390 N. Bumby Ave : Carver Park

OSAE
Observation: Before Carver Park:
I’d have to say as we drove on I-4 I had no idea what to expect from Carver Park. I’ve driven around downtown Orlando quite a few times in my life but I have never ventured to the Parramore/OBT area. Of course I had to endure the worried comments of Caroline, Adele and Neyda which let me just say made the whole experience worthwhile. When my father’s car came to a halt, I took the time to glance at a street sign. It read “Orange Blossom trail” and I knew it was time to open my eyes. Twinkling cellophane candy wrappers, big gulp cups, and paper lined the street as if they were decorations. It was a forbidden kingdom that was of no concern to anyone from the outside, dirty and rustic. God forbid anything pervert Orlando’s “happiest place on earth” reputation. As for the businesses that were located within the area I was quite confused. Auto-Shops, Liquor Stores, and Gentlemen’s clubs were abundant and it comforted me to know that if our car broke down there would be no problem getting it fixed. While doing research on the zoning for such businesses I found a quote from the Orlando Sentinel and I quote: “For decades, Orlando's zoning rules have been tough enough to make sure you won't find strippers in the City Beautiful.” Why is it then that we are putting such businesses in an area that already has such a harsh image? Are we choosing to destroy any positive reputation parramore may still hold instead of cleaning it up? Perhaps they make up for this destruction of self image by building several community centers and parks, another aspect of this neighborhood that I find different from my own. I was selfishly jealous of the Children living in poverty who were so blessed as to have community centers and parks on every corner. It only occurred to me when we finally arrived to Carver Park what the intentions were for building these centers. Revitalization is key for these low class neighborhoods, and building these Youth centers raises hope that the progression of the neighborhood will change. Every year about 3, 595 violent crimes alone occur in the area which is a startling number for a Casselberry resident. These community centers were built to lower these crimes by keeping children off the street and playing basketball. A beautiful Idea but is it honestly helping.


During Carver Park: When we arrived at our destination I couldn't help but laugh. On one side of the street was a majestic, cookie cutter development known as Carver Park. On the other side was Parramore, a rough neighborhood with a very high crime rate. My first thoughts were who in their right mind live here? The location seemed absolutely ludicrous. Bright orange, blue, and marigold town homes, a large fountain, and apartments seemed to be out of place.Who were they appealing to? We drove into the development and my Father’s car came to a complete stop. I, Liana Gesundheit being the courageous woman that I am was the first to step out of the car. Camera in hand, I knelt down to get at about eye level with this strange neighborhood. The grass was perfectly mowed and although not green fit in well with the town homes. I couldn’t help but notice that on the other side of the street the houses had unruly weeds rather than grass and leaves rather than lawn gnomes. My mind went crazy trying to put myself in the shoes of the contractors who built Carver Park. Why would one pick such a location? I smiled reassuringly at the girls who remained in the car afraid to step out. As they paraded towards me I directed them in front of the Avalon Style town homes.

During the Interview:
Since Carver Park is inhabited it was rather hard for us to pinpoint the actual location of the Business Manager’s office. We walked into a building that was known as their “Network Center”. This Network Center was constructed with the community in mind, within it is a room filled with computers for the community to use and a study room for the local children to come and receive help on their school work. (Yet another think that caused me to be selfishly jealous of the neighborhood kids). Although we did not locate the business manager we were able to become acquainted with a nice woman who was able to point us in the correct direction. At last we found ourselves at the front door of the Carver Park Apartments for the Elderly. Cathy Thomas was a pleasant woman although I do think she was quite surprised about our visit. She answered all our questions with grace and we were able to truly grasp the reasoning behind Carver Parks Placement.

After Carver Park:
To be honest I felt remorseful leaving Carver Park. The whole visit was very impacting and the marks it left on my heart will stay there forever. As we walked out of the Senior Apartments and into my father’s car I quickly observed the area surrounding Carver Park once more. I was surprised to see that Jones High School was located directly behind it. Jones High School was the very first public school for African Americans in Orlando it was built in 1895. It was one of the “separate but equal” schools during the Martin Luther King Era, and was close to being shut down last year. Although it has a nominal population consisting of about 1, 141 students and a constant failing FCAT score, Jones High School poses as an important part of African American History in Orlando as does Carver Park. When I realized what this area means to its people it was easier to understand why Carver Park had to be placed in Parramore.
We finally pulled out of the Carver Park Development, and back on to OBT. People sat on their porches playing checkers, and crack houses were on every corner. Gang tags covered every building murals as well. It wasn’t until we arrived at the historically known Division Street that the environment changed. Instead of seeing colorful houses and trash along the sidewalk I saw skyscrapers and the new Magic arena. Instead of seeing people riding on their bicycles I saw cars parked next to parking-meters. America claims that everyone is equal and segregation does not exist. Is this hypocrisy? Are we keeping the history of Division Street alive rather than putting it behind us? One thing is for sure Carver Park may just be the change Orlando needs.

Speculation:
I first assumed that Carver Park was placed in the Parramore area to attract more middle class citizens in order to improve the image of the area. Although I soon figured out this speculation was only half true. Carver Court as it was once called was found to have some structural damage and was demolished in 2002. It was reconstructed by the former residence as a way to revitalize the community and a historical residential community as it was one of the oldest Orlando Housing Authority Sites. However instead of attracting middle class residents, Carver Park was intended to be built as a safe community for current members of the community.

Analysis:
Like I stated in my Observation the person we interviewed was Cathy Thomas. She was the Business manager at Carver Park and a very sweet woman at that. I’m sure our sudden presence in her office just moments before she was scheduled to have a meeting annoyed her a bit; she showed no anger towards us and answered all of our questions to the best of her ability.
Q: Why was this development placed in this location?

A: This development was placed here in order to revitalize our old community, which was Carver Court. It was built on top of a landfill, which caused the buildings to experience some problems with their foundations. Also, the environment outside Carver Park is not the best, so it was built to improve that, too.

Q: Why was the neighborhood designed in this manner?

A: I do not know, but I am sure you will find out on the website why the neighborhood is structured in the way it is. I can, however, tell you that it provides affordable housing to those who would otherwise have none.

Q: While planning, what type of people did you aim to attract?

A: Mostly families, but we also built to the senior home to house the elderly, which we classify as 62 and older.

Q: What is the average cost of a house in this community?

A: $70,000-$80,000, though we also have rental homes available.

Q: What is the usual floor plan for a house?

A: The average town home is usually contains two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms. Apartments can range anywhere from two to three bedrooms and two bathrooms. These homes are, of course, intended for families.

Evaluation:
The location of 390 N. Bumby Ave is now understandable in my mind for the Carver Park Development. The Surrounding area is in dire need of reconstruction and the fact that this community was built with the well being of the families residing within it close to their heart, puts a smile on my face. Since its main focus was to ensure safety for those who lived within it, Carver Park has done an excellent job in doing so. The property isn’t defaced and there is no hoodlums walking with their swagger in the premises. It definitely was placed in a very deserving and hardworking community and for that reason I believe this was an impeccable location for Carver Park.

Comparison:

Carver Park and My neighborhood Creeks Bend have two very different personalities. The housing located within Carver Park has a "cookie cutter" feel to it. Each house is exactly the same although the colors vary. And let me just point out that if anyone residing in my neighborhood decided to paint their house similar colors as to those of the Carver Park Development you should be expecting a pretty $200 fine in your mailbox. A major difference between Creeks Bend and Carver Park is the type of housing they have. Town Homes and Elderly apartment complexes are lets just say absent when you drive down my street. All that is in view are 1980 style houses and multiple basketball hoops. As for the surrounding area, Casselberry and Parramore have similarities and polar-opposites. Outside my neighborhood Red Bug Park resides right across the street followed by multiple "Suburban down towns". Directly behind Carver Park is a newly built community center and park. Jones High School is the same distance from Carver Park as Lake Howell is to Creeks Bend. Differences outweigh the similarities however. The Neighborhoods to each side of Carver Park are predominately Lower-Class neighborhoods, and the two Neighborhoods to each side of mine are predominately Middle-Class. So in all honestly Creeks Bend and Carver Park are two very different turfs. The loud and obnoxious colors of Carver Park are not present in Creeks Bends blue and white palate nor are the cookie cutter houses.

A brief Observation of : Creeks Bend

Creeks Bend is your average middle-class neighborhood. It is predominately middle-class, white collared workers and their families. Unfortunately the majority the adolescent residents are male which explains the abundance of Basketball hoops (Yes I own a basketball hoop). Our Homeowners association makes it their primary goal to keep every little aspect of the neighborhood just so. Greenery and Trees create an earthy ambiance throughout the neighborhood and believe it or not it you dare cut down any of your trees you will be fined. Each house either maintains a brick mailbox, plastic or wooden. With an exception of 3 houses, My "hood" is mainly one story dwellings with 2 car garages and perfectly mowed grass. Every other house has a light pole right outside of it and a few homes even have street signs in front of them. When we were younger, the neighborhood children enjoyed playing in the creek that is coincidentally located BEHIND our neighborhood. All in all Creeks Bend is a glorious place to live and an amazing place to grow up.

Fast Food Nation: Chapter 10

• 
  * In foreign countries, what group does most fast food advertising target?
• 
  The cliché “It’s like taking candy from a baby” is even closer to reality as the fast food industries main targets are adolescents. A survey was taken by 9 and 10 year olds in which they were asked whether or not the infamous Ronald McDonald knew what they should eat. Half of them frighteningly but not surprisingly said yes. Our elementary school children have been successfully identifying Ronald McDonald something I am ashamed to admit I was able to do as well. On page 231 the author makes an allusion to another common cliché “You are what you eat” saying that the man who foolishly introduced McDonalds to Japan has made it a reality. It seems false advertising comes into play when said man Den Fujita told his countrymen and I quote “If we eat McDonalds hamburgers and potatoes for a thousand years, we will become taller, and our skin will become white and our hair will be blonde”. Is he inferring that if you consume McDonalds that you too will become the Aryan race that is American?
  
  *Why is obesity a problem for American society as a whole?
  America, the birthplace of various fast food chains, has been the central control center for obesity. While driving down Tuskawilla Road fast food chains are on every corner. Traveling hungry is no longer a problem for Americans. Why are we obese? We have direct access to some of the most disgusting and ingenious foods in the entire world and of course we take advantage of that. Because of discoveries in technology, Americans are on the computer rather than on the treadmill, watching baseball on TV rather than actually playing America’s favorite pastime. Why are we prone to obesity? Because America has constantly been showered with luxuries in the form of Big Macs and Mac Books? Perhaps our obsession with MAC anything in general has contributed to our overweight population. Our morals have disintegrated into oblivion. Instead of thin fit women and men modeling the ideal American Image our billboards will show our reality. As if our personal image wasn’t already revolting to other countries.

Fast Food Nation: Chapter 1

What restaurant chain did Carl Karcher start?

Carl Karcher a.k.a. The Creator of the BEST burger in the entire world was the founder of Carls Jr. Which happens to be the place where my first meal in California took place. I think Carl Karcher is an absolute genius. Even though McDonalds was totally giving him a run for his money, Carl never gave up the fight.

Why did General Motors want to buy trolley systems throughout the U.S.?

In the late 1920's, General Motors began buying up trolley systems left and right. Their primary goal was to rip them apart and start opening up bus lines. GM began scheming up a plan, they persuaded other motor companies to help pay the costly prices of their take-over. The whole time their ambition was to wipe our railway competition by any means.

Their plotting was quite devious in my opinion. They were using other companies greed for their OWN gain. Although I'm quite pleased that they ended up getting busted and punished. A $5,000 fine may not seem like a feasible fine but due to my prior knowledge I understand that for the 20's that was quite the pretty penny.

What was the "Speedee Service System" and how was it different from what other fast food

The McDonalds brothers began to grow unsatisfied with their carhop buisness.They were tired of their teenage customers were constantly defacing their glassware, and quite frankley they were tired of their teenage customers. So the McBrothers decided to have their chain undergo DEEP RECONSTRUCTION, and BAM! The speedee service system is born.

In 1948 McDonalds fired all their carhops and closed their doors. They began to install larger grills and then they reopened their doors three months after. In addition to the make-over to their appearence McDonalds also had a brand-new method to preparing their food. The McBros designed this method to increase speed, slash prices, and bring in more customers. As if this wasn't enough they also eliminated certain menu items, like the ones that required the use of a plate and silverware. Like many modern slaughter houses, Mcdonalds also had their workers performing one specific task repeatedly.

Other fast food restraunts, or so they claimed still stuck with the carhops. They werent as industrialized as McDonalds.

Fast Food Nation: Chapter 9

What authority does the U.S. Government have to demand the recall of tainted meat?

The U.S. Government is unable to demand a meat company to cease the production of the tainted meat. Unfortunately the meatpacking firms have tight connections with the Republican members of Congress. I find it utterly preposterous that our government has the authority to recall pointless items such as toys and sneakers but does not have the authority to put an end to the production of infected meat.



What was the first national hamburger chain & what did it do to try to change the image of the hamburger?

The first national hamburger chain was White Castle. Before their opening, hamburgers were thought to be an inferior meal for lower class. White Castle made an effort to change America's judgements on the innocent hamburger. They placed the stoves within eyesight of the customers in attempt to prove that they used only the freshest of meats. The name White Castle was thought up to appeal to upper class citizens by sounding "pure". White Castle even sponsored an experiment at the University of Minnesota where medical students ate nothing but white castle burgers and water.

What are the effects of E. coli 0157:H7 on the human body?

In the book it states: E. coli 0157:H7 is a mutated version of a bacterium found abundantly in the human digestive system. It releases a mighty toxin called a verotoxin which bombards the intestines. Many people who come in contact with this lethal bacteria suffer from watery, and often bloody diarrhea as well as excruciating cramps. If the verotoxin enters the bloodstream it may cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, which may lead to kidney failure, internal bleeding, anemia, and the demolition of vital organs.

Fast Food Nation: Chapter 8

What kinds of injuries do workers in meatpacking plants typically suffer?

The horrific conditions in which the workers of slaugter houses are forced to endure cause many injuries. Not only visible injuries i.e. cutting off fingers or amputating limbs but also internal injuries as well suck as shoulder and back pain. They may also get carpal tunnel syndrome and "trigger finger" as a result of their careless work environment.



Why don't more workers complain about safety conditions in the plants?

The supervisors of the slaughter house tell the workers if they dont tell anyone about the injury they have, the supervisors will temporarily allow them to work an easier job until they heal. The supervisors may also tell the workers that they will be able to return back home for the duration of their injury.




What does the author describe as the most dangerous type of work in these plants and what kinds of injuries do these workers risk?

The author states that the most dangerous type of work in the slaugter houses in the clean up crew. During their jobs they have to use heated cholorine and water hoses to wash off all the machinery, while the machinery is still running. These hoses, because of their temperature, cause alot of fog in the slaughter house. And because the machinery is still running the noise disables the worker's hearing. Resulting in vasts amount of injuries i.e. amputation of limbs, crushing of the skull, and having your body ripped apart. In simpler terms the workers who perform these jobs have a high risk of death.

Fast Food Nation: Chapter 7

What changes did IBP introduce to the meat packing industry?



In 1960, IBP became the McDonalds of meat packing and processing. Currier J. Holman and A.D. Anderson constructed their buisness with money in their minds. They completely eliminated the need for skilled workers and they designed their plant as a "One story structure with a disassembly line" pg 53. Their main idea was afor their workers to stand in one place all day and perform one simple task such as the same swift cut over and over. In addition the location of their meat packing plants changed as well. By moving from Urban areas to Rural areas, they became closer to the road which made it possible for meat to be transported by truck rather than train. When they opened up a plant in Dakota City, Nebraska they began not only slaughtering cows but cutting them into smaller cuts of meat i.e. loins, chucks, and rounds. In place of packaging whole pieces of beef, IBP vaccumpacked these smaller cuts and called them "boxed meat".




Why were newer meat packing plants located in rural areas rather than in cities?



As I stated in the question above, IBP decided to relocate its buisness from Urban areas to rural areas because rural areas were closer to highways which opened new transportation opportunities for them. These highways made it possible for meat to be taken from point A to point B by truck rather than train.





What were the links between IBP and organized crime?



In 1970 Mr. Holman and three others had a meeting with Moe Steinman who was affiliated with the mob. The butchers in New York had formed a strike against IBP beef, in collaboration they refused to sell any of their beef. Moe Steinman offered his assistance in exchange for a 5cent commission on ever pound of beef they sold. They were of course tried and convicted for bribing union leaders and meat wholesalers.

Fast Food Nation: Chapter 6: On the Range

 Chapter 6: On the Range

o How does the nutritional value of a McNugget compare with that of a hamburger?

Throughout history, chicken has been classified as the healthy choice when it comes to meat. Americans line up at the McDonald's drive through to purchase an 8-count mouth-watering Chicken Selects (c) meal. But what McDonald's has done is decieve us. Our Author states that like their french fries, McDonald's McNuggets were once cooked in beef tallow. Of course they were forced to switch to vegetable, and are now prepared with "Beef extract". Compared to the McDonald's hamburger, McNuggets have twice as much fat per-ounce. Is America handing one way tickets to obesity to all its younger generation? This is the question I have been constantly pondering while reading each chapter.

o How does the suicide rate for ranchers and farmers compare with the rate for U.S. citizens in general?

The suicide rate among ranchers and farmers in the US has now skyrocketed about three times higher than the national average though in Rural America the suicide rate has maintained a slow steady rate. Our author things that Farmers have a constant weight on their shoulder. They want to keep the family buisness within the family and when they do not succeed, Farmers feel as though they have failed their family. Suicide is they way out.


o What are the conditions or terms of business under which most poultry farmers operate?

      Large chicken processors do not grow their birds on their own property. They supply growers with one-day-old chicks. Between their day of birth and the day they are executed, the chickens spend their lifetime on a grower's property. Processors provide feed, veteranry services, and tech and set up feeding schedules in order to ensure that the growers are growing the finest chickens. Aside from growing the chickens, the chicken growers provide the land on which the chickens live, the labor, and the poultry houses. The price for these necessities do not come cheap and growers often have to take out loans.
       Growers have little power over the processors. Poultry contracts are short-term and growers who complain will find themselves with no chicken to tend to. It is hard to comprehend how the growers are putting in far more labor than the processors hardly get a say or a cut of what ever is produced.