drug Dealer
Girls, how angry or upset would you be if men treated you unequally by saying something in that context?
"There's women's basketball. They're great, the fans love them. Look at that!" (413) - Professional Basketball Player
"People will fuck you harder for drugs than they will for money." (135) - Drug Dealer
Girls, how angry or upset would you be if men treated you unequally by saying something in that context?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Chapter Two Styling Hair-31 to 42 SHAUNA GREIG
Mike Rose
The Mind at Work
Chapter 2 Styling Hair
Rose introduced with the initial appearance of the Salon, whether it was bright and vibrant with lots of mirrors and playing music. He observed that you begin with making a small road map consulting with the customer on what your going to do, asking as many questions as you want to give them exactly what they want. An interesting fact is that 90% of hair stylists are women although men and women both need their hair done. Rose discussed how there is a wide range of salons such as homes, small neighborhood shops, specialty shops that are specifically for braiding and also, upscale urban salons. Some hair stylists only do cutting while others will color hair depending on what they are most comfortable with to give the customer exactly what they want. You have to consider the shape of their face, their bone structure. If they wish to have their hair colored, they need to consider their skin tone and eye color. Also, a crucial factor is what type of hair they have, whether short or long, curly or straight, or thick or thin. Another factor Rose observed was hair stylists should reference to pictures of others hairstyles to give the customer a graphic idea of what they could get. There are a number of variables, there could be one specific hairstyle and it would look completely different on every single person although they asked for the same thing. Some have curly hair; others have straight hair or even straight hair with a little wave. Rose discussed that you need to make sure you tell the customer throughout the consultation that their hair looks good and make them feel comfortable by giving eye contact using the mirrors. A lot depends on how you hold your tools. One hand could be used for the scissors and another hand could be used for the comb. Also, tension is a crucial factor. If you pull and tug on the customer’s hair too hard, it could hurt them and give them a negative response to your work and if you pull too hard, the end result could turn out differently than you had originally imagined. Little things are crucial, the angle that you hold the blow dryer, the tension applied while drying the hair, the amount of time it takes you could damaged the hair by making it too hot, and the attachment of the dryer. Even myself, I never have thought into any of these things that Mike Rose discussed. Rose talked about using a hot iron, there are ways you can test if it is too hot by using a towel but you have to use your own judgment, which only takes time to acquire the skill. Also, the hair products used should be only the best such as shampoos, conditioners, gels, and sprays. He also talked about the coloring theory. “You have to develop an eye for how what’s right for one person is not right for the next,”(40). Mike Rose quoted, “ All of the stylists interviewed-from people working in small neighborhoods to trendy and expensive salons- spoke of the importance of determining what the client wants and negotiating one’s aesthetics with client need,”(41).
The Mind at Work
Chapter 2 Styling Hair
Rose introduced with the initial appearance of the Salon, whether it was bright and vibrant with lots of mirrors and playing music. He observed that you begin with making a small road map consulting with the customer on what your going to do, asking as many questions as you want to give them exactly what they want. An interesting fact is that 90% of hair stylists are women although men and women both need their hair done. Rose discussed how there is a wide range of salons such as homes, small neighborhood shops, specialty shops that are specifically for braiding and also, upscale urban salons. Some hair stylists only do cutting while others will color hair depending on what they are most comfortable with to give the customer exactly what they want. You have to consider the shape of their face, their bone structure. If they wish to have their hair colored, they need to consider their skin tone and eye color. Also, a crucial factor is what type of hair they have, whether short or long, curly or straight, or thick or thin. Another factor Rose observed was hair stylists should reference to pictures of others hairstyles to give the customer a graphic idea of what they could get. There are a number of variables, there could be one specific hairstyle and it would look completely different on every single person although they asked for the same thing. Some have curly hair; others have straight hair or even straight hair with a little wave. Rose discussed that you need to make sure you tell the customer throughout the consultation that their hair looks good and make them feel comfortable by giving eye contact using the mirrors. A lot depends on how you hold your tools. One hand could be used for the scissors and another hand could be used for the comb. Also, tension is a crucial factor. If you pull and tug on the customer’s hair too hard, it could hurt them and give them a negative response to your work and if you pull too hard, the end result could turn out differently than you had originally imagined. Little things are crucial, the angle that you hold the blow dryer, the tension applied while drying the hair, the amount of time it takes you could damaged the hair by making it too hot, and the attachment of the dryer. Even myself, I never have thought into any of these things that Mike Rose discussed. Rose talked about using a hot iron, there are ways you can test if it is too hot by using a towel but you have to use your own judgment, which only takes time to acquire the skill. Also, the hair products used should be only the best such as shampoos, conditioners, gels, and sprays. He also talked about the coloring theory. “You have to develop an eye for how what’s right for one person is not right for the next,”(40). Mike Rose quoted, “ All of the stylists interviewed-from people working in small neighborhoods to trendy and expensive salons- spoke of the importance of determining what the client wants and negotiating one’s aesthetics with client need,”(41).
Chapter 2: Styling Hair Pgs. 43-55 (Jaclyn Marks)
How does a stylist convert an image the client has in their mind into an actual plan of action and give the client exactly what they want? Mike Rose discovers that first they ask questions about the type of cut the client wants. The client shows pictures and the stylist picks at their hair to get a better sense of what they want. It is a very difficult skill, and a creative one at that, to know what your client wants just by using words. They play with the hair to show them exactly how it is going to be. The client might say they want an inch off but when the stylist shows them with their hands, it might be different than what they pictured (43).
One’s stylist can also be someone they can vent to, like an informal counselor. The client can talk to them about their problems going on in their life or just the latest gossip. Rose says “the ongoing conversation between client and stylist fosters an understanding of the client’s life which contributes to the stylist’s ability to interpret and enact the client’s request, to, as one stylist puts it, discern what the client is truly asking me to do’” (45). If the client feels comfortable about telling them about their life, it puts both client and stylist at ease and the stylist can get a feel of exactly what the client requests. As most clients say, “[my stylists] cuts it the way I like” (45). Mike Rose also points out that by asking questions, getting to know the client more, using gestures and even pictures, the stylist can understand the “literal and the symbolic content of a client’s request” (45).
Mike Rose interviewed a woman named Shandra who owns her own salon for the past eight years. Shandra reveals that stylists have to accept the fact that sometimes clients won’t like the cut you give them sometimes. “You have two human beings, one trying to render a service, the other trying to et you know what [they want]” (46). Another woman Mike interviewed was Nancy who has been styling hair for over 34 years. Nancy talks about how she has different views on styling hair and admits “there’s something very nurturing about it. It is one of the few places in our society where you have permission to touch people. It’s so intimate” (47). Rose concludes that all of the hair stylists he had talked to “raise the aesthetic dimension of the work” (48). He really praises them because it is a lot more work than just cutting someone’s hair. It is physically demanding because you need to spend many hours on your feet and use a repetitive motion when cutting hair which can, to some stylist, start to become a routine. One way to switch it up, stylists tell Mike, is to make different appointments. Have one appointment doing roots and then another one as just a simple cut. Stylists also need to build regulars. By doing this it gets your name out and makes more people want to come to you. You also receive better tips this way.
At the end of Mike’s hairstyling journey, he talks about Sharon who teaches at a beauty school. She talks about the science of doing hair, hair structure, chemistry of coloring hair and the color theory. Mike Rose asks one student what the biggest challenge is in training to become a stylist. She replies “actually doing it, knowing where to cut when hair changes from straight to wavy, seeing how it’ll fall, knowing what it’ll look like on different heads” (55)
One’s stylist can also be someone they can vent to, like an informal counselor. The client can talk to them about their problems going on in their life or just the latest gossip. Rose says “the ongoing conversation between client and stylist fosters an understanding of the client’s life which contributes to the stylist’s ability to interpret and enact the client’s request, to, as one stylist puts it, discern what the client is truly asking me to do’” (45). If the client feels comfortable about telling them about their life, it puts both client and stylist at ease and the stylist can get a feel of exactly what the client requests. As most clients say, “[my stylists] cuts it the way I like” (45). Mike Rose also points out that by asking questions, getting to know the client more, using gestures and even pictures, the stylist can understand the “literal and the symbolic content of a client’s request” (45).
Mike Rose interviewed a woman named Shandra who owns her own salon for the past eight years. Shandra reveals that stylists have to accept the fact that sometimes clients won’t like the cut you give them sometimes. “You have two human beings, one trying to render a service, the other trying to et you know what [they want]” (46). Another woman Mike interviewed was Nancy who has been styling hair for over 34 years. Nancy talks about how she has different views on styling hair and admits “there’s something very nurturing about it. It is one of the few places in our society where you have permission to touch people. It’s so intimate” (47). Rose concludes that all of the hair stylists he had talked to “raise the aesthetic dimension of the work” (48). He really praises them because it is a lot more work than just cutting someone’s hair. It is physically demanding because you need to spend many hours on your feet and use a repetitive motion when cutting hair which can, to some stylist, start to become a routine. One way to switch it up, stylists tell Mike, is to make different appointments. Have one appointment doing roots and then another one as just a simple cut. Stylists also need to build regulars. By doing this it gets your name out and makes more people want to come to you. You also receive better tips this way.
At the end of Mike’s hairstyling journey, he talks about Sharon who teaches at a beauty school. She talks about the science of doing hair, hair structure, chemistry of coloring hair and the color theory. Mike Rose asks one student what the biggest challenge is in training to become a stylist. She replies “actually doing it, knowing where to cut when hair changes from straight to wavy, seeing how it’ll fall, knowing what it’ll look like on different heads” (55)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Chapter 7: Rethinking Hand and Brain (Kaitlyn Metz)
(Summary and Response pg 159-166)
Chapter 7: Rethinking Hand and Brain
Pg. 159-166
Summary: In this section, Mike Rose talks about the beliefs and judgments people have towards different occupations and how many people believe some jobs are more work than others. He says “each type of work is powerful in its own way” (159). The way different jobs get defined has many consequences for example The American Federation of Labor declared welding as a tool rather than a trade and this judgment prevented them from making a separate trade and took away any thought of skill they had. He also talks about how the Department of Labor’s Standard Occupational Classification System can be misleading because they’re analysis come from outside observers. The department’s discussion of waitresses indentifies memorization and manual dexterity as important abilities but then rates coordination and negotiation as low importance. From an outsiders perspective this could seem correct but to a waitress these skills are greatly needed. Mike Rose says, “I find myself thinking of Joe Meraglio’s dictum that there’s no such thing as unskilled work. Sure building a flight of stairs involves more variables, technique, and training than does digging a ditch or hoisting freight. But even the most basic labor requires thought and technique if it’s to be done effectively and without injury…” (162). People make judgments of different jobs based on what they believe about race of gender.
Binary Oppositions:
Brain-hand
Abstract-concrete
Intellectual-practical
Academic-vocational
Pure-applied
Reflective-technical
New knowledge work-old industrial work
Neck up- neck down (165).
Mike Rose says that these binaries make us think that we know the phenomena better than we do and they limit our ability to see, and to honor, the considerable play of mind in physical work (166). Mike Rose believes the most influential binary is academic and vocational because it has had great effect in the high school curriculum which has led to the kind of instruction one receives or the crowd one associates with. “The divide between the two curriculums has been one of the most longstanding and visible institutional manifestations of our culture’s beliefs about hand and brain, mind and work. Thus, I think, it has a great deal to teach us about the contradictions and consequences of those beliefs” (166).
Response: I thought this section was really interesting and made me think a lot. It made me think about how each type of work does require some sort of effort. I found the quote form Joe Meraglio about unskilled work very true. There isn’t one job that doesn’t require work. One job may require more work than others. When I read this section, I thought about my view on different occupations. I always assumed that work that requires and education would consist of more skilled work than an occupation that didn’t require a college education. I now have a different view.
Chapter 7: Rethinking Hand and Brain
Pg. 159-166
Summary: In this section, Mike Rose talks about the beliefs and judgments people have towards different occupations and how many people believe some jobs are more work than others. He says “each type of work is powerful in its own way” (159). The way different jobs get defined has many consequences for example The American Federation of Labor declared welding as a tool rather than a trade and this judgment prevented them from making a separate trade and took away any thought of skill they had. He also talks about how the Department of Labor’s Standard Occupational Classification System can be misleading because they’re analysis come from outside observers. The department’s discussion of waitresses indentifies memorization and manual dexterity as important abilities but then rates coordination and negotiation as low importance. From an outsiders perspective this could seem correct but to a waitress these skills are greatly needed. Mike Rose says, “I find myself thinking of Joe Meraglio’s dictum that there’s no such thing as unskilled work. Sure building a flight of stairs involves more variables, technique, and training than does digging a ditch or hoisting freight. But even the most basic labor requires thought and technique if it’s to be done effectively and without injury…” (162). People make judgments of different jobs based on what they believe about race of gender.
Binary Oppositions:
Brain-hand
Abstract-concrete
Intellectual-practical
Academic-vocational
Pure-applied
Reflective-technical
New knowledge work-old industrial work
Neck up- neck down (165).
Mike Rose says that these binaries make us think that we know the phenomena better than we do and they limit our ability to see, and to honor, the considerable play of mind in physical work (166). Mike Rose believes the most influential binary is academic and vocational because it has had great effect in the high school curriculum which has led to the kind of instruction one receives or the crowd one associates with. “The divide between the two curriculums has been one of the most longstanding and visible institutional manifestations of our culture’s beliefs about hand and brain, mind and work. Thus, I think, it has a great deal to teach us about the contradictions and consequences of those beliefs” (166).
Response: I thought this section was really interesting and made me think a lot. It made me think about how each type of work does require some sort of effort. I found the quote form Joe Meraglio about unskilled work very true. There isn’t one job that doesn’t require work. One job may require more work than others. When I read this section, I thought about my view on different occupations. I always assumed that work that requires and education would consist of more skilled work than an occupation that didn’t require a college education. I now have a different view.
Friday, September 18, 2009
summary and response
Mike Rose doesn’t just look at things as a whole, he separates them then digs deeper into situations. Rose spent time one day with the stylists and was quite surprised from what he saw. He noticed that women today don’t pay attention to what they look like and they rely more on their hair stylists for opinions. Rose states “Hairstyling takes place within a twenty-five-billion-dollar beauty industry, that, at the least, fosters the need for products and services, and, in many respects, has created the conditions for a terrible exploitation of desire.” He was surprised that the stylists worked to suit their own cultural and aesthetic ideals. The hair stylists will tell their customers what looks good and bad and what they should or shouldn’t get.
To me, Mike Rose really analyzes things. He looks at “work” in so many different ways. I like the way that Rose breaks apart each idea and analyzes them to make it bigger. Its unique the way he makes points to show what work is and how people handle it. He talks about everything from how people bring their culture into work and all the different opportunities people have in life. Mike Rose made me realize how important a stylist’s job is. I think it depends on where you go to get your hair cut. Right before I left for my senior trip to Florida, I decided I wanted to get a haircut. I went to a local chain Hair Cuttery near my house. When I went home and dried my hair I noticed that my hair was cut on a huge slant. Not only was I annoyed that it was on a slant but I was also embarrassed because everyone could notice. I think it’s very important to have a hair salon that you trust and enjoy going to instead of dreading the final looks of your new hair cut.
By Brittany Hargrove
To me, Mike Rose really analyzes things. He looks at “work” in so many different ways. I like the way that Rose breaks apart each idea and analyzes them to make it bigger. Its unique the way he makes points to show what work is and how people handle it. He talks about everything from how people bring their culture into work and all the different opportunities people have in life. Mike Rose made me realize how important a stylist’s job is. I think it depends on where you go to get your hair cut. Right before I left for my senior trip to Florida, I decided I wanted to get a haircut. I went to a local chain Hair Cuttery near my house. When I went home and dried my hair I noticed that my hair was cut on a huge slant. Not only was I annoyed that it was on a slant but I was also embarrassed because everyone could notice. I think it’s very important to have a hair salon that you trust and enjoy going to instead of dreading the final looks of your new hair cut.
By Brittany Hargrove
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Chapter 6: Two Lives a Welder and a Foreman. (Catie Shomaker
This chapter was split into two different stories of two different people that had totally different lives but the same goals and determination.
The first person that Mike Rose introduces to the reader is Lisa Legohn. Lisa is a teacher at the Los Angeles Trade Technical Community College, but there was a lot that Lisa needed to overcome before she reached that place.
Lisa started training to be a welder in high school then entered into the trade when she was 19. She said that it started out as a joke to get to her parents, but then it turned out she loved everything about welding. She states that she considers welding an art. It was not an easy road for Lisa, she constantly had to deal with racial and sexist slurs, but Lisa was determined to succeed in the workplace that was meant for men.
Mike Rose then introduces us to a man named Joesph Meraglio who is actually Mike’s own uncle. Joe had to quit school after 8th grade so that he could help support his family like all immigrant children had to do. Joe did not face the harassment that Lisa had to endure but he did have to find a good, stable job with barely any educational background.
Throughout the chapter, Rose goes back and forth between Lisa and Joe sharing their stories. Their stories show that they both have strong determination and motivation. Even though Lisa was constantly harassed, she was doing what she loved to do and that is what kept her going. Nothing could stop her. Joe’s work was tedious and not so pleasant, it was not his passion working with trains, but he had another motivator: supporting his family.
Both Joe and Lisa showed the right attitude and work ethics, they were able to feel a high sense of security from their achievements- something that people who were born into money could not really appreciate since they were born right into security.
Both Lisa and Joe started at the bottom and both ended up on top. Lisa went from a lost student to a teacher as Joe went from a lowly laborer to the superintendent of General Motors.
I think that both of these stories are truly inspirational. Both had to work hard in order to achieve what they wanted. They show that you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it and seize the opportunities that come your way. Everybody has a different reason as to why they do the work they do. Lisa was lucky because she found something that she loved to do at an early age. Joe’s reason was to support himself, but mainly his family. I think that Joe did end up loving his work later on because he achieved it all by himself.
There stories are different but their passion helped them reach the same goal: success.
The first person that Mike Rose introduces to the reader is Lisa Legohn. Lisa is a teacher at the Los Angeles Trade Technical Community College, but there was a lot that Lisa needed to overcome before she reached that place.
Lisa started training to be a welder in high school then entered into the trade when she was 19. She said that it started out as a joke to get to her parents, but then it turned out she loved everything about welding. She states that she considers welding an art. It was not an easy road for Lisa, she constantly had to deal with racial and sexist slurs, but Lisa was determined to succeed in the workplace that was meant for men.
Mike Rose then introduces us to a man named Joesph Meraglio who is actually Mike’s own uncle. Joe had to quit school after 8th grade so that he could help support his family like all immigrant children had to do. Joe did not face the harassment that Lisa had to endure but he did have to find a good, stable job with barely any educational background.
Throughout the chapter, Rose goes back and forth between Lisa and Joe sharing their stories. Their stories show that they both have strong determination and motivation. Even though Lisa was constantly harassed, she was doing what she loved to do and that is what kept her going. Nothing could stop her. Joe’s work was tedious and not so pleasant, it was not his passion working with trains, but he had another motivator: supporting his family.
Both Joe and Lisa showed the right attitude and work ethics, they were able to feel a high sense of security from their achievements- something that people who were born into money could not really appreciate since they were born right into security.
Both Lisa and Joe started at the bottom and both ended up on top. Lisa went from a lost student to a teacher as Joe went from a lowly laborer to the superintendent of General Motors.
I think that both of these stories are truly inspirational. Both had to work hard in order to achieve what they wanted. They show that you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it and seize the opportunities that come your way. Everybody has a different reason as to why they do the work they do. Lisa was lucky because she found something that she loved to do at an early age. Joe’s reason was to support himself, but mainly his family. I think that Joe did end up loving his work later on because he achieved it all by himself.
There stories are different but their passion helped them reach the same goal: success.
Chapter: 7 Rethinking Hand and Brain(Paul Lonergan)
In Chapter seven Rethinking Hand and Brain Mike Rose taalks about how immigrants have an unfair way or work. Mike Rose says"They were like your grandfather ,off the farm, didn't know those tool, hellnever saw a steam engine in their lives.But they learned what to do,and they coordinated what they did."(Rose 142). His uncle said that to him as he was walking out of a movie theter. Then Mike Rose goes on to talk about Fredrick winslow Taylor's bookThe principals of Scientific Managment In this he talks about how "It captures American industry's traditional seperation of managerial intelligence from worker production."(Rose 142)In this he shows how a worker named Schmidt who moves pig iron can move it faster, and quick by breaking it down to a science.He also pushes them faster and makes them work harder. Taylor makes fun of his intelligence by saying "are you a high priced man?"(Rose 143). Schmidt is confused by this question and taylor gives up and tells him to listen to the supervisor, and do exactly what he says. At this time there were no labor laws, no minimum wage,or anything haveing to do with safety so schmidt did not why he was moving iron. He did not know what he was getting paid he just did as he was told. Like most immigrants that came over they were knew very little and were used for little money, doing not the smart things like people in America were doing, but to the immigrants. Show that the real difficulties are in an office not actually physically moving equipment.
Response:I think this chapter it show how hard working people, can be used to make them work harder. and for the people in the offices to make money off the blue collar workers. I can relate to this, because two summers ago I helped build a deck, and the guy really building it would barely do the work, and all he would do was the measuring the smart work for me I guess, but i picked up all the wood sawed it and nailed it in while he just directed the operation. Mike Rose really does a great job in this chapter of showing all the aspects of blue collar and white collar work.
Response:I think this chapter it show how hard working people, can be used to make them work harder. and for the people in the offices to make money off the blue collar workers. I can relate to this, because two summers ago I helped build a deck, and the guy really building it would barely do the work, and all he would do was the measuring the smart work for me I guess, but i picked up all the wood sawed it and nailed it in while he just directed the operation. Mike Rose really does a great job in this chapter of showing all the aspects of blue collar and white collar work.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Chapter 1: "The Working Life of a Waitress": Summary and reflection (Elizabeth Wingerter)
Chapter 1: “The Working Life of a Waitress”: Summary and reflection
Summary:
As Mike Rose acquires information from his mother about her job experience as a waitress beginning in the 1950s, she expresses what most waitresses come across in their everyday “work life”. He describes how challenging this job can be even though it is considered as “the least skilled lower class occupation,” (Rose 2). Rose believes that this occupation requires physical, social and cognitive skills when working. In the last half of the chapter he describes how important it is to contain an emotional dimension (Rose 20). This basically means providing every service needed, even if it is not necessarily required. It seems that being a waitress requires much effort in social situations when working with customers, managers, cooks and co-workers. This is the only job that requires a person to change their social dynamics each day in order to fit the role the customers want (Rose 21). For example, some want to see their server as a “mother, daughter, servant, friend or sexual object,” (Rose 21). In this field of work a waitress’s definition of “service” is altered because it depends on the consumer’s wants and needs that constantly change from table to table. It is then the work of a waitress to obtain these roles in order to fulfill the requirements in their job. The waitress- customer interaction is considered to be the most important part in this career because it directly relates to the process of emotions that come with being a waitress (Rose 22). Throughout this research it is easy to see that a waitress needs to have a great memory, the ability to stay focused, the physical stamina to last though the rush, and the process of keeping a ratio of waitress- consumer interaction (Rose 22). In the end Mike Rose’s mother recalls that even though the job is hard, “it’s interesting. You learn a lot as a waitress. You work like hell. But you learn a lot,” (Rose 24). Roses’ mother enjoyed this career because it never got boring even though it was a challenge. It gave her a sense of value and an identity throughout her life.
Reflection:
I chose this particular chapter because I also happen to be a waitress. Everything that Mike’s mother mentioned I have directly experienced. It takes many skills to “perform” each night on the dining room floor and it is nice to see someone break down the requirements of being a waitress. Reading this section of his book actually got me thinking differently about my job. I never though of myself as “changing character” in order to talk with my customers. However, I now realize that I do this every time I receive another table. I knew I had to have a physical stamina and the ability to think on my feet, but I never pictured my job as having an “emotional dynamic”. I do agree with Rose’s mother in the end when she mentioned that this service gave her the most sense of value because of all skills she had to acquire during this career. She said that this job gave her fulfillment and an identity even though it was not the most glamorous job. “This work provided her with a way to feel useful, engage her mind, and be in the flow of things” (Rose 6).
Monday, September 14, 2009
I'm Working On It...(Dan Chilla)
For now I'll define work as anything that requires any kind of effort. Whether you enjoy it or not, it's putting forth more than you normally would. In most cases there is some sort of goal, something that you're trying to accomplish, something that you're working for.
My definition of work (Kaitlyn Metz)
I believe work is putting forth effort and using your mind to achieve a goal in the end. Work can be your job and the goal would be money. Work can be to put effort and time into a relationship and the goal would be happiness. Work is different to everyone because it depends on what your definition of work is.
"The Working Life of a Waitress"(Kayla Ruppert)
“The Working Life of a Waitress”
Mike Rose
p. 10-20
p. 10-20
Mike Rose continues talking about his mother’s life as a waitress. She tells him in order to be a good waitress “You have to have one hell of a good memory.” (p10) To back that up he adds in some psychological studies that all point out the same facts about what waitresses know.
· “Food and drinks- ingredients, appearance, and typical combinations.” (p10)
·“Visual, spatial, and linguistic techniques to aid memory.” (p10) Examples are abbreviating items, grouping them in categories and finding ways to remember costumer appearance and location.
· Waitresses jobs are “goal directed” (p10) their goals are to make their work go smoother and to earn more tips.
·“Visual, spatial, and linguistic techniques to aid memory.” (p10) Examples are abbreviating items, grouping them in categories and finding ways to remember costumer appearance and location.
· Waitresses jobs are “goal directed” (p10) their goals are to make their work go smoother and to earn more tips.
Then he explains his mother’s way of remembering orders. What people ordered helped her remember who gets what. Say “a man orders a T-bone steak and the woman would order something smaller, and even if the order is backwards that’s going to stick in your mind.” (p11) Even with a table of six or more she had a way to make it a less of a load if someone ordered hotcakes she would put a container of syrup in front of that person right away. Also the way a person acted towards her helped her remember their orders. She said “Somebody is giving me a rough time, then of course they will stick in your mind.” (p12)
Waitresses all agree that they work better when they are busy. His mother adds to that. “Even though you are very busy, you’re extremely busy, you’ll still in your mind you have a picture, and still use all these strategies and one triggers everything else.” (p12) But then sometimes when you are busy and everybody is demanding your attention you just don’t know what to do first. Mikes mother felt the same way. When she was stuck in a situation like that she was “thinking what to do first, where to go first…which is the best thing to do…which is the quickest.” (p13)
Waitresses all agree that they work better when they are busy. His mother adds to that. “Even though you are very busy, you’re extremely busy, you’ll still in your mind you have a picture, and still use all these strategies and one triggers everything else.” (p12) But then sometimes when you are busy and everybody is demanding your attention you just don’t know what to do first. Mikes mother felt the same way. When she was stuck in a situation like that she was “thinking what to do first, where to go first…which is the best thing to do…which is the quickest.” (p13)
As a waitress you have no time to rest. You have to keep moving fast or customers will get unhappy, you have to keep up with the hot orders or “the cooks will yell at you,” (p13), and you have to get the checks to the costumers or “you’ll get hell from the managers.” (p13) “As you walk, every time you cross the restaurant you’re never doing just a single task. You’re always looking at the big picture, and picking things along the way.” (p14) As a waitress you are always alert and using your mind.
Response
Rose’s work is brilliant. His message was stated clearly. Waitressing is a memorable job. It takes a person that is quick to think. I like when his mother mentioned “even a regular is tapping his coffee cup, the cook is ringing the bell, and so on, a waitress could attend to all this clatter, and know what it means, and yet still not know what to do next.” (p15) I understand exactly what she is talking about because I’m a waitress myself. Everyone thinks that a waitressing job is for someone that is uneducated and lazy, but it’s not. It’s harder than you think. That’s what I believe his point was to get across. Don’t look down on waitresses as not having a hard job. Next time you go to a restaurant and its taking a little time to get a refill or an order taken remember what all a waitress has to get done.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
What Is Work You Ask? (Jasen Maurer)
in my definiton of work, it is anything that requires you to travel above and beyond the normal aspects of life. requiring you to perform some form of physical or mental activity that is not normally done for pleasure.
What is Work(Paul Lonergan)
Work- The effort exzerted to get to a certain goal.
Katie Mcclure-The effort to get to a goal.
Sean Feeley-work is struggling and falling down and getting back up and acheving your goal.
Dad-Work is going to your job everyday.
Katie Mcclure-The effort to get to a goal.
Sean Feeley-work is struggling and falling down and getting back up and acheving your goal.
Dad-Work is going to your job everyday.
three people's describtion on work(tiffany baldemora)
Jamey Thomas-considers work to be just expending your energy into things.
Oriana Fuller-thinks that work is something you have to be good because its mainly somethingyou have a skill at.
Nicole Clemments-says sometimes it could be phsyical like breaking a sweat and other times it could be just earning money.
Oriana Fuller-thinks that work is something you have to be good because its mainly somethingyou have a skill at.
Nicole Clemments-says sometimes it could be phsyical like breaking a sweat and other times it could be just earning money.
what work is (tiffany baldemora)
doing something to push yourself for mental or phsyical work for a purpose or out of a necessity
What work is (Catie Shomaker)
I believe that work to me can best be defined as something that cannot be avoided in order to get ahead. Work is putting forth the effort and attitude to get something done. Even if you dislike the work, like most people do, it is something that must be done in order to fulfill your goals.
What Work is (Elizabeth Wingerter)
**Work is the requirement of the mind or body to challenge itself with an outcome of either positive or negative emotions.**
One of my close friends gave me a different feeling of “work” when I asked her what the word work meant to her. She described it as the easy task in everyday life because she believed that “the actual work is trying to figure out what kind of work [I] would like to do” (boullosa). She felt that the “work” part of it was trying to find yourself and what you feel your purpose of work should be.
"Your definition of
work
will constantly change
depending on the person
you are." (boullosa)
One of my close friends gave me a different feeling of “work” when I asked her what the word work meant to her. She described it as the easy task in everyday life because she believed that “the actual work is trying to figure out what kind of work [I] would like to do” (boullosa). She felt that the “work” part of it was trying to find yourself and what you feel your purpose of work should be.
"Your definition of
work
will constantly change
depending on the person
you are." (boullosa)
Work (Jenna Fitzpatrick)
When I think of work, I think of attempting to reach a goal that can help you in the long run. For example a student works to get an education or a person works at a job to earn money. Work is about fulfilling obligations. It is so hard to get a clear defintion because it covers so many areas. But, if I had to pick one defintion for work, it would be anything that a person puts time and effort into.
Friday, September 11, 2009
What would you do if your body no longer was able to do the work you love to do? (Mysti)
Here's a link to the story we didn't have a chance to listen to today--but I'm not complaining as the brainstorming was particularly rainy:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112515247
Give yourself a treat by viewing all ten of the slides as they tell a story of their own.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112515247
Give yourself a treat by viewing all ten of the slides as they tell a story of their own.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
"THE WORKING LIFE OF A WAITRESS" (Lindsay J. Beale)
THE WORKING LIFE OF A WAITRESS
Mike Rose explains “The Working Life of a Waitress” through a series of interviews with his recently retired mother and other veteran waitresses. He asks her questions concerning relationships between employee and boss, cook, and waitress. Although Mike never mentions his mother’s name,any person who has experience in waitressing can relate to her benefits and viewpoints towards waiting on clientele such as;
- Prioritizing (6,8):
- Taking Orders
- Serving Drinks
- Serving Food
- Clearing Tables
- Check
^^ Try achieving these necessary goals with a smile on your face! (Even if you’re not happy)
- Slow Business vs. Rush-hour (7)
- Consequences of Low Staff (7)
- Tips (6): (Profit = Time)
- “Time-zones:” A customers expectation of time from arrival to check
- Memory (7,8,11,12)
-Factors of Who Gets What
- Specific Conversation
- Personality/appearance
- Male vs. Female
- Children
- Skill of Transportation of Entrees (9)
- Speed walking without looking like you’re stressed out and running
- Pleasing both Cook and Customer (13)
RESPONSE
As Mike Rose filters information from his mother’s experiences to our eyes and ears, I found myself, on several occasions, narrating my own familiarity of serving my community through waitressing. Through this chapter, I thank Mike Rose for opening society’s eyes to the true “working” life of a waitress. He films a movie in our minds so that even with no past reference of waitressing, people can still imagine live the life of a hard working waitress. It is true that “There isn’t a day that goes by in the restaurant that you don’t learn something” (Rose, p. 30). Put yourself in Mrs. Rose’s shoes and picture having to prioritize a million and one tasks as well as meeting every tables “time-zone” expectation. Like Mike Rose did, I challenge you to scratch a portrait in your mind of how you would handle the valuable responsibilities of a waitress because I could not imagine taking on life’s duties without the prioritizing and problem solving skills I learned from being a waitress.
“I’m struck by the fact that particular kinds of work can be defined and perceived in ways that mask the range of human abilities that make the work possible. And I’m struck, quite struck, by the way we try to shape our lives and gain a little control by the work we do.”
Mike Rose (p. 30)
What Work is to Me…(Zachary Shirk)
The definition of work, in my eyes, is any action that required effort, and is usually done for a reward. This includes everything from your day to day jobs, to your simple house hold chores.
Another definition of work that I liked was the answer I got when I asked an old friend what she thought work was; “Work is putting forth effort to get something done, and in the end is beneficial to the worker, and the one who provided the work.”
Another definition of work that I liked was the answer I got when I asked an old friend what she thought work was; “Work is putting forth effort to get something done, and in the end is beneficial to the worker, and the one who provided the work.”
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Work to me is .... (Lindsay J. Beale)
Work [wurk]
Work is time consuming. There are many life obstacles that classify as work. For example, a student verses being employed. Both are categorized as work, but require contrasting expertise. Different characteristics make up those specific models, but ultimately it is individually decided through each person’s life experiences. In my opinion, work entails discipline and effort. Work is not simple. In fact, it is so complex that it consumes your body and mind; therefore, it demands full concentration.
My Definition of "Work"
A number of task a person do to reach a certain quota, so they can get paid for their time and dedication for their everyday needs to serve. (Ivory Wells)
What exactly is work?(Kayla Ruppert)
everybody has there own view on what they think work is. I believe work is something that you have to either use your mind mentally or physically. A job isnt just work, you just don't have to get paid to be considering doing work.
What is Work? (Terrence)
Work is anything you have to put effort into whether you enjoy it or not, payed or not payed. Effort consists of time, energy, and dedication, successfully doing these three things will ultimately produce prosperous work.
Welcome to the Bloghouse (Mysti)
Welcome all y'all (yes, that't the formal plural of "y'all" coming all the way to you from Texas)! I hope we find a way to enjoy both posting and commenting on each other's posts this semester. But mostly, I hope we find publishing our thoughts, ideas, research and poems on this venue a useful thing to do. The idea, after all, is to form a research community where we can pool our collective work and borrow from one another (as long as we give credit to the source) if it aids us in completing our mulit-genre texts. Hey--what if it's simply the phrase "mulit-genre text" that is throwing many of us off the trail of what it is we really need to achieve this semester--the writing of a book that explores the work of ______________ (however you choose to fill in the blank)? Maybe we should just call it an aardwolfe? Anyone seen one lately?
But let's take things a baby-step at a time: the first step being to post your "working definition" of the word work--and if you want to--but only if you find it very useful or interesting--include the information you gleaned by talking to three others (making sure to credit them, of course). Has anyone got a definition of work that you are willing to share with the rest of us?
But let's take things a baby-step at a time: the first step being to post your "working definition" of the word work--and if you want to--but only if you find it very useful or interesting--include the information you gleaned by talking to three others (making sure to credit them, of course). Has anyone got a definition of work that you are willing to share with the rest of us?
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