Sunday, May 16, 2010
Field Notes III
Before class on Wednesday, please post your final set of fieldnotes here to our course blog as a comment. Make sure and include the same kind of information as in previous fieldnotes. In this final set of notes, though, you might try and sketch out any tentative conclusions you are making about this space and its significance for the people who use it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
May 18, 2:30pm-4pm
ReplyDeleteIn my final set of obesrvations I returned to the bridge that I had chosen for my focal point, but I also explored other areas in the museum that I had not been to before. I ended up going to the gift shops, and a cafe this time. This part of the museum had a very different feel. People were browsing for gifts, drinking coffee, and discussing. The rooms themselves were crowded with gift items, making it a little overwhelming. However this is where people seemed to take a break from the museum, or a place to end their trip
While on the overpass observing I noticed:
-Majority older/elderly visitors
-not as many student groups today
-groups of 3-4
-cloudier/rainy day could deter some guests
-museum has steady, but quiet feel
In an interview conducted I asked why the museum was important and they said they went there for leisure, and had been to many famous museums with his family, in many cities. He said that it was important to have art museums, because it enriches people's knowledge in a way that the school systems do not do. He believes having knowledge of art is a good way to know about history. He likes to come for the enjoyment of walking around and spending time with whoever he goes there with.
Going to other parts of the museum today made me realize that the msueum has a variety of uses. Some people just come to use the cafe, or just stop in to buy a graduation present. There are thousands of books, puzzles, and games that people can gain further information and fun out of, they can take out of the museum. Many people gained a sense of calmness and happiness as they were going through the museum. Most people were lighthearted and enojying themselves. There were some more serious art enthusiasts who went to really be immersed in the art. Overall the DAM is a place for the community to go and bond with family and friends, take advantage of educational programs and events, enjoy the scenery of the museum and the city, enjoy the other parts of the museum such as the cafe, and become immersed in the culture and art.
King Soopers Pharmacy
ReplyDeleteMay 17, 2010
6:18 p.m.
Waiting Area:
-Long lines because Monday’s are the busiest.
-Patients are still getting confused because we have switched the drop off and pick up windows after the remodel.
-Many customers looking at the first aid products and things on the side of the pharmacy but they are not actually picking anything up from the pharmacy.
-Lines for the drop off and pick up are random, but usually pick up has the longer lines.
-Today some patients have full carts of groceries and other have no groceries in their carts.
-Again, patients know to stand behind the privacy stand.
-It is still cold in this area.
-People who are waiting for their meds have their named called out by the pharmacist.
-The Privacy Policy is displayed.
-A lot of patients go to a certain window when no one is standing at a window.
-Patients move their charts aside to stand in line.
-No one seems to be in a real rush today.
Response:
Monday’s are usually the busiest, but when I arrived at the pharmacy it seemed that I just missed the rush since patients are just coming home from work and they are in need of their meds. Also, I was allowed to go into the pharmacy without my uniform on because they know who I was, but I noticed that a lot of patients were confused and were unsure if they should say their name because they did not know I was actually someone who works there. Also, I feel many were confused that I was sitting in the waiting area for so long. But overall, all the same things were going on when I first observed the waiting area.
Interview:
Patient #1:
Questions:
What is significant about a waiting area to you?
It is a place where I can wait for my medications and talk to my child when we are waiting. I get to inform him about the process of the pharmacy since I work for processors. Also, it’s for people willing to wait rather than those who are in a hurry.
Why is it important to have a pharmacy and why?
It is convenient and it is a place to get your meds to make you feel better.
How do you feel about the environment a pharmacy brings?
Fine, I’m not here very often because I do mail order.
Why is it important to have a waiting area?
To sit down, so you are not on your feet all day.
Do you feel the pharmacy brings convenience? And should there be a pharmacy in a doctor’s office instead?
It does and doctors should not sell drugs because they would not know the cheaper deals so it should not be in doctor’s offices.
Studio Farms
ReplyDeleteMay 18th, 2010
5:00pm
Observations:
There are over 50 acres of paddocks, areas for the horses to run around in all over the property.
Studio farms has 7 paddocks to themselves. Each horse gets two hours. They are rotated for room and equal space to run.
The indoor area has multiple stalls where horses are kept as well as two large training rings. Each horse has their own stall and on their stall is their name, their owners name, there feed schedule and emergency contacts. They all have the same vet listed. Same trainer.
Most owners have 2 or more horses. Ironically, the owners who have two or more horses are not located next to each other in stalls. I asked why and most responses were due to sharing and equal time for each ‘child’.
Responses:
People converse almost constantly about the progress of their horses and other horse related topics. They also talk about their personal lives.
Sex and husbands are a large topic not on horses. So are boyfriends.
They all joke and act like they are family. There is no awkward tension or silence. They are rather loud.
50 year old and 10 year old-weird mix. Girls are eating the carrots in the bowl for the horses.
Chaps are used to help grip the rider on the horse to the saddle and to make riding in jeans possible so they do not need to wear those tight pants to ride in. If they don’t use those pants or chaps, they can get saddle rubs, basically sores on their legs caused by their leg rubbing against the stirrup leathers.
The women seemed happy to share their time and experiences with me. They are very friendly, almost too friendly.
They act like they have known me forever, yet it has only been a couple hours.
Interviews:
I interviewed my final three people at the barn today and took not of some very interesting quotes. My favorite being, “I ride the horses because it is my life, my passion, my escape. The horses are my family. I know exactly what they are thinking and feeling as they know of me. I know their personalities and they know mine. There is no need to put on a fake front. I can be the real me for once.”
May 17, 12:20 PM
ReplyDeleteStarbucks Coffee
I see a man wearing a Hawaiian shirt sipping on a hot coffee drink frivolously working at something on his laptop. He is wearing glasses and seems to be very friendly. He talks to the younger man sitting next to him, in his purple shirt. He too is working on something on his laptop while drinking an iced drink. The two interact for a few short minutes, but their interaction seems to create a feeling of invitation, an environment of friendliness.
Another man sits in the plush chairs reading a paper. He is not drinking anything, not eating anything, but just sitting and relaxing.
Many people come in and out, not stopping to sit. They come in and order their drinks and go. These people are of all types, there are college age people, mothers, fathers, older couples, and even some kids.
A group of women are occupying the tables in the corner to the right of when you just walk in. They seem to be a group of Muslims, with the cloths around their heads.
There is what seems like a college student, looking around the round brown stands set up with shelves of colorful coffee blends, mugs, water bottles, and teas. The variety can accustom to anybody – flavors of Sumatra, caffe Verona, espresso roast, breakfast blend…the possibilities seem endless.
There is a boxy contraption set up…a big white box stacked with smaller blue boxes, with black curvy writing all over accompanied by pictures of milk and clouds and sunshine painted with happy faces. The writing seems to be promoting healthier options with sayings such as “lower your calories with nonfat milk” or “ask for no whip.” – Does this come from the pressure of society to be healthy, the knowledge people can gather to determine the calories in their drinks, all trying to give options while maintaining their popularity with today’s society, while facing their pressures. It’s a busy time right now – lunchtime. It’s also a beautiful day. A light breeze blowing, a temperature just pleasant enough to attract people to sit outside in the warm sunshine. The three wooden tables outside, marked with the green “Starbucks Coffee” umbrellas are all occupied. There is a table full of women, a table full of men, and a table with one man and one woman. They all seem to just be sitting and conversing with each other while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Their smiling faces create an atmosphere of happiness and contentment as they spend their day relaxing.
Denver Skate Park
ReplyDeleteSaturday, May 15, 2010
3:05 pm
- tons of skaters out today, unlike Thursday
- many people at the food cart (chips, drinks, such)
- noticing more families stopping and watching, not interacting with skaters, just on a walk in the big park next to skate park and decided to watch for a little
- skaters are forced to take turns because of so many people
- many pause on border to catch breathe and watch/analyze other skaters (concrete wall on circumference of park)
- a lot of traffic/cars on highway and what not
- loudest I have ever heard the park
- thought of music last time…couldn’t imagine music right now but maybe increase the overall energy level even more
- many youngsters out today, no school, no homework on Saturdays
- smells like freshly cut grass
- very clear and sunny today, adds to morale of park
- notice that individuals move form one group to another group of skaters and constant movement/interaction
- trying to conduct interviews but everyone seems very busy and occupied
- wish I could take pictures of group of 3-4 little guys, looking concentrated and engaged in practicing their kickflips or ollies (against rules)
- finally got a couple of interviews, very short and not too detailed
- will probably use insightful discussions/interviews form first set of field notes
Field Notes 3
ReplyDeleteStella’s
Saturday May 22, 2010
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Today I am sitting outside in order to observe the third and final space that makes up Stella’s. It is a very nice day outside and is very hot. There are 12 people outside including me. All 12 of the people outside are all in the shade leaving all of the seating in the sun empty.
A lot of conversations can be heard simultaneously from this relaxed group of people. Most seem to be here for social purposes, while only a couple are working on homework on their laptops.
The fire pits that are used at night are visible on the patio with the burned coals and the grayish white debris is seen in the pits.
It is a very windy day as well and therefore the two umbrellas are blowing in the breeze. There are a lot of different trees surrounding Stella’s as well that also shade the area.
There are far fewer people smoking at this time of the day than at night at Stella’s as well. The overall atmosphere of Stella’s is much different on this weekend day. It is a lot more relaxed with people just enjoying the environment and the community neighborhood vibe of the coffee shop.
Interviewee 2:
Goes to Stella’s three times a month.
Orders Hot Chocolate or a Decaf Mocha along with chocolate zucchini bread.
She likes taking everyone to Stella’s to show them how cool it is and how fun it is to hang out there.
“Stella’s has a house feel.”
Interviewee 3:
Goes to Stella’s one to two times a week.
Orders an iced Americano and food if she hasn’t eaten anything.
She goes to do homework and stays for 2 to 3 hours.
“Stella’s is a college coffee shop and Denver is a college town.”
Conclusions:
Stella's is a neighborhood and community based coffeehouse that caters to a wide range of personalities and people. It is a home a way from home. Therefore its location in a old house like building is very appropriate.
Saturday, May 15th, 2010
ReplyDelete11:20am
16th Street Mall between Champa and Curtis
-The brakes from the bus echo
-less people than usual
-cars drifting on perpedicular street
-a lot more men than women today
-two men converse on in the patio in the Starbucks
-Drilling going on or some type of labor you can hear the drilling
-I am closer to the Curtis side today
-Sunny day, lots of sunglasses
-3 men with backpacking gear on
-Car zooms by with a roar
-cop car patrols by (Dodge Charger)
-There is a Chili's at the corner of Champa and 16th with the patio halfway full
-A Goodtimes sits right next to it followed by the Children's place
-There is the Verizon Wireless store and then an Ann Taylor Loft, that describes the north side of 16th and Champa/Curtis
-The South Side is much harder to see from afar since I am closer to Curtis
-It starts from 16th and Champa there is a McDonalds which is surprisingly not well advertised
-Then there are offices that have eye doctors and dentists
-It is followed by an ACE Cash Express that has a green gazebo root
-There is a restaurant called Radio Cafe, note: every single restaurant on 11th St. has a patio
-The entrance to the Courtyard Marriot is next but the actual buildings base is 3 other companys combined.
-A lot of people attitudes are like leave me alone
-The Mariott is followed by the Breaking the Mold Candle, Co.
-Which is then proceded by a Starbucks Coffee where again there is a patio
-The sidewalks are increasing with people perhaps it has to do with the time on a Saturday people still work like it is a Wednesday
-More and more people with business attire are are around
Interviews
Richard-
-Pass thru to go civic center to go to a movie to take 15th
-MallRide is sweaty lose my balance on that thing
-gelazzi
-go thru 16th Mall most of the time
-I take the long way to see who's out
-Summer I go there a lot
It makes you feel like you've got a place to be even if you dont it keeps you busy, I go shopping at the Tibetan store
-Count on it to be safe, because it is lots of people
-16th Street Mall is downtown to me
-It is the center
-Everything else is boring business
-Homeless men who play chess with other people
-usually clean
-I like seeing different types of people
-I like the small shops there
-I like the cheesy color schemes so ugly but I like them
-You're anonymous
-Sometimes see same people like homeless woman
-dirty MALLRIDE though convenient
-homeless teenagers really high homeless minor population
-weird people nearby Civic Center w/ knives
-Sometimes it makes me depressed, feel wrong
-Sometimes you see people you fear
-Denver is a lot better than other places
Jane-
-I like the shops here
-Do a lot of shopping here
-great place to bring friends
-It is nice to see a diverse group of people but can be scary
-it is really convenient, I mean there are even two Starbucks and two McDonalds
-I can get a lot done in a little time the small area helps with time
-Can be scary if someone bothers me or if it is late at night
-I wouldnt be around in the night
May 15, 2010 Monday, 1:00
ReplyDeleteCoors Field
(Same Game as in last observation. See different interview below.)
Sunny 73-degree weather. Rockies won 2-1 against the Nationals. Families, couples, friends, children, adults of all ages, etc. Mostly young adults.
Sights: Coors field looks gorgeous in the sun, there are people everywhere and the grass is greener than ever.
Sounds: Laughter, cheering, chanting, many more Rockies fans than the last game and few Nationals fans every now and then will chime in to cheer when their team does well. The organ music and popular songs come over the intercom along with the familiar voice of the Rockies’ announcer.
Textures: The smooth texture of the seat, the occasional breeze, and the sun rays are all I can feel.
Smells: Always changing; sometimes a whiff of hot dogs and nachos, other times cotton candy or grass. Also the smell of my dad’s leather glove.
Tastes: My favorite lemonade, again, and Cracker Jacks.
Personal Response: Today’s game was great. People were in a good mood and the Rockies won after a pretty exciting game. Typical summer game at Coors Field.
Interview: Mike
a. Why are sporting events important to you? Is it baseball specifically that you’re interested in?
- Because they bring people together with a common interest. I’m interested in many sports, most sports actually. Any kind of competition
b. Why come to the game when you can watch it on television? Is it worth the money to you?
- It’s a whole nother atmosphere. Even the HD doesn’t cut it. You can affect the outcome if you’re at the game. You can run out on the field and injure a player or you can make a bunch of noise and fluster them. If you’re there with someone is important to you, its worth the money. If you’re just by yourself its not that cool.
c. How many games do you come to per year? Would you come to more if you could?
- Yes I would go every day if I could. Because at the Rockies games its just a relaxing atmosphere. You can have a conversation with whoever and you can witness an athletic spectacle with intense competition.
d. Do you follow baseball regularly?
- Yes everyday I look at the scores and watch highlights.
e. Is Coors Field important to you?
- Yes, it’s a symbol of our great city. And it’s name is representative of our city too. A lot of stadiums have a deep history and I want Coors field to have that. I want to be a part of that
I like that it’s visible from the highway and it’s next to a lot of downtown attractions, and it fits in with everything else in the city. It’s not some over expensive ugly stadium, its designed to fit in.