Tuesday, January 26, 2010
City [Windsor] cleans up act as Detroit spews sewage
It was of interest that I read Dave Battagello's article in the Windsor Star (January 20, 2010) about the woes of Detroit's 80 billion gallons of excess sewage and other hazardous materials being dumped into the rivers and lakes bordering both cities. It would appear that as Windsorites we can now take that high road with regards to finger pointing as to the primary culprit (Detroit) for the sewage issues downriver and in Lake Erie. It was not that long ago that Windsor was the third largest polluter of sewage (in the province). The two current Windsor projects will eliminate 90% of the sewage overflow when completed, yet I do not think it is necessary to look across to our neighbours and ask "when will you fix your portion of our mutual problem". Windsor allocated the monies for the upgrades when the city coffers were abundant. Today, Detroit is in virtual bankruptcy; little chance for the city (or state) to allocate 2 billion dollars for the necessary upgrades. Windsor's foresight (luck?) in allocating funds when they (and the provence) did is not something to crow about. It is unlikely that the same funds would have been allocated today; our coffers are not abundant. The issue needs resolution, but it is not the City of Detroit's highest priority. In fact, I would be astonished to see the upgrades on any Detroit capital budget anytime over the next 10 to 15 years. Environment versus jobs - no contest in today's economy.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Windsor cleans up act as Detroit spews sewage into river
DETROIT -- While Windsor builds a $60-million riverfront basin to stop raw sewage overflows, the City of Detroit is dumping billions of gallons of untreated waste into the Detroit River.
The Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday Detroit’s ancient sewer system allowed 37.2 billion gallons of raw and partially treated waste into our shared waterways the past two years.
The newspaper studied state records and found record levels of bacteria polluting the river and other area water because of outdated and inadequate sewers.
“The City of Detroit’s wastewater treatment plant is the largest source of sewage-related contaminants in the entire Great Lakes,” said Matthew Child, director of watershed restoration for the Essex Regional Conservation Authority.
Story Continued Here
Detroit should really pick up the slack with this issue. We share this water source and should not be held accountable for their mess. To be fair, I am unaware of how much waste we put into the river, but 37.2 billion gallons of sewage over two years should be a major concern to all parties.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Spike Bell's "Memoirs of a Border City"
In light of our first assignment to find pictures which symbolize our proximity to the international border, I thought it was particularly interesting that I came across the release of a new book titled “Memories of the Border City” by Spike Bell. The Windsor Star featured an article on January 9 discussing this book and the author’s development of the book throughout his career. The book includes photographs of events, people, and monuments in both Windsor and Detroit since the 1950s. In doing so it provides a useful tool for tracking the history which shaped both Windsor and Detroit and the relationship between them. It may be one of the first books which recognizes the international relationship and the way the border has effected both neighbouring cities.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
I was reading Celia's post on illegal immigrants passing through the Mexican border through a man-made tunnel. I found an article about a photographer from National Geographic, who crossed the Mexican border with a group of migrants. The problem with magazine articles and the media's approach to illegal immigration is the realities they construct. Media constructs reality. Is that reality based upon a perceived global perspective or a baised opinion? I want to question what I read and hear critically because I have never been to the Mexican border, so how do I know what is occuring? There are different levels at which illegal immigration is connected to.
Photographer Recounts Crossing U.S. Border With Mexican Illegal Immigrants
National Geographic Adventure magazine
January 23, 2003
The busiest gateway for illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border for the past five years—a 261-mile-long (420 kilometer) stretch of Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona—is now considered the deadliest point of entry as well. According to the Border Patrol, this remote corridor—which also contains Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, considered the country's most dangerous national park—claimed at least 134 illegal immigrants' lives last year, more than any other region along the border.
To shed light on the life-and-death struggle of migrants entering the U.S., photojournalist and author John Annerino began documenting their story twelve years ago. He shares his experiences in his book Dead in Their Tracks: Crossing America's Desert Borderlands., in the February 2003 issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine (read an excerpt from "National Park War Zone"), and in this online-exclusive interview.
In 1987, you crossed the U.S.-Mexico border with four other migrants. What was that journey like?
We started out about four or five [o'clock] in the afternoon—migrants usually leave for the border around then. Three of the men had walked the route before, which had been handed down from one generation to the next. So they weren't following a trail per se. They were keying off geographical landmarks like mountain ranges.
During the summer, the Barry M. Goldwater Range is very grim country. We walked until midnight without taking a rest. One [migrant] had a flashlight. There was enough ambient light so your eyes grew accustomed to the dark. But still you'd bump into a prickly pear or cholla cactus and have to stop and pull the thorns out of person's leg or shoe.
Then we rested—as much as you can [when you're] tossing and turning on the hot sand in your t-shirt. We were up by 4:30 a.m. ready to roll, and walked until 8 p.m. If you're trained and acclimated to the heat, you really don't notice it until you become dehydrated. Your muscles become cramped from lactic acid and from the number of hours you're standing upright. You get dizzy, feel nauseous. You can't hold down water. Mine lasted for about 40 miles [65 kilometers] and then I was out. We just made it because it was starting to cool, and the goal was in sight—in this case Interstate 8. We could actually hear it miles off. So that spurred us on, as did the camaraderie of the group.
What did you learn from the trip?
The extraordinary lengths that human beings will go to make a better life for themselves. If we had another five miles [8 kilometers] to go, we might not have all made it. And they were doing this to feed their families.
How easy is it to cross the border without being apprehended?
Very easy, if you know what you're doing. There are those who believe that if they walk these extraordinarily long distances across the desert, they'll evade the Border Patrol. And again, we're talking 30 to120 miles [50 to 190 kilometers]. You can make it if can handle the heat and distance—and if you don't get caught.
But there are other groups of people who are more knowledgeable. Some cross through a hole in the fence [along the border], from Nogales, Sonora [Mexico], to Nogales, Arizona, hire a taxi, and a mile [1.6 kilometers] south of a Border Patrol checkpoint, the riders will get out of the car, walk into the desert maybe a mile [1.6 kilometers], then north for another two miles [3.2 kilometers], and the taxi driver, having gone through the checkpoint, will be waiting alongside the highway or access road off Interstate 19 to pick up the group and take them to Phoenix. They don't run the risk of dying in the desert.
I had no thought about immigration—I was just climbing this beautiful peak, and enjoying the beautiful desert landscape. Several years later I started seeing trash and the trails [left by migrants] and I began wondering who was doing this and why—and that changed my perspective. So of course it bothers me to see a park like Organ Pipe get trashed, but on the other hand, you see the human side—our neighbors suffering and dying on American soil—and that's very painful for me.
Photographer Recounts Crossing U.S. Border With Mexican Illegal Immigrants
National Geographic Adventure magazine
January 23, 2003
The busiest gateway for illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border for the past five years—a 261-mile-long (420 kilometer) stretch of Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona—is now considered the deadliest point of entry as well. According to the Border Patrol, this remote corridor—which also contains Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, considered the country's most dangerous national park—claimed at least 134 illegal immigrants' lives last year, more than any other region along the border.
To shed light on the life-and-death struggle of migrants entering the U.S., photojournalist and author John Annerino began documenting their story twelve years ago. He shares his experiences in his book Dead in Their Tracks: Crossing America's Desert Borderlands., in the February 2003 issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine (read an excerpt from "National Park War Zone"), and in this online-exclusive interview.
In 1987, you crossed the U.S.-Mexico border with four other migrants. What was that journey like?
We started out about four or five [o'clock] in the afternoon—migrants usually leave for the border around then. Three of the men had walked the route before, which had been handed down from one generation to the next. So they weren't following a trail per se. They were keying off geographical landmarks like mountain ranges.
During the summer, the Barry M. Goldwater Range is very grim country. We walked until midnight without taking a rest. One [migrant] had a flashlight. There was enough ambient light so your eyes grew accustomed to the dark. But still you'd bump into a prickly pear or cholla cactus and have to stop and pull the thorns out of person's leg or shoe.
Then we rested—as much as you can [when you're] tossing and turning on the hot sand in your t-shirt. We were up by 4:30 a.m. ready to roll, and walked until 8 p.m. If you're trained and acclimated to the heat, you really don't notice it until you become dehydrated. Your muscles become cramped from lactic acid and from the number of hours you're standing upright. You get dizzy, feel nauseous. You can't hold down water. Mine lasted for about 40 miles [65 kilometers] and then I was out. We just made it because it was starting to cool, and the goal was in sight—in this case Interstate 8. We could actually hear it miles off. So that spurred us on, as did the camaraderie of the group.
What did you learn from the trip?
The extraordinary lengths that human beings will go to make a better life for themselves. If we had another five miles [8 kilometers] to go, we might not have all made it. And they were doing this to feed their families.
How easy is it to cross the border without being apprehended?
Very easy, if you know what you're doing. There are those who believe that if they walk these extraordinarily long distances across the desert, they'll evade the Border Patrol. And again, we're talking 30 to120 miles [50 to 190 kilometers]. You can make it if can handle the heat and distance—and if you don't get caught.
But there are other groups of people who are more knowledgeable. Some cross through a hole in the fence [along the border], from Nogales, Sonora [Mexico], to Nogales, Arizona, hire a taxi, and a mile [1.6 kilometers] south of a Border Patrol checkpoint, the riders will get out of the car, walk into the desert maybe a mile [1.6 kilometers], then north for another two miles [3.2 kilometers], and the taxi driver, having gone through the checkpoint, will be waiting alongside the highway or access road off Interstate 19 to pick up the group and take them to Phoenix. They don't run the risk of dying in the desert.
I had no thought about immigration—I was just climbing this beautiful peak, and enjoying the beautiful desert landscape. Several years later I started seeing trash and the trails [left by migrants] and I began wondering who was doing this and why—and that changed my perspective. So of course it bothers me to see a park like Organ Pipe get trashed, but on the other hand, you see the human side—our neighbors suffering and dying on American soil—and that's very painful for me.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
SAVE MCS!!
Detroit city council has voted to tear down Michigan Central Station
Detroit City Council has given the owner 30 days to propose a plan for development of the building or front the bill for demolition.
Tragic
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090407/METRO/904070421/Detroit+council+votes+to+demolish+Michigan+Central+Depot++charge+owner
Detroit City Council has given the owner 30 days to propose a plan for development of the building or front the bill for demolition.
Tragic
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090407/METRO/904070421/Detroit+council+votes+to+demolish+Michigan+Central+Depot++charge+owner
Windsor Related Songs
While doing some research I found tons of songs referencing Detroit, but barely any about Windsor. I was wondering if anyone knows of any?
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Conestellations of Los Angeles
An interesting pyschogeography project posted in Archinect.com
from archinect
Let us say and imagine, in Los Angeles, urban scale "planned points of interests" are indeed constellations. They are places in this vast metropolis. They are formed by the grid, by the politicians and their supporters, developers, engineers, and, as far as the buildings go, the architects.
Separated by mere 15 miles and sometimes as close as the next lane, urban core of Los Angeles is indeed 'the house of everything.' All the variables contrasted and occupied. The grid goes for hundreds of sq. miles. These special constellations let us to assume, experience, imagine and expect while driving. They are vortices of our stories in an horoscopic sense. These are the lines of our reality and the reasons of our act.
http://archinect.com/features/article.php?id=87171_0_23_0_C
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Russia and the Scramble for the Arctic
The National reported last night on the developments of the arctic confrontation between Canada and Russia and the oil which potentially lies below the ice. Chilingarov the Russian political figure leading the effort of Russian sovereignty belittled Canadian claims to the arctic. Chilingarov is the man responsible for the planting of the Russian flag below the ice as a message directly to Canada that Russia has both the right and ability to control the North Pole region.
Russia has until next year to prove its claim to the North Pole to the UN, Canada has until 2013. With 25% of the world's oil and gas reserves could be located here and the race is on for either Canada or Russia to claim its ownership.
Last week Russia announced that they will soon be positioning troops in this region of the arctic, creating stations under the control of the Federal Security Service. (The successor of the KGB)
Chilingarov told CBC that there is no cold war today and that it is useless for Canada to fight for control of the arctic. He argues that only Russia has the ability to establish a presence in this region, thus giving them rights to the region through a military presence which will soon be underway. Even if Canada wanted to stake claim to the North Pole, Chilingarov says that Canada does not have the equipment to do so. He also pointed out that merely saying that the arctic is Canadian territory is not enough, but a physical presence is needed. Action must be taken on the part of Canada if they even want to contend.
While Russia says that they will abide by the decision set by the UN as to who has control over the region, they feel that with lack of Canadian initiative or presence they have already proved their claim.
Russia has until next year to prove its claim to the North Pole to the UN, Canada has until 2013. With 25% of the world's oil and gas reserves could be located here and the race is on for either Canada or Russia to claim its ownership.
Last week Russia announced that they will soon be positioning troops in this region of the arctic, creating stations under the control of the Federal Security Service. (The successor of the KGB)
Chilingarov told CBC that there is no cold war today and that it is useless for Canada to fight for control of the arctic. He argues that only Russia has the ability to establish a presence in this region, thus giving them rights to the region through a military presence which will soon be underway. Even if Canada wanted to stake claim to the North Pole, Chilingarov says that Canada does not have the equipment to do so. He also pointed out that merely saying that the arctic is Canadian territory is not enough, but a physical presence is needed. Action must be taken on the part of Canada if they even want to contend.
While Russia says that they will abide by the decision set by the UN as to who has control over the region, they feel that with lack of Canadian initiative or presence they have already proved their claim.
Border Watching: A New Hobby?
I came across this CNN news article (link at the bottom) recently about US citizens who have been monitoring live online feeds from the US/Mexico border in the hopes of reporting any suspicious activities captured on camera. The website is http://www.blueservo.net/ . I haven't gone through the hassle of signing up, but I think any one can become a member and stare at a grainy video image for as long as you want. Apparently participants do it as part of their "civic duty".
As a side link in the article, I discovered http://www.borderstories.org/ which has a collection of truly fascinating short videos about the US/Mexico border as seen through a wide variety of participants. Well worth your time to go through them.
On a different topic, as used for a source in the Contested Spaces presentation, the blog "Strange Maps" (http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/) finds and collects unique maps of all sorts.
Furthermore http://www.archive.org/details/Contested-Spaces-Video-Project is a site with a collection of 20 minute videos on contested spaces worldwide. The Cyprus video shows a good example of a "fold border variety" where a UN buffer zone established a ghetto region in the capital city.
CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/12/border.security.cameras.immigration/index.html
As a side link in the article, I discovered http://www.borderstories.org/ which has a collection of truly fascinating short videos about the US/Mexico border as seen through a wide variety of participants. Well worth your time to go through them.
On a different topic, as used for a source in the Contested Spaces presentation, the blog "Strange Maps" (http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/) finds and collects unique maps of all sorts.
Furthermore http://www.archive.org/details/Contested-Spaces-Video-Project is a site with a collection of 20 minute videos on contested spaces worldwide. The Cyprus video shows a good example of a "fold border variety" where a UN buffer zone established a ghetto region in the capital city.
CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/12/border.security.cameras.immigration/index.html
Border Patrol Agents Discover Crude Cross-Border Tunnel
"(Monday, March 30, 2009)
Otay Mesa, Calif. - Early yesterday morning, a crudely built cross-border tunnel was discovered by Border Patrol agents in Otay Mesa after surveillance cameras observed a large group of suspected illegal aliens attempting to enter the country.
Inside of a cross-border tunnel in Otay Mesa, Calif.
At about 12:45 a.m., Border Patrol surveillance camera operators observed several individuals in Mexico running up to the primary border fence about one mile west of the Otay Mesa port of entry.
About 30 minutes later, the camera operators spotted two people north of the border fence, while a third person was following by crawling out of a hole in the ground. Agents responded and were able to apprehend one of the individuals, as the other two re-entered the hole and returned to Mexico. ..." Exerpt for San Diego SectorCBP Public Affairs News Release. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/03302009_8.xml
Otay Mesa, Calif. - Early yesterday morning, a crudely built cross-border tunnel was discovered by Border Patrol agents in Otay Mesa after surveillance cameras observed a large group of suspected illegal aliens attempting to enter the country.
Inside of a cross-border tunnel in Otay Mesa, Calif.
At about 12:45 a.m., Border Patrol surveillance camera operators observed several individuals in Mexico running up to the primary border fence about one mile west of the Otay Mesa port of entry.
About 30 minutes later, the camera operators spotted two people north of the border fence, while a third person was following by crawling out of a hole in the ground. Agents responded and were able to apprehend one of the individuals, as the other two re-entered the hole and returned to Mexico. ..." Exerpt for San Diego SectorCBP Public Affairs News Release. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/03302009_8.xml
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Defiantly
CBC's the National held their broadcast from the AGW here in Windsor this evening. The second half of the news broadcast was completely devoted to Windsor-Detroit economic issues and discussed how these cities are interrelated and dependent upon each other. The news cast is again worth watching and provided below. It's great to see how the issues we discuss here in Windsor are being brought to national attention!
The portion on Windsor-Detroit begins at 25:05
Canada Catching On?
Yesterday, CBC's the National held two reports on the central issues which we have been examining in our class. Firstly, the U.S. - Mexico border was considered, taking a look at gang violence and the development of drug trafficing out of Mexico. The report considers how weapons are suggled into Mexico and in return drugs are smuggled out to establish this circle of 'trade' with the States. Secondly, there was an investigative report on the Detroit economy in light of the recent recession. CBC highlighted emprical data to establish the position of Detroit, green economy potential, the incredibly low prices of housing (low as a dollar as we discussed), and how residents are copping with the ever steeper decline.
I've posted a link to the entire newscast. The segment on Mexico begins at the 19:25 mark, and right after the Detroit investigation begins at 23:40.
Monday, March 30, 2009
I was wondering how many border crossings there are between Canada and the United States. Altogether there are 109 crossing areas. My question is, since Canada is so large of a country and the border crossings are located along the Canada-U.S. area, then how is the northern area of Canada being kept secure?
Canada's Answer to Security in Northern Canada:
- Alert, Nunavut is the most Northern part of Canada. "It also has many temporary inhabitants as it hosts a military signals intelligence radio receiving facility at Canadian Forces Station Alert (CFS Alert)(Wikipedia)."
- Canada says will defend its Arctic
source: Google News
(AFP) — The Canadian government on Friday reaffirmed its Arctic claims, saying it will defend its northern territories and waters after Russia earlier announced plans to militarize the North.
"Canada is an Arctic power," Catherine Loubier, a spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, said in an email to AFP.
"The government is engaged in protecting the security of Canada and in exercising its sovereignty in the North, including Canadian waters," she said.
Loubier pointed to the planned acquisition of Arctic patrol vessels, construction of a deep water port and eavesdropping network in the region, annual military exercises and boosting the number Inuit Arctic rangers keeping on eye on goings-on along its northern frontier.
Earlier, Russia announced plans to turn the Arctic into its "leading strategic resource base" by 2020 and station troops there, documents showed, as nations race to stake a claim to the oil-rich region.
The country's strategy for the Arctic through 2020 -- adopted last year and now published on the national security council website -- says one of Russia's main goals for the region is to put troops in its Arctic zone "capable of ensuring military security."
Do you think Canada's Arctic is secure enough against other countries?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
"Crossing borders"
I was doing some research and I came across this film "Crossing Borders" which deals with the U.S Mexico border. The film was made by some Canadian students who went to the border of Douglas Arizona and Agua Prieta, Sonora in Mexico where they documented the stories of local youth living on either side of the border. They were actually the winners of the Young Cuts International Film Festival in 2008.
This particular section of the U.S Mexico border that's documented in the film is one of the most dangerous to cross at, but also one that Mexicans illegally cross often because its also quite hard to patrol.
What's really interesting in this film is the story line about a 17 year old girl who is in a rehabilitation center in Mexico because she has a drug addiction. I was aware for various reasons the drug trafficking that takes place in Mexico, but never really related it to a sex industry. But apparently a lot of female youth in this area may get into drugs, and then to make money to keep up the habit, start prostituting themselves for cash. When I think child prostitution I usually think of countries in Asia, never really Mexico. But unfortunately it is a reality there and a cross border industry. Tourists will come to these places to have sex with 15 year old's, it's heartbreaking.
The film is also interesting because it talks to youth in Douglas, and how they view the other side of the border. It's interesting to see the how the youth on the American side can't quite comprehend the reality of Meico without having grown up there themselves. There take on it plays interestingly against the reality the film presents.
When you start to think about borders it's odd to try and wrap your head around the drastic difference in realities of either side. How a simple line can demarcate poverty and wealth.
It's a neat film, try and watch it if you have a chance its not to long either.
http://doc.freethechildren.com/en/film/doc/crossing-borders
This particular section of the U.S Mexico border that's documented in the film is one of the most dangerous to cross at, but also one that Mexicans illegally cross often because its also quite hard to patrol.
What's really interesting in this film is the story line about a 17 year old girl who is in a rehabilitation center in Mexico because she has a drug addiction. I was aware for various reasons the drug trafficking that takes place in Mexico, but never really related it to a sex industry. But apparently a lot of female youth in this area may get into drugs, and then to make money to keep up the habit, start prostituting themselves for cash. When I think child prostitution I usually think of countries in Asia, never really Mexico. But unfortunately it is a reality there and a cross border industry. Tourists will come to these places to have sex with 15 year old's, it's heartbreaking.
The film is also interesting because it talks to youth in Douglas, and how they view the other side of the border. It's interesting to see the how the youth on the American side can't quite comprehend the reality of Meico without having grown up there themselves. There take on it plays interestingly against the reality the film presents.
When you start to think about borders it's odd to try and wrap your head around the drastic difference in realities of either side. How a simple line can demarcate poverty and wealth.
It's a neat film, try and watch it if you have a chance its not to long either.
http://doc.freethechildren.com/en/film/doc/crossing-borders
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Motor City Burning
If anyone is interested in racial tensions building upto the 67 riots in detroit, there is a great documentary on youtube, its a radio broadcast and is almost 3 hours long, but the first 40 min explains alot on its own - thats as far as ive got...
This talks alot about racial problems in the big 3, with the police force (a biggie), in schools, and housing all of these tensions leading upto the 67 riots.
The full series can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5E6787ECB252C5D2
The full series can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5E6787ECB252C5D2
They're watching you
I came across this photo the other day when doing some image research on the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps, a vigilante group that began in Arizona, California and Texas. However, this burly fellow was apparently monitoring the Canadian border from Washington State in 2006. Since 2005, the Minutemen have established chapters in Maine, Vermont, Michigan and Washington state, along with their usual holdouts on the southern border. They must be really bored. I think it would be interesting to begin a counter movement to monitor the minutemen.http://pro.corbis.com/search/Enlargement.aspx?CID=isg&mediauid={23A3D25F-6CEF-4598-84F7-519CDE0BB259}
With Chris and Shane's presentation on Thursday, the topic of 'terrorist preventative' designs for buildings came into topic. The example of the Windsor CAS building was a good example of this, concidering they have had several disgruntled drivers attempt the destruction of CAS property. 
the image at: www.fixcas.com/news/2008/b2008b.htm
In this particular case, landscaping has helped take preventative measures against further damage of their property, clever.
You guys also discussed how borders control the inflow and outflow of people through funnels, pipes, folds and enclosures. It is interesting to conciser how these methods are used for other spaces such as stadiums, airports and even shopping centres. It seems as though we are being hearded through spaces like cattle.
Mike Davis evaluates some clever methods used to prevent certain behaviour in spaces, such as the 'bum bench' in L.A. Have you ever concidered the similarities between these designs of controlling human behaviour and methods used for controlling animal behaviour? Example: a common way for companies to prevent birds from settling on their signs and buildings nests is to place spikes on top of the signs. This prevents the birds from resting where they are not intended to rest. This has a similar intent as the 'bum bench'- the curved bench designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them in parks.
Are we ushered like heards in and out of spaces? It seams we are increasingly being directed where to enter and exit and told where we can and can't sit.
Lindsay Whalen
the image at: www.fixcas.com/news/2008/b2008b.htmIn this particular case, landscaping has helped take preventative measures against further damage of their property, clever.
You guys also discussed how borders control the inflow and outflow of people through funnels, pipes, folds and enclosures. It is interesting to conciser how these methods are used for other spaces such as stadiums, airports and even shopping centres. It seems as though we are being hearded through spaces like cattle.
Mike Davis evaluates some clever methods used to prevent certain behaviour in spaces, such as the 'bum bench' in L.A. Have you ever concidered the similarities between these designs of controlling human behaviour and methods used for controlling animal behaviour? Example: a common way for companies to prevent birds from settling on their signs and buildings nests is to place spikes on top of the signs. This prevents the birds from resting where they are not intended to rest. This has a similar intent as the 'bum bench'- the curved bench designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them in parks.
Are we ushered like heards in and out of spaces? It seams we are increasingly being directed where to enter and exit and told where we can and can't sit.
Lindsay Whalen
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Eco Friendly Idea for Windsor
Since we do live in a border city we get more pollution due to the traffic and trucks that go over the bridge daily. While looking up new ways to make windsor a more green friendly place I came across Minnesota building a new piece of architecture. The piece is put on I-35W which is a busy traffic route to a bridge.(Sound familiar?) This sculpture uses something called photocatalytic skin which "converts gases like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide to higher oxidized states," in other words sucks up some harmful pollution. A great idea would to have the art community or even the U of W art students to create a couple of sculptures to be put along huron church or even along the water front using this material!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Mural Art
I came across a few links to some mural artists. With a little bit of research, its become apparent to me that mural art is a hugely important medium in Mexican culture, which is clear when we look at the art along the Mexico/U.S. border.
Check these out:
The Art of the Mural
Hector Duarte
Monday, March 23, 2009
Rappers unable to cross the border
I found this article in Macleans.ca very interesting. I thought I would share:
rapper's war with border
Its about American musicians, particularly Chuck D. from Public Enemy, who are given a difficult time in crossing the Canadian border to play shows here. He states he is severely questioned treated with heavy security that he says resembles the Berlin Wall (something that was more humane.)
An immigration lawyer further discusses the topic saying that they are given a hard time due to minor offenses given in the states such as possession charges and DUIs. And this is not always of the musician but of someone in their entourage that is essential to the show.
Personally, I am glad Canadian Customs is strengthening their procedures and not giving way just because the ones crossing are famous celebrities. I believe everyone should be questioned thoroughly when entering the border no matter race or job description or status.
Anyways, check out the article. What is even more interesting is what Canadian rapper Belly says about Canadian customs officials.
rapper's war with border
Its about American musicians, particularly Chuck D. from Public Enemy, who are given a difficult time in crossing the Canadian border to play shows here. He states he is severely questioned treated with heavy security that he says resembles the Berlin Wall (something that was more humane.)
An immigration lawyer further discusses the topic saying that they are given a hard time due to minor offenses given in the states such as possession charges and DUIs. And this is not always of the musician but of someone in their entourage that is essential to the show.
Personally, I am glad Canadian Customs is strengthening their procedures and not giving way just because the ones crossing are famous celebrities. I believe everyone should be questioned thoroughly when entering the border no matter race or job description or status.
Anyways, check out the article. What is even more interesting is what Canadian rapper Belly says about Canadian customs officials.
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